Book 2: Chapter 2 - The Lost Colony

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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The Ringwall of Isengard

Post by Vardaen » Mon Feb 12, 2018 6:54 pm

"A bit of this, a bit of that." One of the men speaks up, "I'm from Edoras myself, there are a few Wulflings about as well." He shrugs, "He has a few men from Gondor, a place called Anfalas, not sure where that is. Most however are from Eriador, from the Enedwaith north to Bree. Then again some were from right here in the Vale, born and raised in the Gap and the Vale."
"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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The Ringwall of Isengard

Post by Wbweather » Mon Feb 12, 2018 8:08 pm

To Hartley it seems more like a year has passed since they last were quartered here although he knew it had scarcely been 2 months, so much had happened. "I do hope they still have that excellent ale from Staddle. That at least will make our time waiting more tolerable. I'm sad we won't be seeing Master Aravule. I hope he is doing well. Back to Tharbad? Well I don't miss that city, and that's no lie. I wonder if he ever learned who the man on the isle was. I wish we had been able to deal with him and helped the people of Tharbad more than we did."

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The Ringwall of Isengard

Post by Blubbo_Baggins » Mon Feb 12, 2018 10:28 pm

"Aravule sure was not here long before he was sent back to Tharbad," adds Telurin. "I thought he was here to recuperate. That he is serving Saruman is natural, but that Saruman sent him back to that dangerous place...did he go alone?" he asks the guard.

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The Ringwall of Isengard

Post by Vardaen » Tue Feb 13, 2018 8:09 pm

"He wasn't sent, he left on his own accord. In fact Saruman encouraged him to stay longer, but he would not. He is... strong willed, and a fire burns in his blood for action." He shrugs, "He was willing to take with him two men, local guides of the Dunlendings from the Vale. He did not seem in need of rest to me, if you ask me, and well I guess you did." He seems worried and stops, "Look, all of your questions I'm sure will be answered in time. I shouldn't be telling you things that Lord Saruman will want to tell you himself."
"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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The Ringwall of Isengard

Post by Muskrat » Tue Feb 13, 2018 8:13 pm

"Thanks for sharing what you have," says Halleth, clapping the man on the shoulder. "We'll hold our questions for now and ask them of the wizard himself. If you get disciplined or something, I'd be willing to put in a good word for you, though I don't know if that would actually help."

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The Ringwall of Isengard

Post by Blubbo_Baggins » Tue Feb 13, 2018 8:40 pm

Telurin nods knowingly at the guard's words, seeing the truth in them. Aravule had always been brash.

He hoped in time that trait would be refined, but so far even Saruman's advice had not helped the young man.

Telurin could never really understand Men. They never seemed to wait for the right time or the right season, but had to bravely and foolishly rush forward to action.

"I hope he will find what he is seeking," is all the Elf find he is able to reply.

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Late Evening: Saruman the White

Post by Vardaen » Wed Feb 14, 2018 6:20 pm

With that you retire to the chambers within. You find the new few hours relaxing, if not a bit pensive for some. You clean up from the road, and are happy for a proper bath. Food, drink, even a smoke of a very underwhelming local leaf is had for Hartley. You are able to tend to your gear, patching your cloaks, and sharpening blades. Many an hour pass before there is a heavy knock on the door.

When you open it you see Saruman standing there, his wizard's staff in hand, he has just finished knocking on the door. "Returned at last, but far fewer in numbers." He makes his way inside, it is his home after all, and glances around at the company as if counting heads. "Well, tell me your tale."
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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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Late Evening: Saruman the White

Post by Wbweather » Thu Feb 15, 2018 4:46 pm

Hartley jumps up with a start when he sees the wizard at the door. Certainly he was not expecting to have a visit from Saruman here and now and wasn't quite sure what the expectations were. He set his pipe on the table and straightened out the wrinkles on his shirt as best he could.

"Master Saruman, sir. What a surprise. We weren't expecting such a distinguished visitor. Can I get you anything?"

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Late Evening: Saruman the White

Post by Blubbo_Baggins » Thu Feb 15, 2018 4:57 pm

Telurin raises his brow at the unexpected visit. With all the formality thus far, he expected no less than one guard for each of them, to escort them to the tower, and to be addressed by Saruman, while the Wizard stood on the steps of Orthanc, or some other distinguished position.

"Lord Saruman. We have returned, not without loss as you can see. Blain here can tell you more of it. But the Colony of Fundin is truly lost."

Telurin skips over the travel into the White Mountains and even the guardians of the Colony, preferring to allow the others to share as desired. He simply states that the Dwarves were cursed, and turned upon one another, and all were left were the Undead.

"I have brought this for you, as a token that our quest was completed, that we investigated this place due to the power and help of your Patronage." The Elf reaches into a pocket of his vest and draws out a green gem, stretching it toward Saruman; the beryl rests on his open palm.

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Late Evening: Saruman the White

Post by Vardaen » Thu Feb 15, 2018 7:17 pm

Saruman looks like a friendly grandfather as he addresses Hartley, "You were not expecting me Master Hobbit? Here in my own home? I find that both humorous and unlikely." He moves into the chamber and take a seat, glancing about as if to see what changes you may have made to his abode. Once you start in on the story he whispers to Hartley, "a drink my good hobbit, I'll have a drink."

He listens in on Telurin's tale of the colony and the undead, he asks a few questions about the lay out of the place, and the foes you faced inside the colony, calling it a tomb several times along the way. When Telurin produces the gem he reaches out and takes it from the elf's palm, "A fine gem, a piece from a lost age by the look of it. A token of things lost. Tell me more of the trip, of the dwarves, and how you found my associates' service to you?" He looks at the Dunlendings with a deep gaze.
"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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