ICE8040 Hillmen of The Trollshaws (OCR)
ICE8040 Hillmen of The Trollshaws (OCR)
ICE8040 Hillmen of The Trollshaws (OCR)
1.4 CIJM,\n:
10.6
:t IVAI
1'1It: S. ' ....S 0.. CAMt:ru �IIII<.
l.� TIlE t:COI.OC:;Y 0.' IIHutMUR 11.0 CLEANSING CAMt..·H HRiN (AN ADVENTURE)
1.6 t'M)SA
11.1 TilE .·OUIiTiI AGE SI':"ITING
2.1 n.oll,\
11.2 TIIF. T'\I.F. or I.U:{;R,\SII Tilt: URIIK
U fUI': l'OOPll':S or '1'111': 'rKo�LSIIA\\,S
IL.J TIIE"'A !;K
2.81 ,'n, HIII",.ft
11.4 ,\1)\'E....TUIlf: NOTr.s
l.'� "no I)unod"n 01 II.h"d••,
1 1 .5 l 'IO",'Al t'OUR'I'I1 AGE AlI\·t:NlURct
AIlIJ1
1.8J ...."'.h..... M.",,,,,j,.
1.114 Tn. I)"n..._, "' 1)".',ndi"1:l
1.85 Th, 1'0111.11,.0"',"
1.116 Th, T.·...·I .I><h. ,h. (:h,,," uf In. r.Il).I),,·....... INDEX TO TABLES AND CHARTS
IJEA�iTS ANU MO NSTERS Of RIIUIJAUR . .. . . . .,
3.0 POLITICS AND POWER m:RRSM�1) POISONS I,� THF.TR OI.I.sHAW S ............................... IU
P RI Ct;S1 :,' · n :TIIOU$IIAWS II[GION . . .. . . ... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . ............ :l.l
4.0 PLACFS OF INTEREST ..
NPCS ATTllt:TROU.I.,\11I NEAR CA'iF.fH 8RIN . . . . . 15
4,1 H )Rrll.:SS.�
' � MONG·Fl NN'S 8M,'1) •. .. . . . . . . . 21
U IIIVE:"UELL LOIiIlS IlUIlING MONc:;·t·INN'S 1I.t:8ELUOI<.· ......27
NPC CHART HlR MO:"(;·nr-;�'S IIt:8[1.1.I0N . ......30
5.0 ADVENTURE GUIDELINES
Tit" GHOSTS or TUF.T /I.-fA·NII.CII . ".30
5.1 St:U:CfING A N AnVt:NTURf: ..J1
NPCS FORTHE J(JIIN/l.PI'IN{; AlJ\'FNnIK[
�.2 (;Il(lOSING A TIM :
.
PUIIOO TIn: G/l.RRISO,� ATCAMETH 81111'1 . ..........JJ
S.J SUGGESTIONS O� RUNNING AJ)V.:�l'UIIF.s WAIIIIIORSOt· IU!OIlAUIi.T.A. 1671 .... . . . . .JJ
SA USI,�C ,'RAPS ANIl ITEMS FOURHI AGt:NI'CS .. "
6. 5 11
n : I.O W :R
t IIAI .l..
� .
1 . .,10. An, St<phan P<f<�,ln,
6.6 1'1": MAIN IIAUS
Mop>: P". "Th. Cr�'hi"s C."ograph••" I'.�on
6.7 1'Iit: U PP t:R RARRACKS
�.8 '111;; fUINTIR IOARKWATCIII .:dl!v.I�1 CUnl,lbull"",, Coltmo.. "The Doc!"," Ch",itOn , retrY"1 LiI,e 10 do L a)"". I" Ami"",.
6.Y TIn: UI'Pt:K IIAUS Cb,;. "C-SQuar""· (."Iui."n ••n. J �Po"," 11.. . D,u� "the lI.ol><,," N.idli"�<r.
6.'1 Th, Chl,r. Sull" Sp«iol Conlrib�tion" Oa!!<n Molennan. Jim Galvin, Tho Saf<,y Oan«... John MoK<.!<. J elf
6.92 Th, "Inf. Ch.mb'"
M�Unn.n. W.YI>O Jordan. Ch,;s Jornan, K",n MIHola. Ma,k Pi<f�e, S..v. Rt<li<c. notfb
M.n;n.au . Kun �i",h". Sa", 'h,M.n,Swa",p ,h. lI.oy. S",Ot "111Sleep In No.,mbc," N<ldl;.",.
7.0 A SAFE STARTING POINT FOR AOVENTURE
H"",'ard "Black Marl"" HUgj!in,. Dran. "Only ,�t" Begl.binl. Jom•• "Ruby" 81,.in, . Tmy "We
8.0 ADVENTURES OUTSIDE CAMETH BRIN Can Do Tll�," 1,.�d., Tommy "Dynamite" Wltljnu. H,i•• "Th< Voi«" Kub•..,h.
�.I IIII': St:CII . I:.TTIlOLI. LAIR (AN AIlV.�vrUIU::) "';nllnt' Ulho A lii,,, . Cha,'ontoville, Va,
8.11 Th. ....I.
Tn,<","I"�: Gr�phk Co"""",,itallou,.
'.Il ThtT...k
'.lJ ' yO"' ollhe T,oll 1..1,
..
ISBN 0-915795-24-8
Produced and distributed by IRON CROWN ENTERPRISES, Inc. P.O. BOX 1605, Charlottesville, VA 22902. Stock 118040.
101984 TOLKIEN ENTERPRISES, a division of ELAN MERCHANDISING, Inc., Berkeley. CA. Hillmen oj the Trollshaws, The
Hobbit, and The Lord oj the Rings, and all characters and places therein, are trademark properties ofTOLKIEN ENTERPRISES.
1
Gamr Te rms
Claith could see the shadow 0/ the Hillman guard on the (edge
AT _____________ ArmorTn�
below. He recalled Shaleen'sdescription a/the Twisted Hill and her
bp _____________ bronze)li<'<:e(s)
somber words 0/ caution: "You may have been born 10 climb, cp _____________ cOPJl<'rpi«e(s)
Ranger, but the craggy overhang o/Camefh Erin isunlikeany other CTit ____________ Critical mike
cliff ... Untilyou reach the upper cave mouths, you'll find nothing o ___ __________ DicorDi�
but cold windbelowyou." Suddenly a drum-sound, the bealing 0/ 08 _____ _____ ___ Dcfe",il'clionus
FRP _ __ ___ __ __ _ _ FantasyRole Play;"!!
a hollow log, reached Claith's deft ear. They were changing the GM ____________ Game�lcr
guard. Using the magko/the £/ven-rope, Claith swung across the gp __ __ _ ________ gold pi<:ce(S)
dark void and miraculously took sale hold of the outcroppingjust ip _____________ ;mn pk�(s)
above the narrow entry. He knew he had to move/ast. By firsl light lP _________ _ ___ jadc piccc5
i )
L�I __ __ __ _ __ __ _ _ Level (""perienee or spell lel'cl)
Clailh had to bean his way back to Ihe river Hoarwell. TheHillman
MA ___________ _ MartiatArl1
Chief had 10 die or the Wi/ch-king's plans would succeed. Almost Mod _ __ __ _ __ ____ Modifi.r Or Modificalion
unthinking, the Rangerslid down the crevice. Claith tested fhe ten mp _ _ _____ ______ milhrilpiece(s)
sion, recalling whal his teacher had once said: "Darkness ;s the NrC _ __ _ __ __ _ __ _ N on-play.:r Character
Middte...ar!h Ttrms
Fantasy role playing is akin to a living novel where the players are
A __ ___________ Ad Ctnaic
the main characters. Everyone combines to write a story which is
liS _____________ Il lac kSlI«ch
never sharI of adVenture. They help create a new land and strange Cir _ ____________ Cil1h01 (;crlar
new tales. Du __________ ___ Dunlcnding
E _____________ Edain
This series is designed as a tool for gamemasters who wish to run
lit _____________ £ldarin
scenarios or campaigns set in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. The
I:s ___________ __ Easterling
adventure modules are complete and ready-to-run studies of very I.A. ____________ Fim Agt
specific areas, and are intended to be used with a minimum of addi F.A. ________ __ __ FourthAgc
tional work. Each has statistical information based on the Middle H _ __ __ ___ __ _ _ _ Hobbitish (Westron "ariant)
Har _______ _ __ __ Haradrim
earth Role Playing(MERP) and Roiemasrer(RM) fantasy systems.
H"h _ ___________ The/1<1h1Ji1
The modules are, however, adaptable for use with most major role Kd Kuduk (ancient Hobbitish)
__ ___ _ __ __ __ _
playing games. Creative guidelines, not absolutes, are emphasized. Kh ____________ _ KhuzdultDwarvish)
I,OIR _ _ _ __ __ _ _ __ _ The I.old fJ/llle Rings
Professor Tolkien's Legacy
Or ___ _ _________ Orkish
Each module is based on extensive research and atlempts to meet Q _____________ Quell)'.
the high standards associated with the Tolkien legacy. Rational R _____________ Rohirr;"
linguistic, cultural, and geological data are employed. interpretive Kh _____________ Rho�ar.ion
S______________ Sindarin
material has been included with great care, and fits into defined pat
S.A. ____________ Second Age
terns and schemes. ICE does not intend it to be the sole or proper Si ________ _____ Sill'anElvish
view; instead, we hope to give the reader the thrust of the creative T.A . __ __________ ThiTdAge
processes and the character of the given area. Teng ____________ Tengwar
Remember that the ultimate sources of information are the V ___ __________ Variag
W _________ ____ westro�(CommotlSpe<:<:: h)
works of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien. Posthumous publications
Wo__ ___________ Wose (Druedain)
edited by his son Christopher shed additional light on the world of
Middle-earth. These modules are derived from TheHobbit and The
Lord 0/ the Rings, although they have been developed so that no
conflict exists with any of the other sources. 1.12 DEFINITIONS
The majority of unique terms and translalions fromThe Hobbit
1.1 DEFINITIONS AND TERMS and The LQrd o/Ihe Rings are not described below; instead, they
The following abbreviations and terms are used throughout the are to found in the text proper.
series. Arnor: (S. "Lalld oJlhe K;"," 0' "Ro),ol Laird''). Si.l.r land of Gonda., it w.... Ih�
1.11 AIIBREVIATIONS northern Dun�dain kingdom founded byi:.'temliflhe ToliinS.A. 3)20. 11ssenlers
'
i hful who fled the sinking ofthe island conlinent ofNunlenor. Arnot
were the Fat
Abbreviations are listed alphabetically within subcategories.
incorporated rno", a1l of Eriador but was split inlO the three companion king
G.m� S,.S!CIIIS doms of A'lh<'liain. Co,dolan. and Rhudou, in T.A. 861.
:NP _ __ _ ___ _ __ _
Mf MiddltoNrlh Nott t'loy;ng "'!heda!n: La5l Kingdom of the Dunedoinofthe NOrlh. A s o fT.A. 1700. il isthe only
NM ____________ NlJtermvltr surviving unil lef'l of the losl Kingdom of Arnor.
Chan-Cler S!all Dunedain: Thts<: H;gh Men were Ihose Edilin ("fathers of men") who settled on the
Ag _____________ Agility (NMand MER/') island continenl of Numenor, far to the wesl of Middle..earth. The Olinedain
Co _ __ _ __ ___ _ __ _ Constitution (nM and MERp) conquered and/or colonized many are a s along the western. southern. and
Em__________ ___ Empa!hy(NM) eastern (03515 of Endorduring the Second Age. and WelC greal lords among men.
tg _____________ Inlelligmce {MERp) Unfortunately Iheir greal desire fOI power (al least among SO""') led to tbe
It (tn) __ __ __ __ _ _ __ Intui!ion(NMand "'ERPj destruclion of Iheir home island near the end of the Second Age. This
Me _ ____________ Mem ory(RM) "Downfall" occurled as a result of thdr invasion of the Undying la.nds and
Pr ________ _ _ _ _ _ Presence(RMandMERI') challenge to the Valar. Those called Ihe "Fai!hful" oppused the policies and
Qu ___ __________ Quic�"m{RM) hatred of Elves which led (0 Ihe Downfall, and were sav.d when tbe is1. sank.
Re _____________ Rea:;onin&(NM) They la!er founded the kingdoms of ArnOT and Gondor(in Ihe North andS outh
SO _____________ Self Dis;iptine (NM) or northwestern Middl....arth). Many "unfailhful" groups survived in !he
S! _____________ Slrengtb(RMandMERp) various COlonies or the Dun�dain esulbl;�hed in happier limes(e.g. the "Black
3
NumenoreansH of Urnbar), The term Dunedain refers to the Numenoreans and 1.14 CONVERTING STATISTICS FOR ANY MAJOR FRP
their descendants inMiddle�arth, groups which pO$5es�d considerable physical SYSTEM
and ntental strength,longnoity, and a rich cullll,e bo$ed in great part on Elven
All the statistics and numerical information used in this module
ways, Thcy arC but one group of Ihe Edain, a colleclive grouping of men wilh
relatively advanced clilture and traces ofElvish blood who had aided in the war. are expressed on a dosed or open-ended scale with a 1-100 base.
again,t Morgolh in the Fir>t Age. Tran.: S. �Edain oflheWesl."Sing. Dunadan. They are designed for use with percentile dice (D100). Use thechart
U"nlendlngs; A rugged race of Common Men who migraled out of the WhileMoun below to derive appropriate bonuses or to convert the 1-100
tains in the Second Age,Moving northward along the western flanks of tlteMisty numbers to figures suitable for non-percentile systems.
Mountains, they fought and later merged with the Hillmen ""d No"hmcn of 1-100 Bonuson Bonus on 3-18 2-12
friador. ThOSetribesthat founded Dunland retain their old ways, but by lhelale
Sial, 0100 OW SIal. Slat.
Third Age mOSI have $ettled 10 become Ihe majorily pOpulations of Anhedain,
102+ +35 +7 20+ 17+
Cardolan,and Rhudallf. Thesefolk are generally farm.nand herders. Dunlend·
iogs have a medium o r s locky build, brown !?air. and lanned or ruddy complex·
101 +30 +6 19 15-16
ions, Men average 5'10" and have linle body hair; women stand around 5'6", 100 +25 +5 18 13-14
Although lale Third Age Dunlenjing highlanders are often called "hillmen ," 9S-99 +20 +4 17 12
Ihey should nOI he confused with the peculiar Hillman race of Rhudallr. Others 95-97 +15 +3 16
call them by various names: Dunmen, Dunnislt Fo/k. Dun/onders. Ihe Hillmen
90-94 +10 +2 15 "
o/Ihe White Mouun/oins, elC. See Seclion 2,84.
85-89 +5 +, 14 10
Eriydor: All the territory between Ihe Blue Mountains (S. "£red Luin') and Ihe
Mi,tyMountains (S. "Hi/haeglir'') and north of the River Is�n. 75-84 +5 +1 13 9
60-74 0 0 12 8
First Age(I.A.): The fir�t record� AgenfMiddle�arth. Its beginnings date back t o a
period ,elalively soon afler Ihe da'Nn o f lime 0$ ...'e know it and its ending point 40·59 0 0 10-11 7
was malk� by the overthrow d Morgoth (the "Black Enemy''), Sauron', 25-39 0 0 9 6
overlord and mentor. Thc tales orthe Fir�t Age ar•• for Ih. mo" pan, found in 15·24 -5 -I 8 5
J.R,R, Tolkien's U'l/inished Taln and The Silmorillion. These workS a,e not
10-14 -5 -, 7 4
uied 0' de",ibed within this module, since We are focusing on the Third and
Fourlh Ages.
5-9 -10 -2 6 3
3-4 -15 -3 5
....rtb A):e (I'.A.): The fourth recorde>J age of Middle·carlh. the �Age of Men," It
t·
began with Ihe passing of Ihe Three Rings oyc. Ihe sea_ During Ihe Fourth Age 2 -20 -4 4 2
mo,t of the Elves dcpan� Middle-eanh for the Undying Lands; other nOn -25 - 4 4 2
mannish race, such as Dwarves and Hobbits began 10 seek solitude. for Iheir
ways we,e nO longer onderSlood �y Ihe overlords of Ihe continenl . men. 1.2 BASIC COLOR AREA MAP KEY
IlIIlrmn: A race of shon, dark. hardy folk who seuled Rhudaur in the late Firsl and (I) I ineh = 20 miles
early Second Ages. Distantly ,elated to Dunlendings. they lived peaceably as (2) Mo untains � =
hunters and gathners until Ihe coming of the Dun�ain and Dunlending tribes (3) HiII� ;- �
during the late Second Age. Over lime they all but disappear� as a distinCI
group. Sec Section 2.111.
(4) Mixed I'o rests � =
pOrates: (I) all the territory 1x=twc:n Ihe .i,-cts Mi/htilhel (W. "Hoar...-ell") and (8) SC('o ndary Rh-ers ==.-"""'-
Bruin�TI (w. "Lolld",al""); (2) Cn £redoriu/h, th. "Lone-lands" ust of the ,9) Strcams �
=
Third Age (T.A..): The third recorded Age of Middle�atlh. II began foliowing the (15) Trails/tracks .. = ,
defeat of Sauron a.o; a resu!1 Oflhe Lo$t Alliance of Men and Elves and ended in (16) Ilridges -..-
�=-
T.A. 3021, whon Ihe Keepers "f :he Ring Jl'Issed ovcr Ihe Sta (flOm th. Grey (l7) Fords �=
Havens).
(IS) Ci tie s = �
Trollshaws: (S. "Pintla/It Tereg". The hilly region of Rhudaur that lies south of the
(19) Tow n.� = "s
rugged Coldfdls. �ast of Ihe river Milheiltoel, ". •" of the river Elruinen, and
(20) Manor houses. inns. small villages = ,.,
nolth of Ihe ��rt(le lields of Ihe Angle (S, "En 1:.,&/0<111",
01 ) Cihtdcls and hu):e o:astle complexes = ""
(24) Observatorics R =
rule is: for every +50n a DlOOsealcyougcl a + I on a D20. (30) b:lremel�' rouj!h terrain
The concussion hil numbers found in Ihis module represent (31 ) !leserl '"
general pain and system shock. They cover bruises and small (32) Shoals = ,' :
eUls rather than wounds. Critical strike damage is used to (33) Reel's = ___
describe serious wounds and fatal blows. The hit figures (34) Ruins = .'.
shown here are less important than those used in game systems (35) Swamps and marshla nds == 1.-t::
....
where death occurs as a result of exceeding one's available hits, (36) JunJ;:le �
==
Should you use a game system that employs no specific critical (37) I)r�' or periodic lakes ,£f1P =
strike results, such as TSR Inc:s Dungeons and Dragons., (38) Sleep ridge faces and downs .,s--":
simply double the number of hits your eharacters take or halve (39) Marsh Villages , .r
the hit values found in this module. (40) Watchtower '"
4
2.0 INTRODUCTION AND most part, and even in winter, rarely ventured beyond the
Trollshaws. Still, they considered the Lowlands as immutably their
HISTORY own. The Dunedain disagreed. Yet for many years Ihere was only
tension and mistrust between them, not bloodshed.
In S.A. 3319, Sauron swayed Numenor's royalty to join him in
2.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION revolt against the Valar, and the island was cast beneath the waves.
The ominous shadow of Cometh Brin, the ''Twisted Hill," looms Only the few Faithful, led by Elendilthe Tall, escaped the Downfall
above the oaks and elms of the Trollshaws in central Rhudour. into exile. The Faithful came to Eriador and with the colonists
Unlil the Third Age, few men dared to come near Ihis dreadful already there, formed the Kingdom ofArnor. To the south, Elen
place; many would-be explorers feared the presence of evil spirits, dil's sons founded Gondor.
while others were scared off by the unnatural appearance of the hill With all good intentions, Elendil claimed all of Rhudaur as part
itself. Carnelh Brin rises 830 feel above the only vale in all the of Arnor. The might and splendor of his forces was such that the
Trollshaws that might otherwise be called fair. Its base is a steep but Hillmen submitted without a struggle, hiding their bitterness.
natural hill, but from Ihis foundation erupts a tortured Soon, however, Sauron returned to his foul realm of Mordor and
outcropping of naked black granite that leans impossibly far over made war upon Gondor. Elendil and GiI.galad. the High King of
the southern facc. It looks as if a sparrow's sneeze would send the the Elves, gathered all the Free Peoples of the North and marched
craggy top IUmblingdown upon the lown and the valley below. But to fight the cataclysmic struggle known as the War of the Last Alli
rest assured - Cameth Brin will endure far worse than sneezes. ance. Although victorious in the end, the Free Peoples sufrered
Early in the Third Age, Men gained mastery over Cameth Brin horrendous losses from which. especially in Arnor, they would
for a time. and they built upon it a mighty fortress dominating all never recover. The Hillmen had not joined the Last Alliance, but
the western Trollshaws, the most important region in the rugged neither did they rebel for their freedom, for they felt it was without
and mostly unsettled lands of Rhudaur. The warped shadows of honor to make war on the old men. women and children who were
Cameth Brin fall heavily upon the affairs of Men in this wild and lefl in Arnor. When the balteredarmyof Arnordid return, the Hill
bleak country, for they have succumbed again to the powers of evii. folk revolted. The Hillmen were soundly defeated in their auempls
Herein are told four tales of the Twisted Hill, stories that tell much to recover the Lowlands, but thty could not be beaten in the High
of the unhappy history of Rhudaur and its peoples. The first tale lands. and at last a compromise was reached. This peace informally
concerns Hill-trolls, the second, Miffli the Petty-Dwarf, the recognized the Dunedain possession of the Lowlands and the Hill
original master of Cameth Brin, and how the Dunedain of Arnor men's freedom in the Highlandsof northern and eastern Rhudaur,
wrested the heights from him and his evil forces in T.A. 162. A third but left the vital question of the Trollshaws unresolved.
story tells of the desperate attempts to rescue the Princess In T.A. 164, Mong-Finn beca.me Targ-Arm. or High Chief, of
Alquawen from the clutches oi King Broggha and the Evil the Hillmen. He was determined to free all of Rhudaur but realized
Elfmaidcn, Korekafwen, in T.A. 1671. ThetaJeisyct to betoJdin its that this could not be done without substantial assistance, thai
final form: it narrates the recovery of Ihe ruins of Cameth Brin seemed nowhere available. So Mong-Finn dared what no other had
from the foul Orcs and Trolls that abide there at the dawn of the before. He went alone into Cameth Arin 10 gain the alliance of Ihe
Fourt.h Age. Ta-Fa-Liseh, the Ghosts of tile Little People. In the end his
rebellion failed, and the Dunedain took possession of the ancient
2.2 A SHORT HISTORY OF THE REGION Pelty·Dwarven halls within Cameth Brin. Arnor's King E/dacar
The Southman ancestors of the Hillmen came to the land that decided 10 expand the halls into a mighty bastion of men and
they named Rhudaur (Hi., Du. "Place of Roaring Red-gold") to thereby to control the TrollshaYl"S and the Hillmen. Above theeliff
mine its copper and grow rich and reclusive back in the mists of Eldacar's engineers erected a great watchtower which commanded
time. After long and bitter struggles with the Gianls, Trolls, Woses, the peak, while beneath the Twisted Hill's overhang the Dunedain
and Petty-Dwarves already there, tough and greedy Hillmen won established the barracks-seUlelI'.ent of Tanoth Brin. Although the
the cold and rocky ground, and for centuries they were left work was long and difficult. Cameth Brin was completed in T.A.
undisturbed. Solitude pleased the Hillmen, for their ancestors 339 and made the capitol of the province of Rhudaur. Soon there·
feared and hated both the forces of Light and Darkness. Theystood arter. Dunnish tribes from the south began to wander into
alone. For many years, Hillmen were content with a simple hunting Rhudaur. and the Dunedain of the Lowlands allowed many of
and gathering life. Their only lingering problems were the Elves of them to sellle on their lands.
Rivendell (whom they called the "'White Fiends") and the ghosts of In T.A. 861. with the death of King Eiirendur, the Kingdom of
the Petty.Dwarves around Cameth Brin (who were called the Ta Arnor was divided among his three sons, forming the Sister
Fa-Lisch, or "Ghosts of the Little People"). The Hillmen soon Kingdoms of Arthedain, Cardolan, and Rhudour. The sons soon
resolved to avoid both of these races by giving them wide berth, for quarreled, chiefly over the possession of the great lOwer of Amon
neither had grand territorial ambitions. SOl ("Weathertop") and its potent po/anu;, or Seeing-stone. These
The waning years of the Second Age brought greater challenges quarrels led to internecine wars that sapped the strength of the
to Rhudaur, struggles that would eventually lead to the downfall Dunedain, especially in Rhudaur where they were few and always
and destruction of the Hillmen. Far away, the High Men, or outnumbered by their subject ptoples. Over time, the Dunedain of
Duncdain, of the isle of Numenor had achieved unsurpassed power Rhudaur increasingly merged with the Hillmen, whose active sup·
and set about conquering and coloniring much of Middle-earth's port they desperately needed.
coastal territories. They came as givers of order and culture; but Meanwhile, Sauron had begun to recover from his Second Age
through pride and envy, many of them grew corrupt and followed defeat, and he now hated the Dunedain above all others. Seeing
the Dark Lord Sauron. Rhudaur. being a poor land, did not fall that the power of Gondor made il unassailable, Sauron plotted to
under the yoke of conquest: rather, many of the High Men who did destroy the Dunedain of the North first, and assigned his mightiest
not stray from the path of Light came to Eriador to escape the ser"Qnt, Ihe Lord of the NOlgfil, to the task. He came to the North
oppression oftheir fallen brethren. Some of these Dunedain - not as the Witch.king and founded the black realm of Angmarin the icy
the best among them - seltled along the borders of Rhudaur. reaches norlh of Rhudaur. Soon Rhudaur was his ally, and then
Thereafter. Dunedain and the Hillmen often traded, to the benefit merely his pawn. After the great war of T.A. 1409, Rhudaur was
of both peoples: however, conflict soon arose over possession of reduced to a petty state almosl tota\ly controlled by the Witch.king.
land. The semi-nomadic Hillmen kept to the Highlands for the However. the rebellion of the Hillmen against this domination
,
(after the Great Plague) may well have saved Arthedain from just west of the Mitheithel has been branded En Eredorialh. the
destruction at that time. Arthedain would last until T.A. 1974, "Lone-lands."
when it was overrun, but her late-coming allies took potent 2.31 THE HIGHLANDS
revenge, destroying Angmar and so ravaging Rhudaur that the few The Highlands of Rhudaur comprise an area of large hills, some
remaining �ople soon fled. For the rest of the Third Age, Rhudaur
rising 1500'. These hills run in irregular curved lines from the
was deserted except for the endemic TrolJs and occasional bands o f
southwest 10 the northeast and are relatively "young": that is, they
Orcs. I n t h e Fourth Age, Men may again come t o live in Rhudaur, are jagged and little-weathered by time, and hold very little topsoil.
but first it will have to be cleans�d of the dens of evil that remain. These features are particularly true of the northernmost hills, the
Ettenmoors - and in the Hillmen tongue, the "Granite Sea". This
2.3 THE LANDS OF RHUDAUR name does not derive from the many hills but from the landscape
Rhudaur is by no means a vast land, but for its size it offers a itself, which is strewn with boulders and outcroppings of granite.
great deal of geographic diversity. Landforms range from huge hills These rocks range in size from that of a child's ball to a large villa,
just below the Misty Mountains, to nat expanses of plains and deep and they are often grouped in crazy jumbles through which passage
forests as tall and ancient as any in Middle-earth. Rhudaur can be is impossible for anything larger than a rabbit. To the south of the
roughly divided into three zones: the Highlands, the Trollshaws, Ettenmoors the hills are smaller and the granite less profuse,
and the Lowlands. The Highlands are formed by the eastern forming the region called theEttendales. TheEttendales hold many
foothills of the snow--capped Misty Mountains and the mountain springs that feed the River Mitheithel; however, the region suffers
spur called the Giant's Hills, which form the northern and western from poor drainage, especially during the spring melt. In the vales
borders of Rhudaur. The northern Highlands are divided into the between the hills l i e many stagnant bogs. The Highlands
Ettenmoors and the Euendales, while those to the south and east immediately to the south and east are much like the Ettendales,
arc caUed the Cold or Pineje{{s. The Trollshaws form the central except that they are well drained and are heavily wooded. Most of
part of Rhudaur, standing between the Rivers Mitheilhel and the trees in this area are evergreens; thus, the region is called the
Bruinen. This area is primarily scattered woodlands with the only Pinerells. Some call them "Coldrells," for cool winds and waters of
true forest in the south, the Yjelwyd (or Evil Woods). The this locale are legend.
Lowlands form the southern and eastern borders of Rhudaur. 2.32 THE TROLLSHAWS
South of the Yfelwyd and between the Rivers lies the region known The Trollshaws region takes it name from the beings who favor
as the Angle (S. "En Egladilj. To the west of the River Mitheithel and inhabit it, the Hill·trolls. This is hilly country. but aside from
lies the great nonhero plain ofEriador called the Oiolad(or Endless Cameth Brin, few hills rise over 800'. The Trollshaws are
Plain), over which Rhudaur's border has passed back and forth woodlands, but for the most part the trees are gathered in small
many limes. This is a lightly settled region, so much so that the plain dense patches with extensive open ground between them. Heavy
,
brush stands along the edges of these groves where the trees are heritage. Elsewhere in Rhudaur it was quickly forgotten or
thin, extending all lhe way in; this terrain is quite popular with discredited.
wolves. Despite these dangers, the Trollshaws are the winlerground 2.4 CLIMATE
for Rhudaur's herds of caribou. This is also the only region in
The climate in Rhudaur is decidedly cold. By far the most
Rhudaur where the soil can be called rich, ahhough even here it
noticeable feature of the weather is the extremely heavy winter
pales beside that found in the rest of Eriador.
snowfall. There are lands in western Middle-eanh that are colder
The only true forest in Rhudaur, the Yfelwyd, lies in the
than the Trollshaws, but one mUit travel far north to find even half
southwest corner of the Trollshaws. It is an ancient and dense pair
as much snow. In the Highlands, the white carpet begins to form in
of wooded stands which have stood beyond the memory of all
mid-autumn and does not recede until late spring. Those learned in
thinking creatures. The Yfelwyd is not a wholesome place; a feeling
the lore of weather say that the heavy snows are caused by the
of unease and latent evil creeps out even to its eaves. It is k.nown to
convergence in Rhudaur of warm weI winds that come up from the
be the home of the Forest-trolls, who are small (for Trolls) bUI
sea along the
Gwathlo-Mitheilhel river valley and frigid air from
numerous. Huge wolves roam its fringes and some say that the trees
the Ice Bay
OfForochel lhat sweeps down unchecked between the
themselves have become infested with evil and are capable of active
Blue Mountains (5. "Ered Luin") and the Misty Mountains. This
malice. Little light penetrates through the leafy canopy of the great
cooling of moist sea air is aided by the altitude: even the valleys of
trees, so Ihe Vfelwyd is always dim and gloomy. Stories speak o f
the Ettenmoors and Coldfells are I 500 or more feet above sealevel.
places within the Evil Wood never touched b y the light of Sun or
Falling snow is usually dry and flaky, except for late winter, but
Moon, and here even Elves and Hillmen fear to go.
these qualities serve only to increase the accumulation.
2.33 THE LOWLANDS AND THE RIVERS Since about T .A. 1200, the inhabitants of Rhudaur have noticed
The Angle and the Oiolad are quite similar; both are gently rol that the weather is slowly but definitely setting colder. On Ihe
ling countrysides with occasional stands of trees, ben! and tortured average, the temperature drops about 115 of a degree every decade.
by the wind. For the most part the wnstant wind from Ihe northeast That may not seem like much. but over centuries the cumulative
carries off the topsoil, so agriculture is all but impossible except in effect has been very noticeable. The enemies of Rhudaur claim thaI
the relatively ferlile areas along the riverbanks. The swift and this is the work of Angmar's Witch-king, but even he lacks such
sparkling Mitheithel (HoarweU) is born in the snows of the Etten primordial power. (However, after T.A. 2000 - when the Witch
moors and the springs of the Ettendales. In spring,when the snows king left the north - the temperature slowly began 10 warm. Un
melt, it becomes a raging torrent. but even in the early fall it cannot fortunately, there were no Men left in Rhudaur to notice.)
be forded between the Last Bridge (5. "/a"l Melhed") and the EI Although the snows and cold effect Rhudaur asa whole, it is ap
tendales. The Mitheithei does f,eeze over in the worst cold of propriate to discuss the climate in terms of the three geographic
winter, but the force of the current under the ice makes anyerossing zones: the Highlands, the Woodlands, and the Lowlands. As noted
dangerous, and few will try that trick except in desperation. above, the Highlands see the heaviest and longest snowfalls; even
The Bruinen (Loudwater), born in the snows of the Misty Moun when it does not snow, the land is afnicted with chilling rains. These
tains, is far more sedate than her sister, whom she joins at the very lands are always cold, except for a brief period beginning in latespr
apt'x of Ihe Angle. The Hillmen, however, consider this river to be ing called the Maelmoi&h, or the "Oreat Melting". At tlu� tillle, tile
under the magical influence of the Elves of Rivendell and so try to steady cold wind from the north abates and warm air rushes up
avoid it. from the south. The warm air reacts with the snow-covered ground
and soon a dank and impenetrable fog seUles over the hills. The fog
2.34 THE ENVIRONS OF CAMETH ORIN is called the Snaghag, or "Snow-eater". During the Maelmoigh all
Cameth Brin lies about eight miles to the east of the River creatures Ihat walk or fly stay close to their homes. Soon the ground
Mitheithcl, roughly at the western border of the Trollshaws. The is mostly uncovered, and the melted snow turns tiny rivulets and dry
countryside to the south is marked by two parallel chains of small gulleys into frightening deluges. Adding to the threat of floods are
hills. Between these hills is a pretty vale about a mile and a half cold and heavy rains brought by the returning north wind. These
across. A little gully wanders down the center of the vale, which caf rains last but a month as summer comes to the rest ofEriador. Sum
ries but a trickle of water (except in the spring or after heavy rains). mer days in the Highlands are sunny and almost warm, but the
A large but gloomy village, Talugdaeri, lies at the mouth of this nights remain very chilly. In the early days of fall,the brief warmth
vale, born after Cameth Brin was made a fortress. It is the region's fades and dies.
sole civilian community. The foundations of the only other settle The hilly Woodlands of Rhudaur share the snows and cold of the
ment built in the vale lie directly beneath the Twisted Hill. There Highlands, bUI here the severity is lessened by the presence of the
Eldacar constructed the barracks-village of Ta"Olh Brin, which forest. The warm winds of spring come sooner to the Woodlands,
from T.A. 339 through 1217 brimmed with intrigue and tainted. and the melt-off of winter snows is far less dramatic. In late spring,
Dunedain. To the east, the countryside is fairly flat and lightly some flooding occurs, but the chief problem is that rivers become
wooded. To the nonh, it is mueh the same except that one soon almost impassable. There is a genuine summer here, although the
comes to the River as it turns to the northeast in this part of its nights remain cool. It may even get hot when warm air masses from
course. To the west lies the River and beyond, the plains of the the southern plains creep northwards. The coming of fall is swift
Oiolad streIch almost uninterrupted to the border fortress of Barad but far more gradual than in the Highlands. Once winter arrives, it
Calnt!, seventy miles away. is severe and unyielding.
Although very pleasant country by the standards of Rhudaur, Weather in the two Lowland regions, the Oiolad and the Angle,
the lands around Cameth Brin were long shunned by the Hillmen, is quite different from the rest of Rhudaur. Here, spring is warm
who feared the awesome shadow of the bent outcropping. Even and pleasant, amd summer is hot and humid. Snowfall is heavy here
after the Dunedain cleansed it of its ancient evil,few Hillmen would only in mid-winter, and much more precipitation falls in the form
come here unless they really had to. At ils height,the population of of rain. Bogs form in mid-spring, and the melting snows of the
this area was made up of Dunedain lords, their servants of lesser north cause considerable flooding along the river banks. For
blood, and unfortunate Dunnish tribesmen who were little better tunately, the plains of the Oiolad also sec much less snow than
than slaves. The relatively large proportion of High Men here was elsewhere in the region, as the storms blow through very quickly.
the result of Cameth Brin's political stature and, even after the What does fall presents a problem because of the heavy drifting
power of the Dunedain waned and corrupted HiUmen became the caused by the constant north wind; yet these same winds tend to
masters, the garrison at the Twisted Hill maintained their Dunedain keep the plains cool in the summer.
,
Wolves
2.5 THE ECOLOGY OF RHUDAUR
Unlike Bcars, Wolves always hunt in packs usingtactic and cunn·
The lerrain of Rhudaur ranges from rank and stagnam
quagmires to barren windswept hills; inviting spots are scarce. ing to take the weak and the sick among the Losrandir. The or
However, especially in comparison to the rest of Eriador, these dinary Wolf, or Degmurg, stands about the same size as a large dog
and hunts in packs of a dozen. Wargs, or Degmoig, weigh about
lands support a large and dynamic population of plants and
l40pounds, fear no man, and are ridden like horses by Orcs - after
animals. The sparse numbcrsofMen have left the land wild. While
a suitable breaking-in period. Wargs have their own language and
the rest of Eriadol presented welcome flatlands and genlle hills,
Rhudaur has always been a grim place. Through changes in climate are easily as intelligent as most of their riders, and just as
malevolent. They come in two varieties: common Wargsare simply
and the sweeping hand of man, most of Cardolan, Arlhedain, and
Ihe rest of Enador have been cleared of trees and somewhat tamed. huge Wolves; but a true Warg, the Deg-lie or "Ghost Wol£," s
i a
much rarer sight Ihan his brethren. A Ghost Wolf resembles other
Unlike the lands west and south, which were covered with one vast,
Wargs in every way except that it is Undead; when it dies, its body
virtually unbroken ancien! wood until the late Second Age, this
dissipates.
Place of Roaring-red gold remains much as it always was.
Although the lands of Rhudaur are cold and infertile, over the The Chatmoig
centuries its inhabitants adapted well, and so they continue to sur The high hills are also home to the extremely rare Chalmoig, a
vive. The scanty grasses and brush provide fare for substantial large grey Cal with huge forequarters and great fangs. The Chat
numbers of grazing animals, especially Losrandir, which in turn moig is the only natural creature feared by the Hillmen. Some clans
provide food for predators, Man being not the least of these. revere the Great Cat, which provides thecore ofmany Hillmen hun
Open LllInds ting myths. Few if any Dunedain have ever seen a Chatmoig, which
The open lands of Rhudaur are all dominated by the sparse can grow 10 be 6' high at the shoulder.
mossy grass called sinblas by the Dunedain, for its greyish hue. In Rare Large Predators
the flatlands of Oiolad and the Angie, the sinblas is mixed with a Giants and Ghosts are said to roam the Highlands of Rhudaur,
taller grass called heblas and smaJl patches of low coniferous guarding long-lost treasure5 and surviying on whatever - or
bushes. OccasionaJly, there is aim a tiny stand of pines or a single whomever - they can find. Great Eagles have been spotted in the
lonely tree. In Ihe higher lands, the heblas and bushes fade out, skies above Ihe mountains.
displaced by large patches of thistles. Pines become more common,
The GllIich
sometimes joined or supplanted by beeches. On the barren hilltops
The primary small prcdalor in Rhudaur is a large fox called the
only sinbias can survive.
Gaieh, or changer; its pelt is black in summer and white in winter.
Woodlands Scavenging and cleaning up after the Gaich is the chief work of the
Most of Rhudaur is not open country but ranges from light to many flocks of Crows and Gorcrows (Crebain) that abound in
thick stands oftrees. There are three separate types ofwoodland. In almo51 every pan of central and eastern Rhudaur.
the northern and eastern Highlands, tall pines and yews dominate,
Other Creatures
and most are found in small but dense clusters sheltered from the
A wide yariety of small creatures will be found in these lands;
biting wind. Between them, scattered almost randomly about,
Hillmen recognize 28 varieties of Rabbits. Mice and Rats and Por
stand much thinner groups of generally small trees. Central
cupines abound. However, the Beayer and the River Mink are
Rhudaur is home 10 mixed woods of pine, beech, and birch. Here
nearly extinct. The Dunedain treasure their fine pelts and pay well
too, trees galher in dense clumps. Usually. expanses ofopen land lie
for them. These creatures were never common, and soon the
between, bUI the edges of these woods are difficult to penetrate
Hillmen caught all but a few. Aside from Crows, birds are not as
because of dense underbrush.
common in Rhudaur as in the rest of Eriador. However, there are a
The forest called the Vfelwyd is quite different, for it is an ancient
great many Blue-headed Ducks along the banks of the riyers and in
wood, dark and dangerous. Th� most common trees are the elm
the bogs of the Ettendales. The bogs are also the home of bizarre
and the black oak, although there aremany others. Thesetrees have
crealures called Frunls: black salamanders with red feathery gills,
grown tall and broad, so there is little undergrowth. In addition to
they seem to spend most of their time buried deep in the mud. The
Forest-trolls, the known dangers of Ihe Trollshaws include a few
Hillmen consider them to be a terrible omen and try to avoid them,
rotten old trees infested with evil. Unknown dangers are legion, at
bUI others have reported that their flesh is most tasty. Bats are com
least according to fearful Hillman tales.
mon, and there are seyeral varieties of snakes, one of which is quite
2.6 FAUNA dangerous. This is the Shaking Asp, a common small grey snake
with potent venom. Its only virtue is that it wears rings of heavy
Predators
loose scales about their head that give off a distinctive noise when
Aside from Man and Troll. the chief predators of Rhudaur are
the serpent writhes in surprise or prepares to strike.
the Brown Bear and the Wolf, both of which are common
throughout the land. Their larger cousins, the Cave Bear and the Losrandir and Caru
War, (or War Wolf), respectively, are common in the high hills of losrandir (Hi. "Feitharl', stand little more than 4' high at the
the north and east but rarely come down to lower lands. shoulder and with the exceptions of their thick fur and small mossy
antlers look much like the lesiCr deer of the West. Losrandir
migrate to Ihe highlands in the spring, gathering in great herds that
Be", crowd an acre of ground. They bear their calves in the late spring.
Bears eat plants and will scavenge other's kills when they can; Later, as the heavy snows begin, they retreat to the woodlands in
however, they are quite capable of making solitary kills when stir groups of about twelve.
red by hunger. Brown Bears, which Hillmen call the Sarg-di
gn, or Losrandir haye very sharp hooves for breaking through the snow
"Little Bear," often weigh 300 pounds and stand as tall as a man. to find food in winter. These hooves are their prime defense; both
Black Bears measure two to three feet taller and weigh twice as buck and doe rear up and use them with skill. Doe antlers remain
much as their brown cousins. Called Barg-moigh, or "Great Bear," rather soft year-round, while buck antlers harden enough to be
by Hillmen, Black Bears lead a solitary existence in the many useful only in Ihe early winter, which is rutting season. Losrandir
natural caves of the Highlands. It is considered unwise - even generally cat only sinblas, the grey grass of Rhudaur, surviving on
when caught in a driving rainstorm or a sudden blizzard - to at this scant fare. In particularly hard winters, Losrandir eat brush
lempt to share the cave of an adult Black Bear. and the bark of trees.
•
As a rule, stronger bucks patrol the edge of the herd to ward off cause numbness (activity -25) n
i the afflicted area. One cure is to
predators. In smaller groups, Losrandir rely on their quickness and bathe in water in which pine needles have been boiled. Hillmen
stamina in the deep snows; they can make brief, impressive bursts learned that Lawrim when squeezed and boiled also makes an effec
of speed. If need be, bucks will sorlie out 10 attack, and as a lasl tive if oil)' poison. This poison causes shock when absorbed
resort, Losrandir will form a close cluster defended on all sides by through the skin, bringing on brief agony (activity -20) and then
flashing hooves. These tactics work well enough against Wolves paralysis (activity -01 to -1(0) which wears off in a few (1-10) hours.
and Bears but arc of no use against determined Men. The Hillmen use this as poison for hunting in uttermost need,
Smaller herds of Caru (Hi., Du. "Elk") also roam Ihe Highlands, allhough they do not consider its use as honorable.
traveling and surviving much as the Losrandir. The Sha is a water lily found in the bogs of the Ettendales. Sha
flowers are quite useful. When dried and powdered, Sha will give
2.7 flORA the user several rounds of powerful infravision, though at a high
The Hillmen of Rhudaur possess great skills in the ways of the cost: one 10 five days of severe diarrhea will follow. (While he can
woods and the Dunedain have a great store of lore; however, see 300' in all but utter darkness for 10-50 rounds. he pays with an
neither group concerns itself greatly with the plants of the affliction which reduces him to -2:5 until he recovers.)
Trollshaws. It is likely that many plants with useful potential for The Faghiu is a tiny blue-white flower of surpassing beaut)'
good or evil purposes have not yet been discovered in this largely found onl), on the highest granite hills oflhe easl. It is said that the
unpopulated region. juice orlhe full-blooming petals makes a very effective love potion.
The Blue Pine is the most common of the evergreen uees of These tales are true: those smitten will not hann the one Ihat gives
Rhudaur and, aside from its needles' bluish hue, is notable for its them the gift of the drink for 1-100 days. Instead, victims tend t o
large cones, which carry especially large seeds. These seeds are faithfully serve their newly beloved in any way short o fendangering
called pine nuts and are a very important supplement to the diet of their own lives. Those enamored of one of Ihe opposite sex may go
Ihe Hillmen. Pine nuls are acidic in taste, although this is much so far as t o lust after their new love.
abaled by careful roasling; few besides Hillmen would eat them The White-Berried Yew is a common shrub in the woods of
raw. Rhudaur. When ripe, eating its berries can cause a swift (1-10
The Lawrim is a lichen often found on exposed pieces of granite, rounds) and painless death. In past days it was so used by those
especially in the EltenmooTS. (The Hillmen lately liken lichen to dishonored to commit suicide. If not ripe, the ingested berries only
lightly-licked lighted litmus lumps.) It isdull orange in color, a rare cause vomiting.
shade which ought to serve as a warning of its dangerous nature. Hiam Moss is a fungus that afmcts the many beech trees of
When in contact with bare skin, Lawrim will within two days cause Rhudaur. When prepared by knowledgable herbalists, it acts as a
a very hot and itchy rash that, if untreated, will rapidly spread and mood elevator and can sustai n one an entire day without other
COdes: Stt Mc'RP ST-2, paae 89 for d�aHed a<:eount. Allack rodcs stan with OB. The first leuer Indicates tile size and scvnity of auack: T .. liny. S ,. small, M .. medium.
L .. large. H .. hUlle. Thc last lWO leuns indicale th.l)'pC or �uaek: Ba .. bash. BI .. bite, a .. claw. Cr .. crush, Gr .. grapple, Ho .. horn, TS .. lrampld.stomp.
We .. WCilpOn. For o:ample : �XlSCl� _ �SOOB, Small all�k. Claw.�
The numbers afl.,.,.. lhe Armor TyP!' hsteddet.nnine Ihf characters O:let armor. The number applies to the penuw:nt HOI.t:MA!>TEH am.or claM. "AMand �LM art used 10
indicat. arm and leg greases, respectively. All annor<:d NPCs .re US1.lm<:d to wnr heJntel6 (unless theyare v� Stupid).
NOTE: ]r a critical mike is Obtained with a �slayina wcapon," it i, resotved normally (lnd then a second critical Is resolved on Ihe Crilical llblc ror LUle Creatures,
(MC"H", cr-IO: HM, Arms Law 8.14). Of course, lhis only applies to the creatures that thf weapon is sup])O&ed \0 H,layH.
,
nourishment. Thc Fu{ Hiams, or Hillmen Ikrsekers, regularly use hair and dark eyes. BOlh sexes dress and wear their hair alike, tied
the moss to keep them alert and vigorous. Those that rdy upon it, in three long braids down the sides and back. They often decorate
however, cannot use it more Ihan four consecutive days, and then their hair with intricately carved bone rings.
they must rest (-75) for a period equal to twice the time they wefe Clothing is simple and utilitarian. The Kofth and KuflodQ are
sustained. Many folk are alergic to Hiam Moss and there is a SOJa worn throughout the year; the latter isashort fur jacket with sleeves
chance that Ihe first-time user will suffer convulsions and death down to the elbows. The Kahh is a sort of skirt or kilt made from
when ingesting this magical herb. Losrandir hide Ihat is wrapped just above the navel. 111 mid-winter
Black Vines are useless and dangerous plants. This vine is found Hillmen add a full-length fur cape and wear high boots, although
deep within the Yfelwyd, the difficulty in finding it being its only they favor moccasins lhe rest of the year.
virtue. The Black Vine has a very Ihin stem and only a fewtiny black Origins
leaves, and grows among the exposed rOOIS of lhe great trees. Pro
Hillmen first came to Rhudaur late in the Elder Days and remain
longed contact with the leaves, such as sitting or sleeping on Ihem,
ed distinct until approximately T.A. 2000. They are clearly related
causes a brief euphoria SO intense that it borders on the visionary.
10 the many Dunnish peoples oflhe West; but being longsundered
While the victim dreams and sighs, the Black Vine grows with
from them, Ihey feel little or no lingering kinship with those
amazing speed around him and puts down roots, intending to
Dunlendings who migrated northward into Rhudaur.
smother its delirious victim. A victim s
i veTY much awue of this
process but lacks the will to do anything about it. Unless aided, the Sodely
poor SOl will expire in 2-20 rounds. Hillmen are hunters and thus are very dependent on the Losran
dir herds of Rhudaur. They gather some plants, notably Blue Pine
2.8 THE PEOPLES OF THE TROLLSHAWS nuts, and cultivate a few herbs, but these efforts merely supplemcnt
2.81 THE KI.LLMEN Iheir hunting kills. Hillmen live in small mobile communities called
Dress and Appearance Dacaithan or camps, that loosely follow the migrations of the
Losrandir. Housing is provided by a semi-circular hide house called
Somewhat unimposing, the Hillmen are one of the shortest
the Taigh that call be quickly dismantled and packed up. Each
Mannish races in western Middle·earlh. Men ranse in height from
camp has a permanent sacred winter campsite (Hi. "Moigban"j in
S'4" to 5'8"; women are about 3" shorler. They are, however, a
the Trollshaws.
stocky, strong and hearty folk, and quite hirsute. (A slight
mustache is nOi considered unattractive on a woman.) Men orten Classes
sport grand beards, but all are ncally trimmed and most shave their Hillmen society is divided infO three classes: Tiark (sing. Tark),
chins. HiJimen are of dark complexion with dark brown or black Dllier (sing. Oher), and Dheusun (sing. Oheus), or respectively:
Gladcr/snowfld� = <) a
G; Alpine " A: M unt in .. M: Heath/sclub .. H; Coniferous fOlell .. C: Dttiduous/mixed forelt .. D: Jungle/rain fOlcst .. J: Shorl
gras.! '" S: Tall ,,,,,,, .. T; Br�ak�/wadi. .. B: WIlSIe .. W: Desert .. Z; Freshwatcr cu�m & banks � f; Oc:(!.n/saltwaler .hores � 0: Vulcunk .. V;
Undflaround (,avcrn. d�.) .. U
Dlmeull) of Finding: Rouline ("t-30) _ I: Easy t +20) .. 2; Liaht ( + (0) '" J: Medium (0) .. 4; Hard (-10) .. j; Very Hard (·20) .. 6: E�lremcly Hud (-30) _ 7; Sh«r l'olly(.SO) �
8: ....bsurd (·70) .. 9
Compus Cod.: Lut code in '·
$«I.C"� show, area of tile: Mickllt-ca.rth where IICTb is indlgmou$, or mOSl common. �UH equals ulli clsal. �M� indicates mid·Endor.
I'"p�nltlon Codn: ap pl y (la.... ora' flOultice, HOmdl): brcw (boil. waiI20Inds): pslrck:asc:. inhale); lnaCSl (nl, chew, inhale, ordrin�): inj«t (asinant, bUI can bcadminislered
in romblt with crit result): liquid (remain. crfrctivc I hI and can bc. pul un � w�apOn or in food); pasle (remains df«th'e I wrc�); pOwder (can be mi�ed inlo
food or drink).
t;rf«:l: BlL'oW on a dOlc weighing VI ouncc. For poisons. the effect i, no,m81ly Ih� same regardless of Ihe-potcocy Ic.'cl ufthl! du$(:, allllough the muack level will aff«!
th� �lcl;m's abilil), 10 re5il!.
··Made ('rom .$<'\'cral lnaredicntS, III common 10 We!.!:"'. n Orth weslern & mid_Endor.
10
Chiefs, Hunters, and Makers. Unlike most other cultures, these other metals. There is no real currency, but a Losrandir hide that
classes are not based on sex or blood, but rather upon ability. has been cured and stretched has a standard recognized value (ap
Hillmen use rigorous testing from an early age to determine a per proximately 5 silver pieces). Otherwise, barter is the only recourse.
son's status. All children are strongly encouraged to undertake the
Religion
tests necessary to become a Hunter. These consist of survival alone
Unlike the vast majority of their neighbors, Hillmen aggressively
in the wild for the long winter and the slaying of a Wolf - unaided
reject both the Valar and the Black Religion of Sauron. Their at
- in late adolescence. Those who fail or do not try this rite become
titude is based on their inherent mistrust of foreign ways, coupled
Makers; it is they who perform aU non-hunting tasks, from
with some strange legends of their ancestors who claimed in ancient
smithing to child care. Their status is low, but their role is respected
songs to have been "betrayed by both the Light and the Darkness".
and they are protected. Hunters, of course, hunt and also defend
In any event, Hillmen are almost as touchy about their religious
the camp. Raiding between rival camps is almost constant, a form
practices as are Dwarves. Like the Naugrim they practice ancestor
of diversion and conditioning. All Hunters are eligible to become
worship, but among the Hillmen this is centered around a fearful
the new Chief; a series of trials unique to each tribe determine who
reverence of powerful Ghosts. Lyrical chants and epic songs tell the
will run each camp. This commonly involves the killing of a Cave
stories of these strange beings.
Bear.
Hillmen look to the high country surrounding the Trollshaws as
Descent and inheritance are traced through the mother; the hus
sacred and actively cherish the rocky escarpments and unyielding
band joins his wife's camp. Children are the responsibility of the
hills. Every winter, Hillmen add venerated objects to hidden, deep
nearest hunter among the mother's kin, often an uncle. Female
pits in the Highlands. Although mainly used as burial sites for the
Hunters, who make up about a quarter of the total, generally post
copper totems that Hillmen receive at birth, the pits also hold
pone or avoid motherhood.
weapons and jewelry, Ancestral Ghosts (Hi. "Boghain''l are said to
Politics haunt and protect the more valuable pits.
All Hillmen camps belong to one of the nine tribes (Hi. ''Ne Personal totems (Hi. ''Ail-Leagan''l are rough lumps of copper
Dreubhan"). Hillmen dislike laws but revere customs, and no camp chosen for a child by the Wegech. They are borne until death and
raids camps of the same tribe. Tribes do not have defined ter their loss often forces the dishonored Hillman to take his own life.
ritories, although they have changing regional preferences. Tribes This is usually the case when a totem is lost to a foe through cunning
are ruled by Tiark whose power depends upon their own abilities. or in battle. A Hillman's only alternative is to serve the holder of his
Each of the nine Tiark is eligible to become the new Targ-Arm, or totem until it can be recovered by one of the loser's own family. If
High Chief, when the old one dies. In quiet times the position of the totem's location cannot be determined, the Hillman may go to
Targ-Arm is largely honorary; however, in emergencies the the Wegech for another; but in such a case, the matriarchal Mage
authority of the Targ-Arm is real and respected. will invariably require the performance of an awful task or quest.
Daily matters of the camp are governed by the collective wisdom Most totems are worn tightly around the neck.
amidst these are hung arms and armor of all kinds. (All are well used. (After 1409, Rhudaur relies on weapons imported from
crafted imitations, useless for fighting.) On the left, a corridor Angmar.) To the left, the corridor leads to the Halls of Healing,
leads to the kitchens and sculleries; on the right another leads to carved from a natural cave. To the right, stairs lead down to the
the guards' quarters. These chambers hold the only entrances to Lower Barracks. There is a guarded door off a small cavern that
the guardrooms in the towers and to the pillars in the Fuintir. goes down to the caverns of the Ureithel.
Straight ahead, the Dagorond ends in a great doorway between NOTE.: Th�fol/o,,·in1./oyoul desaiplioruure lislN i" usr:cndi"g order (i.e., from bOI.
two exquisitely made trees, one of gold and one of silver. The trees 10m 10 lOp!. sitlce halfofthe entry poims inlO Cam�lh Brin ul/aw passa6t into Iht
V,eilhel. Camelh Brin:s up/Wrmos/ area•• Ihe Iwo SffliOfl! of Ihe Armoq·ol.Wanu.
were a gift from the Elves of Rivendell, given when the Dunedain
are ,',,(/udedal 9.4./orlhey are buill durin, 0 di/jere"l ero ondarekeyed /0 Ihe ad"e�·
first delved these halls. (They were originally matched by the gift lure i� 9.0.
from the Dwarvesofa milhrildoor, but it was sold to Gondor long The 'e/erenen /Q guards. Ihe garrison. and Ihe lordS relOle 10 Iht /Wriod oround
ago.) T.A. 1671. whe" Camelh Brin wus/ully ma�"ed by Ihe fliJIlMtn ofKing Bronho.
Between the trees stand double doors of oak and iron that open This rna/trial isdireclly litd 10 IheadvenlMre i" Seclio" IQ.Qa�d, ai/hough i/ indkules
how Ihe jOrirt'SS is Iypical/y staffed. (on I1e ig"'.lred otherwisl'.
into the Merelhrond, the Hall of Feasts. This is an immense
chamber with a high doomed roof and well.linings all of alabaster. 6.2 THE SECRET MINE SHAFT ENTRANCE
The original gilded fittings and furniture are now long departed,
The "Tale of Eldacar and Miffli" proved to be a moderately
but those with some taste say that it looks better in black iron and
popular ballad in its day, and those who sought illicit entry into
dark oak. On the left of the Merethrond a guarded hall leads to
Cameth Brin did not have that much trouble discerning how
stairs going down to the Lower Halls. The hall opposite is strongly
entrance could be gained. During the days of the Dunedain it was
guarded, for it leads to the stairs to the Upper Halls. (A secret door
deemed adequate to guard this rOUle, bUI later, darker masters did
conceals a small suite designed to be used by the Lord.)
not agree. It was not practical to merely seal off Ihe entrance, for
6.14 THE UPPER HALLS
all fortresses need a secret exit. The masters decided to trap the
The stairway up from the Merethrond opens to a hallway and a mineshaft and 10 make it a one way passage. The original tunnel
large guardroom which bristles with firing slits. This level s
i ac was partially blocked, and a new one was cut deep beneath it, with
tually composed of two sections which are joined by a short stair. a small room in the middle. Those exiting the fortress need only
The larger Chiefs' Chambers contain the suites of the lesser lords pull a lever to move the two-ton block of stone that serves as ceiling
of Cameth Brin and their guests. These rooms are reached by turn for the IO'� 10' x 10' outer chamber, but they must exit quickly, for
ing down the hallway to the right, and proceeding a good distance. any weight on the floor opens a sluice from the Ureithel that will
The hallway splits 10 left and right and forms a large circle, off of
quickly fill the chamber with boiling water. If the lever has not
which are the suites. A doorway hidden behind the way of one of
been previously operated. any weight on the floor that exceeds 50
these chambers allows access to the rough passage up to the an lbs wi!! drop three portcu]]i along the mine shaft, blocking escape.
cient Armoq·al.Wanu.
The secret mine entrance is located in the north face of the
To the left of the steps from the Main Level, the hallway enters a northernmost hill of the southeast chain. The entrance is covered
room that drips with water and holds a small pool. This oddly by a large boulder that is cleverly counter-weighted to shift when a
shaped chamber opens onto two well-concealed stairwells. One rod is insened into its key hole. Its mechanism is Very Hard (·20)
connects with the Fuintir below; the other leads up to the King's to detect. The mine shaft is very narrow and goes deep into the
Apartments. The stairs behind this door end in the obligatory earth. After a mile it ascends to meet a small underground stream;
guardroom and then enter the King's library and eonference room. thereafter the path runs along stones set JUS! under the water. Its
Broggha has disposed of all the ornate trash that Maschbram had last. wet four miles follows a fairly direct path to Cameth Brin.
collected, and this chamber is now spartan. The King's private The shaft enters Camelh Brin at the cavern of the hot spring (see
chambers lie beyond, behind a door of solid steel. 6.3, #5,6).
6.15 ARMOQ-A(,..WANU
Above the King's rooms and the Upper Halls lie the main halls 6.3 THE UREITHEL
of the Petty·Dwarven hold of Armoq-al-Wanu. They have been The Ureithel, or Hot Spring, is found in a large cavern, the
enlarged to give a man room to stand and are used to provide tem deepest chamber under Cameth Brin. Over half of this cavern is
porary quarters for the guards stationed in the spy-holes at the top filled by bubbling, sulphurous waters which fill the cavern with a
of Cameth Brin. This work is done by regular guards who are dank mist ( -20 on all maneuvers). After evil came to Rhudaur,
brought up blindfolded, left unarmed and unarmored, and closely foul dungeons were carved out of the caves and equipped with a
monitored by a couple of the Fuintir. Curiosity is discouraged. potent guardian, a giant 30' long snapping Turtle (S.
The old entrance has been blocked off by a greal block of granite. "Fastilocalon'J.
6.16 THE LOWER HALLS The Fell Turtle
The downward stairs from the Merethrond on the Main Level He has been here since T.A. 1413., residing in the Ureithel and
lead deep beneath the earth and end in an unassuming hall. Here, enjoying an occasional warm swim. For his size. the Fell Turtle
almost directly across from the stairs, are the guardrooms of the calledGirge-larel is quite quick. It can only be controlled by the
Lower Halls. These were built where there had once been passages Turtle Helm held by King Broggha; otherwise it will attack
to the two Middle Barracks. anything living that comes into his watery domain.
17
•• Mi� Cl"ftk Pal>UKt. The stream mlcrinl from theIdi ftlb Ihe bottom tllird of
, ill 10' passaiC. but walking Ilones ve placed jllSt below Ihe IUlfK( of Ihe
TUsllinl wlter. The 4' wide cut leads 10 the water trap at the secret mille en·
.1 '1
ilan(e, S miles 10 Lhe north.
7. PIUSII'C....�
. 10 Troll Lair. The crcek enlerinl tile main slream on Ihe ri,hl fills
half of Lhe pass.ge Ih.1 runs J mil u 10 Ihe 5ttL"et enuance al the Troll Lair. Sec
Section 8.1, U.
•• Maln Slalrwly. leadslo lower Burach (s«6.4, MlI, and provide,.ceculo all
the levels above.
,. PUUl�C 10 TallOth Brin. Rock haUjoins Ulcithel10 biLrracks-Kl1lcment outsiM
(see color view, inside back cover). It also opens onto quarten of Iht Fuimiri.
AccCSlible IhrouJh a 5ttL"et door "'hkh is di$lui>ed as lome rOCk: Very Hard 10
find (·201. [rapped and b\J"C1TIely Hvd (·30). If the door is opened without I
small knob beinJ lumed, super hot stUrn will be vented into Ihe corridor.
10. Entnonc, 10 DUnKCOIII. Protccted by iron door: very tllick, lock ;$ Hard (-10). 2
g"ard�.
II. Guards' Quarlcn. This suile is duigned IJ quartcrs for Ihe IIlIards of the
dun&eon. They are used by Ashkuh. Ihe Ore'plince hosL,,"
12. GUlrdroum. UKd b� lhe lesser Ore ,uuds.
n. D.IlVUns. Only bonn and a clu ..sy slave ", in rcsKkna.
14. PrisollS and Torw� Ch�mbfn.
18
moving the stairs is set in the wall. just inside and to the right of Ihe door. It is
6.5 THE LOWER HALLS Exlremely Hard (·30) 10 find.
I. Slain; 10 l.ower Barracks. E"emuall� leads to Ureilhel below (�e 6.}, l8 16. Hall "r Itnling. Workw from a nalural cavern, lhe wards CUI into sides oflhe
above), Sofl rock slai""ay is composed of Crialh. a moldable Slone. Anyone walls. 2 guards.
passing on lhe SLair wili leavc a faint fOOlprint and pick up a weI slime on Ihe 17. Hallway. Walled off. they oncc led 10 Ihe Third and Fourth barracks. now
sale of thei. fool. The slime kaves a tr1ck which is invisible to the Mannisheye. abandoned,
bUl quite noticeable 10 an Orc or Dwarf. I�. Koums of the Lesser Hulers.
2. }'ood SI0.1'$. 19. Brenn's qUirt,...
3. Duly guardrooms. Each accessible llY a short flight of descending stairs. 2 20. Ward of Ihe III. Here the sick are isolaled.
guards in uch.
4. Pass> (0 Jlan of lIuling. 6.6 THE MAIN HALLS
S. Stairs III Main uvrl. These ascend 10 Main Lovd above (seo: 6.6, .30). They are Although most of the space on this level is laken up by the
built so thai there are two lieu of Len wooden stairs separated by twenty stone
largely ceremonial Oagorond and Merethrond, it is traditionally
stairs. Th.r. arc forty Nh., stone steps; twenty aoov. the lower group of wood
the center of activity in Cameth Brin.
steps and twenty above th. upper. The wooden 51airs cover S' x 5' shafl� each
smoolh·sidw and 200 fUI dup; Ihey are fillw wilh three fUI of siagnant 1. Stairway 10 Upper Barracb. Siairs u� accomodate three abreasl (sec 6.7, '1). 2
waler. Vi�1im muSI suffer + 1 50 Fall/Crush allack. The wood is Irealed wilh an guards.
enehamed oil and will burn instantly upon the command of anyone wearing the ,. The DagorQnd. The walls arc eo"ered wilh scenes of Ihe epic dced, of the early
Turtle Helm. Levers above each =Iioo will manually release a lock which will Dlinedain. Some of the .scenes more Offensive 10 Rhudaur's laler friends have
make them swing downward on a hinge if burdn.cd wilh more than 20 Ibs. lM:en whilewashw, The walls arcalso hung wilh replicas of weapons. 2 guards.
Upper side of each shaft is 6' higher lhan lower side, l. Corridur tu th� Guard's Qua rle... Defended by ,uardpom and a porlcullis.
6. ()oor. Leads \0 SmithY. Generally left open. 4. Enlnlncr to th.Quarte.. ofthe hin�ri. Up a nighl of5tcps toa black door thai
7. Guardpost. Unmanned. is locked (Easy, -+ 20) stand more stairs.
I. Old Mttal.'iSioruoum. Once used by s.l1ith, now serves asgencral storag.area. 5. Roums for Ihe .·uin!iri. Each sparsely furnished room can accomodale fi"e
9. Smithy. Large and well d�ign.d. bUI most of the good equipment was sent guards.
nonh to Angmar. 6. Roums for the }'ulntirl SrrlLunts. Well appointed. Ihey each aeeomnda!e one.
10. Hrod Smilh's Chambe... Now is u,ej as an armory. il contaim;: 110 Short 7. Praclice Koom, Has its own Rune of Unerdarkoess.
Shords; 200 Targel Shields; 155 Daggers; and 90 Shonbows. 8. Blihs.
II. Did Smithy Vaull. Locked. Absurd (.70). but nOI trapped. However. it i s nOI 9. Cummun Ruom. A tutal mess. ThcI( is � c10sel behind which is � secret door
now in use and is protected by a Sth lvlSymbol of the Uglintss oj Om: RR thai is Hard (.!O) to find. II is locked and Very Hard (·20) 10 open wilhout trig,
failure _ "ictim's Appearance is lowered 10 I (NM: Presence lowered 10 I). ,ering a trap: a liny poisoned needle which sirikes as a -+ SO Dagger and con·
12. QUUIO.. for ....
I part�d Smilhs. Not in usc.
,a;ns a 41h 1,1 dose of White Yew lies in wait. Behiod the doorsils what seems 10
13. Quarte.. for Depuled SmithS. NOl in use. be only a safe for Ih. valuables of tho Fuintiri, but il is IInder a Irap door in Ihe
ceiling. Tlap door is locked and E�trtmcly H:lfd (·30) 10 open. It leads 10 an
14. Precious Metali Slunlg. Chllmbu. The door isoffits hinges and ch amber is nOi
iron ladder "'hieh can be pulled down; Ihis <w:cnds in a shafl liP to Ihe Main
u.�.
GU3rdroorn (6.11. _8) in the Fuintir.
IS. Fal", .Ialr. S.�ret door is Very Hard (.20) to find. Door pushes in 10 reveal a
10. Qu�rtc.. for St:eond in Cummand.
beautiful �Ione Slair i� 10' Ioog (lO stairs) and descends 7' to a falsested door set
11. Gameroom. Nealer, it i. often used for meetings.
in opposile waU. When ISO lbs is placed on the 4th, 5th, or 10th Slep, the siair
12. S"�el Duor. Locked, Extremely Hard (·30). opens into corridor.
51ides back inlo wall and =ret door doses. A shaft appears. dropping victim
13. A�ces:; ,oom. Contains IWO ladders, each of which leads to a Fuintir Guar.
(If inlo walers of the Ureithel (sec 6.3. MI). On lOp of being Turtle·fodder, vic·
droom above (6.6• •7) Yia a Irap dOQr (as al �9). OUler door is locked and E�·
lim recei"es a ... 25 Fall·Crush attack and ends up 11-60' under (120') water.
trcmdy Ha,d (.)0) 10 open. It is dcsigned to be dcadbolted from Ihe inside.
The 5haft is used 10 feed the Turtle w'en necessary. So a !ever me.;hanism for
Unlocked at sh ift change.
0
•
P""...ull"
tI S"..m
Fir< Hc."h
Shelt
,
T,.>l/Pa,h
�"'''< I),,,,, r �,.-
,
W,,,,.) 0.""
\ r,�,·�·H"I�«
Gl 1'0<11
F,,,h,,,,,l
19
"
_ P
M
, "
'4, Hall 10 Guards' Quarters. }9, GuarGroom. <NnlookulaitS. doot is locked and Very Hard (_W) loopen. II II
15. Guards Chambers. Ten bunks. tripped (Hard. -(0) by. small poisoned n«:dle (�e 119 above).
\6. &orgunll' Cl!amb.e•. 30. StM;r! 10 Lower Halls. Lead,n, down, they arc wide enoush for Ihr\'f! to plU
17. R«.ulinn Arn fn. S,.!tunls. abreasl. 21st (hrouSh )(kh and S l ll lhrou8h 60th stairs are wooden ($«6.�, 'S).
18. Ifali lo lhr kJt�htns and StUlttritl. 31. HaU lu Upper Levels. Protected as at _28.
19. �'ood �,orM't lrea. 32. Guardroum. Built with firin, parIS. ;1 p,art;ally blocks hall. Door is loclced Ind
20. I\il�htn. Usually the scene of frelUiod acl;�ily. '.10 �rvanls and, when on Exltelm:ly Hard (-30) 1 0 open; if unsuccessfully lampercd "'ilh. il wi
l l set off a
dUly, Siawerd. spear trap (lhrec +70lpear attlcks) across from it. 11 is Extremely HlI'd{-)O)tO
21. Pantry. Contlill$ an ice pit and aWL lIin. both for storins rancy foods. Door is disarm . 2 &uarm.
Ior.:ked and Hard (.10) 10 open. lJ. GUMrdn'lum. Lih .29.
22. •. A bare. dark pil.
S"�n' SI"pin& A.., 34. 51••",10 Up,," H.lls. Ascend 51«ply to Chids' Cham""n ($CC 6.91. '1).
23. SK\'anll' Roo"",. 36. S«:�I Door. Absurd (-70) 10 find. � opensonly to tMcomnu.nd. -£dIO." Trap
201. Cook's Room. Si&�rd has painted il purple and i1ecps on I pile of SITU'. is Extremely Hard (-lD) 10 decect. If door is nol lihut in 40 seconds. 5i� 110 lb.
25. Trff!. El,h! f�L high. the one on left is ,ilver, the .i,hl is ,old, Ind blILhliveI blOCks ",ill fan from the ceilin, ( + 70, Llrle Crus./! Ittlck).
"8" Ele<;L,idly �rilicaJ if lOuched by (Vii p('rsonl. 36. ':lUc Gu�,d ch,mbe",. Door Is locked. Absurd lo open (-70) and made of$'l\'f!l.
26, Door 1/1Mt'nlhrond. Wrouiht of OJk and 1.0n, il it ROl lOCked but can be Furnished only with hides. Twin Hillman sisters reside here. They serve to
securely boIled (Extremely Hard. -30) from inside. KUlrd the imprisoned PrincHS Alqulwen.
n. ChMm ber ilr the MUClh.ond. The inle.;o. is of alabasl�r wilh many wrought )7. Alqulwtn'$ chkmbi:n. They are beautifully and eomfonably hnnl,hcd. AI Ihe
iron lorch holder�. A dozen lOng marble lables llc placed here; in Ihe (Cnler �I moment. the Princess has made I mess of eYff)'lhing in hopes of rurlher !r·
�A�, there is I small plalform for the Kin,'s Table. 2 ,uards. rilalinS her luard•.
28. H,ll IV Low," FOrl�i.!i. Defended by luardrooms and pOrlculiis. 31. Halh.
20
6.7 THE UPPER BARRACKS down on10 poisoned spe." (+ 12 faU/Crush attack and i to S +40 spar .t·
Ilcb). The "S� (spike) t riPS Ire operated by levers which, if pulled, sprillJ 1
I. Mlin SUll.....}. Steps down \0 1M Main Lcvd (we 6.6, 'I). spears (+40 altacks) as above', intO intrude ... . The �C'"' (<<ilin&) mop, arc
1. SCal,..., 10 F.bIlW, Lad up to main cnlr), level (Sft 6.8. " '). 2 auards.
operated from the main lU.rd .oom .1 18; thcy drnp 4',,4', 100 lb. ....one blocks
l. H,lI lo Satnlcu. Occupied by 100 Hillmen. from the 2f1 ceilin, ( + SO i.arle Crush luack). 2 Fuintiri lnards; ) fuinliti
... Stlnd.rd B
•...-.w Roo... Bllilt·;.. niplc bvnks line tilt' walls. lUidn.
5. Sft'JulIl'I Q...r1CQ.
,. G...droo...... Reached by ladder from the AQtc:SS Room on Main Level �Iow
6. Qulncl'II for a.rTW:Iu eo....nder. (S« 6.6. '13). thcy are very weU-«tuippc<l with ruinl slilS. ) fui.uiri luards
uch.
I. M.I" Gu.rdT(lom. Reached by Iidder only from Common Room on the Main
Level bclow ($t( 6.6• .-9). Controls to operate "C� Iraps and lu.dli.ry controls
for Otlter door and alarm are lotattd hete. fuintiri Captain and 4 Fuimiri
I�
luards.
" •• St.I......y 10 Towu. Stair leadS up to Tlr·narad Tereg, on the SUmmil of lhe
, Twisted Hill. A ralw door optns onlO I small loom which is guarded by In "S�
, trap which triuer with ISO lbs on 1M Iloor.
10. Trap Rooms. A "C" trap Iowerl KCtion of ceilin,; new wall seals off doorway
until invaders JU,,�dcr Or ""tW. flbc doors IS '11.
II. .·11sot Doors.. Hidden or obvioU$. any openingo fthe doors will caU$ deliclldy
balanced Viol$ oj Stun CloudJ {Kt spelll lO fall Ind shauer on noor.
11. � Door. ()pens onto pas&qeJeadinldown tOlhcdcpthsofCarneth 8rin. lt
il Iockt<! and Extremely Hard (.)OJ 10 find. Its trap i. Extremely Hard (.30) to
disarm: Poisoned mithril needles lint the noor and victim r«elves one to ten
+ 7� dagger altacks. "ny elitie,J results in injection of lrd le.eJ lAwrlm oil <sec
2.7).
tJ. S.c�1 dOtlr. Loo:;kcd, it is Sheer folly (·50) to open.
". Gundroom. Provides usull firin, holes.
os. Slalrs, They lead down to the Upper 8aJTlcks (sec 6.7, U).
UppeR Bot:lRocks
A, noted, barter i, th, preferred Good / .se,..i« eo.. Note Good / 5en'Ke eo.. N_
method of exchange in Rhudaur. Coin is
ACCESSORIES Scabbard
"'" J Ib.
honored, however, and serves as a good
""'" h, 3.S Ibs. T"" "" 41tn: S' " S'; water
measure for usual trade. 2.S Ibs. r�ant .
ctook 7",
Exchl� Rlt,,: Arthedain'$ ellrrency is prevalent, e.. n", 7 Ills. Tent h, 9 1bs: two man.
--?� Unden:oa1
althoulh coill$ minted in Condor II MiNIs Tj,illt Of T=h v.", l ib; 20' jflllht; 6 hrs.
;5;, ,tbL
Dol Amralh are nol uncommon. Those bearin, the Pant. !.Stbs. Wllerskin (1 pi) "", .S Ibs.
2Oq>
Kin,', uo:st ....:I tlte �n Stars of Anhc-dain � Sh� l ib. Weapon belt 60<, .5 lbt·
""
mNc: 10 the north in Fornost and break down as "'�, .." !.S Ibs. FOOD AND LODGING
follow" one /lP '"' ten sp; one $P _ OM hund.ed cp; AnOW1(2O) "'" 3.S Ibs.
""I.. v.", Pint.
onecp '"' two � cp; om: � cp _ tWO Ii cp. 8ackpaclr{20Ibl "'" 2.S 1b5: 1 cu'.
t", Half-pint.
"'''''
Mithril pittc:s, oncc equal to len IP. 10 Ion,er dr· BedroU (wool, t9<, 5.� Ibs; blanket.
COO ..
""
v.",
culate. They milhl brinl 50ap in Forl105l, bul �all Calttops (S) 90cp 21bs. Mead "", Pint.
but useless in Rhudaur. After all, onl, Owarves or Cb bolts (20), lSOcp, 3 1bs.
Wine "", Pint.
�al Elvcn smilhs can properly work Ihe "uff. Fire-staning bow v." .S Ibs; fire in 5 min.
Flint and :;.t«1 11I:p .S Ibs; fire in 3 min.
l4h1�al v.", �, JOUp, atld
Life in Talugdaeri is particularly hard for farmers; troops and 7. Shops, 110m ,nd ....rkhotlscs:
officials in Cameth Brin demand food and other support, including a. DryOoods
b. Stables
taxes, from its impoverished residents. For businessmen, life is not
,. to"
so bad, for many pcople come to theCameth Brinand need lodging
d. ....
or other amenities; even in its heyday, neighboring Tanoth Brin .. WU"ulTailor
could nOI accommodate trade. About 400 people live ilt Talug ,. T��rn/WjnGhOp
NOTE: for mort dtloil on Trm011t 8r1n In Iht rotor 'oW'" on 1M l,wdtfront row,.
risk quest. -Krog and Krtk. Brok' nephews. These two giants would gladly die forl�ir
uncle. Sometimes theil cousins. who Jive nearer to Talusdaeri. visit.
Aids: No map of the Troll Lair exists. A rough sketch
Smoke from a fire escapes throua� a 3' (in diametel) hole in Ihe "roof' of lhe
of the secret entrance to the lair can be gained at cave. The Trolls stack their clubs r-.:arby. just 30' from the mouth of Ihe ca�.
the Red Hooves Inn in Talugdacri, for a stiff 3. P_Reway. A dark. rock_strewn palh leads to storllJle areas. the pile orbooty
price. Knowledge of Cameth Brin's tunnels and arms. and continues down 10 lower levels of the cave.
4. BooI,. Battered shields. axes and arms of all sons. and a few items of value lie
would be invaluable; bribing a guard might help.
jumblw in a stack. along with scrapS ofdOlhing. skelelOnsand torn and faded
documenlS. A fUSIY. well.worn leather chest lies hidden in a niche in the Wall.
8.11 THE TALE
Vay Hard (·20) 10 lind. The chest i$locked bUI umrapped.
A family of Hill-trolls, now led by Brok the Bestial, has in
Ucms Inside the Chest:
habited the same lightless lair for centuries. Long content to am
I. 400 gold pieces.
bush and rob adventuresome parties and scouts from the nearby 2. A 5ilver_handled dauer wonh 20 gpo
fortress, the Trolls now seek for themselves an enlrance into 3. A rough parchmenl skelch of the $eelet entlance into Cameth Elrin.
Cameth Brin. Besides the loot that they have accumulated for 4. A sem-encruSted rinl worth )OIP.
themselves, thc Trolls hold prisoner one Kolen Bruff, a Dunnish Items of .'alue in the Pile uf Buoty:
scout and Cameth Brin guardsman. Kolen knows of the existence I. Belt5. tunics, and caP5, some bloodstained.
2. Two leather herb pouches. stained by time but undamalled. [The OM can
of the secret passageway into the hilltop slronghold, bUI doesn't
IOU randomly 10 determine which herbs are COntained in each pOuch and
realize just how close to it he stands, chained and miserable. Kolen how much il. left at what pOwo:r.)
would do anything to save himself and stop at nothing to gain at 3. A SCI of ruby earrinss and necklace worth 6-15 sp.
least a part of the King's treasure. 4. Three bronze helmets (100 ""all for a Troll's head) worth 6-10 Ip each.
5. Three smashed_up shields worlh 5 Ip each.
At the Red Hooves Inn in Talugdaeri, those with enough silver
6. Two hand 8.)<es. Iheir handles ;plinterinl. worth 5 IP each.
pieces can hear the tale of an abandoned treasure buried deep in
1. Eight shOrt swords. two oj- 5. two others only half the wciaht of a standard
the hill on the far side of Camelh Brin. The legend is that a Hillman shon sword.
bandit hid his considerable plunder in a cavern once inked
l to the 8. Six gold and bejewelled rillis, none magic. unnoticed by the Trolls and
looming fortress. The booty is said to be stored within a simple wurth 5-50,p in total.
9. Three rusty shovels. useless 10 the Tro1l5, but still capable of doing work.
leather-trimmed chest.
S. StOI'll�t Cd. Casks of wine. ale and beet arc cooled here. alonl with foodstuffs
8.11 THE TASK and Other �upplics.
PC's can choose how best to .ecure a sketch of the entrance to 6. 'l'Mnnel. This [wiSling. pitch_dark. �' wide passage leads 10 Ihe lower depths of
the lair, if they deem it necessary. A night well-spent at the Red the cave. Since it has 7' ceilings. tho Trull. never uSe this narrOw tunnel for fear
of gelling stuck.
Hooves Inn may provide further information about the lair, which
is considered b y many to be legendary. PC's may want to bribe off
duty guards to discover: (l)when the changing of the guard takes
place, and how many stand watch at what hour; (2)if they know
anything of the rumored secret entrance; (3)what treasure is hid
den where in the chambers of Cameth Brin.
Once PC's have gained the information they seek - or have
given up trying - they can leave town to circle the hill and search
for the hidden entrance to the Troll lair. Finding it, they 'must
either avoid or subdue the family of6-8 Trolls who inhabit the lair
and discover the one tunncl which will lead them (0 a centuries
old, Dwarven-built door rusted by age and dampness. (Remember
that Trolls don't venture out during the day; at night, 2-6 Trolls
wander the hillside in search of foolish men and stupid beasts.) If
they can open the door and avoid detection by Cameth Brin's
guards posted nearby, PC's are faced with Ihe challenge of finding
their way through the dark maze of passageways, one of which
leads to the King's Chambers and the treasure locked away there.
Escaping alive presents additional problems.
-Brok, acknowledied leader of Ihe family. Blok has bfen searching for a
secret way inlO Ihe fortress for years. At twelve: feet. he is one of the tallclt
Hill-trolls around.
-Dre/c. Ellok'scldest and dumbest ;on. OfDrek it is said that he is (onunate to
nnd his way home at night. even when he never Invcs the eav•. Drek dreams
incessantly of cattle and wooly sJcep. rarC delicacies in the Tlolishaws.
24
1. Priso_ C�IL O</C1Ipicd .olely by Kolen Bruff. the IInlll(ky bolt knowledpble 8.23 THE TOWER PLAN
former &lIardlnlCn al Cametll Brin, 1M «II is spaciollS. dank and blocked al
Tir-barad Tereg was comple:ed by Eldacar's engineers in late
both enlranen by rOlind boulders. Unknown 10 11M! Trolb:' $«fet <tURn«
leadilli 10 Ihe: lower levels ofC,metll Brin lies Just offilleceli. blocked by a pile T.A. 339 and is much more imposing than the citadels built in
of rocks l.t lOOK by. cavc·in yealS *,0. Rhudaur during the subsequent centuries. The Men of Arnorwere
8. !Oft..,I Enll1ilnct UI Cam"h Brin. A Jpircallin&, pilch.dark tunnel ju!t four feci unsurpassed in their ability to erect towers in high, improbable
�i8h and three feel wide, it leads to 1M Ihree·mile Ion& pu.sII&Cway in Ihe
places - particularly for the ro)'al seers - so it is not unusual for
UrVlhel &Qin,down to. secrel mine entrance. (See Section 6.3. 11.) Few in$ld.
Cameth Brin know of Ihe umenct of tM s«rel enuancc.
them to place such a sublime effort in so remote an area.
Constructed of basalt and granite, it stands 210 feet in height and is
capped with a rugged tin roof. The Tower has walls which taper
8.2 THE TROLLS' WATCH·TOWER from 21' (at the base) to 7' in thickness. Interior walls are vaulted,
(TIR·BARAD TEREG) thereby providing incredible strength. Its wooden beams are of
Selling: The Tower atop Cameth Brm after T.A. 1675. treated oak and, although they sag, show no signs of deterioration.
Requirements: A low to medium level party, no more. Know
BASE LEVEL
ledge of the ways of Ghosts is helpful.
t. SIOfffOO....,
Aids: None, although a map of the tower might be
1. GUltdro<lm.
found in Rivendell, STee, Fornost, Tharbad, l. Satl� POri. Thc door is Slcct_factd and made of Ihick o;Ik. It permiu onty OIK
Talugdaeri, or at some other settlement. perron 10 mler at a time.
4. �I Doo,. Cur�ed stone pushes n
i ward 10 revcal stai....ay lIowII jlllo Cameth
8.21 THE TALE Brill. Thestairends on Ih. Fuinl;r lewd (sec6.l, 19). Door is Very Hard (-20)10
After the Great Plague (T .A. 1636-37), the lords ofCameth Brin Onll, as is its trap: an)'OlK wilhoul ' key or who ("InnOl ulllock !1 (EJuremely
Hard, .)0) will be p;lthed OUI Ofthelo",·erand Oye'IM diff. A stone to viclim's
gradually retreated into the hill complex. Tanoth Brin was
rllhl slides upward, counterweilhted by the floo, Slone before the door. The
abandoned in 1637, for the inner barracks could accomodate the
t,ap:re1cascs a .upport benealh Ihe ODOr Slone: lhen Ihe slab lilts to b<:come a
diminished supply of soldiers. lIS few civilian residents removed llide, Ihe:reby fordnl Ihe waU to open. Only a m=ful (E:<tremely Hard)
themselves to nearby Talugdaeri. By T.A. 1675 the Tower atop maneuver wilt save tile sucker. Otlmwise. the resull is a + JOO FaU/CrllSh al_
Cameth Srin fell infO disuse. lack.
5. ell.
Slai.... . Spi..l stair o:onnccu bast to th_ leYels abo�.
After Ihis time, the Watch-tower called Tir-barad Tereg
becomes the haunt of local Hillman Ghosts, and it is not until the
end of the Third Age that it is reoccupied. Then the freed Ta-Fa LOWER LEVEL
Lisch will come forth out of the depths of the Twisted Hill (see I. r.bl_ ontf}". �'wide \iDO, Ope"" IS'abov. tM I,QtJnd. It uSt<! 10 lei OUI onlo a
l U). wootiell stair. but lhat ha$ lonl';n"" ,OIK. Door is locked with I bolt and Very
Hard (-20) to 0pe11.
1. Commoa rOOm. Table") Inti bencltes are 5eI before a ,real fireplatt.
8.22 THE TASK
3. KlIch... O:lnlains atCf$S to cistern sltaft and ehimlle)'.
Throughout the period a book lays in the storeroom of the 4. O:lok'$ room and pantf}".
Tower's Upper Level. This inconspicuous come contains the plans s. .. I. Spiral .Iair leads up and down.
Slal......
of Cameth Brin. A merchant in Brce, one Leflyn Starn. is willini to ,. Guardroom.
Brolr; m·
Drek m·
ill·
ill
a) Shields .quat 10 20 or 25 of DB. Ir ROI.EMASTER is belna used, a n ' means armo( is masica\ or spccil!!y made.
b) Notedefensive bonu�$ include slatf. and shield. Shield referen.esindudequaJilybonus(e.g. �\'5�means�yes a + S Ihield"). O:lmbatam.untrained In a typeofweaponry (e.l. orcs
,
untrained in m!$Sllc combat) suffer a pemilty of 25
- when allocking. Melee and mlssile offensive bonll$e$ includeIhe.bonus for the combalant', bell we-apon in Ihal �a\e&ory.
e) Weapon Rbbreviadons fonow OBs; 51-short 5\YOrd, bs-broad!word, sc-stimltar. Ih-IWO hand sword. ma-maec, ha_hand ;ue, wh _war Iuunmer. ba-baule axe.
o,vm -war mattOCk, d-dllb, qs-q�.rter staff, cIa-dauer. SfI-�, ml-mounled llD<:e. ja-Javel!n, pl_pokarm, 51-Jlin" cp-compl»ile bow, sb-sho'l o. horsc:bow.
lb-Ion& bow. Itb-lichl troS5 bow, hcb- heavy crossbow. bo-bola, IS-UlroWUl&star. hb-halbt1rd. cb-Cfossoow, IIS-usriev, fa-falchion. Animalall&eksare:abbre>'iated
using rode f,om "beasl chart�.
d) The numben .flcr Ihe Armor Type lisled determine·the thal1ilclers e.utl armor.The number applies 10 Ihe perlinent ROLEMASTERarrnor cliSS. Gr jlldkalesIhc u$eof Arm
NPC\ are assum(d 10 wearhelmets.
25
9.0 THE TALE OF
Mi06l.. Level
MONG·FINN AND MIFFLI
Selling: In and around Cameth Brin early in the Third
Age (T.A. 164-339). Talugdaeri. Tanoth Brin.
and Tir-barad Tereg are not yet built and the
complex within the Twisted Hill has yet to be
expanded. The only delvings in existence here at
this time are the Petty-Dwarf chambers of
Armoq-al-Wanu and its associated mineS (See 9.4
and ignore 6.0).
Requirements: A medium level, experienced party eager to fight.
Upp.... l�
Aids: Adventurers will need solid background in the
history of Rhudaur and specifically. the
Trollshaws and Cameth Brin. More importantly.
Bose level they should acquire knowledge of the nature of
both the Hillmen and the Ta-Fa-Lisch. Word on
the Hillmen can be gotten from the learned of
Arnor, and can be found in the Dunedain sites at
Nothva Rha8law, Tharbad, or Amon sa,
("Weathertop'·). Legends of the Ta-Fa-Lisch
abound in Rhudaur, 'although most are n i ac
curate. The Elves of Rivendell know more, how
ever.
Any group making an independent entry in
service to Eldacar might each be equipped with
one or more + 10 Dtinedain items. The lords of
Arnor recognize the need of their allies.
THE BACKDROP
Beyond the memory of the living, Cameth Brin has been
regarded by Hillmen with mingled awe and terror. Its appearance
alone inspires dread in those who worship the land, for the twisted
TiR-BmwO-TeQe{l summit, hanging immUiably above thin air, seems more than just
unnatural. Hillmen believe that the granite peak has been cast out
from the earth as an abomination, and they have made of it a
symbol of evil. Hillmen have heard tales of inexplicable deaths that
await those who dare to challenge the dominance of the summit's
shadow. Disappearances are blamed on the To-Fa-Lisch, the
UPPER LEVEL
ghosts of fallen Petty-Dwarves. In their supersitions, Hillmen
I. Sioruoom. COlllains Ihe Book ojPlans for Cameth Brin.
came far closer to the truth than many far more sage and educated
1. Caplaln'� qu."�. This room h.... a balcony and a private fireplace.
J. Astrologer's qlll"en. When Amor ruled there was a Star-gazer and!or a Seer might guess.
in residence.
4. Sial•. Narlow �air up 10 roof .nd tQr�h.plalrorm. 9.1 THE TALE (l.A. 164)
S. Stairwell. Spiral siair down. Barred by unlocked oak door.
In T.A. 154, Mong-Finn of the Moic-Tarra tribe became the
6. Gllardrooms.
youngest-ever Targ-Arm, or leader, of the Hillmen. Mong-Finn
was a Ful Hiam, or fiery heart, a Hillman fanatically dedicated to
ROOF AREA the purity of the old ways and berserk in baule. Dressed in bear
I. W.lkway. Defense walk overlooks sU:Tounding I'U. II is prolected bya 6' high hides and sporting a helm fashioned from a bear skull, Mong-Finn
crenelate<l wall parapel. Slils in Oilier surface allow for dis�harge ofoil, molten was strong, wily, batlle-scarred and defiant. Above all, he was
lead, Or mi!.Silcs.
obsessed with the desire to drive the Dtinedain from the Lowlands.
2. nn roor. II is sopported by a lrealed oak frame.
3. Obsel"\'alury tIIdo�urc. lis tin roof can be �ranked back to reveal sky IIsing the
He did not care that Hillmen had little use for the Lowlands; it was
,olating mechanism to Ihe 'illtl of Ihe doorway. The observalory noor is of their lapd, it was sacred to them, and it had been taken from them.
black granite. n
i laid with sevcn·poinitd copper slars. Hidden benealh the con- Mong-Finn knew that the power of the Dtinedain was so vast that
51ellalion of Menelw180r is a smaiL wPP"r box whkh conlains a silver wand.
even if all the Hillmen, Hunters and Makers alike, were Ful
The concealing Slone can he liftrd by pressing firmLy on the large slightly red
dish Slar in Ihe lower riiht; the slar will pop up, providing a handle which musl
Hiams, he and his men alone could not hope to drive the Dtinedain
be lumed clockwise 10 un Lock the panel. If one simply pul15 on Ihe handle, a away. Some outside aid was necessary, but the enemies of the
spring releases an array ofsman bladn \shaped like Ihc 51ar on tOp) which whirl. Dtinedain had been totally defeated at the end of the Second Age,
The viClim receivcs a + 100 �r allack wilh no DB other than Quickness and those few who remained cowered in dark holes, fearing the
bonus, If a Crilical results the follow
i., OC<:un: E = severed hand (dealh in I_S
light of the sun. In T.A. 163, a desperate Mong-Finn resolved togo
rnds. due to shock); 0 = scv�,ed r.and (viClim dies n
i 6-10 rds); C � torn
ligamenll, cartilljle, and bone (hand u$ele!.S); B .. wound, 10 hitslrd bleeding:
to Cameth Brin, there to win the aid of those who ruled the fortress
A .. wound. S hitJ/rd blce<ling. The wand is a d EsHn� (0' Mentalism) on the hill. He went alone, fully expecting to die.
multiplier: i1 h.... a blue silk grip and holds a deep blue sapphire which &lows Mong-Finn told no one what or whom he found, but he got
....ilhin SOO' of a Dragon Or related Fell Bea.t; it also allows wielder 10 know
results. Suddenly, he announced to his startled people, the Ta-Fa
what time it is or whal direction he i, facing.
4. SlIlr. Narrow siair down to Up""r Le�el and up to torch-platform.
Lisch had agreed to aid the Hillmen. All believed him, for his hair
S. Torch-pl_lform. Sillna! position. S' high iron torch.holder can provide for a had tur:ned as white as the first snow of winter in the week that he
Jarie name. was gone. His accomplishment was all the greater, considering that
26
it was the Hillmen who drove the Petty-Dwarves from their lands.
The Petty-Dwarves were already a dying race, and bauling the
Hillmen nearly finished Ihem. However, a small band led by Mifflj
had found an entrance inlo Camelh Brin and made il lheir home.
The small hands oflhe Petty-Dwarves musl have labored for many
years 10 delve the Halls they called Armoq-af- Wanu - the transla
tion is lost - but one by'one they all died, save Miffli. Skeletally
thin, just four feel tall bUI ferocious, Miffli came 10 possess a ring
of greal magical powers, a ring which granted him immortality.
However Mimi had to pay a steep price, for although undying, he
did nOI cease to age. (The origin of Mimi's ring is unclear; some
say that he made it himself, but for a Petty-Dwarf to have such
skills and powers is, at least, unusual. Others saw the hand of
Sauron at work, and suggested Ihat Sauron may have hidden a l
Cameth Brin during the long years o f his disappearance after the
War of Wrath which ended the Elder Days.) The ring also en
hanced Mimi's powers over the undead spirits of his fellows, and
later Mimi used the Ta-Fa-Lisch to enforce his solitude al Carneth
Brin. How Mimi was �rsuaded to aid Mong-Finn remains a
mystery.
The Ta-Fa-Lisch did aid Ihe Hillmen in Mong-Finn's rebellion
against the invading Dunedain, which began in the spring ofT.A.
164. Together, Mong-Finn and the Ghosts were at first successful.
However, Mong-Finn had not reckoned on the anger of Eldacar,
the Crown Prince of Arnor, who look personal command of Ihe
DLinedain forces in Rhudaur. Nearly seven feet tall, proud and in
telligent, Eldacar possessed surpassing power in mind and body,
even by the DLinedain's measure. The azure-cloaked Eldacar com
mitted all of his enormous energies to crushing Mong-Finn and to
permanenlly subduing the stubborn Hillmen.
Within two years Eldacar had forced all the Hillmen tribes to
submit to his will; only Mong-Finn and a small band of die-hards
resisted and were hunted through the Trollshaws like wounded
Caru. After he was badly wounded in 3. skirmish, Mong-Finn
could lind no refuge save in lhe foul halls of Mimi, so he returned
to Cameth Brin.
II was not long before a DLinedain force beseiged Camelh Brin,
although the prospects of a bloody fronlal assault or of starving
MONG·FINN'S BAND
Nlmt 1..1 Ilh� ... D. " G, MoI« Mlssllr Mo.. M NotH
DR DR
8ram.op·Bram " '" SW .,. , - 14Sha· 8Ssb " Hillman Ranger. Mong·Finn's captain. Slowlydying of�vere wound�; all
bonuses 200/. of normal. + 10 SL armor. + 10 ha. Ring -t 2 spells/day.
TOlal 17 PI'. 6 spcll iisu.
Brqha .. '" SUI ". '"' - 12$$1" SOja " Hillmln Ra�r. MOflg·fjnn·s c.,mfidanl. Old bUI iuilJ hille. + 10SL
armor. • IS $p. I\multl xl PP. TOlal S6 PP. 7 s�lI lislS.
K.ennl " ,.. SUI ,.. " -
1000p' "'" IS Hillman Rani.... llal(broIher 10 MO<\I·Finn. ... S SL armor. ... 10 sp.
Rinl ... l spellslday. TOla1 1 1 pr. 4 lpell lim.
27
the Hillmen through the approaching winter were equally unat· cut into Ihe jagged cliff face. A secr�t passage joining the mines to
tractive. Meanwhile, almost every night some careless Dunedain another cave in a nearby hill provides the only other access: (See
soldier was killed by the Ta·Fa·l..jsch. However, morale inside the the Troll lair at
8.0. #8.)
cramped and morbid halls was even worse, and after five weeks, 9.41 THE ENTRY AND WrsT HALLS
one of Mong·Finn's band broke and attempted 10 escape, using a 01" ARMOQ·AL.WANU
secrel exil through Ihe ancient Peny.Dwarf mines. The fool was This lev�1 has been littl� used by Mong·Finn's Hillmen, chiefly
captured and persuaded to tell all he knew. Wilh this intelligence, because the ceiling is only about 5' high. The daily ife
l of the P�ny
Ihe Dunedain planned their assault upon Camcth Brin. Afterward, Dwarves once centered around these rooms. The purpose of Ihis
Eldacar wanted 10 make Camelh Brin a mighty and unassailable odd arrangement of irregularly-shaped rooms can now only b�
Dunedain fortress to forever daunt the Hillmen,
guessed.
Prince Eldacar has an army of about 500 men surrounding
I. 1'�� ..'estun lac, or CIomdh R.ln.
Cameth Brin; Ihese include about 120 Rogues, Dunedain Requain 2. Lookollt post E. Only .smlll ilil in tht uxk waU. with ban:lyenou,h room fo.
(Knights) with about 300 attendants, and 80 auxilliaries (including a man 10 u'" a lhon bow. COnntcled by a narrow tllnnd and "",.d door 10
a few "traitorous" Hillmen). Although engineers and a seige train room nJ.
are gathered at the city ofTharbad, Eldacar is anxious to be done J. NII"rll ,nlrlU" tit Ih� lI.tK Three lap' (XiII in Ihe fl« or the hill. PPS
throu&h which a �non (1In ban�l)' $Q1IttZC. All fllter a nalural cave whose
with this campaign. In order to get the greatest propaganda value
hci,hl ;. 20" on ave."e and whieh is blocked by rod; in many pLatts.
from the capture of Caroeth Bri
l , Eldacar is likely to go in with a 4. A N�(lIl1Il Room ur Bu.lden. &r';n, as &uard (>OSl, il is Ihe unty pt'atIklt
few followers, at kast four but no more than six. roUle rur anYlhing laryr than I rux 10 &el ;mu 'he halls. Always manned byone
Hillman.
5. GUll.dp'Hl. The �eilin,orlhe e�ve rises .0J Yi' in this area. nle Peny·Dwl,"n
9.2 THE TASK c.rvc:d OUt a boulder 10 mIke InOlh" ,ltardpost, which i, always mann�>d.
6. Rani". The HHhmn have pited junk he.e 10 make a bani�r ufwuud and ,tone
The objective is to clear Cameth Brin of the Hillmen and Ta-Fa·
ae.<Wo the enlranee.
Lisch and, in so doing, 10 crush the rebellion. This can be ac· 7. En(1)' lIall. Carvedcar�rully but crudely. of very odd dnil!ll. Ihi' pauay leads
complished by a direct anack un::ler the leadership of Eldacar, or off 10 lhe left and �raichl ahead.
by a secret assault led by any one of the $tro�ger Dunedain. 8. !'>hin Gu••dn....m. Many mll.de. heln ale very ,"'en conttalro by Ihe ;neau"'r
workin, of Iht hall$ around Ihls room. One Hillman �ands wal�h here. The
Eldacar, however, desires to strike the final glorious blow against
door i. of lhick stune bUI is nOi lockcd or trapped.; ralher, it ;, brlCtd by .hr�
Mong-Finn.
$lOUI i.on bars on the inside. Tbest:_ve 10 make forcible fllll)' dependent on
Alternatively, the PCs can ver.ture in alone or as part of a less (he llrenglh of a GianI ot very pOient ma,K:.
exalted party. In such a case, their primary goal would be to map '_Il. Rooml'. Unused by lhe Hillmen.
the interior and its defenses, find another entry, or weaken thc 14. Slalrs do...n [0 Ih. mlln hils. (5« 9.42. •20 below.)
15. Stone doo•. LO('ked. Hard (·10). leadin, 10 wrridor.
rcsistance through some sort of surgical strike. The last scenario
16- RootM. Not used bylhe Hillmen. The Ta·fa·Lisch will usuaUy be found in Ihi,
mighl involve an assassination or something of the kind. 19. area.
and NaIWffIt, bodyt;uards of Mo,..Finn. A lat£( nalural pillar of "anile 16. CI'OS5 eorrhill'. II endl II • 10' drop. where a bronze ladder provides attt'SS 10
dominates the rOOm ncat lhe door. corridor r17 below.
Ardehir 17 146 P li l S 75' Y15 AL 160bs* lOOcb 10 Dunadan Warrior. + 15bs. + 1 0 plate.
Greaves with no Maneuver or OB penalty.
Gwindor 16 1 27 Ch/ 1 3 50' 14Obs' 75sb 20 Dunadan Warrior. Two + 15 bs. + 20 chain. Ambidextrous, uses a
n n '
Huor 12 9S Ch/14 60' YIO L 80ma'
�-
8S1b'
-
""";--�,,,:",-� ��:��: � �:;�:� � r 5 rna. + 10 lb. + 10 chain.
Frerin 14 1 16 Ch/16 40' N AL 95ba' 6Os1 o Dwarf Scout. + 10 ba. + 20 chain.
Gordai 15 120 RL/9 55' Y 9Osp' 1 051b' 20 Northman Ranger. + 5 sp. + 1 5 1b. + 5 RL. Amulet + 3 spells/day. Total 1 5
P P . 7 spell lists.
Baragin 15 134 No/3 45' N 65ha' 55da' 30 Dunadan Bard. Bracers + 20 DB. + 10 ha. + 10 da. Ring 3x P P . Total 90 PP.
9 spell lists.
Arlaith 15 86 No/2 35* N 7Oqs' 5da 30 Dunadan Mage. Headband acts as a helmet, + 10 DB. Quarterstaff + 1 0
melee, + 1 0 directed spells, 4x P P . Total 1 2 0 P P . 1 6 spell lists.
�
Zardellum 14 92 No/I 60' Yl5 SOnet iOnet 25 Dunadan Animist. + 20 Net, will not injure target (o;'\ly-incapacitates).
Glove, + 4 spells/day. Total 42 PP. 16 spell lists.
Lesser (3) 65 No/I 25 M/VF MCl65 RM Class_ II Undead. They can only be harmed by magic weapons. Their
touch delivers an "A" severity cold critical. Regenerate 5 hits/rod.
Greater (7) 85 No/I 45 M/BF MCI95 RM Class II Undead. They can only be harmed by magic weapons. Their
touch delivers a "e" severity cold critical. Regenerate 5 hits/rod.
30
Since Hillmen hate Elves, Korekalwen could not be efftttive in
10.0 THE RESCUE her native form, so she was given a ring which allowed her to take
OF ALQUAWEN human form without depleting her own considerable powers. Thus
she first appeared to 8roggha as Wilda, a mercenary Northron
(AN ADVENTURE) shield-maid, and quickly became his close advisor. With her advice
and the connivance of Angmar, Maschbram was slain, and 8rog
Selling: The fortress of Cameth Brin in T.A. 1671. Use
gha became King of Rhudaur. Peace with Angmar served the
the layouts and descriptions found in Section 6.0
secret ends of both sides, although each feigned reluctance.
above. Angmar agreed to pay reparation., but her Orcs and mercenaries
Requirements: A medium level party of moderate size. would be allowed to stay in the northernmost Highlands. On his
Aids: Rough sketches of the interior of Cametb Brin
part, Broggha swore that Rhudaur would renew the war with
would prove helpful. These ate available in the Arthedain.
town of Talugdaeri, beneath the hill, for a price. For all his stength and subtlety, Broggha has proven an easy
mark for Korekalwen. During the rebellion, she seemed to worship
10.1 BACKGROUND the new king and coyly encouraged his proud and masterful de
After the invasion of 1409, Rhudaur languished for twO
meanor. After victory, Korekalwen revealed her true nature to
centuries. Constant raiding along the borders and many minor
8roggha and sealed his doom. Broggha knew only too well the
battles weakened the country. All three slates of fallen Eriador had
Dunedain tales of hero.kings, and it seemed to him that he was
suffered immensely. and it look many years for Arlhcdain and
meant to share in this great destiny.
Cardalan to recover. In the early 1600's a general revival began,
The Plot Against Arlhedain
and the Northern Dunedain began to celebrate lost causes and
The first step in acquiring control of the Dunedain empire would
great deeds in word and song. The resurgence was brutally and
be the weakest remaining foe, Arthedain. Although Arthedain's
abruptly cut ShOTt by the Grcal Plague of 1636-37, which spread
communications were almost entirely severed and Hillmen raiders
from the Soulh and had its roots in the horror that swept westward
went basically where they wanted, the prospects of conquest
out of Rhovanion a year earlier. Although il did not wreak as
seemed dim. Arthedain's forces had recovered enough to defend
much havoc in the North, its effects were horrendous. Arthedain
their land against any host that might reasonably be raised against
was wounded; Cardolan never recovered and fell to waste.
her. Still, the situation was not entirely hopeless from Broggha's
In Rhudaur, the Great Plague caused comparatively linle
viewpoint; Arthedain's militia-based forces were prepared to de
destruction. The cold climate seemed to lessen the severity of the
fend their own lands, where they could rely on good roads and
Plague, and because its inhabitants lived apart in small groups,
forts, but they had no territorial aims. This presented a problem
more of them survived. In the first onslaught of the Plague,
for Angmar, however, since the Men of Arthedain, although few,
Cameth Brin was abandoned and perhaps 1501. of the population
are fearless warriors who have built strong lOwers in defense
died, but in the following years, loss of life was small.
against the Witch-king.
10.2 THE TALE The Lord of the Nazgul knew that he could best vanquish the
As soon as the Plague ended, all of the tribesmen of Rhudaur Dunedain in the wilds. He reasoned that, if the army of Arthedain
resumed raiding, taking slaves and growing rich on easy plunder - could be drawn out into the .....ilderness, it could be crushed.
for powerful Arlhedain was crippled and the Witch-king's forces However, Arthedain had not launched an offensive worthy of the
were in no position to exploit the weakness. Angmar was even name for over 300 years - and that had been started solely to
colder than Rhudaur, but her Orcs lived packed together in their regain their own lands.
holds and thus suffered enormous losses. So the Witch-king In order to draw out the Dunedain, the Witch-king developed a
sternly demanded that Rhudaur carry out an ordered invasion of plan to exploit their fierce pride. This plot was made possible by
Arthedain. The tribes, however, had had a taste of freedom and the crowning of Arthedain's new King in T.A. 1670. Arvegil, the
easy living and refused to undertake seiges or pitched battles. eleventh lord of the Edain Realm. Although strong of body and
Rhudaur's King could not enforce his authority, and the Witch mind, Arvegil was perceived as 100 young to fully overcome the
king was forced to "replace" him with Maschbram - a Dunman - passions of youth. The Witch-king's council looked for the flaw by
and his most loyal creature in Rhudaur. The Hillmen liked which to hang the new monarch and Korekalwen found it.
Maschbram linle and recalling past encroachments on their Arvegil was in deeply love with his shrewish fiance, Alquawefl of
liberties, they openly revolted. Caras Fornen, so Korekalwen decided to kidnap the maiden and
The Hillmen revolt exhausted Maschbram, who soon asked for use her to bait her intended. The Dark-elf believed that Arvegil,
assistance from the Witch-king's Orcs and other mercenaries. after receiving impossible and insulting terms for her release,
However, although they had lost many battles and their strength would surely march on Rhudaur and seal the doom of Arthedain.
had diminished over the years, the Hillmen refused to surrender. This plan required a lot of careful preparation and aid from
Their stubborness proved stronger then Sauron's desire to conquer Angmar, but Korekalwen persuaded her master of its merits, and
them, especially as the opportunity to destroy Arthedain was full cooperation was given.
rapidly slipping away. The Dark Master ordered the Lord of the The Kidnapping of Alquav;en
Ringwraiths to temporarily placate the Hillmen and to devote all By the winter of 1670, all was in readiness. On Mettare, the last
of his energies to defeating Arthedain. The Witch-king then de day of the year, Alquawen was traveling in southern Arthedain
cided that it would be necessary 10 sacrifice the loyal but useless with only a small escorl when they were overtaken by a blizzard of
Maschbram and 10 seduce the leader of the rebels, Broggha, the unnatural severity. When the storm abated, the guards were found
Targ-Arm of the Hillmen. scattered and slain as though by wolves, but no trace of the
The Seduction of King Broaaha princess could be found. Arvegil at once launched a massive
To seduce 8roggha into the service of evil, the Witch·king chose search, but before i t was fully underway, a Gorcrow brought a
Korekafwefl. Korekalwen, whose name means "She who arises in message from Rhudaur; in essence it announced (hat Broggha had
Darkness", is one of an extremely small group of Elves who taken Alquawen hostage. She would remain a prisoner until
naturally love cruelty and evil. Originally a Silvan Elf from eastern Arvegil swore fealty to 8roggha as rightful High King of Arnor.
Middle·earth, she was recently brought west by KhamUi the The message had the intended effect of enraging Arvegil, who
NazgOl as a beautiful, albeit untried, tool of terror. ordered the bird slain.
]I
Arvegil's first impulse was to rush to Rhudaur with only his or from an existing group which has wandered to the citadel or left
bodyguard at his side, but his wisdom prevailed. He simply swore the nearby town of NOlhvo Rhcg/aw (D. " Lord's Refuge").
to lay waste to Rhudaur and to place Broggha's head on a pike. The GM may wish to have the party meet Be/echor, second in
Within a day, his aides laid the groundwork for a winter strike command of the mercenaries and foremost agent of Arthedain's
across the vast Oiolad. Arvegil would pay no heed to those who friends. This old Warrior can provide the party with aid, but will
proposed to wait for fit campaigfling weather in the spring or until not risk his own neck. Belechor will provide a pass for travel to
the forces of Arthedain were fully mobilized. He sought surprise Camelh Brin to deliver a secret and meaningless report !O 8rog
and, perhaps sensing the trap, was not willing to risk the entire gha. Such a ploy can serve to get the group inside, if they gel there,
host of his Kingdom. The King set his departure within three but once inside they will be disarmed and closely guarded. He will
weeks. also provide funds for the group - up to 200gp. Belechor also has
some minor magic items and the Rod 0/ the Rhuodinors. (Unfor
10.3 THE TASK tunately, two of the three keys have been lost. and the meaning of
The King's Steward, Eogalor, knows full well that it is useless to the inscription has been forgotten.) Lastly, Belechor has the names
of three contacts in the area. One, Bo/cor, is hanging on the
argue with his lord, but he fears that a hasty attack is just what the
kidnappers desire. Thus, he has decided to take action on his own, gallows outside Talugdaeri; Elhem, the master of the "Red
Hooves" inn, is a double agent. Only Sigwerd the Cook is safe (see
even though he realizes that even if successful, he will win the
wrath of Arvegil. Although he understands the King's resolve and 6.6. 1120, 24).
realizes that their deadly foes cannot be withstood by prayer and Alternatively, they can be introduced to the scenario by other
passive defense alone, Eagatar believes that a quiet, secretive means: for example, they might act as a back-up party being
mission is in order. organized at Rivendell, or wander through Rhudaur, or they may
Eagatar has a few trustworthy agents among the mercenaries in find the sole surviving member of the unsuccessful first party. It is
Rhudaur. Word has been sent to these Men, that, however also possible that some Hillmen may have discovered the true
desperate, an attempt must be m i mediately made to rescue the nature of Wilda/Korekalwen and have mounted an effort to
Princess Alquawen from Ihe dark recesses of Cameth Brill. For "save" their Targ-Arm from the grasp of the hateful "White
those who will undertake this daunting task there is ample cash and Fiend". (She IS an Elf after all . )
items of great worth as reward: SOO gp and a choice selection from The pes may also develop their own plan. Any knowledge of
the royal stores await the successful adventurer. However, merely the citadel's plan or history will likely point to one or more alter
traveling from the mercenaries' base at Caldeburg to Cameth Brin nate ways of entry: the Troll's lair, Tanoth Brin, the Tower, Ar
in the dead of winter will be difficult. Worst of all, such a rescue moq's west gate, etc. Regardless of whether they follow their own
attempt is surely expected. course, however, this is a desperate mission that calls for
resourceful and experienced players - and a well rounded party.
A "moral victory" can be gained by slaying Broggha or Korekal
10.4 NOTES ON RUNNING THE ADVENTURE
wen.
NOTE: jo, a dfiailtll la},I'U( oj Camtth Brin. $U $«lil)n 6.0.
This talc is intended to provide a long adventure or a short 10.5 PROMINENT FIGURES IN T.A. 1671
campaign centered On the attempt to rescue Alquawen or in some KING BROGGHA
way to foil the plans of Korekalwen and the Witch-king. As Broggha, although quite young, proved himself a fierce warrior
Rhudaur is now an evil state, it will be difficult to sustain anything and a wise leader in the recent Hillman revolt, and thus no one was
but an evil group in Rhudaur, although they can have a grand surprised that he became Targ-Arm, their acknowledged leader.
time. The party can be drawn from the mercenaries at Caldeburg, Despite the fact that he is odd by Hillmen standards he commands
32
:.;.M;;;;
TH[ GARRISON AT CA E;;.
T ;;
H�;" .;
R;;;,;
IN� _�_��
NMm� g l.or HIt.. AT DB Sh G, Mel« Noles
O.
1
Guard leadem , , " RL/IO 30 Y Al. 70sp ""b o Poor rnilialive.
Guurds '" , " SLl0;-
S _ 25� y =-_ �Osp 25,b o Garris:>n lroo�s.-------
Anx;o.l, II) march.
Hillmen leader. , 9<J RL/9 40 Y 7Ssp 6Sja 10
Experienced Hillmen U'" , '" SL/S IS 1'1 6Ssp SOja 10 Rangers. + 5 SL armor.
Hillmen '" , 6() SLI7 10 1'1 SSsp 40ja , Woule ralner be nome. + S SL irmOI.
On"m.n lcadcf$ , , " RL/9 15' YS 8O$p S5wh o 1'101 10 be 11U,lW.
Ounmen War. ., , " SLiS 30 , "'" ,Ow> , Solid.
Raw Qunm.n "0 , 30 SLiS .lS y '''" 2Swh o Weak morale.
Dd"sh', Ore. 10 , OS RL/9 lO Y SOse «Jd, o Conlcn!.
Ko,ekalwen'. Uruk·hai , " ChllS 10 N ssn SSda " They bve blood.
Gi,ge-Iard , 10 "'" PI120 SO N Usc Large Crilical lablcs.
tremendous respect. He stands over 6' tall indicating that he has Despite her beauty, the Hillmen hate her; a wicked tongue and her
some Dunedain blood. This supports his brash claim to be (See 6.6,
disdain for "lesser Men" do not endear her to her caplors.
descended from an illegitimate daughter of one of the Dunedain /137.)
Kings, a story which no one disputes in his presence. As Targ-Arm, KOREKAlWEN
Broggha maintains the appearance of a warrior of the old ways. As noted, Korekalwen is a Silvan Elf in disguise. Wisely. she
Yet his demeanor is a facade, for Broggha's dreams are not limited chooses to walk about as a Northman woman, so her 5'10" height
to ruling a free and unmolested Rhudaur. Broggha was educated in is not suspicious, nor are her blond hair and blue eyes. She uses her
lhe lore of the Dunedain, and perhaps this knowledge stirs his exotic allure and natural sensuality to great effect, and no man in
blood, for he longs 10 be King of lands and peoples far beyond lhe Cameth Brin has entirely escaped her sublle power. Casual,
borders of Rhudaur. (See 6.6, 1127 and 6.92, #8.) suspicious, ruthless, she is the Witch.king's ideal choice for an
lIems agent in Royal Hold of Rhudaur.
Fum· TU'I'.A'lIlh; The Ihr�c magical ,ymbol, oflhe High Chi.f; 'pear. bell Korekalwen is always on guard against revealing herself, since
and beads (sce 1 1.5). she is well aware of the Hillmen hatred for Elves. This care for
C"·Saggh,,./1rQlh, The "Turlle Helm" (Du. "Clogaid Cruban'l is a girt of secrecy suits here, because she is actually Quite paranoid. (See 6.91,
�
Angmar. It i, mad of Sled. wtlh a lining of Fell BeaSI hide. Its eXlerior
#10.)
plale, ofgr""ll copperaro 'hapedto form a lurlle ,kin, giving the we rer Ihc �
appearance of having a hidcou. lurtie head. Propcrlie�; 300' range; will Ring 0/ Shupe·Chunging: Plalinum. allows user to change shape (wilhin
�
comrol any one Turlle. regardk<s of ,i c; + W 10 wearer's DB; allows IO�·. of size) at will. Kordalwen can only lake th. shape of Wilda. + 10
,.."arc, 10 5tt and hear nonnally undor walor, in a misl or fog, or in rain. DB.
lI"'g�h�'� Ihnd
Raw Dunmen 121(1) , JO SLl6 " , 35sp row> Dun!cndings. 1'101 very reliable.
l)llllmcn Warriors!700 2 " SL/S 30 y 4Ssp ,Ow> , l)unlendings. Undisciplined.
Or«11 Hillmen 1400 , ., SL/6 N "'" JOja '" Hillmen. Good morale.
Hilhnco!700 , " SLiS '" N 5S51"> 4Sja , ill Grim and delermined. + S SI. armor
:.....
Eliperienced HiIlmcn/400 , BO SL/8 " N 75sp S5ja '" ,II lndude$ many Rangerl. +5SI.armor
�
Morcenar!e. 1200 , " Ch/O JO , "'" ""b o Mixed race. Usually brulal.
LeadersJ� , " Ch/13 " , 00" 55jv , Mi�ed race and weapons. won uained and
prepa,e�.
]J
BRIAM, MQIC·TARRA·MOIC who, after the fall of the Northern Dunedain, seemed the only
Briam �ame Targ, or Chief, of the Moic·Turru Hillmen when remaining threat. That task could be performed by wolves and evil
King Broggha became Targ.Arm, Briam is actually Broggha's birds.)
elder cousin and is fanatically loyal. S uspici ous of Wilda During the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, a minor battle was
(Korekalwen) - and indeed of anyone not a Hillman - he fought near Cameth Brin, but Ihis was the only notable event in
counseled against war with Anhed ain; but once Broggha more than a thousand years. During the War of the Ring which
commanded, Briam obeyed without question. The Chief is now al ended the Third Age, few events in Rhudaur merited much notice.
Cameth Brin with the War·band of his tribe, prepared to march. (Gandalfthe Wizard did pass through the Ettenmoors). At the end
AP·COLLEEN AND AP·BRIGG of the Age, Rhudaur remained a desolate wilderness inhabited
only by Trolls. Yet i n the fifteenth year of the new Age, rumors of
Ap-CQf(un and Ap-Brigg are twin sisters, famous hunters o f the
disappearances near Cameth Brin spread among the clean-hearted
Moic-Fin tri be. They are bodyguards for the kidnapped Alquawen
creatures of Rhudaur. The worried people of the Trollshaws
and, although they have been ordered not to kill the Princess \0
suspect a new terror inhabits the Twisted Hi11.
prevent a rescue , they may do so anyway. They are both rash in
bailie, but at other times withdrawn.
11.2 THE TALE OF LEEGRASH THE URUK
CHUKKA It appears that Cameth Brin was first re·entered by way of the
As the offical ambassador of the Witch-King to Rhudaur,
secret mineshaft, a passage ignored by the engineers of Gondor or
Chukka is not a popular figure. He knows the secret of later dug out by Trons. Once again a refuge, the Twisted Hill is
Wilda/Korekalwen, but has been ordered by his master to play the
now home to the Hosl of Lugrash the Ufuk.
fool. Chukka is an Easterling of the Asdriag tribe .
Bred in Cirith Ungo/, Leegrash is beginning to get on in years.
VALADAN He was sent to wars in the Harad and later in the RhOn in his
Valadan is commander of Ihe Fuintiri, the elite guards of YOuth, and did very well, becoming one of the you ngest (Ufuk.hal)
Camelh Brin, a position of great influence. At 6' 9", Valadan is Orcs ever to be made a Drortul, Of sergeant. For years afterwards,
obviously part-Dunedain; some say he came "'from the South", but Leegrash served in the garrisons of Eastern Mordor. He was
Valadan discourages such speculations. Formerly a mercenary, he transferred to the west in time to join the assault on Osgiliath in
was captured by Broggha and later entered his service. It was June, T.A. 3018. In the battlc, Leegrash lost his shield arm jusl
quickly apparent that this mysterious Warrior's skill at arms was below the shoulder. He was then sent to the Orc-holds of the Misty
superb, for he proved a mighty fighter and gained the King's trust Mountains to be a drill instructor. In the years after the Fall of
by saving his life in an ambush. Broggha believed in Valadan's Bafad-dur, Leegrash faired well until inevitably he became in
loyalty and was amazed by thc stranger's grace in darkness and volved in the vengeancc upon the Elves.
skill with magical Symbols. The King had no trouble appointing In the 14th year of the new Age, the forces of the Elven brethren
him to his present position. Although he is a significant figure in discovered the lair of Leegrash and dug it out. Leegrash and a
the Court of Cameth Brin and is known to pursue beautiful small band of followers escaped into the wilderness of Rhudaur.
women wit h unyieldina viaor, not even Korekalwen knows Lecgrash soon established his leadership of the group by cutting
Valadan's true feelings. off a few doubting heads. After wandering the Trollshaws,
THE FUiNTIRI Lcegrash and his Orcs were attracted to Camelh Brin and fell in
wilh a small band of Wood-trolls living there, led by To/-tuk.
The Fuintiri, elite guards, are trained to kill silently; even their
Leegrash soon betrayed his allies. The dumber Trolls gOt totally
breathing is imperceptible . These fanatic Hillmen know their way
drunk and were dragged outside 10 awaken, if briefly, in the direct
about the pitch-dark hall by long practice. So t hat others cannot
light of the morning sun. There they still stand, as rests for
do so, visitors are blinfolded and l!d in a dizzying path around Ihe
Rhudaur's lired birds. Tol-tuk and his aides were spared and
hall. The lords of Camelh Brin al\¥ays carry some of the extremely
worked with Leegrash in an uneasy partnership. (NowTol.tuk and
rare herb Shu, which allows limited sight in this magical darkness.
three others live in the abandoned garrison·settlement of Tanoth
Possession of Sha by others is punished by instant death.
Brin, while their buddy Kadash is a prisoner within Cameth Brin.)
Leegrash is pleased with his new hole. He has been able to
establish sole control over the Orcs, Trolls, Wolves, and Gorcrows
around Cameth Brin. He has begun to plan a raid across the
Oiolad against the few Men and Hobbits who live there. However,
1 1 .0 CLEANSING CAMETH Leegrash does not yet know that many more Orcs are congregating
BRIN (AN ADVENTURE) around the ruins of Coron l aur (see 4.1), far away in the High
lands, although his spies should soon find out.
Selling: The fortress of Cameth Brin at the dawn of the
Fourth Age. (Use layouts from 6.0 and 9.4.) 11.3 THE TASK
Requirements: A low to medium level party of good Men Leegrash is ignorant of the plans of Elessaf (a.k.a, AfagOfn,
looking for action, and possibly a lief. Strider, elc.) the returned King of Gondor, who has sent
Aids: None , aside from rumors and wives' tales messengers to Eriador to urge its rustic folk to arm and protect
circulating in Bree or at the newly rebuilt Last themselves. Elessar hopes thai very soon the plucky and adven·
Inn by the lant laur. turesome will be traveling the wilds of Eriador, seeking reknown
and treasure in the ruins that were once a part of the Arnor of old.
11.1 THE FOURTH AGE SETTING To make the wilds safe and begin the rebuilding of the North
It is almost certain Ihat the last man to set foot in Cameth Brin Kingdom, the King has offered 1,000 gold pieces to any party who
did so n
i T.A. 1975. An engineer from Gondor, he was sent to can rid any one of the forts of Rhudaur or Angmar of Orcs and
demolish the fortress after the collapse of Angmar in the previou s Trolls. Alternatively, Elessar has offered to grant the successful
year. Not long after, evil creatu res nosed about the ruins, party 2,000 acres of choice land; in �ome cases, this includes the
attempting no repairs. Most of Eriador had been depopulated, and retaken hold. So far there have been few who have attempted this
the focus of history shirted south to Gondor. (Sauron saw no need task, but the Fourth Age is the Age of Men, and it may be thai Men
to maintain expensive fortresses in Eriador to walch the Elves, shall once again claim lands like Rhudaur as their own.
34
1 1 .4 ADVENTURE NOTES At the River watch,
This adventure is designed to begin a campaign in the A twisted rock cut by Kings.
wilderness. The tale is set in a time little removed from the great Rests the haunted pool.
deeds of the War of the Ring; the famous characters of the Lord of In swirling water,
the Rings stilJ reside in Middle-earth, and PC's might meet them. If Where darkness rules. day or night
the group does gel into Iroubl� in Cameth Brin. help may be Lies on ormored beast
available from the Rangers of the North and the few remaining Who sleeps upon the door
Elves. Where lies the heart ojKing Broggha,
The Jortune oj our land.
The Condition and Layout of Cameth Brin
The Inn was recently rebuilt on its traditional site 80 miles to the
At this time, an obvious cave lies where the main gate into the
south, by Ihe lant Methed. There. tales of Ihe treasure may speak
Fuimir once stood; the exterior guard towers have uuerly
of certain items:
disintegrated. This cave, although roomy. is quile shallow, going
only a few fut into the old Fuintir. II would take full-fledged Clolllid Cruf)Qn (TUrtle Helm): J(X)' range; wi!! control any one Turtle.
rl,ardle$$ of il$ Jize: ..[. 10 10 wur.r'$ DB; alloW$ ....·carH" 10 §eO and hear nor·
miners and equipment to gel further in, although a narrow,
mally ull<llr water, in a mi�t or (08, or in rain.
unfound crawl-space may penelrate the rubble. This caye has been
Crui.-Q/f·Ti(H. ManJPCar): +25 Man.llaying speat. Oak inlayed with Jil.tr.
the lair of many Caye Bears over the years, and a particularly large vtry alKient, fire-hardened lip, ne 'pearhead.
one lives there now. Both Orcs and Trolls deem it wise to leave this Dron.TD,k (H. Chidkad�): u$ab1c once/day: xl otren&th and/or spc:cd, but
Bear alone. Wise explorers might do the same. Instead, the only temporarily reduCtS Con. by S pts/po"'"Cr/rnd. as long as Con. pt.1"'1. Con.
r..:overy • llmin orrell. These beads arlbone ringk:I�W()rn in the Hillmen.·
enlry to the complex is into the Ureithel via the stream-lined mine
long braidS: this !>lIir is cn8tlved ...ilh rune:;.
passage (see 6.3, 1t5.6). Olgll,WDmll (H. Wam's belt), +21 DB: nine copper plates, each with tile
symbol uf one of the tribes. linked by golden chains: rather crude. II cannOt
1 1 .5 ADDITIONAL FOURTH AGE ADVENTURES be worn with metal armor.
throne (9.42. Itl). for this adventure use the NPCs from 9.0 and
Booll of Sioncrunnilll
- Helm ot Ihe Lollfandir: leather; 100' rany: il enables wellH" 10 control &IIY
11.0.
one I..t»randir at a ti� (c.•.• ,ldin., attacking, etc.).
(2) PCs in service to the Dunlendings of Dunland, possibly the + I S DtUet" of Ofc-o.layinc: onu thrown. it will noat back to last holder II a
descendants of Ihe last Hillmen. may decide that it s
i a good time ratC of 10' per round.
to go back and recover the ancient Hillman Kingdom. As a spur to further adventures. by the time the party reaches
(3) The PCs may desire to recover the Lost Treasure of King Cameth Brin. Leegrash will haye received information about a rna·
Broggha. which was buried in a 200 lb. gold-plated chest and lies jar Ore-hold being formed in the Ellenmoors. This knowledge
under the stone slab set into the top of the island in the Ureithel. could be of great interest to the leaders of the Free People of
The "locals" at Ihe remote Last inn recall a legend of the hoard: Eriador.
ToI-Iuk', Group
Tol-tuk , "' RLIII " " ".. 601"0'" , Tough Forest.troll Warrior.
�
Huntan • >0' RI./Il >0 70" 5Oro'" • For«Hroll Warri _
, ",,. __
;c
Waren 0 RL/II >0 57" 62ro'" , Fore:;t·trot! WarfiOr.
Kur-tuk J JJ RI.I I I " " 54" SOro'" >0 fOlcst·troll Warrior.
•• These Forest-trolls can make e ilher a club auackor a wac Ctaw attad . ••• Treat the reek (re) attack as a club aUlek .
"
IRON CROWN ENTERPRISES
CATALOG
MIDDLt>EARTH MIDDLE-EARTH
ROLE PLAYING BOAKD GAMES
A COMPLETE SYSTEM FOR MULTI·PLAYER BOARD GAMES
ADVENTURING IN MIDDLE-EARTH SET IN TOLKIEN'S WORLD.
MIDDLE·EARTH ROLE PLAYING (US) $ 8.00 THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (US) $25,00
MERp (BOXED EDITION) • • • • • (US) $ 1 2 .00 THE BATTLE OF FIVE ARM.IES (Upcoming)
WNELY MOUNTAIN (Upcoming)
MIDDLE-EARTH
ADVENTURE THE ROLEMASTER
MODULES SERIES
ADVENTURE-SIZE SUPPORT MODULES THE ELITE FRP SYSTEM WITH GUIDELINES