The International Journal for Middle-earth Gaming ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 EDITORIAL: In This Issue ARNOR... Editorial...... 1 WITH A VENGEANCE Communications ...... 2 he theme of this double is- ting to start things off with an in- short scenario set in Tharbad. sue is Arnor, and with it terview with Wesley J. Frank, We are honored to print a pair Digital Hands ...... 3 T author of the Arnor module, and of independently written essays we salute the publication of the new edition of ICE’sArnor to find out firsthand what sort of by Michael Martinez and La- The Making of Amor...... 4 realm module. The original edi- considerations went into the or- laith, each of which seeks to syn- tion of Arnor (1994) marked a chestration of this massive tome. thesize and interpret Tolkien’s I’m sure all will find Wes’ words many references to the inhabi- Servants of Angmar...... 6 new beginning for the MERP se- ries, and in many ways it remains of wisdom interesting and in- tants of Eriador. The inclusion of the flagship for the line; likewise, sightful. these well-researched pieces The Beggar-king of the second edition exemplifies Next up is a roster of Ang- serves, I think, to underline the Tharbad ...... 12 many of the far-reaching changes marean villains that player char- different kinds of assumptions that have been taking place (I acters in an Arnor campaign and inferences one needs to con- A Dog's Life...... 16 should hope, for the better) might encounter. Wes originally sider when tackling the for- within MERP over the three in- prepared this material for the midible task of “world-building” tervening years, so that Arnor first edition of Arnor, but space in a gaming context. It also illus- The Peoples of Eriador trates how purely “scholarly” re- in the Second Age ...... 20 may continue to serve as a model contraints prohibited its inclu- and an inspiration to future au- sion into either edition, and so search into Tolkien’s world can thors. we present them here. beome a valuable resource for The Indigenous Population GMs who want to explore the With this issue I also hope to Since the Arnor module in- of Eriador and Gondor.. 28 background of Middle-earth in reaffirm the fundamental raison cluded coverage of the city of greater depth. d’être of Other Hands: to provide an Tharbad, I thought it appro- ProductReview open forum that celebrates a di- priate to invite Sam Daish, au- Finally, I’ve decided to include Middle-earth: The Dragons versity of viewpoints on thor of the new Tharbad citadel a glossary of corrections and Middle-earth: The Wizards Tolkien’s world as it relates to module (currently in prepara- modifications to the invented (Unlimited Edition) ...... 35 role playing—practical and theo- tion), to contribute two pieces names (primarily Elvish) appear- retical, critical and appreciative, relating to his work. The first is ing in the new Arnor modules. Amor Name Glossary.. insert scholarly and sub-creative. The “The Beggar-king of Tharbad,” This will be especially useful for selection of offerings for this is- an overview of one of the many those of you who are familiar sue embraces all of these per- colorful groups inhabiting the with the first edition and want a spectives. criminal underworld of that city. quick and easy reference guide to how the linguistic end of things I thought it would only be fit- The second, “A Dog's Life,” is a has evolved.

C ONTRIBUTORS TRANSLATION NEXT ISSUE: Sam Daish Marco Antonio Blanco Navarrete Polly Coote Fredrik Ekman David Salo LAYOUT & DESIGN On April 1st, 1997... EDITING: Lisa Disterheft Wesley J. Frank Chris Seeman Chris Seeman “Let There Be Strife!” Lalaith Arden Smith ARTWORK Quentin Westcott Michael Martinez maps printed with permission of ICE

OTHER HANDS ——————————————————————————— COMMUNICATIONS

We would like to draw the attention of highly marketable. No, the modules of We, the Association of Friends of the role-playing readers to the role playing MERP were in no way drawn from some Tolkien in France, have nothing against Game M.E.R.P. (“Middle-earth Role “lost Tolkien writings”. Nor do these RPG in general. Many of us have played Playing Game”) from the American com- “small models” (made of “mithril”) even and enjoyed the RPG. We are only pany ICE. respect the “Tolkien vision”; a sort of alarmed by the “game settings” MERP is This “crowning glory” of role playing smoke screen behind which they withdraw proposing to the players, but we are not at games is a highly dangerous dish for nov- cosily with their literary efforts. Nor is all all concerned about the “MERP rules” or ice tolkienists (and other amateurs) who this material drawn from texts supposedly “Rolemaster rules”. We only draw atten- want to learn more about Tolkien and his inaccessible to outsiders like ourselves, as tion to the fact that ICE transforms what world! the head of the company would have us Tolkien has actually written in his books, believe, according to his many brusque and pretends otherwise. When Tolkien Could the modules of this game be and indigestible interviews. This unsa- says that Dwarves are a “race apart”, they drawn from the actual writings of J.R.R. voury character and his minions supply ought not to be any Half-Dwarves, and Tolkien? According to the colourful pack- role-players with crazy information, hav- when he say that the Ringwraiths were aging, they are “based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s ing no relation to Tolkien’s work: half- “Kings” and “Men” it ought not to be any The Lord of the Rings. And “Each module dwarves, a hodgepodge of magic objects, “Wraith Queen” amongst them, when he is based on extensive research,” according an additional imaginary continent by the puts Pelargir 5 miles north of the inflow of to the notice. But can this be taken seri- inapt name of Morënorë, to mention only the Sirith into the Anduin, it ought to stay ously? No way! This is sales talk, speech the most grotesque errors. What’s more, if there and not to change place, and when making Gríma Wormtongue couldn’t have making up the game were not enough, he says that Glorfindel of Gondolin and done it better. ICE intends these claims to these scribblers knowingly plunder what a Glorfindel of Rivendell are the same Elf, reassure the inexperienced reader; the real magnificent writer spend years in concep- he means it. Tolkien enthusiast (or “tolkiendil” in El- tualising and perfecting to set down in vish) will speedily see through them. Once We do not pretend to criticise the “rules print. Sources are misquoted, dates faked, past the alluring wrapping, there is noth- themselves”. That is how to play “MERP”. places wrongly located, coast lines, moun- ing to be found but pretentious literary es- And we are certainly not trying to find a tain ranges, and rivers are sloppily drawn. says, and other colourful gimmicks. The way “to play according to Tolkien”, which MERP turns out to be not only impossible purchaser will find in the innumerable would be totally impossible and meaning- to use or to play for the person who loves modules and aids for the game not a single less. Because even if Tolkien is one of the and appreciates Tolkien’s writings and pertinent analysis, no notes worthy of in- greatest writer of the XXth century, he wishes to recreate a Tolkien atmosphere in terest, not the least trace of well consid- wrote romance, not game-modules. Pre- playing a game (although this is quite dif- ered interpretation, only a huge funhouse tend as is doing ICE what he did so in his ficult to do, nearly impossible). Above all, mirror. “books” is pure folly. it proves to be harmful for all those, too Each and every one is free to make up The game modules, often accompanied numerous, who either through lack of cu- his own rules, and to have fun. Because by large coloured charts (and what ridicu- riosity or though excessive reliance on RPG is aimed at that, don’t you think? lous ones!), maps, and various bizarre false claims (“Designed with faithful atten- But, please for your game-settings, do rely sketches, are full to overflowing with the tion to Tolkien’s world”, allegations that more on your imagination than on ICE phoney role-playing stuff this “junk-food” anyone of modest intelligence can see modules. company specialises in. All this company through at a glance) do not take the trou- and others like it, the usurpers of the pre- ble even to skim the author's numerous School of Elven Studies cious “mithril,” have to do is stick the works in English before playing the game. Association of Friends of Tolkien in France Tolkien label on a product for it to become

FINE PRINT Other Hands is an international gaming journal devoted to fantasy role-playing set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s secondary world of Middle-earth. It is a quar- terly, nonprofit publication welcoming submissions dealing with any aspect of gaming in the context of Tolkien’s -world: scenario ideas, rule sugges- tions, gaming product reviews, gamemastering aids, bibliographic resources, essays on Middle-earth, and whatever else our readership would like to see in print. In a word. Other Hands aims to be the definitive Tolkien-related gaming journal for a worldwide role-playing communitiy. Within the pages of Other Hands, the interested gamer may publish materials with reference to any game mechanics he or she chooses (including Rolemaster and Middle-earth Roleplaying). Such gaming material may deal with any time period of Tolkien’s world, and need not be bound to what has already seen pring in Iron Crown’s modules. Other Hands provides this freedom because it is a nonprofit publication. Subscription rates are as follows: inside the USA — 1 issue $3/4 issues $12; outside the USA — surface, 1 issue $5.50/4 issues $18. Payment should be made to Chris Seeman: PO Box 1213 Novato, CA 94948, USA No Eurochecks, please! Submissions are welcome in any from (preferably legible), but we prefer if you can to send a file. We use Word for Windows. If there is any ques- tion as to the readibility of you file, please save it in ASCII or text-only format and include a hard copy. All submissions must be sent to Chris Seeman: PO Box 1213, Novato, CA 94948 [USA]. Please write me or call if you have any difficulties. My phone number is [415] 892-9066. Please note also that I mav be reached on-line at: [email protected]

2 ———————————————————————————————————— Does the situation seem familiar? This Those who play well are “promoted” to one could be taken from any normal role play- of the characters from The Lord of the Rings. ing session, but it could just as well be The third, and the newest of the three, is DIGITAL taken from a MUD. On the surface, there The Two Towers, an LP MUD which eventu- are two obvious differences. One being that ally will feature a huge quest to find and in a MUD, the computer acts as gamemas- destroy the One Ring. All these three are ter. This is done in the same way as in a set about the time of the War of the Ring. ANDS text adventure: the player types commands I would recommend mudding to any H in simplified English, which are then gamer with an Internet connection and too parsed. The other exciting difference com- much free time. Meeting and playing with pared with normal role playing is that the people from all over the world can be ex- Fredrik Ekman: Ryds Allé 3:106, S- players are usually spread all over the tremely worthwhile, and exploring the 584 35 Linköping, Sweden world, connected to a common server MUD universe is usually very exciting too. ([email protected]) through the Internet. In the example above, One of the few problems I have with Bildbert could be situated in Australia, OLE LAYING MUDs is that since many different people MUD - R P Brom in Kansas, and I would naturally be tend to be involved in the building of them, IN CYBERSPACE sitting here in Linköping, Sweden. A typi- their quality—even within a single MUD cal MUD on an average day might link a — usually varys, to say the least. The The two Orcs facing us deemed to realize that couple of dozen players. they would stand no chance. My companions and MUDs mentioned in this article are all well I smiled grimly as we drew our swords and ad- The first MUD was developed in 1979 by above average and are herewith recom- vanced towards them. I could feel the weight of my Roy Trubshaw and Richard Bartle at Essex mended. University, England. Trubshaw decided weapon, the fabled Iceblade, as magic energy ra- Telnet (and home page) diated from it. The battle against the Orcs is that it should have a fantasy setting and hardly worth relating. Brom, the Dwarf, got Bartle designed the game world drawing Addresses for MUDs scratched in the arm by a black scimitar, but its inspiration mostly from Tolkien, D&D and Mentioned in the Article: other role playing games. Today there are edge was fortunately not poisoned. Leaving the Elendor: elendor.sbs.nau.edu 1893 (http:/ hundreds of MUDs on the Internet, and corpses behind us, we advanced towards the dark /where. com/Elendor) mouth of a cave, wondering exactly what the Orcs they are of many different kinds. Some, MUME: mumegw.pvv.unit.no 4242 or had been guarding. I could hear the mage Bildbert which are close to the original concept of shirc.ncsa.uiuc.edu 4242 (http:// starting to mumble the well-known words of a treasure hunting and hack-and-slash, are www.sparta. lu.se/~mumel) light spell behind me when suddenly a hideous called Diku. Others, LP MUDs, are geared roar rose from inside the cave. Brom whispered towards quests. During recent years there The Two Towers: one word between clenched teeth: “Dragon.” has been a strong movement of so called 9999 (http://www.angband.com/towersl) “social MUDs.” These—which go by vari- ous names such as MUCK, MOO, MUSE Quick guide to get started or MUSH—are characterized by having with mudding: little or no combat rules. Users spend their All you need to get into a MUD is an time expanding the game and role playing a Internet connection and a Telnet program. character, often being very serious about it. Exactly how Telnet works differs depend- Playing a MUD (mudding) can be very ing on your operating system and software. addictive and has been known to ruin ex- ams for more than one student. Once you have connected to the MUD you will be prompted to enter your charac- Since the original MUD was inspired by ter name and password. New players usu- Tolkien, the step to making MUDs com- ally just have to fill in a name and password pletely based on Middle-earth was of of their choice. If this fails, the name is course very short. Today, there are three probably already taken. In some MUDs, such MUDs open and at least eight more in you must then choose race, occupation and different stages of planning or develop- so on. When this is done, you will enter the ment. MUD and receive a description of your Those three which are open today inter- immediate surroundings. estingly represent the three most popular You can move about by means of com- types of MUDs. MUME (Multi Users in pass point abbreviations (*n,* *ne,* *e,* Middle-earth) is a Diku MUD. It is pri- ...). If you see an object, such as a book, marily based on ICE’s interpretation of you can try to *take book,* *examine Middle-earth and its areas are very de- book,* *read book* or perhaps *open tailed. It also has a reputation for being one book.* You can also communicate with of the hardest Diku MUDs around. Few those close to you with the *say* command, adventurers live to experience the highest for example *say Hello, I am new here.* levels. Elendor is a MUSH. For a MUSH, it The most useful command for the beginner has relatively advanced combat rules, but is without any doubt *help.* emphasis is nevertheless on socializing.

———————————————————————————————————— 3

THE MAKING OF ARNOR A CONVERSATION WITH WESLEY J. FRANK Chris Seeman: PO Box 1213, Novato, CA 94948, USA ([email protected])

Chris: How did you first come to take up started work on the module? from somebody because they were there for the task of compiling and revising the al- Wes: Actually, I wanted to make efficient six hundred years and took a lot of bad de- ready existing Arnor material published use of the material in hand, so I only wrote feats in that time. You have a bunch of peo- by ICE? one complete adventure for Arnor. I pro- ple here you could be proud of as allies Wes: When I decided to do some writing, I vided most of the story hooks scattered when you have an adventure. That is some- sent in three outlines: one for Near Harad, through the text, the plot leads and small- thing that was missing from traditional one for Shire and one for an Arnor module, a scale adventures. For the official adventure D&D for many years. Humans are about the needed refit of the ICE’s older modules set sections, I put together scenarios from Rang- weakest creatures in the old campaigns. If it in Eriador, which I think came up in some ers and Cardolan, most of which I had played were not for the (powerful) D&D-style ad- conversations with Jessica Ney-Grimm. through as a character, and edited them as venturers, they would just be wiped out. Jessica said that what she needed first was needed to make them coherent. Where there This was a chance to get one back for hu- Arnor, and that there was a lot of good mate- were gaps or dead spots, where the old ma- mans, I think. terial had not been properly play-tested, I rial out there that I could use in it, so I Chris: There is also a lot in the back- added and re-wrote. I turned “The Mithril picked that one. My original thought was ground—in the history chapter and in the Room” into an honest dungeon crawl and that Near Harad would be the easiest because some of the descriptions of the peoples “Hunt for the Warlord” into a mini- it would have less to do with Tolkien’s that inhabit Eriador, like the stuff you do campaign with a gritty military feel to it. I books and thus be less frightening; but Arnor on the Fëahíni and all the different spirits was a great opportunity because it gave me enjoyed that. The one big adventure I put together myself was “The Banners of the that are around. You give a lot more in- a chance to take care of all the complaints formation about the cosmology of Middle- I’ve had from twenty years of role playing. High King” (the Second Age one). I had never seen a really high level adventure for earth than previous modules have done, Chris: So it was your own experience of Middle-earth, so I was able to cut loose with and it seems that this material is what you running games in that region that drove an entire volley there. would expect to find in an introduction to you to revise the stuff. MERP as a whole. Chris: What axes did you have to grind Wes: Quite. Something I really wanted to do Wes: Yes, it was sort of a put or shut up when you were writing and drawing all thing, where I spent all those years playing with this module was put magic in Middle- this material together? What things did earth. Some other writers consider Middle- the game and criticizing, and now I had a you want to emphasize or add to it? chance to do better. earth to be a non-magical place. In my opin- Wes: In terms of general themes, I wanted a ion, it is saturated in magic, but short of ma- Chris: What did you see as the major large-scale area module to give anybody gicians. I felt, particularly since reading strengths and weaknesses of the earlier who read ICE material an idea of what the Tolkien’s essay “On Fairy-stories,” that he modules? people were like—the Dúnedain and the was trying to come up with a background Wes: Among the early modules, the original Commoners. I was able to put in a lot of de- for all English folklore, including fairies, older ones such as Angmor and Umbar tailed material about their society and witches, monsters and other strange beings. weren’t connected properly; others, like wanted to give an idea of the people of Ar- It is not just a bunch of guys chasing around Rangers of the North, were beautiful in con- nor as fighting an heroic fight. My favorite a few spirits. I wanted to include a back- cept but very difficult to game in. You quote from The Lord of the Rings is the one ground for this, so that I or any other writer couldn’t get a feel of what it was like from which talks about a line of tall, stern men - could put in something magical—some fan- town to town and in running an adventure. who fought off this horrible enemy for cen- tasy into your fantasy, as it were. Cardolan was much better than that; it basi- tury after century: “...they had a vision as it Chris: That has been a problem of the cally needed to be tidied up and put into were of a great expanse of years behind MERP line from the very beginning. You some coherent whole. As for Hillmen of the them, like a vast shadowy plain over which have this polarity between people who are Trollshaws—again, not enough background there strode shapes of Men, tall and grim using the system because it has neat maps to know what you were doing when running with bright swords, and last came one with and lots of detail and background, but in the area, so I was able to put in editorial a star on his brow.” And most of the time who are basically working within a D&D unification and fill in all the gaps in the ad- they were winning. So you find at different mindset; and then there are the purists ventures. points in Arnor that most of the bad guys like the Witch-king and the Angúlion—even that want to get an experience of Middle- Chris: So most of the adventures that Rogrog, the War Troll who appears on the earth as they get from the books, yet showed up in the final version were things cover—wind up getting a shot in the head maintain a rather doctrinaire view that you added or had run before you actually you can’t have all this 4 ————————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 14/16 JANUARY 1997 magic running around as ICE presents it. things for them to do during that period. was writing Arnor, but in doing so I didn’t One of the great things about Arnor is that Wes: I am very proud of that. I had to put the change much of I what I originally had in you not only say there is magic, but you chapter together on the premise that we were mind. Virtually nothing had been done about give concrete examples of locales where it going to give the world of the Rangers, in a the Shire prior to my proposal. Jessica said might manifest itself—and on both sides, small space, in enough detail for a campaign. that mine was the first outline she had ever not just the various fairy peoples that in- Aragorn is my favorite character in The Lord seen for a Shire module that was the least bit habit the various forests of Eriador, but of the Rings. I read about him and sense the exciting, because it actually posited that some- also the Banes of Angmar, that’s a great depth of his intellect and his spirit and that thing interesting could happen there. way of integrating magic in a concrete way wonderful concept of a people who under- Chris: That is often the challenge for MERP into a game. stand that they are fighting a war that is go- writers, because the nature of Tolkien’s Wes: The Banes of Angmar reflects some- ing to outlast them, but who still have the world pushes the bounds of conventional thing I think a lot of people who love Middle- courage and the conviction to carry it fantasy gaming. Many of the earlier mod- earth have wanted to do: to go in and pick up through. So I conceived them as a society of ules were quite understandably written where Tolkien seemed a little off, a little il- intellectuals — Aragorn is a very learned man from the perspective of your average ad- logical. Like having a huge area of land com- from a society that operates on a very small venturing party who were assumed to have pletely uninhabited for a thousand years scale (a few hundred people in three villages). certain invariable goals (e.g., going in and without plausible justification. The Banes of You can compare it to the military holy or- sacking Carn Dûm with no other thought Angmar attempt to explain and rationalize ders in Europe, but with a Puritan, semi- that you could have any other kind of ad- monastic element. You have to include the that sort of thing. I love the process of ration- venture in Angmar). With The Shire and idea of a small group of people who are at- alization. I think there are hundreds of Arnor and many other cases, it really does tending to the daily chores of survival, but at Tolkien fans who want not only to cover the force one to think of different kinds of ad- the same time passing on a body of knowl- gaps and the interesting parts he did not get ventures and different kinds of motivations edge to their heirs and using it to make them, around to, but also simply to write in Middle- for characters. earth. And I got to do it. as fighters, superior to anyone else around them. They have to take on numerous foes Wes: The problem with Middle-earth is that Chris: Did you come up with the concept of while operating through a vast area with very the colorful titles you want are associated the “Traveler’s Guide” that appeared in Ar- small numbers. I always stand up for the with places where there is so much power nor? I think everyone will agree that it is thinking man as warrior, as a reaction to the concentrated that it takes a lot of effort to definitely an improvement not only in Conan theme (in fantasy literature and in role come up with an adventure for them. You are terms of organization and accessibility, but playing games, especially D&D). more fortunate in the cities because wherever it’s also a much more economical way of there are large populations of humans, there conveying local flavor and detail. Chris: That is good material for some fu- are adventures. On the other hand, what ture module, just like with The Northern Wes: The only thing like it at the time was the about Fangorn? It’s pretty peaceful (although Waste—the author simply took your two- Northwestern Middle-earth Gazetteer, which I I have set some good adventures there in my page description of Forochel and generated didn’t even know existed until I was through campaign). As much as I enjoyed reading the a two hundred page manuscript off of it. with Arnor, much to my chagrin (continuity Lórien module and the Eregion section that between the two works is poor). The inspira- Wes: I love that and it is a great compliment. came with it, coming up with a good adven- tion for it came from my own sense of detail. I It is something I had in mind when I was ture there was difficult. It requires that you wanted to write something interesting about scoping (imagining) Arnor. I wanted to give use it for a different kind of adventure—for each town in Eriador. I figured that this people a springboard for doing all the mod- politics or personal interaction —though I would be the way to create a large scale ules and adventures I was looking for all my once ran a campaign where a character went module with something happening every- years as a player. That was the opportunity in and wrecked Galadriel’s mirror. All the where. Give people a grip on what’s going on, that came with Arnor: to do something that players are still steamed about that. (They are no matter where they go. I’ve read many would give other people a step up the ladder. not welcome in Lórien anymore.) I have kinds of modules and fantasy works over the every module that ICE put out and enjoyed Chris: You said that you had presented a reading them. I enjoy the challenge of taking years, and the most brilliant work on that proposal for a Shire module along with the count is done for Warhammer and Call of the drier ones and creating adventures for Arnor proposal. Did the fact that you wrote Cthulhu— beautiful gazetteer work, very de- them. Arnor first change any of your notions tailed, and you can sense the authors’ joy about the Shire or influence the way that Chris: For sheer reading pleasure, Arnor when they are working on the small scale as you wrote that second module? comes out on top. For example, in the chap- well as on the larger themes. I wanted to cre- ter on the geography or the flora and fauna Wes: It didn’t influence it thematically. It was ate that for Middle-earth. It’s a good way of you have a very nice flowing narrative of a good way to set up the Shire module — by organizing information so that you can transit the land itself which is interesting to read. setting up the larger society first. The Shire is from the small scale to the large scale. It was Arnor definitely has a very engaging natural another project I have always wanted to do very successful in Arnor and I am glad to see history to it. other folks picking up the habit their own because it always goes back to traditional fan- module projects. tasy—Hobbits tend to get belittled, so I Wes: I have always loved to read about geog- wanted to put together their society. After all, raphy myself, and -wanted to make my writ- Chris: “Rangers of the North” was the other they are more like us than anyone else in ing on the topic as efficient and colorful as bit—not the module but the actual section Middle-earth, so The Shire allowed me to possible. you wrote in the Arnor module, where you show them as being able to take care of their Chris: Thanks you very much for your time. detailed how the Dúnedain lived after the own business much the same as the Dúne- fall of Arthedain and had some lists of dain in Arnor. I designed the Shire module as I ———————————————————————————————————— 5 SERVANTS OF ANGMAR

Wesley J. Frank: 949 North tizing the Cult of Darkness and fomenting THE CHAIN OF sinister conspiracies for several thousand Humphrey, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA ECISION IN NGMAR years, enjoys the game for its own sake and ([email protected]) D A knows her enemies better. She takes a more The following essay may be treated as Section 8.7 t could be said that every Goblin slop- active role in planning and running missions of the Arnor: The People, as it was originally de- Ihog and Mannish privy-scrape in in Eriador, but also performs the same service signed for inclusion in that book. Of the five charac- Angmar harbors plots against in the distant lands of Rhovanion and Rhûn. ters described in detail, two, Sarkan and Harluinor, Arthedain and ambitions for winning the Her far-ranging responsibilities sometimes are drawn from Section 6.2.5 of the Angmar realm Witch-king’s favor by bringing on the de- keep her from putting all her attentions to- module. Umaug, the true master of the Oiolad and struction of the hated Dúnedain. Most of wards her more dangerous enemies in the the South Downs, is described in the Cameth Brin these schemes are doomed to wither in the west. At important points of decision in her entry in Section 4.0 of Arnor: The Land, while cold air and oppressive, dungeon-bleakness of operations, Ulgarin’s servants may find her Bavabbêth and Zimrubâr the Unseen are here de- Angmar’s fortresses. Few among the Witch- unavailable. scribed for the first time. king’s servants are granted the power to plot The Mornarturi, the five military leaders of war and subversion. Fortunately for the Free Angmar, also have authority to send raids, Peoples, fewer still of this fanatical cadre ac- rangers, and scouts across the frontiers. All tually have talent enough to execute their but the most limited of these raids are, in the- plans in some dangerous fashion. Even the ory, approved by the Angúlion, but the devi- elite of Angmar are hobbled by their own big- ousness and ambition of these men will often otries and the venality and brutishness of lead to their plans being misreported and un- their minions. Over and over, through centu- coordinated, a weakness that clever Arthadan ries of conflict, the best laid plans of this cir- leaders use to their advantage. Of the gener- cle of fanatics have gone astray. Their victo- als, the two most likely to cause trouble for ries, such as the subversion of Rhudaur, the adventurers are Warlord Dairkan, the com- destruction of Cardolan, and the cursing of manding general and the most powerful mor- the Barrow-downs, have been telling blows; tal Man in Angmar, and Warlord Sakalurë, but Arthedain, the heartland of the northern Warden of the Udanoriath. Sakalurë coordi- Dúnedain, still stands. Its wisdom and its nates the frontier defenses in these large No- steel have held immortal evil at bay for centu- man’s Lands between Angmar and Arthedain. ries, and its people intend to hold for some He organizes raids, questions prisoners, re- centuries more. ceives reconnaissance reports, and regularly The Witch-king, who has final say on the tours the outposts. grandest of the intrigues against the Free All of these leaders are described fully in Peoples, is a supernatural creature, often too the Angmar module and are unlikely to ven- distant from the everyday world to tend to ture into Arthedain or neutral territory. Five lesser matters. The Angúlion, the Black of their more important minions, however, Númenórean sorcerer who serves as the regularly travel out of Angmar to conduct Witch-king’s steward, is responsible for the personal spying missions and otherwise ad- realm’s day-to-day administration and diplo- vance Carn Dûm’s subversive plots. They are macy. Ulgarin Twilight, a Half-elven sorcer- therefore available to be encountered some- ess from eastern Endor, holds the post of where in the divided kingdoms. Speaker of the Dark Cult. The military priests of the cult hold most of Angmar’s gov- ernmental posts and supply the manpower for the Witch King’s schemes of subversion. Both Ulgarin and the Angúlion dispatch spies and assassins into the western lands on a regular basis—usually (but not always) after consult- ing each other. The Angúlion, often preoccupied with mat- ters in Carn Dûm, tends to assign tasks to fa- vored minions and let them take the glory or blame on their return from the west. While less isolated intellectually than his undead master, he has, through years of isolation in the Witch-king’s citadel, lost some of his un- derstanding of Arthadan society and habitu- ally underestimates the difficulties of dealing with his foes. Ulgarin, who has been prosely- 6 ————————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 SARKAN THE SILENT that passes for manliness among the horse SARKAN barbarians of Rhûn. The bitter, hardened There are several hoerkal, elite military Level: 15. Rhudaurrim who make up most of his units, in Angmar. Two of them, the rang- command seem impressed by it. Race: Brygath (Easterling). ers and the trackers, both hand-picked by Home: Carn Dûm. Warlord Dairkan, handle much of Ang- Sarkan is clever enough to know the mar’s special missions and important re- kind of show a leader must put on for his Hits: 85 Melee OB: 90ss Missile OB: connaissance, operating in small groups of men. He will eviscerate a prisoner to show 85cp AT: RL/9 (-35). Profession: two to six and bullying whatever coopera- how iron-hard he is, tend the wounds of Ranger. tion they need out of the local Orcs and his injured trackers with his own hands, MERP Stats: Co 93, Ag 96, Ig 82, St then kill the wounded man himself when soldiers. The rangers, typically religious 99, Pr 88, It 93. fanatics who work under direct instruc- pursuit is catching up to his party and a RM Stats: Co 93, Ag 97, SD 91, Me 77, Re tions of the warlords and priests, have no sacrifice must be made. Sarkan’s one great 86, St 99, Qu 94, Pr 88, In 95, Em 90. significant leaders of their own. The track- failing is his bigotry; he has a pervasive ers, who do more mundane work, are led contempt for the “soft” Dúnedain that Skills: Administration 40, Amb 14, Ang- by Sarkan the Silent, a Brygath scout from subverts his judgment and leads him to marean Military Gossip 50, Arnorian distant Rhûn. constantly underestimate them. He tends Geography and History 40, Climb 90, to succeed more often executing others’ Disarm Trap 40, Leadership 60, Orkish Sarkan, a stoic, black-haired, dark-faced plans, rather than his own. The Angúlion, Culture 40, Perception 100, Pick Lock Easterling, is far more intelligent than the who is more comfortable with his Easter- 50, Ride 70, Set Trap 50, S/H 120, Track stony face he shows to strangers and ene- ling officers than with Northmen or Dún- 110. mies. He came to Angmar in the baggage edain, often gives Sarkan more informa- of his mercenary father and has spent forty Appearance: 77. tion about the raids he is sent on than even years ”learning the country.” Sarkan the dark priests or black rangers PRINCIPAL ITEMS speaks five languages and can scout officially commissioned to the task. + 10 Bow of Wolf-slaying. Works plains, mountain and woodland like one born in them. He is devoted against all canines. to the service of the + 10 Shorts-word. Delivers a secondary Witch-king and is electrical critical. completely evil, Bone Earring. Acts as a x 2 Channeling often displaying PP multiplier. to his men the Exotic Herbs. All Easterling in nature. He kind of casual, does not trust the local remedies, believ- gory brutality ing them to have been bred by the Elves and Dúnedain. SPECIAL POWERS (30PPS) MERP: knows all Ranger lists and 2 Open Channeling lists. RM: knows 5 base Ranger lists to 20th level, including Nature’s Guises, and 2 Open Channeling lists to 10th level. WOLF COMPANION Hardfang, Sarkan’s tracking wolf, is smaller than the war-wolves he meets among the Orcs of Angmar, but has the presence and toughness required to face down the great beasts (+10 to reaction and OB against wolves and dogs.) A charm sewn into the fur of Hardfang s neck has extended his life span, seals wounds (1/rd reduction to any bleeding wound) and also gives him a +20 RR bonus against the fear and energy draining of undead and de- mons. It will also cause him to return to Middle-earth as an undead warg 1-10 days after his death. Sarkan is fond of Hardfang, and his revulsion at this enchantment will leave him sick and distracted for months.

———————————————————————————————————— 7

OTHER HANDS ———————————————————————————

trackers. These acts of cool courage endear BAVABBÊTH, him to his men. MASTER OF GATHERING Sarkan and Harluinor were chosen for (Alias: Pedalagos) their positions by an Angmarean warlord who did not trouble himself about their This dangerous master spy was born, under the name Orgildir, to a respectable divergent personalities. Surprisingly, the two men get along in a reasonably Dúnadan family of Cardolan soon after the breakup of Arnor. A member of a group of professional manner. Harluinor mystics striving to achieve immortality, or despises the priests and other ranking minions of the Angmarean court, and some semblance thereof, he was too public has no interest in Sarkan’s job. Hence, in his rather strident claims against the Gift of Men (mortality) and was suppressed by the two captains are able to trust each other, something rare in Angmar. the direct order of King Thorondur. Tak- ing the name Bavabbêth (Ad. “Speaker to HARLUINOR Storms”), he fled the Dúnadan kingdoms Level: 15. and pursued his studies in various other Race: Estaravë (Rural Man). realms in Endor. Home: Carn Dûm. The ultimate need of his research, and Hits: 90 Melee OB: 95fa Missile the ultimate reason for its suppression, was OB: 95sp AT: RL/9 (-35). ingredients from the body of an Elf. Even- Profession: Ranger. tually, in a distant land, Bavabbêth found MERP Stats: Co 92, Ag 98, Ig 78, an Elf evil enough to deserve death, and St 98, Pr 87, It 88. completed his work. Possessed of an ex- RM Stats: Co 92, Ag 98, SD 89, tended life, with only some occasional po- Me 79, Re 77, St 98, Qu92, Pr87, tions and elixirs to maintain his vitality, In 90, Em 81. Bavabbêth felt himself tainted by the Appearance: 85. crimes he had committed to achieve his Skills: Mv 5, Acting 60, Amb 16, goal. He would die, somehow, someday, Climb 90, Disarm Traps and Pick and his philosophy taught him that his fate Locks 50, Disguise 50, Dunadan would be hideous, either trapped as an un- HARLUINOR Racial Slander 60, Furs 40, Northman His- dead creature in this world or taken be- yond Middle-earth to be judged by Eru, A big, handsome, rough-hewn Northman, tory 50, Perception 80, Set Traps 50, S/H the creator of mortal Men. Too proud and Harluinor is an efficient second-in-command 90, Track 90, Tavern Banter 55, Trading stubborn, at first, to admit that he had cre- of the Witch-king’s trackers. Blond, bearded, 45, Trickery 50. ated his own damnation, Bavabbêth set scarred, but capable of good cheer, he takes PRINCIPAL ITEMS himself against the Arnorians who had de- care of his “people”—by which he means +10 Spear of Wolf-slaying. Also good for nied him and driven him away. He joined both the men and wolves of his company— killing the hounds which the Arthedain use forces with the dark cults plotting the and provides a lighter touch of command to to patrol the frontier; it will return to him northern kingdoms’ destruction. contrast with his grim captain, Sarkan the Si- 3x/day. Hundreds of years later, Bavabbêth has lent. Harluinor, while from a tribe dwelling + 10 Falchion. With which he prefers to me- lost much of his bitterness, but his destiny east of the Misty Mountains, comes from a lee. is set and he has little remaining in the way trading family and has traveled among the Good-luck Charm. An Arthadan lord's Northmen of Eriador all his life. He is thor- of motivation save his professional pride as knucklebones on a platinum chain; they a spy and sorcerer. The Elvish components oughly familiar with the history of the are enchanted to act as a +3 spell adder. Northmen, back down to the wars of Bavabbêth requires for his Elixir of Invari- Númenórean imperialism in the Second Age, SPECIAL POWERS (15PPS) ance have been acquired over the centuries and is fanatically committed to the eradica- MERP: he knows all Ranger lists. by methods he can rationalize if he avoids tion of the Dúnedain of Arnor. While less RM: he knows 5 Ranger lists to 20th level in- any complicated arguments. Bavabbêth brutal than his captain or his other superiors, cluding Nature's Guises. still dislikes the Dúnedain and Elves, but Harluinor’s smiling face can reveal a bitter, WOLF COMPANION does not bother himself to hate them. This cynical cruelty when need arises. Serti, a stout, well-trained animal with a lack of fervor has kept him from rising to Sarkan the Silent is an Easterling and can- gentler disposition than most wolves sired at any higher position than “Master of Gath- not pass for an Eriadorian. This leaves Har- Carn Dûm, is Harluinor’s constant compan- ering” in the service of the Witch-king. luinor free to specialize in infiltration mis- ion. She has a touch of Faerie blood and is This is the Lord of Angmar’s loss, for Ba- sions. He has a traders familiarity with the unnervingly intelligent, +30 against Fear, Sleep vabbêth’s rational, coolly logical mind towns and trading posts of Eriador. Harlui- or mental enchantments, and can hear her makes him a consistently deadly foe of nor often walks openly into Arthadan villages master’s voice a mile away under any condi- Arthedain; his intelligence gathering is me- to check them out. On other occasions he has tions. thodical and productive, his plots are ra- passed himself off as a Northman mercenary tional and often successful. recruit and served with the companies of Northmen paid to guard against his own 8 ————————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 Most of the Angmarean elite believe Gan- PRINCIPAL ITEMS LESSER ITEMS dalf the Grey to be an Elf or Half-elf, a long- The Storm Staff. An ancient Númenórean Amulet. An Essence +2 spell adder; it also lived Dúnadan sorcerer, or a legend built artifact, made of gnarled wood struck and casts a Shield spell instantly whenever its from several wizards with similar names. Ba- burned by lightning. It has allowed Bavab- wearer is attacked from the front. His tas- vabbêth is one of the few willing to believe bêth to draw power and knowledge from the seled cap gives him Dwarvish night vision that a Maia might walk the earth in such a winds and storms for his magic. It itself casts and the protection of a +20 open helm. mundane form, just to meddle in the affairs of 40 PPs of the Nature’s Lore list per day, acts Silver Spoon. Purifies any food or drink men. The Grey Pilgrim and the Speaker to as a x 4 multiplier, and allows 40 points of Storms have never met, but each thinks he simply by being touched to the substance or spells to be cast through it without prepara- its container, up to 10x/day. His shoes cast 30 knows the other well and each holds precious tion each day. The bearer is +30 to Percep- any bit of information he might gather on the points of the Moving Ways list or the Run tion regarding weather and the skies around spell per day. other’s plans. him. It is also a +20 weapon and does an ex- Bavabbêth has the appearance of a Dún- tra electrical critical on every strike. Bavab- SPECIAL POWERS (348 PPS) adan male of average size and good health, bêth can simply “touch” someone with it to MERP: he knows all open Essence and with just a hint of frost around the temples do an “A” electrical crit without a full combat Mage spell lists, plus Nature’s Lore. Bavab- and a weary look about the eyes, only occa- swing. bêth knows all the languages that might be spoken in Eriador and 90% of those spoken sionally touched by the light of a wry, ironic Robes. These are +20 to DB and RR, proof in all of western Endor. humor. He often travels in disguise, but pre- against all but the most extreme effects of fers his old-style robes with his tasseled cap rain, snow and chill, and also halve the effects RM: Bavabbêth knows all Magician base and a staff or walking stick. Bavabbêth has a of fire and lightning attacks. Their weave and closed Essence lists to 20th level, and all sense of honor lacking in other Angmarean provides the protection of chainmail against open Essence lists to 10th. He knows the agents, which he rationalizes as a necessary slash and puncture criticals. Channeling spell list Weather Ways as an component of deal-making. He makes Ring. Made of platinum with seven small Essence list. He can also cast all the spells agreements and sticks to them, and avoids from the following lists that might be applied diamonds set around the outer edge. It is +20 death and viciousness on an individual level. to the open air and weather, knowing them This has allowed him, on occasion, to slip out to DB and RR. It gives him a additional +30 resistance to all scrying and detection magic. as a single Weather Control Essence list of situations wherein a dark priest or black known to 25th level: Gas Destruction, Fluid ranger would have had to die fighting his Destruction, and Nature’s Lore. outraged enemies. BAVABBÊTH Level: 29. Race: Dunadan, magically extended and supported life. Home: Carn Dûm, in apartments known to few; he is seldom there, but is often found traveling in Eriador. Hits: 180 Melee OB: 80qs Missile OB: 60da AT: No/2 (-65), butCh/15vs slash and puncture criticals. Profession: Mage/Magician. MERP Stats: Co 83, Ag 82, Ig 101, St 78, Pr 98, It 95. RM Stats: Co 83, Ag 80, SD 95, Me 99, Re 101, St 78, Qu84,Pr98, In 95, Em 81. Appearance: 95. Skills: 145DS, 58 BS, MAst (II) 40, Mv 15, Acting 85, Administration 70, Amb 5, Card games 50, Chess 45, Climb 60, Diplomacy 70, Disarm Trap 40, Falsification 50, Gambling 50, Perception 70, Pick Lock 50, Poetry 40, Public Speaking 80, Ride 70, Singing 30, S/H 40, Tracking 30, Trickery 90, all other magical skills 100.

———————————————————————————————————— 9 OTHER HANDS —————————————————————————— ZIMRUBÂR THE UNSEEN, seducing faithful wives into adulterous liai- PRINCIPAL ITEMS MASTER OF GATHERING sons, all these things come naturally and Staff of Questioning. +15 quarterstaff, has (Alias: Tarvorharn) pleasurably to him. Only rarely does a dia- red laen “veins” that wrap around a black staff bolical light come into his eyes and betray his Less experienced but more “correctly” en- head in the shape of a human heart. Will cast sadistic intent. Humiliating defeats have also thusiastic than Bavabbêth, his chief rival, the 40 points per day of 1st to 14th level RM come his way, but he shakes them off, know- Unseen is the primary organizer of the Flesh Destruction spells (or any reversed ing he must ultimately prevail and will Angúlion’s more complicated schemes in MERP curing spells). There is a permanent probably enjoy himself doing it. Eriador. A handsome, finely built, articulate, illusion on it that can be summoned up to intelligent, well-mannered fanatic, Zimrubâr ZIMRUBÂR make it seem an ordinary staff. idealizes what the College of Dark Priests in Level: 18. +15 Eket. Delivers an extra slash critical; Angmar wish of their students. Race: Torfir, though possibly of higher line- the wound will be tainted if the attacker fails Zimrubâr also serves a model of what the age. Home: Carn Dûm, but is usually trav- to resist a 10th level Curse, so that any treat- Witch-king hopes to make of the lands and eling in Eriador or visiting one of his many ment, magical or otherwise, to stop any bleed- people of old Arnor. He has been raised in mistresses in Angmar and Rhudaur. ing will have only one half its normal effects, rounded down. Angmar almost from birth. Zimrubâr was Hits: 190 Melee OB: 130qs/ss Missile taken by the Troll-warlord Rogrog from the Leather Armor. A shirt and leggings that OB: l00da AT: Ch/14 (-80). Profession: tent of a great Dúnadan lord at the battle of protect as +20 chain and greaves without en- Animist/Evil Magician (he is called a Sor- the Tyrn Hodhath in T.A. 1409 when only a cumbering the wearer. cerer-Priest). few days old. He may be a descendant of Medallion of Darkness. This artifact has MERP Stats: Co 88, Ag 99, Ig 97, St 91, Pr Dúnadan royalty. Rather than use him as a extended Zimrubâr’s life and will eventually 100, It 92. sacrifice, the Angúlion turned him over to a turn him into a wraith. It is a x 4 PP multi- captive wet nurse to save his life and raise RM Stats: Co 88, Ag 99, SD 95, Me 99, Re plier, is +20 to general defense, gives him the him as an example of the quality of his reli- 95, St 91, Qu 88, Pr 99, In 92, Em 77. benefits of a 103 Constitution, and reduces gious schools. Zimrubâr has well repaid his Appearance: 100. bleeding wounds and stuns by 1 point each/ efforts, showing great gifts for the kind of round. complicated political games and demoralizing Skills: BS 36, DS 45, Mv 30, Acting 85, Amb subversion that are considered high art 18, Climb 45, Disarm Traps 40, Disguise Dagger of Poisons. +15 weapon with four around the temples in Carn Dûm and Litash. 80, Foraging 40, Herbalism 50, Pick Locks chambers that allow it to drip four different In addition, Zimrubâr spends time every year 55, Poison Lore 85, Ride 45, Seduction 90, poisons; which one is active in a given round in Arthedain and Cardolan, risking his life Traps 55, S/H 60, Swim 50, Tactics 40, is up to the wielder. Zimrubâr prefers a 3rd routinely and escaping oftentimes only Track 35, Trickery 50. level kcftak poison of his own blending that through his considerable skills and a sup- causes terrifying illusions, causing the victim posed blessing granted him in his youth by to go berserk, with a 10% chance per round the Lord of Darkness. of attacking himself. Zimrubâr’s labors have paid off in +10 Headband. Gives him 100’ night vision spectacular fashion. The company of dark and allows him to cast each of the spells on priests and rangers he led into the the Physical Enhancement list (up to 10th Barrow-downs in the wake of the Great level) once per day. Plague succeeded in triggering an + 10 Arm Bracers. Add to RR and negate invasion of evils spirits. This crushing 30% of arm criticals. blow to Dúnadan morale and civiliza- SPECIAL POWERS (144 PPS) tion had been in the Witch-king’s MERP: knows all open Essence lists and mind for centuries. The success of can reverse the lists Surface Ways, Blood the enchantment, dependent on Ways, Bone/Muscle Ways, and Creations to Zimrubâr’s careful dispersal of ar- destroy instead of healing or creating. tifacts and spells throughout the downs, broke a two hundred year RM: the Unseen knows 6 open and closed stalemate in the long war with the Essence lists to 10th level, Illusion Mastery Dúnedain. It also confirmed Zimrubâr and Mind Sense Molding to 20th, and all the as the favorite of dark priestess Evil Magician base lists to 20th level. Ulgarin, and reinforced his formidable arrogance and vanity. With a handsome face and a fine, highly polished speaking voice, the Unseen passes easily and charms the innocent wherever he travels in Eriador. Persuading loyal servants that their masters mean them ill, 10 ————————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 UMAUG “He was that mos frightening of creatures: a rational Goblin; an intelligent Orc. I stayed to the back of the caravan and kept my peace, wondering whether my usual disguise might not serve. I would not let his eyes meet mine! Who knew what that black gaze might catch?” Thus Gandalf the Grey first met, along the Old East Road near the Last Bridge, an old nemesis. Umaug, Chieftain of the Break- backs, had first made his name as one of the wolf-rider captains who swept over the Baranduin in T.A. 1409 and scourged the Elves of northern Siragalë, thus clearing ground for the future Hobbit settlement and getting a reputation that forced him to spend a century out on the plains of Rhûn, avoiding Elvish vengeance. Either that experience or something unusual in his bloodline gave Umaug a competence and survival instinct unique among the Orc-captains of Angmar. Like Bavabbêth, Umaug’s calm judgment and his willingness to throw in a losing hand make the Angmarean leadership suspicious of him. But, like Bavabbêth, he is too valuable to be discarded. The Breakbacks are wolf-riders. Operating out of a fort called Blind Ox, on the banks of the River Hoarwell just west of Cameth Brin, they are nominally assigned to patrol the river valley on behalf of the puppet-king, Ervegil of Rhudaur. In fact, they are the Angúlion’s eyes, ears and legs for most of Cardolan and southern Arthedain. The Breakbacks run messages and supplies to Dagorhir the Warlord in Minhiriath, pick up spies’ reports from secret drops within a bow-shot of Tharbad, and escort assassins to within walking distance of the villages of Breeland. of wasted motion, keeping a firm control over They are the true lords of the South Downs, PRINCIPAL ITEMS his savage Goblinish temper until the moment establishing supply dumps, guiding Orc-raids, +20 Scimitar of Man-slaying. Edged in arrives to strike home for victory and blood. and picking off snoopers from Dol Tinereb black Lien, it strikes as a mithril weapon and Faerdor who try to intervene. UMAUG and does an extra slash critical. Umaug is not imposing in appearance. As Level: 15. +20 Chainmail. Made of mithril, coated with tall as a Dwarf, he is not bulky. His warty Race: Common Orc. a special flat black enamel that renders it si- face looks unshaven, and his glittering, Home: Blind Ox Vale, near Cameth Brin. lent; it is non-encumbering. mithril-tipped canine teeth are more startling Hits: 150 Melee OB: 145sc Missile OB: + 10 Shortbow. Double normal range, fires than frightening. His gear is well kept, every round without penalty. decorated in the broken-skeleton symbol of 150sb AT: Ch/13(-70). Arrows. Include 5 of Horse-slaying and 3 of the Breakbacks and otherwise reflecting a Profession: Warrior/Fighter. well-brushed pale greyness that clever Wolf and Dog-slaying. All rest are coated MERP Stats: Co 89, Ag 91, Ig 99, St opponents might take for sensible camouflage. with a 5th level nerve poison. Umaug’s manner and glance are what 93, Pr 101, It 98. + 10 Helm. Halves the effects of head criti- frighten the sophisticated observer. He sees RM Stats: Co 89, Ag 91, SD 92, Me 97, Re cals; his shield is +10 and casts Blur three all that goes on around him, moves quickly 100, St 93, Qu 101, Pr 101, In 87, Em 88. times per day; his arm and leg greaves are and carefully to “size up” matters, and rides Appearance: 40. non-encumbering. his wolf like one born to the harness. When SPECIAL POWERS (30 PPS) tending to “his trade,” which is scouting and Skills: Amb 20, Acrobatics 40, Climb 70, Di- MERP/RM: Umaug knows 5 open Essence battle, Umaug gives orders in a rough but plomacy 40, Leadership 80, S/ H 85, Strat- lists to 5th level. clear and unmistakable whistling howl. He egy 50, Tactics 90, Track 60, Trickery 60, then deploys his force expertly, without a step Tumbling 60, Wolf-riding 100. ———————————————————————————————————— 11 THE BEGGAR-KING

OF THARBAD

Sam Daish: 7/38 Cleveland Street, tively stopped the guild from spreading Brooklyn, Wellington, New Zealand HISTORY beyond Tharbad, although some excep- ([email protected]) he 4th century of the Third Age saw tional guildmasters occasionally broke this As with most cities and large towns, Tharbad TArnor at the height of its prosperity. pattern. had a problem with beggars. Disease, war and Rogues of all kinds lecided that it The informal Guild of Beggars had an worsening economic conditions force many to rely was easier to live off the generosity and uneasy relationship with the slightly more upon the generosity of people more fortunate than gullibility of others than to work for a liv- organized Traders’ Guild, the euphemisti- themselves. The large numbers of travelers, mer- ing. Among these were the first profes- cally-dubbed criminal element that was chants and benevolent Dúnedain ensure that sional beggars. As the passing centuries also growing up around this time. By and many who would otherwise starve on the streets or brought economic decline to the North- large, the activities of the two groups were freeze to death in winter live to see another day. kingdom, these beggars found that they different enough to prevent open hostility, However, not all that receive the pity and charity had to become more sophisticated in their but tension and distrust was common. of these generous people are so deserving. For some, approach. The ability to appear sick or Even the more aggressive guildmasters of begging is a profession, and at the top of this pro- maimed, yet remain healthy, became a sort the beggars did not encourage conflict fession stands the Beggar-king. of underground art form. Other beggars with the traders, whose influence with specialized in appearing to be merchants street gangs could make life very difficult or artisans who had been robbed. Each for the beggars. Occasionally individual beggar would pass on his or her profes- beggars and traders would form partner- sional secrets to young apprentices in re- ships, but these were uncommon and not turn for payment or service. These skillful encouraged. beggars practiced their art all over the civi- The Great Plague saw professional beg- lized lands of Arnor. ging hit an all time low. Many master beg- In Tharbad, this master-apprentice rela- gars lost their lives and took their secrets tionship gradually came to mirror the le- with them. The fear of infection kept most gitimate guilds of the city. Professional people away from beggars, and the eco- beggars operating in Tharbad were re- nomic crisis meant that few had resources quired to pay “dues” to their guildmaster. to share. Professional beggars found them- In return, the guildmaster would settle selves begging in truth, along with hordes disputes over territory and provide a safe of other unfortunates. place to sleep, an encouraging environ- The lands that were once Arnor will ment in which to practice techniques and never fully recover from the Plague but, by possible partners to work with. Although the 1640s, some normalcy has returned. the heads of the beggars always styled With the return of the steady flow of themselves as paternal guildmasters, they goods and people, the surviving beggars used violence to enforce their edicts. The have also returned to their old trade. demise of a guildmaster was almost never a However, the old guild structure has not peaceful affair, and the succession was survived. The new master of Tharbad s even less orderly. There were times when beggars calls himself the Beggar-king, de- there was no guildmaster capable of en- siring to truly become lord of all he sur- forcing his or her will, and other times veys, and beyond. when several guildmasters were in compe- tition. This lack of stable control effec-

12 ————————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 THE BEGGAR-KING The Beggar-king is a man named Mogarn. His history is known to few, and Mogarn himself is slowly forgetting most of it as his use of tartec (an addictive euphoric drug) becomes greater. Mogarn grew up on the back streets of Tharbad. At an early age he was apprenticed to a master beggar who recognized his talent. The young Mogarn learnt quickly, and soon became known for his skill and innocent looks. The Plague, however, hit just as Mogarn was coming into the full flower of his talent, and forced him into begging in earnest. Mogarn was lucky enough to be found and rescued by a kindly (and slightly mad) middle- aged woman by the name of Risa Loega. Mogarn reminded Risa of her own son safe who had died early in the Plague, and place to gradually she came to believe that Mogarn stay and a cooked meal were easily worth able intelligence and organizational ability, was her son in truth. Mogarn, in turn, was paying a small cut of their takings — but Mogarn has always overrated himself. very grateful to his savior, and soon came as conditions in Tharbad improved, beg- This has resulted in a susceptibility to flat- to think of her as his real mother (of gars sought to return to a more independ- tery, and a tendency not to recognize whom he had only misty memories). Risa ent lifestyle. Mogarn decided that such in- when he is in over his head (as he is at died in a late resurgence of the Plague, dependence should not be allowed. After a present; see “Activities and Aims”). leaving Mogarn emotionally shattered and few beatings from hired thugs, the beggars THE CURRENT ORGANIZATION got the idea that it was safer to stay under in possession of her estate (a run-down The Beggar-kingdom survives not just house in the low quarter of Tharbad), a Mogarn’s “protection.” Fandal and Kiric, who came to argue against these tactics, from intimidation and violence (though few household possessions and a small this is often how it seems), but because it amount of cash. were later seen floating down the Gwathló, minus several limbs. provides a valuable service to its subjects. Mogarn knew no trade and so was soon At the bottom of the organization are fif- doing odd laboring jobs and occasional Mogarn’s tactics attracted several young toughs to his side, and soon he effectively teen apprentice beggars. These are train- begging. While out one day, he came ees who are not yet skillful enough to across a pair of his old beggar associates, controlled all begging in Tharbad. As the organization became more profitable, make a living through begging. They are Fandal and Kiric, who were begging for trained by master beggars in one area of real. Mogarn took them home with him, Mogarn discovered just how much money could buy in Tharbad. Although not truly begging, based on the aptitude of the and soon they had got to talking about old trainee. Apprentices have no say in the times. Within a week, Mogarn, Fandal rich, Mogarn is wealthy enough to have developed addictions to tartec, alcohol, and running of the organization, and are and Kiric had decided to re-establish the treated however the master beggars see fit. old beggar guild. cruelty (mostly in that order). Mogarn has lost his youthful energy and looks, getting Journeyman beggars are those who have Using Mogarn’s house as a base, they more overweight and lazy by the day. His graduated from apprenticeship. These had soon rounded up their old associates, mind is still sharp, however, and when he beggars are by far the largest numerically many of whom were happy just for a roof puts his mind to it he can muster consider- (thirty-three at present; if all goes well, over their heads and regular meals. able charisma. Generally boisterous, he several will be promoted to master status), Mogarn’s inheritance lasted long enough maintains a certain camaraderie with most if not politically. Each journeyman is al- to support these beggars until they were of his subjects. (Most know that when he lowed to practice one type of begging (up confident and healthy enough to resume starts to speak softly and politely, it is time to three types by special favor of the king), begging professionally. At first it was easy to start worrying.) Despite his consider- paying a fixed tax each year in accordance to attract beggars into the organization—a with that ———————————————————————————————————— 13 OTHER HANDS —————————————————————————— type. Every journeyman beggar supposedly Master beggars ensure that real beggars A SELECTION OF BEGGARS has access to the king but, in reality, such are kept out of the most profitable areas DOGARTH one-on-one meetings must come through and that professional beggars are keeping luck or palm-greasing. They are granted to the rules. Thugs are hired if necessary, Dogarth has never begged a day in his food and board free of charge, and have the but normally beggars (real or professional) life —he has stolen, mugged, murdered and chance to train with and form partnerships are controlled through threats. Occasion- blackmailed, but never begged. He is, how- with other beggars. Journeymen are usu- ally, master beggars will agree to tail some- ever, a master beggar. Dogarth was at first ally allocated an area where they can work, one, sell information, practice pick pocket- hired by Mogarn on a casual basis but, as and are protected from muggings and gen- ing or act as a watchman for traders, but intimidation proved increasingly useful, he eral harassment. this activity is not usual. In the case of ap- became a permanent employee. Fewest in number (but greatest in influ- prentice or journeyman beggars, it is ence) are the six master beggars, those who strictly outlawed. show special talent for begging. Their du- Mogarn, however, has high ambitions ties include finding and training appren- beyond the scope of begging. He has been tices, collecting taxes and enforcing dealing with agents of Dagobert (the stew- Mogarn’s will. They themselves pay no tax, ard of Finduilas III, Ernileth of Dol Ca- and are promised support in their old age. ladir (See Section 8.2.2 in Arnor: The People Master beggars have the ear of Mogarn and and Section 8.3 in Arnor: The Land.) These are often bribed to allow journeymen to see agents are actually from Finduilas herself, him. Master beggars may beg in any way but she wishes it to appear as if Dagobert is they chose, and have freedom to associate acting without her knowledge. Finduilas’ with anyone (such as traders, adventurers agents have instructed Mogarn to ferment or street gangs). as much anti-Gondorian feeling as possible Certain master beggars have been given among the lower classes. sanction and support to set up “fiefdoms” in Mogarn hopes that the more pressure other cities or regions. Mogarn is currently that the cánotar and mayor experience, the looking to put likely masters into Sudúri, less they will be able to harass beggars Dogarth is not particularly big or intimi- Fornost and each of the Cardolanian prin- (which they do a lot in the mind of dating in appearance, but has several cipalities. These men will receive appropri- Mogarn). Funds have been promised to friends who are, and he is very good at ate starting capital (cash and people) in re- Mogarn where he can show proof of his pointing them in the right direction. Few turn for a fixed yearly tax from the area. At success in causing unrest. Mogarn needs among the beggars are now deceived by his present, Mogarn controls beggars in these funds to help expand his “kingdom” remarkably gentle smile. Dogarth knows he roughly the area controlled by Tharbad, (and to fund his tartec habit). However, this is neither very smart nor very charismatic, and has agents in the process of securing plan could easily backfire on Mogarn were and this is his strength. Dogarth has taken Dol Caladir, Sudúri and Metraith. the cánotar to discover it. Until now the a great deal of time and effort to uncover ACTIVITIES AND AIMS beggars have not even rated as a petty an- indiscretions on the part of many master noyance, but their involvement in this con- and journeyman beggars, ranging from Not surprisingly, the main activity of the spiracy might soon bring them to the cáno- “treasonous” discussions to undeclared in- beggars is begging. Each beggar has per- tar’s attention. come to private practices that are best left mission to beg in certain ways. This can in the dark. Dogarth reports some of these range from the highly respected tradesmen Mogarn would also like to see the Trad- to Mogarn, but mostly he lets the individual (who pretend to be traveling merchants or ers’ Guild pay more respect to himself and know that he knows and leaves it at that. tradesmen — trained in the basic skills and his “kingdom.” Though Mogarn probably Dogarth gets considerable pleasure from knowledge of their alleged profession — won’t intentionally annoy the traders seeing others squirm, and only rarely does who claim to have been robbed, seeking enough to really upset them, he may do so he use the information in a definable way. charily from their fellow professionals), to by accident. Mogarn has been allowing his This activity has made him many enemies, the lowly washers (who wear very little and master beggars to practice more and more though none have acted against him so far. beg for clothes which they then sell). Oth- petty crime. This does not bother the trad- ers are those who claim to have been ers, but if he foolishly engages in smuggling Dogarth has no plans to usurp Mogarn maimed in war, recently attacked by brig- (perhaps to reduce the cost of his tartec) or (he knows he could not run the “kingdom” ands, suffering from various painful (but any other very profitable activity, the trad- with much skill), and in his own way is non-contagious) diseases, crippled by old ers will certainly take notice. very loyal. Dogarth grew up on the streets age, destitute with babies to care for, etc. of Tharbad and knows he is fortunate to Each type of beggary has its own secrets live as well as he does. He will go to great and ploys for success. lengths to protect his comfortable lifestyle.

14 ———————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997

MELE FINGLIN A young woman of mixed descent, Currently the highest earner of the He is, however, getting over confident Mele is in many ways a typical journey- journeyman beggars, Finglin is a young and is starting to engage in the good life a man beggar. She works with two young and (when not disguised as a scarred war little too much. Recently he ran up a children to beg for alms. She works hard cripple) handsome man of considerable large gambling debt, and only just at her job and takes very few risks. Her charm. Finglin claims to be the managed to avoid serious injury. (He got peasant family died in the Plague and she illegitimate son of Aervellon, the Regent a large payoff from a burglary job.) He was forced to turn to prostitution. Often of Girithlin, and certainly bears some has not learnt from the experience, and is she was not paid and a few times resemblance to him. starting to get into trouble again. If viciously beaten (one such beating left Finglin’s high earnings are not all due things get really bad, he might just try a her unable to bear children). One of her to begging, however. Disregarding plan that he has had for some time, regulars was a master beggar, Grolim, Mogarn’s orders, Finglin often works which involves stealing Mogarn’s who arranged for her to join the appren- with thieves and smugglers. He has so far treasury and fleeing Tharbad altogether. tices. Grolim now enjoys her favors managed to avoid raising even Dogarth’s exclusively, and Mele has progressed suspicions. Finglin is confident that he is well within the beggar system. Though on the way to becoming the youngest she longs to rid herself of Grolim’s master beggar ever, and he may be right. attentions, she does not wish to risk her career and life to do it.

GM NOTES The Beggar-king of Tharbad is, in fact, based on a historical beggar-king in medie- val France, the Grand Coesre. His organization spread throughout France, and apparently was very successful for some time. GMs should remember that 99% of the beggar-kingdom s activity is begging. They are not thieves, muggers or informants (despite what you might read in Gary Gy- gax books). Most of the population of Tharbad and elsewhere have never even heard of the beggar-kingdom, and most that have do not believe that it exists. Cer- tain officials are aware of it, but they mostly see it as a small-time operation or as a useful way of keeping beggar numbers under control. Professional begging is illegal. For an otherwise healthy individual to make a living from begging is considered a confidence trick and/or theft, and will be prosecuted as such if the authorities can be bothered. Professional beggars have a reasonable Until recently, Mele had been paying standard of living. Their basic needs are taken care of by the king and, after paying for tuition from a minor scribe. She has their “taxes,” the rest of what they earn is purely disposable income. A reasonably learnt to read and write passably well skilled beggar can earn around 2 silver pieces a week (all in small coinage, and be- and knows a little history. However, fore the king takes his cut). Sure as heck beats working for a living! much to Mele’s disappointment, the Player characters may encounter the beggar-kingdom in a number of ways. They scribe recently canceled the classes for an may see a real beggar being beaten up by a master beggar, they may get upset if unknown reason. (Actually, it was they spot a fake beggar, or they may have a variety of other street encounters. Al- Grolim s doing: he discovered the tuition, ternatively, if the GM is running an intrigue campaign, the cánotar may ask them to became jealous and threatened the scribe. investigate the beggars (if he believes they exist). PCs who are from the slums may If Mele finds this out, she may well be well have a background that involves the beggars (maybe a friend of Mogarn’s). angered enough to take some rash PCs may come across Mogarn’s tartec suppliers. The GM may decide that Mogarn action.) begins to challenge the traders for control of certain profitable activities, resulting in a gang war. Or the GM may just like to know that the beggars are around if the need for them should arise, allowing PCs the odd glimpse of “something funny” go- ing on.

———————————————————————————————————— 15 A DOG’S LIFE

Sam Daish: 7/38 Cleveland Street, decided that they were never going to find Brooklyn, Wellington, New Zealand INTRODUCTION a ranger, let alone one with a wolfhound. ([email protected]) A pair of rogues, men from Dunfearan, It was only as they started back to Cameth have managed to abduct a litter of five Brin in defeat that fate or luck played royal wolfhound puppies from Mallach them a card. SETTING: Tarmëa, a leading noble of Arthedain, and THARBAD, ANY TIME AFTER THE After traveling in the rain and arguing are trying to convey the puppies secretly all day, Brulig and Comleag began DIVISION OF ARNOR AND BEFORE to Sudúri. In Tharbad, however, the dog- searching for a dry cave or something to THE FALL OF ANGMAR nappers are attacked by agents of both spend the night in (after high winds had (T.A. 861-1975). Angmar and Arthedain, who also desire torn away their tent—which was all the puppies. In addition, a third group of Comleag’s fault for not setting it up right REQUIREMENTS: rogues (the player characters) have heard or Brulig’s for not catching it as it flew A SMALL GROUP THAT HAS CON- about the “valuable cargo” that the Daen away, depending on whose side you are TACTS WITH THE CRIMINAL ELE- possess and have decided to rob them. on). As they wandered around in the How did all this come to be? Read on... MENT IN THARBAD. twilight, the Daen heard sounds of GM Note: The long tale is included so that if fighting. Moving cautiously towards the TASK: the player characters want to get to the bottom of sounds they discovered a lone swordsman what happened the gamemaster doesn’t have to holding off five Orcs. Grateful for THE PLAYER CHARACTERS MUST do too much work. If the scenario works, the something to vent their frustrations on, TRY TO STAY ALIVE AND OUT OF player characters should realize that they have and sharing their race’s usual disgust for TROUBLE WHILE STEALING VALU- just witnessed something big happen, though Orcs, the pair entered the fray. One Orc ABLE CARGO. DEALING WITH THE they may not be quite sure of its significance. managed a quick slash at Brulig’s leg as it CARGO ITSELF WILL ALSO BE A This may leave them somewhat confused or escaped, but apart from that the fight was PROBLEM. frustrated. If the gamemaster feels this is a brief and successful. The pair were slightly problem then s/he could ensure that Brulig or annoyed when they found that the Comleag survive to tell the story. swordsman was a Dúnadan, but were mollified when he invited them back to his THE TALE campsite to see to Brulig’s leg. Lanaigh Masoe, a near obsessive animal Despite Comleag’s opinion that the leg collector in Sudúri, has been dreaming for would have to be amputated to prevent some time about possessing a drogryn aran, infection, the Dúnadan, who introduced a royal wolfhound of Arthedain. All his himself as Braelen, soon had it cleaned attempts to purchase one of these prized and bound. But what caught the pair’s real animals have met with failure. Desperate interest were the other inhabitants of the to obtain such a rare and beautiful crea- campsite: a badly wounded Dúnadan by ture, Lanaigh went to the (for him) un- the name of Mindirith, and a wolfhound precedented step of hiring a pair of Daen with five pups. adventurers, Brulig and Comleag. These The pair didn’t fancy their chances promised to deliver the dog within the against Braelen and the dog, so they year for a princely sum of 3,000 silver decided to wait for an opportunity to pieces. Though this nearly bankrupted sneak off with the puppies. Their chance Lanaigh, he agreed. Planning to demand came later that night. The Orc who had even more when they actually had the dog, escaped had come back with ten of his Brulig and Comleag set off. friends and had tracked the Dúnadan to The pair went first to Cameth Brin to his campsite. In the brutal battle that seek advice from Canlach, an old followed Brulig and Comleag managed to companion. Canlach told them that the make off with the pups, while Braelen and dogs were often used by the king’s the mother were engaged with Orcs. rangers, and Brulig and Comleag decided The pair ran all through the night and that their best hope lay in kidnapping (or, into the next day, almost without rest. rather, “dog-napping”) one of the hounds After “acquiring” a couple of horses, they while it was accompanying a ranger on swiftly made their way to Cameth Brin. patrol. Canlach recommended Nothva For suitable payment Canlach made travel Rhaglaw as a good place to start looking, arrangements with a discrete bargemaster and (if they managed to capture one) to take the pair as far as Tharbad; from promised to help the pair convey the dog there they would have to make their own to Tharbad. After several months of way to Sudúri. Despite their nightmares fruitless searching, Brulig and Comleag involving 16 ————————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 vengeful Dúnedain, the Daen made it THE WOLFHOUNDS OF ARTHEDAIN Most members of the royal family keep a safely to Tharbad, where they rented a It is said that during the early centuries hound as a companion, and regard them lodging house and hired a couple of thugs of Númenor the Elves of Tol Eressëa more as friends than pets. Occasionally a for security. Finding a bargemaster who would present each newborn scion of the noble is given a drogryn aran as a sign of was willing to go to Sudúri with no stops royal household with a true blood drogryn special favor. These hounds add a little to along the way proved relatively easy, and pup. As the Númenóreans became the quality of the blood lines of the hounds the pair were booked to leave in two days’ estranged from Elven kind the hounds’ from the noble houses. House Eketya has time. special qualities became increasing diluted tried to form a unit similar to the royal Seeing a chance to make more money, athrough breeding with other strains. Only hounds with some success. Ganlach waited a couple of days (assuming in the houses of the Faithful was the blood The special nature of a drogryn golodhren that this would give Brulig and Comleag, kept relatively pure, though a birth of a becomes apparent a couple of weeks after whom he rather liked, enough headstart) drogryn golodhren was unheard of. As the birth. The discovery of one of these hounds and then sold his story to an Angmarean Númenóreans became more imperialistic in is the cause of thanksgiving, and intro- agent. Canlach noticed that this agent attitude their hounds played an important spection. These hounds are a sign of the seemed to get very excited at his mention part in the Forest Wars against the continued favor of the Valar, and many of that one of the puppies had seemed far Eriadorians. the more morbid Arthedain note the more mature than the others. The agent With the fall of Númenor only those increasing rarity of such births. recognized Canlach’s description of the hounds that accompanied the Faithful THE CURRENT pup as a sign that it had been blessed by remained, and their blood had been much the Vala Oromë. diluted over the centuries. These hounds SITUATION Such blessings only come to perhaps one were interbred with the hunting dogs of in every fifty royal wolfhounds. Such a the Eriadorians and other domesticated All of Brulig’s and Comleag’s nightmares hound is known in Arthedain as a drogryn breeds. The Arnorians kept hounds for are about to come true: both royal and golodhren, a beast possessed of almost hunting and personal security, but did not black rangers plan to retrieve the puppies human intelligence, and usually becomes a really make much use of them in a military tonight (though neither group is yet aware companion to a member of the royal family sense. of the other’s presence). In addition, one of or its favorites. (See Section 10.2.4 in ICE’s the servants at the dog-nappers’ lodging, With the rise of Angmar, Arthedain was one Faerdir, has overheard the two talking Arnor: The Land for further background.) put under severe pressure from wargs and Because their special nature is due to a about the valuable cargo they possess. war-wolves. The sheephounds and hunting When the words “3,000 silver pieces” were blessing of the Valar, these hounds are dogs of the frontier proved unable to greatly valued by the Dúnedain. mentioned, Faerdir made up his mind to try match the speed, power and intelligence of and get his hands on the goods himself. The agent passed on Canlach’s tale to two the wargs, and even the rangers could not Faerdir will approach the player characters “black rangers” who happened to be prevent settlements from being terrorized. for help in stealing the goods. Alternatively, staying in Cameth Brin. Realizing that the In T.A. 1285, an embassy of Lindon Elves the player characters could be the thugs capture of these puppies (and the golodhren arrived at the court of King Malvegil with that Brulig and Comleag have hired. in particular) would look very good on fourteen pairs of hounds as a gift. These their records, the rangers set off formed the core of a group of wolfhounds STARTING THE PLAYER immediately. that came to surpass the wolves and wargs CHARACTERS Nor have Braelen, Mindirith, and of Angmar. Paired with royal rangers these The gamemaster must ensure that Faerdir Cirithor (the mother of the puppies) been hounds were able to counter the waves of has good reason to approach the group. idle, though the fight with the Orcs had left beasts from Angmar, and proved their The most likely reason would be some past all three badly wounded and unable to worth in the Northern Wars. association with them, or a mutual friend. match the speed of the dog-nappers. But About one in twenty of the wolfhounds is Faerdir will explain the situation as he Brulig and Comleag were unaware that a drogryn golodhren. Some mysticism knows it. He can give an accurate floorplan Braelen is actually Mallach Tarmëa, surrounds these hounds, which are said to of the house and usual location of Brulig, Captain of the King’s Rangers. Mallach be blessed by Oromë. Certainly they Comleag, and their two guards. Faerdir will had just finished a very long and delicate possess almost Mannish intelligence and be insistent that the robbery be conducted mission in Rhudaur—which he felt only he sensibilities. Some say that when one looks in such a way as to keep any suspicion from could achieve — but had come to realize deep into their eyes, a great hunt can be him. Initially Faerdir will ask for a 50/50 that Cirithor was pregnant only after they seen or occasionally a battle between a split between himself and the parry, but had penetrated enemy territory. Unable to great hound and a huge wolf. When on will go as low as even shares for everyone. put the mission on hold, the Dúnadan had leave, border troops tell of clear hunting Faerdir knows that Brulig and Comleag are to hope that Cirithor would not give birth horns sounding when these hounds go planning to leave the next morning, so the until they had returned to Arthedain. forth to counter wolf packs, though their party must act quickly. Unfortunately, the wolfhound gave birth officers smile when they hear this. Possibly on the way back, while Mallach and his the greatest advantage these hounds have fellow ranger were contending with a is the intense training that they go through, couple of unlooked for encounters with which allows them to operate in a military Orcs. But all three have since tracked the fashion. Good diet, and very skilled and dog-nappers to Tharbad. attentive keepers, also play a part. ———————————————————————————————————— 17 OTHER HANDS —————————————————————————— THE TASK the rods, they could quietly enter via the the rangers’ famous eresseleni. The player characters must come up with back door while dinner is being eaten.) CIRITHOR AND THE PUPPIES a suitable plan for stealing the goods while Their plan is to kill the dog-nappers, Though not herself a drogryn golodhren, keeping suspicion away from Faerdir (un- collect the puppies, and depart via the front Cirithor’s cunning is above what is average less they want to frame him). During the ro- door. After this they will go to a safehouse for her race. This factor should not be bbery they will have to deal with two ranger in the Thieves' Quarter and await suitable forgotten by the gamemaster. She is torn parties, Brulig and Comleag, and their transportation back to Angmar. between protecting her puppies and thugs. The black rangers will happily kill following the more circumspect plans of her everyone in their way, including the player THE NPCS master. If the puppies are harmed in any characters. (Depending on how the way, their mother will become a killing BRULIG AND COMLEAG gamemaster manages the conflict between machine. Four of puppies are unaware of Angmar and Cardolan, the rangers may also the danger they are in, but do miss their leave signs that Angmar was involved to mother and are somewhat malnourished show that no one is safe from the long arm (Brulig and Comleag not knowing much of the Witch-king.) Deaths will cause the about the feeding of young wolfhounds). city watch to become heavily involved. The gobdhren is more aware that something (How this is handled is up to the is wrong and, if given the chance, will gamemaster.) attempt to lead its siblings in an escape THE ROYAL RANGERS attempt. ENCOUNTERS If the player characters spot others taking an interest in the house, they may just sit Brulig and Comleag have been having back and watch the fireworks as the two nightmares about vengeful rangers ever ranger-parties clash; or they may be caught since they acquired the pups, expectant that up in the middle of the conflict, with the trouble is imminent. The thugs they have rangers melting into the shadows as the city hired are not brave, and may well run if watch appears. If the player characters serious danger threatens them. Brulig and manage to retrieve the puppies, they must Comleag have 3,000 silver pieces to think decide what to do with them. Depending on about, and consequently will have greater their moral disposition, player characters staying power (though both value their lives might keep them, try to return them to their over anything else). A reasonably subtle rightful owners or even seek out a buyer plan (such as Faerdir drugging Brulig’s and Mallach Tarmëa and Mindirith have only (Angmar?). Of course, any reward they Comleag’s food) would probably succeed just found where Brulig and Comleag are might get for returning the puppies would since (being themselves armed robbers) hiding. They have decided to wait until be higher in Fornost. they are more preoccupied with the possibil- Brulig and Comleag leave town before ity of violent seizure of their prize. In my own game, the player characters attempting to retrieve Cirithor’s puppies. didn’t stake out the house, but confronted THE BLACK This is because they do not feel comfortable the black rangers inside. The rangers had operating in a urban setting and they are already killed all the occupants and were aware that the King of Arthedain would not about to leave. A fight ensued, with the be happy about them conducting an king’s rangers turning up in the middle. To unsanctioned foray in Tharbad. (Evidence make a long story short, the player of such action would be an embarrassment characters were knocked unconscious in the to Arthedain and would probably require fight and later found by the watch in a monetary compensation, although the king house containing six dead people (Brulig, might show lenience in consideration for the Comleag, the thugs, and the black rangers). importance of safeguarding the The player characters were cleared of the wolfhounds.) murders, but are now serving three years of However, when Mallach Tarmëa and hard labor for robbery and drugging food. RANGERS Mindirith realize that someone is attempting They have little idea of what happened Roener and Lem have had a couple of to rob the house (the black rangers or the except that Faerdir got them involved and days to stake out the lodging house. Rea- player characters), they will move in to the 3,000 silver piece loot was a litter of lizing that Brulig and Comleag are moving safeguard the puppies. Mallach knows that puppies! out soon, they have decided to capture the one of the pups is probably a golodhren, and As a secondary adventure, I had another puppies tonight. Both rangers are equipped so is all the more eager to retrieve it. player assume the role of a city watch with enchanted rods that allow them to per- Mallach and Mindirith will try not to kill detective investigating the matter. He too form the spell Long Door once per day. With anyone (unless they recognize Roener and has little idea of what happened, but is these short, black implements they will Lem to be black rangers). They will also try thinking of quitting the watch to go to appear in a unoccupied part of the building. to keep their own identities a secret, though Cameth Brin and Sudúri (the (If the gamemaster prefers them not to have perceptive player characters might glimpse 18 ————————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 origin and destination of two of the corpses) Skills: Observation20. Items: 12cp, 3bp Items: Far too good to let player characters in a quest to learn the truth. (all the rest has been lost to Comleag). get their grubby hands on (See Section ROLEMASTER STATISTICS BLACK RANGERS (9TH LEVEL RANG- 8.1.3 of Arnor: The People.) BRULIG (5TH LEVEL ROGUE) ERS) MINDIRITH (10TH LEVEL RANGER) Hits 83 Exhaustion Points 64 AT (DB) Hits 105 Exhaustion Points 70 AT (DB) Hits 95 Exhaustion Points 70 AT (DB) 9(15) Move Rate 65 9(30) Move Rate 80 5(60) Move Rate 80 Melee OB 105 (broadsword) Missile OB 95 (composite Melee OB 71 (Broadsword) Missile OB 44 Melee OB 85 (Hand-axe) Missile OB 75 bow) (Throwing Club) (Composite Bow) Skills: All Ranger lists to 10th and 3 open Skills: Climbing56, Observation45, Sprint- Skills: 5 ranger lists to 9th, 34 PPs, Am- Channeling to 5th 40 PPs Climbing 76, ing35, Stalk/Hide44/46. bush54 (9 ranks), Climbing73, Observa- tion65, Silent Kill45, Stalk/ Hide 76 Observation68, Stalk/Hide86. Items: Low steel broadsword +5, 13cp, 4sp. Items: AT 9+10, hand-axe +10, cloak and Items: AT 5+10, broadsword +10, composite COMLEAG (6TH LEVEL ROGUE) boots +10 stalk/hide, 12sp, 5gp bow +5, cloak +30 stalk/hide, eresselen Hits 80 Exhaustion Points 60 AT (DB) (star broach) +10 DB &RR’s MALLACH TARMEA (BRAELEN) 6(21) Move Rate 71 Melee OB 73 (Broad- CIRITHOR (LEVEL 8) (23RD LEVEL RANGER) sword) Missile OB 58 (Throwing Club) Hits 180 Exhaustion Points 110 AT (DB) Hits 145 Exhaustion Points 80 AT (DB) Skills: Climbing60, Gambling46, Observa- 4(60) Move Rate 80 13(75) Move Rate 90 tion48, Stalk/Hide51/61. Melee OB 90LBi or 60MC1 Use "L/I" crits. Melee OB 145 (shortsword) Missile OB Items: Cloak +10 hide, deck of marked 135 (composite bow) Items: Mitbril-laced hide collar +10 DB & cards, 67bp, 15sp, lgp. RRs. Special +10 OB & DB vs wolves and Skills: All ranger base lists to 20th and 3 THUGS (3RD LEVEL WARRIORS) Hits 72 wargs. open Channeling to 5th 207 PPs Climb- Exhaustion Points 64 AT (DB)10(34s) ing85, Observation90, Stalk/Hide 100 Move Rate 59 Melee OB 79 (Mace) Missile OB 48 (Throwing Dagger)

———————————————————————————————————— 19

THE PEOPLES OF ERIADOR IN THE

SECOND AGE

Michael Martinez: 1366 Fireweed Dr. s the majority of recorded history for portions of Eriador, mostly about the Lhûn NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124, USA AMiddle-earth in the First Age and Nenuial.6 ([email protected]) concentrates on the wars of In “The History of Galadriel and Beleriand, so the majority of the anecdotes Celeborn,” in the essay “Concerning we have concerning the Second Age Galadriel and Celeborn,” Tolkien writes that concentrates on events in Eriador. In the they settled near Lake Nenuial with many wake of the destruction of Beleriand there Sindar and Laegrim (Green-elves of was an eastward migration of Elves, Ossiriand), but mentions there were already Dwarves, and Men. The inevitable clash of many Nandor living in Eriador (Unfinished peoples came about largely as a result of Tales, p. 234). Some of the Edain, too, had Sauron’s influence in Middle-earth, but returned to Eriador in two or three groups, even before open warfare broke out settling among those of their kin who had between the Elves and Sauron there were not crossed the mountains.7 other conflicts and other areas where In several places Tolkien indicates some of peoples mingled. the Edain had actually stayed in Eriador. Eriador properly included all the lands This would mean that those who fled between the Ered Luin and Hithaeglir, Beleriand were probably absorbed by the bounded on the north by the Ice Bay of Edain in the eastern lands, although Bereg’s Forochel (where in the First Age had been group may have ended up settling in an the great plain of Lothlann, patrolled by the entirely different region. And many of the Fëanorians’ cavalry based on Mount Rerir) Easterlings who had served Morgoth also and the hills and mountains of Angmar (a apparently returned to Eriador,8 but they name from the Third Age). The southern may have fled even further east out of fear or boundary of the region was the river respect for the Elves. Glanduin,1 which flowed from the The ethnography of Eriador changed Hithaeglir toward the Gwathló, and the throughout the Second Age. Who came, boundary ran southwest from the who stayed, and who left is not always clear. confluence of the two rivers to Belegaer. But we can arbitrarily divide the chronology The total land area probably comprised of the Second Age into periods when the more than 200,000 square miles.2 The peoples of Eriador were relatively stable and region was originally thickly forested, but when there were significant migrations or there were wide open spaces enough to periods of instability: allow the pasturing of flocks and herds.3 1—50 The Migration Years The earliest peoples to live in Eriador 50 — 600 The Early Lindon Years were the Eldar, who passed through it on their way to the Sea. Many years later both 600 - 1000 The Expansion Years Dwarves and Nandor filtered into the land. 1000 - 1500 The Years of Isolation The Dwarves of Nogrod and Belegost 1500 - 1701 The Years of the Rings maintained contacts with their kindred in 1701 - 2251 The Black Years: Days of the east, and apparently also traded with the Flight Nandor and Avari wherever they 2251 - 3261 The Years of Conflict encountered them.4 When Men started 3261 - 3319 The Respite Years moving into Eriador, the Dwarves of Ered 3320 - 5441 The Arnorian Years Luin also traded with them.5 By the end of the First Age many of the upheavals in Beleriand had had an effect on Eriador. Sindarin Elves had fled the wars in the west to settle in the northwestern 20 ———————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 THE MIGRATION YEARS (S.A. 1-50): This was the period which most determined the makeup of Eriador for the first half of the Second Age. The Eldar and the Edain shared Beleriand (Lindon) for a few years, but in S.A. 32 the Edain set sail for their new home on the isle of Elenna. Soon after the departure of the Edain, the Eldar and Dwarves began moving eastward. Belegost, the ancient northern city of the Ered Luin, was abandoned and its people made the long trek to Khazad-dûm, which in that time required the that they cross the Hithaeglir and journey Elves, so south through the Vales of Anduin to the Edain of Azanulbizar.5 Eriador did, too. They There were, however, at least two groups occasionally visited the of Elves and two groups of Men already Elvish lands beyond the living in Eriador during this period. The Baranduin, although they Elves were mostly Nandor, but some of the seem not to have established contact with Sindar who had lived in Dorthonion and Lindon and Mithlond until sometime after The Swarthy Men seem to have adopted Hithlum, and near Himring, had some 135 this period.17 the customs of their slaves in Beleriand, years before fled Beleriand (after the Dagor The Swarthy Men, from whom had come taking over their estates and homesteads. Bragollach) and settled in the lands east of But we cannot know whether they came the Ered Luin.10 From the mountains to the the peoples of Bór and Ulfang, also continued to live in northern Eriador.18 They from an inferior culture in the east. Yet, it Baranduin and the Hills of Evendim (by seems that until the Dúnedain returned to 11 apparently were the Forodwaith, some of lake Nenuial) was Elvish country. The Middle-earth most Men lived in primitive Nandor were related to the Laegrim. As whom had undoubtedly served Morgoth. But a few clans seem to have stayed out of societies. So perhaps the eastern clans who there is no mention of towns or cities among became the Forodwaith were more primitive these Elves, they may have lived a woodland the wars entirely, and these dwelt north of the Elvish and Edainic lands. From them than the Edain and must have had no large life, hunting and gathering the fruits of the communities throughout the Second Age. forest, wandering through the land.12 may have come the Lossoth who in the Third Age gave aid to Arvedui in his last Although the Edain had entered Beleriand winter. It is conceivable that some of the THE EARLY LINDON 300 years earlier, not all seem to have left Swarthy Men settled near the Mountains of Eriador, and in fact at least two groups fled Angmar and in the lands between the Y EARS (S.A. 50-600): the wars in the west to return to Eriador. Hithaeglir and the domain of the Edainic In this time Gil-galad and other Eldarin These were Edain of the First and Third 13 peoples. Although other Men may already lords turned their attention to the east. The Houses (Bëorians and Marachians). Their have dwelt there, the Forodwaith may have Sindar began migrating east.19 homelands in the east appear to have been been the ancestors of the Men of Angmar the North Downs and the South Downs, Since Sauron began building the Barad- and the hill tribes of Rhudaur in the Third dûr in S.A. 1000, the migration of the Sindar and all the lands in-between. The small Age. group of hills known as Tyrn Gorthad, the could have occurred at almost any time, but western-most rim of the South Downs (and Culturally the Edain of Eriador must have “The Tale of Years” continues with: “Later later known as the Barrow-downs) also been similar to the Dúnedain before they left some of the Noldor went to Eregion...” appear to have housed Edainic peoples.14 Beleriand. The Dúnedain (in Beleriand) had Now, we know that Eregion was settled at The Weather Hills marked the easternmost built homesteads in the woods and hills, the earliest in S.A. 700 (Unfinished Tales, p. boundary of the lands of the Edain in stockades in times of need, and generally 235) but no later than S.A. 750. So, the Eriador. were a wood-using rather than stone-using Sindarin migration must have occurred people. The possible exception would have before 700. This work infers a gradual or These Men had not had contact with their been the Marachians of Hithlum, who dwelt multi-step migration; i.e., the Sindar at first western kin for more than 150 years when amid the Noldor, who themselves built with settled in Eriador, but when the Noldor star- the Edain of Beleriand set sail into the 15 stone. But the Marachians and Bëorians ted moving east some of the Sindar then left west. In Eriador the Edain grazed their who returned to Eriador in the First Age Eriador altogether. Other interpretations are flocks on the hills, and perhaps herded cattle 16 had come from Estolad, not Hithlum (or possible. Although Círdan’s Falathrim were as well. However, as the Edain of Ladros, the region in Dorthonion which had at ease with the Noldor, the Eglath of Beleriand had remained in friendship with been given to the Bëorians). Doriath seem to have generally disliked ———————————————————————————————————— 21 OTHER HANDS —————————————————————————— the Noldor, blaming them for the lands.26 destruction of Beleriand and particularly for THE EXPANSION If we accept this tradition as correct, then the ruin of Doriath and Arvernien (though YEARS the arrival of the Eldar began a series of only a few of the Noldor had had any part in migrations which had an impact on all of 20 those misdeeds). (S.A. 600 -1000): Eriador and Gondor’s history. The “fisher- We know only that Celeborn ruled the These years differ from the Migration folk” pushed into the mountains, displacing Sindar in Harlindon during the early years. Years in that the ultimate destinations of the the Drúedain, who appear to have spread However, Sindarin (Doriathian) influence peoples who moved existed within Eriador, east and west. From the mountains the new in Eriador must have gradually increased as rather than outside of it. The Noldor (and Men spread into Calenardhon, Enedwaith, more Elves passed eastward. Perhaps some Sindar) passed eastward to establish and Minhiriath. Celeborn himself led the expansion of Eregion. The Dwarves of Khazad-dûm Eventually, groups settled in the Cape of Beleriandic culture into Eriador. But extended their realm west through the Eryn Vorn, the Bree land in the middle of eventually it was Gil-galad, High King of mountains so they could trade with Eregion. Eriador (where previously the Edain had the Elves of the West, whose authority was The Dúnedain returned to Middle-earth dwelt), Dunland in the east of Enedwaith, recognized through the Elvish lands during these years, not yet to stay but and in regions that later became part of between Baranduin and the Sea. This simply to visit. But Aldarion and his Gondor. extension of Gil-galad’s authority may be one Venturers’ Guild built a haven at the mouth of two reasons why princes like Oropher Although he leaves in doubt the origin of of the Gwathló, and they established forts these Men, Tolkien does confirm the rest and Amdír led some of their people east. 23 along the river. Eventually, a small port of their history as mentioned in Unfinished Since word eventually reached the Noldor was established near Eregion itself at the Tales in Appendix F of The Lord of the in Lindon about the discovery of mithril in 24 later site of Tharbad. Rings: “....Alien, too, or only remotely akin, Khazad-dum, it seems that during this was the language of the Dunlendings. period they maintained their friendship with It was interest in mithril which led the These were a remnant of the peoples that the Dwarves, even though most of the Noldor to Eregion, but they built their city had dwelt in the vales of the White Dwarves in Ered Luin after the Migration of Ost-in-Edhil and other dwellings there, Mountains in ages past. The Dead Men of Years were descended from the Dwarves of and they established a guild of jewel-smiths 21 Dunharrow were of their kin. But in the Nogrod. It was the Host of Nogrod which (the Gwaith-i-Mírdain). The Dúnedain had sacked Menegroth, and the Dwarves of were interested in mithril, too, but they also Dark Years others had removed to the that city had slain Thingol. Nogrod’s harvested the forests for timber, which was southern dales of the Misty Mountains; dwarves may have relocated in the region of used to build ships or taken back to and thence some had passed into the empty the Ered Luin which bordered Harlindon, Númenor. And during these years two lands as far north as the Barrow-downs. and this may be the second reason why the kindreds of Men drifted north into From them came the Men of Bree....” (The Sindar undertook their migrations into the Enedwaith and Minhiriath, the southern Return of the King, pp. 407-8). They East.22 region of Eriador. feared the Elves, however, and did not traffic with Eregion or Gil-galad’s domains. Appendix A to The Lord of the Rings says: The Drúedain of Eriador were akin to At first they did engage in friendly “....Dwarves dwelt, and still dwell, in the those who had lived in Beleriand and exchanges with the Dúnedain, who taught east side of the Blue Mountains, especially Númenor, and may in fact have been them the use of iron among other skills.27 in those parts south of the Gulf of Lhûn, reinforced by them as the western Drúedain But these were a primitive, forest-dwelling where they have mines that are still in use” abandoned Númenor. These dwelt mostly in 25 people who were appalled at the great (The Return of the King, p. 319). the coastal lands. The Dunlendings had pushed their way north, settling in many destruction of the woods, and in time they Belegost was said to have been built on began raiding the Dúnadan forts.28 the northern side of Mount Dolmed, which was near the center of the Ered Luin (The Silmarillion, p. 91). If Mount Dolmed was in fact about even with Lake Nenuial, then probably the Dwarves of Nogrod migrated southward after their city was destroyed, establishing new mines near Harlindon. It seems that some traffic between the Noldor and Dwarves continued from the beginning of the age, and that the Dwarves who remained in Ered Luin communicated (probably traded with) the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm. 22 ———————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 invaded Eriador he overran all their lands as THE YEARS OF well as Eregion. Although Sauron was aided THE YEARS ISOLATION by the Dunlendings, some of them may have OF CONFLICT come to regret giving such aid once Sauron (S.A. 1000 -1500): burned all the ancient forests away. It could (S.A. 2251 -3261): After Tar-Aldarion’s death in S.A. 1075 be that the group who became the Men of Although no further wars occurred in the Dúnedain took less interest in Middle- Bree settled in that region (Tyrn Gorthad) Eriador, Sauron continued to harass the earth (largely because his daughter, Tar- shortly after the War of the Elves and Elves throughout the rest of the age.36 The Ancalimë, had no interest in it).29 The Sauron. conflicts, however, gradually shifted from Dúnedain undoubtedly continued to visit THE BLACK YEARS the Elves to the Dúnedain, who began Lindon and Eregion, but were not led by a establishing permanent fortresses and cities great lord with an active interest in such (S.A. 1701-2251): in Middle-earth soon after the War of the ventures as Aldarion had been. Elves and Sauron. The Nazgûl first app- These may have been the days of flight for eared during this time, and the Númenó- Sauron’s activity in Middle-earth became more than just the Elves. Since Eriador was reans became a divided people. Gradually, more ominous. He established himself in laid waste during the war, the Edainic more and more of the Faithful Númenó- Mordor and began to work against the peoples were either destroyed or driven reans settled in north-western Middle-earth, Eldar by trying to seduce them. His success off.33 Elrond gathered many Men and Elves close to the Eldar of Edhellond and Lindon. in Eregion despite Gil-galad's attempts to when he fled north with the remnants of his oppose Sauron implies that Celebrimbor army and the survivors of Eregion. Thus, it Although Pelargir became the greatest chose not to adhere to all of Gil-galad's is possible that the Edain left Eriador at this haven of the Faithful, many Dúnedain must policies. Hence, these years represent a time time, migrating eastward to settle in the also have settled in Eriador, spreading north of division, however slight, among the Vales of Anduin, where other Elvish peoples from Lond Daer and Tharbad into Minhi- Eldar. dwelt, but also far removed from the riath and the lands of the downs where the devastations of Sauron’s war.34 Edainic peoples had lived previously. It may THE YEARS be that some Dúnedain also settled north Although Khazad-dûm’s western gate was and west of the Baranduin and in the hills of closed, Gil-galad seems to have maintained OF THE RINGS Evendim during these years. contact with the Dwarves.35 Elrond’s (S.A. 1500-1701): establishment of Imladris indicates the Elves It was also during these years that the Once the Gwaith-i-Mírdain started retained an interest in Eriador, but their Drúedain left Númenor, fearful of the shadow which had fallen upon the Dún- forging the Rings of Power, they must have lands between the Lhûn and Baranduin had 37 caused quite a stir among the Elven lords been overrun during the war. It’s unlikely edain. They appear to have settled along even though the Rings themselves appear this region ever fully recovered from that the coasts of Middle-earth from Andrast to not to have been matters of common disaster, as many centuries later Gil-galad the Gwathló. They did not get along with knowledge (even the Dúnedain seem not to ceded it to Elendil and the Dúnedain for the the Dunlendings and their kin. Thus, it may have known about the Rings at this time).30 establishment of Arnor. be there were small conflicts in Calenar- dhon, Enedwaith, and Eriador between the The prospect of being able to extend the Thus, most of Eriador must have been a Dunlendings and the other peoples. Eldar’s joy in Middle-earth through the wasteland through these years. The Rings—to delay the “world-weariness” that ancient forests never grew back, but was inevitable for every Elf—would have the lands recovered to some extent done much to restore the ancient friendships from Sauron’s scorched earth between the Elven kindreds. But that plan policies. The Dunlendings who lived never reached fruition. north of the Gwathló withdrew into Within 10 years of the creation of the the few remaining forests (like Eryn three greatest Rings of Power, Sauron Vorn and the woods of the Bree- forged the One Ring in Orodruin, and the land), but there may have been a Elves knew they would soon be embroiled mixed people, partly of Edainic in another war.31 The Dúnedain, though blood, partly of Dunlending blood, ignorant of its causes, did not just show up who lived throughout Minhiriath at the last minute once the war had begun. and other parts of Eriador, and who They established a haven in Lindon where eventually were absorbed into they built up troops and supplies over a Elendil’s realm. period of years. And they maintained, perhaps even strengthened, their forts on the Gwathló from Lond Daer to Tharbad. On the other hand Sauron was able to use the Dunlendings to harass the Dúnedain.32 It may be even that the Edainic peoples of central Eriador, by now quite an ancient culture, were drawn into the preliminary conflicts. At the very least when Sauron ——————————————————————————————————— 23 OTHER HANDS —————————————————————————— The Breefolk of the Third Age lived in stone houses, built fences, and engaged in some commerce, but these activities may all have been developed under Dúnadan rule. In the Second Age the Dunlendings and their kin must have been forced to make a gradual transition from forest-dwellers to farmers, fishers, and raiders. Their villages would be scattered far and wide, but must have been numerous and large enough to warrant the maintenance of the ancient forts on the Gwathló. THE RESPITE YEARS (S.A. 3261-3319): These were the years of Sauron’s THE internment in Númenor. While he seduced ARNORIAN the greater part of the Dúnedain to his cause many of the Faithful sailed to Middle-earth, YEARS and some undoubtedly settled in Eriador as well as in or near Pelargir.38 But these were (S.A.3319-3441): also the years in which Gil-galad extended The last phase of Eriador’s history in the was abandoned by this time, perhaps his power deep into Middle-earth. Eriador’s Second Age was ushered in with the arrival destroyed by the great cataclysm which conflicts, however small and sporadic, must of Elendil’s four ships in Mithlond. Gil- sank Númenor beneath the waves forever.42 have ceased in this time. The Eldar began to galad built the three towers of Emyn Beraid re-establish links among the Elven realms so for his friend but the Númenórean Tharbad itself must have become that Gil-galad’s authority and military prominent in the wake of Lond Daer’s 39 Dúnedain must have quickly contacted the strength extended beyond Eriador. Dúnedain of Eriador, or perhaps hearing destruction (or deterioration). It was Since Elendil was able to establish a large that a descendant of Elros had survived the actually two cities, with garrisons kingdom soon after the destruction of wreck of their homeland the Dúnedain maintained on both sides of the river, one 43 Númenor, this peaceful phase must have living there asked Elendil to be their king. from each kingdom. Serving also as Elendil’s chief port and being close to seen a growth in Eriador’s population. The In any event, new cities arose at Khazad-dûm, the city may have enjoyed a Dúnedain may have been actively Annúminas and Fornost, and the kingdom rich and interesting culture for many years colonizing the former Elvish lands east of of Arnor spread out across the region. into the Third Age. the Lhûn even during these years, and other Although no mention is made of Elves Men would be settling quietly throughout continuing to dwell in the lands that became Minhiriath. FOOTNOTES Arnor, the Wandering Companies must 1. In fact, “Glanduin” means “border river” The prospect of increased commerce could have continued to pass through the lands and it was recognized as the southern not have gone unnoticed by the Dwarves. they had known for thousands of years. boundary of Eregion (Unfinished Tales, p. Even if the Dwarves of Ered Luin were too Arnor must have seemed quite the melting 441). few to take advantage of the renewal of pot for more than a hundred years: Elves, 2. Karen Wynn Fonstad estimates the total civilization in Eriador the Dwarves of Dúnedain, Dunlendings, Dwarves, and area of Arnor was 245,847 square miles Khazad-dûm had the numbers and the perhaps other Men of mixed stock, or of the (The Atlas of Middle-earth, Revised Edition, historical interests for doing so. ancient Edainic and Forodwaith clans all p. 191). However, the revised map of dwelt under the crowns of Elendil and Gil- Middle-earth published by Christopher galad. Tolkien with the “final” edition of The Although much traffic had passed through Lord of the Rings implies a smaller area. Eriador for thousands of years, the 3. In the commentary he provides on “Al- Númenóreans were credited with building darion and Erendis,” Christopher the great highways which ran from Lindon Tolkien notes that Ancalimë’s lover to Imladris, and from Fornost to Tharbad.40 “sang to her songs that came out of far- They also built many towers throughout the off days, when the Edain pastured their land, which work required stone from flocks in Eriador long ago, before ever appropriate quarries. The Gwathló was they met the Eldar” (Unfinished Tales, p. used as a highway as well, for it was thought 209). that the fastest route from Gondor to Arnor 4. Many references support this in the un- (at least when the kingdoms were first published works which have appeared in established) was to sail north to the Gwathló The History Of Middle-earth. However, and then up to Tharbad, and then the only the chapter “Of the Sindar” in The 41 reverse. The ancient harbor at Lond Daer Silmarillion seems to 24 ———————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 represent any final form of substantiation recognizably Sindar. they may also have herded cattle. Since the for such early linkages between Beleri- 11. In relating the first meeting of the Dúne- shepherds of Númenor seem to have come and’s peoples and the peoples of Eriador dain with the Edain of Eriador, Christo- largely from the Bëorians, it may be that or more distant lands. pher Tolkien writes: .”..Elsewhere in this the flocks of Eriador were Bëorian flocks, 5. The Edain appear to have had dealings - essay it is explained that these Men dwelt rather than Marachian flocks. with the Dwarves in Eriador, not always about Lake Evendim, in the North Downs 17. Cf. notes 11 and 13 above. It would be friendly, because Androg, one of Túrin’s and Weather Hills, and in the lands be- strange for the Edain of Eriador to have outlaws, says to Mîm the Petty-dwarf: tween as far as the Brandywine, west of established contact with the Eldar of Lin- “’...For Androg does not like Dwarves. His which they often wandered though they don soon after the departure of the Dúne- people brought few good tales of that race did not dwell there” (Unfinished Tales, p. dain and to have heard nothing of their out of the East.’” (Unfinished Tales, p. 97). 214). sailing. Hence, it must be that the renewal 6. “Thus ended the Siege of Angband....The 12. In The Fellowship of the Ring we are given a of friendship between Eldar and Edain in most part of the Grey-elves fled south and rare sight of how the Elves might have Middle-earth was at least one or two gen- forsook the northern war....and some fled lived in ancient Eriador in the chapter erations after S.A. 32, but perhaps before the land and hid themselves in Ossiriand, “Three’s Company,” when Frodo, Sam, S.A. 100. or passing the mountains wandered home- and Pippin are given a night’s shelter by 18. “It was after thought that the people of less in the wild....” (The Silmarillion, p. Gildor Inglorion’s company. However, his Ulfang were already secretly in the service 151). folk were Noldor and they mentioned hav- of Morgoth ere they came to Beleriand. 7. The Edain dwelling in Estolad (Bëorians ing halls in a more distant region (prob- Not so the people of Bór, who were wor- and Marachians, the First and Third ably close to Imladris, according to The thy folk and tillers of the earth. Of them, it Houses of the Edain) held a great council Road Goes Ever On, p. 66). Except for the is said, came the most ancient of the Men in which they debated the merits of staying Elvenking’s feasts in The Hobbit, Tolkien that dwelt in the north of Eriador in the in Beleriand. Afterwards, Amlach, a does not reveal how the woodland Elves Second Age and [? read in] after-days” grandson of Marach, came back to find he lived in any region, and Thranduil actually (The War of the Jewels, p. 61). had been impersonated: .”..Many therefore dwelt in an underground cavern city. 19. This is based upon “The History of of those that yet remained in Estolad made 13. In a continuation of his commentary cited Galadriel and Celeborn” in Unfinished ready to depart; and Bereg [a grandson of in note 11 above, Christopher Tolkien Tales, which implies an early migration. Bëor] led a thousand of the people of Bëor writes: .”..It appears that they were in ori- The Appendix in The Lord of the Rings says away southwards, and they passed out of gin Men of the same stock as the Peoples only “in the beginning of [the Second Age] the songs of those days. But Amlach re- of Bëor and Hador who had not crossed many of the High Elves still remained. pented, saying: ‘I have now a quarrel of the Blue Mountains into Beleriand during Most of these dwelt in Lindon west of the my own with this Master of Lies, which the First Age” (Unfinished Tales, p. 214). Ered Luin; but before the building of the will last to my life's end,’....But those of his The essay referred to does not necessarily Barad-dur many of the Sindar passed people who were of like mind with Bereg conflict with the accounts in The Silmaril- eastward, and some established realms in chose a new leader, and they went back lion if we assume the refugees from Beleri- the forests far away...” (The Return of the over the mountains into Eriador, and are and were absorbed into existing popula- King, p. 363). forgotten” (The Silmarillion, p. 145). Earlier tions. 20. Unfinished Tales, p. 258. Of course, this it is written: “But many men remained in 14. I include the South Downs because passage is at a slight variance with that Estolad, and there was still a mingled peo- Tolkien included the following passage in given on pp. 280-1. Yet Celeborn was mis- ple living there long years after, until in the the history of Arnor: “’It is said that the trustful toward Dwarves, as Oropher was ruin of Beleriand they were overwhelmed mounds of Tyrn Gorthad, as the Barrow- said to be. Since he was married to Gala- or fled back into the East” (ibid., p. 144). downs were called of old, are very ancient, driel, Celeborn may have been much less The “ruin of Beleriand” occurred after the and that many were built in the days of the judgmental of the Noldor in general. Also, Dagor Bragollach in F.A. 455. old world of the First Age by the forefa- one of the traditions for the founding of 8. “..And after the victory of the Lords of the thers of the Edain, before they crossed the Edhellond suggests that Sindar of Doriath, West those of the evil Men who were not Blue Mountains into Beleriand...’” (The wishing to get away from the Noldor, es- destroyed fled back east, where many of Return of the King, p. 321). Tyrn Gorthad tablished the southern haven (ibid., p. 247). their race were still wandering in the un- was separated from the South Downs by 21. In the essay “Concerning Galadriel and harvested lands, wild and lawless, refusing the defile named “andrath” (Unfinished Celeborn” Tolkien writes “There were and alike the summons of the Valar and of Tales, p. 348). always remained some Dwarves on the Morgoth” (The Silmarillion, p. 259). 15. The First Age lasted 590 years, and the eastern side of Ered Lindon, where the 9. The West-gate of Moria (Khazad-dûm) last group of Edain to flee Beleriand did so very ancient mansions of Nogrod and was not built until Eregion was founded. in the year 455. Thus, from F.A. 455 to Belegost had been — not far from Hence, the only entrance to Khazad-dûm S.A. 32 was 167 years. On the length of Nenuial; but they had transferred most of was on the eastern side of the mountains. the First Age see The War of the Jewels, p. their strength to Khazad-dûm....The Although there was the Redhorn Pass and 346. Dwarves of Belegost were filled with dis- at least one other close by, traffic seems to 16. “..For it was this Brodda who had seized may at the [sack of Menegroth] and fear have been more northerly. The ancient the people, the goods, and the cattle of for its outcome, and this hastened their de- Dwarf Road of Rhovanion ran to the High Húrin’s homelands...” (Unfinished Tales, parture eastwards to Khazad-dum” (Unfin- Pass above Imladris. p. 69). Tolkien does not indicate where or ished Tales, p. 235). 10. Cf. note 6 above. It may be erroneous to when the Edain began herding cattle, but 22. Of course, placing Nogrod and Belegost suggest that any of the Sindar were still if they were herding sheep in Eriador then on the maps which show ——————————————————————————————————— 25 OTHER HANDS —————————————————————————— Eriador is not easy. Karen Wynn Fon- Rhona Beare the secrecy surrounding the the King, p. 326). stad’s maps of Beleriand and Eriador in- Rings of Power: .”..(I do not think Ar- C) Appendix F says “most of the Men of the dicate that Belegost was located in the Pharazôn knew anything about the One northern regions of West-lands were de- southern Ered Luin near Harlindon, but Ring. The Elves kept the matter of the scended from the Edain of the First Age, this placement contradicts Tolkien’s own Rings very secret, as long as they or from their close kin” (ibid., p. 407). writings and is puzzling. could...)” (The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, D) The essay “The Northmen and the 23. Tolkien does not say when the forts were p. 279). Wainriders” in “Cirion and Eorl and the built, but they seem to be derived from 31. “The Tale of Years” indicates Celebrim- Friendship of Gondor and Rohan” says the ongoing conflicts between the bor forged the Three around the year S.A. “these Northmen were descendants of the Númenóreans and the Dunlendings who 1590, and Sauron forged the One around same race of Men as those who in the lived in Enedwaith and Minhiriath. The the year S.A. 1600 (The Return of the First Age passed into the West of Middle- clearest mention of these forts is made in King, p. 364). Presumably, all of the Elves earth [Beleriand] and became the allies of Appendix D to “The History of Galadriel who were wearing Great Rings when the Eldar in their wars with Morgoth” and Celeborn,” titled “The Port of Lond Sauron spoke the ominous words “One (Unfinished Tales, p. 288). A note ap- Daer,” in Unfinished Tales), p. 263. Ring to rule them All, One Ring to find pended to this sentence reads: “The 24. Ibid. .”..But later they penetrated north- them, One Ring to bring them all and in Northmen appear to have been most ward [up the Gwath-hir > Gwathló] as far the Darkness bind them” perished in the nearly akin to the third and greatest of the as the beginning of the great fenlands; war, and the chronicle of those events was peoples of the Elf-friends, ruled by the though it was still long before they had written down from secondhand sources. House of Hador. [Authors note.]” (p. the need or sufficient men to undertake The only account of how they received 310). the great works of drainage and dyke- their Rings indicates that Gil-galad and E) The Northmen were those Men who building that made a great port on the site Galadriel were not original Keepers, but lived in the Vales of Anduin and along the where Tharbad stood in the days of the were entrusted with the Rings after Celduin in the Third Age, according to Two Kingdoms.” Celebrimbor discovered Sauron’s treach- the Appendix in The Return of the King (p. 25. Some of the commentary in “The Battles ery (Unfinished Tales, p. 237). 407). The earliest mentions of these Men of the Fords of Isen” identifies the barba- 32. “..The denuding of the lands was in- are provided in “The Sindarin Princes of rous fisher-folk mentioned in “The Port of creased during the war in Eriador; for the the Silvan Elves” and “The Disaster of the Lond Daer” with Drúedain. These peo- exiled natives welcomed Sauron and Gladden Fields” (Unfinished Tales, pp. ples lived along the coast of Enedwaith hoped for his victory over the Men of the 259, 276) where they are named as the rather than in Eriador. Probably those Sea. Sauron knew of the importance to Free Men of the North and “certain who left Númenor were taken to Lond his enemies of the Great Haven and its Woodmen who got news to Thranduil by Daer rather than Pelargir or other havens ship-yards, and he used these haters of runners “Both essays indicate the times on the coasts. Cf. Unfinished Tales, pp. 262, Númenor as spies and guides for his raid- when these Northmen enter into the tales 370, 377-87. ers...” (Unfinished Tales, p. 263). are early in the Third Age (i.e., more-or- 26. It may be more appropriate to refer to 33. “But now Sauron attempted to gain the less contemporary events). them as the Men of Ered Nimrais than mastery of Eriador: Lórinand could wait. F) No further mention is made of Edainic Dunlendings, but even this appellation But as he ravaged the lands, slaying or peoples in Eriador until the Faithful begin fails to convey the immense breadth of driving off all the small groups of Men settling in Middle-earth close to Lindon. their dispersal and history. The earliest and hunting the remaining Elves, many The only other Men who are specifically mention of a race of Men who might be fled to swell Elrond s host to the north- placed in the north are the Men of Bree, the forefathers of the barbarians who ward.... Eriador was cleared of the enemy, who came from a branch of the Dunlend- fought with the Númenóreans are a small but lay largely in ruins” (ibid., pp. 238-9). ings who settled in Tyrn Gorthad (Cf. tribe of fisher-folk displaced by the Elves 34. This migration is purely speculative. note 26 above). It would seem the Edainic who founded Edhellond (in one of the However, there are several reasons why it peoples had, by the end of the Second traditions concerning that haven). They seems this is what happened: Age, disappeared completely from are said to have fled north to the moun- A) In describing the Rohirrim to Frodo, Eriador, or at least no longer controlled tains (Unfinished Tales, p. 247). Faramir says of them: .”..Indeed it is said the vast region they once had. 27. “Akallabêth” states that the Númenóre- by our lore-masters that they have from of G) Since many Men had fled to Elrond dur- ans taught the Men of Middle-earth to till old this affinity with us that they are come ing the War of the Elves and Sauron, they the lands, but in “A Description of from those same Three Houses of Men as would have been in a position to pass east Númenor” Tolkien writes: “It was indeed -were the Númenóreans in their begin- over the mountains into the Vales of An- their grievance, when the Shadow crept ning; not from Hador the Goldenhaired, duin. Eriador had been laid waste and the along the coasts and men whom they had the Elf-friend, maybe, yet from such of his great forests had been burned off by befriended became afraid or hostile, that sons and people as went not over Sea into Sauron. There was probably no where iron was used against them by those to the West, refusing the call” (The Two Tow- else they could have settled for many whom they had revealed it” (Unfinished ers, p. 287). years after the war... Tales, pp. 170-1). B) Appendix A says of the relationship be- 35. Or renewed contact with them, since 28. Cf. “The Port of Lond Daer” in Unfin- tween Gondor and the Northmen “the they marched with him against Sauron at ished Tales, pp. 261-5. kings showed them favour, since they the end of the Second Age. 29. “After Aldarion’s death she neglected all were the nearest in kin of lesser Men to 36. “From that time war never ceased be- his policies, and gave no further aid to the Dúnedain (being for the most part de- tween Sauron and the Elves;....Yet there Gil-galad” (ibid., p. 220). scendants of those peoples from whom the came at length a stay in the onslaught of 30. In 1958 Tolkien mentioned in a letter to Edain of old had come)....” (The Return of Sauron upon the 26 ———————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 westlands. For, as is told in Akallabêth, he and ancient isles were drowned, and new was challenged by the might of Númenor” isles were uplifted; and hills crumbled and (The Silmarillion, pp. 288, 290). rivers were turned into strange courses” 37. In fact, they began leaving Númenor (The Silmarillion, p. 280). 43. “..Before the during Tar-Aldarion’s time, but the decay of the North Kingdom...both king- sources do not agree on when there were doms shared an interest in this region no more Drúedain in Númenor. One ac- [Enedwaith], and together built and count says the last departed when Sauron maintained the Bridge of Tharbad and the was brought to Númenor by Ar-Pharazôn long causeways that carried the road to it (Unfinished Tales, p. 386). on either side of the Gwathló and Mithei- 38. This seems to be implied by the passage thel across the fens in the plains of Min- which reads: “Now the Elendili dwelt hiriath and Enedwaith [Cf. note 41 mostly in the -western regions of above]. A considerable garrison of sol- Númenor; but Ar-Gimilzôr commanded diers, mariners, and engineers had been all that he could discover to be of this kept there until the seventeenth century party to remove from the west and dwell of the Third Age...” (Unfinished Tales, p. in the east of the land; and there they 264). were -watched. And the chief dwelling of the Faithful in the later days was thus SOURCES nigh to the harbour of Rómenna; thence Carpenter, Humphrey (ed.) many set sail to Middle-earth, seeking the 1981 The Letters of J.RR. Tolkien, Hough- northern coasts where they might speak ton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0-395-31555- still with the Eldar in the kingdom of Gil- 7 galad. This was known to the kings, but Fonstad, Karen Wynn they hindered it not, so long as the Elendili departed from their lands and did 1991 The Atlas of Middle-earth (Revised not return...” (The Silmarillion, p. 268). Edition), Houghton Mifflin Company. There was only one king after Ar- ISBN 0-395-53516-6 Gimilzôr who was unfriendly to the Faith- Tolkien, John Ronald Reuel ful, and that was Ar-Pharazôn, his grand- 1967 The Road Goes Ever On, with Donald son. Nothing in the tale of Ar-Pharazôn Swan, Ballantine. indicates that the Faithful stopped sailing 1977 The Silmarillion, Christopher to Middle-earth. Tolkien, ed., Houghton Mifflin Company. 39. After the destruction of Númenor ISBN 0-395-25730-1 Sauron returned to Middle-earth, and “there he found that the power of Gil- 1980 Unfinished Tales, Christopher galad had grown great in the years of his Tolkien, ed., Houghton Mifflin Company. absence, and it was spread now over wide ISBN 0-395-29917-9 regions of the north and west, and had 1993 The Fellowship of the Ring (2nd Edi- passed beyond the Misty Mountains and tion), Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN the Great River even to the borders of 0-395-48931-8 Greenwood the Great, and was drawing 1993 The Return of the King (2nd Edition), night to the strong places where once he Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0-395- had dwelt secure” (ibid., p. 290). 48930-X 40. “..in those days the only Númenórean 1993 The Two Towers (2nd Edition), roads were the great road linking Gondor Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0-395- and Arnor, through Calenardhon, then 48933-4 north over the Gwathló at Tharbad, and so at last to Fornost; and the East-West Road from the Grey Havens to Im- ladris..." {Unfinished Tales, p. 278). 41. 41. "In the early days of the kingdoms the most expeditious route from one to the other (except for great armaments) was found to be by sea to the ancient port at the head of the estuary of the Gwathló and so to the river-port of Tharbad, and thence by Road” (itd., p. 264). 42. “..And all the coasts and seaward re- gions of the western world suffered great change and ruin in that time; for the seas invaded the lands, and shores foundered, ——————————————————————————————————— 27 THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION OF ERIADOR AND GONDOR AND ITS RELATIONSHIPS TO THE NÚMENÓREANS AND THEIR ALLIES

Lalaith: Winkeler Strasse 3, D-65197 Those of Rhovanion “appear to have Wiesbaden, Germany THE FIRST AGE been most nearly akin to the third and ([email protected]) rom the First Age, scarcely any data greatest of the peoples of the Elf-friends, The recorded history of Middle-earth centers on Fon them have survived. The Elves of ruled by the House of Hador” (CE), while the Elves and those Men who joined them. Little is Beleriand did not gaze beyond the those who settled in Eriador after the known about the other,), those inhabitants of Ered Luin, and the early Men possessed no crossing of the Misty Mountains were Eriador and Gondor who were not reckoned, written records. It can be deduced, mixed of Hador’s and Beor’s Peoples however loosely, among the Elf-friends. Elves and however, that they immigrated into (AE). The latter contingency was later Dwarves ignored them, the Hobbits had no northwestern Middle-earth on two different reinforced by relatives who in fear of the accounts transmitted, official Dúnadan and paths. Evil Power turned back from their Rohirric policy undifferentiatedly stamped them The Peoples of Bëor and Hador crossed encampment in Beleriand; “and they went with labels reading “wild” and “enemy”—despite the Hithaeglir or Misty Mountains in the back over the mountains into Eriador, and their remote ancestors, the Three Houses of the North, close to the dreadful Ered Engrin were forgotten.” (S) Somewhat after them, Edain, having all shown “traces of mingling in the and yet outside of Morgoth’s Shadow. the Forodwaith followed their traces and past with Men of other kinds.” (DM) Thus, the Shortly before they reached Beleriand, “in settled right in the ever-cold valleys of the story of their fates was never compiled but spread Eriador and Rhovanion (especially in the Iron Mountains where later was the Bay of in mere glimpses across numerous sources. It is, northern parts) their kindred must already Forochel. And by many generations they however, worth the task to extract their many- have occupied much of the land.” (DM) grew accustomed to the inhospitable faceted history from the available material.

28 ———————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 climate. Only a few of them lasted to come between as far as the Brandywine, west of into the age of history: their chief THE SECOND AGE which they often wandered though they did descendants became the Lossoth, a nomadic It is evident that in the Second Age, “the not dwell there.” (AE, DM) people along the coasts of Forochel. dark years for Men of Middle-earth” (KR) Thus alone of the indigenous population in which “Middle-earth went backward and The people of Haleth, however, took the of Middle-earth they had stayed in contact light and wisdom faded” (AK), the pre- with Gil-galad’s kingdom of Lindon, and Southern path through the later Gap of Númenóreans finally entered recorded his- “they were friendly with the Elves, though Rohan, and then turned northwards to tory as an already numerous and wide- they held them in awe and close friendships Eriador, rejoining the other Peoples at Ered spread population. Starting out from their between them were rare. Also they feared Luin. This is evident from the notion that “an abodes in the White Mountains, they had the Sea and would not look upon it.” (DM) emigrant branch of the Drúedain slowly filtered through the Gap of Rohan: Yet some sources even indicate temporarily accompanied [them], but most had remained “in the Dark Years [they] had removed to mixed settlements, for numerous Elves led in the White Mountains, in spite of their the southern dales of the Misty Mountains; by Galadriel and Celeborn “for a while ... persecution by later-arrived Men, who had and thence some had passed into the empty dwelt in the country about Lake Nenuial relapsed into the service of the Dark.” Some lands as far north as Bree.” (LP) (Evendim, north of the Shire).” (GC) It of the Drúedain, though, later expanded In the first millennium of the Dark Years, may be possible that the pre-Númenórean down the Cape of Andrast without meeting the pre-Númenóreans, terrorized by enclave of Bree-country was then already resistance, and a few of them once would scattered refugees from eliminated present inmidst these Northmen territories. make it even to Númenor— for a while Angband, inhabited much of the territory Anyway, there was never likely to have (TD). In the Third Age, some of their between the shores and the Hithaeglir. been a distinct borderline between the remnants were known as the Woses who were None of them yet admitted obediance to Northmen and the pre-Númenóreans, and movement to and fro must have been living hidden in the Drúadan Forest, hunted Sauron, though, and “Men in those parts abundant. by Rohirrim like beasts. Thus in general, the remain [ed] more or less uncorrupted if ignorant [and] in a simple ‘Homeric’ state of Drúedain turned distrustful against other When about the year S.A. 600 the first patriarchal and tribal life.” (Letters, no. 131) Númenórean ships arrived in Lindon, Men and remained secretive throughout In fact, many of those who dared to live in most of their existence. meeting with Gil-galad, “the news spread the forests “of the shore-lands south of the swiftly and Men in Eriador were filled with But important for this discussion are their Ered Luin, especially in Minhiriath, were as wonder.” Before long, a meeting between dark persecutors, for they probably provide later historians recognized the kin of the the sailors and twelve messengers of the the earliest glimpse of the fertile nation which Folk of Haleth.” (DM) Northmen came to pass on the Tower Hills, in Beleriand was collectively called the But most of the pre-Númenóreans lived and for a limited time “they mingled in Easterlings and by Third Age historians the far from the coasts, which they feared due friendship.” (AE) It seems that it was this pre-Númenóreans. Slowly they expanded to the past inundations. (DM) “The meeting which found its way into the Bree- through Gondor and southern Eriador. A Minhiriath and the western half of country legend according to which the popular legend among the Men of Bree, Enedwaith between the Greyflood and the arriving shipmen had found the Bree-folk descending from them, tells that in this very Isen were still covered with dense forest. still where they had been left in the Elder location they had already “survived the The shores of the Bay of Belfalas were still Days. The newcomers remarked that “the native people,” whether Northmen or pre- turmoils of the Elder Days” (FR); but such mainly desolate, except for a haven and Númenóreans, “were fairly numerous and claims have to be taken with a grain of salt. small settlement of Elves at the mouth of the confluence of Morthond and Ringló.” (DM) warlike, but they were forest-dwellers, The Elves of this port of Edhellond reported scattered communities without central that “there was already a primitive harbour leadership.” (GC) Unfortunately, the there of fisherfolk, but these in fear of the Númenóreans “failed to recognize the Eldar fled into the mountains” (GC), joining Forest-folk of Minhiriath as ‘kinsmen’, and those who were already there. In the late confused them with Men of the Shadow” Third Age, their cultural influence was still (DM): a thorough misunderstanding which preserved in a few geographical names led to all those tragic consequences from throughout Gondor. which Eriador was later bound to suffer. In the interior of the continent, the pre- The situation which Middle-earth Númenóreans had by then turned into herd- presented to the Númenóreans resembled tenders: presumably of sheep and goats, for that which the Romans found in Gallia and horses would have been of small use in the Germania: an uncountable lot of tribal endless forests. Towards the North they territories among which border skirmishes apparently had advanced as far as the line and raids were frequent but large-scale wars from Sarn Ford to the junction of Gwathló rare. Like the Romans, the Númenóreans and Mitheithel. Here their expansion came began to cultivate the countries, “and none to a halt: northern Eriador they found yet dared to withstand them. For most of already populated by the Northmen, the the Men of that age that sat under the descendants of those colonies which the Shadow [i.e. the pre-Númenóreans] were Houses of Bëor and Hador had left behind, now grown weak and fearful. And coming mingling with late Edain from Beleriand among them the Númenóreans taught them who had not taken ships to Númenor. These many things,” such as agriculture, stonecraft were mainly concentrated in what later and smithying; but also their languages, “for turned into the population centers of Arnor: “about Lake Evendim, in the North Downs and the Weather Hills, and in the lands ——————————————————————————————————— 29 OTHER HANDS ——————————————————————————

the tongues of the Men of Middle-earth” sounded to the Númenóreans (who were used to the soft Elven and Edain tongues) like they “were fallen into brutishness, and they cried like harsh birds, or snarled like savage beasts.” (HA) By the Numenorean colonization, “the Men of Middle-earth were comforted, and here and there upon the western shores the houseless woods drew back, and Men shook off the yoke of the offspring of Morgoth, and unlearned their terror of the dark. And they revered the memory of the tall Sea-kings, and when they had departed they called them gods, hoping for their return; for at that time unappeased in their descendants, causing him; and after the year S.A. 1000, when he the Numenoreans dwelt never long in them to join with any enemies of Númenor.” had installed himself in Mordor and was Middle-earth, nor made there as yet any (DM) In self-defense, they now “attacked raising the Barad-dûr, “the Shadow crept habitation of their own.” (AK) Very probably and ambushed the Númenóreans when they along the coasts and men whom [the Núme- we have to imagine the pre-Númenóreans could, and the Númenóreans treated them as nóreans] had befriended became afraid or now like the later Bree-folk, “brown-haired, enemies, and became ruthless in their fellings, hostile.” To their sorrow, the shipmen found broad, and rather short, cheerful and giving no thought to husbandry or replan- “that iron was used against them by those to independent.” (FR) ting.” (GC) Inevitably, “the hostility was whom they had revealed it.” (DN) They growing and dark men out of the mountains answered the challenge with cultivation by However, those houseless woods drawing were thrusting into Enedwaith” in support of the sword's edge, and “the native folk that back from the coasts are only a euphemism, their kinsmen driven back by the Venturers, survived fled from Minhiriath into the dark concealing the real events. What had indeed the Númenórean sea-farer guild. (AE) woods of the great Cape of Eryn Vorn, south started was an exploitative tree-cutting in Having taken up a bitter guerrilla war, the of the mouth of the Baranduin, which they supply of Númenórean shipyards, which had pre-Númenóreans successfully advanced dared not cross, even if they could, for fear of begun under the reign of Tar-Aldarion [d. S. towards the coastline, so that about the year the Elvenfolk. From Enedwaith they took A. 1075]. At first, the Númenóreans re- S.A. 840, Tar-Aldarion found the haven of refuge in the eastern mountains where after- stricted their environmentally destructive Vinyalondë or Lond Daer “overthrown by wards was Dunland; they did not cross the labors to the coastal areas and the riversides, great seas and plundered by hostile men.” Isen nor take refuge in the great promontory and the pre-Númenóreans “did not become (AE) between Isen and Lefnui [being the Cape of hostile until the tree-felling became devas- Andrast] ... because of the ‘Púkel-men’ [i.e. tating.” (GC) But in the late first millennium, “In Aldarion s day the Númenóreans did the Drúedain]” (GC) “as the power of Númenor became more and not yet desire more room, and his Venturers more occupied with great navies, for which remained a small people.” But “Men near the Cleansing the area and destroying what lay their own land could not supply sufficient coasts were growing afraid of the before them, the Númenóreans now pushed timber without ruin, their felling of trees and Númenóreans, or were openly hostile; and far into Minhiriath and Enedwaith, establi- transportation of wood to their shipyards in Aldarion heard rumours of some lord in shing themselves inland as far as the river Númenor or on the coast of Middle-earth ... Middle-earth who hated the men of the Glanduin, “the southern boundary of became reckless.” (DM) And when they had ships.” (AE) For from his primary abode in Eregion, beyond which pre-Númenóreans completely wrecked the banks and shorelines far-away Rhûn Sauron had been paying close and generally unfriendly peoples lived, such and hacked their paths ever further inland, attention to the events, and now he began to as the ancestors of the Dunlendings” (GC)— the Halethian forest-dwellers “became bitter exploit and support the conflict, following his who had, of course, no reason left for any enemies of the Númenóreans, because of own designs. Sauron took the opportunity to friendliness. Their retreat to Eregion seems their ruthless treatment and their devastation draw closer to the Númenórean force whose surprising, for the Noldorin Gwaith-i- of the forests, and this hatred remained cultural and military power much concerned Mírdain had 30 ———————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 already set up their community there; but Soon after, the King’s Men, those continued to dwell alone in their petty presumably it was too small and inaccessible Númenóreans who had turned away from communities, superstitiously fearing any alien to be of much concern to the Proto- Valar and Elves, pressed into Middle-earth power, whether coming from the West or the Dunlendings as they might now be called. Or with increasing lust for power. They “now East. perhaps in comparison to the pressure by the made settlements on the west-shores, but But in the Cataclysm of S.A. 3319, when advancing Númenóreans the Mírdain’s these became rather strongholds and Númenor was destroyed, also the proximity was considered the lesser of two ‘factories’ of lords seeking wealth, and the Númenórean dominions were almost evils. Sauron might even have considered the Númenóreans became tax-gatherers carrying completely eradicated, causing countless Proto-Dunlendings’ presence in the off over the sea ever more and more goods in casualties. Also, the pre-Númenóreans neighborhood of the Noldor to be potentially their great ships.” (Letters, no. 131) suffered terrible losses. “The Bay of Belfalas useful, and he may have looked for them not Especially King Tar-Calmacil (d. S.A. 2899) was much filled at the east and south, so that to move from where he wanted them to be. earned a bad reputation on that behalf, for “in Pelargir which had been only a few miles Under given circumstances, he found a his youth he was a great captain, and won from the sea was left far inland, and Anduin fertile soil from which to recruit guerrilla wide lands along the coasts of Middle-earth” carved a new path by many mouths to the forces. “The exiled natives welcomed Sauron (LE), so that even Sauron withdrew once Bay. And the Isle of Tolfalas was almost and hoped for his victory over the Men of the more into the East. The occupied areas were destroyed, and was left at last like a barren Sea. Sauron ... used these haters of Númenor turned by the King’s Men into dominions: till and lonely mountain in the water not far from as spies and guides for his raiders.” And they the end of the Second Age the “scattered the issue of the River.” (YS) Survivors were “made much havoc on the fringe of the communities without central leadership” had found only far inland: in and around the forests.” But by the end of the 17th century of been replaced by numerous vassal states and White and the Misty Mountains, in Eregion the Second Age, Sauron had forged the One vice-kingdoms, some led by Númenórean and Dunland, from where they slowly Ring and completed Barad-dûr, his overlords, others by local princelings of repopulated Enedwaith and Minhiriath—and immeasurable fortress: now the worst times Númenor’s grace, such as one self- in Bree-country and beyond. for the pre-Númenóreans set in. For he felt proclaimed “King of the Mountains” who When the Faithful, the Exiles of Númenor, strong enough now to attempt assailing all of resided in the western Ered Nimrais and, arrived and established themselves in Eriador at once and driving Númenóreans with his people, served and feared the Dark Middle-earth, again “many Men turned ... and Lindon Elves into the Sea. During the Lord. Probably much to the dismay of the from evil and became subject to the heirs of following War of the Elves and Sauron, “he still loyal “Númenórean settlers about the Elendil.” (RP) Yet with regard to past events, ravaged the lands, slaying or drawing off all Mouths of Anduin [who] ventured north of most pre-Númenóreans still had few reasons the small groups of Men.” By S.A. 1700 he their great haven at Pelargir and made to love the Dúnedain, particularly as they “had mastered all Eriador, save only besieged contact with Men who dwelt in the valleys on had stayed unaware of the latter’s inner Imladris, and had reached the line of the either side of the White Mountains.” (DM) disputes and had never learned to distinguish River Lhûn.” Likely it was then that he first It seems that Sauron took advantage of the between the King’s Men and the Faithful. established, or won over, communities of evil worsening situation of Middle-earth by Thus “yet many more remembered Sauron in Men in north-eastern Eriador whose “donating” the Nine Rings to selected their hearts and hated the kingdoms of the descendants would later ally with the witch- overlords of the dominions: for three of them West,” (RP) and other pre-Númenóreans realm of Angmar. “were great lords of Númenórean race,” it still who did not quite go that far yet stayed Eventually, a Númenórean fleet arrived at was said (AK), certainly including the later in tormenting fear of the Dark Lord. The the port of Vinyalondë, catching Sauron’s Nazgûl-lord and Khamûl, the Shadow of the current King of the Mountains, apparently advance troops in the rear and utterly East; the other Nazgûl probably originated in the last remaining one of the local dominion defeating them. It was reported that during the indigenous population. Finally, in the regents, first swore allegiance to Isildur, “but this time the felling of trees for supply turned time of Ar-Pharazôn, Sauron began “to assail when Sauron returned and grew in might more devastating than ever (GC), and shortly the havens and forts of the Númenóreans, again, Isildur summoned the Men of the after “Eriador was cleared of the enemy, but and invaded the coastlands under their Mountains to fulfill their oath, and they lay largely in ruins.” By then, “most of the old dominion.” (HA) But when Ar-Pharazôn would not: for they had worshipped Sauron forests had been destroyed.” (GC) The landed and took Sauron into (supposed) in the Dark Years. .. .They fled before the Proto-Dunlendings presumably had for some captivity, the situation of the pre- wrath of Isildur, and did not dare to go forth part escaped from the massacres and had Númenóreans improved for a while. Before to war on Sauron’s part; and they hid again crossed the Glanduin back to Dunland Númenor foundered, “the power of Gil-galad themselves in secret places in the mountains which now seemed safer than wrecked had grown great..., and it was spread now and had no dealings with other men, but Eregion. But the main burden of Sauron’s over wide regions of the north and west, and slowly dwindled in the barren hills.” (RK) eradication campaign the Northmen of had passed beyond the Misty Mountains and Eventually, they faded and became the Dead Eriador had had to carry, and they mostly the Great River even to the borders of Men of Dunharrow, ghastly shadows vanished from recorded history: at the Greenwood the Great, and was drawing nigh haunting the dark vales of Ered Nimrais. beginning of the Third Age their lands still to [Mordor].” (S) Fearing the far-ranging The Gwathuirim (or, later more commonly, were reported as “empty” (LP). Only the power of Lindon, the King’s Men, sent by the Dunlendings) as well had become subject Proto-Dunlendish enclave of Bree-country Sauron to colonize and carry tribute and to the crown of Gondor, though more by which had remained distinct, though it had victims for human sacrifice, left the pre- decree than by conviction, and presumably assimilated much from the cultural exchange Númenóreans alone, concentrating on the during the War of the Last Alliance, many with the adjacent Northmen, seems to have far-away coasts of Harad. However, the were pressed into auxiliary cohorts. survived by lucky chance, but it never Elves will not have bothered much about recovered to its former size. them, and the pre-Númenóreans will have ——————————————————————————————————— 31 OTHER HANDS —————————————————————————— T.A. 1409, “Rhudaur was occupied by evil dwelt apart and had few dealings with other THE THIRD AGE Men subject to Angmar, and the Dúnedain men.” (LP) North of them, though, only a It seems that the two Realms-in-Exile that remained there were slain or fled west.” few Dwarves were later found, notably followed quite distinct minority policies. The (KR) Probably at this time, allied Trolls Thrór (KR). people who in the later half of the Second appeared in eastern Rhudaur, advancing into Thus, the history of the pre-Númenóreans Age “had passed into the empty lands” in the the regions which later were known as the in the North had almost come to an end. Till North “had become subjects of the North Trollshaws. the Fourth Age, former Arnor never was Kingdom of Arnor and had taken up the “But all [Hillmen] were destroyed in the repopulated. “In Bilbo s time great areas of Westron tongue.” (LP) This concerned, war that brought the North Kingdom to its Eriador were empty of Men.” (DM) From among others, the Bree-folk, surviving and end.” (FR) The losses were tremendous on the south, never were attempts made to settle immigrating pre-Númenóreans and both sides, and Eriador, which had never it. It must be understood that Gondor’s eyes Numenoreans— from the ancient dominions, really recovered from Sauron’s genocidal had always been turned East and South, perhaps some remnants of the Northmen, campaign of the mid-Second Age, fell once never northwards; and the surviving Dun- and eventually the Hobbits: “When they more into desolation. Its sparse population lendings were both not numerous enough entered Eriador (early in the second growth was finally irrevocably broken by the and too superstitious to immigrate in large [millennium] of the Third Age) Men were Great Plague of T.A. 1636 from which all the numbers into the vast, now desolate regions. still numerous there, both Númenóreans and remaining settled areas suffered almost fatal After Arnor had fallen into oblivion the city other Men related to the Atani, beside blows. “Minhiriath had been almost entirely of Tharbad (where once a large population remnants of Men of evil kinds, hostile to the deserted, though a few secretive hunter-folk of pre-Númenóreans may have dwelt in the Kings.” (DM) Aside from the latter, these lived in the woods [of Eryn Vorn, etc.]” suburbs) turned into the Ultima Thule of its “Númenórized” minorities turned into (RK), “a fairly numerous but barbarous age: beyond, it seemed, there lay an almost trustworthy auxiliaries to the throne of fisher-folk dwelt between the mouths of the mythical country, full of strange, other- Annúminas: even the Hobbits felt ready to Gwathló and the Angren [Isen]” (GC), said worldly creatures, such as Elves, Dwarves, send troops on request (FR). by some to be “akin in race and speech to the Orcs, and probably worse. And then after a The others, however, had not forgotten the Driiedain of the woods of Anórien” (FI), and long and dreadful winter Tharbad was inun- tensions of old. They joined ranks with “in Enedwaith the remnants of the dated and fell into ruin, and its Bridge was Angmar, where there “were gathered many Dunlendings [still] lived in the east, in the no more. Now the river Greyflood formed evil men.” (KR) Especially the easternmost foothills of the Misty Mountains.” (FI) But not only an effective psychological barrier province and later sub-kingdom of Rhudaur even northern Dunland had now fallen but a physical one as well. Only those few was exposed to severe pressure by “Hillmen deserted (RK), and the Stoors, finding their who had no other hope established fragile of the North,” a mysterious population which abode increasingly untendable, finally had trade connections to Bree-country and now for the first time entered the chronicles headed for the Shire. The Dunlendings alone beyond. Among them was “an outlaw driven of the West. They were no doubt descending had “suffered ... less than most, since they from Dunland, where many said from the “remnants of Men of evil kinds,” but aside from this, little is known about them. It cannot be deduced whether they were Northmannish survivors from the Weather Hills, finally fallen under the dominion of the Shadow, pre- Númenóreans — even Easterlings — or maybe a remnant of the Forodwaith which may have dwelt in the foothills of the northernmost Misty Mountains. Despite being “remnants,” they seem to have been quite numerous still, and slowly they pushed back the Dúnedain of Rhudaur whose number had never been large. Some sources state that from the 14th century on, they “build dark forts in the hills” (HE) and that they were “much given to sorcery” (YT). In the end, “power [was] seized by an evil lord of the Hillmen, who was in secret league with Angmar.” Thus, after the fatal year of 32 ———————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 repeatedly was found traveling from the North and South Kingdoms, but was life, however, the Dunlendings increasingly Dunland to “the Shire, where he had been never settled by Númenóreans owing to the faded out of Gondor s east- and south- negotiating for the purchase of leaf and other hostility of the Gwathuirim (Dunlendings), oriented attention, and “when the days of the supplies.” (HR) except in the fortified town and haven about Kings ended (1975-2050) and the waning of The southern kingdom had taken a the great bridge over the Greyflood at Gondor began, they ceased in fact to be completely different stance. While Arnor was Tharbad.” (DM) Indeed: despite a full 2000 subjects of Gondor.” (FI) Slowly, with mainly looking for inner stability, Gondor years of political domination by the Dún- Eriador being inaccessible, and West and followed an expansionistic policy and edain, the Dunlendings remained in spirit as South inhabited by that more than dubious likewise maintained a more restrictive independent as their relatives of Bree- “barbarous fisher-folk,” they began to attitude against its minorities. Isildur’s curse country. Evidently, they maintained some expand into the only direction possible: against the King of the Mountains may have kind of autonomy within the confines of eastwards, into the Gondorian province of been only the most prominent of several such Gondor’s influence. Their recall of lost sove- Calenardhon, later known as Rohan. incidents, and it was probably traditioned for reignty never ceased, and while their nor- “During the Watchful Peace (from 2063 to a long time among the indigenous thern kinsmen were quickly “Númenórized” 2460) the [Númenórean] people of population. In the 8th century of the Third and merged into the Arnorian culture, the Calenardhon dwindled ... the garrisons of the Age, the victories of crown prince Tarannon Dunlendings throughout the age-long occu- forts were not renewed, and were left to the “extended the sway of Gondor far along the pation “did ... hold to their old speech and care of local hereditary chieftains whose shore-lands on either side of the Mouths of manners: a secret folk, unfriendly to the subjects were of more and more mixed blood. Anduin” (HE), and many pre-Númenóreans Dúnedain” (LP). This old speech was a late For the Dunlendings drifted steadily and were subdued, never to regain political inde- descendant of the original language which unchecked over the Isen.” (FI) pendence. the Folk of Haleth had spoken, alien to the It must be considered a tragic consequence speeches of the other Edain, and otherwise On a private level, much intercourse of the notorious Gondorian ignorance of forgotten. (DM) between Dúnedain and the occupied Dunlendish positions that, after the Battle of Gondorian minorities was established. Mixed With regard to their sufferings throughout the Camp (T.A. 1944), it was Calenardhon marriages became frequent, and slowly “the the Second Age, which certainly were passed which was passed on by decree to the blood of the Númenóreans became much on as unforgettable traditions (though the Eótheód or Rohirrim, migrating south from mingled with that of other men, and their original reasons for the resentments no doubt their territories north of Greenwood. To the power and wisdom was diminished.” (RP) were long forgotten), it should not come as a Dunlendish herdsmen, these strange horse- This concerned chiefly the pre-Númenóreans surprise that they “had little love for Gondor” breeders originally must have appeared in and around the White Mountains, except (LP). But “though hardy and bold enough simply as competitors for the pastures of the later Dead Men of Dunharrow and the [they] were too few and too much in awe of Calenardhon, which was more fertile and isolated Drúedain. Gondors easternmost the might of the Kings to trouble them” (LP), prosperous than their own hilly regions. But provinces, meanwhile, mingled with the Free and the Kings generally ignored them. Yet the situation escalated beyond the point of no Men of the North (i.e., Rhovanion), who had contrary to popular belief, they did not return when the Kings of the Rohirrim been “spreading southwards: mostly east of display any more significant vulnerability decided to rid themselves of local minorities the Greenwood, though some were against the Shadow than they had done in their own way: establishing themselves in the eaves of the the late Second Age when need had seemed “Under Brego and Aldor the Dunlendings forest and the grasslands of the Vales of the most urgent. All throughout the Third were rooted out again and driven away Anduin,” where “they had been mingled with Age, they never again would join sides with beyond the Isen, and the Fords of Isen were men of broader and heavier build” (GC), Sauron, save for one single occurrence: they guarded.” What was worse, Aldor “even causing among them an average loss of rejected business with Orcs and recordedly raided their lands in Enedwaith byway of physical height. expelled those from their society who were reprisal.” (FI) This brutal ethnic cleansing found to have dealings with them (HR), they In the Third Age, these Northmen had the Dunlendings, the “wild hillmen and herd- did not even collaborate with Saurons turned into “a numerous and powerful folk,” as the Rohirrim called them (TT), Easterling worshippers who posed a constant confederation of peoples living in the wide never forgot. In times of peace there was yet threat to the Peoples of the West, though plains between Mirkwood and the River much traffic with the western-march of occasionally they took advantage of these Running, great breeders of horses and riders Rohan. Even Freca, father of the usurper conflicts when available. Where there were renowned for their skill and endurance, Wulf and counselor of Helm Hammerhand, no such animosities kept in tradition, how- though their settled homes were in the eaves “had, men said, much Dunlendish blood, and ever, the Dunlendings seem to have remai- of the forest ... and [they] contributed much was dark-haired” (KR) in contrast to the ned quite a hospitable nation, though of their blood to the people of Gondor.” (CE) often blond Men of the North. But against secretive and self-sufficient (a natural and They, by now separated into various tribes the distant court of Edoras, ever since understandable property, shared by many such as the Woodmen, the Dale Men, and Aldor’s pogrom the Dunlendings maintained other non-Númenórean ethnic groups). For the early Eótheód, formed a veritable “bul- a hatred so strong that “whenever the example, the early Stoor branch of the Hob- wark of Gondor, keeping its northern and Rohirrim were weak or in trouble the bits lived as unharmed near them “at the bor- eastern frontier from invasion; though that Dunlendings renewed their attacks” against ders of Dunland” (FT), or even among them, was not fully realised by the Kings until the “the ‘wild Northmen’ who had usurped the as they later lived in Bree-country. Cultural bulwark was weakened and at last land” (FI). Centuries later a man from exchange was evidently frequent, and from destroyed.” (CE) Rohan still found reason to recall: “Not in that, the Stoors “appear to have adopted a half a thousand years have they forgotten the But the most sturdy of the Gondorian language related to Dunlendish before they grievance that the lords of Gondor gave the minorities proved to be the small nation of came north to the Shire.” (LP) Mark to Eorl the Young and made alliance the Dunlendings. Enedwaith was “shared by By their stealthy and untroubling way of with him.” (TT) ——————————————————————————————————— 33 OTHER HANDS —————————————————————————— Such statements meant of course to project Umb ar who, stirred by Sauron, at the same ABBREVIATIONS the responsibility away from themselves and time were raiding the coasts around the Bay AE: “Aldarion and Erendis” in: Unfinished onto the distant throne of Minas Tirith. of Belfalas and beyond. Genuinely turning Tales, 1980. Neutral historians record, though, that it was away the immediate peril of plunder from his clearly the massacre in the western-march own properties at the river Adorn, for once AK: “Akallabêth” in: The Silmarillion, 1977. and Enedwaith by which “the Rohirrim he managed that the Dunlendings “were CE: “Cirion and Eorl” in: Unfinished Tales, earned the hatred of the Dunlendings, which joined by enemies of Gondor that had landed 1980. was not appeased until the return of the in the mouths of Lefnui and Isen.” (KR) DM: “Of Dwarves and Men,” in: The Peoples King, then far off in the future.” (FI) At that Gondor was again asked for help, but due of Middle-earth, 1996. time, however, Gondor considered the to the raids of as much as three Corsair fleets DN: “A Description of Númenor” in: Un- unsolved Dunlendish question a matter of at its own coasts, once more she could not finished Tales, 1980. Rohan’s interior politics. This was an send any. Thus, the Dunlendings kept FI: “The Battles at the Fords of Isen” in: unfortunate position, for had it put its weight Edoras and Isengard occupied until “reduced Unfinished Tales, 1980. into arranging a political solution in time, the by the great famine after the Long Winter wizard Saruman could not have exploited the (2758-9) they were starved out and FR: The Fellowship of the Ring, 1965. brooding conflict, almost to the ruin of both capitulated to Fréalaf.” (FI) “Before the year GC: “The History of Galadriel and Cele- Rohan and Gondor. But “the enmity of the [2759] was ended the Dunlendings were born” in: Unfinished Tales, 1980. ‘wild’ Dunlendings seemed of small account driven out, even from Isengard” (KR), which to the Stewards. In the reign of King Déor HA: “The History of the Akallabêth,” in: was passed on to Saruman’s control. And, The Peoples of Middle-earth, 1996. (2699 to 2718) ... the line of the Gondorian due to the renewal of the old hostilities, “for chieftains of Angrenost [Isengard] had failed, many years the Rohirrim had to keep a HE “The Heirs of Elendil,” in: The Peoples of and the command of the fortress passed into strong force of Riders in the north of Middle-earth, 1996. the hands of a family of the people. These, as Westfold.” (FI) HR: “The Hunt for the Ring” in: Unfinished has been said, were already long before of Of course, this guard was lessened with mixed blood, and they were now more Tales, 1980. time and the border opened again. Then once friendly disposed to the Dunlendings ...; with KR: “Annals of the Kings and Rulers,” Ap- more, many Dunlendings were found in the Minas Tirith far away they no longer had any pendix A in: The Return of the King, 1965. west-march. But their stay lasted only while concern. After the death of King Aldor ... the Edoras was kept busy by Orc-bands which, LE: “The Line of Elros” in: Unfinished Tales, Dunlendings unmarked by Rohan but with escaping from the grip of the Long Winter, 1980. the connivance of Isengard began to filter tried to invade the White Mountains. Almost into northern Westfold again, making Letters: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, 1981. as soon as these had been eliminated with setdements in the mountain glens west and Gondor’s help, another pogrom was raised by LP: “The Languages and Peoples of the east of Isengard and even in the southern Folcwine (2830-2903) and “he reconquered Third Age,” Appendix B in: The Return of eaves of Fangorn. In the reign of Déor they the west-march ... that Dunlendings had the King, 1965. became openly hostile, raiding the herds and occupied.” (KR) RP: “Of the Rings of Power” in: The Sil- studs of the Rohirrim in Westfold. ... As was marillion, 1977. later known, the Dunlendings, having been Political decisions of course cannot override admitted as friends, had seized the Ring of social realities, however: “beyond the Gap the RK: The Return of the King, 1965. Isengard, slaying the few survivors of its land between Isen and Adorn was nominally S: The Silmarillion, 1977. part of the realm of Rohan; but though ancient guards who were not (as were most) S.A.: Second Age. willing to merge with the Dunlendish folk. Folcwine had reclaimed it, driving out the T.A.: Third Age. Deor sent word at once to the Steward in Dunlendings that had occupied it, the people Minas Tirith (at that time, in the year 2710, that remained were largely of mixed blood, TD: “The Drúedain” in: Unfinished Tales, Egalmoth), but he was unable to send help, and their loyalty to Edoras was weak.” (FI) 1980. and the Dunlendings remained in occupation Thus Saruman found the ground well- TT: The Two Towers, 1965. of Isengard.” (FI) The reason for Egalmoth’s prepared when he started to seek for recruits—and for victims of his Man/Orc YS: “The Tale of Years of the Second Age,” denial was “renewed war with the Orcs.” in: The Peoples of Middle-earth, 1996. (HE) cross-breeding program. The Dunlendings were ensnared by his cunning strategies, and YT: “The Tale of Years of the Third Age,” Then, in the year T.A. 2758, “Rohan was finally found themselves side by side with the in: The Peoples of Middle-earth, 1996. again invaded from the East, and the wizard’s evil legions at Helm’s Deep. But the Dunlendings seeing their chance came over awakening from Saruman's spells was the Isen and down from Isengard. It was terrible. Then, ultimately, the Dunlendish soon known that Wulf was their leader. ... chieftains turned out to be able to recognize Wulf took Edoras and sat in Meduseld and their own folly. To this sudden terror as well called himself king.” (KR) This was, as as to King Elessar’s diplomacy may be mentioned before, the only recorded incident attributed that in the Fourth Age the already in which the Dunlendings actually found closely related neighbors this side and that of themselves side by side with servants of the river Isen could be reconciled. “In Sauron. Wulf, no pure Dunlending but a Eomer’s day in the Mark men had peace who renegade of mostly Rohirric origin and in the wished for it.” (KR) west-march held in high esteem, had successfully negotiated with the Corsairs of 32 ———————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————— ISSUE 15/16 JANUARY 1997 Product Coleman Charlton Jessica Ney-Grimm, et al. Middle-earth: The Dragons Review Charlottesville, Virginia Iron Crown Enterprises, 1996 Middle-earth: The Dragoru (METD) is the first cards, the sideboard and the region movement original 484 card release, though it does contain expansion that ICE has issued for METW. It is are affected by these changes. What’s more, the a couple of differentiating features. These two a set of 180 new cards that introduce us to the insert also offers a clarification about the hazard touches of distinction are given by the new color exciting world of Tolkien’s dragons, including limit, a fundamental concept that has muddled of the cards’ border, which is now blue in skirmishes in their lairs, their legendary more than one player. contrast to the black of the previous edition, and treasures and their eternal quarrels with ICE has also seized the opportunity to offer by the correction of the errata found in the Dwarves. METD offers as a novelty the concept gamers the possibility of playing “scenarios”— information of some cards of the original of “hoards,” and a set of clarifications, games governed by special rules in which the version. modifications and additions to the METW victory condition is elected not by a Free standard rules. Let’s have a look at each of them Council, but pre-determined by the scenario’s Obviously, this set of cards comes to cover the in detail. topic. The insert contains one such scenario, and demand of the new players that join the world The new cards follow the line laid down in three more can be obtained from the ICE’s of METW, who must “resign” themselves to METW: cool artwork, lots of information in World Wide Web server. collecting (if that’s the case) these blue-bordered each card and quotes from Tolkien’s works (see I feel that METD is a product as serious and as cards. However, it is precisely this color what METW review in OH: 14), yet it must be well-planned as its predecessor and, as any makes these cards not so nice and enjoyable as pointed up that the nature of the cards—lots of expansion boasted of being so, it adds enough the original ones. The shade of blue chosen is, creatures, hazard enhancers, dragon-related elements to METW to keep its numerous fans for a lot of consulted players, too bright and cards and some powerful resources to combat interested in the game, avoiding the easy way of exaggerated, becoming unbearable for some of all this stuff—will surely change the structure of simply offering new cards and nothing eke. If them and out-of-target for almost everyone. In our deck and our playing strategies, including you also consider the present policy of ICE (two my humble opinion, ICE should have opted for the use of The Wizards. (I would point out that, expansions per year) and what is scheduled for another possibility in order to differentiate the while Radagast was the best option in METW, the future (Dark Minions is already in the shops cards’ editions, maybe through another color (or now Gandalf takes his place in METD.) and there are news about three more even another shade of blue) or through some Keywords are cards identifiers, so they expansions, being the first Lidless Eye, a whole identifying mark, as it happens with the runes in become susceptible of being affected by or new basic game with 480 cards), METW Middle-earth: The Dragons) or Dark Minions. usable with other cards, according to the text followers can rub their hands and congratulate Personally, I prefer avoiding the blue-bordered each card indicates. To the already existing themselves for the “good care” they are going to cards and, until now, I have been able to keep keywords in METW, METD adds new ones like receive. my play deck as well as my collection “clean.” “Ritual,” “Helm,” “Fiddling attempt,” “Drake” If you would like to “riddle Smaug like Bilbo In spite of the previous paragraph, the or “Dark enchantment.” the Hobbit, match wits with Agburanar to Given the fact that the main theme of this discover his drakish flaw, and steal a priceless balance is rectified by the corrections, a great expansion is dragons, lots of stuff concerning artifact while Scatha lies sleeping,” then METD advantage which eliminates the nuisance of them is offered, so there are now nine unique is a must for you; what are you waiting for? having to browse the errata list for punctual dragons in total, who appear in three different cases in the middle of a game with limited cards. ways called manifestations (“basic,” “ahunt” and Definitively, the unlimited edition owns the “at home”), and nine sites that function as the Product same virtues of the black-bordered edition, with lairs of these powerful beasts. It is also possible the addition of the correctness and the to acquire hoard items, which can only be found drawback of the border color. In the end, it is a at sites with a dragon automatic-attack (the nine Review question of taste and, of course, of the lairs) or at those special sites where this is availability of the limited version in the market. explicitly said (e.g., Framsburg). Taking into account the time that METW has Middle-earth: Reviewer: Marco Antonio Blanco been “running in,” ICE has tried to make good Navarrete use of this experience by the introduction in The Wizards METD of a set of changes in the rules, with the (UNLIMITED EDITION) idea of improving the already high playability of the game. Because of this, each booster includes The unlimited edition of Middle-earth: The an insert with all the rule modifications. Wizards (which comes to substitute the already Concretely, the rules related to character facing out-of-print limited edition, especially dedicated multiple strikes, the elimination of corruption to collectors) is neither more nor less than the ——————————————————————————————————— 35

Artist for Hire!! Hello to all!

Interested in caputring your favorite character for all time? Or in- terested in having a particular piece done that you have always wanted? Well let me know! I am a professinal artist looking for new projects and would love to hear from you!

Pencil, pen, watercolor, and airbrush.

Contact: Quentin Westcott P.O. Box 3774 San Rafael, CA 94949 [415] 883-5506 Larry [email protected]