ENTS OF FANGORN TM

1.0 GUIDELINES 8.3 FORTRESS O F TIR LIMLIGHT ...........................................33

1 . l DEFINITIONS AND TERMS. .................................................2 8.4 THE BANDIT’S HOLD .........................................................34
1.1 1 Abbreviations.. ...................................................................2 8.5 CAVERNS O F PAIN.. ............................................................36
1.12 Definitions .........................................................................2 8.5 1 Main Halls Layout ...........................................................36
1.2 ADAPTING THIS MODULE TO YOUR CAMPAIGN .........4 8.52 Dungeon Level Layout ....................................................39
1.3 CONVERTING STATISTICS .................................................4 8.53 Mine Level Layout ..........................................................39
1.3 1 Converting Hits and Bonuses ........................................... .4 8.54 Lookout Level Layout .....................................................41
1.32 Converting Statistics for Any Major FRP System.. ...........4 9.0 SUGGESTED ADVENTURES
1.33 Converting Stats.. ...............................................................5 9.1 ADVENTURE GUIDELINES ............................................... 42
1.34 Converting Combat Abilities ............................................ .5 9.11 Selecting A n Adventure.. .................................................42
1.35 Converting Spells and Spell Lists ..................................... .6 9. 12 Choosing A Time Period .................................................42
1.36 A Note on Levels ............................................................ .6 9.13 Suggestions On Running Adventures ..............................42
1.37 Skill Bonuses .....................................................................6 9.14 Using Traps, Weapons, A n d Spells .................................42
1.38 Locks and Traps ................................................................ .6 9.2 THE BANDITS OF THE BARROW .....................................42
2.0 INTRODUCTION 9.3 A RAID ON TIR LIMLIGHT ................................................42
2.1 OVERVIEW ............................................................................ .7 9.4 THE RESCUE O F SHARPLEAF.. .........................................43
2.2 A BRIEF TIMELINE................................................................7 9.5 A N ENT EXCURSION ..........................................................43
9.6 TREASURE OF THE FALLS OF MIST................................... .43
3.0 THE ONODRIM (ENTS) 9.7 INTO THE CAVERNS OF PAIN ..........................................43
3.1 A BRIEF HISTORY ................................................................ .9
3.2 CULTURE AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE ............................. 11 10.0 TABLES
10.1 MASTER MILITARY TABLE ............................................44
4.0 THE LAND 10.2 MASTERNPC TABLE.. ......................................................45
4.1 FANGORN ............................................................................. 14 10.3 MASTER ENCOUNTER TABLE .......................................46
4.11 Climate.. ........................................................................... 14 10.4 MASTER ANIMALTABLE .................................................47
4.12 Flora ................................................................................. 14 10.5 MASTER WEATHER TABLE ............................................48
4.13 Fauna.. .............................................................................. 16
4.2 THE BORDERS OF FANGORN ........................................... 16
4.21 Climate.. ........................................................................... 16
4.22 Flora ................................................................................. 16 CREDITS
4.23 Fauna................................................................................ 17
Author/Designer: Randell E. Doty
5.0 POLITICS AND POWER: FANGORN
5.1 THE INHABITANTS ............................................................. 18 Editor: Coleman Charlton
5.11 Treebeard ......................................................................... 1 8 Series Editor: Peter C. Fenlon
5.12 Skinbark ........................................................................... 19
5.13 Leaflock ........................................................................... 19 Interior Art: Liz Danforth
5.14 The Huoms ..................................................................... .20 Layouts: Carolyn Savoy, Steve Sullivan
5.15 Tolwen .............................................................................20
5.2 FANGORN: T.A. 2759-3019..................................................21 Cover Art: Angus McBride
5.3 FANGORN: AFTER T.A. 3019 .............................................21 Cover Graphics: Richard H Britton
6.0 POLITICS AND POWER: THE BORDERS Production: Robert Bell, Coleman Charlton, Kurt Fischer,
6.1 THE INHABITANTS: T.A. 1640.. .........................................22 Jessica M. Ney, John David Ruemmler, Mac Seintosh
6.11 The Calenardhons ............................................................22
6.12 Dindal ............................................................................. .24 Editorial Contributions: Terry Amthor, Kurt Fischer,
6.13 The Silvan Elves ..............................................................24 Jessica Ney, Rick Britton, John Ruemmler, Rob Bell
6.14 The Barz Thrugrim ......................................................... .24 Typesetting: Karen Stange and the Tral-FASAdorians
6.2 THE BORDERS: THIRD AGE 1640-3019.. ......................... .25
Special Contributions: Terry Amthor, Deane Begiebing,
7.0 SITES OF INTEREST IN FANGORN John Breckemidge, Kathleen Conner, Bill Covert, Bill
7.1 THE DERNDINGLE ..............................................................26
7.2 WELLINGHALL ....................................................................26 Downs, Bruce R. Neidlinger, Kurt Razmussen, Larry Taylor,
7.3 THE FALLS O F MIST ...........................................................28 Stirling Williams, Swink
7.4 TOLWEN’S H O M E ...............................................................30 Dedication and Special Contributions: Dwight “Wafer”
8.0 SITES OF INTEREST ON THE BORDERS Hayes, Becky Hayes, Barry “Bear” Edwards,“Sweet” William
8.1 ONGUSHAR ..........................................................................31 Wilson, Gavin Gossett, Richard “Wack the @*#%! out of
8.2 TIR LIMLIGHT ......................................................................32 ‘em” Clark, Joyce Broyles, a very special thanks to my wife
8.21 Main town Layout.. ..........................................................32 Donna for knowing how to spell because I evidently can’t.
8.22 Dock District Layout ....................................................... 33

Copyright 1987 © TOLKIEN ENTERPRISES, a division of ELAN MERCHANDISING, Inc., Berkeley, CA. Ents of Fangorn , The Hobbit, and The
Lord of the Rings, and all characters and places therein, are trademark properties of TOLKIEN ENTERPRISES.
Produced and distributed by IRON CROWN ENTERPRISES,Inc., P.O. Box 1605, Charlottesville, VA 22902. Stock # 3500
First U.S. Edition 1987. ISBN O-915795-84-1
2 Guidelines

As the dark edge of the forest loomed up before him, Vrak turned 1.1 DEFINITIONS AND TERMS
to look out onto the plain. In the distance the Dúnadan ranger
The following abbreviations and terms are used throughout the
could see the pursuing Uruk-hai rapidly approaching. series.
“Elor, they’re coming fast!” he said as he trotted forward to
catch up with the Half-elf bard who was still burdened with the 1.11 ABBREVIATIONS
wounded Hobbit scout. Abbreviations are listed alphabetically within subcategories.
Elor slowed down for a minute to gasp, ‘Druggo can’t take much
more of this. If we don’t stop soon he’ll bleed to death.” GAME SYSTEMS
MERP . . . . . . . . . . Middle-earth Role Playing R M . . . . . . . . . Rolemaster
“And if we slow down, we’ll all bleed to death from Orc arrows!
Keep moving: maybe they’ll heed their legends of the ‘tree demons’ CHARACTER S TATS
and leave us be.” A g . . . . .Agility(RM/MERP) Me . . ..Memory(RM)
The adventurers moved on with as much speed as the dark and co . . . . . .Constitution(RM/MERF) Ig . . . . . .Intelligence(MERP)
tangled forest allowed, southward, deeper and deeper into Fan- St . . . . . . .Strength(RMlMERP) Re . . ...Reasoning(RM)
gorn. Behind them, in the dark and tangledforest, they could hear PR . . ...Presence(RMlMERt’) Em . . ..Empathy(RM)
the sounds of the Ores’ nearing pursuit: they were still coming! It(In) Intuition(RM/MERP) Qu . . ...Quickness(RM)
Suddenly the noise changed and increased as the Ores began Sd . . . . . . Self Discipline(RM)
screaming and yelling to one another. Vrak and Elor stopped in GAME TERMS
surprise and turned to face the sounds of battle, which ended A T . . . . . Armor Type Lvl . . . . . . Level (exp. or spell level)
almost as suddenly as they started. As the forest settled into an bp . . . . . . . bronze piece(S) MA...... Martial Arts
eerie silence, the two fugitives stood stock still, scarcely daring to cp . . . . . . . copper piece(s) Mod..Modifier or Modification
breathe. Crit . . ..Critical strike m p . . . . . . .mithril piece(s)
“They almost got you, but a grove of Black Huorns is more than D . . . . . . . . Die or Dice NPC . . . . Non-player Character
a match for a lurg of Orcs, “said a strange, deep voice behind them. D lOO ..Percentile Dice Result OB . . . . ..Offensive bonus
A huge, knobby hand grasped each of their shoulders and spun DB . . . ..Defensive Bonus PC . . . . . . . Player Character
them around to face a very sturdy, fourteen foot tall Man-like FRP . . . . Fantasy Role Playing PP . . . . . . . . Power Points
figure with green and grey bark, a tall head, and scarcely any neck. G M . . . . Gamemaster R or Rad . . . . . . . . . . Radius
As the creature said, “Hrum, Hoom, what to do with these two gp . . . . . . . gold pieces(s) Rnd or Rd . . . . . . . . Round
and the small one? What to do?“, Vrak and Elor knew that it could ip . . . . . . . . iron piece(s) RR . . . . . . . Resistance Roll
only be one thing: the Orcs’ Tree Demon, a legendary Ent of the jp . . . . . . . . jade piece(s) stat . . . . . . Statistic or Characteristic
Fangorn Forest. tp . . . . . . . . tin piece(s)
MIDDLE-EARTH TERMS
A . . . . . . . Adûnaic K h . . . . . . . Khuzdul (Dwarvish)
BS . . . ..Black Speech LotR . . . . . The Lord of the Rings
Cir . . . . . Girth or Certar o r . . . . . . . Orkish
D . . . . . . . Dunael (Dunlending) Q . . . . . . . . . Quenya
1 .O GUIDELINES Du . . . . . Daenael (Old Dunael) R . . . . . . . . .Rohirric
Fantasy role playing is akin to a living novel where the players E . . . . . . . Edain Rh . . . . . . . Rhovanion
are the main characters. Everyone combines to write a story which El . . . . ..Eldarin S . . . . . . . . . Sindarin
is never short of adventure. They help create a new land and strange E s . . . ...Easterling S.A . . . . . Second Age
new tales. 1.A . . . . First Age Si . . . . . . . . Silvan Elvish
This series is designed as a tool for Gamemasters (GMs) who F.A....Fourth Age T.A . . . ..Third Age
wish to run scenarios or campaigns set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle- Hi . . . ...Hillman Teng . ..Tengwar
earth. The adventure modules are complete and ready-to-run H . . . . . . . Hobbitish(Westron variant) V . . . . . . . . . Variag
studies of very specific areas, and are intended to be used with a Har . . . . Haradrim W . . . Westron(Common Speech)
minimum of additional work. Each has statistical information Hob . . . Hobbit wo . . . . . .Wose(Drúdain)
based on the Middle-earth Role Playing(MERP)and Rolemaster Kd . . . . . Kuduk(ancient Hobbitish)
(RM) fantasy systems. The modules are, however, adaptable for
use with most major role playing games. Creative guidelines, not
1 .12 DEFINITIONS
A few crucial concepts are detailed below. The majority of unique
absolutes, are emphasized. terms and translations from The Hobbitand The Lord of the Ringscan be
PROFESSOR TOLKIEN'S LEGACY found in the text proper.
Each module is based on extensive research and attempts to Andor (S. “Land of the Gift.“) Sindarin label for Númenor
meet the high standards associated with the Tolkien legacy. Ra- (Westemesse).
tional linguistic, cultural, and geological data are employed. Inter- Celebrant (S. Silverlode”; Kh. “Kibil-nâla”.) The river running east-
pretive material has been included with great care, and fits into ward out of the Misty Mountains at the Kheled- zâram. It is joined
defined patterns and schemes. ICE does not intend it to be the sole downstream by the Nimrodel (S. “White Cave-lady”), cuts through
or proper view; instead, we hope to give the reader the thrust of the Lórien, and eventually joins the Anduin.
creative processes and the character of the given area. Daen Coentis: (Dn. “People of Skill.“) Ancestors of the Dunlendings and
Remember that the ultimate sources of information are the (indirectly) the Druedain (Woses) of the White Mountains. The Eredrim
works of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien. Posthumous publications ed- of Dor-en-Emil are descendants of the Daen Coentis. This forgotten race
ited by his son Christopher shed additional light on the world of is the indigenous Mannish population in most of what is now central and
western Gondor. Animistic, superstitious and industrious, they leave a
Middle- earth. These modules are derived from The Hobbitand wealth of stone carvings and megalithic structures in the hills and high
The Lord of the Ring, although they have been developed so that vales they find so sacred. They trace their lineages through the female line
no conflict exists with any of the other sources.
Definitions 3

and revere the Earth Mistress (a manifestation of Yavanna) as high Ent: (S. “Onod”) The treeherds of Middle-earth, Ents are among the oldest
goddess. Their tongue, Daenael, is often called Old Dunael, since it and most powerful inhabitants of Arda. (See Sections 3.0 and 5.0.)
spawned the Dunael speech of the Dunlendings. Eriador All of the territory north of the river Isen and between the Blue
Dunedain: (S. “Edain of the West”; sing. Dúnadan). These High Men are Mountains (S. “Ered Luin”) and the Misty Mountains (S. “Hithaeglir”). Its
descendants of the Edain who settled the western island continent of northern boundary lies along the highland ridge that runs northwestward
Númenor around S.A. 32. The Dúnedain returned to explore, trade with, from Carn Dûm and reaches to the Ice Bay of Forochel. Some accounts
colonize, and later conquer many areas along the western, southern, and place the southern border along the line bounded by the rivers Greyflood
eastern coasts of Endor during the Second Age. Unfortunately, their (S. “Gwathlo”) and Swanfleet (S. “Glanduin”). Most hold it to be that area
hubris and desire for power led them to attempt an invasion of the Valar’s north of Gondor’s traditional western border. Eriador loosely translates as
Undying Lands. As a result, ERU (the One) destroyed their home island in the “empty Lands” and includes the regions of Minhiriath, Eregion,
S.A. 3319. Those called the “Faithful” opposed the policies and jealous Cardolan, Rhudaur, Arthedain, and, by some, Dunland and Enedwaith.
Elf-hatred that prompted this “Downfall.” The Faithful were saved when Fangom Forest: (S. Beard of the Tree) The huge woodland that stretchs
Númenor sank, sailing east to northwestern Middle-earth. There they for about a hundred and twenty-five miles along the southeastern flank of
found the “Realms in Exile,” the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor. the Misty Mountains, widens to almost one hundred miles at one point.
Although sparsely populated, Arthedain (in Arnor) contains the highest One of the oldest forests in Middle-earth, it is the home and protectorate
proportion of the Faithful and the most purely Dúnedain culture in all of of the Ents. (See Sections 2.1,4.1, and 5.0).
Endor. Many “unfaithful” (or “Black Númenórean”) groups survive as Glade: Generically referring to any open space in a forest, this word in
well, living in colonies and independent states such as Umbar. Lórien also refers to the various craft and service guilds.
The term Dúnedain refers to the Númenor eans and their descendants Gondor: (S. “Stone-land.“) The great Dúnadan kingdom that lies west of
in Middle-earth, groups which possess considerable physical and mental Mordor and north of the Bay of Belfalas. It includes a number of regions:
strength, longevity, and a rich Elven-influenced culture. Adûnaic is their (clockwise from the north) Calenardhon (Rohan after T.A. 2510); An-
native language. orien; Ithilien; Lebennin; Belfalas; Lamedon; Anfalas; and Andrast.
Osgiliath on the Anduin serves as the Gondorian capital until T.A. 1640,
when the throne is moved to Minas Anor (Minas Tirith).
Khazad-dûm: (Kh. Dwarf-mansion”; S. “Hadhodrond”; W. Dwarrow-
delf’.) It is also known as Moria: (S. “Black Chasm”), the Black Pit, and
the Mines of Moria. Khazad-dûm stands as a citadel, mansion, and city-
hold of Durin’s Folk, the noblest of the Seven Tribes of the Dwarves.
Founded in the early First Age in caves beneath the Misty Mountains, it
overlooks and incorporates the holy vale called Azanulbizar. Khazad-
dûm has since been expanded to include seven principle levels which
stretch the width of the mountain range and extend under the three
mountains Fanuidhol, Caradhras, and Celebdil. Early in the Second Age,
the Dwarves discovered mithril here, and many from the Blue Mountains
migrated to Durin’s home. Khazad-dûm was abandoned in T.A. 1982, two
years after the release of the Bahog. As a realm, it includes the Azanulbi-
zar and all the passages and chambers within the mountains.
Lórien: (S. “-Dream”.) Also known at various times as Lothloórien (S.
“Dreamflower”). Laurelindórenan (S. “Land of the Valley of Singing
Gold”), Mrinand, Lindórinand (N. “Land of the Singers”), and Dwimor-
dene (R. “Haunted Valley”.) The Golden Wood was formally established
by Galadriel in T.A. 1375, although a number of Nando Elves preceded
her there.
Moria: (S. “Black Chasm”) See Khazad-dûm above.
Nimrodel: (S. “Lady of the White Cave”.) A beautiful Silvan Elf of
Lórien, betrothed of Amroth; also a river which runs through the Golden
Wood named after her.
Noldor: (Q. “The Wise”; alt. “The Deep Elves”.) The Second Kindred of
the Eldar.
Northern Fields: The land between the Limlight and the Celebrant.
Ost-in-Edhil: (S. “Fortress of the Eldar”.) Capitol city and citadel of
Eregion. It was inhabited until S.A. 1697, when it was overrun and sacked
by Sauron’s armies.
Silvan: All of the Elves who are not Eldar.
Sirannon: (S. “Gatestream”.) The river which runs down from the West
doors of Moria.
Dunlending: (Dn. “Daen Lintis.“) A rugged race of Common Men who, West-gate: The western entry into Khazad-dûm; also called Durin’s Gate,
for the most part, migrated out of the White Mountains in the Second Age. the Doors of Durin, the West Door, and the Elven- Door. Flanked by huge
The Eredrim of Dor-en-Ernil are a related folk. Descendants of the Daen holly trees, this door opened onto a wide road which led to Ost-in-Edhil,
Coenis, Dunlendings have a medium or stocky build, sparse brown hair, the Eldarin capitol of Eregion.
and tanned or ruddy complexions. Men average 5’10”; women stand
around 5’6”. Mostly mountain-dwellers or hill-loving herders, they are White Mountains: (S. “Ered Nimrais.“) Snow-capped mountains which
run arch eastward from the Cape of Andrast and end above Minas Anor
known by various names: Dunmen, Dunnish Folk, Dunlanders, Eredrim,
the Hillmen of the White Mountains, etc. (Minas Tirith), just west of the Anduin. The Paths of Dead cross under the
White Mountains between Harrowdale (on the north) and Erech (to the
Eldar (Q. “Elves”; “ People of the Stars”.) The Calaquendi (Q. “High south). Alpine in character, the White Mountains rise to heights of well
Elves”), who made the Great Journey to the Undying Lands. over I 1,000 feet.
4 Converting Statistics

1.2 ADAPTING THIS MODULE TO 1.3 CONVERTING STATISTICS

YOUR CAMPAIGN When using this supplement with your FRP campaign, be
This module is designed for use with most major fantasy role careful to note the character statistics before beginning play.
playing systems. Since the various FRP rules have their own Should any adjustments need to be made, you may wish to consider
particular approaches to combat, spells, and character generation the following guidelines. The material provided is in terms of
and development, certain common descriptive terms have been percentages and is intended to give the reader a relatively clear
selected for the individual outlines of places, people, creatures, and picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the individuals and
things. Unfortunately, statistical data such as bonuses and charac- creatures discussed. Most FRP systems will relate to the data, and
ter “stats” differ widely between systems; after all, they are keyed conversion should be simple; remember, however, that there are
to specific game mechanics. ICE has chosen to use percentile dozens of role playing rules and the change-over from the statistics
(DlOO) terms as abase, sinceconversion to D20, D18, and D10 can given here may be troublesome.
be achieved with relative ease. (Note Sec. 1.32 for a handy
1.31 CONVERTING HITS AND BONUSES
conversion chart.) Player character and NPC characteristics/stats
are also detailed in one particular manner; again, simplicity and 0 When converting percentile values to a l-20 system a simple
consistency have been emphasized, and conversion to your game rule is: for every +5 on a DlOO scale-you get a +l on a D20.
system should be relatively painless. l The concussion hit numbers found in this module represent
Keep in mind that fantasy role playing is by nature a creative general pain and system shock. They cover bruises and small
experience, and the individual GM or player should feel free to cuts rather than wounds. Critical strike damage is used to
incorporate his/her own ideas into their game. describe serious wounds and fatal blows. The hit figures shown
The following steps may be helpful when beginning to explore here are less important than those used in game systems where
the region here described: death occurs as a result of exceeding one’s available hits.
(1) Read the entire module to get a flavorful idea of the region; Should you use a game system that employs no specific critical
(2) Reread the sections devoted to notes for the Gamemaster, and strike results, such as TSR Inc.‘s Dungeons and Dragons®,
converting statistics for your game system; simply double the number of hits your characters take or halve
the hit values found in this module.
(3) Choose the time setting for your campaign. Should you
choose to run a game at the beginning or end of the Third Age, 1.32 CONVERTING STATISTICS FOR
or early in the Fourth Age, pay particular attention to the ANY MAJOR FRP SYSTEM
section devoted to this region “at other times.” In fact, this All the statistics and numerical information used in this module
section will give the GM an idea of the consideration involved are expressed on a closed or open-ended scale with a l-100 base.
with setting a campaign at any date other than that chosen They are designed for use with percentile dice (D 100). Use the
here. ICE chose the mid-Third Age as a particularly exciting chart below to derive appropriate bonuses or to convert the 1 - 100
era, but you may enjoy another time even more; numbers to figures suitable for non-percentile systems.
(4) Assemble any source materials you find necessary;
(5) Research the period you have chosen and compose any l-100 D 100 D20 3-18 2-12
outlines you need in addition to the material provided here; stat Bonus Bonus stat stat
(6) Convert the NPC, trap, weapon, spell, and item statistics to 102+ +35 +7 20+ 17+
terms suitable to your game. Note changes in the system you 101 +30 +6 19 15-16
are using which must be made in order to keep your campaign 100 +25 +5 18 13-14
in line with the flow of life in Middle-earth; 98-99 +20 +4 17 12
(7) Create a total setting, using lots of maps to detail patterns and 95-97 +15 +3 16 -
provide a creative framework. In this way you will have a rich 90-94 +l0 +2 15 11
and consistent world, and the foundation data will give you the 85-89 +5 +l 14 10
flexibility to detail random areas and events. 75-84 +5 +l 13 9
60-74 0 0 12 8
40-59 0 0 10-l 1 7
25-39 0 0 9 6
15-24 -5 -1 8 5
10-14 -5 -1 7 4
5-9 -10 -2 6 3
3-4 -15 -3 5 -
2 -20 -4 4 2
1 -25 -4 4 2
Converting Stats 5

1.33 CONVERTING STATS MEMORY: intelligence, wisdom, information capacity, men-

Ten stats are used to describe each character detailed in the tal capacity, recall, retention, recognition, etc.
module. Should you use a character development system with INTUITION: wisdom, luck, talent, reactive ability (mental),
different characteristics and/or an alternative number of stats, guessing ability, psychic ability, insight, clairvoyance, in-
simply follow these steps: spiration, perception, presentiment, etc.
1) Assign the appropriate stat from your FRP system to the value PRESENCE: appearance, level-headedness, panic resistance,
given beside the analagous characteristic listed in the module. morale, psychic ability, self control, vanity, perceived
If your rules use fewer stats, you may wish to average the values power, mental discipline, bardic voice, charisma, etc.
for those combinations of factors which contribute to a charac- 2) Convert the statistical value of the assigned characteristics to
teristic found in your system (e.g., dexterity = an average of numbers appropriate for your game. If your FRP system uses
quickness + agility). Should your guidelines utilize more stats percentage values, no change should be necessary. If not, use
to describe part of a character, you may wish to use the value the conversion table.
provided for more than one “corresponding” characteristic
(e.g., you might use the value assigned to constitution for both 1.34 CONVERTING COMBAT ABILITIES
endurance and durability). The following is a chart listing some All combat values are based on MERP or Arms LawlClaw Law.
examples of equivalent stat terms: The following guidelines will also aid conversion.
STRENGTH: power, might, force, stamina, endurance, condi- 1) Strength and Quickness bonuse shave been determined ac-
tion, physique, etc. Note that the vast majority of systems cording to the table in Section 1 .32. Note that the stats you are
include strength as an attribute. using and compute these bonuses using the rules under your
AGILITY: dexterity, deftness, manual skill, adroitness, ma- system;
neuverability, stealth, dodging ability, litheness, etc. 2) Combat adds based on level included here are: +3/level for
QUICKNESS: dexterity, speed, reaction ability, readiness, etc. fighters and rogues, +2/level for thieves and warrior monks,
CONSTITUTION: health, stamina, endurance, physical resis- and +l /level for bards, monks and rangers. Simply take the
tance, physique, damage resistance, etc. level of the character, note his character class (or equivalent
SELF DISCIPLINE: will, alignment, faith, mental strength or underyoursystem), and compute any offensive bonuses (due to
power, concentration, self control, determination, zeal, etc. level) appropriate for your game. Note that the bonuses other
EMPATHY: emotional capacity, judgement, alignment, wis- than those mentioned under armor type are “offensive” adds.
dom, mana, magical prowess, bardic voice, etc.
3) If your system is based on Skill Levels (or other skill incre-
REASONING: intelligence, learning ability, study ability,
ments), use the offensive bonus as given. You may have to
analysis rating, mental quickness, logic, deductive capacity,
wit, judgement, I.Q., etc. convert the add to a non-percentile value. Alternatively, you
may wish to note Section 1.37.
4) Armor Types given are based on the following breakdown:
Armor type Covering Description
1 Skin (or light/normal clothing)
2 Robes
3 Light Hide (as part of body, not armor)
4 Heavy Hide (as part of body, not armor)
5 Leather Jerkin (pliable leather)
6 Leather coat
7 Reinforced Leather Coat
8 Reinforced Full-Length Leather Coat
9 Leather Breastplate
10 Leather Breastplate and Greaves
11 Half-Hide Plate (as part of body, not armor)
12 Full-Hide Plate (as part of body, not armor)
13 Chain Shirt
14 Chain Shirt and Greaves
15 Full Chain
16 Chain Hauberk
I7 Metal Breastplate
I8 Metal Breastplate and Greaves
19 Half Plate
20 Full Plate
Simply look at the armor description and substitute the appro-
priate armor type/class from your FRP system;
5) Defensive bonuses are based on the NPC’ s quickness bonus as
computed on the table in I .32. Where the defensive bonus is in
parentheses, the value also includes the added capability of a
shield (an extra 20 for non-magic normal shields, plus any
value for magical enhancement). In such a case, simply note
that there is or is not a shield, and if there is, what type.
6 Spells, Levels, Skill Bonuses, Locks, and Traps

1.35 CONVERTING SPELLS & SPELL LISTS

Spell references provided here are in the form of “lists,” group-
ings of related spells. Each list has a common theme and normally
will have a different but related spell at each level. For instance,
knowledge of “Fire Law” to tenth level would result in the
acquisition of 10 similar fire-based spells, one of each level from
one to ten. Whether the spell user could effectively cast these spells
would be up to the GM, the system, and the caster’s level or degree
of skill. FRP systems using rules which provide for the learning
and development of spells through “colleges” or along specialized
lines employ concepts similar to those used in this module.
Many systems, however, dictate that player characters or NPCs
undertake to learn but one spell at a time, often with no requirement
that its subject matter/effect relate to a particular background or
pattern. Converting the NPC spell lists to individual spell counter-
parts will be more difficult, but can be achieved with relative ease
using the following guidelines:
1) Look at the NPC’s spell lists and note the various names for the
groupings. Each name will indicate what type of spell speciali-
zation the NPC hasfollowed (e.g., the “Fire Law” list indicates
a preference for fire-oriented spells);
2) Note the NPC’s level and determine the number of spells or spell
groupings he/she would have under your game system. Also
consider the level of power of accessible spells the NPC would
have (e.g., a 5th level magician under your rules might have a
maximum of 8 spells - two 3rd level spells, three 2nd level spells,
and three 1st level spells).
3) Select spellsfrom your system appropriate for a spell user of the
NPC’s level and profession, keeping in mind that the prefer-
ences indicated in the module should be followed where pos-
sible.

1.36 A NOTE ON LEVELS 1.38 LOCKS AND TRAPS

When using certain “level-systems,” a GM may find that the The locks and traps found in this module are described in terms
levels provided make characters too powerful for his world sys- of difficulty to unlock or disarm. Subtractions are from the rolls
tem. If this is the case, multiply the levels given by .75 or .6, representing a person’s attempt to find or overcome these devices.
depending upon your situation. This would reduce a 20th level The difficulty factor may represent a specific column on an action/
character to a 15th level or 12th level character respectively. maneuver chart (e.g., Rolemaster) or an additional subtraction or
Remember to reduce appropriate bonuses accordingly. modification to the attempt roll.
In any case, the terms are descriptive and will help the GM
1.37 SKILL BONUSES determine whether the trap is of above average difficulty, and how
General skill bonuses can be obtained by taking the level of the tricky it is relative to other devices and the PC’s skills. The
character and calculating the appropriate bonus under the system descriptive term is a relative constant based on the following order
being used. An NPC’s add, as noted above, will be based on a of modification: Routine (+30), Easy (+20), Light (+lO), Medium
compilation of level, his weapon and/or other items, the relevant (0), Hard (-10), Very Hard (-20), Extremely Hard (-30), Sheer
stats, and skill levels. The normal bonus derived from skill devel- folly (-50), Absurd (-70). Poor lighting, one’s physical condition,
opment has been computed as follows: nearby activity, etc. may affect the lock/trap modification number,
(a) where the skill level is zero the bonus is -25, a reflection of basic but not the difficulty category. Thus, a trap might read “very hard
unfamiliarity; (-50),” indicating it is normally a “-20” construct, but other factors
(b) a bonus of +5 is awarded for skill level one (a +30 jump); (e.g., dark) make it harder to disarm.
(c)for each skill level between one and ten an additional +5 bonus These additional problems are easier to overcome than the
is applied (e.g., skill level nineteen yields +68); intrinsic complexity of the mechanism; this explains why it differs
(d)for skill levels eleven through twenty the additional bonus is +2 from a well-lit pit which reads “sheer folly (-50)” to disarm. The
(e.g., skill level nineteen yields +68); “-5O”associated with the “very hard” trap can, with thought, easily
(e) for skill twenty-one through thirty an additional bonus of +I be reduced to “-20,” but no more advantage is normally attainable,
per level is awarded (e.g., skill level twenty eight yields +78); short of disassembling the mechanism. We suggest that amodified
and (D lOO) roll exceeding 100 results in success; skills, stats, etc.
(f) a bonus of +l /2 is given for each skill level above thirtieth level. should be applied versus the difficulty subtraction and the roll to
yield a result.
Introduction 7

2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.2 A BRIEF TIMELINE

This work focuses upon the huge woodland that lies along the THE SECOND AGE
southeastern flank of the Misty Mountains (S. “Hithaeglir”). This 1-Noldo kingdom established in Lindon after the fall of
sylvan realm is commonly called Fangorn (S. “Beard of the Tree”) Beleriand with Gil-galad as king. The Ents migrate from
after the great Ent that Men know as “Treebeard.” Elves speak of Beleriand to various parts of Middle-earth.
the forest as Tauremorna (Q. “Black Forest”), while the Men of
Rohan call it simply “Entwood.“Ambarona (Q. “Land of Doom”) 32-Nómenor founded.
is the shortened Entish name. 600-1200-Númenóreans explore much of Middle-earth and
make contact with the Haradain (Daen Coentis) of the
2.1 OVERVIEW White Mountains. Ports are established on the Gwathlo
Fangom is a sheltered land containing an isolated society rooted by Tar-Aldarion at Lond Daer and Tharbad.
in a unique atmosphere. Time follows a different path beneath the 750-The Noldor found Eregion and build Ost-en-Edhil.
forest’s huge, dark boughs, proceeding at a pace which is too slow 1200-1500 Númenóreans begin building fortresses and ha-
for mortal comprehension. It is an eerie environment suited to the
vens all along the western coast of Middle-earth. During
ancient and myriad Olvar that reside here under the watchful eye this time they begin to use the great southern forests
of their Ent guardians. Like the Old Forest of Eriador, Fangom is extensively for ship building.
a remnant of a forest which once covered most of western Middle-
earth, a wood nearly as old as Endor itself. Every plant, stream, 1300-Treebeard relocates to what will become Fangom For-
stone, and plot of soil within its bounds embodies this heritage and est and takes up permanent residence there, bringing
seems to breathe with a special quality of life. Nothing in Fangom many Ents and Entwives with him.
is inanimate. l500-Elves of Eregion begin to make the rings of Power
Fangom Forest stretches for about a hundred and twenty-five under Sauron’s guidance (as Annatar)
miles across a shelf of land that overlooks northwestern Calenard-
hon (Rohan). One hundred miles in breadth at its widest point, its 1600-Sauron makes the Ruling Ring.
western reaches tuck into the narrow canyons of the Misty Moun- 162--Skinbark brings a large number of Ent-folk to live in the
tains’ eastern face. The peaks bar travel through Fangom’s remote higher altitudes of Fangom.
western border, so the forest looks toward the lowlands. Even here, 1652-Amon Lindi completed.
however, the forest is sheltered by the surrounding terrain. Two
rivers - the Limlaith to the north, and the Onodlo in the south - 1693-1700-Sauron makes war on the Elves of Eregion. Most
flow just inside Fangom’s borders, and the rugged, dry hills of the all of Eriador is laid waste to by his armies. Large tracts
Wold stand vigil to the east. of forests are destroyed in what will one day be Dunland.
Fangom is always an apparent constant in the face of the turmoil Sauron is defeated by the Númenóreans and the Elves,
that engulfs the surrounding regions. An enchanted place, its and retreats to Mordor.
legends deter invaders, shrouding the wood in an unassailable 1760--Leaflock relocates his people to Fangom.
aura. So, while the areas along its borders experience a constant 1800-2251-Númenóreans increase their holdings in Middle-
state of flux, the Entwood remains a mysterious bastion. As people earth. It is during this time that the circle of Isengard is
move in and out of the neighboring territories -their ways of life smoothed, but the fortress will be built later. Sauron
coming and going, their towns erected and ruined -none bother begins to send emissaries to the Daen Coentis to subvert
the dark, tree-covered realm. Trade routes avoid the forest, and no their religion and turn them against the Númenóreans,
sign of normal settlement mars Fangom’s landscape. It is a strange, whose numbers will swell above those of the Daen
seemingly wild island amidst the civilizations of northwestern Coentis in the White Mountains as this time period ends.
Middle-earth. The Ents and Entwives slowly begin to grow apart in
Despite its isolation, though, Fangom is strategically placed. mind, and the Entwives move out of the forest to the open
The easiest north-south route between the river Anduin and the plains near Fangom.
Mountains of Mist skirts the Entwood’s eastern boundary, while
the Isen Gap (Gap of Rohan) lies nearby. Only sixty miles to the 2500-The Entwives cross the Anduin and make a garden
southwest, the Isen Fords link the best roads between Eriador and paradise from the area that will later be called the Brown
the rest of Endor, lending this portal profound value. The most Lands. They teach the men of the area much about
important major road of the civilized world crosses through the agriculture.
wide, grassy pass and joins mighty Gondor with the lands to the 331--Drûedain make a final split with the Daen Coentis,
west of the Misty Mountains. So, while events in Fangom gener- because of the later’s descent into evil ways. They take
ally remain outside of others’ histories, the forest witnesses many up residence in the deep wooded areas of the White
of the most significant wars and migrations near the southern Mountains and the Endewaith.
Hithaeglir. Of course, during the War of the Ring that raged during
3319-The downfall of Númenor and the Bending of the Seas.
the last days of the Third Age, events actually drew the Ents and
Huoms that rule the wood into the great struggle. 3320-Foundation
0--Foundation of the Realms in Exile. The Daen Coentis
swear and oath of loyalty to Elendil.
8 Timeline

3325-3341-Many of the Daen Coentis migrate north either to 1974-75-The Witch-king’s armies overrun Arthedain. The
Dunland or Rhudaur. The fist groups do so because of last King of Arthedain dies, but the Witch-king’s armies
disagreements in the new dark religions. The later groups are defeated by the Gondorians and their Eriadoran allies.
migrate to escape the fear caused by the oath breaking. By this time all the Hobbits have moved out of Dunland.
3430-Last Alliance of Elves and Men is formed to confront 1980-The Witch-king reenters Mordor, and gathers the nine.
Sauron. The Balrog of Moria comes forth.
3434-The Daen Coentis are called by the Alliance; they 1981-Amroth and Nimrodel are lost.
refuse, and thereby bring the curse of the oath-breakers 2050-Orthanc is locked with only a small hereditary force left
upon them. to guard the fortress. The last King of Gondor dies
3435-The Battle of Dagorlad rages and the Entwives are lost. without an heir, and the fist of the Ruling Stewards rules
3441-The Barad-dûr is taken and Sauron is overthrown. Gondor.
Isildur cuts the Ruling Ring from Sauron’s finger and 2063-Beginning of the Watchful Peace. A few Dunlendings
keeps it as his own. begin to settle further south of Dunland in Westmarch.
THIRD AGE 2460-2510-The Balchoth invade Gondor. The Éothéod, led
l- The tower of Grthanc is constructed. by Eorl the Young, come to Gondor’s aid and are given
the land of Calenardhon as reward, by Cirion the Stew-
2-Isildur is ambushed and dies at the Gladden fields while in ard.
route to Arnor. The Ring along with his body is never
recovered. 2710-Dunlendings take control of the circle of Grthanc.
20-The Ents discover that the Entwives are missing and 2754-Freca killed by Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan.
search for them for the next three centuries, and sporadi- 2754-58-Wulf, Freca’s son, raises a Dunlending army to
cally after that. march against Rohan.
250-850-Arnor declines gradually. 2758-The Long Winter grips the land Easterlings invade
250-Calenardhon begins to be settled along the west road. Rohan from across the Anduin. The Haradrim of Umbar
Dunland migrations have stopped by this time and the attack Gondor. Seeing his opportunity at hand Wulf
clan system is being reestablished. marches his army into Rohan, defeating the Rohirrim in
the deep snow at the fords of the Isen. The Rohirrim are
312-Larach Duhnnan becomes a major trading site in Dun- held in siege at Helms Deep and Dunharrow. Helm and
land. his sons are killed.
350-Tolwen meets Treebeard, and takes up residence in the 2759-Fréaláf Helm’s nephew surprises the Dunlendings in
northeastern part of the forest. Edoras and kills Wulf, and upon their rout is crowned
500-1400-Calenardhon is a prosperous province. King; first of the second line of Kings in Rohan. The
Dunlendings are also driven from Isengard. Saruman is
1000-Sauron stirs again, and the Istari are sent to Middle-
given the keys of Gorthanc.
earth as a balance to his presence.
2830-2903--Reign of Folcwine in Rohan. The Rohirrim drive
1050-Hobbits migrate from the Anduin valley across the the Dunlendings from Westfold.
Misty Mountains into Eriador; some settle in Dunland.
2911 -12-The Fell Winter strikes Eriador and Rhovanion.
1050-Gondor at the height of its power expands and builds White Wolves appear in force even as afar south as
many border fortresses. Sauron reappears and goes to
Dunland. The spring thaw causes floods that force Thar-
Do1 Guldur.
bad to be abandoned. The Dunlendings in the lowlands
1052-Tir Limlight is built. have to rebuild.
1300-1350-Witch king founds Angmar and Rhudaur falls 2941 -The White Council drive Sauron from Do1 Guldur.
under his control. He begins plotting the downfall of the 2953--Last meeting of the White Council. Saruman begins
north.
building forces, (including many Dunlendings) and
1409-1636-Cardolan is over run and slowly declines. Thar- claims Orthanc as his own. Raids on Fangom Forest by
bad becomes a haven of thieves and smugglers. Orcs become more common after this time. Saruman
1432-1447-The kinstrife tears apart Gondor. begins sending servants to search the Gladden Fields.
1600-Hobbits settle in the Shire. 3000-Saruman uses the Grthanc Palantír and becomes en-
trapped by Sauron using the Ithil stone.
16-A large number of Hobbits from Dunland migrate to the
Shire to join the other of their kind already there. 3018-19-War of the Ring. The Ents attack Isengard. The
Dunlendings in league with Saruman are defeated at
1636-37-The Great Plague, a collection of devastating dis- Helm’s Deep, but allowed to return home. The One Ring
eases and pestilences, sweeps through Rhovanion, Gon- is destroyed and Sauron is cast out. Saruman passes from
dor, and Eriador. Calenardhon begins a slow decline in Arda.
population. Tharbad loses 80% of its population. Car-
dolan never recovers. Trade from the north declines. 3021-End of the Third Age.
1640-The Capital of Gondor is moved from Osgiliath to
Minas Anor.
The Onodrim (Ents) 9

3.0 THE ONODRIM (ENTS) Ents are very intelligent and perceptive, but do not always seem
so to the hurried onlooker, because of the length of time it takes
The area that is dealt with in this work is mainly populated by them to make decisions. They can ponder choices for days before
a unique group, the Onodrim (Ents). Ents have a very individual- deciding any course of action. They do not like quick judgements
ized history and political and social stucture which must be or decisions and would prefer that others they encounter would not
expanded on before the reader can have a full understanding of the make them either. There is no such thing as pushing an Ent to an
material that follows. early decision, as they will simply ignore the pusher while they
The Onodrim (or Ents) are the treeherds of Middle-earth and, think. The only time that an Ent acts rashly is when they are
whether by design or by slow change over the years, they greatly incredibly angry or injured. This is not to be confused with agitated
resemble their charges. The Onodrim are the eldest of the speaking or miffed. They have to be in a rage. Ents are very gentle by nature
races but were dormant until the coming of the Elves who taught and rarely get angry, and even more rarely enraged. Remember
them to speak. Ents differ from one another much like trees differ that, even when Saruman was threatening their forest during the
from one another, not only from species to species but also War, and had already attacked several times, it took them the better
concerning growth patterns and marks. One Ent (S. “Onod”) that part of three days to decide what to do.
resembles a Beech tree can be distinguished from other Beech- When angered, Ents are some of the most frightening creatures
looking Ents as easily as one Beech tree can be distinguished from in Middle-earth. They are extremely strong physically and can
another. Because of these differences, there is a great diversity of rend stone and steel with their bare hands, which they often later
appearance among the Ents. They can be anywhere from 10’ to 25’ use large chunks of as missile weapons. In combat they use their
tall and from 3’ to 6’ in diameter across their widest points. They great fists to batter their opponents and their rootlike feet to kick,
can have anywhere from 2 to 8 fingers on each hand or toes on each trample, grasp, and crush. If they can, they will also grab an
foot. Their skin is also as diverse as the various barks of trees. opponent and throw him as a missile weapon.
Length of leg and arm also varies widely among the group. Ents are Their skin is also very thick and tough, making it resistant to all
similar in one physical feature, that being the eyes. They all have but the heaviest of blades (treat as a Huge creature for criticals).
deep-set brown eyes shot with a green light, which tends to give Blunt weapons and arrows are capable of only half normal concus-
anyone seeing them the impression of looking into a window to the sion hit damage. Blunt weapons must deliver an “E"critical before
earth itself and seeing its age. being allowed to roll on the large Critical table at minus 10
(MERP) or on the Super Large Critical Table (RM). Weapons of
fire effect them normally as do magical fire spells. Many would
never make it in battle with one of these giants however as the sight
of a raging Ent is enough to cause a person to resist a 10th level fear
spell. Those failing by l-50 flee, those failing by more than 50 are
frozen in terror for l-100 rounds.

3.1 A BRIEF HISTORY

The history of the Ents is nearly as long as the history of Middle-
earth itself. It begins in uncertainty. The true story of the origin of
the Onodrim is lost in time to the speaking peoples. Only the Valar
know the true story. From what has been gathered by Elven
historians from the Istari and the Elves, Treebeard and the other
Ents have been alive at least as long as the Elves and some say
longer. The High Elves say that the Valar did not mention the
Onodrim in the music of creation. This would infer that they were
the product of only one of the Valar and were created after the
music when the Valar were setting the world in order, much as the
Dwarves were a fabrication of Aulë. This theory was also held by
Galadriel who noted that when Yavanna discovered the mercy of
Eru toward Aulë in allowing his stone-formed Dwarves life, she
asked Eru (through Manwë of course) to give independent life or
“souls” to some of her most beloved creations that already lived in
a lower state. It seems that Oromë also had a part in this request,
because the males of the Onodrim hold closer allegiance to him,
whereas the females are aligned to Yavanna. The point is not clear,
however, whether they were trees initially that received souls or if
they were separate creatures that came to look like trees due to their
love of and close association with trees.
10 The Entwives

This view of afterthought creation, however, is a misconception ENTWIVES

because everything that is now present in Middle-earth was in The Another,important factor during the the Second Age was the
Music, but may not have been recognized by the Valar for what it separation that was slowly building between the male and female
was until much later. Eru always knew the Ents like the giants and Onodrim, which had begun in their creation due to their differ-
the eagles would come into being through The Song. This concept ences in mindset. Both groups took great delight and pride in their
was explained to Manwe later by Eru in answer to the requests of work, the males being more interested in the trees and tending to
Yavanna and Oromë. The Valar sang the parts that they were their needs, whereas the females were more interested in using the
taught by Eru He taught them their parts of the song knowing that earth to grow the things they wanted to grow. Treebeard in talking
their individual personalities would subconsciously alter the song to Merry and Pippin said:
to create what he knew would be there all along. I’... But our hearts did not go on growing the same way:
In the beginning the Onodrim had no voices, speaking only to the Ents gave their love to the things that they met in the
the trees, but the Elves came and taught them how to speak, a debt world, and the Entwives gave their thought to other things,
they will always remember. Although the Onodrim were always for the Ents loved the great trees, and the wild woods, and
friendly with the Elves, they remained apart from them caring the slopes of the high hills; and they drank of the mountains
more about nature, and their responsibility to it, than about the streams, and ate only of such fruit as the trees let fall in their
Elves doings. During this time the Onodrim roamed far through path; and they learned of the Elves and spoke with the Trees.
miles and miles of forest that nearly spanned the entire continent. But the Entwives gave their minds to the lesser trees, and to
During the war for the Silmarils in the First Age, they did play the meads in the sunshine beyond the feet of the forest; and
some part in the affairs of Men and Elves. After the sack of Doriath they saw the sloe in the thicket, and the green herbs in the
by the Dwarves of Nogrod, the Elves of Ossiriand led by Beren waterlands in summer, and the seedling grasses in the
went north to Sam Athrad where they ambushed the Dwarves autumn fields. They did not desire to speak with these
returning from Doriath, heavy laden with treasure and also in things: but they wished them to hear and obey what was said
possession of the Silmaril set in the Nauglamir. The Elves attack to them. The Entwives ordered them to grow according to
was successful and they reclaimed the Nauglamir. The Dwarves their wishes, and bear leaf and fruit to their liking; for the
that escaped the first onset fled eastward toward their home in the Entwives desired order, and plenty, and peace (by which
mountains, but were intercepted by the Onodrim as they climbed they meant that things should remain where they had set
Mount Dolmed. None escaped. Their motive for this attack is them).”
unclear. It may have been that Beren persuaded them to help or it LotR II, a.t 99.
could be that the Onodrim had some previous grudge against the
Dwarves concerning tree cuttings in the area. Since that time, the Eventually the females set up gardens in which to live. The
Onodrim have distrusted the Dwarves and vice versa; that is, when males would come to them, on occasion, to visit. The females
the Dwarves remember the legends. The disparity in the nature of moved their gardens several times, each time moving further from
these two races had been predicted before they ever walked the the forest and the males. All of this was done over the course of
earth by Yavanna, and this battle only seemed to reinforce the many years and was not visible even to those involved. In their
animosity between the people of Aulë and the Shepherds of the final move, they crossed the Anduin and made their gardens in
Trees. what is now called the Brown Lands. While they lived there, it was
a beautiful place to behold that overflowed with all manner of
After the fall of Beleriand, the Onodrim mourned the loss of the
plants, and fruits from those plants. During this time the “En-
trees of that land, but recovered soon and redistributed into the
remaining forests. During the Second Age they roamed freely twives” taught men many things about agriculture, which they
though the forests of Middle-earth and rarely came in contact with have used ever since. At the end of the Second Age, the battle
Elves, Men or Dwarves. Of significance to them, however, was the between Sauron’s forces and the Last Alliance of Men and Elves
extent of the tree cutting that went on in the forest south and east raged across the area destroying the Entwives’ gardens, and with
of the Misty Mountains due to the shipbuilding industry of the their gardens they, also, disappeared. What happened to them has
Númenórean ship kings. From the coast to the area called Eregion, long been a topic of debate among those that know of it. Destroyed
completely some say, others say they were scattered and hid, too
the land was heavily forested until the Númenóreans came to build
their ships. The Onodrim were not pleased with this but not many scared to return while Sauron was still in Middle-earth. Still others
reacted, preferring rather to retreat into the dense forests to the say that they fled eastward and those that were not killed were
captured and used by Sauron to provide food for his armies.
west and what was to form most of Fangom in the east. Some of
the Onodrim did retaliate by smashing machinery while it wasn’t Regardless of what actually happened, they are nowhere to be
being watched and by killing work parties on occasion. Mostly this found and there are no new Entlings.
was blamed on natives, because the Númenóreans were not For most of the early Third Age, the Ents wandered the free
familiar with the Onodrim. The final end to this vast track of forest areas of Middle-earth searching for their mates. The search was
and some of the Onodrim that lived there, however, came later in fruitless and even though they had the help of others that were not
the Second Age (1695) when Sauron’s army marched through the Onodrim, they found nothing and had to give up and return to their
area on its destructive path to Eregion and Ost-en-Edhil. In this lives as treeherds. Some still search occasionally, but most have
matter, the Onodrim remained silent seeing that the force that lost all hope of ever finding their loved ones. For those that still
passed them was too large for them to fight. Slowly for the rest of believe they are alive and those that are not sure, the worst part is
the Second Age they retreated into smaller and smaller areas until not knowing.
they were almost exclusively located in the area in and around For the rest of the Third Age until 1640, the Onodrim lived
Fangom by the ending of the age. mainly in and around Fangom Forest, rarely leaving its shelter and
living their lives as peacefully as possible.
Culture and Social Structure 11

3.2 CULTURE & SOCIAL STRUCTURE to support the views of a given leader time and time again. In 1640,
By the year 1640, the Ents of Fangom have settled into a social only two of the three mentioned above still function as active
structure that differs from the past only in that the Entwives are no leaders. Leaflock has taken to long naptaking in the high grass just
longer included, although their memory is still preserved. Another to the north beyond the eaves of the forest, and now rarely shows
major change in how they live concerns the area they now occupy. any inclination toward leadership.
By 1640, they no longer wander past the borders of Fangom Forest At any time, any Ent can call a moot to discuss any topic which
to any significant extent. Fangom proper as far as the Ents are is of importance to the whole race, or any section thereof. Usually
concerned extends for 20 miles north of the Limlight, east to the the Ent that wishes to call the moot will discuss the matter, in brief,
beginning of the Wold, south past the Entwash to the end of the with several of his brethren to determine if a moot truly needs to
Misty Mountains and West into the mountains to the treeline be called. If one is called, the word is spread by word of mouth to
elevations, including the high tree-filled vales above to the north every available Ent. Often word of mouth entails booming calls
and west of Isengard, where many of Skinbark’s people live. across long distances and a great deal of walking. Unless there is
Beyond this border the Ents - some reason for not doing so, all
rarely travel. Occasionally one moots are held at the southern
will walk to the forests of the Demdingle. Demdingle is the
White Mountains or cross the only non-Entish word used to
mountains to one of the few scat- describe these places of which
tered patches of forest in Dun- there are only two. Demdingle
land. This large area (approxi- means literally, “secret dell”. The
mately 120 miles x 200 miles or southernmost and larger of these
24,000 square miles) allows the is usually referred to as The
Ents plenty of room, considering Derndingle, because the northern
their low numbers at this time. dingle is near the Falls of Mist and
Approximately 150 Ents live in is included when speaking of the
Fangom Forest in 1640, includ- q falls. All the Ents that are going to
ing those that have grown Tree- attend the moot arrive at the set
ish. This allows some 160 square time and the discussions begin.
miles of area for each Ent, and Since Entish is such a drawn-out
although the forest is by no means language and Ents are very slow
sectioned off, this vast area of to make decisions when not
personal living and working aroused, these moots can last for
space allows for a very loose days, many times with only short
social structure. stops for food and drink. There
Since the Ents are now an adult are also regular meetings. These
community, the rebelliousness I meetings are the worship ceremo-
that goes along with youth has nies of the Ents.
virtually disappeared from their WORSHIP
ranks, if ever it was present. Be- Ent worship is individual and
cause this is true, the basis of daily. It revolves around nature
Entish social-political structure is and reverence for Eru and the
respect. No leaders are elected Valar who formed it. They hold
and present themselves as such. two ceremonies at the midseason
No written code of law or ethics day for opposite seasons, alter-
exists. All Ent to Ent relationships nating yearly. For example, one
are based on mutual trust and year they would have a ceremony
concern for the welfare of their charges and brother Ents. Even on Midwinter’s Day and Midsummer’s Day. The next year’s cere-
though there are no official ranks or titles, the basis of the society monies would be held at the mid-point of Fall and Spring. There
places the eldest of the Ents, due to their greater wisdom, in the are different ceremonial sites throughout the forest, set aside for
most prominent positions when advice or courses of action are the different seasons. Ents are by no means required to attend and
sought. With this in mind the three eldest, and therefore the these occasions are very informal, but most of the Ents that are not
unofficial leaders, of the Ents are Treebeard, Skinbark, and sleepy attend as many as they are able.
Leaflock. They are the ex officio leaders of 3 families of Ents that In the spring the ceremony is held in one of the many nurseries
inhabit Fangom. These groups are not families in the sense that scattered throughout the forest, but it is usually held at the largest
they are related and resemble one another although this does occur which is near the center of the forest. This is the Celebration of
to some extent. The groups go beyond to include friends and Life. In the summer the celebration is held at the southern Dernd-
associates that have grown closer over the years and have re- ingle. The summer celebration usually lasts several weeks and
mained under the guidance of the leader or leaders of that group. Ents come and go, the end of the celebration being on the day of
These lines of family demarcation are very vague, but are recog- the equinox.
nized by most Ents and are used as identifiers, i.e., “.. he is one of
Leaflock’s folk,” etc. These ties are more evident when moots
(gatherings of Ents) are called, in that the same group can be seen
12 Daily Life, Magic, and Ent Draughts

The fall ceremony is held high in the mountains near one of the The Ents’ magic use (as far as I can tell) is based in the
larger tree “graveyards” where the dead trees, and Ents, are taken Channeling realm, but they do not like the idea that they are
to be rejoined with the chain of life. This is the Celebration of using energy from one of the Valar, especially Oromë,
Death. The Ents feel that, without death, there is no new life. Thus whom they hold in high honor. They feel this to be some-
this celebration is as important to the Ents as the Spring celebra- what parasitic, and therefore wrong. Treebeard told me so
tion. The winter celebration is held at the Falls of Mist, and the himself He says that he asks nature to do thingsfor him and
dingle nearby, and is also part of a longer celebration ending at the it does. He strongly denies that he forces it or molds it do
winter equinox. The Ents are particularly happy when the Falls are anything as would an Essence magic user. From what I
frozen for this celebration. What joy they find in this is not known, gathered, he considers nature an entity in and of itself
but it seems to lift their spirits. which gives him freely the energy to do things. In our terms
All these ceremonies are held in what seems to be an the only explanation he could render was that he channels
unorganized manner, with individual Ents swaying and singing at energy from nature: the Essence, as we would have it. So
different times. Slowly the Ents come together in voice so that at from this point of view Treebeard considers Ents Essence
the end of the ceremony, they are all swaying and chanting Channelers if it is possible.
together. At that point the sound from these celebrations can be Regardless of the terms, the Ents use magic normally for minor
heard for miles. Many of the tales that are told by men about things such as lights and the making of potions and broths. When
Fangom come from someone hearing these very sounds while near needed they will use magic to treat trees, but prefer to manage these
the border. Huoms also participate in these celebrations but types of problems with normal means, which are highly advanced
usually on the periphery. They often form a dense tangle surround- compared to forestry among humans.
ing the dingles or other sites that no man could get in or out of. If
the sound of the Ents could be blocked out by the listener the soft
harmonies of the Huoms would also be noticed and, softer still, the
soft voices of the trees.
DAILY LIFE
On a day to day basis, the Ents work and live fairly independ-
ently of one another. They work through the forest taking care of
the damaged and blighted, weeding out the dead to make room for
new growth, planting new trees where needed. All the trees of the
forest are treated as individuals by the Ents and they care for them
as parents care for their children. They mourn their death and are
proud of their victories over hardship. All trees that die are
uprooted and taken to one of several places located about the
forest. These places are kept so that the decomposed tree can be
used as fertilizer for the living. The idea of burying a body in stone
where it could not replenish the soil would be totally foreign to
Ents. If Ents knew that humans did this regularly, they would not
approve and think them foolish.
Nurseries are also kept in several locations in the forest to grow
the young trees to a height where they are capable of survival. The
Ents like to preserve the natural way of things, but they also have
their individual favorite trees, and very much like to make sure that
large groves of dominant trees do not cause a local extinction of
less dominant trees. These nurseries are wonders to behold, and an
Ent will never take an outsider to one of these places unless there
is some special and compelling reason.
Due to their strength, size, and magical capabilities, Ents are
able to relocate trees that are 30 ft tall without fear of the tree dying
from shock. They are also capable of of repairing almost any
damage that a tree sustains, baring complete felling, if the tree so
desires (sometimes the Ents know the tree would rather not
survive). They are also capable of curing most all blights trees or
Ents contract although some blights are harder to cure and spread
faster. ENT Draughts
MA G I C Ents make three types of draughts and broths that they use for
Ents use magic in their normal lives sparingly, but according to nourishment. They are designed specifically for their needs, but
those that are close to them or have discussed it with them, they can be used by other races for short periods with some strange side
view magic differently from those in the outside world. Tolwen, effects. These drinks are not the sole food source for the Ents as
who was among the Ents probably more than any other person (see they also consume nuts, berries, roots and fruits that are freely
Section 5.15), suggested in a conversation with an Elf of Lórien the given by the plants in the area. The three draughts outlined below
following about the Ent’s views of magic: have names in Entish only and are not differentiated in other
tongues. The names are quite long and include every ingredient
and most of the preparation technics; so to humans they are just Ent
draught. From there they must puzzle it out on their own.
Ent Draughts 13

Fruit Draught: This type of draught is a very thin beverage that person to a normal state as if they had never taken the substance
is made from the juices of several fruits and the water from one i.e. height, strength, and constitution or until the coma purges
of the rivers or their tributaries. Added to that is a touch of that total amount from the body. If the person is purged via the
magic and the result is a drink that will quench the thirst of any natural mechanism the Co and St will drop at l/2 point/day
Ent after a hard day’s work, or long journey. To an Ent, 2 quarts until they reach a point 5 points below their original value.
of this drink is the equivalent of 5 gallons of water. Should a Upon waking from this coma they will be normal height, 20%
non-Ent consume this he will be instantly refreshed; willing lighter and unable to get out of bed for 2 months.
and able to make another days journey. The initial effect will Herb Draught: This draught is used by the Ents as a healing
be a tingling sensation, coupled with a feeling that the drinker’s substance. It is made from a mixture of herbs and the water
hair is standing on end. from the falls of mist. This solution is very vicious looking:
This type of refreshment, if used regularly by non-Ents, can much like lumpy molasses. It also tastes horrible to the non-
cause some serious side effects. Short term side effects are Entish palate. It allows Ents to cure concussion hits at 10 times
rapid hair and nail growth along with some cravings for freshly the normal rate and acts as a Lifekeeping spell for 10 days, if
dug Goyan roots that can only be found in northern Fangom, given (to a dying Ent) in combination with a Fruit Draught. Of
which are slightly poisonous to non-Ents but otherwise very course this solution can be used by non-Ents with similar
tasty. Long term side effects include weight and muscle loss affects, however the Lifekeeping will not work on non-Ents. If
due to increased metabolism even though the person will mixed with dirt, used as a salve and bandaged with moss from
always be hungry. The person’s eyes will also tend to bulge the forest it will stop bleeding instantly, even from critical hits,
out. If use of the drink is discontinued, the person will slowly and will heal the wound without a scar.
return to normal over a period of one year. If the person The secret of how to make these draughts is known to the Ents
continues to drink of the draught regularly they will die of and Tolwen only, and they can be made only in Fangom where the
starvation in 1 to 3 months depending on size and beginning ingredients are fresh and the Ents can make all the proper magical
weight because they cannot consume enough food to meet the alterations. Note also that the Ents do not realize that their food will
body’s increased metabolic demand. This drink tends to put cause these side effects. Since most people have never had more
Ents to sleep if they continue to stand after drinking, so they than 2 or 3 drinks the side effects are not usually seen and are by
usually lie down if they wish to stay awake. no means common knowledge. If an Ent becomes friendly with an
Nut Draught: This draught differs from the first in that it is thicker outsider he will gladly share his food because he does not know
and actually contains chunks of various nuts, roots and the like it can be harmful. However, they will not teach the outsider to
in the mixture. This draught is the mainstay sustenance for Ents make the draughts himself.
in their normal life. It is magical in nature like a Fruit Draught HOMES
and a bowlful will sustain a huge Ent for a long period of time. Ents live throughout the forest in various homes of their own
Much like a Fruit Draught, this draught also can be taken as construction, most of which could not be distinguished by an
food by non-Ents, but also like a Fruit Draught, it has some outsider as anything more than the normal forest. There are
side effects. basically three things that go into making an Ent house or hall. The
Even after drinking only 1 or 2 small bowls (the normal limit first is water, whether from a spring, stream or well. The second is
for days) of this draught the effect can be noticed in most an area of shelter, usually in the form of a cliff, over-hang or cave,
individuals and although some time lapse does occur, this but sometimes nothing more than a dense-tree covering. The third
small amount can cause it. For Hobbits and Dwarves a growth place is a storage place for vessels and utensils.
of l/2 to 1” in height per bowlful with a comparable gain in Although Ents use few tools, as their hands can do most things
muscle mass will begin to be noticed approximately 7 weeks they need them to, they still have need of a few items for storage
after the initial drink, with the final result showing up from 5 of beverages and the like. The storage area in an Ent home is used
months to a year after the final drink. For Hobbits, this for these items and for caches of food. These areas can be anything
translates to an increase of strength and constitution of 1 point from a hollowed-out area covered with sticks to a small cave with
per 2 bowls to a maximum of 5 on each. Dwarves who are a rock in front of it. These Ent-home storage areas will usually
naturally stronger to begin with, gain 1 point per 4 bowls (to a house an assortment of jars containing Ent draught of the three
maximum of 3 points). Humans that drink this draught also different types and an assortment of fresh or dried fruits, nuts and
gain strength and constitution as Dwarves do but only grow l/ berries. Of course bowls are also present to drink from.
4 to l/2” per bowlful. Elves seem to be unaffected by the Ents are not a possessive race and are, on the whole, very
draught, other than being filled and refreshed. considerate. Because of this, were an Ent hungry and near another
A drawback to what would seem, to some, a miracle is the Ent’s home, it would seem common practice by both owner and
possibility of side effects that increase with the total quantity borrower for the hungry Ent to take what he needed and replace it
taken in one’s lifetime. This is, of course, dependent on the as soon as he was able. The only reason that the Ents have the
individual resistance of each person imbibing. Normally, once storage areas in their houses concealed is to keep curious animals
every six months, such a person must roll a RR modified by from ruining things. Individually Ents usually have more than one
+25, his Constitution bonus, and his racial bonus versus of these homes or share them with others in the area for conven-
poisons. The attack level is the total number of “bowls” drunk. ience sake. Treebeard’s home “Wellinghall” is unusual in that
The side effects of this drink are such that affected person Treebeard has made a table and bed for it. These are not normal and
will suddenly slip into a deep cleansing coma once the toxic only exist because Treebeard receives more visitors than other
level is achieved in the body. Since the effect of the draught is Ents and needs a comfortable place for them if he is to talk to them.
continual and not temporary the build up to toxic level is also There are other Ent homes similar to Wellinghall in furnishings,
constant such that the time between doses does not affect the but the more common home would have a rock as a table and a bed
possibility of side effects. Only the total lifetime amount taken of leaves and moss. Often Ents will plant a grove of trees or
determines the side effect. This coma will last until the toxic relocate some of their favorite trees around their house.
agent is removed from the body by magic which will revert the
14 The Land, Fangorn

4.0 THE LAND 4.11 CLIMATE

The climate of Fangom is mild like the area outside its borders,
and not as variable. The winter is cold and moist and the snow
4.1 FANGORN cover is normal in most cases. Light snows will sometimes not
The forest called Fangom is bordered to the north by the a large penetrate to the forest floor leaving only the tree tops covered.
plain running from the forest edge to the Celebriant, to the west by Snowfalls in Fangom can cause an igloo effect in that the tempera-
the high peaks of the Misty Mountains, to the east by the Wold and tures underneath the trees become warmer than the temperature
to the south by the open plains of Calenardhon. There are two major beyond the edge of the forest. This is one reason why some of the
rivers that flow from the forest, the Entwash (S. Onod16) and the wild animals of the plains take refuge in the eaves of the forest
Limlight whose name came originally from the Sindarian word during particularly harsh snowstorms. Spring is the most beautiful
Limlaith. Both of these rivers have their origins at springs set in the of the seasons in Fangom because of the many different and
combs of the Misty Mountains, and are fed by several similarly abundant blooms on the trees, but it is also the most unpredictable
formed tributaries that join them before they leave the woods. season with thunderstorms rising over the mountains in a matter of
The land underneath the shadow of the trees from east to west minutes. Again, this has little effect in most cases under the boughs
begins in sloping rocky hills and progresses to higher mountain of the trees, but a heavy thunderstorm with dark skies, heavy winds
foothills rapidly once it meets the edge of the Misty Mountains. and lightning can seem very frightening under the already menac-
The initial hills in the east were formed of limestone much like the ing trees.
Wold, but with a heavier bedrock similar to the downs and the The summer months are the most uncomfortable in the forest to
Wold. This lends itself to short cliff formations as these rock hills humans. These months are warm but because of the tree cover the
are eroded by weather and streams. An example of this would be forest becomes pressingly humid, much like a great terrarium. The
Treebeard’s watch where the Hobbits Merry and Pippin first met Ents, however, love this season because these conditions are
him in The Two Towers (LotR, at 81-87 ). The soil in the forest is perfect for growing new trees in the nurseries. The fall is cool with
very rich and is kept that way by the Ents, although, without their fairly regular weather patterns (see Table 10.5). Occasionally a
help, it would still be fairly fertile. One would think that because branch-off from a coastal storm will sweep through the gap
of this soil many plants would grow here, including a large between the mountain ranges bringing large quantities of water
undergrowth, but due to massive overhead coverage of the forest, and wind into the area, but this is rare. Some consider the fall as
little undergrowth is seen. Fangom’s most beautiful time because of the vast array of shades
in golds, reds, purples, and browns that completely cover the forest
during this time.
4.12 FLORA
Fangom Forest is unique in the world: Not in the fact that it
contains active trees, Ents and Huoms, though that is very special
and rare, but in the fact that this forest alone has been carefully
groomed for thousands of years. The Entwood is actually a giant
garden. In other forests, such as Mirkwood, the growth patterns
change over the years due to selective blights and natural domi-
nance of certain species. In Fangom, this process has been altered
by the presence of the Ents. Because of this alteration, Fangom has
a wider variety of trees than any other forest in Middle-earth, and
of that variety the largest representatives in Middle-earth are
usually found in Fangom.
A high degree of sectionalization is also apparent in Fangom,
which is partly natural very old forests usually become sectional-
ized because of species dominance. The other factor in this devel-
opment, again, is the presence of the Ents. They have purposely
sectionalized the forest in some areas to allow trees that would
naturally be slowly choked out or overshadowed by the more
dominant species to thrive in groves of their own.
Another Entish influence in the forest is their habit of surround-
ing their homes with their favorite trees. This practice causes
strange growth patterns around an Ent home since trees from any
locale can be seen, even if they seem out of place, i.e., a small grove
of Mountain Ash or Aspen near the eastern border which is barely
1000 feet above sea level. Of course only those skilled in such
knowledge would notice these differences.
Flora of Fangorn

Nearly any type of tree that lives in Middle-earth can be found

in one part or another of Fangom, with the exception of the
Mallom, the White Tree of Gondor, and some of the tropical
species in the southern areas of Middle-earth. The central and
southern areas of the forest are mainly stands of deciduous trees:
predominantly various Oaks, Beeches, Hickories, Elms, and the
like. The edges on all sides are predisposed to the smaller flowering
and fruit baring trees such as Tulip Poplars, Plums, Apple, Pears,
Cherries, Dogwoods, and some Magnolias. These trees grow here
not only because they grow better there naturally, but also because
the Ents know this and plant some of them there to have a pretty
exterior in the spring and fruit available to those who need it in the
fall.
The north and northwestern regions of the forest become more
coniferous as they near and then climb the mountains. There are
large stands of Pine, Fir, and Cedar, and a few groves of giant
Redwood trees higher in the mountains. To the east in the higher
vales of the mountains the tree population is predominantly Ash,
Birch, Aspen, Poplar, and Rowan, etc. The variety of trees is
astonishing and adds to the beauty of the forest in the spring.
If one of the unique things about Fangom is its variability,
another unique aspect that is universal in Fangom is the size to
which the trees grow. Because of the excellent care and special
attention they receive the average size of any given tree in Fangom
will be 50% larger than a tree outside of Fangom under the same
conditions. So, an Oak that would normally attain a height of 50
feet and a diameter of 6 feet would grow to a height of 75 feet and
have a diameter of 9 feet if it happens to be in Fangom. This oak
would be considered small in Fangom, however, as many of the
trees reach truly huge proportions. Some of the Redwoods reach
a height of 400 feet and a diameter of 35 feet!
Of the few plants that do grow in the forest besides the trees there
are some, mainly herbs, that should be noted. Reuk and Thurl are
found in several locations in the forest and on the whole are more Eredena: This small bush-like tree is found making up the hedges
abundant here than anywhere else in Middle-earth. Belrama can that border the meeting places of the Ents such as the dingles.
also be found in isolated patches, particularly on the eastern edges These Evergreen trees branch out almost immediately after
toward the Wold in small patches of Pine and Cedar trees. Athelas they root and have many branches covered in largish dark green
can also be found near the edges of the forest but becomes rare polished leaves. The fruit of these trees rise as buds from the
further in toward the mountains. There are also some plants that are trees lower limbs on tall spikes that flower, in late winter/early
found exclusively in Fangom and are therefore worth noting. spring, into a large white blossom. Buds from this tree are the
Harwite: This medicinal agent is found in the form of a moss that active ingredient of both types 1 and 2 of Ent-made droughts
forms the ground cover throughout the main parts of the forest (See Section 3.2). This bud, if chewed or swallowed by a
but fades in frequency toward the eaves. It is used by the Ents normal human, will cause a sudden (within seconds) increase
in making their drinks and it is also used as a bandage. It has in heart rate, respiration, muscle strength, quickness and speed
healing properties in and of itself that will heal l-50 concussion of thought. In this undiluted form the effect is so great that a
hits when chewed. It has a sour but pleasant taste, disproving resistance roll must be made versus a twentieth level poison to
the theory that all medicine must taste bad to work. It is used as determine its effects. If the resistance roll is made then the
a bandage by the Ents because it is plentiful and holds together person taking the herb will be dizzy for 5 minutes after which
well. Moreover, the Ents do not make cloth bandages. Harwite time he will be able to perform amazing feats of coordination,
also will enhance the healing abilities of the paste that the Ents strength and deduction for 1 hour after which time he must
make (See Section 3.2). In the processing of Ent droughts sleep for 48 hours. If the person fails, however, by less than 20,
Harwite is used as a filter and an ingredient. The steaming he will faint and remain unconscious for 72 hours. If he fails by
mixture is poured through several layers of the moss purifying 20-40 then he will suffer a mild heart attack which will require
and adding some of the plants’ healing properties to the a 6 month recovery period. If he fails by greater than 40 then he
mixture. will die immediately of a massive cerebral hemorrhage. The
Ents do not use the plant in this form and do not know its effect
Cicino: This low leafy plant is used by the Ents to cure blights. It on humans although they have seen an occasional animal eat
increases the natural resistance of Ents, Huoms, and Trees so one and not fare well.
that resistance rolls versus disease are increased by 75. In
humans the effect is only +40. To use the herb’s benefit it must
be soaked in mineral spring water for a period of 10 days before
it is ready to use. The Ents drink this substance when they need
it and pour it around the base of trees and Huoms that need
treatment.
16 The Borders of Fangorn

4.13 FAUNA The rock type of the Wold and the North and South downs is
Fangom’s animal population is limited, mostly because of its related in that all these areas are permeated with porous limestone
lack of undergrowth. There are small numbers of squirrels, chip- which allows most of the moisture that falls on these lands to be
munks, rabbits and other small creatures which are preyed upon by channeled rapidly through the ground to the water table. This poor
foxes, ferrets, minks, and racoons as well as a few species of owls moisture holding capacity causes these areas to be agriculturally
and broad-winged hawks. There is also a small population of deer, poor and fit only for raising livestock and in particular goats and
but the chances of finding or seeing them are low because of their sheep, which are more adept at utilizing the short, spongy grass. Of
low numbers. Further into the mountains there are a few bears and these regions, the Downs are better than the Wold in this and,
larger cats but these are also rare and usually have come down from because they have greater access to other water supplies, they can
the high country or further north seeking food during the winters be used as farmland if proper care is taken. Due to the abundance
(those that do not hibernate). Also during the winter some of the of good farming land in West Emmet, however, the South Downs
animals of the plains wander into the forest seeking shelter and are rarely used for anything but raising sheep. In the North, the best
game. Among these animals are the grass cats and wolves from the farmland is across the Limlight in the Northern Fields, but the land
northern plains and mountains. Along the rivers in the forest is of the North Downs is used as farmland close to the Limlight for
where one will find most of Fangom’s reptile population which convenience sake. Of all the lands bordering Fangom, West
includes several poisonous snakes, but these rarely attack without Emmet to the south has the best land for all types of activity. The
provocation. Other reptiles also living near these water sources are topsoil is rich and the area never runs short of water.
several species of small lizards and turtles. The fish of the rivers are
plentiful throughout most of the forest but become more scarce as 4.21 CLIMATE
the rivers reach their sources. Of the animals in the forest a few are These areas, much like Fangom, enjoy a mild climate through-
worth noting. out the year. Winters are cold and moist with regular snow storms
Blue Terrapin: This feisty cousin of the average turtle is unique which rarely reach accumulations greater than 1 foot and disappear
in that it is aggressive in nature. Its neck, which it can fully quickly. In the Wold and on the Downs where there is usually less
retract into its shell, is up to 12 inches long in larger specimens precipitation, the winter is actually colder because of the overall
and can strike out as fast as a snake. This snake allegory does windy nature of these areas. In the spring the weather is beautifully
not stop here though, because the Blue Terrapin is also poison- cool and windy. Frequent and unpredictable thunderstorms that
ous. Upon biting its prey (or enemy), the poison is injected into can occur in the summer months pound the land leaving as quickly
the animal by the hollow tip of the terrapin’s upper mandible. as they came, causing periodic flash flooding in the hillier areas
This poison does not kill but can completely paralyze an animal such as the Downs and the Wold. The summer on the open plains
that weighs up to 40 lbs. The poison will wear off in 3 hours, is hot but not enough to cause physical hardship except in the most
thus if the terrapin does not want to eat the victim he might at barren areas such as the Wold. On a high hill in the early summer
least escape. In a human, the poison of the terrapin will produce the sky seems larger than any other place in Middle-earth. The fall
complete paralysis in the limb that is bitten and a partial causes the tall grass of the Northern Plains and the Emmets to turn
paralysis in the adjacent part of the body. brown as the crops of the farms ripen giving the whole area a red-
. golden hue. Weather during this time is cool and comfortable.
Madratine: This cat/fox hybrid is usually found in heavily for- Rains are usually gentle and prolonged, but much less angry than
ested regions like Fangom and rarely ventures from them. It has those of the spring and summer (see Table 10.5). Only occasionally
a small fox-like body, reddish brown in hue with white mask does West Emmet receive the violent backwash from hurricanes
and ears, and hunts the various small game, birds, and rodents. that have come ashore to the southwest.
Lately they have been sought after for pets, because they are
highly intelligent and easily trained. Because they are smart 4.22 FLORA
and very wily they are also very hard to catch or trap. However, The lands around Fangom are in stark contrast to Fangom
people still try because prices received for live adults are very proper in that their tree population thins quickly once the edges of
high, and the price for kittens is even higher. the forest have been reached. The Northern fields are covered
almost exclusively, in tall grass right up to the foot of the moun-
4.2 THE BORDERS OF FANGORN tains, and to the edges of Lórien with only a few scattered trees in
The lands bordering Fangom included in this discussion are the between. The Downs and the Wold are also fairly void of trees and
fields between the Limlight and the Celebrant (hereafter referred those that do exist there are stunted and gnarled due to lack of
to as the Northern Fields), the North Downs, the Wold, the South water. The exception being near the Limlight, in the north, where
Downs, and the fields of East and West Emmet to the south. Like the tree population is heavier and healthier along the banks. These
Fangom Forest, the major water sources for these areas are the trees are usually found singularly but there are a very few places
Limlight, the Onodló, and on the eastern edges, the Anduin. These where a small growth of trees can be found, usually in a valley,
rivers and their minor tributaries provide plenty of water to all of which will provide cover in this barren area. The lands of East and
these areas except the Wold which is relatively dry and has few West Emmet are similar to the North Plains, with tall grass
streams, because of the nature of rock morphology in the area. covering those areas not farmed. The number of trees in this area
is higher, however, since trees have been planted in and around
most villages. Some small patches of forest can also be found
throughout this region, and are a blend of various types; mainly
Poplar, Oak, and Beech. Coniferous trees are uncommon in this
area; they can be found closer to the White Mountains.
Fauna of the Borders

Useful herbs found in these areas are very limited. Most herbs small animals and birds, some of which make fine eating. They can
are obtained from the gardens of area herbalists. Some useful also be hazardous in that the burrows of these small animals are
medicinal herbs do grow in the wild of these lands however. often not seen by a rider until it is too late and his horse has hit a
Athelas grows just off the sides of major roadways and in sparse hole - breaking its leg. Several animals of the area should be
forest patches near villages. It was often planted by the early noted.
Dúnedain roaming these areas so that supplies could be had while Grass Cats: The grass cat is the Wild Kine’s natural predator, but
traveling. Out in the open plains, patches of Bursthealas and as the Kine have declined in population, so have the Grass Cats.
Kelventari can be found, and occasionally in the moister areas Their numbers in the Southern areas are quite low and those
Arunya can be located. remaining have begun to prey more and more often on domes-
ticated animals or even humans if the opportunity presents
itself. These cats are somewhat smaller than a puma and are
normally buff colored. In the summer, however, they turn a
light green because of the amount of grass pollen that is
adsorbed into the cat’s fur. They attack their prey from ambush;
jumping onto the back of the creature, digging in, and letting
the creature run itself to death. They have been known to use the
same tactics on man. Their screams can be quite unsettling,
especially if the listener is alone on the Plains at night.
Green Asps: These bulky, slow-moving snakes can be found
throughout these areas, but are more prevalent usually in the
open areas. They live in communal burrows forcibly vacated
by rabbits or gophers usually after the snakes have eaten them.
The Green Asp will typically be seen in large groups near their
burrow, basking in the sun. Sometimes as many as 50 of these
can be seen on a hillside. These snakes can reach 3 ft in length
and can become as big around in their middles as a man’s
forearm, but taper to thin necks and tails. The snakes are likely
to be smelled before being seen, however, as the snake gives off
a terrible odor reminiscent of rotten strawberries and can be
smelled up to 100 feet away. Most animals will not go near an
area where the smell persists and horses seem particularly wary
of them. Their reaction typically will be to turn and run upon
catching a whiff of the snake’s odor. The snake’s primary food
sources however seem to be attracted by the smell, which is
very fortunate for the snake (but not for the snack). Green Asp
bites are intensely painful, almost always crippling to some
extent, but are rarely fatal. The affected appendage turns
purple, and if left untreated will necrose, exposing the bone. In
some cases, the entire limb below the bite will drop off or, more
often, need to be amputated to prevent the gangrenous infection
I from spreading and killing the victim.
/ J Green Asps are also to be noted for the value of their poison
4.23 FAUNA glands, which can be sold to certain individuals for large sums
The animals of these areas are varied and numerous but the size of money. The people of Far Harad, and subsequently others
of the area in which they live causes them to be scarce when the that have had association with them, believe that these glands,
object is to locate them. Of course the most numerous groups of taken in small quantities, are a powerful aphrodisiac. If they are
these animals are those that are domestic. These domestic animals ingested in larger doses (2-3 glands) the substance can be a
are sheep, goats, some cattle, and several herds of the Wild Kine potent organ restorer. One side effect of these larger doses,
that have been tamed. In the open plains of the north and the south, however, are fits of ungovernable madness that can recur
to a lesser .degree, herd animals of several types roam free. The unexpectedly up to three days after the dose was taken. The first
majority of these are the Wild Kine, large thick skinned cattle with of these fits passes quickly (within an hour usually). Recurring
black water buffalo-like horns, which once traveled in herds of up attacks can strike at any time for the next few days, but with
to 1000, but have now begun to wane in this area due to infringe- decreased duration and intensity. Recently, these stimulant
ment on its feeding grounds by man. Also the Kine of this area were properties have been used by several herbalists to treat states of
susceptible to the plague and several hundred died of it once some catatonia in patients. The glands are situated behind the snake’s
of the larger herds became infected. Antelopes also roam these eyes and puff out when full. Once dried, they resemble peas and
Plains in herds but are not as numerous as those found in Rho- will bring 50 gold pieces each, providing that proof of a kill,
vanion. The other herd animals of the Plains at this time are horses. usually in the form of a skin, can be shown as a mark of
Although the herds are small (several herds of wild horses have authenticity.
been seen in the northern plains) so far no one has attempted to
profit from their capture. These regions are also home to many
18 Politics and Power: Fangorn

5.0 POLITICS AND POWER:

FANGORN
The politics and power of the Fangom Forest are of course
dominated by the Ents (described in Section 5.1). During the Third
Age, the only major challenge to this preeminence was Saruman’s
activities from TA 2759 to TA 3019. Sections 5.2 and 5.3 discuss
the effects that he had on the Fangom Forest and the Ents.

5.1 THE INHABITANTS

Fangom Forest, for its area, probably contains the most power-
ful concentration of individual beings in Middle-earth. The On-
odrim (Ents), unlike the Eagles and Dragons, are located only in
this one area making this stretch of forest very important in the
power structure of Middle-earth. Because of the overwhelming
force that they represent, any intervention of the Gnodrim into the
affairs of Men and Elves is significant. These interventions do not
occur often, however, because they, as a group, are not greatly
concerned with the individual dealings of others. The world as a
whole only concerns them as it affects their forest; however, they
consider little else to be significant.
Their leaders (if they bear that title . . . elders might be more
appropriate) are always assessing the conditions of the world
outside to see if its changes will affect them. This news gathering
is more passive than active and news travels slowly in and out of
Fangom. The Ents are also very slow in deciding which changes
are important and often even slower in deciding what to do about
them. All these things should be considered before the Gnodrim
take any significant role into play. Any intervention of Ents in the
lives of humans or Elves on more than a one to one scale could tilt
the balance of power and cause them to be in the forefront and
noticeable to dark forces of the world; a move that most Ents would
not approve at this time. Treebeard resembles a beech or oak tree in structure. He is 15
feet tall and broadly built. His head is covered with a twiggy green-
5.11 TREEBEARD grey mosslike hair, and his long beard is made of similar material,
Treebeard (S. Fangom) is the oldest living being in Middle- being more twiggy at the roots and more mossy at the ends. Like
earth with the exceptionof the present Maiar (the Istari, Sauron, all Ents he has deep-set brown eyes flecked with green that appear
Tom Bombadil and the Balrog). He was instrumental in the to reflect the wisdom and age of the earth. When aroused, or angry,
establishment of the forest (now called by his Sinda name) as the Treebeard is one of the strongest of Ents and can cause immense
last reservoir of Ent-kind. When the forests of Middle-earth began physical damage. His stats are listed below:
to recede because of men and their wars with Sauron during the STATS:
Second Age, he took up permanent residence in the wood and RM MERP
began bringing in the rest of his people. St: 115 co: 120 Ag: 70
Treebeard is now considered by the other Ents to be their leader Qu: 60 Ag: 80 co: 120
although no titles are taken, and his contemporaries, Skinbark and Em: 95 SD: 100 Ig: 95
Leaflock, lead smaller groups of the Ents that are at a further point In: 100 Re: 90 In: 98
in the forest. Treebeard’s own direct following is a diverse group, Pr: 102 Me: 101 Pr: 1 0 2
but most are of the oak-looking, beech-looking and elm-looking St: 115
family. Profession: Treeherd
Treebeard is very wise due to his age, and keeps in touch with Level: 55
the world outside though many of his fellow Ents fall behind. He Hits: 556
is greatly concerned with the how the world fairs and will receive Melee Bonus: 210 Huge Bash (2x) / 180 Huge Grasp
information gladly from any friendly source. He is always particu-
/ 150 Huge Crush
larly interested in the dealings of the Wizards because he knows
Missile Bonus: 140 large rock (or person)
that what they do will affect his people greatly. He is a kind-hearted Armor Type: Plate/AT 19 (-50)
Ent, being almost overly compassionate even toward his enemies. Spell Bonus: Not applicable. Magic never used in combat
He particularly dislikes seeing living things trapped, and will go
Race: Onodrim (Ent)
out of his way to help caged individuals. Power Points: 165
The Ents: Skinbark and Leaflock 19

Treebeard knows the Plant Mastery and Natures Lore Animist 5.13 LEAFLOCK
spell lists to 50th level and the Animal Mastery and Herb Mastery Leaflock (S. Finglas) is the third of the three Fist Age Ents
to 10th. He knows the Open Channeling Lists to 20th level and the remaining in 1640. He, like Skinbark, brought his people to
Closed lists to 10th level with the exception of Weather Ways, Fangom Forest during the mid Second Age. They once lived far to
Purification and Nature’s Law, which he has to 50th. He also can the northwest in the forests, at the foothills of the Blue Mountains.
also use the Open Essence Lists:Essence Hand, Unbarring Ways, When Sauron invaded Eregion and fought with the Elves in the
and Essence Shield to 20th level, and the Closed Essence Lists: Second Age, Leaflock and his people retreated into the mountains.
Spirit Mastery and Dispelling Ways to 10th level. Treebeardrarely When the war was over, and Sauron had been defeated, they
uses a spell over 10th level and then only in dire need. He will never decided that they were too few to stand alone should they be
use magic in a combat situation when he is angry. If on the threatened. This prompted Leaflock to leave the Blue Mountains
periphery of a fight he may use magic to help and to heal. to seek others of their kind for his people to live with. He found
Fangom Forest soon after and reacquainted himself with
5.12 SKINBARK Treebeard and Skinbark.
Skinbark(S.Fladrif),similar toTreebeard,is also one of the first Leaflock’s folk followed him to Fangom and now mainly
or second generation of the Ents of Middle-earth. He brought occupy the northern area of the forest. As a leader, Leaflock has,
many Ents with him to Fangorn Forest after Treebeard offered it of late, neglected his position and the responsibility of direction
to him as a homeplace. His people occupy the higher elevations of when needed has fallen on some of the other Ents in his group as
the ridges of the Misty Mountains on the east, south and western well as on Treebeard. It seems that after living in Fangom a while,
sides. This area includes the high vales of the mountains above Leaflock was quite content and, slowly over the years, began to
Grthanc. stand for longer and longer periods in the Summer sun of the
Since Skinbark lives high in the mountains he does not partici- meadows, near the eaves of the forest. Now he spends almost all
pate in leading the Ents, beyond his group, to any great extent. of summer there and has sometimes stayed until mid fall before
However he is highly respected for his wisdom when he attends rousing. Leaflock could be awakened if needed by his people, but
religious ceremonies and moots. he would have to be given time to rouse properly and find out what
Skinbark’s group is made up of Ents who resemble the trees of was going on.
those higher elevations in which they live. There are many Ash- Leaflock’s people are diversified in structure; not looking like
looking, Rowan-looking, Birch-looking, and Aspen-looking Ents any particular group or family of trees, although there are a higher
in his area. Some of the very tall Fir-like Ents are also associated percentage of the tall Fir and Pine-like Ents among his group than
with him. in those of Skinbark’s or Treebeard’s. Leaflock is rather short,
Skinbark himself is 17 ft tall and appears much like a White actually being only 11 ft tall, and resembles a willow. He is,
Birch. He is light grey in color with a nearly white covering growth however, quite broad and has large arms with eight fingers on each
on his head, and a beard to match. From a distance with nothing to hand. He has a leafy green head covering that runs down his arms
show perspective, one might think him an old man. His limbs are and back also. His beard is made of the same growth but is not as
long as are his fingers and toes, of which he has five on each hand long as most other Ents. His stats are listed below:
and foot. His stats are listed below: STATS:
STATS: RM MERP
RM MERP St: 112 co: 120 Ag: 62
St: 110 co: 115 Ag: 7 5 Qu: 50 Ag: 65 co: 120
Qu: 70 Ag: 75 co: 115 Em: 100 SD: 80 Ig: 85
Em: 98 SD: 95 Ig: 95 In: 101 Re: 80 In: 100
In: 100 Re: 85 In: 99 Pr: 98 Me: 90 Pr 98
Pr: 100 Me: 102 Pr: 100 St: 112
St: 110
Profession: Treeherd Profession: Treeherd
Level: 45 Level: 42
Hits: 490 Hits: 480
Melee Bonus: 200 Huge Bash (2x) / 170 Huge Grasp Melee Bonus: 190 Huge Bash (2x) / 180 Huge Grasp
/ 140 Huge Crush / 130 Huge Crush
Missile Bonus: 150 large rock (or person) Missile Bonus: 120 large rock (or person)
Armor Type: Full Hide/AT 19 (-55) Armor Type: Full Hide/AT 19 (-30)
Spell Bonus: Not applicable. Magic never used in combat Spell Bonus: Not applicable. Magic never used in combat
Race: Onodrim (Ent) Race: Onodrim (Ent)
Power Points: 135 Power Points: 84
Skinbark knows the Plant Mastery and Natures Lore Animist Leaflock knows the Plant Mastery and Natures Lore Animist
spell lists to 30th level and Animal Mastery, Herb Mastery, and spell lists to 30th level, Herb Mastery to 20th level and Animal
Nature’s Protection to 10th level. He knows all Open Channeling Mastery and Nature’s Protection to 5th level. He knows all Open
Lists to 20th level and the Closed Lists to 10th level with the Channeling Lists to 10th level and the Closed to 5th level with the
exception of Weather Ways, Purification, Concussion Ways, and exception of Weather Ways, Purification, and Nature’s Law
Nature’s Law, which he has to 30th level. He also can use the Open which he has to 30th level. He also can use the Open Essence Lists:
Essence Lists: Essence Hand, Unbarring Ways, and Essence Essence Shield to 10th level, and the Closed Essence List: Spirit
Shield to 10th level, and the Closed Essence Lists:Spirit Mastery Mastery to 5th level. Leaflock, like most Ents, rarely uses magic,
and Dispelling Ways to 5th level. Skinbark, like most Ents, rarely but will use it offensively if threatened.
uses magic.
20 The Huorns and Tolwen

5.14 THE HUORNS 5.15 TOLWEN

The Huoms, or Tree Spirits as they are sometimes called, are of In the First Age, during the war of the Silmarils, a young Sindar
unknown origin. Several theories have been put forth to explain woman was captured by the servants of Morgoth and taken to him
their beginnings. One states that they are Ents that have lost track in Thangorodrim. Her name was Tolwen. There he saw that she
of their cultural heritage and become dormant, but not completely. could be twisted and used to help him against her own people, so
Another states that they are trees that have become Entish, as it he changed her in mind and body until she suited him. In outward
were. A possible explanation of why a tree might become Ent-like appearance he changed her little but the changes inside caused her
was given by Radagast the Brown in a discussion of the topic with to be dark and full of hate for her brethren. Fed by this hate was the
an Elf of Mirkwood. power he gave her to absolve the soul of a living being, which she
“It is possible, if one can imagine it, that Ents reproduce used to great effectiveness throughout the war by infiltrating the
much like theplants that they resemble. If this were the case company of the Elves and killing those who were not wary.
then it might also be possible that an Ent could cross
pollinate passively with a tree that is similar to it in
structure to produce Half-ents. These Half-ents, or
Huorns, would then grow into maturity and would re-
semble trees even more than the Ents do. So much so that
only to an Ent would they appear different. To an untrained
eye they would just be trees.”
This explanation by Radagast is pure conjecture based on very
few facts and still cannot be proven because the exact means by
which Ents reproduce is unknown to anyone but them. The phrases
they use in conversation to illustrate themselves, or as interjec-
tions, might tend to support this . (from an acorn, root and twig,
etc.).
Regardless of their origins however, the Huoms greatly out-
number the Ents in Fangom. They will obey the Ents when they are
directed, much like herded animals, but they do have a will of their
own and the Ents do not, and will not, try to force their will upon
them.
The Huoms of Fangom in the year T.A. 1640 live fairly peaceful
lives scattered throughout the forest but with a large percentage
living in the southernmost areas and several larger pockets located
near the northern border. During this time they are fairly docile
because they have not been angered as they will be later, in the
Third Age. There are, however, several pockets of truly black-
hearted Huoms bent on destruction. These areas are often left
alone even by the Ents as sometimes even they are unwelcome
here. These pockets are located with more frequency toward the
northern border and further into the mountains. Any insult to these
areas by strangers evoke an immediate response from the Huoms
with the severity of the response being directly proportional to the
severity of the insult. Intruders will usually be directed out of the
area by rearranging the paths so that they are always directed in the
way the Huoms wish them to travel. If injury occurs to one of these When the Valar once again fought Morgoth in the War of Wrath,
areas, an attack will be launched on the responsible party as soon
Tolwen was taken captive and brought before Oromë by some of
as possible. Attacks from Huoms come in the form of encirclement
and then physical assaults with limbs by strangling and clubbing, the Vanyar in his company. He had pity on her and although he
as well as trampling when the adversary is within range. As the could not eradicate the evil deed of Morgoth in her, he could
raids by Orcs into these areas of the forest increase, the hatred subdue it and bring her back to her right mind. After realizing what
she had done, she was horrified and swore an oath not to rest until
which these trees feel for two legged creatures will also increase she had saved as many lives as she had taken. That day she thanked
such that accidental intrusion into these areas by humanoids will
cause some of the Huoms to attack, seemingly without provoca- Oromë for his help and left their company heading east over the
tion. Other Huoms in Fangom at this time are not as hostile, but Blue Mountains saying that she would remember his kindness and
will become hostile as time progresses and they are threatened compassion by helping his people whenever possible.
more. For years she roamed the lands between the Blue and Misty
Mountains, healing those she could and learning more about the
healing arts. For a while she stayed in Lindon and went west with
the last alliance late in the Second Age to help with the wounded.
Early in the Third Age, while passing through the southern portion
of Dunland, she met an Ent that had been sent by Treebeard to look
for the Entwives that were lost. Tolwen agreed to help in his
search, remembering Oromë.
Fangorn: T.A. 27593019 and After T.A. 3019 21

After a fruitless combing of the southwestern coastal regions, As Saruman slowly sank into evil, he began to visit Fangom less
they returned to Fangom, where she and Treebeard had a long and less. When he did, he would wander about without stopping to
discussion about their loss and Tolwen’s work. He agreed to help talk or ask permission. As the time of the War of the Rings grew
her prepare a home in northern Fangom for her to use as long as she closer and Saruman gathered his forces of Orcs and Half-arcs,
wanted. He did this partly because of her help in the search and raids on the forests by these foul creatures increased and many
partly because he saw that she still had a subdued evil side that trees were lost on the boundaries of Fangom. The parts of the forest
could gain dominance if the proper stimuli were applied. He also closest to Isengard were most affected, with Skinbark’s folk taking
feared that if she wandered she would one day intersect with such the brunt of the attacks and eventually retreating up into the higher
a stimulus. Tolwen took up residence in a small set of caves near reaches of the mountains.
where the Limlight exits Fangom and molded them to her liking. Another area of frequent attacks was on the northern border of
Although she did not know it, Treebeard asked Leaflock to have Fangom where the Orcs of the Barz Thrugrim raided more and
Ents that lived in the area to check on her periodically, mainly for more frequently as the time of the war grew nearer. On this
her safety, but partially as a precaution. northern border, however, Orc casualties were higher due to the
Over the years she learned much from the Ents and both sides larger population of Huoms. Unlike the Ents, the Huoms were
have prospered from the relationship. She is possibly the only non- quicker to anger and in some of the areas attacked, there were
Ent that knows the secret of how to make the drinks that the Ems pockets of Huoms that were always blackhearted and needed little
use as nourishment, but she will not tell it. She was taught this by provocation to kill. The purpose of these attacks of course was not
Treebeard so that she could help those that were wounded or came to defeat the Ents, but rather to test their strength and to see how
down with a blight. She has enough knowledge of Ent healing arts easily provoked they were.By the year 3015 T.A., Saruman
now to help those she needs to, but there is still much she does not evidently convinced that the Ents would not present any real
know. Fortunately, Ents do not get sick very often. resistance to his plans, and indeed they probably would have
In the year T.A. 1640 Tolwen’s only connection to the outside remained dormant if either Sauron or Saruman had gained the
world is a Dúnedain Ranger named Dindal that wanders Calenard- Ring. However Saruman did not foresee the coming of the Hobbits
hon. They met after he was attacked by Orcs and fled into the forest to the woods or Treebeard’s reaction to them; a reaction which
to escape. An Ent found Dindal unconscious and took him to played an important part in Saruman’s defeat.
Tolwen’s home where she nursed him back to health. He knows In the year 2955, on one of his many trips, Gandalf advised
that Ents live in the forest and thinks he has seen one from time to Tolwen that it would be better, considering her circumstances, to
time but he does not know of their connection to Tolwen. Dindal leave Fangom and either seek shelter in Lórien, Rivendell or
usually visits 2-3 times a year and brings Tolwen news, patients (if Lindon, if she wished to remain in Middle-earth. Realizing that
the need is there), and items she cannot obtain from the forest. Gandalf was right, she left soon after taking only those things most
Tolwen is 6’ 3” tall and of slight build. She has light brown hair precious to her. First, she went to Lórien, but Galadriel asked that
with red and gold highlights, and pale green eyes. As a healer, she she leave soon, because the evil presence of her sword could
is capable of healing almost any physical injury. She also has the possibly cause complications in the trials to come. When the pass
ability to perform Lifegiving True once per month as a remnant of over the mountains was clear, she left Lórien for Rivendell where
her days as an absolver of souls. In order to use this power, she must she stayed until 3014. She then went to Lindon where she stayed
have the energy of a living soul given willingly to fuel the for two years before finally taking the straight path.
Lifegiving - a sacrifice some might not want to make to save a During the War of the Ring, the Ents and Huoms played a
friend. The other residue from her former profession is her sword significant role in the battle of the Homburg and in the taking of
Gurthiant. It is tethered to her magically and she can be no more Isengard, which they held until the King took charge after the War.
than 200ft from it without feeling intense pain and eventually They also were engaged in the battles that took place in the Wold
death within 24 hours. This physical need has caused a psychologi- at the same time that the siege of Minas Tirith was taking place.
cal dependence on the sword as well. Gurthiant was the focus of None of the actual combat of these battles took place in Fangom
Tolwen’s powers during the First Age and it cannot be separated itself, other than occasional small border skirmishes with isolated
from her except in the undying lands. She has the longing to go to Orc tribes.
the west but her oath of repayment and her fear of separation from
Gurthiant has kept her in Middle-earth thus far. One day when she 5.3 FANGORN: AFTER T.A. 3019
can no longer stand the suffering of the world, Tolwen will leave. After the war, the Circle of Orthanc was broken down by the
Ents. Then trees were relocated all about the Circle in orchards and
5.2 FANGORN: T.A. 2759-3019 rows. A pool was made around the tower and a stream flowed into,
From 1640 to 2759 Fangomremains fairly consistent regardless and out of it, to rejoin the Isen. The keys of Grthanc were given to
of the changes in the outside world. In the year 2759, however, King Elessar by Treebeard. Fangom Forest seemed less closed to
Saruman the White takes up residence in the Citadel of Grthanc the outside world than it had been before the war, although few
and things begin to change. Early on, Saruman existed peacefully actually entered the forest to explore, aside from some Silvan
with the Ents often coming to the forest for walks and talking to Elves and, of course, Gimli and Legolas. More houses were built
Treebeard on occasion. Treebeard noticed after a while that when close to the woods after the War than were ever within sight of it
talking to Saruman, one always tended to give more information before, and Ents could sometimes be seen walking across the open
than one received. prairies to isolated patches of forest miles away. The raids that
were common during the War almost completely subsided after-
wards and many of Skinbark’s people came down from the high
reaches to rejoin their brothers.
22 Politics and Power: The Borders

6.0 POLITICS AND POWER: away from town in extended family groups or, on occasion, two or
more separate families living close to one another. Most of the
THE BORDERS dwellings are made from fieldstone, wood if it is accessible or sod
Most of the politics of the Fangom border region involves the if the people are poor or transient. These family groups or villages
interaction between the Men of Calenardhon, the Elves of Lórien, usually have a fortified dwelling consisting of a quarried stone
and the Orcs of the nearby Misty Mountains. The power vacuum house with wooden shutters or a house within a wooden palisade.
created by the Great Plague of 1636 meant that the region remained These family groups will unite to fight common threats if the need
sparsely settled and in dispute for most of the late Third Age ( 1640- arises and if time is available to summon help. If an overwhelming
3019). threat presents itself most of these groups will retreat to Tir
Limlight if there is sufficient notice.
6.1 INHABITANTS: T.A. 1640 Grains, fruits, sheep and some cattle are the main agricultural
The peoples that inhabit the borders of Fangom are a diversified crops of the area which are in high demand since the plague
lot. To the east are the Calenardhon. occupying the northern parts reduced the numbers of farmers in south Calenardhon. Most of the
of the province of the same name. To the north is the Elven realm grains and fruits are grown along the banks of the Limlight with the
of Lórien, although some of the Calenardhon. live in the sparsely most productive area being the northern bank. The farmers living
settled lands between the Limlight and the Celebriant. And to the on that side of the river are particularly vulnerable to attack, but
west are the Misty Mountains which are a haven for several small have better land with which to work. In fact, some of the fruit from
Orc tribes. To the south of Fangom is the more heavily populated these farms are used to make wine, which for the next ten years will
portion of Calenardhon, which is discussed in greater detail in the be considered the best in the realm. The grains, fruits, wines and
I.C.E. campaign module Zsengard and Northern Gondor. wool from the farms around Tir Limlight are shipped downriver to
Tir Anduin where they are used or sent further down to Minas
6.11 THE CALENARDHONS Anor, the new capital.
The Calenardhons that live to the east and south of Fangom are The traders of the area do not have permanent homes and travel
a hardy group of people that ranged out further than their fellow the area virtually year round buying and selling goods. Most of
citizens so that they could be free to live like they wanted. This them use boats on the Limlight and the Anduin to move their
makes for a higher percentage of eccentrics in the area as a whole goods, but some overland caravans still travel to Tir Anduin and
but has also allowed them to be more adaptable to their surround- Calmirie. These overland traders usually hire retainers to guard
ings. This probably allowed them to survive better during the their goods especially if they are transporting large quantities.
plague. In the year 1640, these people have just started to recover Some of the more experienced traders, on occasion,do travel up the
from the Great Plague of 1636. The hardest stricken areas of Anduin from Tir Limlight to trade with the Elves of Lórien. These
Calenardhon, in general, were those higher population centers to traders usually do not stop to trade Elvish goods in Tir Limlight,
the south in the eaves of the White Mountains. The river towns and however, preferring the prices they can get downstream.
country villages of the north with few exceptions, were not Craftsmen, in the main, have their homes in town. Some of the
affected nearly as much, allowing them to make a quicker recov- more common craftsmen such as common blacksmiths or tanners
ery. Because of this rapid recovery, the first few years after the do live in some of the farm family villages, but the more skilled
plague allowed for increased exports from these more rural areas craftsmen are in Tir Limlight. Some types of more specialized
relative to those hard hit areas and therefore increased prosperity crafts are not available in Tir Limlight and can only be obtained in
for the small villages of northern Calenardhon. trade or by visiting a larger city such as Tir Anduin.
Many of the centralized governing duties of the larger cities The military presence in Tir Limlight in the year 1640 consists
were cut back during this time leaving the smaller villages to of 36 men garrisoned at the fortress under the command of Malion
govern themselves and collect their own taxes, if they were and his three Ohtarrina. Malion has been the commander of the
collected at all. Garrisons stationed at some of the smaller towns fortress for the last eight years. Before the command at Tir
also gained a certain amount of autonomy at this time. The Lords Limlight, he was a watch commander in Minas Anor, but asked to
that would normally command these garrisons were busy taking be reassigned to an outpost command after the death of his wife.
care of other matters, thus they transferred local authority to the After two years of duty he asked for permanent assignment at the
garrison captains. Since most of the garrisons were short of men, Limlight because he liked the people and the land. His request was
few were left to use as messengers causing almost all lines of quickly granted because competent outpost commanders with
communication to break down with the exception of irregular river experience are a rare commodity. Four years ago, during the
patrols and the use of civilians as messengers. This lack of plague, Malion was ordered to govern Tir Limlight and the sur-
communication of the policing bodies, coupled with the poor rounding area as he deemed fit. The regional government could no
economy in the areas to the south, led to an increase in bandits in longer maintain close enough contact to retain order. Malion and
some areas of Calenardhon, as well as a tendency for the Orcs of the town magistrate, Calandur, now run the town quite well and the
the mountains to be more bold in their raids on the people of the regional government shows no signs of reinstating control. Taxes
area. Officially, however, the northern areas of Calenardhon, are still sent at semi-regular intervals, although Malion and Calan-
including Tir Limlight, are still under direct command of the dur are not as strict on the townspeople as the regional government
governorship at Tir Anduin. would like them to be.
AT TIR LIMLIGHT When the governing of Tir Limlight was turned over to Malion,
The town of Tir Limlight in the year 1640 is the center of regular patrols by boat of the Limlight and upper Anduin by the
commerce for a small but relatively productive group of Calenard- garrison at Tir Anduin were discontinued but, as of late, have been
hons that live along the Limlight River, on the north downs, and reoccurring although not as often as they did before the plague.
on the northern borders of the Wold. The people of the area are Presently, land patrols consist of twelve mounted soldiers and are
basically divided into three groups: farmers, traders, and crafts- of 2 types; close and extended. Close patrols are executed once a
men. The agricultural segment of the society can usually be found day at irregular intervals and cover an area within a 2 mile radius
The Wold and the Plains 23

of the fortress, including the river banks and the docks. Extended reaction toward Dwarves and Elves will be more suspicious and
patrols are all day affairs, done once or twice a week, covering a may be more curious if members of these races stay for very long.
specific direction away from the fortress for approximately 15 to A non-human that seems friendly might soon find himself sur-
20 miles. River patrols are done once a week by six men, and cover rounded by a crowd of curious townsfolk. Any disturbances in the
an area 10 miles up the Limlight and 5 miles down the Anduin. The town caused by strangers will usually get them a free week or more
soldiers of the garrison see little action aside from an occasional in the fortress dungeon, depending on the offense.
sortie against bandits in the Wold or chasing off small parties of IN THE WOLD AND THE PLAINS
Orcs from the mountains. The Calenardhons that live in the wilder areas of the plains and
the Wold are a fiercely rugged breed. They work most of the time
just to get enough food for their families, and thus have little to
export besides the wool of their goats and sheep and some cheeses.
The rest of their crops are consumed by their own families. Much
like the farmers to the north near Tir Limlight, these shepherds live
in clustered, extended family groups sometimes including up to 30
people. The larger of these groups may have permanent dwellings
made of stone or sod, Some of the smaller groups may live in tents
for part of the year as they travel with their herds, making
temporary homes in the winter or returning to the more permanent
dwellings they had built in the years before the plague.
Once a year, the shepherds take their wool and cheese to market
in the larger towns to the south or to Tir Limlight where they trade
for supplies. While there they carry out social functions with the
other shepherds, such as making marriage arrangements between
children and trading stock or just having a good old shepherd party.
The trading and celebrations usually lasts 2-3 weeks before the
shepherds return to their homes.
Once every 2 years, all the shepherds that owe allegiance to the
clan of Lord Hallatan of Numenor, who kept flocks in Hyarostar
during his lifetime, meet in East Emmet for The Gathering. The
head of the clan, known as The Sheep Lord, presides over this
function and is bound by a strict code of action. He is never allowed
to enter the gates of any city.
The Gathering lasts for one month during the summer, ending
on Loende; Midsummer’s Day. On the first day of The Gathering,
the Sheep Lord blesses the ground by killing a ram and using the
blood to outline an area 300 yards square called the gathering
grounds, where all the activities will take place. Normal social
functions are carried out during these times, like at market time,
but the celebrations are more extensive and include all manner of
livestock contests and food tasting contests. During The Garher-
ing, non-shepherds are not allowed into the perimeter of the
As of late Malion, has noticed that the strength of the small Orc gathering grounds, but many traders come to trade with the
parties has increased, and he has theorized that they might have a shepherds at this time, setting up their wares away from the
lair somewhere in the Wold itself. He is not quite sure what this gathering grounds and letting the shepherds come to them.
means relative to the safety at Tir Limlight, but he does have a Living out in the wilds it would be reasonable to assume that
feeling of apprehension concerning the situation. Any worsening these people are raided regularly by bandits or Orcs, but in reality
of this situation by outsiders would anger Malion immensely and this does not often happen. The bandits that live in the wilds know
surely get the offender thrown out of town or imprisoned. To keep many of these people personally, and would rather steal from
the peace, Malion might even give the guilty person to the Orcs in someone with more to take. The Orcs from the mountains have to
order to appease them if it becomes necessary. On the other hand, cross the Limlight to reach the homesteads in this region, and the
if Malion were pleased with help rendered by strangers, a reward extended expeditions usually do not warrant the trip. The Orcs
and commendation would be forthcoming. The town itself is from the Barz Thrugrim outpost, in the Wold called Ongushar, do
relatively peaceful and rarely needs policing. The dock area can raid some of these villages taking sheep and prisoners, but not
get rowdy sometimes; visiting boatmen and traders occasionally often, for two reasons. One: so they will not disclose the location
start brawls in the taverns, which often get out of hand. Malion of Ongushar; and, two: because the men of these villages fight like
stations four guards near the Riverman’s Inn to keep the peace on madmen and even the Orcs consider them dangerous.
particularly busy nights. Strangers in the area are welcomed by the locals, cautiously if
In general the people in and around Tir Limlight are honest by themselves, openly if with Dindal, and are treated well if they
hardworking folk that live as normal a life as possible on the edge treat the locals in like manner. Any wrongs committed against a
of the Gondorian empire. They react toward most travelers with a family will be punished by that family or its relatives using their
cautious, but friendly, attitude. Non-humans are uncommon so own system of justice. For most crimes, the punishment is death,
a simple but very effective deterrent to crime.
24 Dindal, Silvan Elves, and the Barz Thrugrim

6.12 DINDAL
PRICE TABLE Dindal is a Gondorian Ranger who originally came from the
Good/Service Cost* Note southern vales of the White Mountains around Calemhel. As a
FOOD AND LODGINGS young man he was in the service of Gondor as a scout for a horder
fortress in Rhovanion. After several years of service he settled in
Beer/Ale 1/2cp pint. Calenardhon near Dunlostir where worked as a farmer, a hired
Brandy lcp half-pint.
Cider/Mead lcp pint. mercenary for a trader, a ranch hand, and as a bar keep. After three
Wine 2cp pint. years he struck out into he wild and decided to live off the land and
live as he wanted. For 15 years now he has made his rounds from
Light Meal 1/4cp cheese, soup and bread. village to village checking on people to see if they need anything;
Normal Meal 1/2cp Meat soup or pie, bread and potato.
Heavy Meal lcp Steak and vegetables, bread, sometimes acting as healer, defender, messenger, and sometimes
soup, pastry. as victim. Several times he has nearly been killed by Orcs or
Week’s Rations 4cp Normal Spoilage 181lb. bandits. Some people have accused him of being a bandit.
Trail Rations 6cp I wk. Preserved. 141bs. During the plague he almost died. Fortunately he was one of the
Great Bread 2gp 1 wk. Preserved. 41bs. first people to come down with the disease and had to stop his
Waybread 8gp 1 mo. Preserved. 41bs. wandering for awhile. Had he not done this he might have spread
Poor Lodgings 1/2cp Communal sleeping. the disease to everyone he met. During his convalescence he
Average Lodgings lcp Separate bedding. resided at Tir Limlight where he met Ronindil the town healer,
Good Lodgings 2cp Separate room. who he latter introduced to Tolwen. He knows Tolwen as well as
Stable lcp 1 wk. for 1 mount including fodder. anyone and brings supplies and sometimes patients to her on a
regular basis. Dindal knows more about what is going on in the
ACCESSORIES area than any other person and is frequently consulted by Malion
Boots 9bp 3.5 Ibs. and the garrison captain at Tir Anduin concerning bandit and Orc
Cloak 8cp 2.5lbs ) activity in the area. On occasion he will ride with strike forces from
Coat 12cp 7 lbs. these locations as scout.
Clothing 8bp 9 lbs. cotton pants&shirt, wool
6.13 THE SILVAN ELVES
The Silvan kingdom of Lórien to the north of Fangom actually
plays a minimal role in the politics of the region except as a
(maximum of 20 Ibs). boundary and a source of tall tales. The Elves of Lórien have very
43cp 6 lbs; 50‘; breaks 01-02 roll (unmod) little contact with the Calenardhons except for an occasional trade
13bp 3 lb; 50’; breaks 01 roll (unmod.). with some of the rivermen. As far as their interactions with the Ents
Pole 4CD 7 Ibs. of Fangom, they are few and far between with both kingdoms
Tent 19bi 9 lbs. sleeps two. realizing that they are welcomed in the other but neither having a
Lantern 16cp 1.5 lbs.50' d. light. great need or desire to go there. Occasionally some Elves will visit
Water&in (1 qt.) 1/2cp .5 l b . Fangom to wander through the woods and talk to the trees. Rarely
Flint & Steel 1 bp .5 lb fire in 3 min. an Ent from Fangom will enter the Golden Wood to admire the
Lockpick kit 2sp .5 lb. +lO bonus
Malloms, although Treeheard has made this journey.
If any other non-Elves try to enter the forest, however, will
Tarp 1 lcp 4 Ibs. 5’ x 8’; water resistant. surely he turned away politely or escorted to the border unless a
Torch 1/4cp 1 lb: 20’ d. light: 6hrs. very convincing reason is given to the warden and relayed to
Weapon belt Amroth. Under the reign of Amroth the Silvan and Sindar Elves of
Pegs ( 10 wooden) Lórien enjoy a peaceful and productive existence with few excep-
Scabbard 3Ocp 1 lb. tions. Occasionally the Orcs of the Barz Thrugrim or one of the
Sack (501b) 7cp 2.5 lbs; 3 cu’. other smaller tribe will cause some concern and an increase in the
ds 20 arrows or bolts. number of wardens on the border of the woods and an increase in
the patrolling of the immediate surroundings will he done as a
Crossbow bolts (20) 2sp 3 Ibs.
precaution, but overall there are not many problems.
TRANSPORT
6.14 THE BARZ THRUGRIM
Mature pony 2gp Moves 4-20 mph: can carry 180 Ibs.
The Orcs in this southern part of the Misty Mountains are not so
Light horse 35sp Moves 5-30 mph; can carry 200 lbs.
Medium horse 6gp Moves 5-25 mph; can carry 300 Ibs. well organized as their northern brothers. There are several tribes
Heavy horse 7gp Moves 5-20 mph; can carry 400 lbs. scattered throughout the mountains mainly on the eastern side. The
4gp Moves 5-25 mph; can carry 300 lbs most well established and largest of these is the Barz Thrugrim (or
Stubbom,tough. “night-murderers”) tribe whose main hold is in the Misty Moun-
Wagon 5gp 8’ x 5’; 2- 10 mph. Carries up to 15001 tains at the northern horder of Fangom near the springs that
reauires heavv horse or 2 light horse! eventually yield the Limlight. This hold, called The Caverns of
Small boat 3gp 10' long 3 ft wide comes w i t h 2 oar Pain by the Orcs, is a large complex that was carved out of
and small sail. can float 800 lbs, preexisting caves during the Second Age. One of the builders was
River boat 1Ogp 20’ long, 8ft wide; comes with 6 oars a particularly adept and cruel Orc craftsman that made the gates of
and sails; can carry 4000 lbs.
the complex resemble the withered stumps of two trees represent-
* - Cost in Calenardhon. ing Laurelin the Golden and the White Telperion after their demise
at the hands of Morgoth and Ungoliant, complete with the spear of
Morgoth still embedded in them. The sight of these effigies was
 The Borders: T.A. 16403019 25

meant to demoralize Elves who might attack, and so far, they have During the time of the Watchful Peace, the fortresses along the
worked. The few times that the Elves of Lórien did pursue the Orcs Anduin were abandoned completely and allowed to fall into
back to their hold they stopped in disgust after seeing the gates. The disrepair. Tir Limlight still had some population during this time
Orcs regularly defile the trees with waste to make the sight even andfamiliesmovedintothefortressanduseditasa home. Not until
more disgusting and more useful. the Balchoth moved into lower Rhovanion after Sauron’s return to
In this region, it is through the Barz Thrugrim tribe that the Do1 Guldur in 2460 did the Gondorian stewards reoccupy the
orders Do1 Guldur are carried out. Messages are carried by giant upper river forts such as Tir Limlight. When he learned of the
bat back and forth from Do1 Guldur to the Orc leaders at the Balchoth buildup on the eastern side of the Anduin, Cirion, the
Caverns of Pain. Prisoners are also sent to Do1 Guldur if so ordered steward of Gondor during this time, strengthened these forts as
by way of Ongushar (Or. iron pit) in the Wold and then across the much as he could without compromising his defenses on the
undeeps to the secret entrance to Do1 Guldur which lies some- southern border.
where in the brown lands. Ongushar is used not only as a way When the Balchoth invaded in 25 10, the fortress and town of Tir
station, but also as a base for all operations in the Wold. Several Limlight was overrun. The people that were not killed fled, taking
lurgs of Orcs are stationed there at all times to carry out these whatever they could with them. Cirion’s army was forced across
functions and regular parties travel between the two making the the river at the Tir Limlight docks and trapped against the Anduin
journey mostly at night. by the Balchoth from the south and a force of Orcs from the Misty
The Chief of the Barz Thrugrim at this time is Burgrug. Among Mountains to the west and north. The army was saved, however,
these normal mountain Orcs (non-Uruk-hai), he is considered very by the arrival of Eorl the Young and the Eothéod who attacked the
large and very intelligent. He is actually a good organizer and Balchoth from the rear and scattered their forces across Calenard-
commander; using his small, sneaky troops to great advantage. hon, leaving the Dúnedain to rout the Orc forces and kill nearly all
I These Orcs rarely rush into battle; they prefer to use subversive of them as they ran for the shelter of the mountains. As a result of
tactics whenever possible. Burgrug would rather call a retreat than their timely arrival, Ciron gave Calenardhon to the Éothéod. After
lose most of his warriors, because, even though they are the largest the Rohirrim took over the land, the partially destroyed fortress at
tribe in the area, they are not large enough to sustain a loss of many Tir Limlight was never restored to any significant extent and the
warriors and still retain their independence. town never grew as large as it was earlier, because the Rohirrim
The Barz Thrugrim raid the lowland farmers and shepherds live mostly in the more southern areas. A battle mound was erected
occasionally with some of the raids originating at the Caverns of across the river from Tir Limlight by the Dhnedain and Rohirrim
Pain and some from Ongushar. They also make an occasional to bury the dead and to honor their memory. For more information
border feint on Lórien never really intending to proceed into the on the land after the coming of the Rohirrim see I.C.E.‘s campaign
woods very far but rather testing their awareness, as per orders module, Riders of Rohan.
from Do1 Guldur. Any prisoners taken in these raids, if not sent to The Elves of Lórien had several significant changes take place
Do1 Guldur, are used as slaves in the mines for the rest of their lives. over the years, the first being the loss of their king, Amroth, soon
Lately the orders from Do1 Guldur have changed to include not after the Bahog took Moria in 1981. His beloved Nimrodel fled
only harassment of the borders, but also to the attempted taking of Lórien in fear of the Balrog and went first to Fangom where she
live prisoners for questioning. In this, the Barz Thrugrim have was turned away by the Huoms and directed by them to the Falls
succeeded; they took one of the border wardens captive while he of Mist on the edge of the forest. The Ents of the area instructed
was on patrol. The Elves know of this and may be planning a rescue them to do this so that Amroth, who they knew was following,
attempt. Thus the Orcs have begun to fortify their hold. would be able to find her. Once he found her, they decided to take
The Barz Thrugrim patrol the area around their hold for twenty a ship into the Uttermost West. Unfortunately, they were separated
miles using these patrols as hunting parties as well. The patrols on their way to the coast and Nimrodel was lost. Amroth waited for
extend out into the plains and further up in the mountains. The Orcs her there on board a ship docked in the bay. Finally, one night
rarely venture into Fangom during this time period because they Amroth was lost at sea trying to swim to the shore after the boat had
are afraid of the “tree demons”; soon, however, orders will come been tom from its moorings. Neither was heard from again. It was
for them to begin harassing the forest by cutting down and burning after these incidents that Galadriel and Celebom returned to
trees. This will mark the beginning of the long build up of hatred Lórien to lead the Elves there which they did until the beginning
between the Orcs and the Huoms. of the Fourth Age. Galadriel left the realm at this time and went
west. Celebom remained only for a few years before growing tired
6.2 THE BORDERS: T.A. 1640-3019 of his realm and moving to Imladris.
In the years to follow, the population of the towns around The Barz Thrugrim continued to increase in numbers through-
Fangom decreased gradually, although the river cities declined out this period with a brief decline around 1980-82 due to loss of
less rapidly than those inland. In fact, Tir Limlight and Tir Anduin some of their numbers that went to join the hordes in Moria under
had a good trading business until several years after the Wainriders the rule of the Balrog. The Barz Thrugrim participated, to some
invaded in 1856. The garrisons at Tir Limlight and Tir Anduin extent, in the attack on the Dúnedain during the Balchoth invasion,
were reduced before the invasion but were then reinforced once the but that group was made up mainly of Orcs from Moria and the
eastern Gondorian forts had been abandoned to stop the Wainrid- numbers lost, although hurting the tribe’s overall population, were
ers from crossing the Anduin. As the years progressed, the garri- not large enough to cripple them for any significant length of time.
sons were slowly reduced drawing men back into the nearer forts After Saruman inhabited Isengard and began to enlist Orcs into
and leaving the frontier more open. At the same time, the popula- his command, most of the Barz Thrugrim joined his Army of the
tions of most of the major towns also declined leaving the land White Hand. They were the group mainly responsible for the tree
devoid of people and returning it to its natural untilled state. The burnings and cuttings on the northern borders during the time of
only group of people that still inhabited some of these areas were the War of the Rings. During the War on Rohan and the Battle of
the rugged shepherds living on the downs and in the Wold. Travel the Homburg, most of the Barz Thrugrim warriors were killed.
through this area was a dangerous adventure with outlaws, Dun- After the war was over, the tribe was a fraction of its former size.
lendings, and Orcs free to attack travellers at their leisure.
26 The Derndingle and Wellinghall

7.0 SITES OF INTEREST IN

FANGORN
7.1 THE DERNDINGLE
The Derndingle of Fangom Forest refers to the great dingle in
the southern part of the forest. Other dingles do exist in the forest
but they are not as large and not as greatly used. The Demdingle is
located approximately 25 miles south of the young Onod16 near the
base of the Misty Mountains. In these rolling hills covered in thick
forest, it is not easy to find the Demdingle, and only with the aid
of an Ent could an outsider be sure of finding it. The Demdingle
itself is 600 feet in diameter and drops gradually ninety feet from
the outside edge to the floor of the basin. In the middle of the
grasslined basin is a small hill that rises above the floor some 15
feet upon which stand the only trees within the dingle; three tall
silver birches. Around the edge of the dingle is set a tall hedge of
Edrena that outlines the whole dingle except for the entrances.
There are three entrances to the dingle spaced evenly around its
edge. One from the north and one on the southeast and southwest.
The only other feature of note in the Demdingle is a well on the
north bank that supplies water for the Ents when they have their
moots. The water is good and very cold.

7.2 WELLINGHALL
Wellinghall, one of Treebeard’s many homes, is an important
feature in Fangom as it is one of the few Ent homes that outsiders
will ever see. Treebeard conducts any long-term sessions with
non-Ems here in this house, because he has found that humans are
more relaxed in an artificial environment for the most part. Well-
inghall is located in the Higher elevations of the Fangom in the hills
at the feet of the Misty Mountains, near the source of the Entwash
which runs past Wellinghall a quarter of a mile away. It sits atop
a grass covered hill and faces south toward the Entwash. The
“House” itself is made from a cliff with a slight overhang that
bends in a U shape and decreases in height toward the front of the
house. The roof of the house is formed by the overhang of the cliff
and the boughs of the trees that march in two columns along the
cliff’s face until they reach the back. The entrance to the house is
formed by two very large Oak trees that form a gateway for one to
pass through.

0 150
Wellinghall 27

LAYOUT
1. Covered Pathway. A wide pathway carpeted in grass leads
through the columns of trees, marching back toward the cliff’s
face. A stream that flows from # 2 bubbles along side the path and
down the hill to the Entwash.
2. Pool. A shallow pool is formed here by the small waterfall that
falls from the cliff above. Here in front of the alcove, Treebeard
refreshes himself and occasionally sleeps.
3. Bed. This bed is not used for sleeping, at least not by Treebeard,
because Ents sleep standing up. It is used rather for conversing with
shorter people that would struggle to look up all the time or for
periods of meditation. The bed is 18’ long and 4’ off the ground.
4. Table. Being 6’ above the floor of the alcove this table would be
considered a loft for most of the free races. It is used for the
preparation of food and drink, etc. Normally, there will be 2-5 plain
bowls of varying sizes made of stone or clay, and a few simple tools
such as knives or spoons.
5. On the floor in this area there are normally 3-6 earthen jars of
various sizes up to 6’ in height. These jars will be filled with one of
the three Ent draughts or pastes. (See Section 3.2 )
28 The Falls of Mist

7.3 THE FALLS OF MIST \ I

IDRYLAND
The Falls of Mist are called such because of the mist that lingers
in the air around them and constantly drips from the trees surround-
ing the Falls. The Falls are located on the Limlight as it passes
through the very northern edge of Fangom Forest. At the top of the
falls the river is fairly shallow, but just before it drops the channel
deepens and the river compresses to a width of 40, causing the
water to leap over the edge of the cliff in a smooth stream and
plunge some 60’ to the pool waiting below. In this pool formed by
the falls over the years, strange currents and eddies prevail until the
river returns to its normal flow some 100’ downstream. The pool
at the bottom of the falls is very deep throughout its area, but the
white water caused by the falls can be misleading in this perception
causing it to appear much shallower than it is. Directly below the
falls in the pool is a particularly deep hole that has been formed by
the force of the water over the years. This hole is 50’ deep but only
10’ in diameter. Should someone fall into this area the pressure of
the falls on the victim would nullify almost all attempts to escape.
Approximately 15’down into the hole is an opening which leads up
and away from the falls to a small cavern that is the hollowed-out
interior of the large rock dome in the middle of the basin (see
diagram). The current caused by the falls whichrushesthrough this
opening and the subsequent pressure from the falls itself would
make escape from this chamber nearly impossible without help
from the outside. Several animal skeletons are located in this cave
because they fell into the water and were trapped here.
The Falls of Mist are used as a site of celebration and worship
for the Ents amd Huoms in the winter, and are considered particu-
larly sacred to the Huoms of the area, who will not tolerate
tresspassers. or despoilers. The falls also serves another, more
Falls of the Mist Topographical
practical, need of the Ents as a recepticle for items found in or near
the forest that are not used by them but not to be left lying about.
Such things that are inorganic (magical or not) are thrown into the
Falls and sink to the bottom of the hole. Organic items (magical or
not) are thrown into piles of fertilizer to decompose on their own.
Over the years a large assortment of these items has collected at the
bottom of the Falls. A few smaller items have been taken be
currents up into the cave and have settled there.
Another legend that exists about the Falls of Mist concerns
Amroth King of Lórien and Nimrodel his beloved. Supposedly in
198 1 TA when Nimrodel fled Lórien in fear of the Balrog, she fled
south to Fangom Forest but was barred from entering the forest by
Huoms, and was found soon after by Amroth. The Huoms that
barred her entrance into Fangom were under the guidance of Ents
who recognized her and knew Amroth would not be far behind. It
was at the Falls of Mist that they met and there decided to travel to
the seacoast beyond the White Mountains and sail to the West. This
much of the legend is true. The fictional part also tells of Nimrodel
coming back to the Falls after Amroth’s death and lingering there
a while. The legend-goes on to say that she threw all her worldy
posessions into the Falls and left Middle-earth soon after. This
legend has caused several adventurers to try their hand at recover-
ing these items.
These legends and the fact that the Falls of Mist are used by the
Ents (and for that matter just that they are inside Fangom) makes
the Falls a special place. The dangers associated with adventuring
here are mainly in the form of Huoms, but once at the falls those
wishing to search the pool bottom for goodies will find other
dangers in their quest.
The Falls of Mist 29

these magical items, some of which are slowly decaying, anyone

1. Top of the Falls. The water drops 60’ to the pool below where swimming in this part of the pool takes the risk of being subjected
the water is always foamy. to a random spell that misfires from one of these items. (GM note:
2. Deep Hole. This deep hole formed by years of being subjected roll randomly from the spell lists in MERP or Spell Law, and use
to the waterfall is 60 feet deep. Should someone fall or swim into only spells level 5 or below.)
this part of the pool, the force of the waterfall will force them down 3. Hidden Cavern. This cave is 20’ long, 10’ wide, and 10’ in
into the hole and escape will be very difficult without help (Very height. The passage connecting this cavern with the outside world
Hard -40). There is also a small cave that leads to the chamber at dives below the water inside the cave and connects to the pit at #2
#3. If a person were capable of making it to the bottom of the hole about 10’ below the surface. The connecting passage is 4’ in
and returning alive then he or she could come back with several diameter at its opening and is fairly uniform throughout its length.
items of worth that the Ents have disposed of in this place. Laying The currents caused by the waterfall wash items up into this
of the bottom of the pit among the other junk are the following chamber occasionally and a person in the deep hole could swim up
items of worth: into the cavern but the currents would not allow him or her to
2 + 15 shields escape without help from the outside (Extremely Hard -50).
3 + 15 broadswords Washed up into the chamber over the years are several items some
2 +5 daggers of which would have been lost if they had settled in the deep hole.
1 +30 DB helmet The items to be found in this cave are:
1 +15 short sword 1 greave that increases strength stat by 1 when worn.
1 +25 metal composite bow 1 shortsword that detects any Orcs within 1 mile.
1 +20 jeweled broadsword 1 Necklace keeps the wearer from getting dirty.
2 +15 suits of chainmail (AT15) 1 +4 spell adder for Astrologers (Animists in MERP ) in the
1 +20 suit of plate armor (AT19) form of an ivory cane.
1 +10 DB helmet with Longear & Longeye l/day each 1 metal throwing disk 10” in diameter and l/4 inch thick that
1 + 15 battleaxe will float in a stationary position and hold up to 100 lbs of
1 +20 war hammer weight. On command its edges will become sharp and it can
2 +5 gauntlets be thrown accurately up to 30’ with a +20 bonus and will strike
1 +20 throwing shield (acts as thrown axe) as a broadsword. It will also return at the same speed and stop
Other items also have been dropped into the hole but being next to the thrower (if not obstructed) and float stationary until
smaller have settled deep into the sediment at the bottom and could grasped again for throwing.
not be found without draining the pool. Because of the presence of
30 Tolwen `s Home

7.4 TOLWEN’S HOME

Tolwen the healer lives in a small set of caves that she has
furnished in Sindar style. They are located in the side of a low hill
under the eaves of Fangom Forest on the northeastern border not
far from where the Limlight leaves the forest. The door that closes
off the caves from the outside world faces east and the whole area
is covered with trees (of course). The caves have a small stream that
flows through them and exits underground later finding its way to
the Limlight. As are all Elven homes, Tolwen’s is dry and warm
with plenty of decoration and lights. It is comfortable but not
elaborate, as she is relatively utilitarian when it comes to her own
life.
L AYOUT OF T OLWEN’S HOME
1. The main hall of Tolwen’s home is filled with warm lights
(given to her by Treebeard), soft carpets, and overstuffed pillows.
Guests, although rare, are received as well as served meals here.
The actual entrance is some 20’. down a hallway to the east. The
front door is made of oak and is normally open.
2. This large room is furnished with low beds and serves as the
infirmary where she treats the sick that are brought to her. A fire
bums in the middle of the room where the #2 is located taking the
chill off the stone. The smoke escapes through a hole in the ceiling
which is covered outside by a rain guard to keep the room dry.
3. Up a small sloping passageway is Tolwen’s medicine room.
Here she has a sampling of most herbs available. Many she
harvests herself and some she sends Dindal to obtain. She also
keeps her spell books and other magical supplies in this room.

Tolwen’s Home Topographical

4. Tolwen’s private quarters are furnished much like the main

room. She has several trunks and a wardrobe in which she keeps her
personal items. A small stream runs through the room and out of
the hill and down to the limlight. At the bottom of the 5’ pool
formed by the steam is a strongbox concealed by a ledge containing
1920 platinum pieces and gems worth 10,000 gp. This money she
needs only to buy the herbs that she cannot harvest as she grows and
gathers enough food to sustain herself, with occasional help from
some of the Ents in the area. On the south wall in a crack behind
the stone column she keeps her sword, Gurthiant, the only remain-
ing item from her former profession. She will only use it to defend
herself or her patients, or unless her resistance to evil is overcome,
and she reverts to her former ways (See Section 5.15). She always
wears it when away from her home.

Tolwen’s Home Layout

Ongushar 31

8.0 SITES OF INTEREST ON

THE BORDERS
8.1 ONGUSHAR
Ongushar, the Barz Thrugrim outpost in the Wold is located 30
miles southwest of Tir Limlight. The outpost was formed out of a
old mine dug by men many ages ago. The Barz Thrugrim began
manning this outpost about 100 years ago and it is sometimes used
by messengers coming from and going to Do1 Guldur across the
river in Southern Mirkwood. The Orcs also have used the outpost
to spy on the movements on the Gondorians of Tir Anduin and Tir
Limlight as well as a base for raiding parties and kidnappings. The
standing forces of Ongushar are listed in the Master Military Table
10.1, but these forces usually do not participate in full scale raids.
Raids that require more than 10 soldiers are carried out by troops
sent from the Caverns of Pain
LAYOUT
1. A ladder provides access to the entrance which is no more than
a hole in the ground as the name indicates. Near the ladder a pool
of water stands formed by the rain runoff collected by the natural
funnel effect of the entrance.
2. This small cave is the guard post for the Orcs guarding the
entrance. Three Orcs remain on duty here at all times.
3. This large cave is the common room where the Orcs eat and are
digusting during their free time when not being disgusting on duty.
This cave also acts as the muster area for the raiding parties. _ .
- .
._ -, ’ . -

4. This cave is the food storage and kitchen area. It is presided

over by a particularly large Orc female named Mushnag. She is as Ongushar Layout
large as most all the male Orcs (she is a Uruk-hai female and these
male Orcs are the more common variety), and she is effectively the 5. This cave is the guard post for the three Orcs that guard the
second in command of this outpost as only Gaskbuz, the Captain prison when there are any captives.
of the outpost, can deal with her.
6. An Orc guard is always standing in this area if prisoners are
present in the cell.
7. This is used as a holding cell for prisoners until they can be
transported to The Caverns of Pain.
8,9. These areas are living quarters for two lurgs of Orcs.
10. This cave is used to store loot that has been taken from unlucky
victims. Only that loot which is destined to return to the Caverns
is kept here, as the rest is kept by the troops of Ongushar.
11. This area is used as a guard post when particularly valueable
items are located at #10.
12. Gaskbuz, the Captain of Ongushar, lives in this cave. He has a
bed against the east wall and a table on the south wall of the cave.
Under the bed in a depression of the cave floor is his personal stash
of 10sp, 2gp, and a diamond and gold necklace worth 2OOgp, that
was supposed to go to the Caverns treasure room, but was ‘lost’
upon the way.
13. This hallway connects the chief’s room with the main room. At
this particular point there is a pool of good tasting water. The taster
will come down with a parasitic infestation within three weeks if
he does not make a 10th attack level RR vs poison. The parasite will
initially cause nausea and milddiahrrea which will slowly progress
over a two week period to severe diahrrea, vomiting, dehydration,
and death if not treated properly.
14. The Captain’s personal guards, a lurg of 10 experienced adult
Orc fighters, are quartered here.
15. Ongushar is provided with two lurgs that are on permanent
assignment. They are the Captain’s personal guard (quartered at
Ongushar Topographical #14 ) and the 8 Orcs quartered here.
32 Tir Limlight

8.2 TIR LIMLIGHT 9. Infirmary. Ronindil keeps patients here.

Tir Limlight is located on the Downs overlooking the juncture 10. Residence/Weaver. The town weaver/tailor and his mother
of the Limlight and the Anduin Rivers (see the center insert for live here.
layouts). The Fortress #l that the whole town now gets its name 11. Residence. The town magistrate, Calandur, and his family live
from was built as a border fortress during the height of Gondorian in this house. He is in charge of running the town and collecting
northern expansion in the year 1052. It was built from rock taxes and exporting goods downriver. Even though this might lend
quarried from the Downs that it is nearly six hundred years old. It itself to being a hated position, he is well-liked by most.
is in need of occasional repair, as are many of the older bulidings 12. Residence/Potter. The town potter works and lives with his
in the town. The main town, #2, was built over the years to follow family in this house. The clay found in this region is particularly
at a fairly slow pace with the newest building, the town hall, being good and although most of his work is used by the town, that which
sixty years old. The town and fortress are approximately 2 miles is exported brings a good price at Tir Anduin and beyond.
from the docks on the Limlight, #3, and 4 mles. from the fords of 13. Residence. The owner of the general store and his family of six
the Anduin, #7. Halfway between the docks and the town where the live here.
road forks west, there is a grainery and mill, #4, for the farmers in
the area to store their crops. Tir Limlight was not as widely effected 14. General Store. The town’s dry-goods store sells mostly goods
by the Plague as much as some other areas were, as only 14 people that cannot be produced by the townspeople and the prices are
died in the town and the area surrrounding. There is now a popu- somewhat high due to the distance from the source.
lation of 156 in the 2 square miles surrounding the town. 15. Tilted Tankard This is the high spot of life in the town. People
The farms in the surrounding area, #5 and #6, and across the go here to relax and talk. The common room takes up most of the
Limlight are diverse in their agriculture. The soil near both these building and has a warm fireplace at one end. The food is excellent,
rivers is suitable for growing most anything. Several types of grain even if a little earthy, and the ale and wine served are up to
are grown, mainly on the north side of the river, and some standards with some of the larger city taverns of the realm. Some
vineyards are present. On the south side of the river nearer the of the wines are produced locally by a vinyard some five miles
town, more livestock are raised due to the rockier land, although away just across the Limlight. The 2 employees of the tavern live
some vegetables are grown to a small extent. in rooms located in the back of the tavern.
The main town is about 300’ from the fortress and is surrounded 16. Residence. Elom, the owner of the tavern, his wife and 3
by a stone wall 10’ in height with a wooden palasade atop that children live here.
reaches a height of 15’. The towers in the wall are 15’ tall, and the 17. Residence. This large house is the home of Kaland, who owns
gates are made of wood reinforced with metal bands. the ferry and the warehouses at the docks, and his family. He is
The wall around the town is not intended to stop a full scale rather arrogant about his wealth and some townspeople do not like
attack by a large army, but rather to detour small bands of Grcish him. The cartwright especially dislikes him and charges him extra
raiders. At night, the guards regularly on duty in the town are on the because of it.
walls instead of in the guardhouse and their numbers are increased 18. Storage. This building is used as a grainery for the town and
to eight. as a storage building for some of the dry goods not in the store
across the street. It is owned by the same man that owns the dry
8.21 MAIN TOWN LAYOUT goods store.
(see the center insert for layout) 19. Brothel. A necessity in a town with a fortress full of men; this
1. Guard house. The 4 guards make regular rounds of the town. brothel has a steady business and could use some more help. The
2. Stables. mistress has been known to make inquiries to pretty female
3. Residence. The cartwright, his wife and daughter, the prettiest travellers about future employment.
girl in town, live here. He does most of his work on site but has a 20. Residence/Butcher. The town butcher lives here with his wife
small shop in back. He also owns the stables at #2. and 3 sons. He butchers all the meat for the town and the fortress.
4. Residence / Blackmith. He also works as armorer and weapon- He and the tanner next door have a deal they worked out on the
smith for the town and the fortress if needed. His wife and the wife skins of the animals he butchered.
of the magistrate teach the young children in the town hall during 21. Residence/Tanner. The town tanner lives here. He is a new
the morning hours. comer to the community from Tir Anduin. The old tanner died
5. Storage. This is the community root cellar. during the plague.
6. Wayfarer’s Inn. This well-kept inn is preferred to the inn at the 22. Residence/Poultier. The owner of this house is an old woman
docks by regular travellers. It has a small common room with good who raises poultry and sells eggs to make her living. Her livestock
food, but the other tavern down the street is better known for its is kept in a coop with a large fenced-in area outside the wall of the
food and drink. town.
7. Town Hall. Regular meetings of the townsmen are held here as 23. Courtyard Used as a meeting place and recreation area for the
well as weddings, legal proceedings, and classes for the town’s townsfolk. Notices are posted the wall of the town hall facing the
children. courtyard.
8. Residence. The town and fortress healer, Ronindil lives here. He 24. Garden. The townspeople use this tilled area to grow some of
is responsible for saving several lives during the plague. He is a their own vegetables. Any citizen has a right to grow food here if
10th level lay-healer with an extensive knowledge of healing they so wish. So far no major quarrels have broken over this
herbs. He knows of Tolwen (See Sections 5.15 and 7.4), and practice.
actually went to her home for advice once. However, he does not
talk of her to others or recommend her to sick people, because he
does not completely trust her for some unexplainable reason. He is
a personal friend of Malion the fort commander.
Tir Limlight 33

8.22 DOCK DISTRICT LAYOUT 4. Stables. Stalls for 10 horses are located on each side. Most of the
(see the center insert for layouts) horses are kept outside the fortress in a corral on the south side.
1. North Ferry House. This building acts as a waiting area for 5. Main Hall. This large room serves as a dining hall, recreation
passengers waiting to cross the river as well as a ticket booth. Food area, staging area for defenses, and as a temporary shelter for any
and drink can be purchased but are not the best. civilians that might need protection during a seige, etc.
2. North Dock. Mainly used to dock the ferry and for those 6. Kitchen. Stairs located at the back lead down to a storage cellar
boatmen that have business on the north side of the river. that has a small dungeon of 5 cells off to one side. There is also a
3. South Dock. This larger dock is used for the ferry and other well that provides the fortress with water. The cells are all empty
trading boats that travel the Anduin. The boat men could unload at at the present time.
the fords south of Tir Limlight on the Anduin but no permanent 7. Armories. These rooms provide access to the troop barracks and
docks are there and this dock is closer to the town. act as armory for the other half of the garrison not provided for in
4. Warehouse. This building is used by river merchants to store #2.
goods for periods of time if they do not have the space to take the 8. Barracks. 36 men are presently garrisoned here, although space
goods elsewhere or cannot sell them immediately. The owner of for 50 is available. The quarters are comfortable but not plush and
this warehouse and the one at # 7 charges for this space. at times during the summer months the smell from the stables gets
5. South Ferry House. The purpose of this building is the same as a little intense. Stairs lead up to the roof, which gives access to the
the house on the north side of the river. Food, however, is not gate towers and walls .
available here because the inn is so close. 9. Planning Room. Malion, the commander of the fortress, and his
6. Warehouse Office. Here the owner of the warehouses and the officers use this room for planning. Maps of the area including
ferry collects money from the warehouse patrons and generally sightings of Orc movement, possible location of Orc holds, and
runs the businesses. He has a private loan company also, and two other pertinent information are kept in this room. One of the
very large helpers that act as guards for the warehouses and Ohtarrina is a trained mapmaker and enjoys this as a hobby, so
accounts receivable collectors. maps found here are of a very good quality and highly accurate.
There are shutters located outside that can be closed to secure the
7. Warehouse. see #4. window looking out over the courtyard.
8. Riverman’s Inn. This inn/tavern is frequented by the boatmen 10. Officers Quarters. The Ohtarrina are housed here. One is in
that travel the river. Fights break out here often and the inn has a charge of the defense of the fortress, guard posts and watches, and
generally bad reputation as a dive. The rivermen do not mind but the other two are in charge of the regular patrols of the surrounding
area.
il. Tower Roof. Ladders descend to the walls leading to the
8.3 FORTRESS OF TIR LIMLIGHT outlying towers and to the top of the barracks.
(see the center insert for layouts) 12. Keep Roof. A walkway around the top of the keep is manned
by two guards on eight hour shifts as are the other towers.
The fortress of Tir Limlight has 20’ tall walls with an average
thickness of 10’. They are crenellated for protection as are the gate 13. Guard Room. This serves as the check-in point for the guards
towers and the keep. The walls to the outlying towers are crenel- on the roof. There are also extra stores of arrows and other supplies
lated on both sides to provide protection to defenders from either in case of seige. The guards here act as receptionists for Malion and
side. The two gate towers are 30’ tall and the outlying towers are the clerk and engineer, Demil.
25’ tall with a reinforced copper roof. These outlying towers 14-15. Office. Malion and Demil use this area as an office to take
provide excellent flanking fire on the attackers, but if the walls care of vistors and to runthe fortress. It is well furnished but usually
between were to be undermined or broken down the defenders messy, because neither of these men are very organized with their
would be isolated. The main keep is 40’ high at its highest point and paperwork.
is also roofed in copper. 16. Malion’s Quarters. Unlike many border fort commanders
LAYOUT quarters, which are usually only used for a relatively short period
of time, Malion’s quarters have been personalized extensively.
1. Gate. This 15’ wide portal is the only entrance to the fortress. It
is barred by a steel porticullis which lowers into holes in front of Malion has done this because he has asked for permanent assign-
the iron bound oak gate. Since the gate opens outward the bars of ment here. He has no relatives since his wife died nine years ago
the porticullis prevent it from being opened when it is down and and no other home to go to, so he chose to make this his home.
vice-versa. The gate is reinforced by a steel bar that can be lowered Because of this home attitude Malion is looked on highly by the
into brackets on the back side of the gate. The gate stays open locals, who see him as one of their own. He is a jovial man and is
during the day with guards posted, unless a state of war or readiness often asked to preside at festivals. It is because of him that town-
exists. The location of the fortress gives good visibility to the military relations are good here. Under a false bottom in the second
surroundings making suprise unlikely while the sun is up. drawer of his dresser is his store of wealth, 10 gems worth 5OOgp,
and a pearl and diamond necklace set in platinum worth 1OOOgp.
2. Guard Rooms. These rooms serve as armories for half of the To Malion the necklace is priceless because it was his wife’s
garrison, as well as the guard post for the gate guards. favorite. There is a portrait of her on the wall above the mantle.
3. Courtyard. This area is used to training ground and staging area
for mounted patrols.
34 The Bandit’s Hold

8.4 THE BANDIT’S HOLD

Seventy miles west and slightly north of Tir Limlight near the
trail leading to Tir Anduin is the hold of a small group of bandits
that live off of the traveling merchants. Their hold consists of a set
of caves that reaches back into a hillside faceing west. The caves
have been made liveable and the bandits are fairly comfortable
although pickings have been rather slim as of late. On the far side
of the hill they have constructed a small garden where the women
grow a few vegetables to supplement their diets.
There are seven bandits that make their home here and four
women. Their leader is a Half-northman, Half-ddnadan named
Hundin, who used to be a soldier at a Gondorian outpost across the
river. He is bright and crafty as a bandit, but has had disappointing
results so far. He has plans to build some small boats to use in
harassing the river merchants because the river is only 10 miles
away. He also has plans to expand his garden and startraising some
sheep on his own, and the thought has surfaced in the back of his
mind of quitting the bandit business and becoming legitimate, but
so far he has not listened to it. The other bandits are a diversified
lot of ex-military men, farmers, and rogues that just happened to
fall in with the group.
Although they do not know it, there is another cave behind the
ones that they are presently using. It is the tomb of some
Númenórean explorers, and contains enough wealth in items and
gems that the bandits would never have to steal again if they were
to find the cave. It is ironic that although they are only five feet from
the wealth they wish for, they have to range up to 20 miles away
just to make ends meet.
- ( * * . 4 0 '
0
-
‘. . . . . Bandit’s Hold Topographical

LAYOUT
1. The entrance is 11’ wide and 13’ tall but quickly narrows to 6
wide and 8’ tall. It is shielded from view by two large boulders.
2. The first cave on the left as one enters is the living area for the
bandits. Here the main body of the group eat, sleep, and prepare for
raids.
3. This cave serves as a food storage/preparation area as well as
the sleeping quarters for the women of the camp.
4. This cave acts as the meeting area for the bandits. It also acts
as an armory and work area for the repair of weapons, armor, and
leather items.
5. This cave has been made into the office and sleeping quarters
for Hundin and his lady. For privacy a door has been erected to
close off this cave from #4. This room is fairly well furnished with
carpets of sheepskins, pictures and colorful albeit cheap tapestries
on the walls, a desk with a padded leather chair, a bronze-bound
trunk, and a bed made from a raised portion of the cave floor with
a feather filled mattress. The trunk contains several books on
varying topics (including law, boat making, and agriculture) that
are old and yellowing.
 The Bandit’s Hold 35

6. This small cave is the bandits treasure vault. It also has been He then caved in the roof so that their bodies would not be
furnished with a door that has a lock to which only Hundin has the disturbed. He left the log book with them in the grave so that if a
key. This room is nearly empty, as the bandits have not done well man of Númenor were to discover the graves that he would know
lately. The contents are as follows: 20 silver pieces, a gold bracelet what had transpired. The last entry in the log reads as follows:
worth 4 gp and a platinum ring with a very finely made, but fake “Whoever finds this tomb, if he be in dire need as were we,
emerald worth 1 lgp (Hundin believes it to be genuine and thinks may use anything he finds.
that the ring is actually mithril, having never seen the real thing). A CURSE ON THOSE WHO TAKE FROM THIS PLACE
These items are kept in a small locked box. There is also a bolt of WITHOUT NEED!!!
indigo silk that is worth 100 gp due to the quality of the silk and the So be it,
rarity of the dye used to achieve the color. Taramin”
7. This area is used to hold the livestock during bad weather and is On the left of the barrow is the body of Orondil. He has on +15
also used as a place to tie up prisoners if need be. leather coat (SL8) and a +15 leather helm of old Númenórean
8. This area of the caves is blocked off due to a cave-in. This caved- design. His +25 Ithlnaur short sword is at his feet. It will start a fire
in area is so old that it now appears as part of the cave wall. Behind if fuel is available no matter what the weather conditions. He also
this caved-in area is the final resting place of three Númenórean has a purse the contains 30 mp and 2 gems valued at 300gp.
explorers who died while on an expedition up the Limlight during On the right of the barrow is the body of Durlund. He is wearing
A the Second Age. A log book of Taramin, the sole survivor, remains +15 full leather armor (RL9) and at his feet is a +20 jewel studded
behind and tells of how the expedition was attacked by Orcs on the longsword worth 1OOOgp. He has a gold ring on that is a +4 spell
banks of the Limlight. Nearly all of the party died there, but a few adder for Mentalists (Mages in MERP). At his belt is a small pouch
escaped and four of them managed to find this small group of containing 200 small gems worth 10 gp a piece.
caves. Two had poison wounds from the battle and died before they On the middle slab is the body of Cyrondur. He is a wearing a
could be helped. Another was shot on the way back from the +20 chain vest (Ch14) and a +10 leather helm similar to Orondil’s.
campsite after retrieving supplies. So, Taramin put the bodies of At his feet is a +20 short bow that has the range of a longbow and
his companions on beds of rock in the deepest cave setting their a quiver that makes any arrow +lO. In a pouch at his hip are 20mp.
possesions about them, knowing that he could not carry them back.

. .

* .
.

Bandit’s Hold Layout

36 Caverns of Pain: Main Halls

8.5 CAVERNS OF PAIN 3. In this area a lurg of Orcs is quartered to maintain the guard for
The Caverns of Pain are located in the first line of the foothills the entrance and regular patrols of the surrounding area.
of the Misty Mountains just north of Fangom Forest not far from 4,5. Wolves used as mounts for patrols are kept in these rooms
the origin of the Limlight. The entrance looks east from the side of under lock most of the time. They are always hungry and will attack
the face of a tall hill that over looks a narrow valley. The place any non-Orc on sight or smell.
would probably be beautiful if not for the prescence of the Orcs. 6. See #3.
Even with them there it is not as dispoiled as one might think the 7. This cave houses the gate captain and a lurg of Orcs under his
area around an Orc hold would be. On top of the hill is a large rock immediate command.
outcropping that has been hollowed out by the Orcs and is used for 8. A tunnel cut by the Orcs connects this area to the farther areas
a lookout post. of the complex without passing through the main hall. The first 20
of this tunnel will collapse in 5 seconds if the lever at ‘L’ is pulled.
9. The rock pillars that stand here will crumble caving in the ceiling
if a lever located at ‘L’ is pulled. This will cut off the intruders and
allow the Orcs in the complex to escape via #7 on the dungeon
level.
10. This huge cave serves as meeting hall, mess hall, sports arena,
and courtroom. The chief goblin presides over all activities here.
His throne is carved out of the front of the column at ‘T’. While
presiding, his personal guard of ten Orcs surrounds him at all times.
11. Wine and mead storage area. Two Orcs are on duty and in
charge of securing this area and rationing the supplies to the
population.
12. This area is where the liquors for the complex are made.
Although drinkable they are predictably horrible to the non-Orc
palate.
13. This room serves as the mess hall for the Orcs on duty in the
watch tower. It also is the quarters for the mess hall workers.
14. This sloping passage leads up to Lookout level, #l.
15. This area is the nursery for the complex. 10-20 squirming Orc
youths will be found here, with some wolf cubs and 4-7 Orc
females.
16. This hole in the floor serves as the complex garbage pit. It is
virtually bottomless, no small comfort to whomever falls in.
17. A lurg of Orc guards occupy this chamber.
18. The chief’s guards live here and stop any from continuing back
to the chief’s cavern without approval.
19. The chief and 3-5 females live in this cave. The door on the east
side of the chamber leads to #21 and is locked (hard - 10) at all times
with the chief having the only key. If the door is forced the
Caverns of Pain Topographical connecting tunnel will cave in causing the forcer to receive a C
crush critical.
8.51 MAIN HALLS LAYOUT 20. This cave houses 20-40 Orcs.
1. The main entrance to the Caverns of Pain is flanked on either 21. This chamber is the complex’s treasure room. It contains
side by a crude iron statue. Each statue is made to resemble one of gold, gems and jewelry totaling 20,000 gp in worth, and several +5
the ‘Two Trees of Valinor’ in the withered condition they were left to + 15 weapons of varying sorts. There is also a +20 longsword of
in after Morgoth speared them and Ungoliant sucked out their sap. Númenórean make that detects Orcs at lmi., a set of +20 throwing
The statues have been defaced even further by the Orcs so that the daggers with engraved ivory handles, an amulet that can cast a
overall effect is to cause disgust and mental anguish to any Elf Plant Facade spell l/day, and a set of earrings that when worn one
(especially the Noldor), Ent, or Númenórean Faithful enough or each by two people will keep them in communication via a type of
friendly enough with the Elves to know the legends of Valinor. The Long Ear effect. The belongings of the Elf, Gwindion, now in the
statues will rotate so as to cross the spears over the entrance, and dungeon are also here.
when this is done bars telescope from the trees and lock in place to 22. See #20.
form the gate of the complex. During the daylight hours two Orcs
23. This sloping passage leads up to Lookout level, #9.
guard the entrance from the inside, but at night they remain outside
and two others keep watch from platforms on the top of the trees. 24. This passage slopes down to the Dungeon Level, #l.
2. This first entrance cave is used as a mustering area for raids and 25. Food and drink storage area.
as a traffic control center for Orcs entering and leaving the 26. See #17.
complex. All passing through this cave are questioned as to their 27. This passage slopes down to the Mine Level, # 9 .
business by one of the four guards on duty here. 28,29. See #20.
Caverns of Pain: Main Halls 37
38 Caverns of Pain: Dungeon

- ,y?Q-;;y ‘I;::‘-’ .-_

Caverns of Pain Dungeon Layout *a . . *
Caverns of Pain: Dungeon & Mine 39

8.52 DUNGEON LEVEL LAYOUT The Orcs often put prisoners that have outlived their usefullness in
1. Access to the main halls, #24 is gained through this passageway. this maze to have sport with them by either chasing them around
or by releasing their ‘pet’ into the maze to play with the victim.
2. Along the walls of this section of hallway are doors to cells used Their ‘pet’ is a large subterranian lizard, some distant cousin to the
to hold captured prisoners and Orcs that have disobeyed orders. dragons, which they keep in #5. The lizard knows the passages well
a An Orc guard caught sleeping on duty occupies this cell. and is not fed very often so it gets its meals when it can.
b. This cell contains a human drifter that originally hails 5. The lizard mentioned in #4 is kept in this cave until playtime or
from the southern vales of the White Mountains and hap- an occasional walk by its keepers.
pened to wander into the wrong area. He is in fairly good 6. Throughout this chamber are many stalagtites and stalagmites
shape and would be willing to help in any way to win his making it difficult to move through the room if one is not familiar
freedom. He is a 5th level fighter. with it and practically impossible when not lighted. This cave is
c. Empty. used for auxilliary supplies, food stuffs and as an emergency
d Empty. retreat point if the main complex were over-run. A lurg of Orcs is
e. A Gondorian soldier captured while on patrol from Tir stationed here to maintain the supplies, guard the escape passage
Limlight is held in this cell. From him the Orcs are trying to (see #6 ),and take care of the lizard.
get information on the number of troops stationed at Tir 7. This passageway is the escape route if for some reason the main
Limlight and the state of readiness of the fortress and entrance could not be used. It climbs through the mountains for
townsfolk. He has been badly treated and can barely walk. about 1 mile where it intersects with another passage that leads
f. Empty. down into the underdeeps and also leads after several miles to a
g. This cell is currently occupied by an Elf of Lothlórien cave exit in a high valley of the Misty Mountains.
named Gwindion that strayed too far up the course of the
Nimrodel alone, and happened to run into a patrol. They are 8.53 MINE LEVEL LAYOUT
currently trying to get information from him about the
workings of Lórien and the placement of the border guards. 1. This large cave contains the smithy halls complete with smelter.
So far they have gotten no information from him and he will At any given time 10-20 Orcs will be working here pounding their
soon be sent to Do1 Guldur for further interrogation by large awkward-looking hammers to make tools and weapons. The
higher powers. weapons they make are particularly good for Orc’s craft. Some of
the spearheads, scimitars, and other pole weapons actually achieve
3. This is the prison guardroom. A full lurg of Orcs is stationed
+5 to +15 bonuses just for the strength of the steel and the
here when prisoners are present.
workmanship.
4. The Orcs call this area “the tubes,” and rightly so. These tunnels
are rounded on the floor and the ceiling and are at most five feet tall.
40 Caverns of Pain: Mine
Caverns of Pain: Lookout 41

2. Just down the hall from the smithy is the main surplus armory 8.54 LOOKOUT LEVEL LAYOUT
for the complex. Here are stored several hundred spare weapons
and various pieces of armor. What items are distributed to which 1. This cave quarters two lurgs of Orcs that are the guards for the
watch tower; the passage leads to the Main Halls, #14.
Orc is determined by the master of the armory, who is third in
command over the complex under the Chief, and the Guard 2. Extra weapons and arrows are stored in this cave which acts as
Captain. an armory for the Orcs of the watch tower.
3. This area is the main food storage cave for the entire complex. 3. This tunnel provides access to the stairs that lead up to the tower
Large casks and barrels lay around the room in a disorderly levels.
fashion. On chains hanging from the ceiling are smoked and dried 4. The stairs leading around the border of this roughly cut room
carcasses of various animals. Two guards are on duty at all times lead to the tower levels.
to keep the population of the complex from devouring all the food 5. Another two lurgs of Orcs are stationed in this cave. Like the
at one sitting. other lurg they are also responsible for the tower and the passage
4. This cave is used as a wood shop and fletcher hall. Usually to the lower halls.
about 7- 12 Orcs can be found here at any time working on assorted 6. This small cave is the quarters for the three messengers used to
wooden tools, repairing bows, and making black feathered arrows. relay messages to the lower halls. Two other Orcs live here also that
5. This passage leads to the mines from which the Orcs get the raw have the responsiblity of caring for and training the bats used as
materials to make their weapons and tools. On occassion they find messengers to other Orc outposts and to Do1 Guldur.
a small vein of precious metals or gems but few of the Orcs have 7. This watch tower has been carved from the inside of a protuber-
the skill to refine either of these. ance that rises above the hill in which the caverns of pain are
6. Five guards occupy this room at all times. They are responsible located. This lower level has a complete view of the land in front
for policing the mine level and taking care of any hostile creatures of the complex where three watchers are on duty at all times.
that might be present in the mines from time to time. 8. The upper level of the tower is used mainly to house approxi-
7. The Orcs that work in the mines are quartered here. There are two mately 20 giant bats that are used as messengers as stated in #6.
shifts that occupy this room at opposite times for a two week period These bats have specific trainers and will react badly to others that
before they are rotated out to another job station. come to this level.
8. Each of these caves is the home for 10-20 Orcs, usually the ones
that work in the area closest to the cave in question.
9. Passage leading up to the Main Halls, #27.

Caverns of Pain Lookout Level Layo

42 Adventure Guidelines & Suggested Adventures

9.0 SUGGESTED ADVENTURES 9.2 THE BANDITS OF THE BARROW

Setting: The Wold, Third Age 1640
9.1 ADVENTURE GUIDELINES Requirements: A group of law abiding bounty hunters willing to
This section provides some helpful Gamemaster notes which line their own pockets, low to mid level.
relate to running adventures in the Fangom Forest and its border Aids: Maps of the Wold or a guide would be handy.
areas. The GM should read over these guidelines before studying
and selecting one of the adventures in the rest of Section 9.0. THE TALE
A group of merchants from Tir Limlight and Tir Anduin, that
9.11 SELECTING AN ADVENTURE regularly travel the roads of northern Calenardhon, are tired of
being harassed by bandits on their regular trips through the Wold.
Sections 7.0 and 8.0 present specific adventure sites. The GM
will need to refer to those sections for the appropriate layouts and They are offering a substantial reward for anyone willing to go into
floorplans. All NPC’s are in described in Section 5.0, Section 6.0, the Wold, root out bandits and bring them, (and their stolen goods)
and Table 10.2. back. Bandits brought in must be known to the merchants or at least
be in possession of some stolen property in order to prove their
9.12 CHOOSING A TIME PERIOD guilt. The reward will be 100 gp/ bandit, half of the goods that are
Each adventure is associated with a specific time period, but a recovered, and all of the bandit’s personal effects.
GM may modify them to fit another time period. Once a time THE TASK
period has been determined, the GM should carefully check the Bandits must be turned in to Malion, the Captain of the fortress
timeline (Section 2.2) and note pertinent events. at Tii Limlight, alive in order to collect the reward (anyone could
kill someone and say they were a bandit).
9.13 SUGGESTIONS ON
RUNNING ADVENTURES
Once you’re acquainted with the general background material,
look over the statistical summaries outlined in the tables of Section
10. Get to know the Non-player Characters (NPC’s). Read what the
individual backgrounds have to say, and try to think as that person
would.
Look over the layouts and note where traps, guards points, and
weak points are located. Even if a room does not have an occupant
indicated, consider the possibility that someone may be there when 9.3 A RAID ON TIR LIMLIGHT
the characters enter. Setting: Tir Limlight and the Wold, Third Age 1640 or later.
Requirements: A group of mid-level good hearted adventurers
9.14 USING TRAPS, WEAPONS, AND willing to help the people of Tir Limlight against the ruthless Orcs.
SPELLS
Aids: None
Layout sections include frequent references to traps and locks.
The following cross-references are provided for GM’s using THE TALE
MERP or Rolemaster, Malion, the captain of the Gondorian fortress at Tir Limlight is
In order to compute the success or failure of attempts to disarm concerned. Recently he has gained information that leads him to
or unlock these mechanisms, simply have the acting PC roll, add believe that a group of Orcs from the mountains will try to attack
his appropriate bonuses, and subtract the difficulty factor assigned Tir Limlight in the next week. He believes that they have an outpost
to the lock or trap. Then refer to MERP table MT-2, p. 79 (or RM: in the Wold, but does not know its location. Should the Orcs attack
Character Law). in strength, the men garrisoned there might not be enough to hold
Results of Fall/Crush attacks and animal attacks can be deter- them back, so he is looking for abled bodied persons to help in the
mined using MERP tables CST-2 and AT-5 or AT-6, all on page defense of the town. He can pay regular soldier’s pay to those who
70. If you employ Rolemaster, see Claw Law. will help.
Weapon attacks can be computed using MERP table CST-1, p. Forty Orcs using Gngushar as a base (this does not include
72 and AT-l through AT-4 on p. 71 (or RM: Arms Law). Ongushar’s standing forces) will attack in the next five nights
Non-magic bonus items are only used with Rolemaster. When hoping to catch the garrison by surprise. The adventurers, towns-
using MERP, all items with bonuses are assumed to be magical. people and the garrison should be able to drive them off with
Some traps will not be functional due to not being activated or marginal losses if properly prepared. If this is the case Malion will
maintained. For each 50 years that have passed since the last want to follow the Orcs to their outpost to find its location in the
known habitation of a location, there is a 1% chance that the trap Wold.
will not operate when it would normally be set off (due to disuse
and lack of maintenance). Such a trap still has a chance of going off THE TASK
every time that someone hits the trigger mechanism (e.g., a trap Malion needs help in informing the people of the surrounding
might not go off when the first person hits the trigger, but it might area of the impending attack, and in bringing those that need
go off later). The GM may also wish to assign a chance that traps protection inside the town walls. Once that is done he will have
are not activated (i.e., not armed or primed to go off). A 10-20% watches posted around the clock for a week. If the Orcs have not
chance overall is suggested. struck by then it may be a false alarm. Should the Orcs attack and
be driven off Malion will offer triple pay to soldiers and volunteers
that will accompany him in following the Orcs to their outpost in
the Wold.
 Suggested Adventures 43

9.4 THE RESCUE OF SHARPLEAF THE TALE

In 1980-81 T.A. when the Balrog drove the Dwarves out of
Setting: Fangom Forest Moria, a great fear came over Nimrodel, the beloved of the King
Requirements A group of experienced adventurers that happen to of Lórien. Amroth. So great was her fear of the creature that she
be in the right place at the right time. immediately fled from Mrien to escape its presence. South she ran
Aids: A knowledge of how to heal Ents would be extremely to Fangom Forest where the Hurons would not let her pass. She was
helpful. Knowledge of Tolwen’s presence would also be nice. allowed by them only to reach as far into the forest as the Falls of
Mist on the Limlight. There she was found by Amroth, who had
THE TALE
followed her to Fangom, and there they decided to make for the
While wandering around in the plains north of the Limlight and
coast, intending to sail to the uttermost west. They were separated
Fangom Forest, the party hears an awful bellowing in the distance
along the way however and Nimloth was lost in the White Moun-
towards Fangom. Upon hurrying towards the noise, they come
upon the horrifying sight of an Ent being attacked by a party of Orcs tains. Amroth came at last to the havens but drowned while trying
to swim back to shore when the ship he was on was tom from its
out in the open plains some 400 yards from the nearest tree. The Ent
is in bad shape, but has killed nearly 20 Orcs. The 10- 15 that remain moorings during a storm.
Around this event various legends have grown about the flight
are trying to finish him off when your party arrives. Should the
and loss of Nimrodel. One of these legends says she sailed from
party succeed in driving off the Orcs the Ent will tell his name in
Middle Earth, another says she stayed, and lives in the woodlands
common tongue, which is Sharpleaf (Q. Miakalas), and promptly
of the White Mountains to this day where she mourns her loss. Still
slip from consciousness, becoming 2 tons of dead (just an expres-
sion) weight. another says that she returned to the Falls of Mist for a time before
leaving Middle Earth because it was the last place that she and
THE TASK Amroth were together. This Legend also tells that she threw all her
Drive off the remaining Orcs attacking the Ent (Sharpleaf), and worldly goods into the pool at the bottom of the Falls in thanks to
keep him from dying by taking him someplace where he can be the spirits of the trees who would not allow her to pass and thereby
healed i.e. find other Ents or Tolwen, before the Orcs return with allowed her to see Amroth again before he died.
increased numbers.
THE TASK
THE REWARD The adventures must go to the Falls of Mist to find out whether
Having an Ent for a friend, and enjoying a really good feeling the legend is true and, if it is, to bring back Nimrodel’s belongings
deep down. Also if Tolwen is encountered some monetary reward which must have been magical and priceless, since she was the
will be offered because Sharpleaf is a good friend of hers. betrothed of a King of Lórien; all this while avoiding the Huoms
of the area that consider the Falls a holy site and, therefore, dislike
9.5 AN ENT EXCURSION trespassers.
Setting: Fangom Forest, Third Age
Requirements: A high level party, with woodscraft experience, 9.7 INTO THE CAVERNS OF PAIN
looking to get their necks broken for big money. Setting: Northern Calenardhon and the eastern foothills of the
Aids: Some type of drug that can tranquilize an Ent or magic that Misty Mountains, Third Age, (could also be played after 3019 as
will do the same is a must. If drugs of this nature exist, getting your a postwar mission)
hands on them could be an adventure in and of itself. Requirements: A medium to strong party willing to enter and take
THE TALE the caverns for large rewards.
Two rich landowners of Calenardhon (or Rohan, if played later Aids: Some insight into the layout of the Caverns of Pain, gained
in the Third Age) have an ongoing argument about the existence of from a captive Orc or an escaped prisoner would be very valuable.
Ents. One believes that they exist and the other believes them to be THE TALE
an ancient legend invented for children’s stories. The two have had Falfed and Aldohir are friends of an Elven warden of Lórien that
many heated arguments concerning this issue over the years and is prisoner in the Caverns of Pain. They have been given permis-
, have now decided to settle the dispute once and for all. They are sion by Amroth, the King of Lórien, to recruit courageous people
offering, jointly, a reward of 20,000 gp. to the person or persons to help free their friend. King Amroth would not send troops
that will deliver to them a live Ent (if there is such a thing) which against the Barz Thrugrim for the sake of one warden because he
they plan to keep and use to gain back the money they lost in was afraid that while his troops were occupied with them, Lorien
payment of the reward, by putting the Ent on exhibition. might be attacked from Do1 Guldur. This is why they are asking for
THE TASK help. They will hand pick the people that go with them and are
The adventurers must travel to Fangom, find and capture an Ent; planning to enter the caverns by stealth rather than force if at all
alive, without subsequently being killed by other Ents or Huoms, possible. They are offering 1000 gp and two minor magic items
and return it to the land owners. (+10 bowstrings, magic rope, etc.) per person for help in this
matter.
9.5 TREASURE OF THE TASK
THE FALLS OF MIST The party along with Falfed and Adlohir must enter the caverns
Setting: Fangom Forest (post TA 25 10) of pain, in one way or another, and get out alive and with their
friend. What methods they use for this purpose are up to the
Requirements: An experienced party capable of stealthy travel imagination of the party.
and good woodsmanship.
Aids: None
44 Master Military Table

10.1 MASTER MILITARY TABLE

Secondary/ Mov
Name/# Race Lvl Hits AT DB Sh Gr Melee Missle M Notes
OB OB

Tii Limlight
Thengyn (Malion) See Master NPC Chart
Ohtarrina/3 Lesser Dunedain 8 110 Ch/15 40 Y A/L 110bs 110cb 15 Use +15 equipment; Use mounted
, lances from horseback
Ohtari/36 Lesser Dunedain 3 60 Ch/13 30 Y A/L 65bs 55cb 10 Use +5 equipment; May use mounted
lances from horseback

Fangorn
Treeherds/150 Onodrin 35 400 PI/20 30 N N See note 3 0 80HGr/50HCr/160Both;
Missle: 100 bolder
Use Super Large Criticals table
Huorns/2000 Special 25 400 PL/20 0 N N See Note 0 60HGr/30HCr/120Both;
Use Large Creature Criticals

The Barz Thrugrii

10 125 PL/18 45 Yl0 A/L. 125ss 95cp 5 +10 equipment.
Captains/2 Uruk-hai
Officers/10 Uruk-hai 8 115 Ch/15 35 Y10 A/L 120ba 80cp 10 +5 equipment.
Lurg Leaders.140 Lesser Orcs 6 70 Ch/14 30 Y5 A/L 80sc 50sb 15 Some use pa, sp, or ha.
Exp. Warriors/80 Lesser Orcs 3 55 Ch/13 25 Y5 A/L 60sc 50sb 10 Some use pa, sp, or ha.
Adult Warriors/240 Lesser Orcs 2 45 RL/9 25 Y A/L 50sc 30sb 5 Some use pa, sp, or ha.
Young Warriors/l60 Lesser Orcs 1 35 SL/8 10 N L 40pa 20sb 5 Some use spears and scimitars.
Trackers/60 Lesser Orcs 2 45 RL/9 35 Y N 65sc 55sb 10 For pursuit, ambush, and scouting.
Wolves140 Great Wolves 5 150 SL/4 30 N N 80LBi 60LCl 30 Very Fast, Fast if ridden.

Ongushar
Lurg Leaders/4 Lesser Orcs 6 70 Ch/14 30 Y5 A/L 80sc 50sb 15 Some use pa, sp, or ha.
Exp. Warriors/8 Lesser Orcs 3 55 Ch/13 25 Y5 A/L 60sc 50sb 10 Some use pa, sp, or ha.
Adult Warriors/24 Lesser Orcs 2 45 RL/9 25 Y A/L 50sc 30sb 5 Some use pa, sp, or ha.
Young Warriors/l6 Lesser Orcs 1 35 SL/8 10 N L 40pa 20sb 5 Some use spears and scimitars.
Trackers/6 Lesser Orcs 2 45 RL/9 35 Y N 65sc 55sb 10 For pursuit, ambush, and scouting.
Wolves/8 Great Wolves 5 150 SL/4 30 N N 80LBi 60LCl 30 Very Fast, Fast if ridden.

KEY
CODES The statistics given describe each NPC; a more detailed description of some of the more important NPC’s can be found in the main text.
Some of the codes are self-explanatory Lvl (level) Hits, Sh (shield), and Mov M (movement and maneuver bonus). The more complex codes
are listed below
AT (Armor Type) The two letter code gives the being’s MERP armor type (No = No Armor, SL = Soft leather, RL = Rigid Leather, Ch = Chain,
Pl = Plate); the number is the equivalent Rolemaster armor type.
DB (Defensive Bonus) Note defensive bonuses include stats and shield. Shield references include quality bonuses (e.g. “Y5” indicates “Yes,
a +5 shield?.
Gr (Greaves) “A” and “L” are used to indicate arm and leg greaves respectively.
OB’s (Offensive Bonuses) Weapon abbreviations follow OB’s fa - falchion, ss - short sword, bs - broadsword, sc - scimitar, th - two-
handed sword, ma - mace, ha- hand axe, wh -war hammer, ba - battle axe, wm -war mattock, cl -club, qs - quarter staff, da-dagger,
sp - spear, ml - mounted lance, ja - javelin, pa - pole arm, sl - sling, cb - composite bow, sb - short bow, lb - long bow, Icb - light
crossbow, hcb - heavy crossbow, bo - bola, wp - whip, ts -throwing star, hb - halberd. Melee and missile offensive bonuses include the
bonus for the combatant’s best weapon in that category.
Stats: Ag - Agility, Co - Constitution, SD - Self-Discipline, Me - Memory, Re - Reasoning, St - Strength, Qu - Quickness, Pr -
Presence, Em - Empathy, In - Intuition. For MERP, average Re and Me for Intelligence.
Skills: Most skills are self-explanatory: S/H - Stalking and Hiding, Per - Perception, Amb - Ambush, Acrob -Acrobatics, etc.
Master NPC Table 45

10.2 MASTER NPC CHART

Missle/
Name Lvl Hits AT DB Sh Gr Melee Secondary Mov M Notes
OB OB
Tir Limlight
Malion 14 145 ch/14 40 Y A/L 150bs 130hcb 10 Dlinadan Warr./Fgt. (Captain of Tir Limlight Fortress )
Ag89,Co93,SD89,Me73,Re86,St90,Qu9l,Pr92,Em82,In85, Ride40, Swim20, Climb10, PblcSpeaking10, Per35 MA St Rankl:80 Rank2:60,
+20 Chain, +15shield, +20 Broadsword, +10 crossbow, +10 helmet, ring of Nightvision
Calendur 5 80 SL/6 20 Y N 70bs 30sb 5 DúnadanWarrior/Fighter (Town Magistrate)
Ag70,Co85,SD90,Me87,Re88,St72,Qu67,Pr87,Em8l,In63, PblcSpeaking 20, Ride 20, Per 10, +10 broadsword, +10 shield
Ronindil 10 85 No/2 35 N N 75ss 55sb 15 Dlinadan Animist/Layhealer (Town Healer/Herbalist)
Ag81 ,Co89,SD85,Me95,Re96,St69,Qu88,Pr86,Em92,In89, Ride l5, Swim l0, Herblore 50, AdrDefense +20, +4 spell adder staff, +10 shorts-
word, +20DB necklace, gloves of Herblore, 10PP.
Hundin 9 110 RL/8 30 N A/L 1l0BS 85sp 15 Northman/Dúnadan Scout/Rogue
Ag85,Co93,SD8l,Me66,Re85,St9O,Qu9l,Pr78,Em80,In74, Ride20, Climb20, Swim 10, Tracking20, Amb40, S/H40, Per 20, Traps 30, Lock 10,
+5 Broadsword, +l0 spear, ring that will become 50 feet of superior rope on command.
Dindal 12 130 SL/8 50 N N 145bs 130cp 20 Dlinadan Ranger
Ag9O,Co95,SD83,Me68,Re79,St93,Qu94,Pr86,Em84,In95, Ride35, Climb25, Swim20, Tracking55, Amb30, S/H40, Per40, MA St Rankl:70
SW Rankl:50, Inner Walls, Natures Guises, Path Mastery, to 10th, Moving Ways And Nature’s Ways to 5th, +20 Broadsword of Orcslaying,
+10 crossbow, 2 bolts of Wargslaying, x2PP Clasp, Elven Cloak +30 to hiding, Boots of Leaping, 48PP.
Gaskbuz 9 110 Ch/l4 40 Y5 A/L 135sc 1OOsb IO Uruk-hai Warrior/Fighter (Commander of Ongushar)
+15 Scimitar of poison (6th Ivl); doesen’t need to be repoisoned but once/week, +10 chain with plate inserts that decrease negate 15% of
upper body criticals
Fangorn
Treebeard 55 556 PL/19 50 N N 210HBa 180HGr 30 Onodrim Treeherd
Criticals achieved are rolled on the Super Large Criticals table. See Sec. 5.11 for more information. ,2

Skinbark 45 490 PL/l9 55 N N 200HBa 170HGr 40 Onodrim Treeherd

Criticals achieved are rolled on the Super Large Criticals table. See Sec. 5.12 for more information.
Leaflock 42 480 PL/l9 30 N N 190HBa 180HGr 20 Onodrim Treeherd
Criticals achieved are rolled on the Super Large Criticals table. See Sec. 5.13 for more information. -y>-’
Quickbeam 35 400 PL/18 40 N N 180HBa 160HGr 30 Onodrim Treeherd
Ag85,Coll2,SD72,Me90,Re91,Stl l0,Qu89,Pt94,Em87,In93, Climb80, Tracking l00, Woodcraftl20, Herblore90, Can also stomp with
130 OB, or throw large rocks with an 120 OB. One of the Ents instrumental in their intervention in the War of the Rings, considered to be rash
by his brethren but still slow according to humans. He has a good sense of Humor and laughs at most everything. He is particularly fond of
Rowan trees, and is one of Skinbarks folk in 1640. Criticals achieved are rolled on the Super Large Criticals table.
Sharpleaf 30 350 PL/l9 25 N N 160HBa 150HGr 25 Onodrim Treeherd
Ag65,Col10,SD82,Me95,Re92,St108,Qu63,Pr93,Em84,In96, Climb60, Tracking70, Woodcraftl20, Herblore60, Pottery30, Can also stomp
with 120 OB, or throw large rocks with an 1050B. Criticals achieved are rolled on the Super Large Criticals table.
Tolwen 23 140 No/2 90 N N 170bs 150 cb 25 Sindar Animist/Healer
Ag92,Co85,SD70,Me85,Re95,St100,Qu95,Pr97,Em95,In97, Ride20, Swim20, Herblore66, Woodcraft30, Pottery30, Tracking20, Amb 50, S/
H40, Per68,3 Amoves +40, Adefense +30, All Healer lists to 20th , x5PP staff, Robes with mithril threads that act as Ch16, Earrings; 1 is
+lODB, #2 casts Mind Shield at will f/day, Shoes of Levitation, Cloak of Hiding +50, Wand of Herb Enhancement, set of 13 jars that will hold
herbs preserved indefinitely. +20 cp with +10 arrows, Gurthiant, 230PP. See Sec. 5.15 for more information.
Caverns of Pain
Bugrug 15 150 PL/l8 50 Yl5 A/L 155sc 130sb 5 Uruk-hai Warrior/Fighter (Chief of the Barz Thrugrim)
+20 scimitar of Humanslaying detects good creatures at 50’, +15 Plate and +lODB greaves, 2 Arrows of Elfslaying, +I5 helmrt that will cast a
darkness spell 50’ diameter 2/day.
Gwindion 9 105 No/l 30 N N 12Oss 135lb 30 Silvan Warrior/Fighter (Guardian of Lórien)
Ag101 ,Co94,SD65,Me78,Re7l,St94,Qu99,Pr96,Em72,In9l,Climb54, Swim46, S/H64, Amb72, Music 45, Tracking25, Trickery40, Per62,2
AdrMoves +20, AdrDef +35, +15 longbow, 3, +20 Orcseeking/slaying arrows (will pick them from a crowd of non-Ores), +15 longknife (treat
as shortsword), +35 Cloak of Hiding.
Falfed 11 135 No/l 40 N N 125ss 1451b 25 Silvan Warrior/Fighter (Guardian of Lórien)
Agl0l,Co87,SD66,Me87,Re56,St92,Qu100,Pr98,Em89,In78, Climb 50, Swim56, S/H70, Amb45, Music52, Tracking74, Per80, 1 AdrMove
+20, AdrDef i+40, +I5 Longbow, +5 arrows of Orcslaying, +20 longknife (treat as shortsword), +40 Cloak of Hiding.
Adlohir 8 100 No/l 35 N N 105ss 1301b 35 Silvan Warrior/Fighter (Guardian of Lórien)
Agl00,Co90,SD53,Me56,Re82,St88,Qul02,Pr96,Em87,In84, Climb40, Swim62, S/H60, Amb30, Music30, Rope Mastery58, Per54.2
AdrMoves +30, AdrDef +40, +I5 Longknife (treat as shortsword), +I5 longbow, Boots of limb&stonerunning, +30 Cloak of Hiding.
46 Master Encounter Table

10.3 MASTER ENCOUNTER TABLE

The Misty Fangorn Northern The Downs Southern
Encounter Mountains Forest Plains & Wold Plains
Chance (%) 15% 10% 10% 5% 15%
Distance (miles) 3 2 10 8 10
Time (hours) 4 2 4 4 4
Inanimate Danaers
General Trap 01-02 01 01 01-02
Avalanche 03-06 02-04 03-w
Flash Flood 07-08 05-06 02-03 05-06 02-04
Grass Fire - 07 04-06 07-09 05-06
Sites/Things
Cave/Cavern/Lair 09-12 08-10 07-08 IO-12
Dunedain Site 13 11 09 13 09-10
Calenardhon Site 14 12-13 10-13 14-17 11-16
Dunlending Site 15-16 - 14 18 17
Druedain Site - - - 18
Grave Site/Tomb 17-18 I4 I5 19-20 19-20
Dunlendings

Bards 26-27 - - - -
Priests 28 - - - 22
Calenardhons
Common Folk 29 17-19 17-23 21-26 23-30
Soldiers 30 20-22 24-27 27-28 31-35
Other Men
36-37
38-39
33-37 40-45
Bandits 35-37 26 36-37 38-40 46-47
Orcs
scouts 38-43
Small Patrols (2-6) 44-47
51
Normal Patrols (6-10) 48-50 32 -
Warband/Caravan (12-30) 51-52 - 50 53 -
Other Non Manish Races

Troll, Stone 69-70 - 67-68 68-70 66

Animals
78-79 69
SO-81 70
82-83 71-72 75-76 70-72
84-86 73-75 77-78 73-75
87 79 76-77
80-82 78-80
Green Asp 90 82-83 83-84 81-83
Lynx 83-85 91 84 - 84
Herd animals 86-87 92-94 85-90 85-88 85-90
Poisonous Snake 88 95-96 .: ; 91 89-90 91-92
Snow Leopard 89-91 - - - -
Wolf/warg 92-94 97 92-94 91-94 93-94
Other Animals 95-100 98-100 95-100 95-100 95-100
48 Master Weather Table

10.5 MASTER WEATHER TABLE

The Misty Fangorn Northern The Downs Southern
Months Mountains Forest Plains & Wold Plains
1. Narwain 15-30 35-55 25-45” 20-45’ 30-50
(winter) Heavy Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
2. Ninui 15-30’ 30-50 20-40’ 15-40 25-45’
(winter) Very Heavy Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
3. Gwaeron 15-30” 35-55’ 25-45’ 25-45’ 30-50
(winter) Very Heavy Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
4. Gwirith 20-35’ 40-60 30-50” 30-50 35-55”
(spring) Heavy Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
5. Lothron 25-40’ 45-60 35-50” 35-55’ 40-55’
(spring) Heavy Heavy Heavy Moderate Heavy
6. Nórui 25-45’ 50-60 40-55’ 40-60 45-60
(spring) Moderate Heavy Heavy Moderate Heavy
7. Cerveth 30-50 60-70 50-65” 50-70 55-70
(summer) Moderate Moderate Moderate Dry Moderate
8. Úrui 40-60 65-75 55-70’ 60-80 60-75”
(summer) Moderate Moderate Dry Dry Moderate
9. Ivanneth 45-65” 70-80 60-75” 65-85’ 65-75’
(summer) Dry Dry Dry Moderate Moderate
10. Narbeleth 40-60 60-75’ 55-70 60-75’ 60-70
(fall) Moderate Moderate Moderate Maderate Heavy
11. Hithui 35-50’ 55-65” 50-60 50-65” 50-60”
Fall Heavy Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
12. Girithron 25-40” 40-60” 40-55’ 40-55’ 40-55’
(fall) Heavy Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
KEY
Temperature: Degrees are expressed in Fahrenheit. Note that most peoples do not describe temperature so precisely; they simply
describe the temperature as cold, cool, warm or hot. Mountain temperature refers to the habitable regions between l000-3000' above
sea level. To calculate temperature at higher altitudes, subtract 1 degree for every 300’ more above sea level.
Precipitation: Very Dry = less than one inch; Dry = one to two inches; Moderate = two to three inches; Heavy = four to five inches
Very Heavy = over five inches.

PRODUCT LISTING
Look for these I.C.E. and Hero product lines at your favorite retail outlet! Each of the role playing
systems is supplemented with a variety of support material.
ROLEMASTER CHAMPIONS the Super Role Playing Game”
I.C.E.‘s classic FRP system. A complete set of advanced, Don’t just read comic books! Recreate your favorite hero or
realistic, & sophisticated rules. design your own the way you want!
SPACE MASTER JUSTICE INC.
The ultimate adventure frontier is brought to life with From the frozen Himalayas to the steamy Amazon, the pulps
LC.E.‘s Science-fiction Role Playing system. and serials of the 20’s and 30’s live again!
MIDDLE-EARTH ROLE PLAYING DANGER INTERNATIONAL
Middle-earth Role Playing (MERP) is perfect for the novice Jump into modern adventure with fast cars, vital secrets and
as well as experienced garners. high-tech hardware.
MIDDLE-EARTH BOARDGAMES FANTASY HERO
Exciting fantasy boardgames based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s Fashion your own fantasy universe of Epic Adventure!
THE HOBBIT” and THE LORD OF THE RINGS”.
These fine products are sold at better retail outlets worldwide. Ask for them at your favorite store. . . . or order directly from us.
VISA & MASTERCARD orders call (800) 325-0479. VA residents, Canadians and overseas customers call (804) 295-3917.
Please make phone orders during business hours: 9AM-5PM, Eastern Standard Time, Mon.-Fri. Allow +6weeks for delivery.