Prelude: The Hidden Valley

It was in the beginning of the reign of Malvegil of Arthedain that evil came to Arnor. For at that time the realm of Angmar arose in the North beyond the Ettenmoors. Its lands lay on both sides of the Mountains, and there were gathered many evil men, and Orcs, and other fell creatures. The lord of that land was known as the Witch-king, but it was not known until later that he was indeed the chief of the Ringwraiths, who came north with the purpose of destroying the Dúnedain in Arnor, seeing hope in their disunion, while Gondor was strong.

Ruins of the North is a game set in the north of Eriador in the ruins of Arnor between the years of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Using the One Ring RPG system the game will explore the legacy of the Dunedain and the dangers returned to that part of Middle-earth.

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Prelude: The Hidden Valley

Post by Vardaen » Fri Jan 09, 2015 1:12 am

Image ...Imladris was of old the name among the
Elves of a far northern dale, where Elrond the
Halfelven dwelt, greatest of lore-masters.
Two months and six days since the horror of Carn Dum was unleashed.

The valley known as Imladris (Elvish for “deep valley of the cleft”) is one of the many gullies and ravines dug by the waters of the river Bruinen, the Loudwater, as they tumble down from the Misty Mountains to the east. Elrond the Halfelven came here in another age of the world, looking for a refuge for the High Elves of Eregion fleeing from the destruction of their land.

For centuries, the Elves dwelt in peace in the hidden valleys of the region, but their Lord always kept a watchful eye on the manoeuvres of the Enemy. The hosts assembled for the Last Alliance of Elves and Men mustered in Imladris before they were ready to move against Mordor, and Elrond was always a steadfast ally of the Dúnedain of Arnor in their wars against Angmar.

In the Third Age, Elrond chose to give protection to the Heirs of Isildur, and since the end of the North-kingdom the sons of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain have been raised in Rivendell, and the heirlooms of their house left in the keeping of its Master.

But five thousand years are a long time even for the Elves, and the sorrows they endured were many. With the passing of the centuries the number of the Elvenfolk of Rivendell dwindled, as more and more left Imladris to return West over the Great Sea. The house of Elrond became a sanctuary for the weary and the oppressed, and a safe haven where the memory of all that had been fair could be preserved from the injuries of time.

All those who are in grave need of good counsel or protection come looking for the Last Homely House. But the path to Rivendell is not for everyone to find...

Many weeks ago a company of men and dwarves and elves dared to travel to Carn Dûm on a fools errand and many of them paid for their folly. None the least was Aravule son of Arafae, Dúnedain of Cardolan. For months now he has been in the care of Elrond Half-Elven as his chief adviser Erestor. Long has the recovery been for the Man of the West, and great has been the effort put forth to save his life since the exploits among the vaults of the dead in the North of Rhudaur.
Welcome to the Prelude. I'm not certain what the timeline for Ruins of the North will be exactly but we are set between The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, after 2951 but perhaps even as far ahead as 2977 (Which would be after the Darkening of Mirkwood Campaign).

I want to leave some of this start a bit open ended, let you guys pal around in Rivendell now that Aravule is awake and mostly healed post-origin story. You guys can spend time rehashing what went wrong, who is left, the fall out and that sort of thing before I come in with some plot and such.

I highly suggest folks look at the Rivendell book for the lay out of Rivendell and the map for it. I will use the one from the book for our campaign. For the most part you should be familiar with it ICly (at least the public areas).

Aravule's chamber where he's been convalescing is on the Second Floor, #18 all the way on the left/west side of the map along the top.
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"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring

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Re: Prelude: The Hidden Valley

Post by TetNak » Fri Jan 09, 2015 10:51 pm

Aravule son of Arafel lays flat on his back. Terrible dreams have haunted his sleep. Rest has been fitful. Even after Lord Elrond had driven the terrible sickness from his mind and soul.

Images of his father Arafel, his brothers, Arphan and Arelan rushed through his mind has horrible ghosts and spirits beyond terror and naming. Aravule awoke in the middle of the night, each night, in a daze of panic and fear. But he could not move. He was paralyzed by the terror that visited him, the horror he had brought back from that place on the ill fated day.

The last days have been better, thankfully. No longer could he not fight to stay awake. He realizes that he would never truly forget, he would never defeat the nightmares. His eyes remain awake, but much of the strength had been sapped. He wondered if he would ever feel his virile self. He did not want to sleep, and yet his eyes were as anchors at sea.
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."

- King Stannis Baratheon, First of His Name

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Re: Prelude: The Hidden Valley

Post by Muskrat » Sat Jan 10, 2015 12:32 am

There is a knock at Aravule's door, then Halleth, some of Hallec, comes in. "Ah, lad, you're awake. Lord Elrond said you would be." His tone is gruff, but it sounds like he's trying to be as gentle in his demeanor as he knows how. He settles into a chair by Aravule's bed. "I've been very worried about you. I'm glad to see you're beginning to pull through. How are you feeling?" The worry in Halleth's eyes is plain to see. He's less worried about Aravule's physical condition, which the elves, despite their cowardly ways, are adept at healing, then Aravule's spirit after the disastrous quest which cost the lives of his brothers and many of his followers.

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Re: Prelude: The Hidden Valley

Post by TetNak » Sat Jan 10, 2015 4:10 am

"I am tired, so very tired." Aravule looks it. His eyes are heavy with dark 'bags' beneath them, as if he hadn't slept a day in ten. It was quite the opposite of course, but that did not seem to matter. "It is well that I see you with my own eyes, Hallec," the young ranger says, not expounding on anything else, such as his mental health.
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."

- King Stannis Baratheon, First of His Name

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Re: Prelude: The Hidden Valley

Post by Muskrat » Sat Jan 10, 2015 5:16 am

Halleth looks grave. "Well, I suppose it makes sense that you are tired. Rest up, lad." He shakes his head and says, "I suppose I should stop calling you 'lad' and start calling you 'My Lord' now--you're the chieftain of the Cardolan bloodline now." He gnaws his lip, uncertain how wise it was to remind Aravule of that.

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Re: Prelude: The Hidden Valley

Post by Bo » Sat Jan 10, 2015 10:37 am

There is another light knock at the door.
Aerondil, enters. Before him, he carries a silver platter arrayed with various dried fruits. There is also a crust of bread and a silver cup and small pitcher.

"I do hope I'm not imposing, 'my lord," he says. His eyes are kind and mirthful even if his posture is impeccable, his broad shoulders earned at the smithy pulled back tightly. He gives a small chuckle as he sets the gleaming tray on Aravule's right.

"Here," says the elf. "Good food, and a healing broth recommended by Lord Elrond."

He nods to Halleth the Ranger. "I trust he continues to improve? You fellows are made of tougher stuff than some give you credit for. Telurin and I knew that, surely, before pledging to accompany you on that fools' errand...."

He looks thoughtful, as if acknowledging - at least to himself -awareness of at least part of the motivation of going to Carn Dumm. Treasure. Lore. Learning.

He smiles. "Go ahead. Eat. Master Elrond demands it." He gives a proper chuckle.
~Bo~

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Re: Prelude: The Hidden Valley

Post by TetNak » Tue Jan 13, 2015 1:55 am

"Fool's errand? Thank you for your sentiment." Aravule closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "If it was a fool's errand, you are the follower of the fool. What does that make the wise elf?"

The heir of Cardolan makes no motion to eat anything Aerondil offers. Have you come to lecture me further when I cannot depart from your grating voice? If I am to be judged, let the elf that advised against your fool's errand, not the elf that joined willingly."
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."

- King Stannis Baratheon, First of His Name

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Re: Prelude: The Hidden Valley

Post by Muskrat » Tue Jan 13, 2015 4:09 am

Halleth winces but says nothing. He is not a peacemaker and the elf is responsible for himself, after sticking his foot in his mouth like that.

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Re: Prelude: The Hidden Valley

Post by Bo » Tue Jan 13, 2015 8:34 am

"A jest, friend," says Aerondil. "But perhaps it was misplaced. You are not yet well. But do eat. You need your strength. If my grating voice is unpleasing, then I will return to the smithy." He gives a bow and also nods to Halleth.

He turns and departs, quietly shutting the door behind him.
Thaladrim's comments not meant as a slight, as he's obviously the kind of elf to back a human in search of ancient lore/secrets/treasure despite the counsel of his betters. But @ 800 years he likely doesn't let him bother much, chalking it up to Aravule's condition
~Bo~

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Re: Prelude: The Hidden Valley

Post by TetNak » Tue Jan 13, 2015 9:09 pm

Aravule simply closes his eyes and wishes for peace. His mind swirls with images that cannot be forgotten. "I am simply not in a jesting mood, I suppose."

The ranger remains laying in bed without saying anything, and yet awake, his eyes remain closed.
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."

- King Stannis Baratheon, First of His Name

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