Book 3: Chapter 1 - Nightmares of Angmar

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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Book 3: Chapter 1 - Nightmares of Angmar

Post by Vardaen » Wed May 09, 2018 6:10 pm

Image Rhudaur became a separate realm when Arnor was divided into three in 861 as a result of dissension among the sons of Eärendur. The line of Isildur did not long rule in Rhudaur, perishing soon after the division.

By Argeleb's reign in Arthedain, 1349-1356, "the Dúnedain were few, and power had been seized by an evil lord of the Hill-men, who was in secret league with Angmar. " It was after that described as being home to "evil spirits."

During the time of the Ring War, the area that had been the Kingdom of Rhudaur contained the Trollshaws, the Coldfells, and the Angle. Note that Rivendell, east of the Loudwater (Bruinen), would not be included, instead lying about ten miles from the border with Rhudaur.

RotK, Appendix A, I, iii, Eriador, Arnor, and the Heirs of Isildur

April 3rd, 2958, The Third Age of Middle-earth

Winter is past, spring races to these northern realms of Eriador. Long have you been idle, but you have been content as well. Time in the house of Elrond passes differently than in other places, and you could spend weeks simply sitting in the Hall of Fire listening to stories and songs and never grow bored. Even Halleth finds himself happy to be doing nothing within the valley of Imladris. It is the 'magic' of the vale that even he, who rails against hiding away, has taken comfort in this place. It is he however that first feels the stir of travel in his boots. Something in his nature perhaps, to not sit idle longer than necessary, calls to him. Yet even he would stay here and hide out from the world if not for the coming of change.

Hartley: The Hobbit finds that he is not the first hobbit to have come to Rivendell, that in fact the infamous Bilbo Baggins has been here before. This is a boon for the little master Hartley, for the elves treat him kindly, and the kitches are open to him at all hours of the day. It seems they know of not only second breakfast, but of elevenses, and more. He finds pipe weed, and a pipe not hard to come by, and one evening he even sits with a aged man in a grey cloak around the fire puffing and blowing smoke rings in the most delightful manner. The old man never gives him his name, but he is kind and friendly, and seems a friend of Elrond and the Rangers. That evening ended with the old man forgetting a small satchel he had with him. Hartley picked up the pack, meaning to return it, but never managed to find the gentleman. It was put in his room, quiet forgotten, and unexplored awaiting the return of its owner.

Telurin: The elves in Rivendell continue to leave these lands and seek the Grey Havens to the east ever leaving the shores of Middle-earth to seek out the Undying Lands in the Uttermost West. Even elves from the east of the mountains have made the journey, but in winter none travel. With the first hints of spring however a party comes up over the High Pass met by Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond. The company of elves are bedecked in gold and and silver linens and white gems. It doesn't take long to learn they are from Lothlorien, ambassadors sent by Celeborn and Galadriel. With them comes news and tiding of things that seem long ago and far away. Telruin learns news of Mirkwood and the Woodland Realm from them, of family and life in Wilderland. This breaks the spell of of the Valley over him, and the desire to venture in the wild place of the world comes back to him.

Halleth: The power of the valley of Imladris has its grip on the ranger, and even he begins to understand why so many stay here, for so long. Yet the struggle of his nature to not sit and be idle fights against the simple pleasures of this place. When the first spring rains begin, and the new moon rises over the Misty Mountains in the east it begins. At first it was just an uncomfortable night, the blankets too soft, the bed to lush; and it was passed off as a calling of the road. By the four night the uncomfortable dreams have turned to nightmares. A figure, pale and sickly wandering the lonely hills. Each night the dream was more vivid than the last, always a man wandering, pale and sickly among the hills. Behind him a great mountain range, and the rising moon coming up over them bathing everything in white and silver. A fire. A funeral pyre of silver flames consuming the rubble of a tower. Always the flames burning the man in the end before Halleth can see his face. This day however Halleth wakes with the eyes of Aravule gazing out of the flames.
"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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Book 3: Chapter 1 - Nightmares of Angmar

Post by Muskrat » Wed May 09, 2018 6:30 pm

Halleth is deeply troubled the dreams--he is certain they mean something important and that he should do something about them. After some delaying, he, with some embarrassment, seeks counsel with one of Rivendell's lore masters. He recounts his dreams, then asks, "What do you reckon it means? Does my liege's soul wander restless with some task left undone? Am I being warned of some either evil afoot and being called to put it right?"

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Book 3: Chapter 1 - Nightmares of Angmar

Post by Vardaen » Wed May 09, 2018 7:04 pm

Erestor, the Loremaster that Halleth has sought, thinks on the stories of the dreams. "It seems that fate is watching out for you Halleth. Just recently a small group of Galadhrim from Lorien have arrived in Rivendell. They are known for their prophecy and portents, in reading dreams and the future and the past. Seek them out, I believe Telurin your friend is with them and has been interacting with them since their arrival."
"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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Book 3: Chapter 1 - Nightmares of Angmar

Post by Wbweather » Wed May 09, 2018 11:43 pm

Hartley seeks fruitlessly for the kind old gentleman for a day or two before he decides to ask if any of the elves know if he has gone or will be returning soon. Finding one of the elves alone in the kitchen, he strikes up a conversation.

"It seems he has forgotten a pack and I want to make sure it is returned to its owner should we depart before I see him again. I seem to somehow never asked his name. He seemed to know so much about me that he seemed an old friend and perhaps his manner set me at ease so that I never even wondered how he knew my history without me knowing him. You wouldn't know his name would you? Or perhaps where he lives? Perhaps I could send the package or else deliver it if we head in that direction."

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Book 3: Chapter 1 - Nightmares of Angmar

Post by Vardaen » Thu May 10, 2018 5:33 pm

The elf speaking with Hartley laughs, "Oh my yes little master, that was Mithrandir." Another near him almost giggles with delight overhearing the conversation. "Worry not, if he left a pack with you, that pack is for you. He does not forget things, nor does he do things by chance or on accident. Yet, if you worry still, he will eventually return hither, he has done so ever and anon throughout the centuries."
"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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Book 3: Chapter 1 - Nightmares of Angmar

Post by Blubbo_Baggins » Thu May 10, 2018 6:00 pm

Telurin is enheartened by the company of Elves from Lothlorien. The news from the East, of the Woodland Realm, was good to hear. It seemed that for now Mirkwood was quiet since the Necromancer had been driven forth. He tells of their journeys to the South, and brings news from Isengard, Tharbad, and their failed endeavors.

As they sit outside on the terraces of Elrond's house, he asks one of their leaders, "So now that you have shared your news, what brings your company to Rivendell? I am sworn as a soldier to Elrond, but have been here for many months, and find myself restless again."

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Re: Book 3: Chapter 1 - Nightmares of Angmar

Post by Muskrat » Thu May 10, 2018 6:39 pm

Vardaen wrote:Erestor, the Loremaster that Halleth has sought, thinks on the stories of the dreams. "It seems that fate is watching out for you Halleth. Just recently a small group of Galadhrim from Lorien have arrived in Rivendell. They are known for their prophecy and portents, in reading dreams and the future and the past. Seek them out, I believe Telurin your friend is with them and has been interacting with them since their arrival."
Halleth says, "Thank you, Master Erestor. I will seek them out." He does his best to hide the fact that he was expecting a bit more from one of Rivendell's loremasters and keep a polite face.

Asking around, he makes his way to the Galadhrim. He finds himself curious--he has heard tales of these elves, some of them very strange, and he is curious to meet them. He wonders how much of the tales he has heard are true and how much mere flights of fancy. When he finds them, he says, "Excuse me for intruding. I am Halleth, son of Hallec, one of the Dunedain. Loremaster Erestor send me to you--I have been having uncanny dreams and he said your people are known for their gifts in reading dreams and I should seek your counsel.

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Re: Book 3: Chapter 1 - Nightmares of Angmar

Post by Vardaen » Thu May 10, 2018 7:57 pm

Halleth finds the Galadhrim sitting with Telurin. The small group is speaking among themselves. One named Haldir seems to be the lead among them as far as the company's travel goes. He replies to Telurin, "We have come with news, but also to escort the Lady Arwen to see her mother's people. Often does she come to Lothlorien in the spring to spend time there."

That is when Halleth joins the conversation on the terrace of Elrond's house. He joins the company and speaks openly about his purpose. Haldir welcomes Halleth, "Mae govannen Halleth of the Dunedain. Please come and join us." Haldir motions at a seat on one of the benches, "Dreams you say? Lord Erestor was wise to send you here, we have among us one who has great skill in divination and prophecy, even by the standards of our people, she is quite good at deciphering such things."
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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: Book 3: Chapter 1 - Nightmares of Angmar

Post by Muskrat » Fri May 11, 2018 8:16 pm

Halleth says, "If I might speak with her, that would be an honor. Perhaps ... out of earshot of everyone else? I may want to think on what the dream means and what I should do before sharing it with my companions." He looks at Telurin, hoping the elf will understand.

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Re: Book 3: Chapter 1 - Nightmares of Angmar

Post by Blubbo_Baggins » Fri May 11, 2018 8:22 pm

"Ah," says Telurin, the journey of the Galadhrim now making more sense. Sharing news was a good enough reason of course, but so far Haldir had not said any news of note (for his ears at least) that would have deemed such a long trip.

Then again, he'd gone much further following the foolish errand of a ambitious Man.

"So will you return this Spring or Summer, through the Gap of Rohan?" he tells Haldir of their journeys, particularly in that area and at Isengard, emphasizing that in Saruman's realm all was at peace.

At Halleth's wish for private counsel, Telurin merely nods. He has no desire to hear details of dreams, which were often far more confusing and hard to follow for the listener than for the speaker.

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