TM

TM

Take your adventures West of the Misty Mountains with this

guide to the world’s greatest fantasy setting.
 - credits -
Written by Francesco Nepitello with Shane Ivey, Andrew Kenrick,
Thomas Morwinsky, Jacob Rodgers and James M. Spahn
Additional writing by Amado Angulo and Marco Maggi
Creative Direction by Jon Hodgson
Converted by Jacob Rodgers
Cover by Ralph Horsley
Art by Jon Hodgson, Sam Manley, Jeremy McHugh and Jan Pospíšil
Editor: Andrew Kenrick
Graphic Design and Layout: Paul Bourne
Proofreading: David Rea

Based on The One Ring Roleplaying Game by Francesco Nepitello and Marco Maggi

© Sophisticated Games Ltd 2018 © Cubicle 7 Entertainment Ltd 2018

To find out more about Adventures in Middle-earth, and

to subscribe to our newsletter, please go to: www.cubicle7.co.uk

Product Identity: The following items are hereby identified as Product Identity, as defined in the Open Game License version 1.0a, Section 1(e), and are not Open Content:
All trademarks, registered trade-marks, proper names (characters, place names, etc.), new rules, classes, items, virtues, backgrounds, places, characters, artwork,
sidebars, and trade dress. Open Game Content: The Open content in this book includes material taken from the Systems Reference Document. No other portion of this
work may be reproduced in any form without permission.

Published by Sophisticated Games Ltd, 3 Andersen Court, Newnham Road, Cambridge CB3 9EZ, UK and
Cubicle 7 Entertainment Ltd,  Suite D3, Unit 4, Gemini House, Hargreaves Road, Groundwell Industrial Estate,
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The One Ring, Middle-earth, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of The
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Printed in Lithuania

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 - contents -
Introduction 4 The Regions of Worthless Trinkets 93
How to use the Rivendell Region Guide 5 Eastern Eriador 34 Precious Objects 95
The Passing of Years 5 Elements of the Landscape 34
Eregion 34 Not All That
Imladris 6 The Trollshaws 38 Glitters... 97
The Hidden Valley 6 The Coldfells 41 Magical Treasure Indexes 97
The Last Homely House 7 The Ettenmoors 44 How to Compile a Magical
Rivendell Map 8 Mount Gram 46 Treasure Index 97
The House of Elrond map 10 Angmar 50 New Enchanted Qualities 98
Notable Characters 12 The South Downs and Weather Hills 55 Cursed Items 99
Elrond Halfelven 13 The North Downs 59 How to Design a Curse 100
Arwen Undómiel 15 The Barrow-downs 62 Examples of Curses 101
Glorfindel 16 Tharbad 65 Pre-generated Magical Treasure
Erestor 17 Index Sheets 103
Lindir 19 Evils of the North 69
Damron, the Elven-smith 19 Powerful Adversaries 69 The Eye of Mordor 110
The Elf-lords of Rivendell 20 New Especially Strong Abilities 69 The Hunt 110
The White Council 21 New Exceptional Troupe Abilities 70 The Hunt Intensifies 111
Things to Do While in Rivendell 22 New Creature Abilities 70 Resetting the Hunt Score 112
Staying at the Last Homely House 22 Concerning the Undead 72 The Veil 112
New Fellowship Phase Undertakings 23 Walking Dead 73 The Eye Awareness Check 113
Wights 73 Revelation Episodes 113
A History of Eriador 27 Wraiths 73 Examples of Revelation Episodes 114
The Realm of Arnor 27 Ghosts 73
The Third Age 28 Special Abilities of the Undead 73 High Elves of Rivendell 116
The Rise of Angmar 28 Monsters of Eriador 75 Cultural Virtues 118
Arthedain Stands Alone 29 Dangers of the Wild 75 Cultural Heirlooms 121
The End of Arnor 29 Emissaries of the Enemy 79
The Fall of Angmar 30 The Restless Dead 82 A Barren and Pathless
The Dúnedain go into Hiding 31 The Lord of the Nazgûl 87 Country 122
Rise of the Rangers 31 Journey Event Tables 123
The Orc Wars 32 Ancient and
The Long Winter 33 Forgotten Treasures 90 High Elf of Rivendell Pre-generated
Two Centuries of Oblivion 33 What is a Hoard? 90 Character Sheet 137
Recent Years 33 Magical Treasure Rolls 91 Blank Magical Treasure Index Sheets 139
How to Make Magical Treasure Rolls 92 Index 141

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 Rivendell Region Guide

- Introduction - and haunted. All about are scattered old ruins, and nature
has been taking over with the passing of centuries.

The Rivendell Region Guide takes Adventures in Middle- Next, the region’s inhabitants, if any, are described. Most
earth across the Misty Mountains and into Eriador where of Eastern Eriador has been abandoned long ago, and is
the Rangers of the North strive to protect the lands of their all-but-deserted of civilised folk in the Third Age of Middle-
lost kingdom, and the High Elves of Rivendell maintain a earth. Its denizens are generally wicked creatures that profit
bastion of their ancient culture. from the inhospitable nature of these Lone-lands to hide.

The first part, Imladris, describes the House of Elrond, Fourth and fifth come the Notable People and Notable
the hidden refuge of the hardiest adventurers of the Third Places of the region. As previously stated, anyone who
Age, and home to personalities like Glorfindel and Arwen lives in the wilds of eastern Eriador is generally a wicked
Evenstar. The valley of Rivendell offers an invaluable creature, or the occasional madman. But there are still
sanctuary to those few who can find it, and a number of those out there who have chosen to be there for a reason or
unique undertakings are described herein for a visitor to a cause, and who may help – or hinder! – the companions
attempt during the Fellowship phase. in the course of their adventures.

A History of Eriador and The Regions of Eastern The Notable Places entries detail locations worthy
Eriador explore the history and geography of the lands of mention, ancient ruins of historical significance
of eastern Eriador, from the Greenway in the west to the or landmarks that heroes are likely to visit in their
foothills of the Misty Mountains in the east; from Angmar wanderings. As always, everything in this book can be
in the far north to Tharbad and Eregion in the south. Each either used or ignored by the Loremaster: what exactly
region is broken down according to the following scheme: awaits the Company in Eriador must remain a mystery.
Several new Fellowship phase undertakings are included
First, the region in general is described, noting its borders in this chapter, accompanying certain special locations in
and its major features. Any scenery that might play a special Eriador.
role in combat is noted as well.
The fourth part, Evils of the North, contains a bestiary
Secondly, any important flora or fauna are noted. Eriador for Eriador with new dangers of the wild, emissaries of
was once home to ancient kingdoms, but now is desolate the enemy and especial attention paid to undead. In these

4
 Introduction

lands, the dead do not rest easily, especially with the Witch- of new gaming material that complements Adventures in
king walking in the North. Middle-earth. It is intended primarily for the Loremaster,
who can use this material to greatly enhance an ongoing
The fifth and sixth sections provide rules to introduce campaign.
Ancient and Forgotten Treasures in the form of Hoards
and the rules for magical gear are expanded in Not All The new rules presented herein are especially suited to a
That Glitters… with new properties, cursed items, and veteran gaming group, counting a number of experienced
rules for Magical Treasure Indexes. heroes in its Company. Players may be allowed to read a
few selected parts of this guide, but should generally refrain
The seventh section The Eye of Mordor presents optional from doing so.
rules that the Loremaster can use to reflect the troubling
influence of the Shadow upon the land. Adventurers The companion volume to Rivendell Region Guide is
should be wary lest their activities attract the attention of entitled Eriador Adventures. This supplement contains
the Enemy or simply draw an ill-luck upon themselves that six adventures set in eastern Eriador and based out of
will plague all their endeavours. Rivendell itself. Many of the Loremaster characters and
locations featured in this guide play key roles in these
Next, the High Elves of Rivendell are presented as a adventures. You don’t need Eriador Adventures to use the
new culture for use in Adventures in Middle-earth. While Rivendell Region Guide, but you do need this supplement to
possessing great power, the growing power of the Shadow play Eriador Adventures.
affects the Firstborn deeply.
The Passing of Years
Finally, as the Company journeys across A Barren The material presented in the Rivendell Region Guide
and Pathless Country they will chance across many assumes the year is some time after 2951, possibly as far
strange things. This chapter provides examples for all into the Tale of Years as the year 2977, the ideal date for
Journey Events and sample meetings with the denizens the conclusion of the Mirkwood Campaign.
of Eriador.
For Loremasters who wish to set their games in Eriador to
How to use the Rivendell Region Guide be contemporary with the starting date in the core rules
This supplement serves as a gazetteer to the places of people (2946), note that life has changed little in these lands in
of this part of Middle-earth and is an invaluable source the past few decades.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

waters of the river Bruinen, the Loudwater, as they tumble

- Imladris - down from the Misty Mountains to the east. Elrond the
Halfelven came here in another age of the world, looking
for a refuge for the High Elves of Eregion fleeing from the
“…Imladris was of old the name among the Elves destruction of their land.
of a far northern dale, where Elrond the Halfelven
dwelt, greatest of lore-masters.” For centuries, the Elves dwelt in peace in the hidden valleys
of the region, but their Lord always kept a watchful eye on
Travellers coming from the High Pass or travelling east the manoeuvres of the Enemy. The hosts assembled for the
to cross it might find themselves marching across a high Last Alliance of Elves and Men mustered in Imladris before
moor, where the wind hisses through the heather. The vast they were ready to move against Mordor, and Elrond was
slope climbing towards the mountains is broken by many always a steadfast ally of the Dúnedain of Arnor in their
narrow ravines and gullies, filled with trees or resounding wars against Angmar.
with the crash of falling waters.
In the Third Age, Elrond chose to give protection to the
If they know their way, or if they are lucky enough, sooner Heirs of Isildur, and since the end of the North-kingdom
or later they will stumble upon a path marked with white the sons of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain have been
stones, leading to the edge of a steep fall. Over the edge raised in Rivendell, and the heirlooms of their house left
and far below lies a fair valley, cloven by a swift-running in the keeping of its Master.
river rushing in a rocky bed. A twisting flight of steps first
meanders among tall pine trees, then descends among But five thousand years are a long time even for the
oaks and beech trees, until it reaches the brink of the river, Elves, and the sorrows they endured were many. With
where a narrow bridge of stone leads to the “Last Homely the passing of the centuries the number of the Elvenfolk
House east of the Sea”. of Rivendell dwindled, as more and more left Imladris
to return West over the Great Sea. The house of Elrond
The Hidden Valley became a sanctuary for the weary and the oppressed, and
The valley known as Imladris (Elvish for “deep valley of a safe haven where the memory of all that had been fair
the cleft”) is one of the many gullies and ravines dug by the could be preserved from the injuries of time.

6
 Imladris

Finding Rivendell

It was not so easy as it sounds to find the Last Homely When a journeying company approaches Rivendell, the
House. Guide must pass a check to find the path marked with
white stones. If the Guide of the company is an Elf,
Adventurers attempting to enter Rivendell without leave possesses the Elf-friend title or is at least a 4th level
or invitation from Elrond and who lack an appropriate hero, then he needs only to succeed at a DC 15 Wisdom
guide will find it very difficult to find the right path. (Survival) check. Otherwise, the Guide uncovers the
To an inexperienced eye, the landscape appears devoid of proper path only by passing a DC 30 Survival check
any useful landmarks, and even a veteran traveller will instead.
be confused by the nondescript quality of the territory.
The Guide may attempt the Survival check once a day.
While Rivendell is certainly a remote place, the reasons The first failure has no impact, but any additional
for such travelling difficulties are not immediately failures cause each member of the Company to gain a level
apparent. In truth, Imladris is a secret valley, hidden to of Exhaustion as the companions search amidst unexpected
the eye of the Enemy by the power of its Master, and the narrow valleys, gullies and dark ravines and dangerous
Elven Ring he wears. bogs that at first seem green and pleasant places.

All those who are in grave need of good counsel or The Last Homely House
protection come looking for the Last Homely House. But The House of Elrond itself is a large mansion with many
the path to Rivendell is not for everyone to find (see above). halls, pillared porches and comfortable rooms for guests.
Several outbuildings are connected to the main house
bycovered walkways and winding paths, and gardens and
E
Cairn of the Crag-king terraces open above the steep bank of the river. Bells ring
to summon the guests of Elrond to the Great Hall when
meals are served, or to signal the beginning of important
n gatherings.

The Refuge of the The Front Porch

Dúnedain
n The front porch is a vast portico, large enough to shelter
E E
Castle Hill many horses, should visitors be in need of haste. It is
adorned with a silver fountain in the shape of a slender
The Troll-Hole Rivendell tree drooping over a marble basin. Many stained glass
E
E windows open on the porch, at both sides of the front
doors of the House of Elrond.
a
The wide wooden doors are solidly built using wood
The Angle from a single holly tree. Their white, smooth panels
c appear devoid of any decoration, but are actually set with
hundreds of tiny white beryls, cunningly cut thousands of
n
years ago by the jewel-smiths of Eregion; the small stones
glitter with innumerable sparkles when they reflect and
multiply a source of light.

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Rivendell Region Guide

8
 Imladris

The doors open on a corridor that leads to the Entrance of the high table is reserved for someone else: against
Hall and to the two great halls of the House of Elrond to the tapestry hanging upon the east wall is a chair placed
the left and right (to the right is the Great Hall, while to the under a canopy, and there used to sit Celebrían, daughter
left is the Hall of Fire). There are no guards set to watch the of Galadriel and wife of Elrond, before she departed over
front doors – no enemy may enter Rivendell without the the Sea. Today, the chair is reserved for Arwen, their
Master of the house being aware of it. daughter, when she resides in Rivendell with her father.

Entrance Hall The woven cloth set upon the wall above the high table
The wide opening facing the threshold of the House of shows an Elven ship sailing into the High Sea, heading
Elrond reveals the magnificence of its Entrance Hall: a West. The craft of its makers is such that whoever looks at
long, high passage leading across the building to the the tapestry experiences something different, depending
East Porch and the gardens beyond. It is paved with large on the wisdom of the viewer: some feel a sea-breeze gently
flagstones quarried from the Misty Mountains and is blowing, some smell a sweet fragrance on the air, or hear
illuminated by lanterns hanging from the carved beams the sound of singing as if it came over the water; others
crossing the vaulted ceiling. The central lantern, by far swear they can see distant white shores appear over the
the largest, was made by the Dwarves of Moria, and its horizon, beyond the rolling waves…
reddish light makes the passage look like it’s dug deep
underground. The Hall of Fire
The Hall of Fire is as wide as the great hall of Elrond, but
Passages open to the left and right, and two flights of it is mostly empty, without a screens passage, nor tables
stairs lead to the upper floors. Along the walls of the hall or dais. On most days, the only source of light is a bright
hang the arms of the household of Elrond, together with fire burning in a great hearth between two rows of carven
many banners, flags and pennants, relics from a time pillars. The fire is fed all year round, and guests of Elrond
when Elrond was the herald of Gil-galad and marched come here to find comfort and peace, as merely being in
with his host. the Hall of Fire seems like a cure for the spirit.

The Great Hall On high days the hall comes to life with the sound of many
The main hall of Elrond’s house is found to the right side fair voices. Elvish minstrels play the songs they spent
of the building, and it is a high room more than three decades perfecting, and poems and tales of distant ages
times as long as it is wide. The hall is entered through a of the world are recounted for evenings on end.
screens passage, leading from the entrance corridor. The
high table stands upon a dais, at the opposite end of the Other folks fall easily under the spell of the Hall of Fire,
hall, and two long tables are placed perpendicular to it, and may find themselves spending many evenings sitting
to the sides of the great hearth that opens in the middle and thinking, or looking for (and finding!) the right words
of the hall. Above the screens passage is a balcony, where for a new poem or a song. And if they are skilful enough,
Elvish minstrels play their sweet music. or just lucky, the Elves might even recite their poems or
sing their songs.
Tall stained glass windows line the side of the hall facing
south, with the largest and most decorated one opening The Eastern Porch
above the high table. A vestibule leads to the terraces The eastern porch opens on the high garden overlooking
outside, while the doors to the left open on the kitchen the banks of the mountain stream. Several paths start
and pantry. from here and follow the course of the loud-flowing
Bruinen towards the mountains, or wind up to the left, in
When meals are served or guests are received, Elrond the direction of the pine-woods to the north of the house.
sits on a great chair at the right end of the high table. He The bubbling of the falling water mingles ever with the
usually invites his most distinguished guests to sit to his sound of music being played somewhere in the house of
right and left sides. But the place of honour in the middle Elrond.

9
Rivendell Region Guide

10
 Imladris

11
 Rivendell Region Guide

In the warmer months of the year, but even as late as One day will come when someone will endeavour to
October, the Master of Rivendell gathers his friends and translate those stories, and to make available the lore
guests here in the eastern porch, to enjoy the fresh air and of Rivendell outside of its boundaries; it will be a work
the singing of birds and the rustling of leaves. Important of great skill and learning, one that will take years to
councils and debates are always held here, as Elrond complete and fill many volumes…
finds the open air to be most congenial to the discussion
of weighty concerns. Vault
A vast complex of underground chambers extend beneath
Upper Floors the House of Elrond. There are many cellars for the storing
Stairs lead from the ground floor to the upper floors. Here and ageing of liquors and wine, and vast pantries for the
are found the private quarters of the Lord of Rivendell, keeping of food.
those of his family members and of the most prominent
members of his household. Several private rooms of Deeper underground lie crypts where many precious and
differing size are reserved for guests. Most rooms have worthy things saved from the ruin of Eregion are kept
one or more windows and flat ceilings crossed by dark hidden. These treasures are secreted behind doors sealed
wooden beams, carved with ornamental motifs. with locks devised by the most cunning smiths of the
Eldar. Only Lindir, the butler of Elrond, knows the secret
On the uppermost floor is housed a small dovecote, with of their opening, and keeps a record of what lies there and
domesticated pigeons, doves and other small birds. They where all the underground passages lead.
are sometimes used as carriers of messages by Elrond,
and are personally trained and attended by him. Outbuildings
The valley of Imladris has given refuge to the survivors of
The Upper Solar an entire folk and have seen the mustering of the greatest
Guests of Elrond also have access to a quiet solar, a large host of Elves and Men since the breaking of Thangorodrim.
room facing south; here, they can comfortably sit to read Many fields, vineyards and orchards dot the landscape,
and write at their leisure, or play a game using the marble and several buildings stand close to the House of Elrond.
chessboard with wooden pieces placed in front of one of More lie hidden in the nearby dales, the remnants of the
the largest windows. The chess set was crafted in Númenor, many dwellings and settlements that once attended to the
and was brought to Rivendell by Elendil as a gift to Master needs of a much greater number of inhabitants.
Elrond. It is said that Gil-galad and the High King of the
Dúnedain played many games on this chessboard, as they Among the outbuildings is the distillery used by Erestor,
prepared for the War of the Last Alliance. Damron’s smithy, an infirmary with adjoining baths,
a cloister, a garner, several mills and stables, and an
Maps & Books of Lore armoury and training ground.
Even if much of the knowledge and traditions of the Elves
is preserved in songs and tales by their minstrels and lore-
masters, the Lord of Rivendell keeps many “storied and Notable Characters
figured maps and books of lore” in his house. Precious
manuscripts can be found in his private quarters, in some The Last Homely House is home to a great number of
rooms for guests, in the solar, and in a secret room whose important personalities. The household of the Master of
door can be opened only using a key that Elrond always Imladris counts many Elf-lords of great renown, and since
keeps with himself. The collection of Elrond is a veritable the time of Aranarth, son of Arvedui and first Chieftain
wealth of knowledge, unparalleled in these corners of the of the Dúnedain, the Heirs of Elendil have been raised in
world. But this body of wisdom mainly concerns the deeds Rivendell, to better defend and preserve the lineage of the
of the Elves in the Elder Days, and as such it is written in kings of the Northern Realm. In the Hall of Fire, many
scripts and tongues that are dark even to the most learned adventurers and wanderers can be found resting from
of scholars not belonging to the Firstborn. their toil, as guests of Elrond.

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 Imladris

In the year 109 of the Third Age Elrond married Celebrían,

daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn. She bore him three
The Errantries of the King children: Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen.
(2957-2981)
In the year 2951, a boy of 20 years named Estel More than four hundred years ago, Celebrían left Middle-
receives from Elrond the ring of Barahir. For the first earth never to return. She had suffered torment at the
time, the Master of Imladris calls him with his true hands of the Orcs, after they seized her as she journeyed
name, Aragorn, and reveals to him his lineage as the across the Misty Mountains. The healing arts of Elrond
Heir of Isildur. (Up to that day, Aragorn had been healed her body, but could do nothing for her wounded
raised by Elrond as if he were his own son). spirit, and she sailed West.

The next day, Aragorn meets Arwen in the woods of

Rivendell, recently returned from the land of Galadriel
and Celeborn. From that fateful moment, Aragorn
is in love with Arwen, daughter of Elrond. After the
encounter, Aragorn will not see her again for almost
thirty years, a brief spell for the long-lived Elves, but
enough for a Man to become the hardiest and wisest
of his time.

From the year 2957 until 2980 Aragorn travels far

into the East and South, riding with the Riders of
Rohan and fighting for Gondor. Companions visiting
Rivendell may have a chance to meet him only if
they enter the house of Elrond before the beginning
of his journeys, or after his return. In the intervening
years, heroes in Rivendell may hear news of his deeds,
but only if they have gained the trust of Elrond, his
daughter, or that of another member of the Wise.

Elrond Halfelven
"…my memory reaches back even to the Elder Days.
Eärendil was my sire, who was born in Gondolin before its
fall; and my mother was Elwing, daughter of Dior, son of
Lúthien of Doriath. I have seen three ages in the West of
the world, and many defeats, and many fruitless victories.".

Elrond, the Master of Rivendell, has lived in Middle-earth

for more than six thousand years and has dwelt in Imladris
since its foundation in the Second Age. He is called the
‘Halfelven’, as in his blood are mingled the lineages of the
noblest houses of Men and High Elves alike. At the end of
the First Age he was given the choice of which kindred he
would belong, and Elrond chose to be of Elven-kind.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

Elrond, Master of Rivendell The Ring of Air. Elrond can use his bonus action to
Medium Elf interact with something in the environment at range (for
example an old tree might suddenly tumble down, or a
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA stream temporarily swell to a torrent when an enemy
17 (+3) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 20 (+5) 19 (+4) 17 (+3) crosses it) to create combat scenery. Or he may cloak an
Armour Class 17 (Elven-hauberk, see below) ally with the ring’s magic. That ally gains a +4 bonus to
Hit Points 110 (20d8+20) their AC until the end of Elrond’s next turn.
Speed 30 ft Actions
Saving Throws Intelligence +9, Wisdom +8 Multiattack. Elrond can make two attacks with his
Skills History +9, Insight +8, Lore +13, Medicine +12, Spear of the Last Alliance.
Traditions +9 Spear of the Last Alliance. Melee Weapon Attack: +7
Senses passive Perception 14 to hit, reach 5 ft, one target. Hit: 9 (1d12+3) piercing
Languages Quenya, Sindarin, Westron damage. On a hit, the Elf-Lord can use his bonus action to
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP) make another attack at another target within reach.
Elven-hauberk. If Elrond ever went to war, he would Hands of the Healer. In combat, Elrond can use his
wear the armour that he bore as Gil-galad’s herald, action to restore 8 (1d8+4) hit points to a creature within
a hauberk crafted by Damron the smith himself. It is 5 feet of him. Outside of combat he can spend 10 minutes
so cunningly made that Elrond adds his full Dexterity with a creature to remove a condition. He may also spend
modifier to his Armour Class. 10 minutes with a creature to restore all of its hit points. If
Leader of Imladris (Lair Action). If Elrond is near he does so, he cannot use this ability again until he takes
Rivendell, he may use a Lair Action to summon an a short or long rest.
Elf-Lord (Loremaster’s Guide, page 77) to aid him. The Elf- Reaction
Lord arrives at the end of Elrond’s next turn.
Foresight. Elrond is gifted with the ability to perceive
Legendary. Elrond may take two legendary actions each
much that is hidden from others. He may use his reaction
turn. Each legendary action allows him to either use his
to add 4 to his AC against one melee attack that would hit
Foresight ability without using his reaction, attack with
him. He does not need to see the attacker.
his Spear of the Last Alliance or use his Hands of the
Healer ability.

When Celebrían said her last farewell to Imladris, Elrond Elrond doesn’t leave the valley of Rivendell often, as he
saw in her eyes the fate of the Elder Kindred still dwelling has many duties to attend. However, he is likely to be well
in Middle-earth – to fade, or depart. From that day, Elrond informed about his visitors and perhaps knows more of
has redoubled his efforts in guiding others, providing their errand than even they do…
advice and refuge to those who are lost, and attempting
always to heal the hurts of the world at the best of his Motivation: I am one of the guardians of Middle-earth
powers. and I lay upon myself the solemn oath of aiding all who
would protect it from the Shadow.
Meeting the Master of the Last Homely House
The Lore-master of Imladris appears as neither old nor Expectations: +1 if the Company brings news to Imladris
young. In his countenance is combined the wisdom of – Elrond knows much but is always happy to learn more;
a king and the vigour of a strong warrior. He wears a +2 if the heroes have a member or ally of the White Council
circlet of silver upon his dark hair, and in his eyes are the as a Patron; -1 if they ask Elrond to make decisions on
memories of years uncounted. their behalf – he is a counsellor and lore-master but not a
leader of Men.
When at home, Elrond can often be encountered in the
eastern porch, discussing important matters with a guest, Elrond as a Patron
or playing an ancient tune on his silver harp in the Hall Since the founding of Imladris, Elrond has been preparing
of Fire. for the coming war. He was there when Isildur failed

14
 Imladris

to destroy Sauron once and for all, and he has been Arwen Undómiel
expecting the return of the Shadow ever since. He is one of Young she was and yet not so. The braids of her dark hair
Sauron’s chief foes, and he has the gift of foresight. If the were touched by no frost; her white arms and clear face were
companions go to Elrond for advice, he will help them in flawless and smooth, and the light of stars was in her bright
a measure that is proportioned to their willingness to fight eyes, grey as a cloudless night; yet queenly she looked, and
the Enemy. thought and knowledge were in her glance, as of one who has
known many things that the years bring.
Whoever has been granted access to Rivendell may meet
Elrond, but he has no time for idle talk – someone who Arwen is the daughter of Elrond, a kinship that her looks
entered the valley for nothing more than expedience will betray so evidently that whoever sets his eyes on her
find that Elrond doesn’t entertain guests indefinitely. can guess it. Her mother was Celebrían, the daughter of
Galadriel and Celeborn of Lórien.
Conversely, if he deems an appeal to be of appropriate
consequence, he will take action, either granting refuge
or direct help. Elrond is a master of healing and one of
the Wise of Middle-earth, and in his household are Elven-
lords of great power.

Vilya, the Ring of Air

Elrond is the guardian of Vilya, one of the three
Rings of Power created by Celebrimbor of Eregion.
The Ring of Air was entrusted to his keeping by Gil-
galad, the High King of Lindon, and Elrond has kept
it hidden and untouched for centuries. For as long as
the Ruling Ring was in the hand of the Dark Lord
Sauron, the Elven Rings were under his dominion.

In the days of Isildur, the One Ring finally passed out

of all knowledge. The Three were released from the
grasp of the Shadow, and Elrond began using the Blue
Ring for the safety of the sanctuary of Rivendell and
the preservation of its patrimony of peace and ancient
wisdom. Thanks to the judgement of Master Elrond
and the power of the Ring, Imladris is unconquered to
this day, an untroubled island amidst many perils.

If you have expanded your vision of Middle-earth with

OGL spells, then amid its powers it allows the wielder
to cast any abjuration, divination or illusion spell
listed on page 145 of the Loremaster’s Guide. These
spells are cast as rituals (even if the spell does not have
the ritual tag Vilya allows it to be cast as a ritual).

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 Rivendell Region Guide

Dark of hair, Arwen has the bearing of a queen, and a Glorfindel

beauty that can be only that of someone who belongs to the Glorfindel was tall and straight; his hair was of shining
Fair Folk: young, and yet betraying the wisdom accumulated gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy;
in many years. Those who have seen her and who are his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on
wise in Elven-lore say that in the daughter of Elrond lives his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength.
the likeness of Lúthien, the Nightingale of Doriath, whose
beauty was said to be as the dawn in spring. Glorfindel is an Elf-lord of a house of princes. He sits at
the right hand of Elrond, and is his chosen lieutenant and
Arwen was born in Rivendell, and she has spent much of herald. He has fought in all the wars that have seen the
her life in the land of her father, but she often leaves to involvement of the House of Imladris. He was at the Battle
go and visit her mother’s folk in Lórien, on the other side of Fornost leading the forces of Rivendell, and faced the
of the Misty Mountains. When she travels, she is always Witch-king of Angmar on the field. For indeed he is one
escorted by her brothers, Elladan and Elrohir. When she of the mighty of the Firstborn, Elven-wise and possessing
is in Rivendell she can be seen sitting at her father’s table, a power to withstand the might of Sauron’s most terrible
or walking in the surrounding gardens. servants.

Motivation: The Shadow grows darker with every passing

year, and the peoples of Middle-earth are estranged. I seek
for the hope that will unite them again.

Expectations: +1 if the heroes bring news of the defeat

of the Enemy’s agents or an alliance between the Free
Peoples; +1 if the heroes have one or more Dúnedain
among the Company, Arwen honours the kinship between
the leaders of the Rangers and the household of Imladris;
-2 if the heroes do not have the proper reverence for the
Gift of Men (if they dishonour the dead or show jealousy
of the First-born).

Seeing Arwen
Arwen turned towards him, and the light of her eyes
fell on him from afar and pierced his heart.

Mortal companions who see Arwen for the first time

have never seen nor imagined that such grace could be
found in a living thing. To behold her strengthens the
heart, as it confirms that there is still much in Middle-
earth that is fair, and that it is worth fighting for. But it is not his fate to go and seek out the Enemy: Glorfindel
is the appointed defender of the valley of Imladris, bound
When heroes see Arwen for the first time, they receive to protect at all costs the secrecy of the House of Elrond
Inspiration immediately. Also, they can remember and the safety of all those who dwell there. For this reason,
the wisdom behind Undómiel’s eyes and once during Glorfindel does not leave Rivendell lightly, but only on
the following Adventuring phase gain Inspiration errands of the utmost importance. He leaves the patrolling
automatically. of the lands outside Rivendell to the Rangers of the North
and to the sons of Elrond.

16
 Imladris

When sent out of Rivendell on a mission Glorfindel rides

alone, on a great white horse named Asfaloth. A magnificent
beast, Asfaloth can ride faster than any horse, and obeys Asfaloth
all commands imparted to him by Glorfindel. He may be Large Beast (Destrier)
told to carry a rider to a destination, whether the rider STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
knows the way there or not, and to keep them safely on his 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 8 (-1) 12 (+1) 9 (-1)
back, regardless of how fast they are riding. Armour Class 12
Hit Points 45 (6d10+12)
Speed 70 ft
Senses passive Perception 11
Glorfindel Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Medium Elf
Trained Warhorse. In addition to the normal actions
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA of a controlled mount, a rider may instruct Asfaloth to
18 (+4) 16 (+3) 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) Charge or Attack with his Hooves.
Armour Class 18 (Elven-mail, Shield) Elven Steed. If a rider is forced to make any saving
Hit Points 171 (18d8+90) throw while mounted on Asfaloth, they automatically
Speed 30 ft have Advantage on that saving throw. If Asfaloth is
Saving Throws Dexterity +8, Constitution +10 uncontrolled he will still follow the instructions of
Skills Athletics +9, History +8, Perception +9, Glorfindel.
Performance +7, Shadow-lore +8 Trample. If Asfaloth moves at least 20 feet straight
Senses passive Perception 19 towards a creature and then successfully strikes that
Languages Quenya, Sindarin, Westron creature with his Hooves then the target must make a
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP) DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked Prone. If the
target is knocked Prone then Asfaloth may use his bonus
Elven-mail. Glorfindel wears a shirt of mail that was
action to make another Hooves attack.
forged in Gondolin, for the wars of another Age.
Protector of Imladris (Lair Action). If Glorfindel is Actions
within sight of Rivendell, he may regain 10 (3d6) hit points Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft, one
as a lair action. target. Hit: 11 (2d6+4) bludgeoning damage. If Asfaloth
Legendary. Glorfindel may take two legendary actions bears a rider when he attacks, the rider must make a DC
each turn. Each legendary action allows him to either use 5 Dexterity saving throw to remain mounted.
either his Parry or Light of the Blessed Realm abilities Charge. When Asfaloth takes this action, he gains
without using his reaction or attack with his Sword of the additional movement equal to his speed. He must expend
Eldar. all of his movement this round. A rider that takes the
Actions Attack action this turn gains +4 to their damage rolls.
Multiattack. Glorfindel can make three attacks with his
Sword of the Eldar.
Sword of the Eldar. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit,
reach 5 ft, one target. Hit: 11 (1d8+7) magical slashing
damage or 12 (1d10+7) magical slashing damage if
Erestor
wielded with two hands. Erestor is probably the most prominent individual in
Reaction the household of Elrond, second only to Glorfindel.
He is counted among the wise, and he is the chief of
Hallowed Servant. When Glorfindel would be reduced
to 0 hit points by a damage source, he may use his Elrond’s personal counsellors. He is also a scribe and an
reaction to add 21 (6d6) temporary hit points. illuminator of manuscripts – many books and parchments
Light of the Blessed Realm. Within Glorfindel resides kept in Rivendell have been written and decorated by the
the power to defy the servants of the Enemy. When an skilled hand of Erestor.
enemy uses an ability that requires an action he may use
his reaction to negate that ability.
Parry. Glorfindel adds 5 to his AC against one melee
But his cunning is not limited to that. In a small building
attack that would hit him. To do so, he must see the filled with glass vessels of many shapes and sizes, Erestor
attacker and be wielding a melee weapon. prepares miruvor, the precious cordial of Imladris. The
wise Elf distils it using more than one hundred herbs and

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 Rivendell Region Guide

plants, in a formula known only to himself. The counsellor

of Elrond leaves the House of his Master twice a year for
several days, when he goes about the mountain dales to Erestor’s Travelling Cordial
search for the ingredients he needs. As soon as Frodo had swallowed a little of the warm
and fragrant liquor he felt a new strength of heart,
and the heavy drowsiness left his limbs.

If the company is leaving Rivendell to embark on

a mission considered by Elrond to be a matter of
great importance, it is possible that the guide of the
fellowship will be entrusted with a flask of travelling
cordial. Generally, a flask contains enough Miruvor
for about thirty sips. Heroes may sip from the flask
once a day (taking more than that does not have any
additional beneficial effect). A sip removes 1d4 levels
of Exhaustion and returns 1 Hit Die to the hero.
See page 139 of the Adventures in Middle-earth
Loremaster’s Guide for more information.

Erestor’s Medicinal Tonic

"You will soon be sound again. Elrond has cured you: he
has tended you for days, ever since you were brought in."
Actually, Erestor concocts several types of Miruvor, and
is always eager to experiment with new substances and Erestor’s tonic is a strong, aromatic liquor, both
processes. The most popular is his travelling cordial, pungent and sweet in taste. Master Elrond uses it to
a strong liquor to be drunk in small sips and known to prepare different warm concoctions, to be drank by
invigorate the heart, body and spirit. those he is assisting. Sometimes, he serves it straight,
in a small glass, as it helps greatly in relieve the pain
Another is a medicinal tonic used by Elrond when his of the wounded.
skills as a healer are required. This version of the cordial
requires a more complex preparation, and a much longer Companions that take a sip of the tonic whilst taking
ageing time. Another simpler version of the drink is a less a short rest double the effectiveness of the first Hit
potent spirit, served at the high table in the Great Hall at Die they spend during that rest. Roll the die, add your
the end of most meals. Constitution modifier and then double that result.

Some among the Elves of Rivendell say that all versions of A companion that is given the tonic while by treated by
the cordial of Imladris share a fundamental constituent: another character during a long rest not only recovers
a small measure of a nectar distilled of old from flowers all of their hit points but can either recover all of their
that once blossomed in the Undying West. This is said to Hit Dice (instead of half) or remove a condition. If the
be a bright yellow liquid contained in a crystal vial, kept hero is being tended to by Elrond, he may grant both
safe in Erestor’s most private reserve. It would be a great benefits in a single long rest.
misfortune if the invaluable substance would run out and
found to be irreplaceable, or be lost or stolen.

18
 Imladris

Lindir and charcoal needed for the production of finer steel is

Lindir is the seneschal of Elrond, entrusted with the made in the nearby woods all year round.
stewardship of his household. He is certainly the most
familiar face to all those who enter the valley, as he is The smithy is the house of Damron, one of the last of the
usually the first individual they encounter on their arrival, Elven-wrights of Eregion. He was an apprentice at the time
and the last one they see upon leaving. Lindir seems to of the destruction of that land, and he was brought out of
possess the uncanny ability to be found wherever his help the city of Ost-in-Edhil by Elrond himself, who carried his
is required, and whenever he is looked for. badly burned body for many miles. His body and spirit
alike still bear the scars of that time of war and strife.

For centuries Damron could not forget the ruin of all the
wonderful things that the Elves and the Dwarves created
in Eregion and in Khazad-dûm, nor could he forgive. At
the time of the Last Alliance, his thirst for vengeance drove
him to spoil this part of the valley of Imladris of all trees;
under his command, the Elven weaponsmiths burned
them all to fuel their forges, as they laboured to arm the
host of Gil-galad and Elendil.

Guests who think that Lindir is just the butler of the house
should think again, though – the soft-spoken Elf is among
Elrond’s most trusted friends and his personal squire in
times of war. He used to leave Imladris on errands and
missions, but has refrained from doing so since the Lady
Celebrían was seized by Orcs in the Redhorn Pass and he
failed to rescue her before she was harmed by her captors.

When he is not attending to his services, Lindir dedicates

himself to the construction and perfection of musical
instruments. Probably the most accomplished luthier east
of the Sea, Lindir also possesses a most musical voice,
but he is not easily persuaded to sing in the presence of In the year 2951, a deep change seems to have been
listeners. brought upon him. This occurred when the young man
known as Estel reached the age of twenty and his true
Damron, the Elven-smith name and ancestry were finally revealed to him. Damron
To the north of the House of Elrond is a wide clearing was previously charged with the keeping of the shards of
dominated by a waterfall, where a mountain stream the great sword Narsil, and he was the one who presented
crashes down a high rock wall. Here, three water wheels them to Aragorn, as a token of his identity as the true Heir
operate the bellows and trip-hammers of a large smithy, of Isildur.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

No one knows what Aragorn told Damron upon receiving Their father often sends Elladan and Elrohir together
the precious heirloom, but the young man seemed out upon errantry, on great scouting journeys or as
transfixed as he uttered a few words to the Elven-smith. messengers to distant lands, as they are hardy travellers,
Since that day, Damron has devoted himself to the art and have a deep knowledge of the lands on both sides of the
of mending and restoring ancient devices and weapons, Misty Mountains. The young boy Estel was often sent with
abandoning all other pursuits. them far afield, even before he turned twenty, to temper his
character and teach him the ways of the wild.
The Elf-lords of Rivendell
"And Elves, sir! Elves here, and Elves there! Some like kings,
terrible and splendid; and some as merry as children." Elrohir
Medium Elf
Many High Elves live in the House of Elrond. Among them STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
are powerful Lords who have fought in many wars in the 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 17 (+3) 15 (+2) 14 (+2)
West of the World, and who are now weary of battle and Armour Class 17 (Leather Corslet, Shield)
seek only what peace Middle-earth has to offer them; Hit Points 85 (10d8+40)
others are lore-masters and craftsmen, who study ancient Speed 30 ft
texts or labour tirelessly at the forge; others more are Saving Throws Dexterity +6, Wisdom +5
minstrels, who compose songs and tales about faraway Skills Animal Handling +5, Perception +5, Survival +5,
lands and the deeds of the heroes of old. Riddle +6
Senses passive Perception 15
Languages Quenya, Sindarin, Westron
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Hatred (Orc-kind) (Recharge 3-6). Elrohir remembers
the terrible fate that Orc-kind inflicted upon his mother.
He will use his bonus action to gain Advantage on attacks
against them this round.
Hawk’s Eye (Recharge 3-6). Elrohir can use his bonus
action to negate Disadvantage due to being at long range
for this turn.
Many Long Leagues. If Elrohir is with the Company on a
journey then a companion can spend Inspiration to allow
a long rest. This ability can only be used once per journey.
Actions
Multiattack: Elrohir can make two attacks with either his
Long Sword or his Great Bow.
Long Sword: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft,
one target. Hit: 9 (1d8+5) slashing damage or 10 (1d10+5)
slashing damage if used with two hands.
Great Bow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range
150/600 ft, one target. Hit: 7 (1d8+3) piercing damage.
Reaction
Uncanny Dodge. If Elrohir can see an attacker that has
The sons of Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir, are counted
struck him, he may use his reaction to halve that attack’s
among the Elf-lords of Rivendell. Twin warriors in the full damage.
of their strength, they are dark-haired and grey-eyed like
their father, and said to be so much alike that only those
who know them well can tell them apart. Ever eager to
fight the shadow, their enthusiasm has turned to vengeful
fervor since when Celebrían their mother was made
prisoner by the Orcs.

20
 Imladris

The White Council met for the first time in Rivendell in the
year 2463. There, the Wise discussed the growing threat of
Elladan Dol Guldur. Círdan the Shipwright was also in attendance,
Medium Elf as well as the Master of Imladris, Elrond Halfelven.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Though Gandalf the Grey was voted to be the head of the
16 (+3) 20 (+5) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 17 (+3) 13 (+1)
council, he declined the obligation and the charge was
Armour Class 17 (Leather Corslet) given instead to Saruman the White. The council long
Hit Points 85 (10d8+40)
discussed the malice of Sauron, a shadow still lingering in
Speed 30 ft
Middle-earth, his defeat notwithstanding, and what could
Saving Throws Dexterity +8, Wisdom +6
be the cause of the darkness rising in Mirkwood. In the
Skills Athletics +6, History +5, Perception +9,
Traditions +5 end, it was deemed necessary that each member of the
Senses passive Perception 19 council should go back into the world with a vigilant eye
Languages Quenya, Sindarin, Westron and a silent tongue; the Wise feared that if they gathered
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) too openly or too often, then the Enemy would take notice
Hatred (Orc-kind) (Recharge 3-6). Elladan will never and waylay their efforts.
forget his mother’s suffering at the hands of Orc-kind. He
will use his bonus action to gain Advantage on attacks
Though a long time would pass until the next formal
against them this round.
Hunter. Elladan gains +3 to all of his Perception checks
meeting of the White Council, they maintained contact
(included above). with one another, as each individually set about hindering
Well-travelled. If Elladan is with the Company and they the efforts of the growing shadow. In 2850 Gandalf the
are travelling in Eastern Eriador or the Western Vales then Grey took it upon himself to discover the truth behind
the Guide rolls 1d8+4 for the Embarkation Roll. Dol Guldur and its mysterious Necromancer. He found
Actions his darkest fears to be true; the Necromancer was none
Multiattack: Elladan can make two attacks with either other than the Dark Lord himself, Sauron. His spirit had
his Broadsword or his Great Bow. endured and his power was growing.
Broadsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft,
one target. Hit: 9 (1d8+3) slashing damage.
Great Bow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range
Desperately concerned, the next year Gandalf bid that
150/600 ft, one target. Hit: 9 (1d8+5) piercing damage. those still dedicated to the cause of the Free Peoples must
Reaction assemble once more. Saruman counselled against this,
Parry. Elladan adds 3 to his AC against one melee attack fearing the watch of Sauron and his growing power. He
that would hit him. To do so, he must see the attacker and believed secrecy was the council’s greatest strength, to be
be wielding a melee weapon. surrendered only at the utmost of needs. But Saruman’s
concerns went unheeded, much to his displeasure, and the
White Council met again in Imladris that spring. Gandalf
asked the assembly to strike at Dol Guldur, stronghold of
The White Council the Necromancer, now known to be Sauron.
"It was I who first summoned the White Council. And if my
designs had not gone amiss, it would have been governed by He told of the blight that had taken hold in Mirkwood
Gandalf the Grey…" and feared that if they did not act soon, then Sauron’s
power would grow too great for even the council itself
It was in the waning years of the Third Age that Galadriel to intervene. Though others considered the wisdom of
of Lórien called for a gathering of the Wise and powerful, his words, it was Saruman, acting as head of the White
a congregation later known as the White Council. Its Council, who judged such a thing unwise. Crying for
members included the Lady of the Galadhrim herself, her patience and wisdom, Saruman convinced those gathered
husband Celeborn, and the mysterious Wizards Gandalf to maintain their secrecy: the White Wizard confided
and Saruman – though it is said that others counted to his allies that he had been studying tomes and texts
among the Wise had been part of it since the beginning. concerning the Enemy.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

With the Ruling Ring lost to knowledge, Saruman said, is also true: proud chieftains and rulers who resent the
there was little fear that Sauron could truly threaten meddling of Wizards and ‘Elven sorcerers’ might leave
Middle-earth again, and he believed that Gandalf’s heroes on a mission waiting at their doors…
“fearmongering” had clouded his judgement – along with
his acquired passion for Galenas, the sweet leaf of the ‘Agents’ of the White Council
Halflings. While it is unlikely that the companions would be made
aware that they are acting directly on behalf of a council
In 2941, Gandalf once again urged the White Council to member, particularly trusted individuals might be aware
strike at Dol Guldur. In the intervening years, more and of whom they serve. In most cases, their goals would seem
more Men had returned to Wilderland and he saw a true and noble, but it might not always be so. If the player-
chance that the North could prosper if the Necromancer heroes were acting in the service of Saruman, for example,
was dealt with. This time, to Gandalf’s surprise, Saruman they might be unwitting pawns in his attempts to discover
agreed. Before autumn of that year the White Council the location of the One Ring or even hide the truth of its
and a few select allies stormed Dol Guldur and the Dark evidence from other council members.
Lord was forced to flee before them; he abandoned his
stronghold, but remained undefeated. Indeed, Saruman once called himself “Ring-maker,” and
characters who are active late in the Third Age might be
Ten years later the Dark Lord Sauron declared himself sent on errands retrieving the necessary materials and
openly. He had returned to the tower of Barad-dûr and ancient lore so that he can craft a ring of his own to rival
had begun rebuilding a great and terrible army. In the One Ring.
response to this, the White Council met one last time in
the year 2953. Saruman tried to convince the other Wise
that even though the Dark Lord had revealed himself after
centuries, he had no true power. Without the Ruling Ring, things to do while in
Sauron could do no lasting harm to Middle-earth, and
Saruman claimed that he had learned that the One Ring - Rivendell -
had been lost to the sea, when it slipped from Isildur’s
finger and was washed down the Anduin River. Gandalf Merely to be there was a cure for weariness,
the Grey was not so certain… fear, and sadness.

The White Council as a Patron Bilbo once described Rivendell as ‘a perfect house, whether
Any member of the White Council might serve as a patron you like food or sleep or story-telling or singing, or just
to a company of adventurers, as the Wise will easily find sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them
a worthy (and dangerous!) endeavour for heroes eager all’. So it will be with your Company, for once welcomed
to fight the darkness. In addition to Elrond, Galadriel, into the House of Elrond, they too will find it a Sanctuary
Gandalf and Saruman, there are a number of other proof against all the troubles of the world.
personalities who may be considered to have attended one
or more of their meetings. As one of the Wizards, Radagast
the Brown is a likely candidate, as well as powerful Elf- Staying at
lords such as Círdan the Shipwright, Celeborn of Lórien the Last Homely House
or even Thranduil, the Elvenking.
"You are in Rivendell, and you need not worry about
The first consequence of being on a mission sponsored by anything for the present."
a council member is that the Company gains special credit
to the eyes of all its other members, and to those of all Adventurers come to Rivendell to rest and find counsel,
the Free Peoples leaders who recognise and appreciate the and leave their fear and anxiety behind. Who chooses to
efforts of the White Council. Unfortunately, the opposite stay here learns what it means to treasure every season

22
 Imladris

and every passing day, and would gladly stop here for New Fellowship Phase
ever and ever. Such is the enchantment of the valley of
Imladris.
Undertakings
The hall of Elrond’s house was filled with folk: Elves for
Effects on Shadow the most part, though there were a few guests of other sorts.
For as long as they remain in Rivendell, all companions are
considered to have a score of 0 Shadow points (including Here follow several new additional Fellowship phase
permanent Shadow). When they leave the house of Elrond, undertakings. A number of them can be chosen exclusively
they soon start to again feel the burden of their sorrows, by companions who gained access to Imladris and are
and their Shadow score reverts to normal in a few days. spending a Fellowship phase there; others can be used
elsewhere too. More Fellowship phase undertakings
Additionally, players should note that companions linked to locations outside of the valley of Imladris are
spending a Fellowship phase in Rivendell may choose the described in the Beyond Rivendell chapter.
Heal Corruption undertaking and make two checks instead
of one. Both checks remove Shadow points according to the Go See a Lore-master
rules on page 201 of the Player’s Guide. For High Elves this "These are not of troll-make. They are old swords, very old
counts as only one undertaking and thus they gain only 1 swords of the High Elves of the West, my kin. They were
permanent Shadow point. made in Gondolin for the Goblin-wars."

Recovery When a hero explores a forgotten hoard and discovers a

Ailing heroes who rest in Imladris do not stay sick for long. strange ring, a magical blade or a coat of mail, he is unlikely
A companion that undertakes recovery at the Last Homely to know much about it. A character spending a Fellowship
not only removes all Exhaustion levels and regains all hit phase in Rivendell (or in another place where a Lore-master
points and Hit Dice but also removes all conditions (with dwells) may choose this undertaking to learn what there
the exception of Miserable). is to be learnt about the item, its origins and history, and
possibly its name and the identity of its maker.
Effects on Experience
Time seems to run at a strange pace in the valley of Additionally, the Lore-master is able to unveil some
Imladris. Heroes who stay there forget their worries specific features of the item. In the case of a Wondrous
and concerns, but also risk neglecting their duties and Artefact, its Blessings are revealed (see page 127 of the
responsibilities. Loremaster’s Guide ). In the case of a Legendary Weapon
or Armour, the companion gets to discover any Banes and
During the Adventuring phase, at the end of a session the nature of the next hidden Quality of the item (but that
of play, if a companion spent any time in Rivendell she Quality will still need to be activated to be used, see page
cannot advance in level until she spends a session’s worth 134 of the Loremaster’s Guide ). It is not possible to bring
of play outside of the valley. the same item to the attention of the same Lore-master
more than once.
Hiding from the Eye
If the company spends a Fellowship phase in Rivendell, Open Rivendell as a Sanctuary
the companions see their starting Hunt score for their next If a company has entered Rivendell during an Adventuring
Adventuring phase lowered by a number of points based phase, the heroes may gain permission to spend a first
on the length of their stay in the House of Elrond (See The Fellowship phase there. If they wish to return, they must
Eye of Mordor on page 110). all choose the Open Sanctuary undertaking and thus be
accepted as regular guests by Elrond.
If the company spends a Fellowship phase in Imladris
they lower their starting Hunt score by 1 point, or by 2 Companions who have opened Rivendell as a sanctuary
points if the Fellowship phase lasted a season or more. find their way there with a DC 15 Wisdom (Survival)

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 Rivendell Region Guide

check, regardless of the composition of the company (see 7-12: Useful Information. The Loremaster must provide
Finding Rivendell, on page 7). at least one useful element of information about your
subject.
Receive Title (Friend of Elrond)
A hero who has caught the eye of Master Elrond because 13-15: Precious Information. The Loremaster must
of his actions, or even potential capabilities, may — with provide two useful elements of information about the
the Loremaster’s permission — choose this undertaking researched subject.
and secure his connection with the Last Homely House.
16-17: A Mystery Revealed. You have uncovered
The companion receives all the normal benefits something substantial — the Loremaster must provide two
connected to the Receive Title undertaking described on useful elements of information. Furthermore, once in the
page 201 of the Player’s Guide, here briefly summarised: next Adventuring phase you can recall your time spent
The companion is regarded as two steps higher than the amidst the lore of Elrond to gain Inspiration.
Cultural Attitude Chart would indicate. A Friend of Elrond
is granted permanently a room on the upper floor of the 18-19: Great Secrets. You have discovered everything
Last Homely House, and a special place at his table. Any that was possible to find about your subject in the place
monetary benefits they collect due to their Title usually that you have been making your research. During the next
come in the form of fine gifts from the Elves rather than Adventuring phase, the first time you are called to make an
ready coin. Intelligence check, you can spend Inspiration to use your
knowledge gained here to succeed, as if you had rolled
Researching Lore in the House of Elrond exactly what was needed. If no result on the die would
…they pondered the storied and figured maps and books of generate a success, you cannot use this benefit.
lore that were in the house of Elrond.
20: Favourable Information. You may either select A
If a companion is spending the Fellowship phase in Mystery Revealed, or roll again with Advantage.
Rivendell, he may profit from the wealth of lore it guards.
When a hero chooses this undertaking, he first specifies There and Back Again
the subject he is researching (a place, an individual, a One autumn evening some years afterwards Bilbo was
historical event); then, he makes a DC 15 Intelligence sitting in his study writing his memoirs – he thought of
(History, Lore, Nature or Riddle) check. If this check is calling them "There and Back Again, a Hobbit’s Holiday".
failed, the companion rolls on the following listing with
Disadvantage. If Elrond is a patron of the Company, the If a hero returns home for a Fellowship phase and spends
hero receives Advantage for the roll. an entire season or more without going on adventures, he
may choose this undertaking to dedicate himself fully to
1: Wasted Time. There is no evil in the Last Homely his family and folk.
House, but a curious mind runs a different risk: you have
fallen prey of the enchantment of Rivendell, and have Spending time in front of a cozy hearth, while enjoying an
spent many days and evenings listening to the Elves telling everyday life confirms a hero that his efforts are not spent
their tales of the distant past, listening to their fair music, in vain: in the next Adventuring phase the companion can
and sometimes sleeping in a corner in the Hall of Fire! grant himself Inspiration a number of times equal to half
Unfortunately, you completely forgot about the topic you his Proficiency Bonus, rounded up.
were researching…
But staying close to one’s family and friends bitterly
2-6: Nothing Useful. You have spent days and nights reminds an adventurer of what he is going to lose should
pouring over dusty books and crumbling parchments. If he fall in his struggle against the Shadow: the companion
this is the first time you’ve received this result, you may gains 1 permanent Shadow point.
roll again, this time with Disadvantage.

24
 Imladris

A companion who is lucky enough to be able to return

multiple pieces of war-gear to his folk may visit the
Friend of Elrond treasury more than once (in separate Fellowship phases).
A character who is a Friend of Elrond (see page 25) and
is staying in Rivendell is allowed to choose the There and Write a Song
Back Again undertaking as if he returned home. "That is a song," he said, "in the mode that is called ann-
thennath among the Elves…"

The folks of Middle-earth compose songs to remember

Visit the Treasury of your Folk things that are fair, and to celebrate life. A companion
… his coat of marvellous mail, the gift of the Dwarves may choose this undertaking during a Fellowship phase
from the Dragon-hoard, he lent to a museum, to the Michel to compose a song.
Delving Mathom-house in fact.
To write a song, a hero must make a Charisma
When heroes find magical weapons or armour, they (Performance) check. The DC is 17 unless the composer
will probably add it to their equipment, replacing their is writing his song while in Rivendell or possesses the
previous favourite blade or coat of mail. When this Minstrelsy trait, in which case the check is DC 15.
happens, companions may return home for a Fellowship
phase and leave an item of unusual worth in the safe- The difficulty can be further modified by choosing one of
keeping of their folk. the modes listed below. Note that Traditional and Thematic
can be combined whilst Elvish compositions stand alone.
Companions returning a Cultural Heirloom they
previously were entrusted with are honouring their The hero’s success at the composition check determines
community by allowing a future hero to bear that the difficulty of performing the song. A basic success
item. The next time the Company has an Audience means DC 15, succeeding by 5 or more awards DC 13,
with any member of that culture they are considered to and result of 20 on the composition check grants DC 10
automatically succeed at the Introduction Check and to perform the song. If the roll failed, the composer has
gain Advantage on the Final Audience Check. struggled to find the right words or melody and will have
to try again at another time.
If a hero is able to present a Legendary Weapon or
Armour to the treasury of his folk then such a gift is of Add each new song to a Company’s list of songs. Such a list
immeasurable value. The hero will be fêted and the leaders is used to keep track of which compositions are available
of the community will spend long hours hearing the to the companions to sing during an Adventuring phase
hero’s story and honouring their accomplishments. The (see Singing Songs on page 26). Each song entry in the list
hero receives Experience Points based on their Proficiency must indicate the song’s difficulty (TN), and whether a
Bonus, using the following chart. composition is Thematic, Traditional (and which culture),
or Elvish.

Proficiency Bonus XP Award Traditional (-2 DC to compose)

+2 450 The words, subject or tune of the new song are based off an
+3 1150
ancient melody or theme that is familiar to the members
of a particular folk.
+4 2250
+5 4050
Other folks struggle to appreciate it, and thus find it
+6 6350
harder to sing it: companions not sharing the culture of
the songwriter have Disadvantage on their Performance
checks.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

song may be employed twice during each Adventuring

phase (where other songs may be used only once, see
Singing Songs below). Note that an Elvish song cannot be
Traditional nor Thematic.

Singing Songs
"It is a fair tale, though it is sad, as are all the tales
of Middle-earth, and yet it may lift up your hearts."
He was silent for some time, and then he began not to
speak but to chant softly…

During an Adventuring phase, the companions may

choose to sing a song to reinforce their mutual bond of
friendship and inspire themselves to pursue their goals
with renewed strength of purpose.

First, the companions choose a song to sing among

those on their song list. Then, all companions may
make a Charisma (Performance) check (the result of
the composition check determines the DC to perform
it). Heroes proficient with a musical instrument can
instead use that tool.

Each successful check grants the Company a Fellowship

die, a d4. Fellowship dice are held in common by the
Company, in a ‘pool’ of dice. Whenever a member
of the Company makes an ability check, attack roll
or saving throw the hero may use one Fellowship die
and add it to the result. Once used, a Fellowship die is
Thematic (-2 DC to compose) removed from the pool. Unused Fellowship dice are lost
The song celebrates a particular activity, and can be at the end of the Adventuring phase.
employed only under very specific circumstances: the song
cannot be sung to effectiveness, unless such conditions Use of Fellowship dice is governed by group consensus.
apply. A Player-hero that wishes to use a Fellowship die over
the objections of their companions may do so, but the
Examples of thematic compositions include: walking- hero receives a Shadow point as well.
songs, supper-songs, bed-songs, rain-songs, bath-songs,
drinking-songs, songs of lamentation, songs of victory, Each song may be employed by the Company once
forging-songs, mining-songs, etc. for each Adventuring phase (twice if it is an Elvish
song): mark a song off the list once it has been spent.
Elvish (+2 DC to compose) A song must be marked off whether it has been used
The companion creates a song using or imitating an Elven successfully or not.
mode of composition. The result is a tune or rhyme that
is particularly uplifting to anyone who hears it. An Elvish

26
 A History of Eriador

beginning their defences held and the Dúnedain were able

a History of to push back the attackers, Anárion and Isildur were aware

- eriador - that their new realm alone would not hold against Mordor’s
power forever. So, Isildur travelled north to his father in
Arnor while Anárion led the war effort in the South.

The Realm of Arnor Elendil took counsel with Gil-galad and together they
In the late years of Númenor its kings became haughty formed the Last Alliance of Elves and Men in the year 3430.
and proud. In their arrogance they took the Dark Lord After three years of preparing their forces, the combined
prisoner, to prove they were truly the greatest power in the host of Arnor and Lindon crossed the Hithaeglir (Misty
world. This was to be their undoing, as the Enemy deceived Mountains) over many passes. They marched down the
them into attacking the Powers in the West. In a great Anduin Vales, where they were joined by numerous allies,
cataclysm Númenor was destroyed, but those who had and finally met the Enemy over the plain of Dagorlad.
remained faithful escaped the destruction in nine ships. The battle was long and terrible, but in the end the Free
Elendil the Tall was their lord and with four ships he landed Peoples were victorious, and they advanced into the Black
in northwestern Middle-earth, where he was greeted and Land to lay siege to the Dark Tower itself.
welcomed by Gil-galad, the High King of the Noldor.

Shortly after their arrival, the exiles undertook great

works, founding the realm of Arnor in the year 3319 of the
Second Age. It encompassed almost all of Eriador between
the rivers Lhûn (Lune) and Gwathló (Greyflood). In many
places the Men of the West settled and built, raising the
cities of Annúminas and Fornost, as well as the tower of
Amon Sûl. Amidst the grief that accompanied the loss of
their beloved homeland, they thought that the Downfall
had brought one single good: that Sauron had been
destroyed as well and his threat ended forever.

Thus Elendil and his people established their rule

on Eriador. They reigned over the loyal settlers from
Westernesse that came to these shores before them,
and over the populous local folk that dwelt in that land,
previously the theatre of the squabbles of petty lords,
vying with each other for power. The first years of Arnor
were full of toil, but their great endeavours helped them to
leave behind the loss of Númenor, and a new generation
was born that called this land their home – even if it
was in exile. For a hundred years the followers of Elendil
prospered in the North, always in close friendship with
the Elven-folk of the High King in Lindon.
This alliance kept the Dark Lord confined in his fortress for
In the year 3429 of the Second Age, the exiles discovered seven years, until, in a last gamble, Sauron himself came
that the Enemy had survived the cataclysm of Númenor. forth and challenged the leaders of the allegiance upon
Orodruin (Mount Doom) burst into flames and Sauron the slopes of Orodruin. There, Elendil fell together with
attacked Gondor, the southern realm held by the sons Gil-galad, but Isildur cut the Ruling Ring from Sauron’s
of Elendil, taking that land by surprise. While in the hand and the Enemy was defeated.

27
 Rivendell Region Guide

In the aftermath of the battle, Isildur became the High But the division of Arnor was not without consequences.
King of the Númenóreans in Exile and marched out to take In Cardolan and Rhudaur the lords who supported the
his residence in the North. But on his way to Rivendell, younger sons of Eärendur requested and obtained many
his company was attacked near the forest of Mirkwood privileges in return for their help, and this weakened the
and everyone was killed, including the King and his three authority of the kings of those lands since the beginning.
elder sons. Thus began the line of the Kings of Arnor with The king of Rhudaur had to concede much to the local
Valandil, the fourth son of Isildur. aristocracy, and that led to the independence of the
indigenous Hill-men in the northernmost reaches of his
The Third Age domain.
It is said that the birth of the realm of Arnor was tainted
by the death of Isildur. In the North, the Tale of Years does The Rise of Angmar
not record any great deeds, unlike that of Gondor in the The first few centuries following the founding of the
South. The losses that the Dúnedain of Arnor suffered successor kingdoms saw a peaceful co-existence between
during the war contributed to this stagnation, but this lack the three realms, but from the year 1000 of the Third Age
of relevance is owed more to the position of the Northern a number of petty wars were fought for the control of the
Kingdom: in the west it bordered on the land of the Eldar, fortress of Amon Sûl and its great Seeing Stone.
to the north lay a deserted waste, to the east the Misty
Mountains formed a formidable barrier, and to the south In the year 1230 the King of Cardolan was killed and his
lay the Sea. Or perhaps its people simply grew complacent. army destroyed while besieging the usurper of the throne
Whatever the reasons, at the start of the Third Age, Arnor of Rhudaur. Years of anarchy in Cardolan followed, until
languished. a new prince came to the throne, proving himself capable
of restoring the peace, and the realm was allowed to
In the year 861 King Eärendur died and his three sons prosper again for some time.
could not agree on his successor. For long it had been the
custom and law of the Dúnedain that the eldest son of the In the year 1300, the Lord of the Ringwraiths came to
king would succeed him on the throne, and this would Eriador in disguise and established the realm of Angmar
have made the eldest son, Amlaith, the undisputed ruler. in the north-eastern marches of Arnor. At first it was little
The other sons contested this with the support of many heeded since the kingdom lay in such a remote location
nobles from the south and east of Arnor. Many of these and its master had successfully hidden his true nature by
lords were the descendants of the first settlers that arrived acting through his servants.
in Eriador from Númenor, and were characterised by a
strong and independent spirit. They backed the younger By the actions of the Witch-king of Angmar, the line of Isildur
sons of Eärendur in arms, and for many months tensions perished in Cardolan, as it already had in Rhudaur. Then
rose. War seemed inevitable. Argeleb son of Malvegil, the King of Arthedain, claimed
the lordship of all Arnor. The claim was supported by
Despite his failure to secure the undisputed kingship, Cardolan but opposed in Rhudaur, where the Dúnedain
Amlaith was aware of the disastrous consequences that had always numbered few, and where the native Hill-men
a war would bring to the northern Dúnedain. Thus he now ruled the land in secret alliance with Angmar.
offered to divide the realm into three kingdoms, one for
each brother: Arthedain in the north-west, Cardolan in King Argeleb planned to defeat the Hill-men and restore
the south, and Rhudaur in the north-east. The offer was Rhudaur to its place as part of Arnor, but the Dúnedain
accepted. Though the line of Isildur failed to preserve underestimated the strength of Angmar. In the First
Arnor as a unified entity, bloodshed and kin-strife was Northern War (1355-1356), Arthedain and Cardolan were
avoided and the successor kingdoms knew peace for a defeated and King Argeleb slain. It was at this time that the
time. As a symbolic gesture, Amlaith removed his seat to weather in eastern Eriador began to grow harsher. With
Fornost, for Annúminas had long been associated with hindsight, the worsening conditions could be attributed to
Elendil’s seat as the High King of Arnor. the rising power of Angmar.

28
 A History of Eriador

The decades following the First Northern War saw Arthedain prevailed, and the Third Northern War ended
Arthedain and Cardolan defend their borders fiercely in 1851 in a great victory for King Araval. Attempts were
against incursions from Rhudaur. But in the year 1409, made to re-occupy the north-western regions of former
Angmar unleashed a long-planned attack, and the Cardolan, but the presence of fell spirits terrified any who
Second Northern War began. By this time, Rhudaur was tried.
firmly under the control of the Witch-king, and the Hill-
men obeyed utterly the will of their dark master. The But this was but a brief respite: for the rest of the reign of
war ended with a catastrophic defeat for the Dúnedain. Araval a number of unusual blights affected the land of
The high towers of Amon Dûn and Amon Sûl were sacked Eriador and many illnesses plagued its people. It was at
and King Arveleg slain. Deep raids by roving enemy this time that the Lord of Angmar became openly known
forces reaped many lives in Arthedain and especially in as the Witch-king and it was first suspected that he might
Cardolan. The population of Annúminas was decimated be a direct servant of Sauron – perhaps even one of the
and the city of Elendil finally deserted. Nazgûl.

With the support of the Elves of Lindon, the onslaught of Warfare along the borders intensified in 1891 when
Angmar was eventually stopped, but the cost was high. Araval’s son Araphant took the throne, and the future
Cardolan was broken, its last prince and sons lying dead looked dark for Arthedain. But during his reign alliances
on the battlefield, its army annihilated and the countryside with Gondor were reaffirmed. The Southern Kingdom was
ravaged by marauding Orcs and Hill-men. beset by many perils too and it was first suspected that a
greater evil might be behind the calamities that befell the
The only surviving heir to the crown of Cardolan was descendants of Númenor.
the daughter of Arveleg, but she was soon killed too. The
surviving fiefdoms of the realm began bickering for power. Arvedui, son of Araphant, wedded the daughter of King
Cardolan never recovered from this disaster and slowly Ondoher of Gondor in the year 1940, thus sealing the new
faded away. But the victory was costly for the witch-realm friendship and alliance between the two realms. Both
of Angmar, and for long years Arthedain was left in peace pledged a promise of mutual defence. Gondor was the first
to succour its wounds. to call upon this when the Wainriders invaded in the year
1944, but Arthedain was unable to send any help. Angmar
In the year 1600 a small folk of good-natured creatures had renewed its attacks as well, and King Araphant was
calling themselves Hobbits appealed to King Argeleb II hard put to hold his borders. King Ondoher of Gondor was
for land to settle in. The extensive royal demesne west of slain in battle with the Wainriders, along with his sons.
the town of Bree had fallen into disuse after the war of Arvedui tried to claim the crown of Gondor for himself
1409 and the Hobbits were granted this land under the through his wife, but he was refused the request.
authority of the King in Fornost.
The following years saw Angmar threaten constantly the
In the year 1636, another disaster struck when the Great borders of Arthedain, weakening the power and influence
Plague reached Eriador and devastated what remained of its kings with every passing season.
of the population of Cardolan. The last Númenóreans of
that land either perished or fled to Arthedain to join their The End of Arnor
relatives there. In the wake of the plague the ancient burial The final blow to Arthedain came with the Fourth Northern
grounds upon the hills of Tyrn Gorthad became infested War in the year 1973, almost ten years after Arvedui had
with evil spirits out of Rhudaur and Angmar. ascended to the throne in Fornost. Near the end of that
year, the Witch-king unleashed the greatest army ever
Arthedain Stands Alone assembled in the North. At the first signs of the impending
In the two hundred years that followed the plague invasion in the autumn of 1973, Arvedui called to Gondor
Arthedain was allowed to recover and even expand. for help, but even though King Eärnil II sent a mighty force
Despite renewed aggressions from Angmar, the people of as swiftly as he could, it was too late.

29
 Rivendell Region Guide

The resistance of Arthedain was valiant. King Arvedui ancient treasures of Arnor were lost beneath the waters,
had assembled a force so strong upon the North Downs the two Seeing Stones of Elendil amongst them.
that the Witch-king had to focus against it to counter the
threat. Fornost was tenaciously defended by the second The Fall of Angmar
son of the King, stopping what forces of Angmar were Under the leadership of Círdan, the Elves of Lindon,
arrayed against it. the forces of Gondor and what remained of the army of
Arthedain prepared their counter-attack. Finally, in the
When Arvedui was finally engaged in battle, his army was summer of 1974, their host marched east to confront the
destroyed, but many of Angmar’s best troops perished in Witch-king. The battle was long and hard, but the arrival
the battle as well. The troops fighting in defence of Fornost of the cavalry of Gondor and the losses that the army of
were defeated too and the city fell, but many of the folk of Angmar had suffered fighting Arvedui combined to tip the
Arthedain were allowed to flee westward to Lindon, led by scales in favour of the Free Peoples. The battle became a
Aranarth, Arvedui’s heir. rout and after a final confrontation with Prince Eärnur,
the Witch-king fled before the Elf-lord Glorfindel. The
Even so, the great part of the people of Arthedain perished. Witch-king was recognised not only as one of the Nazgûl,
Many others were enslaved by the soldiers of the Witch- but as their chieftain.
king, who wanted not only to conquer Arthedain, but to
destroy its people. With the battle won, the victorious leaders sought counsel
and resolved that the threat of Angmar not be allowed
King Arvedui escaped, but he was unable to join his allies to arise again. Once the winter subsided, the armies of
in Lindon and was driven northwards. He repaired at the Gondor marched north. The High Elves of Rivendell,
Bay of Forochel, where he awaited rescue with the help of led by Glorfindel and the sons of Elrond, joined in this
the Lossoth, the Snowmen that lived in that cold land. As campaign. The Witch-king had abandoned his kingdom,
soon as Círdan heard of his fate, he sent a ship to the King’s fleeing south. His task was accomplished and he returned
aid, but to no avail. The King and his followers drowned to his Master. His servants remained without a lead, and
when the ship foundered in the treacherous ice soon after stood no chance against the assembled forces of the Free
leaving for the Grey Havens in March 1975. Many of the Peoples.

30
 A History of Eriador

When the forces of Gondor and Rivendell reached Angmar,

they found a blighted land defended by a weak opposition.
They scattered their enemies easily, and proceeded to
destroy all the fortifications of the dreaded witch-realm
that they could find.

This task took many long years, and for that time the Men
of Gondor had troops stationed in the North to help the
remnants of the army of Arthedain.

The Dúnedain go into Hiding

Shortly after the victory over Angmar, Aranarth, son of
Arvedui Last King, now King of Arthedain, gathered to
Amon Sûl his surviving lords to determine the fate of the
remaining Men of the West. Some dreamed of rebuilding
Arnor, while others advised a more careful course of action.

With the counsel of Elrond Halfelven, Aranarth came to

the conclusion that it would be best for Isildur’s Heirs to
go into hiding and act from the shadows to better defend
the land and preserve what they could of their ways. He
took the title of first Chieftain of the Dúnedain, and he
sent his son Arahael to be fostered in in Rivendell.

This was the beginning of a long tradition.

Rise of the Rangers

Once Gondor’s armies withdrew south, the inhabitants of Far from the eyes of the other inhabitants of Eriador, they
Eriador were left alone. The main surviving communities continued to fight the threat posed by Orcs, Wolves and
were those of the Hobbits of the Shire and the Men of other fell creatures.
Breeland. Other groups of Men were allowed to endure
for a time, for many evil things that dwelt in Eriador had For almost seven centuries the inhabitants of Eriador
been killed or chased into hiding, and the weather itself prospered, after a fashion. But this long peace could not
had grown less harsh now that the Witch-king no longer last forever. When a strong band of Orcs attacked a group
ruled the North. These small lordships dotted the land like of travellers who were crossing the Redhorn Pass in the
islands in the sea. year 2509, taking prisoner Celebrían, the wife of Elrond,
it was clear that the Orcs had secretly begun again to
The Dúnedain continued to live among the ruins of their multiply in the Misty Mountains.
broken homeland, never staying for long in any one place,
a wandering folk. No longer were they the masters of an The incursions of evil creatures became more frequent,
ancient realm, ruling over lesser Men, but a diminished and they extended to the land guarded by the Rangers,
people much reduced in number. who were hard pressed to counter them. Limited in their
numbers, all they could do was to constantly patrol
In time, those among them who walked amidst the other Eriador, and visit the various folks to warn their chieftains
folks of Eriador became known as the Rangers of the and help them organise their defences.
North, and they prowled the land in small groups, always
moving between hidden refuges.

31
 Rivendell Region Guide

The Orc Wars The army from Moria trampled through Eregion and
In the year 2740, the first major Orc invasion of Eriador reached the marshland of Swanfleet, where the Hoarwell
began. It was known to Arassuil, Chieftain of the Dúnedain, joins with the Glanduin river, north of Tharbad. Here
that the Orcs of the mountains had for some time harassed the Orcs crossed the stream in many boats and barges,
the communities of Men living in the Anduin Vales, but taking by surprise the scanty garrisons on the other
he deemed them not to be a threat. Alas, his judgement side — the river had been until that moment considered
proved wrong and the people under the watch of the an impassable border. The Enemy was left free to roam
Rangers paid a high price for it. After a few skirmishes in across Minhiriath, and many warbands fell upon its
the foothills of the Hithaeglir, Orcs started to appear in communities.
great numbers in the regions to the west.
Its defenders were almost defenceless against the
The vastness of Eriador made it impossible for the Rangers marauding Orcs, as many warriors had left to travel
to mount an effective defence, and more and more north, expecting to meet the enemy in the regions of
warbands struck with impunity and retreated to Mount central Eriador. Only those who took refuge in the city
Gram, laden with booty and slaves. Those who lived the of Tharbad were spared, as its ruinous fortifications still
closest to the Misty Mountains suffered the gravest losses, proved unassailable by the Orcs.
and many deserted their settlements.

Arassuil then intensified his patrols, and messengers rode

across Eriador to warn all the surviving communities of
the impending danger. More and more villages were able
to prepare themselves, and to repel some of the raids. In
the following years skirmishes were constant, and the
sight of Orcs and Wolves became all too common for all
those who lived between the river Baranduin and the road
to Tharbad.

In the year 2745 the Orcs entered Eriador with two armies,
one issuing from Mount Gram and one from Goblin-town.
It is said that the Orcs were spurred into action by Azog,
the Orc-chief from Moria who would later bring so much
grief to Durin’s Folk. The Orcs from Goblin-town targeted
the lands around the river Hoarwell and caused great
damage there, while those from Mount Gram headed
directly west.

Only the timely intervention of a company of Rangers

from the North led by Galathir, one of Arassuil’s captains,
saved the town of Bree, while the Orcs from Goblin-town
were repelled only at great loss.

But the worst was still to come. Two years later, in 2747 the
Orcs attempted their most grievous stroke so far. With the
intent of breaking any resistance, they invaded Eriador The smaller hamlets and settlements of Minhiriath were
with three hosts this time, from Mount Gram, Goblin-town less fortunate, and were pillaged and put to the flame.
and Moria. They overwhelmed all defences close to the Their inhabitants fell under the blades of the Orcs; the loss
mountains, and marched west. of life was enormous.

32
 A History of Eriador

In the North, things proved less disastrous, but not much The regions that were formerly part of Angmar and
less so. The Orcs were able to advance as far as Lake Rhudaur became utterly inhospitable, infested by Orcs,
Evendim before they could be stopped, and wreaked Wolves and other fell creatures. Trolls started to come
havoc in the countryside. Eventually, a force of Hobbits led down from the mountains to dwell in the highlands to the
by Bandobras Took, the Bullroarer, met them at the Battle east of the Hithaeglir.
of Greenfields. The Orcs from Mount Gram were routed
on the field, and their chieftain, Golfimbul, was slain. Recent Years
In the year 2911, only thirty years before the death of the
The Long Winter Dragon Smaug, another extraordinarily harsh winter
Ten years after the great Orc invasions, another terrible began. Known to history as the Fell Winter, it was not as
calamity struck the north-west of Middle-earth. In the last devastating as the cruel season of the years 2758 and
months of the year 2758 snow and frost began to appear 2759, but it was vicious and long nonetheless. From
very early, a sign of a coming cruel season: the Long mid-December to the end of February, Eriador lay under
Winter lasted for almost five months, crushing Eriador in a deep blanket of snow. White wolves, a threat that was
its frozen grip. In many places the stores of food began to hardly remembered in the westlands of Eriador, ranged as
run low already by the end of December due to a meagre far as the Shire and caught many an unwary Hobbit and
harvest. Man in their cruel jaws.

The Shire itself suffered dearly from the winter, but for The following spring saw massive floods from the melting
many of the already weakened communities of Eriador snow drowning the lands along the great rivers of Eriador.
this was the death-knell. Thousands died from starvation, The rising and swift-running waters compromised the
or were killed by the cold. The number of the Dúnedain already weakened structure of the great bridge at Tharbad,
surviving in Eriador was reduced as well. causing its collapse. The ancient settlement, by this time a
dilapidated husk of a city, was abandoned by its last few
Two Centuries of Oblivion inhabitants, leaving other, less savoury sorts of creatures
With twenty years of almost constant trouble and adversity, to dwell among its ruins.
the surviving communities of Eriador were grievously
diminished. In the course of the following two hundred After almost three thousand years of history, the eastlands
years, most settlements outside of the Shire and Bree-land of Eriador are empty of all save birds and beasts. These
slowly dwindled into nothingness. The only surviving city lone-lands see sometimes Rangers pass among the
of Eriador remained Tharbad, now a shadow of its former shadows of the hills, but they are now few. The Men of
self and lacking a population capable of maintaining its Bree give them scornful names, and the inhabitants of the
ancient buildings and fortifications. Shire know nothing about them.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

The Regions of the night, they might well find they share their campsite
with an old statue. Every ruin should remind them of the

Eastern Men who have gone before them, and underline how little
now remains of their legacy.

- Eriador - Ghosts of the Past

The past is not just physically present, but spiritually also.
...the Northern Lands had long been desolate, and Whilst the east of Eriador is empty of the living, it is full of
the dead. From the wights of the Barrow-downs to the Bog
the North Road was now seldom used: it was grass-
Soldiers of Rhudaur and the ghosts of old Angmar, this is a
grown, and the Bree-folk called it the Greenway. haunted land. Many who have died have done so uneasily
– in war or from plague – and the Witch-king who once
This chapter describes the wild lands of the eastern half brought so much suffering and misery to this land stirred
of Eriador, territories that were part of the lost realm the spirits of many to serve his wicked ends.
of Arnor. They include the regions found between the
Barrow-downs in the west, the Misty Mountains in the
east, Tharbad in the south and ancient Angmar in the Eregion
north. These are the domains of the mysterious Rangers,
their homeland and hunting ground. The town of Bree is A wanderer leaving Rivendell to journey south would
not included, as it will be featured in a future supplement. see the mountains rise ever higher to his left. The paths
crossing this land are few, and wind amongst the foothills
Elements of the Landscape of the Misty Mountains, a wide expanse of deep dales
Eastern Eriador comprises a vast territory, thousands of carved by running waters, tumbled hills and treacherous
miles wide. From the barren terrain of the Ettenmoors swamps. After forty-five leagues as the crow flies, travellers
and the green hills of the North Downs, it includes many feel a change in the air, and the land itself becomes easier
different landscapes. But these lands share several to traverse; they have crossed into the country that Men
common elements of descriptions that the Loremaster call Hollin, once known as the realm of Eregion.
may refer to when setting his game in these areas.
It is said that much evil must befall a country before it
Lone-lands wholly forgets the Elves, if once they dwelt there. And
More so than the lands of Wilderland, eastern Eriador is indeed many Elves did live in Hollin, and for many long
an empty land. Once home to great kingdoms and long years. There is still a wholesome atmosphere in this land,
lines of noble Men, their descendants have long since even if no Man or Elf resides there any more, and many
been scattered by years of plague, war and flood. Few now creatures enliven the days and nights with their sounds
remain; certainly no settlements exist east of Bree that are and songs, especially birds.
larger than a hidden hamlet or well-defended farmstead.
Rivendell is called the Last Homely House for good reason, But to anyone capable of reading them, Eregion bears all
for in these parts sanctuaries are few and very far between. the signs of a lingering sadness, the half-erased traces of
It should not just be a rare occasion to see a friendly face, a tragic past. Stones that were carefully crafted by hand
but to see any face, friendly or otherwise. now lay tumbled and ruinous among the weeds and wild
plants, and stretches of ancient roads emerge from tracts
Ancient Ruins of barren soil. The land of Hollin has seen the ravages of
The landscape of this region is dotted with the ruins of war, and while it recovered prodigiously, it still remembers
ancient realms and it is hard for travellers to ignore the its hurts.
shadow of what once was. Atop every hill stands the
remains of a tumbled-down watchtower, beside every Many High Elves of Rivendell recall a time in ages past
path is a crumbling wall. When the Company breaks for when Eregion was a jewel of Elvendom in Middle-earth,

34
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

though few will speak of it openly. It is said that the stones with only the savage wolves to call them home. The Gate
themselves whisper lamentations that only the Eldar can Stream itself once guided travellers to the walls of Khazad-
hear. Dwarves too have songs of these lost times, when the dûm and the now-lost Hollin Gate. But only shadow and
Elves of Eregion and the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm worked regret remain in this place today, alongside a growing
together to forge treasures the like of which has not been sense of dread.
seen since the Elder Days.
Combat Scenery: covered pits, freezing cold (when
Caradhras stirs), foundations, old walls, pillars, ravines,
varied slopes
Eregion c
Wildlife
Many wild beasts make their home in the land of Hollin at
n
all times. Hawks soar high up in the sky, while small birds
n
Lone-lands nest in the bushes and holly trees, and fly in large flocks
in winter. The jewel-smiths of Eregion imitated the delicate
hue of the blue eggs of dunnocks in their works, and Elven
el
e ith maids taught greenfinches and goldfinches to sing; their
ith
M pleasant and silvery song still takes on a superior musical
Caradhras E quality sometimes, as they never forgot the teachings of
Eregion the fair folk.
c Redhorn
Pass Closer to the foothills of the mountains the song of the
Moria E birds becomes louder, as black ouzels join in the chorus
on from atop large rocks. Their mournful song and dark
Sirann
The Whispering Halls plumage decorated by a white circle around the neck seems
E
to celebrate the creations of the ring-makers of Eregion.
Gla
ndu
in
Inhabitants
While Eregion was once a thriving realm, no folk dwell
here now. It is a wild country, mourned by the Elves of
Rivendell, forgotten by Men and remembered by the
Dwarves only in works of metal and of stone and in songs
and tales, as under the nearby mountain range was the
Though it has long been abandoned by the fair folk who land where their fathers worked of old.
once dwelt here, brave travellers pass between the rivers
in the Land of Holly, for there climbs the only passage over Notable Characters
the Misty Mountains between Rivendell and the Gap of
Rohan. Under the side of cruel Caradhras is the Redhorn Aiwiel
Gate, a narrow and treacherous path that is usable by Aiwiel is a High Elf from Rivendell. She often journeys
skilled or desperate wanderers who seek swift passage south to Eregion to wander for a season among its ruins,
into Wilderland. listening to voices from the past. Aiwiel knows that locked
inside the ancient stones dotting the landscape are the
Evidence of Hollin’s past magnificence becomes more memories of many who lost their lives in the war against
apparent as one reaches the banks of the River Sirannon Sauron, and that many birds still sing songs that were
to the south. There, the proud capital of Eregion arose with taught to their kin long ago. She knows that because her
its wide halls, the home of the greatest jewelsmiths of the brothers worked those stones, and she and her sisters
Noldor. Now its ruins are buried beneath moss and vine taught the birds their songs. But they are gone. They

35
 Rivendell Region Guide

sought the Havens long ago, or died in the war. Aiwiel has Aiwiel is soft-spoken, wise, and wary of any wanderer she
no kin still living in Middle-earth, and she desperately might encounter in the wild. Visiting the ruins, she spends
clings to what memories she is left to mourn. long days sitting against half-crumbled walls of stone,
or listening to the song of the birds. What she hears she
keeps for herself, but she won’t refuse help to travellers
Aiwiel who show respect for the past and who are not out to
Medium Elf depredate the land of its hidden treasures.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 17 (+3) 15 (+2) 19 (+4) Motivation: The land remembers the Elves of Eregion and
Armour Class 13 (Leather Corslet) weeps for our loss. So do I.
Hit Points 66 (12d8+12)
Speed 30 ft Expectations: +2 if the Company is singing a song in the
Skills History +5, Perception +4, Performance +6 Elvish mode when they chance upon her, or if they use
Senses passive Perception 14 music to set her at ease; -1 if the heroes express ignorance
Languages Quenya, Sindarin, Westron
about the history of the land; -2 if they bear items recovered
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
from the ruins of Aiwiel’s people.
Two-weapon Attack. When Aiwiel makes a Dagger attack,
she may use her bonus action to make a second Dagger
attack, using the same to hit and damage values. The Warg of the Redhorn Gate
Actions The wild wolves known as Wargs do not come west of the
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach Misty Mountains, as there is nothing for them to prey
5 ft or range 20/60, one target. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) piercing upon, unless they are sent on an errand by their dark
damage. Master. Those who keep a watch on the land of Eregion
Song of Urgency. Aiwiel may use her action to sing
speak of a great grey Warg who prowls the foothills, as if
encouragement to her allies. Heroes that hear the song are
moved to act with haste. A hero may use his reaction and scouting its tracks and passes. No one knows where the
spend Inspiration. Those that do gain +2 to AC, Advantage Warg dwells and rumours say that it never stops in one
on Dexterity saving throws and an additional action on place for long, so that he is not discovered by the High Elves
their turn. The action can only be used to Attack (one or the Rangers of the North. In truth, whoever approaches
weapon attack only), Dash, Disengage, Hide or Use an
Object. The effect lasts until the end of Aiwiel’s next turn. the peak of Caradhras with the intention of crossing the
Redhorn Gate risks to meet this dreadful creature, as the
Warg hides in a cave opening along the mountain pass.

36
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

The Warg of Eregion is a Hound of Sauron (see the If they make it to the top, the path starts to climb down,
Loremaster’s Guide, page 114), except that it also possesses eventually descending into a deep-shadowed valley,
the Denizen of the Dark special ability. called Azanulbizar by the Dwarves, the Dimrill Dale by
Men, and Nanduhirion by the Elves. There lies the smooth
Notable Locations waters of Kheled-zâram, the Mirrormere, and the springs
of the River Silverlode.
The Redhorn Pass
Where the Misty Mountains turn to the south-west, three The Whispering Hills
peaks rise above all the others in the range. The tallest Legends say that in the western part of Eregion there was
stands out like a bare horn of red rock tipped with snow, once a great city of those Elves who above all loved skill
and is called Caradhras; beyond it rise the Silvertine and beauty. Among them was Celebrimbor, the greatest of
and Cloudyhead, also known as Celebdil the White and the jewelsmiths of the Noldor. He forged the Three Rings of
Fanuidhol the Grey. Under the southern side of Caradhras Power, the greatest and most tragic of all artefacts crafted
climbs the high pass that is called the Redhorn Pass. The by the Eldar since the breaking of Thangorodrim, and he
travellers that have attempted the climb call the mountain refused to bring them under the control of Sauron and
cruel, as its snows and biting winds seem at times guided his Ruling Ring. For this reason Sauron made war against
by a sinister purpose. Indeed, during the cold months it is the realm of Eregion, and destroyed the city of the Elves,
as though the mountain itself grows fierce and indignant slaying its inhabitants or forcing them into exile.
that any would even dare to cross it.
Nothing remains of this once-magnificent city. Its ruins
But those who seek to cross the Misty Mountains here do cannot be distinguished from the broken stones that litter
not have many chances: they either brave the Redhorn the shores where the Sirannon meets the Glanduin river.
Pass, or pass through the ancient underground realm But in Rivendell some believe that under the earth, vast
of the Dwarves, Moria. The Redhorn Pass winds high halls must lie silent and undisturbed, with their treasuries
up into the mountains for many miles in a twisting and of forgotten lore still intact behind reinforced gates.
climbing path. The narrow road winds under sheer walls Abandoned when the High Elves fled and undiscovered by
of rock to its left, and runs along deep ravines on its right. the forces of the Enemy, these legendary places might still
Sometimes, great blocks of stone bar the way, and must be await for someone to find them, or might have been buried
removed before a company can proceed. by the weight of the centuries under their collapsed ceilings.

37
 Rivendell Region Guide

The Trollshaws wayward Orcs, they hunger for the meat of traders on the
Great East Road, they thirst for the ales and wines that
From the Last Bridge over the Hoarwell to the Ford of traders’ carts carry, and covet the gold of their treasure-
Bruinen, the great East Road winds for thirty dreary chests… what they love less is the gleaming steel of their
leagues under the threat of the Trollshaws. It’s a rocky guards’ swords…
forest country, the beginning of far harsher lands to the
north. Beeches and pines rise thick from steep sullen These Trolls hide from the daylight in caves under high
hillsides and cliffs. The road passes through long, steep cliffs. Peoples of old quarried hard stone for their castles
valleys under high ridges and alongside brooks where and left deep gouges in the rock of the hillsides and
sleepy willows sway. Under the eaves of the Trollshaws ravines. Sometimes a Troll-hole even sports a huge door
the noon sun leaks thin and pale and the nights are damp for greater shelter; surely nothing a Troll could fashion,
with fog and frequent drizzles of soaking rain. Travellers but perhaps the work of a sorry Dwarf enslaved for the
who are canny enough to keep their fires dim and hidden task. By damp and unhappy night, the smartest of Trolls
at night often pass through the Trollshaws without sometimes light campfires on the hilltops. Hill-fires are
trouble; often enough that the road still sees use. But even likeliest near the road, where unwary travellers might
an uneventful journey is grim and silent through lands succumb to the promise of warmth and comfort. But the
where an old shadow of evil never quite lifted. uneven, broken ground is trackless and pathless, choked
with twisted roots and grasping branches, and climbing
On hilltops from time to time ancient ruins can be spied. a hill for a campfire’s cheer leaves an exhausted traveller
Narrow-windowed watchtowers and squat keeps were an easier prey. Finding a trail off the road might make
built by conquerors to guard the land they usurped; but the climb to the hilltops easier but should in fact be its
now they are jagged remnants after a thousand years of own kind of warning: a meandering swath of broken trees
abandonment and plunder. No adventurers or would-be and upturned stones, smashed and torn by huge, strong
warlords occupy them. Travellers pass by as swiftly as hands doesn’t bode well.
wisdom can take them. Only Trolls linger in the Trollshaws.
Combat Scenery: boulders, crags, fallen trees,
The Trolls come south from the Coldfells, the Ettenmoors foundations, pillars, ravines, rubble, thickets, unstable
and the mountains beyond. Weary of hunting sheep and or windowed walls

38
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

The Land Between the Rivers

South of the great East Road, a wide region of wilderness lies between the courses of the rivers Hoarwell and
Loudwater. It is a vast, savage country, where no wanderer goes, as no road or well-known track leads anywhere. A
long time ago, tribes of Hobbits lived here, where the two rivers meet, before they left to escape the many cruel wars
fought at that time, for the region was part of the evil realm of Rhudaur.

Since the end of the North-kingdom and the flight of the Witch-king of Angmar, this land has preserved one of
the greatest secrets of the Third Age. When Aranarth took the title of Chieftain of the Dúnedain, his folk went
into hiding. They became a wandering people, but they kept returning to a fastness in the wilderness, a stronghold
secreted in the angle of land between Mitheithel and Bruinen. There, the Men of the West saved the line of the
Kings of Men from disappearing from the North, nurturing their traditions and never ceasing to guard over the
lands of Eriador. In this endeavour, the Rangers had always the allegiance of Elrond of Imladris, who protected the
secret of the Rangers, and welcomed them in his house.

In game terms, when a Dúnadan companion goes home during a Fellowship phase, he may actually return to a
hidden refuge of his folk somewhere in Eriador, or go back to the fastness of the Men of the West in the Angle.

Wildlife
Only animals too small for Trolls to catch thrive in the
The Trollshaws Trollshaws: hedgehogs and badgers, rabbits and foxes
n and mice. Even they live furtively, instinctively fearing the
pall that lies over the Trolls’ domain. Birds are surprisingly
The Refuge of the rare – they fly to healthier woods – and birdsong is sadly
Dúnedain
E n lacking. Ponies and horses tend to be skittish and fearful,
E
Castle Hill prone to bolting even if their masters are oblivious to the
The Last dangers of travelling here.
Bridge The Troll-Hole Rivendell
E E
Notable Characters
a Berk the Gatekeeper
A Stone-Troll named Berk lives near the Great East Road.
The Angle Signs of his territory are plain to those who look: beech
trees and pines knocked over or torn from their roots and
c scattered along the road on a stretch where the hillside
rises up to the north and drops steeply to the south. Berk
n sometimes piles up the trees across the road as a barricade
to force travellers to stop and move them (he calls this his
‘gate’). When Berk’s luck holds, their work lasts till dark,
or even better the travellers camp there for the night, and
he can emerge and pillage.

Berk is quite proud of his scheme. He is even prouder of

his home: a Troll-hole where the three Trolls lurked before

39
 Rivendell Region Guide

they got themselves turned to stone a few years ago (see Other Trolls ignore her, except when she stumbles across
the Troll-Hole below). Berk is a Greater Stone Troll, see them and robs them of whatever they’ve robbed from
page 76 for his stats. someone else. Rine’s home would make a fine shelter for
travellers, if they didn’t mind the steep hike and if they
could contrive a way to force her out. But sooner or later
some other Troll would remember the Queen’s castle and
Berk’s ‘Gate’ take it over himself.
Companions travelling with ponies, horses or a cart
must clear the obstacle from the road to continue. Rine’s hoard in the darkest corner of her castle includes
Removing the trees from the road is an ability check 50* in gold and finery that she’s taken from other, more
requiring a DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check. Each industrious Trolls. Among the gold is buried a Dwarvish
attempt to clear the path requires an hour. If darkness wind-up toybox. Rine kept it because she likes the painting
falls, Berk arrives… of a Dragon on its top. See page 81 for stats of the Queen
of Castle Hill.

The Queen of Castle Hill

A solitary Stone-Troll named Rine haunts a tumble of The Dwarven Toybox
ruins on a hillside that overlooks the Great East Road on Rine’s hands are too big and clumsy to wind the tiny
the western end of the Trollshaws. She’s a huge creature gear of the toybox, so she has not heard its hidden pipes
who proclaims herself Queen of the Trollshaws because play a Dwarvish victory tune as the box springs open,
she lives in one of the few ruins that still offer enough and she didn’t see the miniature Dragon that arises in
shelter to protect a Troll from the sun, and because she a gout of flame and then falls again in dying smoke
gathered a number of old shields to cover herself with an as the box closes. But in particular Rine didn’t see the
effective suit of armour. spectral apparition that manifests when the toybox
is played… The ghost of a small girl appears, the
previous owner of the musical box, dancing in circles.

If a companion exploring the hoard of Castle Hill

makes a Magical Treasure roll and finds an unmarred
Wondrous Artefact, then the little girl disappears after
her dance. If, on the contrary, the toybox is Touched by
the Shadow, the item is cursed with Ill-luck (see page
101, and the girl keeps appearing to the companion
every time he opens the toybox. The curse may be
lifted if the toybox is brought to Lake-town, where
the musical toy was purchased. The item possesses a
Blessing to the Performance skill.

Notable Locations
The Troll-Hole
William Huggins and his friends Bert and Tom were
garrulous, quarrelsome Stone-Trolls who lived in a
hole near the road. They are now returned to the stone

40
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

that made them, having been trapped in the sunrise on The Coldfells
a hillside by the cleverness of Gandalf the Grey, and
passersby might pause and inspect the three stone statues. North of Rivendell and the Trollshaws, the chilly uplands
fall only reluctantly away from the mountains. High,
Their Troll-hole remains, with a huge door on a single steep hills and broad plateaus loom over deep crevasses.
great hinge. Someday the hole will be abandoned again In some ravines the ground is soft and fertile enough for
and forsaken for years, but for now it’s home to a Stone- bogs to form, choked with biting flies in the summer and
Troll named Berk (see Berk the Gatekeeper, on page 39). slick with icy muck in the winter. In more places, the bitter
He was only too happy to learn that William Huggins and mountain streams trickle over hard and stony ground.
his lot had let themselves be turned to stone, because he In the folds of earth and rock, where weaker stone was
had coveted their cave – and its heavy door – for longer carved away by water over the ages, caves and caverns
than he could remember. offer shelter from the sun.

Berk’s hoard boasts 100* in gold coins, jewellery, and

ingots of iron and copper, along with the skulls and bones
of Dwarves and Men and ponies that he’s caught at his The Coldfells
Mount Gram
“gate” over the last few years.

The Refuge of the Dúnedain

Ten leagues east from Rine’s castle, another ancient ruin o
Golfimbul’s Gully
broods on a ridge north of the road. A narrow track E
carved into the earth of the steep hill offers the only safe
way to reach the tower; once it was a road but the thickets
o
E
overtook it long ago. Trolls tend to avoid it out of laziness. The Burial Bog
This has made it a useful shelter for Rangers of the North E
Cairn of the Crag-king
when they must travel through the Trollshaws. They have
left the outer walls unchanged, and they know better than
to light cook-fires whose smell will draw attention, but n
they have carefully shored up and rebuilt the tower gate
and roof. It won’t sustain an attack if Trolls discover it, but The Refuge of the
it might slow them down enough to allow fugitives inside Dúnedain
to escape. E
E n
Castle Hill

The Rangers are careful to keep the tower a secret. They Rivendell
The Troll-Hole
might come out to aid a beleaguered traveller but only E E
after leaving the tower and approaching from another
direction. Companions who set out to inspect every ruin a
along the road will eventually find the secrets of this one (a
Ranger hero who has the The Star of the Dúnedain Cultural
Heirloom automatically knows about it). If they linger and Hardy and sparse grasses spot the hills and here and there
are careless, they’ll be discovered by Trolls in turn. a thicket of trees grows atop a plateau. On some hilltops
stand the ruins of ancient Rhudaur, the stumps of watch-
towers or keeps long fallen to rubble, insignificant dots
atop the vast and sprawling fells.

On some hills are the remnants of mossy cairns more

ancient still, stony burial mounds of chiefs and warriors

41
 Rivendell Region Guide

who died long before Arnor rose. Most of those are

tumbled open, long since plundered by careless and
New Fellowship Phase Undertaking:
powerful hands. Year by year, century by century, the old
stones wither away. Already they are easy to mistake for
Honouring the Fallen (Dúnedain only)
any other rocks that litter the green and brown hills. Few, save the High Elves of Rivendell, know the pain
of watching their people fade from Middle-earth
Travel is exhausting and fraught. The rocky ground is as keenly as the Rangers of the North. Each fallen
dangerous to the hooves of horses and ponies, and Dúnadan thins the blood of Númenor and lessens the
sudden steep drops that can be climbed by companions hope of the return of the King. Yet, the Rangers of
on foot will baffle the hardiest pack animals. It might the North have a great reverence for those who died
be negotiated safely on horseback with slow and careful in service to the Free Peoples, and knowing they carry
riding, but then lean and hungry wolves will soon close Elendil’s legacy into the darkest days of the Third Age
in. Wolves, or worse. strengthens their resolve.

It is a dreary land between the headwaters of the Bruinen Ranger companions spending their Fellowship phase in
and the miry springs of the Hoarwell: cold and silent but Rivendell or at home may choose this undertaking to
for the howling of wolves, the rare cry of a bird of prey, or travel to the site where Arador was slain. Here, they
the bellow of a Troll that’s found a blood-hot meal. leave flowers on a cold, still blood-stained stone hidden
in the plateaus and remember not just their former
No wise travellers come to the Coldfells; even the most lord, but all who have come before them. By drawing
experienced Rangers of the North know little of it. Arador, upon the strength of your ancestors and remembering
chieftain of the Dúnedain, was captured and slain by Hill- the legacy of glories out of Númenor, you gain resolve
Trolls among the plateaus in TA 2930. Even his doughty in your struggles. In the following Adventuring phase,
people avoid it as a cursed and barren place. the first time you have Advantage on an ability check,
attack roll or saving throw, you gain Inspiration after
Combat Scenery: bogs, cliffs, fallen trees, foundations, the dice are rolled.
narrow cave-walls, ravines, rock edges, steep slopes,
thickets

42
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

Wildlife and his bodyguard threw down the last of the Rangers
Sheep and goats graze among the thickets and on the and captured their chieftain for sport, thus securing
grasses of the highest places, where the treacherous Bloodstump’s fame.
ground is difficult for wolves and too much work for any
but the hungriest Trolls. Sometimes the sheep wander, Bloodstump’s own limbs are hale and frightfully hearty
and then the wolves feed well. Otherwise the wolves slabs of flesh hard as stone. See page 79 for a description
pursue rabbits and mountain deer that venture too far of Bloodstump.
into unwholesome lands. Pigeons nest among the rocks
and are hunted by merlins and falcons.

Inhabitants
No Free Peoples live in the Coldfells. Even the Orcs and
Goblins of Mount Gram never venture into it. It is home to
Hill-Trolls in uncounted numbers, as strangers who enter
among the fells are quick to learn. Stone-Trolls lurk here,
too, but fewer. They have a long tradition of venturing out
across the grass and hills from cave to deep thicket by
night.

Eventually the Hoarwell blocks their path and drives them

south, or the Loudwater does and drives them west, into
the Trollshaws and in sight of the road and its travellers.
But the Hill-Trolls, more ferocious but less patient, remain.

Notable Characters
Bloodstump the Hunter
Hill-Trolls are rarely known by name, but one chief among Notable Locations
them is more infamous than the rest. The monster called
Bloodstump led the Hill-Trolls that pursued and slew The Cairn of the Crag-King
Arador, chieftain of the Dúnedain, in 2930. Atop the long steep slope of one of the greatest hills of
the Coldfells, one ancient cairn rests undisturbed by the
A cruel and evil creature, Bloodstump didn’t need a reason malevolence of plundering Trolls. The Trolls hold it in
to hunt for man-flesh, but he started to relentlessly prey superstitious dread, fearing it as much as the peoples of
on those dangerous little creatures that came hunting so Eriador fear the Coldfells themselves.
far north after a visit to Mount Gram. The Troll entered
the Orc-fastness following a strange urge his dull senses The stones of the cairn are huge, six to eight feet across
could not explain, and emerged from his depths wielding and three or four feet thick, gathered in a pile forty feet
a great black mace, a dreadful weapon forged in Carn long and ten feet high. The Hill-Trolls only mutter to each
Dûm when Angmar threatened the North. other of the Crag-king lying beneath, a Giant of the old
days and the old ways. Those Trolls with wit enough for
Armed with that strange gift, Bloodstump began his memory say the Crag-king’s stone bones wait to stir and
pursuit of the Rangers. On one fateful eve, his war-band rise at the end of days when the hated sun fails at last.
encountered Arador and his men. Bloodstump cannily let
other Hill-trolls rush forward at the onset of battle, and If he’s disturbed before then… well, everyone knows what
closed in when the tall Men were wounded and exhausted happens when you rouse a Troll. How much worse would
and their bright swords dulled. The great Hill-Troll chief the Crag-king be?

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 Rivendell Region Guide

What truly lies beneath the great stones, if anything, no There are few caves on the moors, so the Trolls that prowl
one knows. Desperate companions might find respite that land take shelter from the wan sun beneath the peat
on the Crag-king’s hill, where Trolls fear to go, but it’s a of the bogs and emerge again at night, or are slowly
blighted place that requires a Corruption check (a DC 15 turned into Ettins. Travellers venturing onto the moors
Wisdom saving throw) once per day. might think themselves surprisingly safe by day, only to
find a Troll lurking under their very camp and hungry by
Sundown.
The Ettenmoors
Between the Ettenmoors and the Coldfells lie the Ettendales:
‘We have come too far to the north,’ he said, ‘and we must broad, open valleys running between high hills, wet with
find some way to turn back southwards again. If we keep fog and the streams that feed the growing Hoarwell. Some
on as we are going we shall get up into the Ettendales far of the valleys, particularly west of the Hoarwell’s streams,
north of Rivendell. That is Troll-country, and little known might have made fine farmlands in the days when Men
to me.’ lived on the moors and Trolls did not venture too near. But
those days were long, long ago.
Beyond the Coldfells, bleak highlands rise in the shadow
of the Misty Mountains. The ground here is softer than Anyone foolish enough to travel there might stumble
in the Coldfells and the Trollshaws beyond. Incessant across ruins and the rubble of stout stone farmhouses
fog, drizzling rain and cold mountain springs soak into crumbling for a thousand years and long since torn down
the greedy earth, which traps their waters in bogs atop and burned.
the long, wide slopes and in the folds and valleys. Only
slowly do the bogs seep out into streams that gather and Combat Scenery: bogs, cliffs, fallen trees, moorland
ultimately become the mighty Hoarwell, which the Elves heather, old walls, pits, rock edges, rubble, varied slopes
call Mitheithel.
Wildlife
The Ettenmoors are an open wasteland, thick with peat Voles, hares, frogs and vipers crawl and slither among
and overgrown with low green shrubs and hardy grass. the scrub brush and grasses of the moors and dales.
Heather blooms briefly in the spring, but nothing of cheer There may have been deer upon a time, but they are long
can live long in the moors. Colourful bulbs soon darken extinct since the region gave over to Trolls. Wolves on the
and wither and leave the rolling hills grim and grey again. Ettenmoors are sometimes a danger as serious as Trolls.

44
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

They prefer darkness but can pursue their quarry by day, by which some Hill-men leave their bodies and take the
and they have a long affiliation with the cruel Wargs and shape of wolves by night to hunt and slay. As these things
the Hill-men of Rhudaur. go, Dreorg’s rule was overthrown. As his rivals battered
down the door to his hall, Dreorg fled his body and his
Inhabitants spirit joined a Warg-pack nearby. As a spear plunged
The moors and dales were home to Men in three ages of into his heart, Dreorg’s spirit seized onto one of the wild
Middle-earth, but no longer. For a thousand years they have wolves and refused to depart. The two spirits struggled
been abandoned, ever since the defeat of the Witch-king at but Dreorg proved the master.
the Battle of Fornost – deserted by all but the hardy Trolls
that survived the destruction of the fleeing Wraith-lord’s
forces. Today the Ettenmoors and Ettendales are home only
to those Trolls – mainly Stone-Trolls and a handful of Hill-
Trolls – and to the creatures that give these regions their
name: the Ettins, an older and stronger kind of Troll, who
are rumoured to survive even the direct light of the sun…

The Ettenmoors

The Grey Waste

Mount Gram

Many years have passed. Now Dreorg is a Warg chief,

o master of a band of cunning wolves filled with malice who
Golfimbul’s Gully moved West into Eriador. They know their chief is slightly
E
mad — sometimes his snarling seems to be two voices
o vying with each other — but he is wise and vicious and
E
The Burial Bog boundlessly cruel, which gives them all strength. See page
E 80 for Dreorg the Wargling’s description.
Cairn of the Crag-king

Notable Locations
n
The Burial Bog
The Refuge of the
On the southern fringe of the Ettenmoors, a bog between
Dúnedain two wide rising slopes holds unhappy remnants of the
E n past. Here the Men of Gondor and the Elves of Imladris
and Lindon rode down the rear-guard of the fleeing
Witchking. The corpses were abandoned to the bog. But in
Notable Characters the bog things decay slowly.

Dreorg the Wargling A thousand years later the bodies can still be seen, withered
Long ago there was a chieftain-priest of the Gundabad Hill- and stained black by brackish water but recognisable. Even
men named Dreorg. Dreorg was a master of the sorcery their swords are with them, a little corroded but still stout.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

What’s worse, though, is that during his rule over Angmar Mount Gram
the Witch-king employed many sorcerous means to
defeat his hated enemies. He sent evil spirits to haunt A long spur juts out of the western Misty Mountains, far
their barrows and cairns, including those of their ancient into the north. For a hundred miles its slopes spread out
ancestors on the Ettendales and the Coldfells, and wove and curve northward, as if to point to the ruins of accursed
many dreadful spells. When the Witch-king fled, the Trolls Angmar where the Witch-king once dwelt. The tallest, most
that remained overturned the old cairns and barrows, jagged, most threatening peak in this spur is Mount Gram,
leaving them exposed and plundered. a horn of rock rising from the slopes of other mountains
as if they collapsed under its weight. Thousands of years
In time, the Witch-king’s sorcery was dissipated, but it ago it was delved and fortified by Dwarves, but it is now a
lingers still in dark places, such as where the bogs hide home to monsters in a blighted land.
countless bodies under the peat and away from the light
of day.

If travellers pass or sleep near the bog by night, the bodies o

E Mount Gram
of the soldiers of Angmar may stir and attempt to pull The Frozen Path
them into the water (see pages 83-84 for a description of
the Bog Soldiers).
Angmar
o The Grey Waste

Ettins
Every traveller knows that Stone-Trolls turn to stone
The Peak of Mount Gram
Mount Gram E
if exposed to the light of the sun. But only the Wise
suspect that sometimes a spark of life survives inside
them, ready to be roused by the dark will of their o
Golfimbul’s Gully
Master. In fact, a number of strange rock formations E
can be seen in the Ettenmoors; some of these weathered
piles of stones are actually very ancient Stone-Trolls, o
E
caught at some time by surprise by the light of a The Burial Bog
distant Sun. n E
Cairn of the Crag-king
Lone-lands
These Ettins, as they are called, are today almost
indistinguishable from great piles of rock when they n
stand still, and they rarely move at all. But if they
do, they are extremely dangerous as they are animated
by a reckless brutality and thirst for destruction. See
page 76 for more about Ettins. Deep beneath its roots is a Goblin fastness, a complex maze
of a thousand holes and pits. For centuries, the Orcs of the
Misty Mountains inhabiting Mount Gram have bitterly
fought against the Rangers guarding the regions to the
west of the Ettenmoors, the Coldfells and Trollshaws, and
against the guardians of the hidden sanctuary of Imladris.
Out of its gates issued the invading army that was defeated
centuries ago at the Battle of Greenfields, when a Hobbit
muster led by Bandobras Took, the Bullroarer, routed the
Goblin horde of King Golfimbul.

46
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

Combat Scenery: cliffs, crags, disturbing echoes, low the Third Age, the forces of Gondor, Lindon and Imladris
ceilings (caves), narrow walls (caves), pits, rock edges, put the Witch-king of Angmar to flight and destroyed all
steep slopes, unstable stalactites (caves). of his works and peoples. Mount Gram was not spared,
although deep tunnels known to no Elf or Man surely hid
Wildlife many a fleeing Goblin.
Mount Gram holds horrors within, but its cold slopes
show little sign. Rugged goats and sheep range the slopes Two hundred years ago, around TA 2740, Orcs and
and eat the hardy grasses that cling here and there to the Goblins began multiplying in the mountains and infesting
thin soil and rock. Mountain hares and red squirrels dig in Eriador once again. From Mount Gram a great Orc-
the shadows of high pine stands, watched by ptarmigans chieftain led warbands to burn and pillage far away. That
and finches and pursued by snowy owls. The magpies took them to the Shire, whose little people looked to be the
watch such antics from their high perches on the slopes of best possible pickings. But the Hobbits destroyed the Orc
the mountain. There’s better hunting on the grim slopes of warband and slew its chief, Golfimbul. Mount Gram has
Mount Gram than in any of the Troll-lands to the south, grown and the evil in it has deepened ever since. Many
but if Goblin look-outs spot intruders, a hunting party of Stone-Trolls and even Hill-Trolls have been brought in
their own is sure to emerge. from the Ettenmoors that stretch away to the south, and
Cave-Trolls have lumbered through endless tunnels from
Inhabitants deep in the Misty Mountains. The raiding Orcs and Trolls
Mount Gram has been home to tribes of Orcs and of Mount Gram make the countryside of haunted Angmar
Goblins since they first seized Mount Gundabad and the deadly. They cast hungry eyes to the south-west and the
surrounding mountains and tunnels from the Dwarves seemingly defenceless lands of Hobbits and Men, but they
in the middle of the Second Age. For more than three have been bade to wait. And so the years pass as Mount
thousand years it was an Orc stronghold overlooking the Gram festers.
west. Its strength was redoubled at the end of the Second
Age when the Dúnedain founded the kingdom of Arnor, The Orcs of Mount Gram reserve a special degree of spite
“right on our doorstep” as the Orc-chiefs put it. for Hobbits. Most creatures of the Shadow seem surprised
that Hobbits even exist, but the Mount Gram Orcs
When the Witch-king came to Angmar in the Third Age, the remember Greenfields. See pages 78-79 for more about
Orcs of Mount Gram were ready to serve. In the middle of the Orcs of Mount Gram.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

Notable Characters Radgul the Orc-Chief

The chieftain of all the Orcs of Mount Gram is Radgul,
The Wraith-lord of Mount Gram a wily, sneering, and deadly old villain with designs on
For almost one hundred years the Orcs of Mount Gram greater things than his own mountain.
haven’t had a king, until a Shadow came to haunt the
empty throne: the Lord of the Nazgûl had returned to Radgul and his Orcs are removed by a hundred miles
the lands he once ruled as Witch-king as an invisible from Mount Gundabad where Bolg ruled, and the Orcs of
Wraithlord, to strike a final blow to the dying line of Mount Gram never made it to the Battle of Five Armies. At
Elendil as his last act of vengeance. the time Radgul considered that an insult, but afterwards
he was happy to have missed the debacle. He only wished,
in the secrecy of thought, that Bolg’s army had been
destroyed even more thoroughly so he could march on
Gundabad and take the throne for himself.

From that night, the Orcs and Trolls of Mount Gram

resumed their attacks on the Rangers and the lands they
protected with unprecedented resolve and deviousness.
Elrond, Lord of Imladris, didn’t fail to recognise a guile
uncommon to Goblins of any kind behind the aggression,
and warned the Rangers. His words came too late,
though, and in TA 2930 a band of Hill-Trolls ambushed
the chieftain of the Rangers and captured him. Arador
was never seen again, and only three years later his son Radgul is patient. He knows Bolg’s offspring Gorgol covets
Arathorn was slain as he rode against the Orcs of Mount the throne. but he knows Gorgol remains a laughingstock
Gram with the sons of Elrond. Thinking to have erased after his headlong flight from the battle. Radgul is not in
the blood of the Northern Kings from history forever, any of the factions of Mount Gundabad, but he doesn’t
the Wraith-lord vacated the throne of Mount Gram, need to be. He is counting on Gorgol’s ambition to cause
disappearing as silently as he first came. See the Lord just enough strife that the next time there’s a crisis,
of the Nazgûl’s description on page 87 for more on the Gundabad’s tribes will make a meal of it and Mount
Wraith-lord. Gram’s tribes will step in to do things right. Of course,

48
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

Radgul wouldn’t have to think hard about sticking a Radgul and his servants watch it under cover of darkness,
knife in Gorgol and all his Gundabad rivals, too, if the slipping between the shadows cast by massive stones that
opportunity came up. What’s more likely to foul things up have been worn into odd shapes by the progress of years,
for Radgul is his old grudge against Hobbits. If any Orcs of ready to ambush any travellers. The gully itself winds to
Mount Gram spy even a single Hobbit near the mountain, and fro, with several pathways that separate from the
the Orcs will take it as a warning of war and Radgul will main cleft only to double back, go in endless circles or
be right at the front, preparing to march on the Shire even lead to dead ends where would-be assassins wait for easy
though such a march will scatter his followers and leave prey.
them vulnerable to threats from every side.
The Peak of Mount Gram
See Radgul’s description on page 74. Rising almost to the heights of the Misty Mountains
themselves, the very top of Mount Gram is a snowcapped
Notable Locations horn of broken rock. There nest great flocks of magpies,
birds deemed to be cunning and wicked, even more than
Golfimbul’s Gully the Crebain of the south. Attracted by shiny objects,
Travellers journeying north from the Ettenmoors might they watch with keen eyes for any gleam of precious
be tempted to shorten their trek across this inhospitable metal or stone that might pass under their gaze. The rare
region by taking a path cutting across the near-impassable mountaineer who makes his way to the top of Mount Gram
mountain range. It is a jagged, shallow cleft that passes finds circles of stones cobbled together with scattered
through the ancient stone of the mountain, cut by ages of bones and even stolen weapons and other treasure,
rain and wear. Its high walls of natural stone are smooth claimed by the magpies of Mount Gram. It is said that
and its floor is as slick as a riverbed. It is an easy passage; great artefacts can be found here, if one could only survive
but certainly not a safe one. the climb (see The Magpies of Mount Gram below).

The Magpies of Mount Gram

Companions travelling close to Mount Gram may rouse the curiosity of the magpies nesting atop the peak. If
anyone in the group is carrying a Wondrous Artefact or a Legendary Weapon, the canny birds will try to steal it.
A DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check enables the Hunter of the Company to notice that an unusual number of the
birds are keeping watch over them. If the roll fails, the magpies quietly steal a targeted object (how these small
birds can carry away a sword should remain a mystery!). The character carrying the object may make a DC 20
(Wisdom) Perception check to avoid being fooled.

If the heroes want to recover what has been taken from them, or if they noticed the magpies and located their nests
(a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check), they may attempt to climb the mountain to the top. The trek is a
lengthy endeavour, taking at least a couple of days. The first day is a long and tiring walk, but devoid of any real
danger (unless they did something to alert the local Orcs…). The last day is a different thing: to get to the top of
the peak, the heroes will have to climb a rock face, trying not to fall below. Each hero must make three DC 20
Strength (Athletics) checks to climb the steep slopes.

A companion with an appropriate Region-lore speciality may either invoke his Trait to gain Advantage on his own
checks or assist another climber and give them Advantage on their Athletics checks. Heroes who fail an Athletics
check fall for 20 feet, or for 50 feet if they roll a 1 on the d20. Any companion who braves — and survives — the
ascent to Mount Gram will find a hoard containing 20** Treasure (and all the items stolen from them).

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 Rivendell Region Guide

Angmar dwells forever and a chill beyond that of natural storms

cuts to the marrow.
Far to the north, beyond Mount Gram and the furthest
peaks of the Misty Mountains, is the forsaken land that The broken stones and high peaks that mark the northern
almost a thousand years ago was known as the realm of border of old Angmar are capped with ice and snow.
Angmar. From his dark capital of Carn Dûm in the north, The roads that run among the high hills facing these
the Witch-king commanded ruin and terror and brought foreboding peaks are hard to find by all but those who
about the collapse of the northern kingdom of Arnor. But know the secret paths carved by the Witch-king long ago.
that dire servant of Sauron was then defeated in turn, and Rare is the traveller who finds them by chance and though
the strongholds of Angmar were destroyed. such a thing may seem a blessing in this harsh place, all
roads before the Mountains of Angmar lead to one place:
As the Twilight of the Third Age approaches, the ancient Carn Dûm, the heart of darkness in the North.
domain of the Wraith-king seems to heed the call of the
Dark Lord, now again revealed in Mordor. Blinding snows Combat Scenery: crags, dead silences, eerie mist, freezing
sweep down from the jagged peaks of the Mountains cold, lone trees, scattered rocks, unsettling atmospheres
of Angmar in winter, and evil Men and Orcs are slowly
making their way north in ever greater numbers from Wildlife
the east and south. Trolls are now found north of the Today, the old realm of Angmar is a dead land, inhabited
Ettenmoors, crossing the Grey Waste stretching between only by those wild animals used to the harsh conditions of
their own lands and the Mountains of Angmar. a desert. Snakes hide under the rocks, carrion-birds perch
on the barren trees, patiently waiting for another Orc to be
Though the Dúnedain and the High Elves of Rivendell keep felled by the blade of an enraged companion. Lean, grey
a wary eye upon this land, few ever venture that far north. wolves descend from the mountains to go hunting west
Those that did journey there returned with tales of a great and south.
desert of grey scrub and gnarled trees that mar the land.
Once within sight of the Mountains of Angmar, freezing The grey skies above the Grey Waste have recently come to
winds to rival the worst of the Redhorn Pass make travel life with the flight of many black buzzards, who watch the
all but impossible. It is a land without life, where winter paths and roads trod by those Trolls, Orcs and evil Men

Angmar
Mountains of Angmar
>

Carn Dum
E

o
E
The Frozen Path

Angmar
The Grey Waste
o

The Peak of
Mount Gram E
Mount Gram

50
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

who enter the region. These minions and slaves march defeated in the Battle of Fornost, these corrupted people
north in small groups and vanish into the foothills of the were routed and fled, scattering across the land. The
Mountains of Angmar. No scout from Rivendell or Ranger remnant of those foul slaves established small camps in
has been foolhardy enough to follow them closer than a the valleys along the southern borders of the Grey Waste,
few leagues of Carn Dûm, so their ultimate destination is or hid in mountain caves. In time, these settlements
unknown. became villages, and they were able to endure in the
darkened North.
Inhabitants
The region that became known as the realm of Angmar Recently, the former minions of the Witch-king have
was originally inhabited by a worthy folk of strong and started again to traverse the Grey Waste heading north,
hardy Men. They toiled hard and long to carve a meagre to approach the secret roads that lead to Carn Dûm as if
existence in an unforgiving land, and were not prepared they were unified by some dark will. Hill-men and Goblins
for war when evil Men came among them and enslaved alike can be seen plying their way across the waste and
them by force of arms and sorcerous means. For these then the snow, as if searching for something dark and lost
invaders were servitors of the Dark Lord, and from their – maybe remembered only in broken songs in the honour
allegiance to the Shadow they had gained great gifts. of their long-absent lord.

When in a later age of the world the Lord of the Nazgûl Notable Characters
came to this land, he was welcomed by the descendants of
that folk, by that time turned fully to evil ways, and made Burzash, Orc Warlord
their Witch-king. One among the many Orcs that are being drawn out of
their lairs in the mountains to journey north towards
At the peak of its power, the realm of Angmar extended Carn Dûm, Burzash is not satisfied leading only his
its influence on both sides of the Misty Mountains. Its own tribe. Moving across Angmar, Burzash has set his
armies gathered many evil Men and Orcs, and other will to dominating lesser Orcs and uniting them under
fell creatures. When the Lord of the Nazgûl was finally his banner. He is a fierce creature, commanding and

51
 Rivendell Region Guide

merciless. Gathering Orcs, Goblins and Hill-men to him, Carn Dûm (see page 77), Hill-men of Rhudaur (see page
he moves across the Grey Waste, slaughtering those who 77-78), and reinforced by a pair of great Mountain-
do not bow to his will. Trolls (page 109 of the Loremaster’s Guide) whom he
had attracted to his service under the promise of war and
slaughter. The entire warband counts as Bloodthirsty and
are a Vengeful Band.

The Steward of Carn Dûm

When the Witch-king was forced to abandon Carn Dûm
following his defeat, the fortress was not fully destroyed,
as its foundations were too strong even for the Men of the
West to shatter. In its deepest recesses many creatures
were allowed to endure, and many dwell there still. Among
those wretched shades lurks he who was once deemed to
be a sorcerer of dark and terrible power: the Steward of
Carn Dûm.

At the time of the witch-realm, he could be spied on the

highest battlements of the black citadel of Carn Dûm, as
he gazed down upon the frozen and black realm, casting
his auspices at the service of the Witch-king.

The Steward of the citadel has never left the dungeons of

Burzash is a Great Orc, as seen in the Adventures in the broken fortress, as he was appointed a task he will
Middle-earth Loremaster’s Guide on page 97. He typically never betray. When the Lord of the Nazgûl left Carn Dûm to
travels with a large warband composed of Goblins of go and fight at the Battle of Fornost, he left the Iron Crown

The Hill-men of Rhudaur

Hill-men have inhabited the northernmost lands of Eriador since before the foundation of the North Kingdom,
forced to the inhospitable hills and mountains of Rhudaur by the advancing Númenóreans. Their resentment and
persecution first led them willingly into an alliance with Angmar, and then into servitude.

Upon the defeat of the Witch-king, many of the Hill-men that once served him fled across the Misty Mountains
and now dwell about the Vales of Gundabad (see Rhovanion Region Guide, page 14). But some remained in the
cold wastes of Angmar, hiding in caves and secret valleys lest the vengeful armies of Gondor and High Elves slay
them. Their descendants hide still, degenerate, wild warriors who live and fight with the Goblins of this region. In
the past few years, something has been calling them back to the black towers of Carn Dûm, a call felt in their blood.

Sorcery of the Hill-men

The sorcery of the Hill-men of Rhudaur is very old. At the time of the kingdom of Angmar, those who were deemed
to be the most powerful among them were taught by the Witch-king himself, and acted as his messengers. Their
descendants are not nearly as powerful or cunning as their wicked ancestors, but the Hill-men of Rhudaur never
completely forsook the dark gifts of the Wraith-lord. (Learn more of the Hill-men’s sorcery on page 78).

52
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

of Angmar in his keeping. Thus the life of the Steward

was spared the wreck of that defeat, and the crown didn’t
follow the Witch-king in his flight. In the centuries that The Iron Crown of Angmar
followed, the Steward was slowly consumed by the power At the time of his relentless war against the Northern
residing in the Iron Crown: he become a Fell Wraith, a Realm of the Dúnedain, the Lord of the Nazgûl
weak reflection of its Master. commanded that a heavy crown of iron be forged in
Carn Dûm, using the blades that belonged to those
princes of Arnor that he defeated on the field of battle
or by black treachery.

As the war progressed, the crown became heavier, as

many prongs were added to it. When the Witch-king
deserted Angmar to flee south, he left his crown in the
keeping of his Steward. And there it remained, in a
secret cell under the main tower of Carn Dûm.

The Iron Crown of Angmar is too large and heavy to

be worn by any Mortal or Elf. Should its location
become known, the Rangers of the North would do
anything to find it; the blades that adorn it have been
taken from many lords who gave their lives in the wars
against Angmar. But the Lord of the Ringwraiths
would be even more relentless to find it first, should
he discover that the crown was not lost; he reserved a
special place on its crown for any sword belonging to
an Heir of Elendil…

The Iron Crown of Angmar is the equivalent of

a Wondrous Artefact with a Greater Blessing to
Intimidation, but it is heavily cursed: it is considered
Owned (by the Witch-king), Hunted and carrying a
Shadow Taint for 4 Shadow points (see Cursed Items,
starting on page 99).

The Steward of Carn Dûm today is a shade among shades,

perpetually wrapped in a robe of rich crimson, his facial
features hidden beneath the shadows of his heavy hood. Notable Locations
He haunts the deepest cells of the dark capital of ancient
Angmar, where he patiently awaits the return of the The Grey Waste
Morgul-lord. Once this happens, he will kneel once more The vast stretch of blighted and broken land to the south
before the Lord of the Nazgûl and will offer him what he of the Mountains of Angmar is barren and harsh. Known
has kept secret for centuries: the Iron Crown of Angmar. as the Grey Waste for the ash-like dust that covers it and
the patches of faded scrub that pock the landscape, it is an
The Steward is a Fell Wraith possessing both Black Dread unforgiving place. It is here that the great armies of Men
and Wicked Cunning. He knows Words of Power and and Orcs that once served the Witch-king used to muster,
Terror as well, ranking him at Challenge 4. and where they encountered their ultimate destruction.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

The wasteland is dotted with the ruins of their ancient The Watchtowers
encampments and watchtowers, broken by the wrath of Carn Dûm was the capital of the witch-realm of Angmar,
the Men of the West and their victorious allies. The many and the roads that led to that citadel where protected by
roads and tracks that connected those settlements are many towers and keeps, built against the high peaks of
now buried in the fine, grey dust that chokes everything the northern mountain range. There, the foul servants of
when stirred by the cold winds. the Morgul-lord maintained stores of arms and from their
gates they struck swiftly and brutally any enemy who
The silence that reigns on the Grey Waste at night is broken dared to approach.
only by the moans and cries of the many ghosts that
wander aimlessly in the dark. Hopeless is the wanderer The Men of the West destroyed most of these towers,
that dares to explore the ruins of the Grey Waste, for when leaving only piles of large blocks of stone. But some
the Sun fails and the moon is dead the restless Spectres survived, as they were hidden among inaccessible crags,
of the unlucky Men who were deceived by the promises of or perched up on high, where the ice defended them from
the Morgul-lord go out to haunt any living being with their the anger of the Dúnedain.
laments (see page 85 for more information on Spectres).
Today, small lights appear briefly behind the arrow-slits
The Frozen Path of some of these ancient keeps, snuffed out hastily by
Those who brave the Grey Waste and reach the foothills creatures made furtive by vows of secrecy. One by one,
of the Mountains of Angmar may stumble upon the traces these long-abandoned towers are manned again, and
of the ancient road that servants of the Witch-king carved their ancient stonework is repaired and made ready. Once
through this merciless land. Known as the Frozen Path, they are all filled, Angmar might once again be considered
this hidden trail winds in the shadow of massive peaks, a living realm, the staging ground for the Enemy’s armies
atop the crest of naked hills and along high cliffs and in the North.
down into low, snow-filled dales.
Carn Dûm
At times, advancing on the path becomes extremely Under the rulership of the Witch-king hordes of servants of
dangerous to all but the most experienced of mountaineers, the Dark Lord issued from the mighty gates of Carn Dûm
as the road crosses over open chasms by means of thin to prey upon the North for almost seven hundred years.
bridges of rock, or is blasted by freezing winds. If followed,
the Frozen Path connects all the watchtowers built along After the defeat of the Lord of the Nazgûl and his armies at
the Mountains of Angmar, even if to reach most of the the Battle of Fornost in the year 1975 of the Third Age, most
existing ones secret tracks leaving the path must first be of the settlements and strongholds of the dark kingdom of
found and then followed. Angmar were destroyed and their inhabitants driven into
hiding. But its capital could not be annihilated fully, and
something has been permitted to lie in its deeps, waiting,
and now it has awakened again as the world darkens.
Winds from the Wastes
Though the citadel is wrapped in ice and broken, it stirs
The cold winds that blow among the Mountains of once more to life.
Angmar carry upon them fell voices, whispers coming
from the frozen wastes of the far North. All those who The citadel of Carn Dûm was crafted in mockery of
hear their call are beset by fear and doubt, and only the Númenórean architecture. Its towers rise from the very
most strong-willed and fearless are able to cast aside stone of the northernmost mountains of Angmar. Its gates
the shadows summoned in their minds. Companions can be found beyond a great cleft between two high ridges
travelling along the Frozen Path must pass a DC 10 of black stone known as the Red Valley. But the citadel
Wisdom saving throw or become Frightened until they itself just gives a hint of its true vastness; caverns run deep
take a long rest. into the mountains and to the very depths of the earth. No
one has explored these tunnels. Whispers and rumours

54
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

speak of passages leading to gigantic underground halls land, deserted since many long years. Here, the folk of
and great forges, once used to craft arms, armour and the lost realm of Cardolan took their last refuge, trying to
machinery for the war against Arnor. escape a great plague that came from the south and killed
most of their people.
In recent times, Orcs, Hill-men and Trolls have started to
return to this desolate place, as if something was calling North of the road and to the east of the Midgewater
them back. What they find there when they arrive no one Marshes is another line of hills rolling northwards and
knows yet. If indeed the dark flame of the Enemy has been called the Weather Hills. The highest of them, Weathertop,
rekindled in the North, then surely it burns hottest in the is the closest to the old road, its conical shape ending in
halls of Carn Dûm. a flat top. On this high place, crumbling stone walls and
stairs rise from the earth in a circle of jagged stone teeth
broken by the passage of many long years.
The South Downs
and Weather Hills Streams criss-cross the hidden dells and alder-trees
can be seen sprouting up in small patches. In the clefts
On its route to the mountains, the great East Road passes among the heights stand the ruins of old works of stone,
between two regions of hilly terrain. To the south, low, overgrown walls and half-filled dikes. But the ruins on
green hills run from east to west, for more than one Weathertop are by far the most prominent feature of this
hundred miles. Called the South Downs, it is a lonely region. Here stood a great watch-tower, raised in the days

55
 Rivendell Region Guide

of Elendil the Tall. Only the Dúnedain and those wise in

old lore remember the Tower of Amon Sûl as anything
New Fellowship Phase Undertaking:
more than a place of ill-omen. The Rangers of the North
often come to the Hill of the Wind, as its height commands Find and Prepare Athelas
a wide view of the surrounding countryside. The Men of "...it is a healing plant that the Men of the West
Bree and others too foolish to know any better say that brought to Middle-earth. Athelas they named it, and
those wandering folk gather there to speak on dark and it grows now sparsely and only near places where they
private business. dwelt or camped of old..."

Kingsfoil is regarded as little more than a weed by

most folks of Middle-earth, but those who are wise
n
The Dome The South Downs know it was once called athelas and that it has great
of Sight North Downs
and Weather Hills healing virtues. A companion spending a Fellowship
E
E Fornost Erain phase in Rivendell (or a Dúnadan at home) may
choose this undertaking to go and find athelas in the
wilds of old Arnor.
Green

Weather
Hills
way

The hero must make a DC 15 Intelligence

(Investigation) check to locate the plant. On a basic
c success, the hero has found enough athelas for two
Bree-land salves, three if they succeeded by 5 or more, or four
a Midgewater
Weathertop salves’ worth if they rolled a 20. The Herb-lore
Bree Marshes E
speciality can provide Advantage or a Proficiency
E
Bonus on this check, as on page 121 of the Adventures
E in Middle-earth Player’s Guide.
The Great
Barrow Stone South Downs
Then the hero must make up the salves. For each salve,
Barrow n E the hero must make a DC 10 Wisdom check. On a
Downs The Wolf-Den of success the salve is ready for use. Companions with
the South Downs
o a herbalism kit may add their Proficiency Bonus to
these checks. For the effects of an athelas salve, see
page 154 of the Adventures in Middle-earth Player’s
Guide.

The Weather Hills are a country that is rarely traversed

by any but the most hardy of wanderers. Swift and cold
streams run between the hillsides and clever paths cut to Wildlife
hide those who walk upon them can be found only by a The South Downs and the Weather Hills seem almost
keen-eyed scout. Unwary travellers can become lost for devoid of wild creatures to those who wander the land.
days. They often find themselves tumbled out upon the In truth, their cold, clear streams teem with fish, and in
region’s western side, facing the long stretch of insect- the Weather Hills many small birds live off the swarms
infested bogs and fens of the Midgewater Marshes. Those of midges that the wind carries over from the Midgewater
who know their way may gain the top of the highest hills Marshes. Nightfall in this land brings the sound of howling
and gaze far off instead. wolves echoing in the valleys, though those feral beasts
are seldom seen around the area. This doesn’t prevent any
Combat Scenery: ancient dykes, birdsong, bogs, broken travellers traversing the region from seeking refuge upon
stairs, foundations, old walls, pits, thickets the summit of Amon Sûl in the the evening.

56
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

Inhabitants
No Men make their abode in the Weather Hills or in the Arbarad
South Downs. Only the Rangers come here, to keep a Medium Human
watchful eye upon the great East Road. But they built no STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
settlements on these heights. When they make camp on 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 8 (-1)
the hills, the Rangers of the North go to great lengths to Armour Class 14 (Leather Corslet)
conceal their passage. Hit Points 65 (10d8+20)
Speed 30 ft
Notable Characters Skills History +4, Perception +7, Survival +5
Senses passive Perception 17
The Warden of Amon Sûl Languages Westron, Sindarin
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
The Rangers of the North try to make sure that there is
Deadly Names. Arbarad can spend his bonus action to
always at least one of their company near Amon Sûl, to
add 3 (1d6) radiant damage to a servant of the Enemy
both tend the ruined tower and watch the old road.No one that he has just struck in combat.
is here more often than Arbarad. This stoic, travel-worn Hunter. Arbarad gains +2 to all of his Perception checks
wanderer spends many days scouring the land, watching (included above).
for trespassing creatures and looking for any ancient Secret Places. If Arbarad is in the South Downs, the
testimony of the lost realm of his people. While dedicated Weather Hills or the North Downs he always knows a place
to his tasks, Arbarad is also always ready to help lost where the Company may take a long rest. It requires a
successful Audience for Arbarad to lead them there, however.
wanderers find their way back to the road, should they
Actions
become lost in the maze-like hills.
Multiattack. Arbarad can make two attacks with either
his Long Sword or his Great Bow.
Motivation: This is a dangerous land; you should not Long Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft,
wander from the Road or you will come to a bad end. one target. Hit: 5 (1d8+1) slashing damage or 6 (1d10+1)
slashing damage if wielded with two hands.
Expectations: +1 if the Company has a Dúnadan or Great Bow. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range
High Elf; -2 if they insist that they are ‘adventurers’ who 150/600 ft, one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) piercing damage.
are prepared for the Wild — Arbarad has too often buried
those who made similar claims.

57
 Rivendell Region Guide

Notable Locations it does offer one advantage: it is hard, if not impossible,

to follow or track anyone across its bogs and quagmires.
Weathertop The Rangers of the North employ this ruse whenever they
Known in Sindarin as Amon Sûl, the Hill of the Wind, want to throw off any pursuers.
Weathertop is more than just a circle of burnt and broken
ruins atop a high place. The path that leads north from The Wolf-Den of the South Downs
the top of the hill used to connect Amon Sûl with the other The Wolves of the South Downs came from the distant
fortified places built on the Weather Hills. In fact, the Misty Mountains to hunt, and never returned to their
tower was a part of a complex of fortifications set along a lairs. They found that the desolate hills offered a good
border between warring kingdoms. refuge for them, and from there they go out at night to
search for prey.

These Wolves can consider themselves lucky, as the

Rangers rarely patrol the hills of the South Downs,
preferring to keep a watch over the Old Road from the
higher Weather Hills. This is why the Wolves have escaped
notice so far, and they remain undisturbed in their new
den, a great cave dug deep into a large hill. Their secret
lair for the moment houses a pack of a dozen wolves, but
the cunning beasts are spreading the word, and more
wicked creatures are approaching the South Downs to
bow to the new Wolf-lords of Eriador. If the Orcs of Mount
Gram were to hear about this, then an alliance might be
reached between the two factions and the great East Road
would be seriously threatened.

New Fellowship Phase Undertaking:

When the tower was intact, it was used to hold one of Watch upon Amon Sûl (Dúnedain only)
the Seeing Stones that Elendil brought from Westernesse The Rangers of the North keep a watchful eye on the
over the Sea, but little is known of that tale in the world realm from Weathertop, always maintaining a secret
today. Rangers have long searched the ruins surrounding guard upon the great East Road.
Weathertop for any relic of that time of strife, and nothing
but fragments of weapons can be found now. Anything of Only Dúnedain companions who returned home for the
worth was brought to Rivendell long ago, to await for the Fellowship phase may select this undertaking and spend
return of the King. a great many days and nights patrolling the Weather
Hills and keeping camp upon the summit of Amon
Midgewater Marshes Sûl. Because of these long watches spent in the wilds,
Separating the Chetwood of Bree-land and the Weather they are better able to face the troubles of the land
Hills is a vast area of marshland filled with stinging flies when they next journey through them. During their
and irritating insects. It is a trackless land that few pass next Adventuring phase, if their journey takes them
through, save at the utmost of need. Here the fens are through the central parts of Eriador they add a +1 to
filled with dank, brackish water that stinks of stagnation. any rolls on the Journey Event table as they guide the
Company through the trackless hills of the region.
Travel is difficult and slow for those who pass through
the Midgewater Marshes, but leaving the road to traverse

58
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

The North Downs Rangers who hear such a name on their visits to Bree are
quick to remark that the local folk know nothing of the
The ancient Greenway crosses the great East Road near true hauntings that infest the land, just a few miles away
the town of Bree and continues north, towards the high from their doors.
hills called the North Downs. These grassy hills roll in a
north-eastern direction for many leagues, before they give Combat Scenery: ancient dykes, broken pillars, fallen
way to the flat, broad lands between the Downs and the statues, foundations, pits, rubble, thickets, unstable walls,
mountains to the east. Verdant and lush, these are wild warm sun breaking through the clouds
lands that were once the heart of a great kingdom, but that
are now deserted. Wildlife
The North Downs are wild and teeming with life. The short
What is left are just half-buried ruins that have been and hardy grassland is covered by flowers in spring and is
reclaimed by time and nature, and are guarded by those home to thousands of butterflies. Sheep and rabbits graze
strange wanderers that the Bree-folk call the Rangers. on the hilltops, while kestrels fly low in search of prey.
There were once many woods over the North Downs, but
the Men of the West felled those trees long ago, and only
small groves of oaks now remain. The stones and ruined
walls that dot the land are covered with ivy and leaves.
The North Downs
Lone-lands
Inhabitants
n It is said, with the exception of the Shire-folk, that no one
lives within many days of Bree and the high hills of the
North Downs are no exception. But the Rangers of the
North go there, and they maintain several of their secret
The Tower of Twilight refuges in hidden dales and on the hilltops, where greater
E ruins still endure.

n Notable Characters
The Dome
of Sight North Downs Gishak Gashnaga
E
E Fornost Erain
The town of Bree and the Shire to the west may seem
quiet places. But their peace is something that is assured
Green

night after night by the constant watch of the Rangers. For

Weather example, what would have happened if the warband of
Hills
way

Gishak Gashnaga wasn’t defeated in the North Downs?

These Orcs came down all the way from Mount Gram in
Bree-land c search of plunder, but they found the steel of the Dúnedain
first. Gishak Gashnaga was the only survivor of the Orcs’
a Weathertop
E encounter with the Rangers. Protected by darkness, he was
able to crawl away, and found refuge among the ruins of
an ancient hill-fort in the east of the North Downs. There,
What business the Rangers have with these lands is a he found a complex of tunnels to hide in, and now plans to
mystery to the Breelanders. All they know is that they attract more of his kin there, to establish in secret a camp
are the only wanderers that dare to get close to the ruins of Goblins and Orcs. Under Gishak’s command, these foul
of King’s Norbury. Them, and robbers. For the southern creatures would plague the land for years to come. Gishak
border of the North Downs is deemed to be a haunted Gashnaga is a Great Orc, as described on page 97 of the
land, a place of ill-omen, and they call it Deadmen’s Dike. Loremaster’s Guide.

59
 Rivendell Region Guide

Talandil, Ranger of the North Downs

When a Ranger has served for many years out in the Wild,
he is allowed to return to his family. But Talandil had no Talandil
Medium Human
family to return to. Having reached a considerable age,
Talandil doesn’t wander the land either, and he rarely STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
15 (+2) 11 (+0) 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0)
leaves the North Downs. He is the self-appointed guardian
Armour Class 16 (Ring-mail, Shield)
of Fornost Erain, and he knows many songs and tales of
Hit Points 60 (8d8+24)
that city when it was the northern fortress of the kings.
Speed 30 ft
Skills Lore +3, Perception +5, Pipe +3, Riddle +3,
Survival +5
Senses passive Perception 15
Languages Westron, Sindarin
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Long-pipe. Talandil can make a DC 15 Intelligence
(Pipe) check as an action. On a success, he makes his next
ability check with Advantage.
Many Long Leagues. If Talandil is with the Company
on a journey then a companion can spend Inspiration to
allow a long rest. This ability can only be used once per
journey.
Actions
Multiattack. Talandil can make two attacks with his
Long Sword.
Motivation: When get to be as old as I am, you are Long Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft,
cautious and slow to trust others. one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) slashing damage or 7 (1d10+2)
slashing damage if wielded with two hands.
Expectations: +1 if the Company has a Hobbit with them Reaction
— Talandil has had enough even of his own people, but he Parry. Talandil adds 2 to his AC against one melee attack
that would hit him. To do so, he must see the attacker and
does take delight in the Little Folk; -2 if the Company does
be wielding a melee weapon.
not have a Dúnedan with them. Fornost Erain is a place
that belongs to the Rangers of the North.

60
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

Notable Locations once a vast and lofty dome, but it collapsed at the time of
the sack of the city. In this place, the Seeing Stones of the
Fornost Erain North-kingdom were kept for many years: the chief stone
There are many names for this former capital of Arnor that was first in the Tower of Amon Sûl, and the Stone of
and Arthedain: Fornost, Fornost Erain and Norbury of the Annúminas, now both lost to the sea.
Kings, but it’s been long since anyone called it other than
Deadmen’s Dike. In the southern shadows of the North Should a companion enter the Dome of Sight, he might
Downs, what was left of Fornost has been reclaimed by recover one of the ceramic tiles that covered the interior of
nature. Its tall towers were broken during the siege of the the dome (a DC 20 Intelligence (Investigation) check).
Witch-king of Angmar and the city was sacked. Now, late Kept as an amulet, the tile confers a bonus of +1 to all rolls
in the Third Age, the stones that once paved the streets made using the Perception skill.
have been uprooted by trees hundreds of years old and its
once-white stone walls are covered with winding ivy and The Tower of Twilight
spreading lichen. Indeed, an unwary traveller might walk The westernmost hill of the North Downs is known as the
within a few feet of this place before realising that beyond Tower of Twilight. Only the Rangers remember the reason
the green walls lie the ruins of an ancient city. for that name, for there stood of old a fortress called
Amon Dûn, the Hill of the West. Proud it stood upon
The Bree-folk believe that foul spirits haunt the ruins of the tallest hill, until it was cast down in ruin at times of
Fornost Erain. The Rangers let the simple folk entertain war. Legends tell of how the Dúnedain would climb to its
such idle thoughts, as these superstitions let them conceal highest balcony to gaze far and see in the morning sun the
their activities and protect their charges from the greater twinkling lights of Lake Evendim and the great capital of
dangers of the Wild. Arnor, Annúminas.

What remains today is a tall mound, topped by a

perfectly circular ring of close-set blocks of stone. Though
The Ghostly Voices of Fornost weeds and grasses grow freely about the broken tower,
The sorrow brought about in Fornost Erain by the they don’t touch its smooth stones and do not enter its
armies of Angmar has left scars that go beyond the perimeter. Rangers often stop here in their wanderings,
mortal realm. When companions stop for the night in to honour the memory of the capital city of their Northern
the proximity of the ruins of the former capital of the Kingdom.
North, they risk being visited by ghostly presences in
their dreams. All sleeping companions except Elves
make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw.
New Fellowship Phase Undertaking:
On a failure, their dreams are haunted by terrible
Return to Amon Dûn (Dúnedain only)
visions of the slaughter of the Dúnedain of Fornost. The Rangers of the North visit the Tower of Twilight
When they wake up, they are not considered to have to look westward upon the far shores of Lake Evendim.
rested, and the next time they are forced to make a Even a brief glimpse of the land where King Elendil
saving throw against becoming Frightened they have the Tall used to live is enough to strengthen the resolve
Disadvantage, as their nightmares wear away at their of a Dúnadan.
courage.
Dúnedain companions who returned home for their
Fellowship phase may visit Amon Dûn and undertake
to Heal Corruption using any Wisdom skill. They also
The Dome of Sight gain Advantage on the check.
Among the tumbled stones of Fornost is a partially interred
pathway that leads to an underground chamber. This was

61
 Rivendell Region Guide

The Greenway and the East Road monuments to noble kings of old, but time and shadow
There is an old meeting of ways outside the western edge have not been kind to the Barrow-downs and long ages of
of the village of Bree. At the time of the two kingdoms of rain and harsh weather have shaped them into unnatural
the Dúnedain, a great stone road ran from the gates of monoliths whose true purpose is forgotten.
Fornost Erain to as far as the harbour of Pelargir on the
southern borders of Gondor, and another stretched from To the north, a steep wall runs along an overgrown dike
west to east, connecting the Grey Havens to Rivendell. But from east to west, marking the boundary of a kingdom
with the passage of the centuries even the roads of the that disappeared long ago. The stonework is still sturdy,
Men of the West have fallen into disrepair. but many gaps open along its length of many miles.

The portion once known as the North Road, is now seldom

used and has become overgrown with grass. Its length
is interrupted at the ruined city of Tharbad, where the The Barrow-downs
bridge that crossed the river Greyflood is no more. Even

Green
in its time of decline, groups of hardy wanderers set foot
upon this Greenway, as it is called now, to journey from
Weather
Hills

way
north to south and back again. The great East Road sees
more traffic, as Dwarves from the Ered Luin still embark
upon the long journey that takes them east, as far as Bree-land c
Wilderland and the Lonely Mountain, and Elves go the Brandywine a
opposite way, when they tire of Middle-earth and seek the Bridge Midgewater
Bree Marshes
shores of the Sea. E
Old Forest
E
Wanderers travelling across Eriador cannot find a faster The Great
way to cross the land, as even if the country is traversed Barrow Stone
by many paths, no track cuts distances in a straighter way
Barrow n
than the old roads of the kings. But if in need of secrecy, Downs
heroes might have to search for a different solution, as
travellers on the road are easily spotted, and the Enemy o
has many eyes. The Greenway and the East Road are
South Downs
considered to be good roads as far as the rules for journeys
are concerned (see page 176 of the Player’s Guide) but the
Sarn Ford
Company suffers a modifier of -2 to their Veil score (see
the rules for Eye Awareness checks at page 113).

The Barrow-downs Stone doors set into the sides of the larger hills mark the
entrance to tombs of dead warriors and chieftains. Men
Long shadows reach from the eastern border of the interred their dead here since before the Dúnedain came
Old Forest to clutch at the fog-shrouded hills known in to the shores of Middle-earth, and their descendants
Sindarin as Tyrn Gorthad and to the Men of Bree simply continued to cut the soil to dig underground chambers
as the Barrow-downs. Rolling mounds of earth rise and and corridors for thousands of years.
fall, catching clouds of mist in their small valleys.
This tradition was honoured by the Men of the West and
Many of these mounds have upon their crest large thus it was preserved in the days of Arnor. Many of their
stones that hint at the greater structures that once stood princes and lords were buried here, together with their
atop them. These ancient landmarks may have been treasure and favourite gear of war. But it was not their fate

62
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

to rest in peace – at the time of the war with the witch- and rumours speak of more than one crypt that has
realm of Angmar, evil spirits entered the barrows and become infested with large spiders that flit from shadow
have dwelt there ever since. to shadow in search of prey.

Today, the fog in the Barrow-downs rises in dense patches Carrion birds can be spotted perched upon rocks and
in the morning, and dissipates slowly in the midday sun barrow stones. Their harsh cries echo between the hills
only to find a new home upon the top of the hills. This and their unblinking eyes watch closely all those who
mist makes passage difficult for any traveller, including pass, as if they were waiting for some ill-fate to befall them
the Rangers. The eyes of all wanderers are left with only so that they might find a new meal.
a dead grey wall to gaze upon and sound is buried in its
all-consuming blanket. Inhabitants
No men make their homes within the confines of the
Combat Scenery: ancient dykes, eerie mist, rocky Barrow-downs. It is seen universally as a place of ill-omen
outcrops, slopes, standing stones (huge boulders), and those forced to travel through this region hasten their
unstable walls steps so that they might pass beyond its borders before
the sun fades into the West and darkness fills both valley
Wildlife and sky. It is said among the Bree-folk that foolish tomb
There are few wild creatures within the confines of the robbers occasionally enter the Barrow-downs, hoping to
Barrow-downs, in spite of the thick grasses that grow find ancient and glittering treasure hidden in its graves
upon the hilltops and the aged trees that sometimes grow and hills. Few return and those who do speak little of what
along its eastern edges. It is almost as though the Barrow- they have seen for fear that they may draw the evil that
downs devour natural creatures who come to dwell within dwells here to follow them beyond its borders.
its borders. Indeed, Rangers and other hearty folk who
cross this land report discovery of the carcasses of deer Notable Characters
and other wandering beasts who seem stricken dead by
some unknown malady and left to rot. Mad Ostley
White-haired and wide-eyed, Mad Ostley was named so by
The only animals that seem to thrive here are vermin and the Bree-folk. For years he has travelled into the Barrow-
scavengers. Rats are known to hide in the open tombs, downs seeking treasure and riches, but with each failed

63
 Rivendell Region Guide

excavation he returns to the civilised world a bit more

unhinged. In the past few years he has taken to rambling
in quiet whispers to himself about “dead kings” and “cold
hearts.”

While the locals regard him as someone who has “gone

cracked looking for trinkets,” there is the occasional hint
of wisdom in his words. He still journeys out into the
Barrow-downs each spring, never returning with anything
more than madness in his eyes.

Motivations: I have have come out of deep water and am

found again, but my memories are hazy. To follow me is to
venture into danger.

Expectations: +2 if the Company has a Dúnadan with

them — Ostley has a favourable opinion of the Rangers,
though he doesn’t remember why. -2 if the heroes mention
a fair share of treasure — Ostley has his own plans and
they don’t involve the companions.

The Wight-king
The Wight-king of the Barrow-downs is the chief of all
blighted creatures who dwell in that land. Whether he is Notable Locations
the corrupted spirit of the last King of Cardolan who was
entombed in the Barrow-downs before the Great Plague or The Great Barrow Stone
the malicious spirit of some fell captain who once served Near the Old Forest upon the western edges of the Barrow-
Angmar, none can know for certain, for his name has downs is a great mound upon which is set a single massive
been lost to the past. Now he dwells in the greatest tomb of stone. This great pillar is larger than any other in the downs,
the Barrow-downs, where his vile will sets all the lingering as is the hill upon which it rests. It is cold to the touch on
dead that dwell there to an evil purpose. even the hottest days of summer and legends speak of a
curse that has been laid upon it, to plague whoever enters
The few who have laid eyes upon the Wight-king describe the Barrow-downs with the intention of depredating the
an ancient skeletal warrior clad in broken armour, dead of their riches. A company passing by the stone sees
bearing a cracked shield and wielding a tarnished black their Hunt score raised by a number of points equal to
blade. His eyes burn with a frozen light and he moves the highest Shadow score among all companions (see the
with the slow certainty of death. By his dark will all dead rules for the Eye of Mordor on page 111).
things of the Barrow-downs are driven forth, a mockery of
the armies of Cardolan that once made this realm noble. Barrow Tombs
He is a terrible foe in battle, his very presence spreading The downs are littered with the tombs of warriors and
corruption, and even the Rangers of the North would not kings whose names and deeds have long been forgotten
dare face him openly. He leaves his hidden tomb only by all but the wisest Men and Elves of Eriador. Though
under the cover of darkness, though in recent times he some foolhardy plunderers come to these dank burial
has become more restless and driven. None know to what caves seeking ill-gotten riches, they are often driven away
evil task he has now been set, only that he seeks to bring by the unnatural chill that claws at them upon entry or,
all that was once living or might be slain into his growing worse yet, the dark whispers carried upon the wind as it
army. See the description of the Wight-king on page 86. sweeps through the darkness.

64
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

Hushed whispers speak of the terrible Barrow-wights, Tharbad

spectral apparitions clad in the mail of those who once
ruled this land and wandering in the thick fog. It is said Far to the south of Imladris where the Greyflood marks
that they seek to claim wayward travellers, to carry them the northern borders of Dunland and Enedwaith are the
underground to join the dead. The few who have survived ruins of the city of Tharbad. This town was once a great
encounters with these fell creatures recall their haunting centre of trade and commerce of the Men of the West,
songs and dead faces and yearn to remember little more. built around a grand stone bridge that crossed the river.
Tales of the Barrow-wights keeps all but the most hearty of Its foundations are what remains of that great work of the
travellers from passing through the Barrow-downs. See the Númenórean kings of old, gigantic stones that jut out of
description of the Barrow-wights on pages 82-83. the waters of the largest marshlands of Eriador.

Entering a Barrow
Tharbad
The rumours of treasures hidden in the barrow tombs
are not without merit. Indeed it is true that relics and
South Downs
artefacts of the Kingdom of Cardolan can sometimes
n E
be found laying beside the bones of those who fell to The Wolf-Den of
the Witch-king of Carn Dûm centuries ago. But these the South Downs
tombs are not to be visited lightly, for they are blighted
places: those who enter a tomb in the Barrow-downs
must make a Corruption check (a DC 15 Wisdom Lone-lands
saving throw) when they first enter and an additional n
check for every hour they remain within. Those who Gr
ee el
fail gain 1 point of Shadow. Additionally, entering a nw
eith
ay
tomb with the intention of plundering it for its contents ith
M
is a Misdeed (see the Adventures in Middle-earth
Player’s Guide, page 182), worthy of an automatic
gain of 3 Shadow points. The Swanfleet

Barrow tombs are generally shallow and house only Tharbad E The Crossing
the remains of one long-dead warrior or prince. of Tharbad
Legends talk of great mounds that go deep within the od
Oldoad

flo
R

earth housing greater corruption and greater treasure. re

y
So

Despite their sinister fame, many barrow tombs have ~G

uth

been looted at some time in their long history. Those

that are haunted by an evil spirit are more likely to
still contain a hoard. A typical barrow may contain This land was abandoned completely not more than
between 20 to 100 gold pieces worth of treasure, fifty years ago, when great floods wrecked the bridge
likely to be tainted with Corruption (see page 183 and engulfed the surrounding fields, turning the entire
of the Player’s Guide). An ancient hoard guarded by region into one enormous swamp dotted with crumbling
a Wight should have a rating ranging from 50* to buildings atop dwindling mounds.
100*. Most items that are Touched by the Shadow
and found in a barrow hoard will almost certainly be The Old South Road that once united Gondor and Arnor
cursed (see Cursed Items starting on page 99). has disappeared in these lands, and resurfaces only many
miles to the north as the grass-covered Greenway – only
travellers of great courage and hardihood take that path

65
 Rivendell Region Guide

today. To the east, the delta of the River Swanfleet marks Wild fishermen and fowlers from Enedwaith sometimes
the borders of Eregion, where the Mitheithel and Glanduin go upriver along the Greyflood in search of fish and
unite. birds to catch with their keenly thrown spears. Bands
of Dunlendings come north from their own country to
Combat Scenery: bogs, broken pillars, covered pits, waylay both beast and Man who might be found in this
foundations, huge boulders, incessant buzzing, mud, region.
river shallows, rubble, thick fogs
Few Rangers of the North travel so far south as Tharbad,
Wildlife but when they do they are especially wary of any creature
The wild fens around Tharbad are teeming with all on two legs that might trespass into their territory.
manner of birds and beasts. Great birds, long of leg and
with sweeping beaks sit upon the shores of the Greyflood Notable Characters
and pluck the fish from the waters as they swim by.
Swans, white and fair, still nest in the lower reaches of the Kyna
river for which they are named, the Swanfleet. Great hares Though the Wild Men of Enedwaith rarely travel inland as
hide amidst the few rising mounds that dot the landscape far as Tharbad, Kyna is an adventurous young woman.
while the low song of smaller birds can be heard in spring. Boasting her desire to fish in “unchallenged waters”, she
Of late great black crows have been seen moving in large leaves her village for weeks on end to reach the crumbling
flocks from Dunland across the river. These Crebain build town. The ruins fascinate her, and she often spends more
great nests in the few stone ruins of Tharbad and drive hours exploring them than tending to her duties as a
out all other creatures. Learn more about the Crebain of huntress and fisherwoman for her people.
Tharbad on page 75.
She knows the fens west of Tharbad quite well, better than
Inhabitants any other of her kind. Though she is curious regarding
There are no fixed settlements in the great fens of Tharbad. the travellers who pass through the realm, she is wary
The air is still not wholesome enough. But even though of the many threats that plague the waters surrounding
this is a forsaken land it is not wholly uninhabited. the Greyflood.

66
 The Regions of Eastern Eriador

Motivations: Speak quickly and tell me truly if you are Typically, he observes them from a distance and retreats
friend or foe, for your life may be forfeit if you lie to me! if he falls under their gaze. Bradan doesn’t know why
his chieftain is seeking news from the north, though he
Expectations: +1 if a person of Bree is with the Company suspects that his lord is reporting to a greater, unknown
— Kyna’s folk still tell tales of the ancient town; -2 if master.
anyone tries to assert authority with Kyna — be they from
Gondor, the Dúnedain or the High Elves… the fishers of
the Enedwaith are free folk. Bradan of D unland
Medium Human
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Kyna of Enedwaith 11 (+0) 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 15 (+2) 13 (+1)
Medium Human Armour Class 16 (Spiral armour)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Hit Points 44 (8d8+8)
15 (+2) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 11 (+0) Speed 30 ft
Armour Class 15 (Leather corslet) Skills Insight +4, Perception +4, Stealth +5
Hit Points 39 (6d8+12) Senses passive Perception 14/19 (see below)
Speed 30 ft Languages Westron
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Skills Athletics +4, Nature +3, Survival +3
Senses passive Perception 11 Secret Folk. If Bradan is making a roll to hide from
Languages Westron others, to detect an ambush, discover a trap or discover
Challenge 1 (200 XP) treachery he has Advantage on the check. This will most
commonly be applied to Insight, Investigation, Perception
Region-lore (Enedwaith). If Kyna is with the Company
and Stealth checks.
for a journey that begins or ends in the Enedwaith or
Tharbad, the Guide rolls 1d8+4 for the Embarkation Actions
Roll. Short Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5
Hatred (Orc-kind) (Recharge 5-6). Kyna and her folk feet, one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing damage.
hate Orcs and she will spend her bonus action to gain Reaction
Advantage on attack rolls against them whenever she Survivor. When outnumbered by his opponents, Bradan
can. always uses the Dodge action. When an opponent misses
Actions him, he can make a single melee attack as a reaction.
Spear: Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach
5 feet or range 20/60 feet, one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2)
piercing damage or 6 (1d8+2) piercing damage if used
with two hands to make a melee attack.
Great Bow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range Notable Locations
150/600 feet, one target. Hit: 7 (1d8+3) piercing damage.
The Crossing of Tharbad
No one but the Wise might guess that the devastated
marshland surrounding the ruins of the stone bridge
Bradan could once be a thriving city of Men. Few birds or beasts
Young and eager to prove himself, Bradan is a young scout draw near these abandoned buildings and a heavy mist
from Dunland, known among his tribemates as a man hangs between broken towers and collapsing walls on all
whose long stride and quick feet has led him far and wide but the brightest of summer days. Folk say that treasure
across his homeland. Having recently come into manhood, can still be found beneath the murky waters where wide
Bradan has been charged by his chieftain with the streets and roads once ran, but none can say for certain.
exploration of the lands north of the borders of Dunland. Those who brave this abandoned place risk their own
lives, for deadly creatures are believed to dwell in the
Though he speaks only a few words in the Common dark places of Tharbad, guarding submerged piles of old
Speech, Bradan is curious when he encounters strangers. gold.

67
 Rivendell Region Guide

The ruins of the great bridge are the most impressive

sight in all Tharbad. A monumental work, the bridge
was so large that it is said that the High King of the Elves, Braving the Ford
Gilgalad, marched the whole of his army across it. Now,
All those who travel along the great South Road must
its stone remains form a treacherous ford, with jagged
attempt the crossing of the river here. But it is no easy
pillars poking from mired waters and cracked blocks of
task. First, the Scout must pick a path through the
marble providing unstable stepping stones. The crossing
murky waters and unstable rubble. This requires a DC
would be impassable if the wide river had not been slow
15 Intelligence (Investigation) check.
and shallow here.
Then each hero must make three DC 20 Strength
The Swanfleet (Athletics) checks. If the Scout succeeded at the
Where the Mitheithel and Glanduin rivers meet, they form
Investigation check, the heroes make these checks with
a wide angle of marshland known as the Swanfleet for the
Advantage. Each failure forces the hero to gain a level
graceful birds found there. East of the meres and eyots of
of Exhaustion as the companion is temporarily caught
this land of reeds is a fall of waters, its spray contributing
beneath the waters of the Gwaltho.
to the heavy mists that veil the land around Tharbad. It
is said that before it was finally abandoned, many of the
If the companions have mounts, then the Company must
merchants of that town found caves winding deep beneath
also make three DC 20 Wisdom (Animal Handling)
these falls and there they laid their gold, hoping that they
checks as well. If all three checks are failed, then a
would one day return and reclaim their precious things.
mount has been lost to the treacherous crossing.
Now, no one knows where these caves are, and stories
tell of a great monster that dwells in the pools where the
waters of the Greyflood and Glanduin mingle, ready to
hunt those treasure-hunters that would dare to venture
too close to its lair.

68
 Evils of the North

poses to a well-arrayed Company of a certain level. This

Evils of rating assumes that all of the rules present in the game

- the North -
are in play: that long rests are hard to come by, Legendary
Weapons and Armour (or other magical items) are rare
and that the Loremaster will make steady use of the
monster’s special abilities and terrain modifiers.
“…dark things come from the houseless hills,
or creep from the sunless woods…” But most importantly, they assume that the maxims
on page 89 of the Loremaster’s Guide are in use. While
From the barren lands of old Arnor to the forsaken numerically speaking a single Black Uruk might be a
paths of Eregion, the land of Eriador is home to dozens challenge for a Company of four level 2 heroes, it is more
of dangerous denizens. Some of these foes have seldom likely that such a foe would serve as a commander for a
been challenged by any hero and are powerful by any force of lesser Orcs and Goblins and be set against a more
measure, whether separately or in great troupes. Others experienced group of heroes. Perhaps a Black Uruk and a
are unique creatures that hate the free people and trouble handful of Snaga Trackers would ambush the Company
them whenever they may. And while the dead outnumber in a place where the Snagas can make use of their Sneak
the living in Eriador, the dead do not always rest easily in Attack abilities. It certainly would be the rare fight that is
this land. fought on a bare field in bright sunshine with the Goblins
in the open!

Powerful Adversaries Of course, such an encounter might overwhelm a less

experienced Company — you will want to consider all
"Fly! This is a foe beyond any of you." aspects of the battle before determining if it is a fitting
challenge for your players. Look to the source material,
There may be times when the Loremaster needs to pit there are very few solitary duels to be found and often our
the Company against an enemy that is stronger than heroes simply wish to escape from the onslaught of the
a common creature of its race, perhaps because it is an enemy hordes.
important character for the plot, a recurring enemy or
simply because the heroes have reached such a high level New Especially Strong Abilities
of power that they risk defeating any threat they face These abilities are meant to describe the capabilities of an
without effort. individual of superior stature; a direct servant of Sauron,
a creature empowered by sorcery, the last of an ages-old
In such cases the Loremaster may apply the rules and species, the recipient of a special training. While normally
advice found on page 116 of the Loremaster’s Guide, limited to 1, the Loremaster might bestow 2 enhancements
augmented by the extra abilities listed here. In addition to or more to a single creature. Addition of these abilities will
abilities that have appeared in previous supplements for raise the Challenge rating of the monster by 1 or more.
the game, this chapter contains especially strong abilities
that can be granted to any creature, supplementing its Cruel Stroke (Recharge 5-6). If the creature’s attack
normal characteristics. There are also a select number of has just hit, it may spend its bonus action to activate this
new, more powerful, Troupe abilities that can be applied ability. The attack becomes a critical hit.
to entire warbands.
Deadly Elusiveness. If the creature does not wear any
Challenge Ratings armour, its Armour Class is equal to 10 plus twice its
Each monster in this chapter, along with all other Dexterity modifier.
monsters in the Loremaster’s Guide and the various other
supplements, are assigned a Challenge rating. The rating Fearsome (Recharge 5-6). The creature may use its
is a rough approximation of the threat that a monster reaction when it is struck by its enemy to activate this

69
 Rivendell Region Guide

ability. That enemy must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving Driven. If a member of the troupe has taken damage
throw. If it fails the saving throw the attack fails and it since the end of its last turn, it has Advantage on its first
becomes Frightened of the creature until the end of the attack roll.
creature’s next turn.
Easily Unnerved. When a member of this troupe is killed,
Great Might (Recharge 5-6). The creature may use its select another living member of the troupe. It takes 2 (1d4)
reaction when it takes damage from a melee or ranged psychic damage as it sees its ally slain.
weapon attack: the damage amount is reduced by the
creature’s Strength modifier, to a minimum of 1 point of Formidable. Each member of the troupe improves its
damage taken. Armour Class by 1.

Legendary. This creature is an exceptional example of Skillful. Select one of the creature’s listed skills. Each
its type. It gains from 1 to 3 additional legendary actions. member has Advantage on all ability checks for that skill.
Each legendary action corresponds to one of the actions or If the troupe contains monsters of different types, each
abilities that it already possesses. Activating a legendary type may select a different skill. If the creature does not
action does not consume the creature’s bonus action or have any skills then this ability has no effect on them.
reaction.
Trained. Select one basic attack action (not Multiatttack
Unyielding (Recharge 5-6). The creature can use its or an action with limited usage or an action that prompts
bonus action to gain temporary hit points equal to twice a saving throw or other additional effects). Each member
its Constitution modifier. of the troupe now has Advantage on that attack. If the
troupe contains monsters of different types, each type may
Wicked Cunning (1/day). The creature can use its bonus select a different basic attack.
action to activate this ability. For the remainder of the
combat, it adds the higher of its Intelligence or Wisdom
modifier to its Armour Class.

New Exceptional Troupe Abilities

Beyond the fire he saw swarming black figures: there
seemed to be hundreds of orcs.

Of all the terrors of the Enemy, perhaps the most alarming

is the sheer number of foes that He can set against the
Free Peoples. When those warbands have superior
training or equipment, even lowly Orcs may be a mighty New Creature Abilities
challenge for stout heroes. Most of the following troupe The following list of abilities are in addition to those found
abilities should raise the Challenge rating of the encounter in the Loremaster’s Guide. None of these are so strong as
and you may wish to assign a singular Challenge rating to to make certain an adjustment to the Challenge rating
the group as a whole. of an adversary, and some even hinder the foe. Still, you
will want to be careful in how many abilities you apply to
Battle-hardened. If the troupe is required to make saving each monster — too many may bog down combat or create
throws against any sort of intimidation effect, they gain confusion in the heat of battle.
Advantage on the saving throw.
Ambush. During their first turn, the creature has
Deadly. Once in a round, a single member of the troupe Advantage on attack rolls against any other creature that
that has successfully hit its target deals an additional 3 hasn’t taken a turn. If the creature scores a melee critical
(1d6) points of the same damage type. hit on a target in this turn, that target is knocked Prone.

70
 Evils of the North

Amphibious. The creature can hold its breath for such just attacked it. If the creature inflicts a critical hit with this
long periods that it is effectively a water-breather in ability, the target is knocked Prone as the blow strikes a
combat situations. knee or other joint.

Broken Blades (1/day). The creature may invoke this Ensorcelled. The creature has been dominated by the
ability as a bonus action. It automatically scores a critical will of another, and no words will cause it to stray from
hit with all successful attacks this round. Afterwards, its its mission. The creature is immune to being Charmed or
weapon is destroyed. Frightened and takes no damage from Psychic attacks.

Battle Cry (1/day). The creature may use its action to Fear of Fire. The creature is fearful of fire. If a torch or
activate this ability. Each creature of the same type within other flame comes within 10 feet of it, the creature suffers
30 feet of the acting creature gains Advantage on attack Disadvantage on its attack rolls.
rolls until the start of the acting creature’s next turn. The
creature may then make one attack as a bonus action. Fearsome Bellow. As a bonus action the creature may
scream at a target within 20 ft. That target must make a DC
Bewilder. The creature can briefly assume a different 13 Wisdom saving throw or become Frightened until the
shape, confusing all around it. All creatures within 30 end of the creature’s next turn.
feet of the creature must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving
throw or be Stunned for 1d4+1 rounds. As long as the effect Hate Sunlight. This creature despises the cleansing light
lasts, the creature may then make a melee attack against a of the Sun. If it is exposed to direct bright sunlight, it takes 3
Stunned creature as a bonus action. The creature can only (1d6) psychic damage each round.
use this ability once per long rest.
Hawk’s Eye (Recharge 4-6). The creature may use this
Bodyguards. The creature is always surrounded by other ability as a bonus action. It does not suffer Disadvantage
creatures of the same type whose duty it is to protect their on attack rolls due to being at long range this turn.
leader. At least one other creature in its retinue gains the
Thrall special reaction ability (see page 72). Horrible Strength. If the creature makes a successful
melee attack, it may use its bonus action to cause additional
Camouflage. The creature has Advantage on all stealth damage equal to its Strength modifier of the same type to
tests in a certain terrain type. the target.

Commanding. Allies of the creature gain Advantage on Keen Hearing and Smell. The creature has Advantage on
attack rolls against enemies engaged with the creature. Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Craven. If the creature starts its turn with less than half Leadership. As a bonus action, the creature can command
its total hit points, it must make a DC 10 Wisdom saving a nearby ally of the same type. That ally takes its turn
throw. On a failure, it becomes Frightened and must use immediately after the acting creature.
its Dash or Disengage action to move away from any
enemies. If movement is impossible, it will take the Dodge Region Dweller (Recharge 5-6). If the creature is within 5
action. feet of a scenery feature specific to its region, it may use its
bonus action to gain half-cover from it, even if the feature
Cunning Speech. If the creature has a chance to speak, would not normally provide it.
then any intelligent foes that share the creature’s language
within earshot must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw Nimble Escape. The creature can take the Disengage or
or suffer Disadvantage when attacking the creature. Hide action as a bonus action on each of its turns.

Deadly Spear-Thrust. The creature may use its reaction Pack Tactics. The creature has Advantage on an attack
to make a single melee attack against a creature that has roll against a creature if at least one of the creature’s

71
 Rivendell Region Guide

allies is within 5 feet of the creature and that ally isn’t Concerning the Undead
Incapacitated.
"Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead,
Parry. The creature adds its Proficiency Bonus to its I will smite you, if you touch him."
Armour Class against one melee attack that would hit
it. To do so, the creature must see the attacker and be Many undead horrors haunt the lonely lands of old Arnor,
wielding a melee weapon. in the shadow of the darker woods, and under the still
waters of rotting marshes. Some are simply what remains
Reckless. The creature may choose to gain Advantage on of the ill-will of evil Men and proud Elves; others were
all attacks it makes in a round, but all attacks on it gain minions of the King of Angmar, sent to infest barren hills
Advantage until the start of its next turn. and lonely barrows; others more are the restless souls of
chieftains and warriors who fell prey to evil curses.
Sneak Attack. Once per turn, the creature deals an
extra 3 (1d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon
attack and has Advantage on the attack roll, or when the
target is within 5 feet of an ally of the creature that isn’t
Incapacitated and the creature doesn’t have Disadvantage
on the attack roll.

Stealthy. The creature may use its bonus action each

round to Hide.

Strike Fear (Recharge 5-6). As an action, the creature

may force each opponent within 30 ft to make a Wisdom
saving throw or become Frightened until the end of the
the creature’s next turn. The DC is equal to 12 plus the
creature’s Proficiency Bonus.

Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the creature

has Disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.
The next section highlights the differences between the
Thrall (Other Creature). This creature is a slave of various types of undead creatures that the companions
another creature, known as its master. If the master is might one day (or night!) encounter during their
within the creature’s movement speed, the creature can use adventuring. While the details are left to the individual
its reaction to become the target of an attack that would monster descriptions, the following text may help the
have hit its master. If the master is slain, the creature flees Loremaster greatly in distinguishing them, and let you
the battlefield. design your own undead adversaries.

Tough Hide. The creature is resistant to non-magical The Loremaster be warned though! While precise
bludgeoning and slashing damage. definitions are generally something to be desired in a game,
sometimes they provide an explanation to things that
Weak Spot. If the creature uses a special ability that uses should remain inexplicable, robbing a legendary world of
an action, any heroes that are within range may use their its mystery. Keeping a level of uncertainty and providing
reaction to make a single attack. For this attack only, the only glimpses of a world that defies understanding goes
creature is considered vulnerable to Piercing, Slashing a long way in preserving a sense of wonder in those who
and Bludgeoning damage. take part in the game.

72
 Evils of the North

Walking Dead The Nazgûl are a superior form of wraith and have their
These monsters do not have much in common with own special abilities.
the other undead creatures, as they are the product of
some dark enchantment, and do not have a spiritual Typical Special Abilities: Dreadful Spells, Fear of Fire,
component. The walking dead are the bodies of the dead Strike Fear, Unnatural Vitality, Visions of Torment
that have been reanimated by sorcery. In game terms,
their characteristics vary wildly, based possibly on how The Fell Wraiths included in this supplement are an
old the reanimated remains are, and how much power example of Wraiths.
have been infused in them. Generally, the walking dead
are destroyed instantly if their source of power is undone Ghosts
(for example, the sorcerer who reanimated them is killed). The Ghost-form special ability defines once-living beings
that do not have a physical body any more, but that are
Typical Special Abilities: Fell Spirit, Strike Fear. still able to affect the world of the living in some way.
They may be the manifestation of restless souls of dead
Examples of the Walking Dead include the Undead Men or faded Elves, still trapped in the circles of the
Warriors from Wilderland Adventures, and the Bog world by some strong obligation, like a broken oath or
Soldiers described on page 82. an unfulfilled promise.

Wights Typical Special Abilities: Black Dread, Ghost-form,

Wights are evil spirits that directly inhabit the remains Incorporeal Movement, Thing of Terror, Words of Power
of the deceased. As they control a body, their physical and Terror
manifestation can be harmed normally, but their spiritual
possession makes them much more resistant to injury Spectres on page 85 are an example of Ghosts, as are the
and gives them several powerful abilities. Dead Men of Dunharrow from the forthcoming Rohan
Region Guide.
In game terms, a Wight is often deemed a lesser version
of the more powerful Wraiths and given the ability Special Abilities of the Undead
Wraith-like. This improves its Armour Class and makes The following new special abilities are most suitable for
it resistant to non-magical weapon attacks. When its the various undead creatures of Middle-earth.
body is destroyed, the creature is defeated but the spirit
is unharmed and flees to find some other barren place to Black Dread. When forced to make a Wisdom saving
haunt. throw against this creature targets automatically have
Disadvantage on the roll.
Typical Special Abilities: Craven, Denizen of the Dark,
Spells of Despair, Wraith-like Darker than the Darkness (1/day). The creature can
spend its action to summon a supernatural darkness. It
Examples of Wights include the Night-Wight from is centred on the creature and extends out to a radius of
Wilderland Adventures, the Wood-wights from Rhovanion 15 feet. Torches and other non-magical light sources do
Region Guide and the Barrow-wights on page 82. not pierce the darkness. A magical light can counter the
darkness effect but not dispel it. The effect lasts until the
Wraiths creature is slain or it spends a bonus action to cancel it.
These creatures are similar to the Nazgûl, as they were
once living beings who were consumed by sorcery or Dreadful Spells (Recharge 5-6). One nearby foe must
another malevolent power. They are now undead, and make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. If the target fails,
exist in both the living world and the wraith-world. Unlike it gains 1 Shadow point and becomes Paralysed for a
the Ringwraiths, these lesser wraiths have only a physical number of rounds equal to its current Shadow Point total.
shape, albeit partially faded and thus resistant to harm. A Player-hero can spend Inspiration to break this spell.

73
 Rivendell Region Guide

Feast on Suffering. Whenever a foe suffers a critical Words of Power and Terror (Recharge 6). A potent
hit or is reduced to 0 hit points, the creature can use its sorcery, it is employed as a reaction when a player
reaction to regain 7 (2d6) hit points. announces the expenditure of Inspiration or Hit Dice to
invoke a special ability, artefact blessing or a power of a
Fell Spirit (Recharge 5-6). When the creature would legendary weapon or armour. The resource is still expended
be reduced to 0 hit points, it may use its reaction to add but the effect is cancelled.
temporary hit points, rolling a number of d6s equal to the
creature’s Proficiency Bonus. Nazgûl Abilities
The following abilities are limited to Ringwraiths. The
Ghost-form. This creature is insubstantial and cannot Difficulty Class given for saving throws is a base level, the
be easily hurt by normal means. It has resistance to growing threat of the Shadow can increase the power of
acid, fire, lightning, thunder; bludgeoning, piercing, and the Nazgûl.
slashing from non-magical attacks. It is immune to cold,
necrotic and poison damage and the following conditions: Black Breath. The Nazgûl can use its action to target a
Charmed, Exhaustion, Frightened, Grappled, Paralysed, creature within 10 feet. That creature must make a DC
Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained. 14 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the creature
gains 1 Shadow point and becomes Unconscious. The
Incorporeal Movement. The creature can move through creature may be revived as an action, but are Miserable
other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. until it takes a long rest. On a success, the creature gains 1
It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an Shadow point but remains awake. If a Ringwraith targets
object. an Unconscious creature then it is subject to The Black
Shadow (see the opposite page).
Spells of Despair. As an action, the creature can force
one target within 30 feet to make a Wisdom saving throw Deadly Voice. The Ringwraiths scream at their enemies
with the DC equal to 10 plus the target’s Shadow score. If with long-drawn wails that rise to deafeningly high
the target fails the saving throw they become Frightened piercing note. The Nazgûl can use its bonus action to make
of the creature until the end of its next turn. a Frightened creature become Stunned until the end of the
Ringwraith’s next turn.
Undead Fortitude. If damage reduces the creature to
0 hit points, it must make a Constitution saving throw Dwimmerlaik. If a hero strikes the Nazgûl with a critical
with a DC of 5 + the damage taken, unless the damage is hit, it may use its reaction to invoke this ability. The hero
radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, the creature must make a DC 14 Strength saving throw. If it fails, the
drops to 1 hit point instead. hero’s weapon shatters, and the hero receives the damage
total instead of the Ringwraith. Legendary weapons might
Unnatural Vitality. The creature can use its bonus action not be destroyed, but are lost as a cold pain shoots through
to regain 6 (1d12) hit points. It cannot use this ability to the hero’s body and she drops the weapon.
exceed its normal hit point maximum.
Shadow of Fear. The Nazgûl can direct its terrible will
Visions of Torment. As an action, the creature can force upon any Frightened mortal (Dwarf, Hobbit or Man) such
one target within 60 feet to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving that the victim becomes an agent for the Shadow. The
throw or take psychic damage equal to 2 (1d4) plus its Ringwraith may use its action to force the target to make
total Shadow score. a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the target
gains 1 point of Shadow and is compelled to carry out
Wraith-like. This is a creature of shadow, animated some service (such as reporting information to the Nazgûl)
by undying hatred. It has resistance to all non-magical or perform a secret task. The compulsion lasts a number
weapon damage and its base Armour Class is equal to 10 of weeks equal to the hero’s Shadow score. A spellbound
plus twice its Dexterity modifier. hero is loathe to perform the compelled action and is

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 Evils of the North

often nervous, moody or morose. Other members of the Crebain of Tharbad

Company who note the change in their Companion can ...for a whole regiment of birds had broken away suddenly
make a DC 15 Charisma (Intimidation) or Wisdom from the main host, and came, flying low, straight towards
(Insight) check to provoke the hero (those with Dark the ridge.
Knowledge make this check with Advantage). A successful
check allows the target to make another saving throw Not all the creatures of the Wild are friendly to the Free
against the spell, ending its effects on a success. Peoples and some are directly in the service of the Enemy.
And there are others, who seeking dominion over their
lands, might contrive to make alliances with fell things out
of misguided purposes. Great flocks of crebain occupy the
The Black Shadow ruins of Tharbad.
A victim of the Black Shadow remains Unconscious
for a number of days equal to his Shadow score. For
each day spent in this state, the hero must make a DC
15 Wisdom saving throw (this is reduced to DC 10 if
tended to by someone familiar with The Weapons of
the Enemy (see the Player’s Guide , page 68). Each
failed saving throw adds 1 Shadow point to the hero,
but does not extend the time spent Unconscious.

While the hero is Unconscious, if his Shadow score ever

exceeds his Wisdom score then the character slips into
even deeper dreams and then dies.

If the hero resists for the length of the malady, he

finally overcomes his sickness and wakes up (but
maintains his new Shadow score).

Crebain of Tharbad
Small Beast
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Monsters of Eriador 6 (-2) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 7 (-2) 15 (+2) 5 (-3)
Armour Class 13
"…there’s dark shapes in the woods, dreadful things that it Hit Points 7 (2d6)
makes the blood run cold to think of." Speed 5 ft, fly 60 ft
Saving Throws Dexterity +5
Some of the following creatures described make use of the Skills Perception +4
extraordinary special abilities provided in the previous Senses darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 14
Languages —
pages for the creation of Powerful Adversaries. A few
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
others possess totally unique capabilities, described in
Flyby. The crebain doesn’t provoke Opportunity Attacks
full in their individual entry. when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.
Keen Sight. The crebain has Advantage on Wisdom
Dangers of the Wild (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
The wild and trackless lands of Eriador hide many enemies Actions
— foes to freeze the heart the Rangers say and they know Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft, one
better than most what hides in the desolate hills and steep target. Hit: 1 slashing damage.
valleys of the North.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

Greater Stone-troll Ettins

It is said that the Stone-trolls are the most canny of all the "Yes, I’m afraid trolls do behave like that, even those with
breeds that Morgoth made in mockery of the legendary only one head each."
Ent-folk and become more devious and dangerous as they
advance in age. Or, perhaps, the foolish and weak amidst Ettins are some of the oldest of Troll-kind, barely
the Stone-trolls find themselves in the open at sunrise… distinguishable from huge piles of rock. They exhibit
abnormal features now lost to the Stone-Trolls, like having
four arms, or two heads growing side-by-side from their
shoulders. While the entry below has both features, most
Ettins will only have one (removing one of these features
does not affect the Challenge rating).

Ettin
Large Giant (Troll-kind)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
21 (+5) 8 (-1) 23 (+6) 6 (-2) 10 (+0) 4 (-3)
Armour Class 9
Hit Points 161 (14d10+84)
Speed 20 ft
Damage Resistances non-magical piercing and
slashing
Senses tremorsense 60 ft, passive Perception 10 (15 if
two-headed, see below)
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Greater Stone-Troll Four-armed. An Ettin with four arms can employ both
Large Giant (Troll-kind) Seize Victim and their Crushing Blow attack on the
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA same round. Four-armed Ettins automatically recharge
21 (+5) 12 (+1) 20 (+5) 10 (+0) 7 (-2) 6 (-2) their Seize Victim ability without rolling.
Horrible Strength. If the Ettin makes a successful melee
Armour Class 16 (natural armour)
attack, it may use its bonus action to cause 5 additional
Hit Points 126 (12d10+60)
Speed 30 ft damage of the same type to the target.
Two-headed. Ettins with two heads are much harder to
Saving Throws Dexterity +4 catch unawares. Any attempts at Stealth are made with
Senses darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 8 Disadvantage and the Ettin gains Advantage on both
Languages Westron, Orcish
active and passive Perception checks.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Actions
Sunlight Curse. Stone-trolls become Petrified and turn
into stone if they are touched by the bright light of the Crushing Blow. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5
sun. Once the sun rises, a Stone-troll must make a DC ft, one target. Hit: 18 (2d12+5) bludgeoning damage.
10 Dexterity saving throw at the beginning of its turn in Seize Victim (Recharge 5-6). The Ettin may choose to
order to find enough cover to avoid being turned to stone. spend an action grabbing a creature within 5 feet of them.
On a failure, the Stone-troll becomes Petrified. The target is automatically Grappled if it is of Medium
Actions size or smaller. To escape the Troll’s grasp, the target must
use an action to escape: they must succeed on a DC 15
Multiattack. The Stone-troll makes two attacks: one with
Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check.
its troll-club and one slam.
If the creature fails, it takes 5 bludgeoning damage and
Troll-club. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft,
remains Grappled. An Ettin can seize a number of victims
one target. Hit: 14 (2d8+5) bludgeoning damage.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft, one up to the number of hands that it possesses, but cannot
target. Hit: 16 (2d10+5) bludgeoning damage. use Crushing Blow if it does not have a free hand.

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 Evils of the North

Goblin of Carn Dûm

Small Humanoid (Orc-kind)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 15 (+2) 13 (+1) 8 (-1) 12 (+1) 8 (-1)
Armour Class 13 (Orcish Leathers)
Hit Points 13 (3d6+3)
Speed 30 ft
Skills Stealth +4, Perception +3
Senses blindsight 30 ft, darkvision 60 ft, passive
Perception 13
Languages Orcish, Westron
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Craven. If the Goblin starts its turn with 6 or less hit
points, it must make a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw. On
a failure, it becomes Frightened and must use its Dash
or Disengage action to move away from any enemies.
Goblins of Carn Dûm If movement is impossible, it will take the Dodge action
A small, vicious breed of Orcs still inhabit the ruins of instead.
Carn Dûm. There they hide, when they don’t prowl the Hate Sunlight. This creature despises the cleansing light
land with war-bands led by warriors of the Hill-men of of the Sun. If it is exposed to direct bright sunlight, it takes
Rhudaur, who profit from the Goblins’ abilities as scouts 3 (1d6) psychic damage each round.
Hatred (Dúnedain and High Elves) (Recharge 5-6).
and look-outs. The Goblins both hate and fear those who
The Goblins of Carn Dûm both hate and fear those who
defeated their master, the Dúnedain and the High Elves of defeated their master, the Dúnedain and the High Elves
Rivendell. of Rivendell. A Goblin can use its bonus action to gain
Advantage on attacks against them this round.
Actions
Bent Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft,
one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) slashing damage.
Bow of Horn. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range
80/320 ft, one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing damage.
The victim must also make a DC 13 Constitution saving
throw or be poisoned for 1 minute.

Hill-men of Rhudaur
On some… (hills) were old castles with an evil look, as if
they had been built by wicked people.

Cruel warriors once serving the Witch-lord of Angmar,

they were much reduced in numbers, but they still inhabit
the land once ruled by their king. They received many gifts
of sorcery, and have not forgotten their allegiance.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

Hill-man of Rhudaur
Medium human (Evil Men)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 12 (+0)
Armour Class 12 (Hide Armour)
Hit Points 27 (5d8+5)
Speed 30 ft
Skills Athletics +4, Shadow-lore +2
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Orcish, Westron
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Hatred (Dúnedain) (Recharge 5-6). Once, long ago,
Rhudaur was under the dominion of the Dúnedain. While
their hatred is centuries old, it has not grown cold. A Hill-
man can use his bonus action to gain Advantage on any
attack rolls against a Ranger this round.
Raven Spirits. Rumours say that when a Hill-man dies
his spirit returns as a raven, to watch over his folk and
spy on his dark master’s foes. No one knows for certain
if their sorcery is still so strong, but when the Hill-men
are about, the ravens are never far away… When the first
Hillman dies in combat, a flock of ravens swoops down
on the battlefield. When this happens, all enemies of the
Hill-men have Disadvantage on their attack rolls until the
end of combat. Each raven has AC 12 and 1 hit point but
they have no attacks and are so numerous that defeating
them with weaponry is almost hopeless.
Actions
Orc-axe. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft,
one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) slashing damage or 6 (1d8+2)
slashing damage if wielded with two hands.
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach
5 ft or range 20/60 ft, one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing
damage or 6 (1d8+2) piercing damage if used with two
hands to make a melee attack.
Curse of the Hill-men (1/day). The Hill-man can use
Mixed Warbands his action to target a single hero who must then make a
Corruption check, a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On
If a group of adversaries includes both Goblins of Carn
a failure, the hero loses Inspiration and gains a point of
Dûm and Hill-men of Rhudaur, then the Goblins Shadow. On a success the hero still loses Inspiration. If
are emboldened (they are not considered Craven any the hero does not have Inspiration, they gain Disadvantage
more), and they gain Advantage on any active or on their next ability check, attack roll or saving throw.
passive Perception checks.

A typical mixed warband will have as many Hill-men Orcs of Mount Gram
as the Company has heroes and half as many Goblins The Orcs of Mount Gram have a long memory of their
serving as scouts or lookouts. They are an Easily defeat at the hands of Bullroarer Took and fiercely hate all
Unnerved troupe and count as Challenge 5 rating Hobbits, relentlessly attacking a company that includes
if you treat them as a single entity for determining one. The secret visits of the Wraith-lord to Mount Gram
Experience points. has fueled their hatred and has apparently made them
more independently ambitious than others of their ilk.
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 Evils of the North

As an unforeseen side-effect, the Orcs of Mount Gram Emissaries of the Enemy

frequently conspire against their neighbours, and dream Amid the many foes that inhabit Eriador, there are some
of carving out a kingdom of their own in the North. This of extraordinary cruelty and malice, such that they have
power-mongering tendency might lead a cunning chieftain become infamous and even the meekest of Bree-folk know
like Radgul to exploit their war against the Dúnedain, for to quail at their names.
example by ‘accidentally’ leading a Ranger patrol to the
location of a rival Orc settlement… Bloodstump the Hunter
Bloodstump was the Hill-Troll Chief responsible for killing
the Chieftain of the Dúnedain, Arador, the grandfather of
Aragorn. He wields a terrible weapon, a dark gift from an
invisible master…

Bloodstump the H unter

Large Giant (Troll-kind)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
21 (+5) 8 (-1) 23 (+6) 6 (-2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
Armour Class 16 (bits of previous victims’ armour)
Hit Points 138 (12d10+72)
Speed 30 ft
Saving Throws Strength +8, Constitution +10, Wisdom +3
Skills Perception +6, Survival +3
Senses darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 16
Languages Westron, Orcish
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Orc of Mount Gram Cruel Stroke (Recharge 5-6). If Bloodstump has just hit
Medium humanoid (Orc-kind) with his Great Black Mace, he may spend his bonus action
to turn the attack into a critical hit.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Hideous Toughness (Recharge after a short or long
17 (+3) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 15 (+2) rest). Bloodstump can endure enormous damage. He
Armour Class 16 (cobbled-together Orc armour, shield) may spend an action to growl menacingly at his foes and
Hit Points 26 (4d8+8) then gain a pool of 10 (3d6) temporary hit points that last
Speed 30 ft till the end of the fight if not removed by combat damage.
Skills Deception +4, Riddle +2 Horrible Strength. If Bloodstump makes a successful
Senses passive Perception 10 melee attack, he may use his bonus action to cause 5
Languages Orcish, Westron additional damage of the same type to the target.
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP) Hunter. Bloodstump doubles his Proficiency Bonus for all
Hatred (Hobbits) (Recharge 5-6). The Orc can use Wisdom (Perception) checks (included above).
its bonus action to gain Advantage on any attack rolls Actions
against a Hobbit this round.
Multiattack. Bloodstump makes two attacks: one bite
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the Orc has
and one strike with his mace.
Disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft, one
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.
target. Hit: 10 (2d4+5) slashing damage.
Actions Great Black Mace. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit,
Bent Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft, reach 5 ft, one target. Hit: 18 (2d12+5) bludgeoning
one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) slashing damage. damage.
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach
5 ft or range 20/60 ft, one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing
damage or 7 (1d8+3) piercing damage if used with two
hands to make a melee attack.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

Dreorg
Large Monstrosity (Warg-kind)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 16 (+3) 21 (+5) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) 15 (+2)
Armour Class 14 (natural armour)
Hit Points 94 (9d10+45)
Speed 50 ft
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +6
Senses darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 14
Languages Westron, Wargspeech
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Great Leap. Dreorg is capable of jumping huge
distances. He may make a special Dash action to go twice
his normal movement in a single jump. Any opponents
in melee combat with him when he uses Great Leap get
Opportunity Attacks as normal.
Keen Hearing and Smell. Dreorg has Advantage on
Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Pack Tactics. Dreorg has Advantage on an attack roll
against a creature if at least one of his allies is within 5
feet of the creature and the ally isn’t Incapacitated.
Savage Attack. When Dreorg scores a critical hit, he
does an additional 5 (1d10) damage. This damage is not
Dreorg the Wargling doubled by the critical hit.
Dreorg the Wargling was once one of the Hill-men living in
Actions
the vale of Gundabad, to the east of the Misty Mountains.
Multiattack. Dreorg makes two attacks: one bite and one
To escape death, his spirit fled his form and entered that claw attack.
of a particularly large, savage Warg. Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft, one
target. Hit: 10 (2d6+3) piercing damage. If the target is a
creature, it must make a DC 13 Strength saving throw or
be knocked Prone.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft, one
target. Hit: 11 (1d12+5) piercing damage.
Reaction
Snake-like Speed (Recharge 5-6). Dreorg is adept at
avoiding injury and can use his reaction to halve the
attack damage on an attack that he is aware of.

Dreorg’s Warg-band
Dreorg is always accompanied by the most cruel wolves
of his pack: at least three Wolf Leaders (see page 112
of the Loremaster’s Guide). Wolves led by Dreorg do
not suffer the effects of the Fear of Fire special ability
and are additionally considered Thralls of Dreorg.
If you count the troupe as a single entity, it will be
Challenge 10.

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 Evils of the North

The Queen of Castle Hill

Rine, the self-proclaimed Queen of Castle Hill, is a huge
solitary Stone-Troll with fists like boulders and a mind
more cunning than most of her kind. Her weakness might
lie in the excessive trust she puts in her improvised coat of
armour…

Rine, Queen of Castle Hill

Large Giant (Troll-kind)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
22 (+6) 16 (+3) 25 (+7) 10 (+0) 7 (-2) 6 (-2)
Armour Class 16 (cobbled-together armour)
Hit Points 150 (12d10+84)
Speed 30 ft
Saving Throws Dexterity +6
Senses darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 8
Languages Westron, Orcish
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Hatred (Dwarves) (Recharge 5-6). Rine detests Dwarves. Radgul the Orc Chief
She can use her bonus action to gain Advantage on Radgul is the chieftain of the Orcs of Mount Gram, a wily,
attacks against them this round. scarred old Orc with ambitions on the throne of Mount
Suit of Armour. Rine has Advantage on her Dexterity Gundabad and the cunning and patience to achieve his
saving throws due to her Sunlight Curse as most of her goals.
body is shielded from the sun by her armour.
Sunlight Curse. Stone-trolls become Petrified and
turn into stone if they are touched by the bright light of
the sun. Once the sun rises, Rine must make a DC 10
Dexterity saving throw at the beginning of her turn in
order to find enough cover to avoid being turned to stone.
On a failure, she becomes Petrified.
Weak Spot. If Rine uses a special ability that uses an
action (her Smashing Blow), any heroes that are within
range may use their reaction to make a single attack. For
this attack only, Rine is considered vulnerable to Piercing,
Slashing and Bludgeoning damage.
Actions
Multiattack. Rine makes two attacks with her Troll-
club.
Troll-club. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft,
one target. Hit: 15 (2d8+6) bludgeoning damage.
Smashing Blow. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach
5 ft, one target. Hit: 15 (2d18+6) bludgeoning damage
and the target must make a DC 16 Strength saving throw
or become Prone. Miss: the target must make a DC 13
Dexterity saving throw or become Prone.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

Barrow-wights
Barrow-wights walked in the hollow places with a clink of
Radgul rings on cold fingers, and gold chains in the wind.
Medium humanoid (Orc-kind)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 11 (+0) 18 (+4) 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 16 (+3)
Sent to the hills of Tyrn Gorthad by the sorcery of the
Witch-king of Angmar to plague his enemies in the wars
Armour Class 18 (cobbled-together Orc armour, Huge
Hide-shield) against Arnor, these restless spirits still rise from their
Hit Points 59 (7d8+28) tombs under the dreaded Barrow-downs. Known as the
Speed 30 ft Barrow-wights, they are drawn by the life and warmth of
Skills Deception +5, Investigation +5, Persuasion + 5 those unfortunate travellers who are lost in the trackless
Senses passive Perception 11 region. They strike from the cover of thick mists, or under
Languages Orcish, Black Speech, Westron the cloak of night, seeking to subdue their prey with their
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
spells and take them into their barrow tombs. There, the
Hatred (Hobbits) (Recharge 5-6). Radgul can use
victims are sacrificed in a twisted ceremony that harkens
his bonus action to gain Advantage on any attack rolls
against a Hobbit this round. back to their once-noble lives, for the corruption of Angmar
Horrible Strength. If Radgul makes a successful melee lingers on even beyond death and the passage of time.
attack, he may use his bonus action to cause 3 additional
damage of the same type to the target.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, Radgul has
Disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Actions
Orcish Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach
5 ft, one target. Hit: 8 (2d4+3) slashing damage.
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach
5 ft or range 20/60 ft, one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing
damage or 7 (1d8+3) piercing damage if used with two
hands to make a melee attack.
Reaction
Commanding Voice. Radgul can inspire his allies
with his sly words and half-empty promises. He may
use his reaction to utter a command or shout a warning
whenever a non-hostile creature, that he can see within 30
feet, is about to make an attack roll or a saving throw. The
target can add a d6 Command Die to that roll, provided
it can hear and understand the message. A creature
can benefit from only one Command Die at a time and
creatures that possess Commanding Voice cannot benefit
from this effect.

The Restless Dead

There are places in Eriador where it is said that the
dead outnumber the living. This would be well enough if
the dead would keep to their tombs and barrows, their
shallow graves and clinging muck. But, sometimes, they
stir and the air grows cold with death…

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 Evils of the North

Bog Soldiers
…so utterly was Angmar defeated that not a man nor an orc
Barrow-wights of that realm remained west of the Mountains.
Medium Undead
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 13 (+1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 11 (+0)
Beneath the bogs of the Ettenmoors lie the bodies of the
Witch-king’s rearguard, withered and stained black by the
Armour Class 13 (tattered remnants of armour)
Hit Points 45 (6d8+18) foetid muck but recognisable still, even though a thousand
Speed 30 ft years have passed. On dark, moonless nights, dozens of
Damage Resistances non-magical bludgeoning, undead soldiers rise again from the silent waters.
piercing and slashing
Damage Immunity poison
Condition Immunities Charmed, Exhaustion,
Poisoned
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +3
Senses blindsight 30 ft, passive Perception 13
Languages Westron
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Denizen of the Dark. The Barrow-wight is particularly
adept at using the environment and shadows to its
benefit. It may take the Hide action, even in plain sight.
It makes a Dexterity (Stealth) check and any foes must
make an opposed Wisdom (Perception) check to track its
movements.
Fell Spirit (Recharge 5-6). When the Barrow-wight
would be reduced to 0 hit points, it may use its reaction to
add 7 (2d6) temporary hit points.
Hate Sunlight. The Barrow-wight despises the cleansing
light of the Sun. If it is exposed to direct bright sunlight, it
takes 3 (1d6) psychic damage each round.
Actions
Ancient Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach
5 ft, one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing damage.
Chilling Touch. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach
5 ft, one target. Hit: The target must make a DC 13
Constitution saving throw or become Stunned until
the end of the Barrow-wight’s next turn. If the target is
already Stunned then the target becomes Unconscious
until it completes a short rest instead. Unconscious
companions are dragged into the wight’s barrow to be
sacrificed; if found in time, they may be roused with a DC
10 Wisdom (Medicine) check.
Wight Song (1/day). Barrow-wights chant a low,
chilling song to subdue their foes with the dark
enchantment of their voice. Each creature within 60 feet
of the Barrow-wight must make a DC 10 Wisdom saving
throw. Creatures that fail the saving throw are Stunned.
A Stunned creature can repeat the saving throw at the
beginning of its turn, ending the effect on a success.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

Bog Soldier
Medium Undead
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
13 (+1) 6 (-2) 13 (+1) 3 (-4) 7 (-2) 3 (-4)
Armour Class 8
Hit Points 22 (4d8+4)
Speed 20 ft
Damage Immunity poison
Condition Immunities Charmed, Exhaustion, Poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft, passive Perception 8
Languages None
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Undead Fortitude. If damage reduces the Bog Soldier
to 0 hit points, it must make a Constitution saving throw
with a DC of 5 + the damage taken, unless the damage
is radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, the Bog
Soldier drops to 1 hit point instead.
Actions
Fell Wraith
Short Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft, Medium Undead
one target. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) piercing damage.
Grasping Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
ft, one target. Hit: the target is Grappled (Escape DC 11) and 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 17 (+3) 10 (+0) 15 (+2) 9 (-1)
the Bog Soldier can spend an action to drag the character Armour Class 16 (Wraith-like, Shield)
into the deepest part of the muck… see the Bog combat Hit Points 45 (6d8+18)
scenery entry on page 91 of the Loremaster’s Guide. Speed 30 ft
Damage Resistances Non-magical bludgeoning,
piercing and slashing
Damage Immunity poison
Fell Wraiths Condition Immunities Charmed, Exhaustion, Poisoned
"…you would have become like they are, only weaker and Senses blindsight 30 ft, passive Perception 12
under their command. You would have become a wraith Languages Westron, Adûnaic, Sindarin
under the dominion of the Dark Lord…" Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Fear of Fire. If a torch or other flame comes within 10 feet
of it, the Fell Wraith suffers Disadvantage on its attack rolls.
It is said that many who died in the wars against Angmar
Unnatural Vitality. The Fell Wraith can use its bonus
fell victim to the Black Shadow, the terrible illness spread action to regain 6 (1d12) hit points. It cannot use this
by the Nazgûl. But many others did not perish, and were ability to exceed its normal hit point maximum.
slowly consumed by it instead. Condemned to a perpetual Wraith-like. The Fell Wraith has resistance to all non-
anguish by the sorcery of the Ringwraiths, they are still magical weapon damage and its base Armour Class is
equal to 10 plus twice its Dexterity modifier.
today their slaves, pale reflections of their dark masters,
Actions
always intent at spreading darkness and corruption at
Broadsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft,
their command. Fell Wraiths appear as crooked wanderers,
one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) slashing damage.
roaming among ancient ruins and the sites of forgotten Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach
battles. They are generally wrapped in cloaks to hide their 5 ft or range 20/60 ft, one target. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) piercing
spectral features; their flesh is almost transparent, and damage or 5 (1d6+1) piercing damage if used with two
hands to make a melee attack.
their eyes seem to glow like embers. If encountered in the
Strike Fear (Recharge 5-6). As an action, the Fell Wraith
hours of twilight, they may pass as Men, as they can speak, may force each opponent within 30 ft to make a DC 14
even if with an unusual hissing voice and strange accents. Wisdom saving throw or become Frightened until the end
Fell Wraiths carry old weapons and battered shields, relics of the the Wraith’s next turn.
from an age of strife they employ to deadly effectiveness.

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 Evils of the North

Spectres
There they stood silent, hardly to be seen, save for a red
gleam in their eyes…
Spectre
Medium Undead
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Not all the spirits that tarry in Middle-earth are bound 1 (-5) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 11 (+0)
to the service of Sauron, yet all feel the pull of his will.
Armour Class 12
Powerful and strong-willed Men or Elves who died while Hit Points 54 (12d8)
pursuing acts of passion and great pride are often so Speed 0 ft, fly 50 ft (hover)
consumed by their obsessions that they can linger on after Damage Resistances Acid, fire, lightning, thunder;
death, haunting places they once used to love or inhabit. non-magical bludgeoning, piercing and slashing
Damage Immunities cold, necrotic, poison
Spectres are restless spirits that, while not violent in Condition Immunities Charmed, Exhaustion,
Frightened, Grappled, Paralysed, Petrified, Poisoned,
nature, sow sorrow and despair, seeking the lamentation
Prone, Restrained
of others in regret for their own misdeeds. They manifest Senses blindsight 30 ft, passive Perception 11
only in the dead of night, and never far away from their Languages Those it knew in life
haunting places. Their apparitions are said to intensify at Challenge 3 (700 XP)
times of great unquiet and coming death. Black Dread. When forced to make a Wisdom saving
throw against this creature targets automatically have
Disadvantage on the roll.
Ghost-form. This creature is insubstantial and cannot
be easily hurt by normal means. See the damage and
condition resistances and immunities above.
Incorporeal Movement. The creature can move through
other creatures and objects as if they were difficult
terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn
inside an object.
Actions
Grieve (Recharge 5-6). As an action, the creature
may force each opponent within 30 ft to make a DC 15
Wisdom saving throw (with Disadvantage, see above)
or experience a harrowing sorrow, causing him to gain
3 (1d4+1) Shadow points. If the target rolls a 1 on the
saving throw, the target is also Stunned until the end of
the Spectre’s next turn.
Visions of Torment. As an action, the creature can
force one target within 60 feet to make a DC 15 Wisdom
saving throw (with Disadvantage, see above) or take
psychic damage equal to 2 (1d4) plus its total Shadow
score.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

The Wight-king
Cold be hand and heart and bone,
and cold be sleep under stone:
never more to wake on stony bed,
never, till the Sun fails and the Moon is dead.
In the black wind the stars shall die,
and still on gold here let them lie,
till the dark lord lifts his hand
over dead sea and withered land.

It is said that a spirit great and terrible dwells in the greatest mound of the
Barrow-downs. Clad in ancient armour that has been pitted and ruined
with age, he wields a broken blade with skeletal hands. All who look
upon him know ruin and it is said that none who have fallen under his
gaze are ever free from nightmares and restless slumber. He is said to wander
between the fog banks of the downs at night, searching for lost travellers to
take with him into his grand mound so that they might kneel forever before his
subterranean throne.

The Wight-king action to regain 6 (1d12) hit points. He cannot use this
Medium Undead ability to exceed his normal hit point maximum.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Actions
19 (+4) 13 (+1) 21 (+5) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) Multiattack. The Wight-king makes an attack with his
Armour Class 15 (tattered remnants of armour) sword and his Chilling Touch.
Hit Points 104 (11d8+55) Ancient Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5
Speed 30 ft ft, one target. Hit: 7 (1d6+4) piercing damage.
Chilling Touch. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit,
Damage Resistances non-magical bludgeoning, reach 5 ft, one target. Hit: The target must make a DC 14
piercing and slashing Constitution saving throw or become Stunned until the
Damage Immunity poison end of the Wight-king’s next turn. If the target is already
Condition Immunities Charmed, Exhaustion, Poisoned Stunned then the target becomes Unconscious until it
Skills Intimidation + 5, Perception +4, Stealth +4 completes a short rest instead. Unconscious companions
Senses blindsight 30 ft, passive Perception 14 are dragged into the Wight-king’s barrow to be sacrificed;
Languages Adûnaic, Westron if found in time, they may be roused with a DC 10
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Wisdom (Medicine) check.
Barrow of the Dead (Lair action, Recharge 6). If the Darker than the Darkness (1/day). The Wight-king can
Wight-king is in the Barrow-downs, he may use a Lair spend his action to summon a supernatural darkness.
action to call the evil spirits of Tyrn Gorthad to him: 3 It is centred on the wight and extends out to a radius of
(1d4+1) Barrow-wights arrive at the end of his next turn. 15 feet. Torches and other non-magical light sources do
Denizen of the Dark. The Wight-king is particularly not pierce the darkness. A magical light can counter the
adept at using the environment and shadows to its darkness effect but does not dispel it. The darkness lasts
benefit. He may take the Hide action, even in plain sight. until the Wight-king is slain or he spends a bonus action
He makes a Dexterity (Stealth) check and any foes must to cancel the effect.
make an opposed Wisdom (Perception) check to track Wight-king Song (Recharge 5-6). The King chants
his movements. a low, chilling song to subdue his foes with the dark
Hate Sunlight. The Wight-king despises the cleansing enchantment of his voice. Each creature within 60 feet
light of the Sun. If he is exposed to direct bright sunlight, of the Wight-king must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving
he takes 3 (1d6) psychic damage each round. throw. Creatures that fail the saving throw are Stunned.
Unnatural Vitality. The Wight-king can use his bonus A Stunned creature can repeat the saving throw at the
beginning of its turn, ending the effect on a success.

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 Evils of the North

The Lord of the Nazgûl The Wraith-lord

The third was taller than the others: his hair was long and "A great king and sorcerer he was of old, and now he wields
gleaming and on his helm was a crown. In one hand he held a deadly fear."
a long sword, and in the other a knife.
The Chieftain of the Ringwraiths rarely leaves his fastness
The Lord of the Nazgûl is the chief lieutenant of Sauron, in Morgul Vale. When he does, he generally travels in a
the most terrible among his servants and his most trusted form that is invisible to the eyes of the living, a rumour of
follower. He was once a king of Men, learned in the dark darkness. When unclad and unmounted, the Morgul-lord
arts of sorcery. He received a Ring of Power from the hand can be seen only if he chooses to reveal his burning eyes,
of Sauron himself, and was enslaved by it, until he became evoking terror in all living things.
one of the Nine Ringwraiths.

As the Witch-king of Angmar he brought ruin upon Eriador,

waging a relentless war against the North-kingdom of
Arnor. His actions and machinations ended the royal line
of Gondor, and forced the line of Isildur into hiding and
exile. The Witch-king disappeared from the North after the
battle of Fornost, when the armies of Angmar were finally
routed by an alliance of Elves and Men from Gondor.

After the return of Sauron to Mordor in the year 2951, the

Wraith-king dwells in his stronghold of Minas Morgul,
with five companions. There he waits upon his Lord’s
commands.

The list of special abilities of the Lord of the Nazgûl

represents the arsenal of dark sorcery and powers
available to the main servitor of Sauron before the War
of the Ring. While already extensive, the Black Captain’s
capabilities will be greatly enhanced by his mentor in later
years, as the Dark Lord puts him in charge of the Quest
for the Ring, and later at the head of the vast armies to be
unleashed at the conquest of the Free Peoples.

Dark Undead or Unclad and Invisible

The Nazgûl wear robes or suits of armour to assume a
shape when they must have dealings with the living. But
even when given a physical shape they cannot be easily
destroyed, for the power of their Master is in them as long
as the Ruling Ring endures. Use the Lord of the Nazgûl’s
entry as Dark Undead when it confronts the heroes in
physical form. However, the Ringwraiths may choose to
appear as incorporeal ghosts. In this form few weapons
in Middle-earth can assault them, and even the Elves
perceive them only as dark shadows upon the world. Use
the Lord of the Nazgûl’s stats for Unclad and Invisible
when he is a spirit of creeping horror and dread.

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Morgul-knives
"Alas! the wounds of this weapon are beyond my skill to
The Lord of the Nazgûl,
Unclad and Invisible heal."
Medium Undead
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Enemies of the Nazgûl who die when pierced by a Morgul-
18 (+4) 15 (+2) 21 (+5) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 20 (+5) knife do not rest, but become Fell Wraiths under the
Armour Class 12 dominion of the Dark Lord. If a companion is struck by a
Hit Points 190 (20d8+100) Morgul-knife, the hero must make a Constitution saving
Speed 30 ft throw.
Damage Immunities non-magical bludgeoning,
piercing and slashing; cold, psychic The DC is equal to 10 plus the damage done to the
Condition Immunities Blinded, Deafened, Frightened,
companion by the knife. If the strike reduces the hero to 0
Paralysed, Petrified, Stunned
Skills Intimidation +10, Perception +6 hit points, the saving throw is automatically failed. If the
Senses Truesight 30 ft (otherwise blind), passive saving throw is a failed, the blade of the knife has broken,
Perception 16 and a splinter of the evil thing is within the hero.
Languages Black Speech, Orcish, Westron
Challenge 13 (10,000 XP)
Such an injury must be treated by a master of healing like
The Black Captain. The Nazgûl are fearsome
opponents, but they are made even more formidable when
Elrond Halfelven or a Scholar familiar with The Weapons
encountered together with their Chieftain. If the Lord is of the Enemy as soon as possible. Treatment requires the
accompanied by one or more Nazgûl, a target forced by healer tend to the victim during a long rest and succeed
any Ringwraith to make a saving throw makes that roll at at a DC 15 Wisdom (Medicine) check. If this does not
Disadvantage.
happen, the victim becomes sick and does not recover,
Legendary. The Lord can take two Legendary actions
each turn to use either his Black Breath, Spell of and will soon be overcome: the wounded hero resists for
Prohibition or Thing of Terror abilities. a number of days equal to 12 plus the victim’s Wisdom
Thing of Shadow. The Ringwraith is Invisible. modifier, then if he is still without cure he dies in pain,
Actions only to rise later as a Fell Wraith.
Black Breath. The Lord can use his action to target a
creature within 10 feet. That creature must make a DC But a Morgul-wound will never truly heal. A hero who
16 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the creature
sustained such a grim injury feels a great chill spreading
gains 1 Shadow point and becomes Unconscious. The
creature may be revived as an action, but is Miserable from the spot where he was pierced whenever he is
until it takes a long rest. On a success, the creature gains 1 traversing an area considered Blighted, or finds himself in
Shadow point but remains awake. If a Ringwraith targets sight of a Ringwraith: the companion must pass a DC 20
an Unconscious creature then it is subject to The Black
Wisdom saving throw or gain a level of Exhaustion.
Shadow (see page 75).
Shadow of Fear. The Lord can direct its terrible will
upon any Frightened mortal (Dwarf, Hobbit or Man) Moreover, the pain will return every year on the day the
such that the victim becomes an agent for the Enemy. The character received the Morgul-wound, and the companion
Ringwraith may use its action to force the target to make will have to pass a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw, or gain
a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, see The
Shadow of Fear (page 74).
5 (1d6+2) Shadow points.
Spell of Prohibition. The Lord can use his action to force
one creature within 30 feet to make a DC 16 Wisdom There is only one positive side for those who survive a
saving throw. On a failure, the target is Stunned until the Morgul-wound: his senses become sharper, and he is
end of the Ringwraith’s next turn and drops any items that
more aware of things that cannot be seen. For example,
it is carrying.
Thing of Terror. The Lord can use his action to cause any the companion can see more in the dark than most,
number of targets within 60 feet of him to make a DC 16 including Dwarves and Elves. In game terms, the hero
Wisdom saving throw. Those that fail are Frightened until gains Advantage on all Perception checks.
the end of the Ringwraith’s next turn.

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 Evils of the North

The Witch-king to the ruins of his own fortress, Carn Dûm, and the Orc-
"Then the Witch-king laughed, and none that heard it ever stronghold of Mount Gram. When in the North, the Lord
forgot the horror of that cry." of the Nazgûl may manifest himself once again clad in the
guise of the Witch-king of Angmar: a tall, kingly warrior,
The former ruler of Angmar, the Witch-king has at times black-robed and black-masked, wielding a long sword of
paid a visit to his ancient realm, travelling as far north as steel.

The Lord of the Nazgûl The Ringwraith can use his bonus action to add 5 (1d6+2)
as Dark Undead necrotic damage.
Medium Undead Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft, one
target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) slashing damage.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Morgul-knife. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach
18 (+4) 15 (+2) 21 (+5) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 20 (+5)
5 ft, one target. Hit: 6 (1d4+4) piercing damage and see
Armour Class 12 Morgul-knives, page 88.
Hit Points 190 (20d8+100) Black Breath. The Lord can use his action to target a
Speed 30 ft creature within 10 feet. That creature must make a DC
Damage Resistances non-magical bludgeoning, 16 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the creature
piercing and slashing; cold, psychic gains 1 Shadow point and becomes Unconscious. They
Condition Immunities Blinded, Deafened, Frightened, may be revived as an action, but are Miserable until
Paralysed, Petrified, Stunned it takes a long rest. On a success, the creature gains 1
Skills Intimidation +10, Perception +6 Shadow point but remains awake. If a Ringwraith targets
Senses Truesight 30 ft (otherwise blind), passive an Unconscious creature then it is subject to The Black
Perception 16 Shadow (see page 75).
Languages Black Speech, Orcish, Westron Shadow of Fear. The Lord can direct its terrible will
Challenge 13 (10,000 XP) upon any Frightened mortal (Dwarf, Hobbit or Man)
The Black Captain. The Nazgûl are fearsome opponents, such that the victim becomes an agent for the Enemy. The
but they are made even more formidable when Ringwraith may use its action to force the target to make
encountered together with their Chieftain. If the Lord is a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, see The
accompanied by one or more Nazgûl, a target forced by Shadow of Fear (page 74).
any Ringwraith to make a saving throw makes that roll at Spell of Prohibition. The Lord can use his action to force
Disadvantage. one creature within 30 feet to make a DC 16 Wisdom
Deadly Voice. The Ringwraiths scream at their enemies saving throw. On a failure, the target is Stunned until the
with long-drawn wails that rise to a deafeningly high end of the Ringwraith’s next turn and drops any items that
piercing note. The Lord can use his bonus action to make they are carrying.
a Frightened creature become Stunned until the end of the Thing of Terror. The Lord can use his action to cause any
Lord’s next turn. number of targets within 60 feet of him to make a DC 16
Fear of Fire. If a torch or other flame comes within 10 Wisdom saving throw. Those that fail are Frightened until
feet of him, the Lord suffers Disadvantage on his attack the end of the Ringwraith’s next turn.
rolls. Reaction
Legendary. The Lord can take two Legendary actions Dwimmerlaik. If a hero strikes the Lord with a critical
each turn to use either his Black Breath, Spell of hit, he may use his reaction to invoke this ability. The
Prohibition or Thing of Terror abilities. hero must make a DC 16 Strength saving throw. On a
Unyielding (Recharge 5-6). The Lord can use his bonus failure, the hero’s weapon shatters, and the hero receives
action to gain 10 temporary hit points. the damage instead of the Ringwraith. Legendary
Actions weapons might not be destroyed, but are lost as a cold
Multiattack. The Lord makes one attack with his Black pain shoots through the hero’s body and she drops the
Sword and one with his Morgul-knife or Claw. weapon.
Black Sword of Mordor. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to
hit, reach 5 ft, one target. Hit: 8 (1d8+4) slashing damage.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

stolen by thieves and burglars. Finally, they were lost, and

Ancient and passed out of the memory of the living.

Forgotten But such remarkable things are not meant to remain lost

- treasures -
forever. Their original purpose may have been forgotten
with the passing of centuries, together with the name of
their makers, but each item is part of a story and the tale
is not yet complete. A day may come when a worthy blade
Before him were the bones of a mighty man. He
will be found in a barrow among swords of lesser lineage,
had been clad in mail, and still his harness lay ready to serve a new fate in the hands of a hero; or, if the
there whole… his hauberk was gilded. His belt treasure had been left to rot in the shadow for too long, to
was of gold and garnets, and rich with gold was work a curse upon him and draw him to a miserable end!
the helm upon his bony head face downward on
These rules introduce Hoards, ancient stores of treasure
the floor.
possibly containing jewels and artefacts created in past
ages and possessing exceptional qualities, and Magical
There is more than just gold and precious stones to be found Treasure rolls, should the players attempt to search for
in deserted caverns and dark dungeons under the earth. anything unusual amongst the silver and gold.
In past ages of the world, Men, Elves and Dwarves long
laboured to craft marvellous things from metal and stone, What is a Hoard?
and put into their work all their lore, power and subtle skill. A Hoard is treasure, but it is different from a bag of coins
offered by a rich merchant for some service. Most Hoards
These wondrous jewels, famous blades and suits of are ancient, or at least have items of days gone by amidst
armour were given to sons and daughters as gifts, hoarded more recent loot. A pile of old gold found in a Goblin cave
as treasures by greedy kings and lusted after and even is a Hoard, as is the collected ‘shiny bits’ tossed into the

Sentimental Value
Items in a Hoard possess more value than the simple Should a companion make a gift or otherwise offer such
weight of their precious metals or fine-cut jewels. Each an item to members of a folk whose tradition hearkens
was made for a purpose, even if no-one in these fading back to the time when the item was crafted, he would
years now knows it. receive more than its intrinsic value in return. Such
appreciation can increase the value of the item, perhaps
A golden crown found among the ruins of an ancient doubling it or making even a Worthless Trinket fetch
castle will have more value if brought to someone able to a few gold pieces from the right buyer. It might also
recognise it as a relic out of a familiar past, made for an provide for non-monetary benefits: Advantage during an
honoured ancestral ruler by a crafter that was legendary Audience, easing the opening of a Sanctuary or special
to her people. While some objects will have lost their story consideration from a Patron. But the provenance of an
along the way, the recovery of an item from a Hoard can object might also lend itself to a new mission for the
allow a hero to become part of a larger story, with a rich Company… what if a precious heirloom, long lost in the
history. Who made the item? Who commissioned it? Who Wild, could be restored to its rightful place? Or perhaps
was it for? Was it a gift, a reward or a trophy? How did a thing tainted by Shadow has been found, and the curse
it come to rest in the Hoard? How many hands have held can only be lifted once the heroes know how it came to be
it and wondered these same questions? among the Enemy in the first place…

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 Ancient and Forgotten Treasures

corner of a Troll warren. The rarest and most fantastic Once the Company’s magical treasure rolls are complete
Hoards found in the Wild will be those of Dragons, as no more items remain to be found.
their lust for the bright and beautiful is unmatched in
Middle-earth. For example, Trotter’s company finds an old hoard,
amounting to a value of Treasure 50**. The Hobbit makes
The coffers of an Elf-lord or Dwarven chieftain may qualify a Magical Treasure roll to check if he finds anything of
as a Hoard as well; however, what is really important is unusual worth, receiving only Ordinary Treasure. He
how the companions acquire it, as theft is a Misdeed, spends two Hit Dice and rolls again…
causing an automatic Shadow point gain.

• As a general rule, any source of exceptional treasure Suggested Hoard

encountered by the Company when exploring caverns, Ratings
lairs and old ruins qualifies as a Hoard, and thus A lonely Troll’s loot, or a
allows companions to make Magical Treasure rolls. (50 or less)* hoard previously plundered by
robbers.
Tainted Treasure (50-100)**
Goblin plunder, old hoard,
In the Adventures in Middle-earth Player’s Guide, the solitary Dwarf-hoard.
Tainted Treasure table on page 183 indicates the amount of Ancient hoard, Dwarven city’s
(100 or more)*** treasure trove, or Dragon’s
Shadow gained by heroes who stumble upon gold or other hoard.
precious items that are bearing the taint of corruption.
While normally it is the Loremaster’s duty to decide
whether a source of treasure requires all companions to
pass a Corruption check or not, in the case of a Hoard a
player must make a Corruption check only if the Magical Magical Treasure Rolls
Treasure roll indicates it is necessary (see page 92).
"I can put it no plainer than by saying that Bilbo was
Hoard Ratings meant to find the Ring."
Not all Hoards are equal: if a Hoard is deemed to be
very old, particularly rich, or untouched for uncounted All companions who choose to inspect a Hoard start by
centuries, the Loremaster may allow each hero to spend determining whether luck delivers wonders before the
Hit Dice to roll again on the Magical Treasure table. lure of ready gold and other valuables turns them aside.
A hero that wishes to make Magical Treasure Rolls must
Hoards are signalled in this guide and future Adventures spend Inspiration. A companion that cannot (or does
in Middle-earth publications by a numerical rating not) spend Inspiration instead receives a normal share of
(representing the mundane treasure in gold pieces) and treasure. See Hoard Ratings, above.
one or more asterisks (*). If the Hoard has:
Once the companion has found something they may
(*) One asterisk: The treasure counts as a Hoard, but no either keep their discovery or spend Hit Dice in order
reroll on the Magical Treasure table is allowed. to keep rolling. If a hero exhausts all their chances and
did not discover anything (or if they found something
(**) Two asterisks: A Fine Hoard. Each player may spend but pressed on) they instead receive a normal share of
two Hit Dice to reroll on the Magical Treasure table once. treasure (determined by the numerical part of the Hoard
rating).
(***) Three asterisks: A Mighty Hoard. Each player may
spend two Hit Dice to reroll once, and then (if they like)
spend another two Hit Dice to reroll on the Magical
Treasure a second time.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

Shadow points as per the Tainted Treasure table below

(see also Cursed Items, on page 99).
Fate and Predestination
The mechanics governing the discovery of Magical
Treasure are meant to represent predestination, the Tainted Treasure
potential of a hero to become the instrument of a
higher purpose and to play a role in the long-term Treasure
development of a campaign. To further reinforce
Provenance DC Shadow Gain
(Examples)
this, Magical Treasure rolls are meant to be strictly
individual: a successful result obtained by one hero From the hoard of a Troll 12 1 point
should never be used to pass the object found over to From the hoard of a
15 1 point
a different companion, especially when Legendary Dragon
Weapons and Armour are concerned. After all, it was Stolen from an ancient
12 2 points
Bilbo who was meant to find the Ring, not Balin, barrow
Gandalf or Thorin… 1 automatic
From a stronghold of the point. Then gain 3
15
Dark Lord additional points if
test fails.

How to Make Magical Treasure Rolls

A companion rolls a d20 and compares the result to the ‘Ordinary’ Treasure
following chart. Each result corresponds to one or more If you receive this result, you found one or more items
entries, explained below. If you do not like the result and that have a value equivalent to your share of the Hoard.
the Hoard is eligible (see Hoard Ratings, above) you may While the numerical rating is expressed in gold pieces, the
spend Hit Dice to roll again. nature of the actual Hoard will affect how it is expressed:
Elven ruins might contain delicate silverwork, a barrow
will have the grave goods of Men while a bandit Hoard
D20 Magical Treasure Result will possess a variety of items stolen from the Free Peoples.

Worthless Trinket (Touched by the Even ordinary treasure has a story, a Loremaster might
1–3
Shadow 6), plus Ordinary Treasure. wish to hint at the origins of the treasure in her description
Ordinary Treasure (Touched by the or use the Where Did It Come From? table on page 95 as
4 – 17
Shadow 6). inspiration.
Precious Object (Touched by the Shadow
18
6).
If you are eligible, you may spend two Hit Dice to ignore
Wondrous Artefact (Touched by the
19
Shadow 5-6).
this result and roll again on the Magical Treasure table.
Legendary Weapon or Armour (Touched
20
by the Shadow 4-6).

Touched by the Shadow

If you received this result, the item found may have been
marred by having been left for too long in the shadows.
The Loremaster rolls a d6. If the result is within the
range specified, the companion must immediately pass
a Corruption check (see below) or else gain a number of

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 Ancient and Forgotten Treasures

Legendary Weapons and Armour Worthless Trinkets

Each time this result is rolled, the Loremaster should There were bones on the floor and a nasty smell in the air;
award a Legendary Weapon or Armour to the hero, but there was… an untidy litter of plunder, of all sorts from
based on their designated items on the campaign’s brass buttons to pots full of gold coins standing in a corner.
Magical Treasure Index. If, for some reason, the index is There were lots of clothes, too…
not of assistance then the Loremaster can use the rules
starting on page 132 of the Adventures in Middle-earth Not every item within a Hoard is something of extraordinary
Loremaster’s Guide to create a new magical item. value, sometimes a simple thing might catch the eye of a
hero with the promise of a reward beyond wealth itself. It is
Wondrous Artefacts also possible that the Loremaster will sometimes present an
If a companion has located a Wondrous Artefact, the item of greater significance as a Worthless Trinket for story
Loremaster will either select one from the Magical Treasure reasons. When you obtain this result, the Loremaster will
Index for the campaign or use the rules starting on page describe the item you’ve found, drawing suggestions from
127 of the Loremaster’s Guide to create an artefact. The the following tables. A hero with a Worthless Trinket is
Loremaster may want to consider the needs and direction still eligible for a share of the ordinary treasure.
of the hero’s story and craft an item of special suitability.
After all, there are strange powers at work, and even the If you are eligible, you may spend two Hit Dice to ignore
wise cannot see all ends. this result and roll again on the Magical Treasure table.

1D20+1D10 Description of Trinket

2 A vase, made of pewter or fine ceramic that is of ancient origin. It might possess some sentimental value.
A magical Dwarven toy set, but part of it is broken or missing. Perhaps the owner of the Hoard has defiled
3
or modified the toy in some way.
A purse or pouch with some small magic about it. Perhaps it squeaks or talks when opened, or if an
4 individual ties a knot in its drawstring, the knot falls apart easily for that person but is extraordinarily
difficult for anyone else to untie.
A book, slashed, torn or burnt. It requires a DC 10 Intelligence (Riddle) check to make anything of the
5
writing inside, which is likely to concern only the small doings of ordinary folk.
A sickle, set of firemaking tools, lantern, or another useful item for a farmer or craftsperson. The item is not
6
magical but is well-preserved and might have utilitarian or sentimental value for the right person.
A crude talisman of stone, wood or copper. A leather cord runs through a hole in the figurine so that it
7 could be worn about the neck or on an arm. It has been handled so much that it is hard to determine the
original shape of the figure.
A bag that contains several smaller pouches. Each pouch contains a pungent herb. None are useful for
8
medicinal purposes, but will aid in cooking a variety of meals.
A pair of fur-lined boots, of just the right size for the hero who discovered them. They are stiff with age and
9
caked with blood and mud, but with some care they still have years of service in them.
Several flasks that are obviously part of a larger set. Whatever liquid it contained (most likely alcohol)
10 has either dried up or turned bad over the long years. They are of simple green glass and of little value
themselves.
A small musical instrument, made of wood or non-precious metal (a set of pipes, a flute, a bell, hand drum
11
or other similar item).

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 Rivendell Region Guide

A set of travelling cookware or serving items (wooden bowls, plates, silver utensils, copper or iron pots and
12
pans or similar things) from a distant culture. If this Hoard is ancient, they will almost certainly be useless.
A wheelbarrow, woven basket, wooden barrel or cask, or any other suitable storage container. It is empty
13
but serviceable.
A key (made of brass, iron or silver). It fits no lock found anywhere in the vicinity. It might be found with a
14
piece of string, length of chain or just tucked into the rotting remains of clothing.
A wooden token with some small faded scraps of paint still on the front of it. On the back someone has
15
carved a name from one of the local cultures. The edges are worn smooth.
2d6+3 buttons or beads, made of brass, bone, gold or wood. They might be a matched set or a haphazard
16
collection by the Hoard’s owner.
17 A set of fine clothing of a type preferred by one of the local cultures. It might well be torn, soiled or bloodied.
A set of jugs or baskets that once carried grain, oil or alcohol. Whatever remains is foul or rotten, or the
18 tops of the jugs might be broken and the contents missing. Perhaps they bear the markings of a trading
house of Lake-town.
A small metal flask (copper, iron or lead) still within the rotted remains of a cloth carrying sack. The stopper
19
is missing and the flask is entirely empty.
A collection of arrows remarkably intact and without rot or rust, wrapped in a cloth bundle. Each arrow
20
has fletching of a different colour. (1d6+1 arrows, no special abilities)
A wooden bowl, stained and burnished with some dark lacquer. Exceedingly fine carvings line the
21 outside of the vessel, the illustrations appropriate for wherever it was found (trees and forest creatures for
Mirkwood, running horses for Rohan, stern folk and tall ships for the coasts of Gondor, etc.)
A small hand mirror, made of tarnished silver with a frame made of pewter or ivory from an oliphaunt. It
22
would take considerable effort to make it presentable again.
A scabbard that chance (or other factors) has preserved over the long years. It bears runes of a kind not
23
seen in the area for an age or more. The weapon it once held is missing or broken.
A marvellously large seashell of many colours. When a mortal holds it up to their ear, they hear nothing but
24
silence. What an Elf might hear is unknown…
A clasping amulet of gold or silver on a fine chain of the same metal, now broken or in pieces. Whatever it
25
once held is long gone.
26 A little soft wallet on a string. Inside is an old wooden pipe and a pinch or two of pipeweed.
A bottle of lamp oil that is thicker and more viscous than normal. However, even a small amount of this oil
27 will allow a lamp to provide a bright light for a long time.(1d4+3 uses, 8 hours per use, you cannot use this
oil to attack a creature as it does not splash.)
An ornate walking staff, made for the height of a Hobbit or shortish Dwarf. It has an iron foot, and a copper
28 handle that unscrews to reveal a hollowed out compartment. Within is nothing other than shards of glass
and a small cork stopper.
A fanciful mask, like those favoured in Dorwinion for party-going. The imagery and construction of the
29
mask might provide clues as to who made it and for what reason.
A map or diagram on a scrap of vellum, possibly of a distant location. The ink is faded and maybe other
hands have added their own notes. Roll 1d8. 1-5. The map leads nowhere or to a place that has already
30
been looted. 6-7. The location is undisturbed but some guardian keeps watch over it. 8. The map has a
secret that only a DC 20 Intelligence (Riddle) check reveals.

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 Ancient and Forgotten Treasures

The Loremaster is encouraged to enrich the description

of Precious Objects as well. Time imagining wonderful
D20 Where Did It Come From? things with rich backstories is well spent, but it is not
necessary to track down the full lineage of every crystal
1 Elves of Rivendell or the Grey Havens hanging from a fillet of Mithril; a few hints to a tragic or
heroic heritage is enough to evoke the right mood. Even a
2 Elves of Mirkwood or Lórien
single tidbit (for example, knowing for whom the Precious
3 Rangers of the North Object was intended for) can inspire players. This sort of
4 Dwarves of the Blue Mountains information may be revealed to a player who chooses the
Go See a Lore-master undertaking during a Fellowship
5 Dwarves of Erebor or the Iron Hills
phase (see page 23).
6 Dwarves of the Grey Mountains

Dwarves of Ancient Days (Khazad-dûm,

7
Belegost, Nogrod)

8 Hobbits

9 Men of Bree or Hillmen of Eriador

10 Bardings or Men of the Lake

11 Woodmen or Beornings

12 Men of Dunland or Isengard

13 Riders of Rohan or Leofrings

14 Men of Dorwinion or Easterlings

15 Men of Minas Tirith

16 Men of Dol Amroth

17 Men of Lebennin or Lamedon

18 Corsairs of Umbar or Black Númenóreans

19 Men of Near Harad or The South

20 Other folk of Elder Days now lost to legend

Precious Objects
He chose for himself from the pile a brooch set with blue
stones, many-shaded like flax-flowers or the wings of blue
butterflies. How Precious Objects Work
The extraordinary quality of a Precious Object is
This category includes gemstones, jewels, silver and represented by an enhanced value, setting the object’s
gold ornaments whose quality is an extraordinary and worth much beyond that of ‘ordinary’ treasure. This rating
enchanting beauty, either due to a prodigious level of may be anywhere between 20 and 120 gold pieces, and
craftsmanship or a subtle magical virtue. The Loremaster can be set using the Precious Object Value table (see next
may use the directions presented in this chapter to create page), or chosen directly by the Loremaster, taking into
an item at the moment it is uncovered, or to design them consideration that the uppermost rating (120 gold pieces)
carefully to include them in the campaign’s Magical may afford a companion to live at a Prosperous Standard
Treasure Index (see page 97). of Living for ten years.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

A Precious Object’s Treasure rating replaces the finding

hero’s share in the Hoard just uncovered (unless the
object’s value is inferior to the hero’s share). The weight of Gems, Jewels and Crystals
most Precious Objects is 1 pound or less. Many beautiful gems freed from the roots of mountains
and hills were cut and set in necklaces, crowns, circlets
For example, the five members of the Company have and bracelets of precious metals by Dwarven smiths
found a cache of ancient treasure guarded by a crazed of great renown, in cities like Nogrod and Belegost,
Orc-chieftain residing in the Ettenmoors. Having disposed before Beleriand was broken. Many crystals and
of the brute, the heroes find his hoard rated at 100*. white or green gems of surpassing beauty were not dug
Trotter succeeds in his Magical Treasure roll, uncovering from the earth, but created by the cunning hands of
a Precious Object: it is a ruby the size of the Hobbit’s fist, Elven craftsmen and gem-smiths, and filled magically
glowing with a pink radiance and set in a silver wolf- with flaming light.
shaped brooch. Its value is equal to 60 gold pieces! The
other companions receive their share of ordinary treasure.
When Trotter visits Master Elrond and asks after his new
jewel, he learns that it was a gift from one of the founders
of Rhudaur, given to the chieftain of a hill tribe in order to 1D6 Form
ensure their loyalty to the new kingdom. 1 Jewel (single gem)
2 Brooch
3 Necklace
4 Circlet or crown
5 Belt, chain or armband
6 Ring

1D6 Craftsmanship
Precious Objects Descriptions 1 Mannish (Númenórean)
Roll on each table to assemble a description and value for 2 Elven (Eregion)
the Precious Object. 3 Dwarven (Khazad-dûm)
4 Dwarven (Erebor)
5 Dwarven (Beleriand — Nogrod or Belegost)
1D10 Main Material 6 Elven (Beleriand)
1 Pearl
2 Sapphire
3 Ruby
4 Amethyst (pink to purple) 1D6 Value
5 Adamant (diamond) 1 1d6+14 gold pieces
6 White Elf-gem (see Gems, Jewels and Crystals) 2 2d6+28 gold pieces
7 Clear crystal 3 3d6+42 gold pieces
8 Emerald 4 4d6+56 gold pieces
9 Green Elf-gem (see Gems, Jewels and Crystals) 5 5d6+70 gold pieces
10 Green crystal 6 6d6+84 gold pieces

96
 Not All That Glitters...

How to Compile a Magical

- not all that - Treasure Index
glitters... Magical items in Adventures in Middle-earth are
categorised as either Wondrous Artefacts or Legendary
Weapons and Armour. When creating a Magical Treasure
Index, the Loremaster may decide to include Precious
The great jewel shone before his feet of its own Objects (see page 95) as well, as they will likely be found
inner light, and yet, cut and fashioned by the in any Hoard worthy of the name. The exact number and
dwarves, who had dug it from the heart of the type of Wondrous Artefacts are left up to the Loremaster.
mountain long ago, it took all light that fell upon
You may wish to determine these in advance, or you may
it and changed it into ten thousand sparks of
work up only a certain number and then let fate (and the
white radiance shot with glints of the rainbow.
dice) determine the remaining contents of the Hoard. See
page 91 for more information on determining the contents
The Adventures in Middle-earth Loremaster’s Guide of a Hoard.
provides a wealth of information on the most spectacular
thing heroes are likely to find as a consequence of However, for the sake of fairness you should determine
adventures: magical items. But you may wish for the hand the precise number and nature of any Legendary Weapons
of fate to guide the Company in their acquisition of such and Armour that the heroes will have the chance to find.
rewards. You can use the following rules to develop a set A Magical Index should comprise between 1 to 3 pieces
structure of magical items for your Company to discover, of war-gear for each companion: weapons, or defensive
expand your options with new Enchanted Qualities and items like shields, helms or coats of armour.
trouble your players with dread Curses for their newly
discovered finds.

Magical Treasure Indexes

"This, Thorin, the runes name Orcrist, the Goblin-cleaver
in the ancient tongue of Gondolin; it was a famous blade.
This, Gandalf, was Glamdring, Foe-hammer that the king
of Gondolin once wore."

Finding a magic ring or a famous sword in Adventures in

Middle-earth might not be simply a matter of stumbling
upon an exotic object. There is more to chance than
coincidence in Middle-earth, as there are other powers at
work far stronger…

A Loremaster wishing to detail in advance the potential

contents of a Hoard discovered by the Player-heroes might
first take some time to compile a Magical Treasure Index,
a list detailing the magical items that will be featured
in the Company’s campaign. When an unusual item is Sample Indexes
discovered in a Hoard, the Loremaster can refer to the Starting from page 103, this chapter contains a number of
Magical Treasure Index to check exactly what has been sample indexes, created with different goals in mind. The
brought to light. title of each index and its description detail its goal and

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 Rivendell Region Guide

application. Future supplements will also include sample armour. The following list provides a few more options that
indexes, to illustrate the sorts of magical treasure found in are of lesser renown but of significant power all the same.
another region or connected to a specific series of events.
Ancient Elven-craft
Loremasters are encouraged to create their own indexes Craftsmanship: Elven
though, based around the composition of the Company Item: Medium Armour
playing in their campaigns. Special: Bane

Why an Index? In addition to the benefit provided by the Elven-craft

Using the index lets the Loremaster keep a tight control construction of this armour, it is wrought with spells for
over the level of magic he wants to introduce in a game the protection of its wearer in battle against a certain foe.
of Adventures in Middle-earth, avoiding the problem When a bane creature attacks you, gain an additional
of having too many heroes wandering around wielding bonus to your AC equal to half your Proficiency Bonus
Beleriand-forged blades or wearing Mithril armour. (rounded up) against that attack only.

Additionally, the index lets the Loremaster ‘time’ the Elven-craft

appearance of certain magical items in a campaign, for Craftsmanship: Elven
example to follow a wide-arcing plot involving the discovery Item: Medium Armour
of a particular object. Certain events might be triggered by
the fortuitous finding of a lost artefact, or the companions This Quality represents the fine armour-craft of the
could be left wondering how to confront a seemingly Firstborn and allows the wearer to add their full Dexterity
invincible threat, until they finally ‘stumble’ upon a weapon modifier to their Armour Class. Most items found of this
capable of giving them an edge. Finally, the index helps in type are Corslets of Elven-mail but a few Hauberks of
keeping magical objects unique and wondrous. Elven-scale were made for the War of the Last Alliance.

Finding a magical item should represent a major turning Gleaming Blade

point in your campaign, with definite consequences on the Craftsmanship: Elven
future of a hero. A magical object isn’t just a new special Item: Close combat weapon
ability, but a new feature in your storytelling. Special: Requires Luminescence

Blank Index Form When your weapon’s Luminescence quality is activated,

The index form on pages 138 and 139 can be used to you may take a bonus action and spend Inspiration to
keep track of Precious Objects, Wondrous Artefacts and make the weapon’s light glow fiercely in the presence of
Legendary Weapons and Armour. Then when you are its enemies. Until the end of your turn, all attacks made
generating a Hoard and a die result calls for one of these with the weapon produce radiant damage instead of the
items, you will have a ready-made result for the Company weapon’s normal damage type.
to discover.
Runes of Clarity
Craftsmanship: Elven
New Enchanted Qualities Item: Helm
Special: Bane
The silver corslet shimmered before his eyes like the light
upon a rippling sea. A helm bearing Runes of Clarity can help a hero focus on
her enemies. By spending Inspiration, she gains Advantage
The Adventures in Middle-earth Loremaster’s Guide on attack rolls against a bane creature until the end of the
provides a great variety of Enchanted Qualities that you combat. The wearer must take a short or long rest before
can make use of when creating legendary weapons and using this ability again.

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 Not All That Glitters...

Runes of Protection your bonus action to make a single melee attack with this
Craftsmanship: Dwarven weapon.
Item: Heavy armour

This armour was crafted and ensorcelled such that it

grants powerful protection against a singular damage Enchanted Helms
type. The Loremaster will choose bludgeoning, piercing or Throughout the long years of the Ages of the world,
slashing. When wearing the armour, you have resistance the Free Peoples have always contended with the Great
to non-magical damage of that type. Enemy and his numerous servants. Thus it is not
surprising that the items that bear the most powerful
Sigil of Guarding enchantments are often war-gear: weapons, armour
Craftsmanship: Elven, Númenórean and shields. But sometimes other items might receive
Item: Helm similar enhancements, most notably a helm might be
bound with spells for the benefit of its wearer. Helms
A helm with this sigil allows the wearer to anticipate the can receive Enchanted Qualities that qualify for
most dangerous strokes of an enemy. When struck by a armour benefits.
critical blow, a hero can spend a Hit Die to take only half
of the damage dealt. In the case of helms, any magic that improves the
protection of an item starts with a base value of +0
Smiting to AC. A normal helm does not increase a Player-
Craftsmanship: Dwarven hero’s armour class, but a Close-fitting Helm would
Item: Close combat weapon grant +2 AC. However, its protection is limited — if
a Player-hero bears both a helm and a shield, only the
This weapon is larger and heavier than others of its kind item with the higher bonus (or a single item if they are
and is designed to produce profound effects upon those it tied) will add to the hero’s Armour Class.
makes contact with. When you score a critical hit with this
weapon, you may elect to not do any bonus damage and
instead force the target to make a Strength saving throw
(DC equal to 12 plus your Proficiency Bonus). If the target
fails the saving throw it is thrown 10 feet in a direction of Cursed Items
your choice and is knocked Prone.
About them lay many treasures, of gold maybe, though in
Superior Runes of Protection that light they looked cold and unlovely. On their heads
Craftsmanship: Dwarven were circlets, gold chains were about their waists, and on
Item: Heavy armour their fingers were many rings.

This armour was crafted and ensorcelled to provide A magical object carrying a taint differs from an
extraordinary protection against ordinary weapons. When unmarred object for the fact that the item has been
you take non-magical damage from an attack, you may partially corrupted by laying in the shadows for centuries,
spend Inspiration and two Hit Dice to negate that damage. forgotten. Sometimes, the treasure has been left to rot long
enough for the Shadow to have wound about it a darker
Swiftness fate.
Craftsmanship: Elven, Númenórean
Item: Close combat weapon If a companion discovers an item Touched by the Shadow
(see the Hoard rules on page 90), the Loremaster may
This weapon is exceptionally balanced and feels natural take the chance to introduce a Curse, in addition to the
to even the least experienced of its wielders. You may use mandatory Corruption check.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

A cursed item does not differ from an unmarred one, and it has a detrimental effect rather than a positive one. The
it is attributed to the companion exactly in the same way. Loremaster may consult the list of sample Curses found
The Loremaster simply proceeds to design the Curse that below to select one that he finds appropriate, or he might
is laid upon it, either by choosing a Curse he designed use them as inspiration to design new ones.
previously for his own campaign, or by creating it on the
spot using the rules below. A Curse may not be initially apparent, but instead be
turned on by a specific circumstance. If the Loremaster so
If the Loremaster isn’t sure and needs a hard and fast rule chooses, a Curse may be unveiled as part of a Revelation
to determine whether an object is indeed cursed, he can episode (see page 113).
roll a d12 and consult the table below:
Examples of circumstances that might trigger a Curse
include: leaving the area where the cursed item was
found; exposing the object to the light of the moon; at the
Treasure Provenance Item is Cursed
(Examples) on a (D12) first shedding of blood; in the presence of a specific type of
creature; upon entering a blighted area.
From the Hoard of a Troll 1
From the Hoard of a Dragon 1–2
Stolen from an ancient barrow 1–3
From a stronghold of the Dark Lord 1–4

Worthless Trinkets and Precious Objects

If the Loremaster deems that a Curse lies upon an odd
knick-knack, a heap of Dragon gold or a chest of precious
gems, then usually that type of treasure just has an ill
feeling about it and a character may struggle to sell it or
make use of the treasure. Buyers will feel ill at ease and be
unlikely to trust the hero, even if everything seems to be
in order.

To make things slightly darker, cursed items might be Lifting a Curse

denied any sentimental value (see page 90). A cruel When creating a cursed item, the Loremaster must
Loremaster might set additional cursed features (see secretly decide how the Curse can be lifted. This should
below) upon these lesser items. be no small task and should definitely form the focus of
an Adventuring phase in its own right. A Curse might only
Wondrous Artefacts and Legendary be lifted at the place of the item’s forging or by the light of
Weapons and Armour the same moon by which it was made. It might require the
Magical Treasure of a superior importance is more easily casting of an ancient spell lost to the ages or by the slaying
cursed. Note that if a player uncovers a Cursed Wondrous of a particularly dangerous creature.
Artefact or a Legendary Weapon or Armour they must
always face the Corruption check required, and also suffer Note that a cursed item is not an evil artefact, a device
the effects of the Curse. created by the Enemy and meant to condemn a companion
to a life of misery. It is a wonderful object bearing a trace of
How to Design a Curse darkness. While it may make a hero’s life more dangerous
A Curse bestows an item with an additional feature, for a while, the introduction of a cursed item is primarily
similar to a Blessing or an Enchanted Quality, except that meant to make the game more exciting!

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 Not All That Glitters...

Once a Curse has been removed, the item reverts to being Hunted
a regular Magical Item. The presence of the item does not go unnoticed, and one
type of enemy (Orcs, Evil Men, the Enemy) perceive it when
Examples of Curses they come near it. For the purposes of The Eye of Mordor
Then a wild thought of escape came to him. He wondered if rules this counts as the Enemy pursuing the Company,
he put on the Ring, whether the Barrow-wight would miss lowering the Veil score by 4 points. In addition, Journey
him, and he might find some way out. He thought of himself Events and Revelation episodes triggered by the company
running free over the grass, grieving for Merry, and Sam, may be made to revolve around these stalkers.
and Pippin, but free and alive himself.
Ill-luck
Bad luck dogs the bearer at every turn, his victories turned
to defeats by simple – but persistent – misfortune. Any roll
of 1 on the d20 (even for ability checks or a saving throw)
means an automatic failure for the bearer.

Ill-omen
The bearer’s arrival is preceded by dark warnings and
fell omens, filling the hearts of former allies with dread
and fear. Whenever the bearer is present for an Audience,
the Company makes both the Introduction roll and Final
Audience Check with Disadvantage.

Malice
The object does not love its bearer, and will try to cause
him harm, or otherwise trouble him. If a skill roll concerns
the item (as in the case of a skill check augmented by a
Blessing, an attack roll for a weapon, or an foe’s attack roll
for armour), the companion has Disadvantage on the roll
(for armour, the attacker gains Advantage).
Darken
When the item is revealed (a sword is unsheathed, a glove Owned
is removed to reveal a ring and so on) all shadows in the The item is owned or was created by another creature,
area seem to deepen, and all sources of light seem to grow much as the Ring was owned by Sauron. The item may
weak. The phenomenon is particularly serious for the have found its way into the hands of the companion so
bearer of the item, who finds his sight seriously impaired. that the hero might unwittingly return it to its master. The
The companion makes any ability checks that rely upon Loremaster should decide upon a specific enemy to be the
sight with Disadvantage. owner of the item, possibly choosing a recurring villain in
his own campaign. When in the presence of its owner, the
Since no source of light is able to dispel this darkness, item becomes useless: its special features turn out to be
bystanders may be confused and disoriented. completely ineffective.

Enfeebled Shadow Taint

The item’s Curse worms away at its bearer, bringing with The item bears a greater shadow-stain upon it than most
it a terrible weakness. The Loremaster chooses a single cursed items. As long as the hero carries the item, his
saving throw from Strength, Dexterity, Constitution or Shadow score is augmented by a value, ranging from 1
Charisma. The bearer makes those saving throws with to 4 points: 1 point for an artefact with one Blessing, 2 for
Disadvantage. one with 2 Blessings or a Greater Blessing; in the case of

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 Rivendell Region Guide

a Legendary Weapon or Armour the Shadow increase is provoking the bearer to dark thoughts of violence and
equal to the number of Qualities on the item. This Shadow murder.
increase cannot be removed or healed, and will raise the
hero’s Shadow score until the Curse is lifted. • Tyrannical (Lure of Power). The item foments a
sense of overconfidence and arrogance within the
Weakness bearer, causing him to belittle and undermine his
So long as he bears this Curse, the bearer displays the companions.
worst Flaw connected to his own Shadow Weakness. The
Loremaster can invoke it as per the normal rules, to impose • Treacherous (Lure of Secrets). The item fosters
Disadvantage, to make a saving throw to remain in control thoughts of paranoia and discord within the mind of
of themselves, or as a Failure Aggravation, and possibly to its bearer, causing him to mistake his friends for foes.
determine the effects of a Bout of Madness (see page 183 of
the Adventures in Middle-earth Player’s Guide). • Thieving (Dragon-sickness). The item glitters with a
sickly light that causes the bearer to desire more and
• Cowardly (Wandering-madness). When the curse more.
takes hold of the bearer, all he can think of is turning
tail and fleeing into the night. Note that this Flaw is temporary, and does not count
towards a companion’s full complement of four Flaws for
• Murderous (Curse of Vengeance). A terrible thirst the purposes of Succumbing to the Shadow.
for blood and malevolence lies within the item,

Discovering the One Ring

Bilbo’s discovery of the One Ring in Gollum’s cave is a shining example of predestination, as discussed on page 92.
Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and then to pass it over to Frodo. Perhaps the Loremaster of Bilbo’s campaign
was planning very far ahead indeed – maybe even not realising at the time quite what he had created – he might
merely have intended to give the Burglar a Wondrous Item that gave him an unparalleled Stealth ability…

But how can the Ruling Ring of Sauron be created under the Magical Treasure rules? The short answer is that
it can’t: it is the greatest magical artefact ever created in the history of Middle-earth after all. But let’s indulge
a little bit more… The Ring would probably have a Greater Blessing of Stealth for its capability to make its
wearer invisible, but eventually reveal later to bestow another Blessing on the skill that better defines its wearer’s
ambitions and desires: Intimidation for a mighty warrior, Traditions for a leader of Men, Lore for someone who
would desire to create things, Insight for those who seek to know the hearts of others… But what about its Curses?
Well, let’s not even get started...!

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 Magical Treasure Index
The goal of a pre-prepared Magical Treasure Index is that when a player successfully finds an item in a
Hoard, the Loremaster can simply look at the index and find something that has been carefully crafted
to suit that Player-hero. This sample Magical Treasure Index was designed for the Mirkwood Campaign,
and is extremely rich and powerful. Each of the Legendary Weapons listed has been created with one of
the pregenerated characters from Adventures in Middle-earth in mind, as have a number of the Wondrous
Items. The needs of the campaign were considered in the making of this index and, whilst no one item is key
to the campaign, many of them may prove beneficial in its later stages.

Loremaster: - Campaign: Mirkwood Campaign

Campaign Members: Lifstan the Barding, Beli the Dwarf, Beran the Beorning, Caranthiel the Elf,
Trotter the Hobbit and the Bride.

- Precious objects -

Notes: A green gem the colour of the first shoots of spring, set
A ruby that, by firelight, seems to glimmer with an inner into a golden brooch in the shape of a leaf. Possibly of
flame even after the fire has been extinguished. Set onto Westernesse craft. Worth 20 gold pieces.
a golden chain, whose fine links can only be Elven-
make.Worth 50 gold pieces. An iridescent pearl set within a simple silver circlet,
recovered from the sea of the Cape of Forochel. The
An adamant ring that catches the weakest of lights, even circlet is of Westernesse make. It is said that if one
when deep underground. Its size suggests it was made stares into the pearl for long enough, you can see into
for the fingers of a Dwarf. Worth 30 gold pieces. the past… or the future. Worth 120 gold pieces.

A coronet studded with sparkling white gems, made A pink-hued amethyst set into an intricately carved
long ago for the Dwarven nobles of Erebor. Worth 40 silver ring. The script carved upon it is in Quenya and
gold pieces. says “I leave my heart to you.” Worth 40 gold pieces.

- Wondrous Artefacts -

Notes: An Elven-carved wooden staff, which cause deer tracks

A silver circlet, the wearer of which finds their tongue — and others besides — to reveal themselves to the
similarly silvered (a Blessing to Traditions). bearer (a Blessing to Survival).

A war-horn, made by the people of the Northern A cloak lined with both enchantment and — more
Kingdom, and whose booming voice strikes fear in all prosaically — fur, which makes the words of the wearer
foes (a Blessing to Intimidation). all the more comforting (a Blessing to Persuasion).

A golden torc, inscribed with images of feasting and A ring made from silvered steel that reflects the
merry-making that lends grace to the voice of its wearer innermost thoughts of any in its presence (a Blessing to
(a Blessing to Performance). Insight).
 - Wondrous Artefacts -
(continued)

A simple Dwarven ring of iron that makes the hammer A seeing-stone, which, when held up to the dawn, shows
blows of the wearer strike the anvil with effortless what some hint of what has gone before in this place (a
precision (a Blessing to smith’s tools). Blessing to History).

A short rod that was once the symbol of the art of A broken shard taken from a mirror that once stood in
leechcraft in the city of Belegost, and that instills a sense an Elven manor, and through which ghosts of the past
of peace and calm to a patient (a Blessing to Medicine). may still be seen - albeit fractured in time and place (a
Blessing to Lore).
A golden circlet carved with Dwarven runes that causes
the wearer to find precisely what he is looking for (a A simple knife that seems to cut a path through thickets
Blessing to Investigation). and bushes with the utmost ease (a Blessing to
Survival).
A magical ring, capable of sharpening the wits of any
who wear it (a Blessing to Riddle). An ivory horn that has been engraved with images of
defeated foes paying tribute to an ancient queen. When
A cloak of Elven make, the weave of which magically lifted to the lips of its bearer it makes not a sound, but
allows the wearer to blend seamlessly into his men are compelled to bow down before her (a Blessing
surroundings (a Blessing to Stealth). to Intimidation).

A walking stick tightly wound with an endless spiral of A beautiful golden ring that glistens with the light of the
Elven rhymes, which, when read aloud, seems to make sun, even at night, and that bestows a clarity of vision
the miles pass by all the faster (a Blessing to Survival). to its wearer (a Blessing to Perception).

A coil of fine Elven rope that can be furled out endlessly

and, once tied, will never come untied unless the owner
commands it so (a Blessing to Athletics).
 Legendary Weapons and Armour
Companion: The Bride Companion: Beli
Item: The Raven Axe of Arnor Item: The Coat of Shining Stars
Type: Long-hafted Axe Type: Heavy Mail
Craftsmanship: Númenórean Craftsmanship: Dwarven
Banes: Evil Men, Undead Banes: n/a
Qualities: Qualities:
1. Raging 2. Superior Fell 3. Keen 1. Cunning Make 2. Runes of Protection (Bludgeoning)
3. Mithril Armour
Notes: An axe of Númenórean craftsmanship, its broad
head engraved with images of ravens and other carrion Notes: In sunlight, this coat of Mithril chain seems
birds. Its age suggests it was crafted during the time that dull and ancient, although it remains sturdy and well
Arnor’s successor kingdoms struggled against the armies maintained. It is only underground, by the light of a torch
of the Witch-king of Angmar, and it is wound with spells to or lamp, that it reveals the quality for which it is named:
drive the restless spirits of the North back to their graves. its mail links glisten, as though it were sewn from the
stars themselves.
Companion: Beran
Item: The Red Axe of Ruin Companion: Trotter
Item: Bow of Celebrían
Type: Great Axe
Craftsmanship: Dwarven Type: Short Bow
Banes: n/a Craftsmanship: Elven
Qualities: Banes: Orc-kind
1. Gleam of Terror 2. Grievous 3. Runes of Victory Qualities:
1. Sure Shot 2. Keen 3. Biting Dart
Notes: This axe was forever stained red with the blood
of Orcs at the Battle of Azanulbizar. Some say it was the Notes: Whilst never actually owned by Elrond’s
axe of Nar, others Dain, but whoever wields it can cut a departed wife, this delicate bow is named in her honour
bloody swathe through rank after rank of Goblin. for it was used on the tragic hunt for the Orcs that once
captured her.

Companion: Lifstan
Item: Rune-shield of Ossiriand Companion: Caranthiel
Item: The Crown of Spiderhollow
Type: Great Shield
Craftsmanship: Dwarven Type: Helm
Banes: n/a Craftsmanship: Elven
Qualities: Banes: Spiders
1. Reinforced 2. Rune-scored Shield 3.- Qualities:
1. Ancient Close-fitting 2. Runes of Clarity 3.-
Notes: So-called because, according to Dwarf legend,
its wielder could use it to hold back the seven rivers of Notes: At first glance this delicate headpiece looks
Ossiriand themselves. Whether there is any truth in the to have been woven from spider webs and ivy, but
legend is rather difficult to prove, but it is certainly effective closer inspection reveals that it is carved from wood so
at holding back onrushing tides of Orcs. Aside from its delicately that it only appears so.
ornate brass boss, cast in the shape of a roaring mountain
lion’s head, this sturdy iron shield appears somewhat
plain … except under certain moons, when its surface
takes on an almost mirrored sheen and secret Dwarven
runes glisten and gleam
 Magical Treasure Index
This sample Magical Treasure Index is based on the adventures of Thorin’s company on their quest to reclaim
Erebor from Smaug, as though it were part of a campaign for Adventures in Middle-earth. Incidentally, the
Hoard of Smaug was likely rated at 1000***, whereas the Hoard of the Trolls was rated at 50*.

Loremaster: - Campaign: The Quest for Erebor

Campaign Members: Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield, Fíli and Kíli, Balin, Dwalin, Dori, Nori, Ori, óin,
Glóin, Bifur, Bofur and Bombur.

- Precious objects -

Notes: A belt of pearls and crystals, made to accompany the

A great, golden, two-handed cup, it is carved with bird Mithril Coat. Worth 60 gold pieces.
and flowers, their eyes and petals jewels. Worth 100
gold pieces, sentimental to the Dwarves of Erebor. A belt crusted with scarlet stones. Worth 40 gold
pieces.
A necklace made of five hundred emeralds as green as
grass, gifted to the Dwarves of Erebor by Girion, Lord A helm of figured leather, strengthened with steel and
of Dale. Worth 100 gold pieces, sentimental to the studded about the brow with white gems. Worth 60 gold
Bardings. pieces.

- Wondrous Artefacts -

Notes: Silver-scored Clarinet

The Diamond Studs of Old Took This seemingly simple instrument makes music as clear
A pair of diamond studs that fasten themselves and and beautiful as any other, enchanting all who hear it
never come undone until ordered (Blessing of Traditions) (Blessing of Performance).

The Arkenstone Searching Stick

This great white gem was the greatest prize ever found A gnarled old walking stave that, when poked about into
by the Dwarves. Named the Heart of the Mountain, dark and dusty corners, has a habit of turning up just
the Arkenstone of Thrain, it is a globe with a thousand what is required (Blessing of Investigation).
facets. It shines like silver in firelight, like water in the
sun, like snow under the stars and like rain upon the
Moon. (Greater Blessing of Persuasion).
 Legendary Weapons and Armour
Companion: Thorin Companion: Bilbo
Item: Orcrist Item: Sting
Type: Long Sword Type: Short Sword
Craftsmanship: Elven Craftsmanship: Elven
Banes: Orcs Banes: Orcs
Qualities: Qualities:
1. Luminescence 2. Raging 1. Luminescence 2. Superior Keen
3. Superior Grievous 3. Superior Grievous

Notes: A sword with a jewelled hilt, Orcrist was Notes: To a Man or an Elf, this blade might only be
crafted by the High Elves of Gondolin for use in the a dagger, but to a Hobbit it is akin to a short sword.
Goblin-wars. Its name means Goblin-cleaver, but the Forged in Gondolin by Elven-smiths, this blade glows
Goblins know it better by the name Biter. blue in the presence of Orcs and their foul kin.

Companion: Fíli Companion: Bilbo

Item: Shield of the Dead Item: Mithril Coat
Type: Shield Type: Coat of Mail
Craftsmanship: Dwarven Craftsmanship: Dwarven
Banes: n/a Banes: n/a
Qualities: Qualities:
1. Superior Reinforced 2. Rune-scored Shield 1. Ancient Cunning Make 2. Mithril Armour
3. - 3. -

Notes: This shield, ornately decorated by a Dwarven Notes: This small mail shirt was once wrought for
craftsman of ancient Erebor, was made for a warrior a young Elf-prince in the ancient past. It is made of
now-long dead. Mithril and can turn even the most grievous of blows.

Companion: Glóin Companion: Balin

Item: Axe Under the Mountain Item: Silver Ring-mail
Type: Axe Type: Ring-mail
Craftsmanship: Dwarven Craftsmanship: Dwarven
Banes: n/a Banes: n/a
Qualities: Qualities:
1. Superior Fell 2. Gleam of Terror 1. Ancient Cunning Make 2. Ancient Close-fitting
3. - 3. -

Notes: This silver-hafted axe was once wielded by Notes: Once gifted to the son of Girion, the Lord of
the King Under the Mountain and was believed lost Dale, this mail coat was wrought of silver but was
when Smaug the Terrible drove the Dwarves from the as strong as triple steel. Its like has never been seen
Lonely Mountain. Perhaps it was recovered when his before or since.
hoard was divided among the victors of The Battle of
Five Armies.
 Magical Treasure Index
This sample Magical Treasure Index is based on the adventures of a Company adventuring in Eriador
itself, and as such is slanted towards Elven and Númenórean treasures. Compared to the other two sample
Magical Treasure Indexes, it is closer to what a ‘default’ power level should be, illustrating how you can
tailor the potential of the magical treasure to suit the needs of your game.

Loremaster: - Campaign: Eriador Adventures

Campaign Members: Cirmacar the High Elf, Fareth the Dúnedain, Frida of the Lake, Thraindan the Dwarf,
Tom Mugwort of Bree.

- Precious objects -

Notes: A great golden necklace of Dwarven-make, set about with

A great pearl set in an elaborate golden brooch carved dozens of tiny amethysts that sparkle in the sunlight. It
with images of the sea. It is said to have been made in was once worn by the finest beauty of Beleriand, or so the
the lost Dwarven city of Belegost. Worth 40 gold pieces. Dwarves would have you believe. Worth 40 gold pieces.

A ruby hanging from a simple silver chain made by A delicate silver tiara decorated with a single diamond at
the Men of Westernesse. It is said that, on the coldest the peak, of such workmanship it could only have been
nights, the ruby is always warm. Worth 60 gold pieces. made in Eregion. Worth 100 gold pieces.

- Wondrous Artefacts -

Notes: A beautifully carved ring of gold that gilds the wearer’s

A ring crafted by the Men of Westernesse. When worn honeyed words (a Blessing to Traditions).
on the left hand it allows the wearer to find what was
thought lost; when worn on the right hand it allows the A sword sheath wound about with images of an ancient
wearer to hide what must not be found (a Blessing to victory procession, perhaps dating to the First Age of
Investigation and Stealth). the world. When a sword is drawn from this sheath, all
who see it are compelled to bow down in honour to the
An otherwise unremarkable circlet that makes the bearer (a Greater Blessing to Intimidation).
wearer’s sight crystal clear (a Blessing to Perception).
A silver clasped collar that makes everything the wearer
A walking stick that seems to lead the way along say seem agreeable (a Blessing to Persuasion).
untrodden paths (a Blessing to Survival).

A pair of soft leather slippers made from the hide of

a white deer, that mask the footsteps of the wearer (a
Blessing to Stealth).
 Legendary Weapons and Armour
Companion: Fareth Companion: Thraindan
Item: Blade of Arahel Item: Helm of Belegost
Type: Long Sword Type: Helm
Craftsmanship: Númenórean Craftsmanship: Dwarven
Banes: Evil Men, Undead Banes: n/a
Qualities: Qualities:
1. Keen 2. Raging 1. Close-fitting 2. Ancient Cunning-make
3. - 3. -

Notes: A finely made but unadorned long sword, this Notes: This slight, silvered-steel helm was once
blade was said to have belonged to Arahel, one of the worn by a warrior of Belegost; what became of him
first chieftains of the Dúnedain. has been lost to the annals of time, but the helm itself
remains pristine.

Companion: Frida Companion: Tom

Item: Moruin Item: Hollin-ward
Type: Great Bow Type: Shield
Craftsmanship: Elven Craftsmanship: Elven
Banes: n/a Banes: Orc-kind
Qualities: Qualities:
1. Grievous 2. Biting Dart 1. Reinforced 2. Warding Spell
3. - 3. -

Notes: The wood that this bow was made from was Notes: In ancient times the Elves of Eregion and the
hewed in ancient days from a Mallorn tree that had Dwarves of Khazad-dûm were fast allies, until ill-fate
been blackened by the fires of war. Something of befell both peoples. This shield dates from that time,
those dark days remains in the wood. and although of Elven craftsmanship it also bears the
runic marks of the Dwarves.

Companion: Cirmacar
Item: Hauberk of the Last Alliance
Type: Scale Hauberk
Craftsmanship: Elven
Banes: n/a
Qualities:
1. Elven-craft 2. Ancient Cunning Make
3. -

Notes: When the smiths of Eregion fled to Imladris,

they began to prepare the Elven stronghold for war
against the Dark Lord. These pieces of armour were
among the finest of their craft – light and supple for
those who marched long hours in pursuit of the enemy
but strong enough to turn aside many an Orcish blade
and arrow.
 Rivendell Region Guide

their protected sanctuaries, those who oppose the will of

the eye of the Dark Lord risk to be noticed by prying eyes, and be

- mordor -
confronted by His vengeance. But some heroes wait in
secret places or move unseen among the common people,
hidden from the Enemy’s attention. The possibility that a
“The number must be few, since your hope is in company catches the awareness of the Enemy is expressed
in gaming terms through the optional mechanics
speed and secrecy. Had I a host of Elves in armour
concerning the Hunt and the Veil.
of the Elder Days, it would avail little, save to
arouse the power of Mordor.”
The Hunt
As the Twilight of the Third Age approaches and the War
of the Ring begins, the will of the Dark Lord pushes all There was an eye in the Dark Tower that did not sleep. He
wicked things to evil ends. Especially after the revelation knew it had become aware of his gaze. A fierce eager will
of Sauron in the year 2951, adventuring becomes more was there. It leaped towards him, almost like a finger he felt
and more dangerous, as the Shadow begins to awaken it, searching for him.
again and its spies and servants are put on watch.
The danger that a Company will attract the attention of
Many unfriendly things that have little love for Elves, Sauron depends on the composition of the group and their
Dwarves and Men are stirred into action, and those that experience level. The Enemy keeps a closer watch on those
dare to journey across Middle-earth find themselves often individuals he hates, or fears, the most. A Company of
plagued by an ill-fortune. Distant folks grow suspicious seasoned veterans that includes a High Elf of Rivendell will
and estranged once again. The arm of the Enemy is raise more suspicion and stir the minions of the Shadow
growing longer every day. more easily than a smaller group composed solely of
Hobbits on their first adventure.
Furthermore, these are the years of the fading of the Eldar,
and the waning of their power is felt in every corner of The Hunt score begins equal to the highest Proficiency
the land as a lengthening darkness. Everywhere but inside Bonus of the Company, and is further modified as below.

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 The Eye of Mordor

To keep track of the Hunt it is best to use a number of The Hunt Intensifies
counters or tokens (black or red glass beads are ideal) that During the Adventuring phase, the Company’s actions
should be placed on the gaming table, within reach of all may lead to an increase in the Hunt score. The Loremaster
players. You will need approximately 20-25 tokens. must keep track of these instances and update the Hunt
score accordingly.

Companion’s Hunt Bitter Experience

Culture Modifier A natural 1 on an ability check produces an increase in the
Hunt score. Optionally, this effect can be reserved for rolls
Hobbits +0
made under particularly dramatic or otherwise grave
Dúnedain and Men of Minas Tirith +2 circumstances. Even a successful exploit can be tainted by
Other Men +1 fear and self-doubt.
Dwarves +1
Conversely, if the Company is in a Sanctuary or another
High Elves +3 place deemed by the Loremaster to be safe, do not
Silvan Elves +1 increase the Hunt score, no matter how many natural 1s
are produced.

Loremaster characters journeying with the heroes are Shadow Gain

not normally considered part of the Company for the A hero who is tormented by grief and beset by the threat
purposes of calculating the Hunt score. of corruption carries a burden that the Shadow is quick
to recognise and exploit. Whenever one or more members
Powerful weapons carried by the companions may also of the Company gain Shadow points outside of combat
arouse the suspicion of the spies of Mordor: add 1 for each increase the Hunt score by 1.
Legendary Weapon or Armour carried by the Company.
Using Magic
For example, a group of eight heroes (a Dúnedain, a Man Blatant displays of magical power intensify the Hunt score
of Minas Tirith, a Dwarf, an Elf of Mirkwood and four as well, in a measure proportionate to the magical effect.
Hobbits) with no magical items and accompanied by a
Loremaster Merchant would be at +6, which would be • If a companion uses a Virtue or class feature that is
added to the highest Proficiency Bonus in the Company to considered magical (see Magical Virtues and Features,
create the initial Hunt score. page 112), raise the Hunt score by 1 point.

• A companion that uses a Wondrous Artefact may

What does the Hunt represent? increase the Hunt score. A Small Effect does not raise
the score, while a Medium Effect raises the Hunt by 1
For purposes of presenting the threat of the Hunt, the and a Large Effect increase the Hunt by 2 points.
Loremaster should keep in mind that the mechanic
does not simply represent the active searching for the • For those whose vision of Middle-earth includes OGL
Company on part of servants of the Enemy, but also magic, when a spell is cast the Hunt is raised by a
the general malevolence of the land itself towards the number of points equal to half the level of the Spell
heroes and their goals. Slot used.

There are many strange and dark powers in Middle- • Open displays of magical power invoked by a Wizard
earth, and not all of them are necessarily in league or another character capable of such feats increase
with the Dark Lord… the Hunt score accordingly. See Displays of Magical
Power, page 112.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

Caranthiel, fearing a rampaging horde of Viglundings, Resetting the Hunt Score

tries to master the magic of The Cleft of Storms (Rhovanion After a Revelation episode (see page 113) or after an
Region Guide, page 47). As this effect is an 8th level spell, Adventuring phase ends, the Hunt score is reset to its
she will add 4 points to the Hunt score. This is powerful basic value.
magic indeed!
During a Fellowship phase, the Company retires to a
place of safety and no longer provokes the interest of the
Enemy. Thus, there are no Eye Awareness checks during a
(Magical) Virtues and Features Fellowship phase, and the Hunt score begins at its basic
Many Virtues possessed by the various cultures of value for the next Adventuring phase.
Middle-earth are considered to be magical by members
of other folks, but often are simply the result of well-
honed professional skills and talents. Likewise, many The Veil
Class features are the product of long years of training.
But that is not always the case; some abilities can only ‘Our names and our business are our own, and this does not
be explained fully by taking into consideration the seem a good place to discuss them,’ said Frodo, not liking the
subtle enchantment of Middle-earth. look of the man or the tone of his voice.

The following Virtues and features are considered Wise decisions on the part of the Company, discretion
magical for the purposes of increasing the Hunt score: amidst strangers and careful travel in the Wild can mask
the heroes from the Shadow. The Veil score is the measure
Beauty of the Stars Broken Spells
of how discrete the heroes are being, and what distractions
Compelling Words Healer’s Staunching Song
they can bring to bear against the attention of the Enemy.
Night-goer Skill of the Eldar
You may wish to represent this with some sort of counters
Staunching Song Wood-elf Magic
(white or clear glass beads, perhaps). This score starts
Words of Command
as the highest Wisdom modifier of the Company and is
further modified according to the table opposite:

Displays of Magical Power

"If there are any to see, then I at least am revealed to them," he said. "I have written Gandalf is here in signs that
all can read from Rivendell to the mouths of Anduin."

Here follow some examples of undisguised magical feats of Loremaster characters that may cause an increase of
the Hunt score for a Company. Note that not every use of magic does apply; for example, tracing signs on a surface
that will be visible only to friendly eyes, or embellishing pipe-smoke or fireworks with shapes and colours does not
intensify the Hunt – unless they are done in the wrong place, or at the wrong time, of course!

• Lesser effects (+1 point): Illuminate a dark passage with a short blaze of magical light, open a locked door,
play tricks with voices or sounds.
• Major spells (+2 points): Light a fire in the storm, block a door against a powerful adversary, make a tree
burst into flames.
• Powerful spells (+4 points): Rain lightning down upon an advancing enemy, lend speed to a travelling company,
make the waters of a river swell with rage.

112
 The Eye of Mordor

hostility of the game world towards the members of the

Company.
Circumstances Veil Modifier
The Company is travelling through The source of this hostility may differ wildly from one
+2 Revelation episode to another: it may be the result of the
Free or Border lands.
direct actions of servants of the Enemy aimed to thwart
The Company is travelling through
-2 the Company’s plans, an accident caused by the ill-will
Shadow or Dark lands.
of another unfriendly power, or simply an unusual and
The Company is protected by
the blessing of a Wizard or other +4 sinister stroke of bad luck.
powerful Loremaster character.
The Company is travelling under
• As soon as the Loremaster has completed the
false names, treading unused paths Revelation episode, the Hunt score for the Company is
+2
or are otherwise taking action to be set back at its starting level. From that moment on, the
discreet and unobtrusive. tally for the Hunt score is resumed normally; and thus
The companions have earned great may lead to another Revelation episode if another Eye
renown in the area thanks to some -2 Awareness check is failed, and so on, until the end of
exceptional deed.
the Adventuring phase.
The Enemy actively searches for the
Company, or their mission or goal -4
is known to the Shadow.

The Eye Awareness Check

‘These black men,’ said the landlord lowering his voice.
‘They’re looking for Baggins, and if they mean well, then
I’m a hobbit.’

As the Company ventures forth and strives against the

will of the Enemy, they are likely to garner his attention.
Whenever the Hunt score is increased the Company must
make an Eye Awareness check. Events other than the
Hunt intensifying can trigger this check; if the narrative
demands that evil things might take notice of the heroes
the Loremaster can ask for this check.

To make an Eye Awareness check, the Company as a

group rolls a d20 and adds the Veil score to the result.
A companion can spend Inspiration to grant Advantage Revelation Episodes
on the check. The DC for the check is equal to the current To determine the precise nature and consequences of a
(perhaps newly raised) Hunt score. Revelation episode, the Loremaster should usually weigh
the current circumstances of the Company and choose a
If the check is failed, the Shadow will move against them course of events that will change the heroes’ predicament
— the Company has been revealed to the Enemy. The for the worst. If the companions were already heading
Loremaster will now introduce a Revelation episode, a towards a difficult situation, now they will face one of
dangerous event reflecting the actions of an increased their worst moments instead.

113
 Rivendell Region Guide

Regardless of the details, whatever happens to the group running out of food as provisions are found to be
Company must spring naturally out of the ongoing flow of unexpectedly spoilt, a decision taken by heroes proving to
events experienced during a session; no Orcs appearing be the worst possible choice, an individual the Company
out of nowhere to attack while the Company is sleeping at was waiting for failing to show up at a crucial moment,
Beorn’s House! and so on.

Additionally, the nature of a Revelation episode should Examples of Revelation Episodes

always suggest that there are strange forces at work; a "Is it the will of the Dark Tower that steers us? All my
distinctive aura that smells of something dark and foul; choices have proved ill."
a malicious misfortune, the unusual behaviour of men or
beasts, the faint trace of sorcery. Here follow several examples of how the Loremaster may
worsen the situation of a revealed company. A level of
Generally, the current situation should provide the customisation is required, to adapt all suggestions to the
Loremaster with enough suggestions upon which to actual situation of play.
improvise. If this is not the case, then the resolution of a
Revelation episode should be held off, until an appropriate • Out of the Frying Pan… The difficulty of all actions
situation appears (possibly even waiting for the following connected to the resolution of a chosen situation are
session of play). increased and the companions automatically suffer
Disadvantage. Once the situation is resolved (the
A typical Revelation episode may include a hero losing the Audience, Journey leg, etc.) then the Company is no
other companions during a journey or while fleeing, the longer at Disadvantage.

Serious Misfortune

If the Company is revealed by a failed Eye Awareness

Check, it is possible this was triggered by another
negative event (like a failed Journey Event or a bout of
madness). When this is the case, the Loremaster should
combine the two (or three!) unfortunate circumstances
into a single grievous instance. In the books, the
tragic attempt by Boromir to seize the Ring may
be interpreted in game terms as a bout of madness
coinciding with the revelation of the Fellowship, while
the attack by the Watcher in the Water in front of the
gates of Moria could be seen as the cumulative effect
of a Journey Event and a Revelation episode. But evil
events often prove to have some benefit in the end —
Bilbo would not have found the Ring if he had not
been caught by Goblins, nor would he have escaped
Mirkwood (or The Battle of Five Armies) if the
Dwarves had not been captured by the Elves! When
all seems against the heroes, they might suddenly be
presented with an opportunity that otherwise would
have been overlooked.

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 The Eye of Mordor

• Láthspell. The coming of the company is interpreted • Guided by Sinister Purpose. A potential threat the
as ill-news, and the heroes are given a colder welcome company had a chance to avoid is now waiting for
than expected: the introduction check of the Audience them. An Orc patrol they could try to ambush now
fails automatically, as suspicions are roused and automatically spots them; a Troll they could sneak
old prejudices flare up; if the Final Audience Check past sniffs them at the worst possible moment; an
is failed the companions are expelled, imprisoned or unnamed terror that was sleeping in the deep places
otherwise refused any help or support. of the world is now aware of their passage. If the
Company is on a Journey they are now subject to The
• Do not tempt me! A severe and tantalizing trap is Keen Eyes of the Enemy.
set before a companion and the hero must make a
DC 20 Wisdom check. The nature of the challenge • Reckless Hate. One enemy type that will be faced
may be overt or subtle, and should be based on the in combat soon gains the special ability Hatred
character’s Shadow weakness. If the hero fails the (subject), focused on one heroic culture represented
check, he is subjected to the same consequences of in the company.
a bout of madness (see the Player’s Guide, page 183)
and gains 1 or more points of temporary Shadow. • Deadly Strife. An enemy that will be faced in combat
soon gains the Hideous Toughness ability. The
• Lies and Threats. An ally becomes an enemy, through Loremaster might draw on the misfortunes of the
coercion, betrayal or even sorcery. The individual is Company to explain why the foe that they now face is
now bent to do harm to the companions, and either exceedingly difficult to defeat.
acts directly or schemes in the dark.
• We Come to Kill. One enemy type that will be faced
• A Weariness of the Heart. An unnatural sense of in combat soon gains the special ability No Quarter.
tiredness has gotten hold of the Company. Whether it
is due to some subtle sorcery or else it is not clear, but • No Common Foe. The Shadow moves against the
all companions immediately increase their Exhaustion Company and he does not stint in spending his hatred.
level by 1 and cannot reduce their Exhaustion to below The enemies that the heroes will face gain a special
level 1 until the Loremaster deems the spell has passed. ability — either one appropriate to their creature type
or the enemy group is now a troupe with one or more
• A Will That Lends Speed. An enemy that the beneficial troupe abilities.
Company was chasing or holding prisoner escapes,
as if helped or hidden by an unseen hand.

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 Rivendell Region Guide

- High Elves of Rivendell -

“And here in Rivendell there live still some of his chief foes: the Elven-wise, lords of the Eldar from
beyond the furthest seas.”

Elrond Halfelven founded Imladris, the Last Homely House, in an age of darkness
and fear, when all that was good and fair in the world retreated before the growing
power of the Enemy. This place has ever been a secret refuge for the High Elves,
the eldest and fairest of all Eldar.

In Rivendell they have dwelt in peace for many long centuries, but as the Third
Age draws to a close, they have come to realise that the songs they sing in the
Hall of Fire will soon become sorrowful dirges once more. Remembering
past horrors and the ruin brought by the corruption of the Shadow, they
lament what the future may bring – though let us not say that they are
afraid. The High Elves are fair and tall, proud and powerful. They will
not cower before the rising darkness out of the East.

Yet the wanderer who comes to Rivendell finds the High Elves to
be creatures of contradiction. One moment they are merry
and fair, chiding the younger races in song and jest. The
next their faces turn grim and their words stern as
they speak of the fading of the world.

Their long reckoning of the past

ages of Middle-earth has taught
them to savour each day to the
fullest and face each sorrow with
majesty and grace. More than any
other folk in Middle-earth they know
the virtue of hope and the power of
shadow.

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 High Elves of Rivendell

Description become adventurers any time after they reach adulthood,

In Rivendell can be found Elves with long, flowing golden although they are unlikely to venture beyond Imladris
locks, silver tresses and hair the colour of the dark shadows until they are half a millennia or more old. Even though
of twilight. They are at once venerable and noble as a king, a starting High Elf is far more ‘experienced’ than those of
yet hale and hearty as a warrior. They are tall and lithe, other cultures, he is still young and weak compared to his
yet possess great strength and endurance. All High Elves of elder kin, and so is unlikely to be more than a thousand
Rivendell have one thing in common: their pale faces are years old.
ageless, neither old nor young, yet written on them are the
memories of both gladness and sorrow. Size – Elves range from 5 to over 6 feet tall, with slender
builds. Your size is Medium.
High Elf Names
Most names below belong to important Elves, and should Speed – Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
only be used as examples to create new ones (Elven naming
conventions are too complicated to summarise here). Night Vision — Accustomed to walking under the revered
starlight, you have superior vision in dark and dim
Male Names: Aegnor, Beleg, Celegorm, Daeron, Fingon, conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you
Finrod, Gwindor, Mablung, Maeglin, Orodreth, Saeros. as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim
light.
Female Names: Ancalimë, Arwen, Berúthiel, Celebrían,
Celebrindal, Elwing, Finduilas, Galadriel, Idril, Nimloth, The Eyes of Elves — You have proficiency in the Perception
Nimrodel. skill.

Standard of Living Elvish Dreams — Your sleep is not like that of mortals.
The halls of Rivendell are filled with all manner of relics When you sleep, you can choose to send your mind into
and treasure of the olden days, preserved by Elrond and an “Elvish Dream” retaining full consciousness of your
his kin. Although dwindling in number, the High Elves surroundings and you needn’t close your eyes. Four hours
of Imladris still craft beautiful objects and they have spent in such dreams acts on you as if you had rested an
little need of anything from beyond their borders. Their entire night.
culture’s economy is ranked as Prosperous.
Against the Unseen — High Elves can perceive creatures
Bonus Equipment: A grey or slate blue travelling cloak, that dwell in the wraith-world, be they spirits or ghosts,
travelling gear for the current season, a backpack or even when they are normally Invisible to the eyes of the
saddlebags, a belt dagger, boots, 5d6 silver pennies, and living (including Unclad and Invisible Ringwraiths).
choose any two: A grey blanket, a hunting knife, a wineskin,
a white jewel on a chain of silver, any artisan’s tools or a Additionally, High Elves are immune to the Frightened
musical instrument. condition when the source of that condition is an undead
creature.
High Elf Traits
Your Player-hero has certain traits as a High Elf of Elf-wise — You have fought against the Dark Lord for years
Rivendell. uncounted, and will continue to strive against the Enemy.
You are proficient in Corruption checks. A Corruption
Ability Score Increase — Your Wisdom score increases check is any Wisdom saving throw that risks 1 or more
by 2 and you may increase any two other attributes by 1 Shadow points for failure.
each.
Beset by Woe — High Elves cannot ever truly forget the
Adventuring Age – 500 to 1000. The High Elves of taint of the Shadow once it has left its mark on their
Rivendell are creatures from another age. They may spirit. Whenever you undertake to Heal Corruption, you

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 Rivendell Region Guide

immediately lose 1 point of temporary Shadow and gain 1 You are studying the ancient craft of the Elven-smiths of
point of permanent Shadow. You may then make an ability Eregion, the greatest craftsmen of your kin. You learn how
check to remove temporary Shadow points as normal (see to Evaluate Treasure when you first select this virtue. You
page 200 of the Player’s Guide). may later master the secret of how to Enhance Weapons
by training during your undertaking; finally, you discover
The Tools of War — You have proficiency with daggers, how to Enchant Weapons by spending another undertaking
spears, great spears, short swords, long swords, short training at your forge. Only Imladris (or another suitable
bows and great bows. Elven Sanctuary) can provide you the tools and materials
to make use of these abilities.
Subtlety of Craft — You have proficiency in one artisan’s
tool of your choice. Evaluate Treasure
You recognise the runes and secret symbols employed by
Languages — In addition to Westron (the Common the artificers of old to mark their work. When you discover
Tongue), you can speak, read and write Sindarin. You also a Hoard during an Adventuring phase you may treat the
use Quenya, the Ancient Tongue, in song and high matters Hoard rating as being one more * than normal, affording
of lore. you the opportunity to spend additional Hit Dice to make
another Magical Treasure roll.
Cultural Attitudes
The High Elves of Rivendell tend to remain within their Enhance Weapons
sanctuary or wander the lands by secret Elven ways. But Choose the Elven-smithing undertaking (see page 119) to
when great deeds must be done, those chosen by fate will retire to your smithy and customise a weapon to suit the
perhaps find themselves holding forth with the lords of combat characteristics of its wielder.
the First-born. The following table indicates not only how
High Elves are perceived by other cultures, but also how When you first enhance a weapon in your smithy, its user
others who visit them are received by the Eldar. gains a non-magical bonus of +1 to all his attack rolls
using the customised weapon. You may later undertake to
improve the same weapon once again, for a total bonus of
Cultural Virtues – High Elves +2. These enhancement bonuses are applied until the hero
of Rivendell wielding the weapon improves his Proficiency Bonus. When
this happens, the companion loses the associated bonuses,
Artificer of Eregion but you may eventually enhance it again, repeating the
Many eyes were turned to Elrond in fear and wonder as he customising procedure. Note that while certainly skillful,
told of the Elven-smiths of Eregion and their friendship you cannot improve the craftsmanship of old: you may
with Moria, and their eagerness for knowledge. only enhance a weapon that does not have a magical

Cultural Attitudes Chart

Men of Other Men of Hobbits of Riders of
High Elf is Rhovanion* Bree-folk Dúnedain Dwarves Elves Minas the Shire Rohan
Tirith
Visitor Unknown Askance Favoured Neutral Favoured Friendly Unknown Askance

Host Neutral Neutral Friendly Neutral Friendly Friendly Neutral Neutral

*This category includes Bardings, Beornings, Men of the Lake and Woodmen.

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 High Elves of Rivendell

New Fellowship Undertaking: Elven-smithing

The Sword of Elendil was forged anew by Elvish smiths... the next Adventuring phase with these Hit Dice
already expended.
A companion who is an Artificer of Eregion may retire
to his smithy to give himself unto the hammer and • Finally, you may acquire Craftsmanship points by
anvil to either enhance a weapon or to enchant it. To gaining Shadow, at the cost of 1 Shadow for each
complete his work, an artificer must accumulate 6 Craftsmanship point gained.
Craftsmanship points, in one or more undertakings. To
gain Craftsmanship points, during the same Fellowship If you do not succeed in accumulating 6 points in the same
phase the companion may make a Strength check, spend Fellowship phase, take note of the number of points gained
Hit Dice or gain Shadow, or a combination of the three. so far, to resume the work at a later Fellowship phase
(the companion will have to choose the Elven-smithing
• Make a Strength check, adding your Proficiency undertaking again).
Bonus if you are proficient with smith’s tools. The
DC for Enhance Weapons is 12 plus the weapon’s new It is possible to improve an item for someone else. In this
attack bonus. The DC for Enchant Weapons is 15. case, the companion who will receive the weapon will
Gain 1 Craftsmanship point on a success, 2 points if have to stay in Rivendell for the Fellowship phase and
you succeed by 5 or more, and 3 if you succeed with a take part in the making of the artefact by renouncing to
natural 20 result. choose another undertaking. The artificer will still make
the Strength check, but it is the other companion who will
• Spending Hit Dice, you gain 1 Craftsmanship point might spend Hit Dice or gain Shadow to complete the
for each 2 Hit Dice you choose to spend. You begin work.

bonus. For example, you may not improve Dwarf-forged bewitched – by your countenance, even if afterwards they
weapons, Birthright weapons, certain Cultural Heirlooms, retain only a vague memory of anything but your glory.
or weapons that possess Enchanted Qualities. You can, Raise your Charisma score by 1 point, to a maximum
after an enhancing a normal weapon, enchant that of 21. Additionally, when you serve as spokesperson for
weapon once you learn the Enchant Weapons ability. the Company in an Audience you automatically gain
Advantage on the Introduction check. Finally, if you
Enchant Weapons succeed at the Final Audience check, you may select one
Choose the Elven-smithing undertaking to use all your of the benefits below:
cunning as an artificer to work some of the light of the
Blessed Realm into a weapon. The improved weapon now • When resolving an audience with Mortals (Dwarves,
may harm creatures that would be normally vulnerable to Hobbits, Men of all kinds), the Company counts as
enchanted weapons (like Wraiths and Ghosts, for example) having achieved the best possible result (succeeding
and deals magical damage of its normal damage type. by +6 or more, usually). Otherwise this benefit instead
raises the level of success by one step.
Beauty of the Stars
Pippin afterwards recalled little of either food or drink for • After resolving an audience with Mortals, choose a
his mind was so filled with the light upon the Elf-faces. Loremaster character: that creature retains only the
vaguest memory of what was said or agreed. This
Your beauty is so unearthly that all but the hardest-hearted effect counts as a magical Virtue for the purposes of
of Mortals can gaze upon you and not be swayed – or increasing a Company’s Hunt score (see page 111).

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 Rivendell Region Guide

Elbereth Githoniel! taking an action. For example, Might of the Firstborn

"A Elbereth Gilthoniel – o menel palan-diriel, – le nallon cannot negate the Fearsome Bellow of a Hill-troll but a
sí di’nguruthos!" Savage Assault requires the creature to have taken the
Attack action and thus it would be stymied by the High Elf.
The name of Elbereth, the Queen of the Stars, is revered by
all the Eldar still dwelling in Middle-earth. You may call After using this ability, you must make a Corruption
on her name in a moment of great need, asking the Kindler check, a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. If you fail, you
to bestow her grace upon you. gain 1 point of Shadow and you may not use Might of the
Firstborn again until you take a short or long rest.
If you or one of your companions have a level of Exhaustion
or are Miserable, you can invoke the name of Elbereth and Skill of the Eldar
spend Inspiration. You gain Advantage on your next roll. "…we put the thought of all that we love into all that we
Additionally, each Elven hero, Elf-friend and any who have make."
been Blessed by the First-born (see page 76 of Wilderland
Adventures) in the Company gain Advantage on their next At the height of their powers, Elves are capable of reaching
die roll too. levels of finesse unattainable by mortals.

Might of the Firstborn When you succeed at an ability check you may spend
…on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength. Inspiration. If you do so, you are considered to have rolled
a natural 20 on the die and gain whatever benefits such
By the power that is in them, Elf-lords can fight the most a result would grant for that check. When you use this
wicked among the servants of the Enemy. Virtue something unusual has taken place, something
that Mortal onlookers can only attribute to ‘Elf-magic’.
You may use your reaction and spend two Hit Dice to
prevent an enemy creature from taking an action on its Using this Virtue raises the Hunt score for the Eye of
turn. The creature can still use its bonus action if it has Mordor. See page 112 for more information.
one and that bonus action does not rely on the creature

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 High Elves of Rivendell

Cultural Heirlooms – High Elves Thanks to this secret knowledge, you have learned to
of Rivendell recognise the presence of the Shadow in an area. You
automatically recognise the threat of the Shadow when you
A High Elf adventurer winning renown can be rewarded are about to enter a Blighted place. When this happens,
for his deeds with gear of great worth, coming from the you may make a DC 10 Intelligence (Shadow-lore)
vault hidden under the House of Elrond, or from his check: on a success, you identify the source of the blight,
private collection. allowing you and your companions to have Advantage on
any required saving throws.
Lesser Ring
You have inherited a lesser ring, one of the many magic Additionally, if you traversed at least one Blighted area
rings that the smiths of Eregion made as essays in their during the last Adventuring phase and you succeeded
craft before it was fully developed. While certainly not in the associated Shadow-lore check, you may spend
comparable to the major works of those gifted craftsmen, a Fellowship phase compiling your experiences as your
this magic ring is a powerful and dangerous artefact, to be undertaking, you gain Advantage on the next check you
kept secret and safe. Choose one of your attributes, when make for this ability.
making an ability check using the attribute you may spend
a Hit Die to gain Advantage on the check. However, the Spear of the Last Alliance (Great Spear)
temptations of such power weigh heavily on your heart. If Thousands of spears were forged in the smithies of
you use this benefit and fail the check anyways you gain 1 Imladris to arm the hosts of Gil-galad, and their long
point of Shadow. staves of ash were capped by a long spike at the other end.

Books and Maps of Forbidden Lore When you succeed at an attack roll using a Spear of the
Elrond has entrusted you with the access to many precious Last Alliance, you may spend Inspiration to make a second
texts and ancient maps compiled by Elvish scribes and attack roll against a different opponent that is within the
long-dead scholars of the Dúnedain concerning the weapon’s reach.
Shadow and its effects on the land.

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 Rivendell Region Guide A Barren and Pathless Country

this connection is highlighted in the entry. Loremasters

a barren playing through these adventures are encouraged to use

and pathless these chance meetings to allow the heroes to learn more
about the folk they have met in their adventures, but you

- country -
may wish to reserve them until that time. After all, they
have something left to do before the end…

Among these samples, there are chances for the heroes

‘There are trolls!’ Pippin panted. ‘Down in a
to meet some of the Great and the Good (and the Truly
clearing in the woods not far below. We got a
Evil) of Eriador. In these cases, sample guidance has been
sight of them through the tree-trunks. They are given as to the Loremaster character’s goals and reasons
very large!’ for being on the Road. You can combine these entries with
the information presented earlier in the guide to create
While Eriador has a well-deserved reputation as an Audiences or roleplay out a simpler meeting with these
empty land, there are still people that call it home or pass powerful individuals.
through it on occasion. Dwarves and other merchants
walk the East Road, wandering companies of High Elves In certain locations amidst the ruins of Eriador, you may
walk beneath the starlight, and the Dúnedain patrol the wish to incorporate the backgrounds of your heroes as
lands from hidden refuges. Still, there are long stretches of the land itself may react to the presence of the heroes. The
land where there will be no one to come to the assistance areas of Eregion and the Barrow-downs are especially
of the Company, should they encounter danger along the suited to this. See Shadows in the Forest in the Mirkwood
journey. Campaign for more examples of using Backgrounds in
Journey Events.

Finally, there are some creatures and plants in Eriador

that are unfamiliar to heroes from Wilderland. While
most of these are offspring from the once tame versions
that the Men of Westernesse domesticated, some things
like the herb kindler’s lace are revered by the High Elves
and are rarely found elsewhere.

New Herb: Kindler’s Lace

This plant, many-stemmed with small white flowers
and broad leaves, is prized by the Elves of Eriador and
The following tables provide a list of examples customised
grows only in cooler places where it may often drink
for Eriador for each Journey Event. They should serve as
deeply. When collected, the leaves of the plant can be
inspiration for creating events that involve the people and
brewed in boiling water. The resulting drink is said
places of this guide but should also reflect the current
to clear the mind and reinvigorate the limbs. If you
needs of your story and the Company’s actions. In Middle-
drink this tea during a short rest you can reduce your
earth, chance is not always random… the companions
Exhaustion level by 1, but you must take a long rest
are more likely to meet just the person they need to meet,
before you can benefit from this herb again.
when they need to meet them than it might seem at first
glance.
When a Hunter finds this plant, they often can collect
enough leaves for 1d4+2 uses.
Several of the entries draw from the locations and
Loremaster characters of Eriador Adventures. In all cases,

122
 Journey Event Table Entry 1 (or less)
A Chance Encounter in the area. But not every lost traveller is as they appear… such
The Company meets a fellow traveller or group of travellers. a story might the opening of a cunning trap or a cover story
The Scout must make a Dexterity (Stealth) check to avoid told to explain things away to simple folk.
them, or any hero may make a Charisma (Persuasion) check
to interact with them. If the interaction is successful, the first Folulf and Arnulf
roll of the next event is made with Advantage. Failure results These two brothers are Woodmen from Wilderland and
in Disadvantage. have only recently crossed the Misty Mountains looking for
adventures. They are idealistic, and Folulf is superstitious and
Anar the Dwarf is quick to speak of ghosts and other spirits. They are likely to
Anar is from the Blue Mountains and often accompanies be found on the Road, in the Weather Hills or near Bree and are
caravans from those distant lands to the High Pass. He is in chasing whatever rumour they have most recently heard. If the
the Coldfells looking for the exit of the legendary Long Delve heroes have had met them before (during Eriador Adventures),
(see page 27 of the Rhovanion Region Guide). Anar and his their reaction will be coloured by that interaction.
brother Vinar (and Vinar’s child Ginar) appear in Eriador
Adventures but after those events they will yet again set out on Hidden Folk
their journeys. The heroes might meet the Dúnedain, though the heroes may
not know it unless a High Elf or Ranger is with the Company.
Cyrnan the Thief In the lands of the Angle and elsewhere there are many small
Cruel and gruff Cyrnan is an Outlaw Chief (page 74 of the refuges hidden amidst the hills and copses of trees and many
Loremaster’s Guide) and can often be found leading Thugs tasks that need doing. Farmer-folk tending sheltered fields,
and other Outlaws. If the Company has met Cyrnan during the others washing clothes or fishing for bream in the streams,
course of the Eriador Adventures, he may harbour a grudge children at play — all may be the secret defenders of Eriador
against the heroes. But if he is met by a well-armed company, in common guise.
he is more likely to exercise caution when dealing with them.
Cyrnan’s presence in the North Downs can either presage his Memories and Sorrow
involvement with the Enemy, or could be a result of the heroes’ There are few travellers in this land, but the Company
actions during an adventure. might chance across an Elf walking in a memory-dream,
remembering the lost land of Hollin. Or they might meet a
The Dead of Eriador small group of Dwarves, who have taken a pilgrimage to see
In the lands of the Coldfells or Ettenmoor, there is little chance the three mountains of Khazad-dûm: Barazinbar, Zirakzigil
that the heroes will come across living people. More likely and Bundushathûr in waking life, or who are on the way to
this Journey Event indicates that the Company has stumbled another place of their people. Whomever they meet, they
across some sign of the dead. It’s possible that they died long will have their own reasons for being in this land and are
ago or perhaps they are recent victims of the dangers in this unlikely to share them with the Company. Indeed, they will
land. But this close to the evil of Carn Dûm the dead do not likely be suspicious of the Company, for they will expect that
always remain still and silent… the companions hunt for treasure and not lost glories.

The East Road Seeking Rivendell

The Road cuts through these lands and it is on the Road that If the companions are coming from Imladris, they may chance
the Company is most likely to meet other travellers. These are upon a group of travellers looking for that fabled place. But
often Dwarves travelling to or from the Blue Mountains in the they may not be able to find it… most trading caravans,
west, but could be a wandering company of Elves exploring the itinerant dwarves and sell-swords will be turned away by the
lands of Eriador. If Bard still rules in Dale, then it could be any subtle magics of Lord Elrond. Do the Player-heroes reveal a
manner of folk who are coming from or going to Wilderland, secret that has been entrusted to them? If they do, what do the
looking for new opportunities in the rebuilt kingdoms. guardians of Rivendell think of that decision? Alternatively, if
the heroes are away from the road then they may come across
If the Company has met folk well away from the Road, then it’s wandering companies of Elves who are ranging far away from
likely that they are trying to find their way to it, after perhaps Imladris. Such folk will be friendly enough, but they have their
an ill-advised expedition to investigate one of the many ruins own purposes and rarely will invite strangers to join them.

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Thark, Chieftain of Angmar Thark is a Hill-man of Rhudaur as found on pages 77-78 but he
Among the Hill-men of Angmar is Thark, their chieftain. Broad gains the Big feature and Commanding Voice reaction. (See
and swarthy, his piercing eyes are the colour of night and page 116 and 119 of the Loremaster’s Guide.)
his face is marred by countless scars of war and survival.
Any wanderer who treads the many tracks and broken roads The Crossroads
of Angmar coming from the south may encounter Thark and Where paths meet, folk are likely to be found. Places like the
his faithful. Facing a well-equipped Company, Thark won’t meeting of the Greenway and the East Road or the crossing of
be openly hostile, but will offer his service as a guide and Tharbad are places that are too well-known to remain always
scout. Should his offer be refused, then Thark will resort to abandoned. But it is a dangerous folk that might be found
threats, requiring the payment of a tribute. In both cases, squatting among the ruined buildings of Tharbad or keeping
Thark won’t fight directly, but will lead the Company towards an eye out for slow-moving caravans along the East Road.
a more favourable confrontation: the lair of a Mountain Troll, The people that the Company meets here might be ambitious
a den of Goblins, or an encampment of his people. treasure-seekers or more dangerous Thugs or Outlaws.

Journey Event Table Entry 2

Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit It is said that shadow-thorn grows within the barrows, though
The Hunter has an opportunity to gather food. They must one must be very careful not to confuse it with its more deadly
make a Wisdom (Survival) check. You have Advantage if cousins… again make another Wisdom (Survival) check
the Company won Feasts Fit for the Kings of Ancient Times, with Disadvantage. If the check fails then the Hunter realises
or Disadvantage if you face Meagre Supplies and Poor Meals. that the lichen they’ve found is poisonous to consume (so-
called heroes who make use of the poison will commit a
If successful, you either gather food (restore a level of Misdeed and accrue Shadow points).
Exhaustion or 1 Hit Die to each hero) or collect herbs
(Loremaster’s choice of herbs found). If you fail then the Arrival Coldfells
roll gains a -1 penalty. The Hunter might have found the nest of a partridge or the
hiding place of a brown hare. The Hoarwell and its feeder
The Angle streams contain pike and perch, along with many smaller fish,
A Hunter will find that they have an easy time finding a meal in great abundance.
in this land. However, care is needed: often that fatted pig or
patch of barley or sorrel belongs to a farmer and is not free for It is possible to find reedmace along the Hoarwell, and
the taking. But there are still many empty patches of land and hagweed and water-lilies in the slowest parts of the river.
they teem with rabbits, hares, wild pigs and ancient crop-fields Close to the Misty Mountains, a traveller might find kingcups,
now growing wild as well. though they are sparse.

Athelas, kindler’s lace and kingcups can all be found in the Eregion
Angle. It is likely that the Hunter has stumbled across a small covey
of red grouse and quick action will see roasted fowl on the
Angmar menu tonight. The fields of Eregion also hide many rabbit
There is no hunting and no herbs to be found in the icy and burrows and small streams that have bream, graylings and
deserted lands of Angmar. minnows.

Barrow-downs This region is too far to the east to make finding Kingsfoil likely,
A Hunter may come across a freshly dead deer, goat, or sheep and the quick-running waters of the rivers do not support
but will have to fight off carrion birds to claim the prize. Even hagweed. But reedmace can be found along their banks, and
so, there’s every chance that the meat will prove to be spoiled… kingcups can be found closer to the Misty Mountains. A lucky
make another Wisdom (Survival) check with Disadvantage traveller might discover water-lilies in a wide bend of one of
and only if it succeeds is the carcass fit to be eaten. the rivers.

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Ettenmoors common sorrel (much tastier) can be found near where the
It is rare for a Hunter to find any creature larger than a vole in Men of the North once kept farmsteads.
these lands, but a quick and quiet one might be lucky enough
to stumble across a brown hare. But there are other sources of A keen-eyed traveller will find Kingsfoil here, along with
food… barley still grows in forgotten patches here, along with kindler’s lace and kingcups in season.
nettles and chickweed near the mountains and leafy plantains
that grow in the bogs. South Downs and Weather Hills
There are rabbits to be found in hidden burrows in the downs
Near the bogs one can find hagweed, reedmace and water- and tench can be found by a patient fisher in the marsh-lands.
lillies. It is said that shadow-thorn grows at the entrance to Red grouse also call this land home, though they are easily
Golfimbul’s Gully but few travellers are foolish enough to go startled.
looking for it.
Athelas can be found here, by those who know where to look.
Lone-lands Hagweed and Reedmace can be found in the Midgewater
The Lone-lands are home for hares and rabbits, pheasants and Marshes.
grouse. There are many streams where entire generations of
fish have lived without ever seeing the nets or barbs of fisher- Tharbad
folk. Sometimes the Hunter might stumble across a wild goat or The area around Tharbad is a joy to a Hunter: not only are
a sheep, but those are rare — it’s more likely that the Company there the many waterfowl and fish to catch, but the great
will hear the howl of a wolf instead. hares of Tharbad also are clever and worthy prey. Of course, it
always seems that you are being watched, and many a hunter
Reedmace, kindler’s lace and kingcups can be found here. It with bow or spear in hand has turned at some small noise to
is rare, but sometimes athelas can be found where the Men of be greeted with the rushing sound of black wings launching
Westernesse once travelled. the Crebain back into the sky and out of reach.

Mount Gram Hagweed, reedmace and water-lillies are all found in the
The slopes of the mountain are home to many animals, who fens around Tharbad. It is possible that a traveller might find
use the steep heights to avoid becoming the prey of trolls and athelas along the old road, as once the Dúnedain travelled it
worse things that haunt the lands around the mountains. The in great numbers.
Hunter has probably caught sight of a mountain hare or a
couple of red squirrels — good eating if you can manage to not Trollshaws
fall off the side of the mountain during the pursuit. The Hunter may have found a badger or a hedgehog, or,
perhaps, some hedgehog mushrooms (which are considerably
Kingcups and kindler’s lace can be found on the mountain- easier to prepare than their namesake). Rabbits are less likely,
sides and shadow-thorn sometimes can be found in dark as the foxes here are clever hunters.
crevices at the base of Mount Gram.
You might find athelas here, as the Dúnedain travel these
North Downs lands. Shadow-thorn can be found in the darkest corners of
One might easily find fat rabbits or a wary sheep to hunt, and the woods and there is a rumour that there is a pond full of
the thickets will hide hedgehogs or perhaps even a badger. hagweed hidden among the trees.
Sheep sorrel can be found everywhere in the downs, but

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 Journey Event Table Entry 3
An Obstacle each hero must make a Survival check (Athletics checks are
Something blocks the path ahead. The Guide must make a not allowed for this event). Those that fail are lost in the fog.
Wisdom (Survival) check and each other companion must A full day is spent to reunite the Company and those who lost
make either Wisdom (Survival) or Strength (Athletics). If the their way are made Miserable instead of gaining Exhaustion. If
Company has horses or ponies, one hero must make a Wisdom the Animal Handling check is failed, then a beast of burden
(Animal Handling) check. All checks have Advantage if they has been lost in the fog. Another day may be spent to recover
are on Paths both Swift and True, or Disadvantage if they face the creature, and the heroes may find other hunters tracing the
The Wearisome Toil of Many Leagues. If all are successful, the animal as well.
Arrival roll gains +1. If half or more are successful, there is no
penalty. If more than half failed then each hero gains a level Green Pleasant Places
of Exhaustion. If all fail add a -1 penalty to the Arrival roll to The Company has wandered into a field of bright flowers and
the Exhaustion. soft grasses, only to discover too late that it is a peat bog. They
must either carefully pick their way across it, or turn aside and
The Ascent try to avoid the moorland. What looks to be safe, solid ground
If the companions have taken a chance to climb Mount will prove to be a sucking morass that will easily swallow an
Gram or one of the Misty Mountains, they will face a deadly armoured adventurer up to his waist or higher!
challenge. Many obstacles (boulders blocking the path,
a sudden stop to the trail that requires a vertical ascent to Lost Paths
continue, a landslip that narrowly misses the companions) Traversing the winding mounds of Eriador is no easy task,
are likely to be the work of Orcs and Goblins. If they are and even the most experienced of guides sometimes leads the
climbing Mount Gram, the clever magpies of the peak will Company along a blind path. The companions seem unable
wait for moments like this to do their thievery — a cruel to find a straight way out of the hills. They stumble along, often
Loremaster might force a hero to make their Perception check retracing their steps and doubling back on themselves. For each
at Disadvantage as the magpies wait until the companion is failed check, add one day to the total time taken in the Journey.
distracted and then swoop in for the steal. (See page 49 for
more information on The Magpies of Mount Gram) Neekerbreekers
The companions find themselves in the Midgewater Marshes
Dangerous Crossings or some lesser bog. The maddening stings of the smallest
If the Company has dared to attempt the crossing at Tharbad insects are a nuisance, but the cricket-like creatures that cling
or is trying to ford a river like the Hoarwell then it is likely they to the reeds of the swamp by the thousands are a true blight. By
will be challenged… the waters may be extra high, affording night their endless squeaks of “neek-breek” and “breek-neek”
little chance to see what the next safe place to step will be, or fill the air and make rest uneasy. The companions must make
they may have receded and the companions are taking chances their checks at Disadvantage but there is no need for an Animal
and trying to wend their way from one high spot in the river to Handling check, if if the Company has ponies or horses.
the next. In places where small streams cut across the path,
there might be deep mud on both banks. Or what used to be a No Way Forward
basement of a farmhouse has collapsed in the waterlogged soil It is all too common for travellers on the Road to find that
and a sinkhole now blocks the Company’s way. their way is blocked by fallen trees or other debris (see Berk’s
‘Gate’ on page 40). It might even be that it is simple bad fortune
Deep Places and not troll-cunning responsible. Otherwise there are many
The companions have come across a crevasse too wide to jump sudden ravines and high ridges that must be dealt with, or
across (or perhaps their horses and ponies refuse to do so) and gone around.
must spend time and effort making a bridge. Or perhaps they
have found a steep drop, and the trail is littered with stones Old Ways
and small rocks. Then, as the heroes carefully descend, they There are many narrow trails in these lands, faint remembrances
realise that a cairn that once occupied the height has been of more populous times that only keen-eyed heroes will notice.
broken open, and they now walk amidst the bones of the dead. Some come to bad ends, others to the favorite campsites of the
Rangers. Many of the trails have some danger to them… stones
Fog on the Downs slick with morning mist at the top of a steep rise, loose scree
A thick fog lies on the land and it seems almost as if the mists that one must carefully tread, or a narrow log over a quick and
respond to some evil will as the companions struggle to cold stream.
maintain their bearings. Strange sounds confuse them and

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 Journey Event Table Entry 4
In Need of Help Ginnar the Dwarf
The Company meets someone who needs aid. If they choose The Company might chance across a singular Dwarf by the
not to assist each hero must make a Wisdom saving throw name of Ginnar. He and his siblings braved the lands of
to avoid 1 Shadow Point. If they do help, they make three eastern Eriador looking for abandoned Dwarven mansions on
checks, usually from Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, this side of the Misty Mountains. His brothers and sister fell to
Nature, Persuasion, Survival or Traditions. If all checks attacks by Trolls, Orcs and Wolves. Ginnar is more than half-
are successful then all heroes gain Inspiration and +1 to the mad and it will be extraordinarily hard to convince (a DC 20
Arrival Roll. If two checks are successful then one hero gains Charisma (Persuasion) check) for him to abandon his quest.
Inspiration and +1 to the Arrival Roll. If one check is successful
then +1 to Arrival Roll. If all rolls fail then a -1 modifier is Gondril of Rivendell
applied to the Arrival Roll. Gondril is a young elf of Rivendell with less than five centuries
of experience. However, she has proven to have a talent with
Adelard Took stonework and often travels Eriador to inspect ancient works
It is raining heavily and in the distance the company can see a and find new sources of material. She might be found anywhere
small figure holding a tent-like contraption overhead, trying to from Eregion to the North Downs as she is as interested in the
ward off the rain. Once approached, he will introduce himself works of other folks as much as her own people. She might be
as Adelard Took, from the Shire. Very perceptive companions looking for directions to a rumoured site, or simply wish for
will notice a gold name-plate bearing the initials “B.B.” on his some assistance with preparing some smaller samples from
umbrella handle. He explains that he’s gone wandering, first to large and heavy source materials. If she’s had worse luck, then
Bree and now he’s decided that he wanted to see Weathertop. a ruin that she was exploring might have collapsed around
He’s likely to be out of food, half-lost and a bit despondent at her. Gondril has a part to play in Eriador Adventures.
the persistent storms. But his first priority will be to see if the
Company has a spare pipe and a bit of pipeweed… Adelard is Larry Appledore of Combe
a champion blower of smoke-rings. Larry is a bright-eyed old man who is interested in alchemy
of fire. But he is a good-natured fellow who would rather
Erchamion the Dúnadan delight children with sparklers, squibs and crackers than
This grim-faced Ranger lost his hand to Dreorg the Wargllng making larger and more dangerous devices. He is a friend
(see page 80) but he still patrols the lands between the Refuge of Gandalf the Grey Wizard, and easily shares this fact with
of the Rangers and the Ettenmoors without fail. He may need anyone he meets. If the heroes have met the Company of the
help with tracking the movements of a warg pack, burying Wain in Eriador Adventures, it’s likely that the caravan is
the remains of a Hill-troll he has just slain, or escorting other nearby and Larry has gotten himself lost or distracted while
wanderers back to safer lands. Erchamion wears a dark brown seeking supplies. Otherwise, his trouble may be more serious,
cloak and wields a shield and broadsword but otherwise uses especially depending on the consequences of that adventure.
the stats of the Ranger found on page 76 of the Loremaster’s
Guide. Mad Ostley
Ostley hails from Bree, but he’s most likely to be found
Ilmari’s Tribe wandering the Barrow-downs, the South Downs, or possibly
The companions may chance across Hill-men in the lone- as far away as Eregion. In any case, Ostley’s secretive nature
lands, as they are almost the only inhabitants. Ilmari is the will make it difficult to aid him. He’s likely to protest that he’s
ancient chieftain of one such tribe, who has recently been not in any danger at all, even as his bedraggled appearance
raided by Orcs. For many long years he’s taught all in his tribe and lack of supplies says otherwise. The companions will find
to hate the ‘tark-men’ but he is desperate and now he thinks that they are at Disadvantage on the needed rolls until they
peace with the Rangers might serve his tribe over warfare. His succeed at a check. Further checks are made as normal.
nephew Usko, set to replace Ilmari as chieftain one day, thinks
his uncle has grown soft with age and wishes the old man was Talandil the Ranger
dead. But for now Usko simply grimaces and laughs at Uncle While the old Ranger can usually be found at Fornost Erain, he
Ilmari’s sad ramblings, despite the tribe’s meagre supplies does occasionally range out in the North Downs and perhaps
and poor prospects. The men are close cousins of the Hill-men beyond. If he is in need of assistance, the situation is grave…
of Rhudaur (see page 78) but as long as Ilmari remains in perhaps he’s caught sign of Gishak Gashnaga and his troops
command, he will favour talking over fighting. or someone might have disturbed the evil spirits of Deadman’s
Dike and now once more undead things must be set to rest.

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 Journey Event Table Entry 5
Agents of the Enemy almost all of Eriador. And so it is possible that while the
The Company approaches a hostile force. The Look-out must Company traverses a smaller swamp or marshland that they
make a Wisdom (Perception) check to spot the enemy early. might come to realise that they walk among the dead. Heroes
The Look-out has Advantage if the Company is Hidden from that remain focused on their journey might avoid disturbing
the Shadow or Disadvantage if they face The Keen Eyes of the the undead warriors, but curious companions may find that
Enemy. These modifiers apply to any rolls made outside of they face Bog Soldiers (see pages 83-84). There is one less
combat. If successful, they may either sneak away or ambush Soldier than the number of companions.
them (in which case the enemy is Surprised). If failed, the
enemy sets an ambush and the Player-heroes are Surprised. Gashnaga’s Warband (Challenge 7)
Gishak Gashnaga (see page 59) will sometimes send out one
Bloodstump’s Hunters (Challenge 9) of his lieutenants and a few trusty lads on a mission beyond
Bloodstump the Hunter has sent out his fellow Hill-trolls to hunt his temporary lodgings in the North Downs. They might go
and the heroes are too close for comfort. They’re likely to be down to the Weather-hills or into the Lone-Lands in search of
hunting in the Coldfells, the Trollshaws, the Ettenmoors or the supplies… they do not trouble Bree as Gashnaga is not yet ready
Lone-Lands. The band consists of one Hill-troll per companion to face the full force of the Rangers again. Gishak’s Lieutenant
plus a Hill-troll Chief (pages 108-109 of the Loremaster’s is another Great Orc, accompanied by one Orc Guard for each
Guide). They are a Deadly and Driven troupe. hero. See pages 97 and 104 of the Loremaster’s Guide.

Cold Hands, Dead Bones (Challenge 8) Orc Raiding Party (Challenge 5)

If the spells of Tyrn Gorthad have not been strengthened (a The Orcs of Mount Gram will sometimes venture out on raids
concern addressed in Eriador Adventures) then Barrow- for plunder, food or for sport. When they do, they often strike
wights might be encountered anywhere in Eriador, although westward, remembering the homeland of their hated enemy,
the South Downs, the Weather Hills and the Barrow-downs so they are most likely found at Mount Gram, the Lone-Lands,
themselves are most likely. Heroes might avoid the Barrow- or the Weather Hills. This warband has twice as many Orcs as
wights might taking notice of recently disturbed earth, there are heroes, and they are Battle-hardened (see page 70).
especially around gravesites. The Barrow-wights only attack
at night, and are first perceived by their songs. It is only then Scouts of Carn Dûm (Challenge 3)
that they emerge out of the night and attack. There is one The heroes have had the misfortune to come across a scouting
Barrow-wight for each hero. party sent out from Angmar. Such a meeting is most likely in
Angmar, the Ettenmoors, the Coldfells, the Lone-Lands or the
Dreorg’s Warg-band (Challenge 10) North Downs. There are as half as many Goblins of Carn Dûm
Dreorg ranges as far north as Angmar and as far south as The as there are heroes, led by a single Hill-man of Rhudaur. The
Angle when he is feeling brave. He rarely ventures westward of small force will likely flee at any serious opposition, but return
these lands as some half-remembered thing keeps him within with reinforcements.
sight of the Misty Mountains. Learn more about Dreorg’s
Warg-band on page 80. Wraiths on the Road (Challenge 4)
It is in the dimmer hours of the day when the Company spies
Ettin-field (Challenge 14) one or more travellers on the road ahead. They shuffle in the
The Company has been unlucky enough to come across an general direction of the heroes, humming a strange marching
Ettin-field, a gathering of these Trolls that looks like nothing song as they go. If hailed, they introduce themselves in rasping
more than a field of boulders jumbled against each other voices as veterans of a forgotten war and ask for alms from
at first glance. Caution and stealth may allow the heroes to the companions, extending gloved hands. If the heroes are
escape the field without attracting the attention of the stone- generous, then no more comes of the encounter (although a
giants, but otherwise they will find themselves surrounded by companion may have restless dreams of unceasing warfare)
enemies (one Ettin per companion). but if they refuse the beggars then they reveal themselves as
Fell Wraiths (half as many Wraiths as there are heroes in the
Faces in the Mere (Challenge 1) Company, rounded up).
While the Bog Soldiers in the Ettenmoors are the remnants of
the Witch-king’s rearguard, the war in the north raged across

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 Journey Event Table Entry 6
The Wonders of Middle-earth for Autumn, frost and snow for Winter. Or perhaps they are
The Company is presented with a spectacular sight. Each at the fullness of a season instead; the endless sunlight of
hero must make either a Wisdom check or an Intelligence Midsummer’s Day or they must keep watch during the long
(Investigation) check. These checks are made with Advantage hours of Yule-tide far from home.
in Fair Weather and Disadvantage under Foul Weather.
Smell of Rain
If successful, the hero recovers one level of Exhaustion or gains Outside, it is raining (or snowing, or sleeting). But the Company
one if they fail. If all heroes succeed, gain a +1 to the Arrival is out of the weather. Perhaps they’ve found themselves shelter
Roll or if all fail then the Arrival Roll gains a -1 penalty. in old ruins, a dry cave, a sturdy thicket or they were able to
set up camp before the rain came. Outside, the water comes
A Glad Morning down, and everything is a grey blur. Do the companions curse
As the sun rises over the distant Misty Mountains, light begins the weather and make ready to tromp through the wet? Or do
to spill over the horizon, brightening the entire land. Birds they welcome the delay and tell tales to pass the time?
sing out in greeting, and their calls seem to say ‘Day has come
again!’ Some companions may be heartened by this early The Day’s Ending
awakening, while others may regret being awoken so early and The sun is setting in the western sky, the red light breaking into
with so little rest while on the Road. many flickering beams of light as it disappears beyond the
horizon. Then the light fades and eventually fails entirely. For
The Beasts at Home some among the Company, it may be a reminder of the Sea
The Company can see some sign of the creatures of this and lands beyond. For others, it is just a herald of night and
land… they are either too small or too distant to hunt, but the darkness. A darkness that allows evil things to stir…
are instead a reminder that while most of Eriador has been
abandoned by the Free Peoples it remains home for the Twilight at the Water
animals of this land. They have their own errands, their own The light is fading and the Company is near to the water —
concerns and their own adventures to attend to, and have perhaps a lake or marsh, a river or a small stream. A chorus
little concern for the doings of those who go about on two feet of voices sings out, saying goodbye to the day and greeting
making a great racket. the night. Some might be troubled by the sounds of insects
and additional creatures, others might take comfort in the
Splendours of Nature knowledge that while the light is failing, life continues on in the
The Company has come across some remarkable location. It wild despite the oncoming night.
might be a ravine that opens up to a steep-sided valley with
trees and a waterfall within it, or a crooked tree that provides The Bright Stars
just the right amount of shade for a midday break, or a The Company has set camp for the night and there is a
pleasant bubbling stream that shares the companions’ path multitude of stars overhead, a vastness beyond measure
for a little while, or the sight of white mist in the distance, or or count. The lights overhead seem unaffected by Mortal
silver netting in a nearby thicket as dew collects on thankfully sentiments or any earthly concerns at all. Some may see such
small spider webs. a sky and feel that they are but a tiny thing, unknown to the
Powers that rule the world, but others may take hope from
Clear Skies Overhead seeing the ordered arrangement of the stars. The companions
Overhead, the sky is a bright blue without a cloud to be seen. can use History or Lore for their Intelligence check.
There is only a faint breeze, but the air is clean and fair-
smelling. The heroes can see further than usual, and their A Full Moon
road ahead (with all of its dangers and many turnings) is There is a bright moon overhead, so bright that it might dispel
temporarily made clear to them. Does such a vision strengthen some of the fear that the dark nights of Eriador bring. The full
their resolve or does it make the goals seem hopeless and vain? moon allows the Lookout to see farther, but they may rue the
light. In the night, the heroes see shadows moving behind trees
The Turning of the Seasons and luminous eyes watching the Company. The heroes must
The companions come across some signifier that the season decide if they welcome the moon or wish for it to wane and
is changing… newly sprouted plants in Spring, bright days leave them again in darkness.
and tall grass in Summer, falling leaves and sudden chills

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 Journey Event Table Entry 7
A Hunt may spend hours; where every casting of a spear or a line
The Hunter has a particularly excellent chance to catch a good or dragging of a net produces a fine catch. The Hunter may
meal. The Hunter must make a Wisdom (Survival) check. have been lucky enough to find such a place, or at least it may
These checks are made with Advantage with Feasts Fit for the seem to them that they have found it. It will be up to the dice
Kings of Ancient Times, and Disadvantage if the Company has to decide if the spot is worth the name, or simply another high
Meagre Supplies and Poor Meals. If successful by 5 or more, hope that fades away.
all heroes recover a level of Exhaustion and the Company
gains +1 to the Arrival Roll. Other successes recover a level Garden in the Wilderness
of Exhaustion only. If the check fails then the Company gains The Hunter has lucked into discovering a field of edible plants.
a level of Exhaustion. If the Hunter fails by 5 or more add a -1 It might be the long-lost descendants of a farm now lost to
penalty to the Arrival Roll. memory, or it might be a secret place of the Dúnedain or one
of the Elvish Wandering Companies. No matter who planted
The Bear of the Downs it, there is plenty enough and to spare. The heroes will eat well
There are rumours that a bear lives somewhere in the downs tonight, as long as they are lucky enough to find something
of Eriador, most often these legends place the creature in the that is ripe.
North Downs, but sometimes in the South Downs, the Weather
Hills or, rarely, the edges of the Barrow-downs. Such a creature Goat Chase
is dangerous to pursue; the Hunter has Disadvantage on the You have been lucky enough to spy a goat, which would make
check but any success counts as if you have succeeded by 5 or a fine meal for the Company. However, such beasts are clever
more. and nimble and will give you a merry chase before you’re
able to catch them. Goats can be found almost anywhere in
Black Grouse Eriador, though they are often found around Mount Gram, the
It is said that a kind of grouse hides in the Lone-Lands, Angmar Misty Mountains, the Weather Hills and the Barrow-downs.
and the Ettenmoors, bigger and darker than any other. It’s possible that such goats might have once belonged to a
Sometimes it even ventures into more southerly lands, and it farmer of Bree-land or even stranger folk.
is a prized catch. Listen for the song of a dove, but louder and
less learned… when the bird takes flight you will see a black Hart of the Wild
body, edged with white and a forked tail. The plumage is worth There are still herds of deer in Eriador despite the packs of Wild
keeping as well, as it might earn the Hunter a penny or two if it Wolves that range the lands. But a mighty buck in his prime is a
is in good condition. wily creature that is not easily caught. You have caught wind of
this magnificent prize and now must choose how desperately
Boar to pursue it. You may take on a level of Exhaustion before you
Vast swaths of Eriador were once farmland and small sounders make the check. If you do so, any success counts as if you had
of wild boar remain hidden in the wild places. Though they made the check by 5 or more.
are often hunted by the Wargs of the land, the Hunter may
be lucky enough to chance across some spore of the pigs and Sheep in the Heights
track them to their shelter. Even a single animal can sustain the In the reaches of the North and especially amidst the hills of
Company for some time, as long the pig-roast does not bring the mountains live many flocks of wild sheep. They are a hardy
other uninvited guests. kind, well-used to the cold weather and dangerous heights of
these lands. But a patient Hunter can get close enough to bring
Elk one down, hopefully in a place where she can recover the
Solitary and elusive, elk are but a rumour to the folk of the carcass without further danger.
Shire and Bree. But those Rangers whose paths cause them
to venture far into the Lone-Lands tell tales of a giant deer, as Wild Kine
large as a horse, with huge antlers that reach out like two great It is rumoured that in the Lone-lands there are herds of cattle,
hands with many fingers. If the Hunter were to come across driven feral by the loss of their masters. They are smaller
one of these fabulous beasts, the tale would be worth telling, and bolder than domesticated beasts but less wily than other
even if ends in woe. creatures of the wild places. If you have been lucky enough to
come across one, it is certain that the Company will eat well, if
The Fishing Spot you can manage the heavy beast’s body. If you only take cuts of
It is said that for every stream, every river, every pond and meat, it’s likely that nothing else will remain when you revisit
lake and marsh, there is one perfect place, where a fisher the spot, as there are many carrion eaters in Eriador.

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 Journey Event Table Entry 8
A Fine Spot for a Camp in Lore will know as mallos, the yellow bells of Lebennin far
The Scout has spotted a location that make make an excellent to the south. Long ago, a Elf-lord and his retinue, slain by
campsite. Make an Intelligence (Investigation) check. If the Enemy, were laid to rest in this hill. Some enchantment
the check succeeds by 5 or more then the Company recovers of the First-born still lingers in the earth, and this place is a
a level of Exhaustion and gains +1 to the Arrival Roll. On a safer campsite than any other that could be found among the
basic success the Company recovers a level of Exhaustion. On Barrows. The Scout has Disadvantage on the Investigation
a failure the Company gains a level of Exhaustion. On a failure check, as the Hill of the Elf Prince is hidden and often cloaked
of 5 or more the Company is in danger and might face enemies. in cold fog. But if the Company camps here, they will have
They also gain Exhaustion and a -1 penalty to the Arrival Roll. no fear of attack during the night. The Hill will play a part in
Eriador Adventures.
Amon Palan
Near to the East Road in the Angle, there is a hill that stands The Ivy Inn
above the others. The Rangers often camp here, to keep watch Along the Greenway there are ruins of a great-house that
over the Road. The top of the hill is clear of brush, but one can are now broken down and covered in greenery. It seems to
easily find wood for a fire nearby and a number of useful and be a place of quiet, undisturbed by any creature. Behind
edible plants grow amidst the grasses at the base of the hill. the ruins is a well, from which you can still draw out clear
The Dúnedain do not begrudge others using ‘their’ campsite, and cold water. The Dúnedain laughingly call the place the
but will not approach the Company unless a Ranger or High Elf Ivy Inn and camp here when they walk the North Road. It
is already among them. is rumoured that once the Ivy Inn was a true travellers’ inn
and that a Wizard laid a blessing on it that still persists. The
Bridge of Mitheithel Scout automatically has Advantage on their check here, and
When travellers come to the River Hoarwell, they find the Company is safe from enemies (though they still suffer the
themselves obliged to make for the Last Bridge, for even the other penalties on a failure).
Rangers do not know of other safe crossings. The bridge lies
at the bottom of the steep valley carved by the river and is a The Redhorn Pass
mighty construction with three arches through which the river Companions approaching the Caradhras know that they
swirls and gurgles. It is known that sometimes Lord Elrond might rouse the wrath of the mountain. If they are fortunate,
sends his folk to watch over the river crossing and folk often they will only encounter chill winds and falling rocks. Those
camp here. The thick forests of the valley of the Hoarwell might who seek shelter during the climb may face other dangers…
hide many dangers for a Company that is suffering ill-luck, The Scout has Disadvantage on the Investigation check as the
although Trolls are the most common danger here, the Enemy companion is distracted by eerie noises. If they fail the check
might have set Orcs and Goblins to plague traders and sow they fall Unconscious and cannot be revived for the length of
distrust among the Free Peoples. the storm (it lasts an entire night) and another hero must find
shelter from the worsening weather. When the companion
Cave of the Kings finally wakes up, they will relate a strange story about the
It is said that in the Lone-Lands there is a small cave tucked in storm being born of the battle that was raging between
amidst rocks that jut out at the base of a hill. If you are willing to southerly winds against the north wind above the clouds.
brave the darkness of the entrance and descend down a sloping
passage, you will come to a great cavern. Chance a little light, Weathertop
and you can see massive columns of white stone that seem to In the western flank of Amon Sûl is a sheltered hollow with a
sprout from both ceiling and floor. They guard the shore of bowl-shaped dell at its bottom. The dell has grassy sides and
an underground lake where blind fish swim. Legends tell that near to it is a spring of clear water emerges from the hillside.
some lords of the sundered kingdoms once held summer court Near to the hill are fallen rocks which hide a cache for the
here, but while the cave shows signs of occasional occupation Rangers of the North: firewood and other supplies, sometimes
there are no signs that such rumours are true. If the Company accompanied by hidden markings that the Dúnedain use to
is in danger, then something else might live in the cold lake pass secret knowledge along. The dell can be reached by
or enemies might camp outside the cave entrance, leaving the tracing the ancient hidden path that the Men of the West made
Company without another route to escape. long ago. Unless the Scout is a Dúnadan, the Investigation
check to find the dell is made with Disadvantage.
The Hill of the Elf Prince
Amidst the Barrow-downs is a singular hill that is covered
with golden flowers that those well-travelled or well versed

131
 Journey Event Table Entry 9
Lingering Memory of Times Long Past Red Metal of New and Greedy Swords
The Company discovers a relic of past ages. Each companion The Company has found a token of the many wars fought in
must make a Wisdom check. If successful, the hero gains the North across the Ages of the world. It might be that they
Inspiration. If you succeed by 5 or more, you may remove a have stumbled across a singular barrow raised to honour a
level of Exhaustion. If the hero fails, you must make a DC 15 hero or lord, the gravesite of many warriors or an ancient
Wisdom saving throw or gain 2 points of Shadow. If you fail battlefield where one can still find rusted and broken blades.
the initial check by 5 or more, you must make the saving throw They might be sheltering in ruins, only to discover the broken
and gain a level of Exhaustion. If at least half the Company forge of a master weaponsmith or a storehouse of spears and
succeed at the check, add +1 to the Arrival Roll. Otherwise shields now useless with great age. Although many battles of
apply a -1 modifier instead. the North ended in defeat or victory that proved fruitless, the
warriors of old did have courage enough to stand against the
Children of Forgotten Kings Shadow and the companions might take heart from that.
While Eriador is filled with ruins from lost Arnor and the
successor kingdoms, it has been a thousand years since a king Shadows out of Dark Places
sat in Fornost Erain. The Company has found something that You have found some artefact of Carn Dûm, left behind when
brings the long wait of the Dúnedain into focus. Perhaps it the Witch-king’s forces retreated from the onslaught of Gondor
is some record from the time of Aranarth, relating how they and the High Elves. While the power of the Enemy no longer
are only temporarily setting aside their ambitions or a relic resides in the item, it is still an uncomfortable thing to behold
of the long days of waiting that the Rangers still endure. The and dangerous to keep, if for no other reason that others might
Dúnedain are sometimes gifted with foresight and even the think you allied with the Shadow. It is likely that the item is
shards of their earthenware or other ancient artefacts might graven with runes or has markings or illustrations upon it.
hint at days to come, predictions that eerily echo the present These are likely to be crude expressions of hatred, but the most
events that the Company now faces. dangerous will have writings in the Black Speech, which even
the Wise will fear to utter aloud.
Fair Memories of Ancient Days
The Company has discovered an artefact that signifies that Victory and Defeat
the North has not always known war and strife. Long ago, When Eärendur died and Arnor fell with him, Men turned
generations of Men were born, grew to old age and died, against each other, doing the Enemy’s work for him. While
content in life and free from fear of the Witch-king or other Amlaith’s wisdom prevented bloodshed for a while, eventually
great evils. This relic is a beautiful creation, made by those the successor kingdoms fought each other. Finding something
fearless folk to celebrate life and hope. It might be a brooch, from this time, during the time of the Northern Wars, is a
necklace, ring, belt buckle, hairpin or other piece of jewelry or reminder of dark days. Any Dúnedain must make the Wisdom
adornment. Perhaps this discovery will fill the Company with check at Disadvantage and does not receive Inspiration from
ambition to help restore peace to the North, or convince them such a find no matter what result occurs.
that such efforts are now futile.
When the World was Wider
Green Walls and White Walls After the breaking of Thangorodrim and the sinking of
It is easy to pass by the many ruins of Eriador and give little Beleriand, not all of the Edain departed for Westernesse. Some
thought to their builders or what the mighty stoneworks of took what they could salvage of the Elder Days and went to
old must have looked like when they were newly made. But live in Eriador. There, some Men had lived from the beginning
this place is different, and it carries you into what would seem of the world, for who else made the Great Barrows? The
almost a waking dream… for a moment you can see the new Company has found some signifier of the Elder Days, perhaps
stones being laid, hear the shouts of the workers, smell the an heirloom handed down a hundred generations only to be
limestone mortar… great were the ambitions of those who lost when the Witch-king’s armies came. Made of stone, metal
made these works and now all is fallen into ruin. Will you or bone, it bears runes that identify its ancient origin and
weep for the loss, or will you celebrate that which once was perhaps give clues as to days that are now only remembered in
even if it is no more? the sanctuaries of the Elves.

132
 Journey Event Table Entry 10
A Place Touched by the Shadow Greed and Strife
The essence of something dark and terrible lingers here. The It is said that in the Elder Days the Great Enemy spent some
Scout must make an Intelligence (Investigation) check to measure of his power cursing the land itself, so that all who
avoid the area. If successful, the Company gains a +1 to their lived within the circles of the world will know grief and pain. In
Arrival Roll. If the Scout succeeds by 5 or more, each hero this place, that evil is strong and the companions will find that
gains Inspiration and may remove 1 temporary Shadow point. their words and deeds are taken astray. Loremaster characters
If the Scout fails, each hero must make a DC 15 Wisdom may argue with or turn against the Company, and the players
saving throw against Corruption or gain 1 point of Shadow. might be asked to narrate their own disagreements with each
If the Scout fails by 5 or more, some dark thing still lurks here, other, such that the characters may argue without the players
ancient and evil… doing the same. If an enemy is present, it will be something
that will trouble the heroes: Crebain that swoop in and then
Ancient home, long abandoned disappear, or fast-moving Goblins that take advantage of the
The Company has stumbled across the remains of a farmhouse darkness to hide from the Company’s retribution.
or other structure that a family once called home. Many years
have passed, but you can still walk amidst the stones or rotting Monster’s Dwelling
timbers and get a sense of the place where once people gathered You have found some place that seems a strong and safe place
together and shut out the cold and the fear with the warmth of to make camp. But as you explore the location, you realise that
love and pride. But they failed, and gravesites near the home you are not the first to find this stronghold, nor the first to make
or other signs of the Enemy’s victory may make you feel that no camp here… this was the lair of some evil creature in the past.
place is safe from the shadow. If an enemy is present, it is likely But they are not at home, and there may even be signs that the
to be a spectre of the family. Such folk relied on the Dúnedain creature is dead or has moved on. In Troll-country, the Company
and High Elves for protection and will blame them endlessly might stumble across unfortunates who have been turned to
and attack them first. stone by the light of the Sun. Most Trolls in such conditions are
vanquished, but it might be that it is a newly formed Ettin that
Dangerous Enchantment still retains much of its original appearance. If the Scout fails by
Between the sorceries of the Witch-king and the mighty workings 5 or more, they have misread the signs and the dwelling has not
of the High Elves, the bleak lands sometimes hide places of been abandoned. The monster returns and finds it has visitors…
singular power. The Company has stumbled across one such
thing… perhaps a spring that carries carries an enchantment Place of Oathbreaking
of confusion, a standing stone that lures those who rest The Company has come to a crossroads, a place where the
beneath it into a dreamless and unguarded sleep or a ring of forgotten roads of old Arnor once met. Long ago in this place,
stones where the companions finds themselves compelled to a group of Men swore allegiance to the King of the North or
speak in rhyme or find that all of their actions become a dance his successors. But when the armies of the Witch-king came,
that seems hard to end. If something evil lingers, then it could they quailed and fled instead. Now the crossroads is a place
be a clever Troll or Orc using an existing place for its benefit, or of ill ease, where the companions may find the promises that
a group of Fell Wraiths who have worked some ancient magic bind them together restraining and imbalanced. If an enemy
to create the enchanted spot originally. approaches, then they will be related to the oathbreakers:
perhaps Walking Dead that wear their bodies, or perhaps
Gravesite in the Wild Ghosts of the dead themselves.
The Company has found a pleasant space to camp: flat, with
good shade but no looming branches overhead, a small stream Watching Guardian
bubbling nearby, the weather is pleasant and temperate. The There are secret places where once, long ago, the Witch-king
entire place seems to be peaceful. Long ago, some great captain and his servants would prepare for battle or recover their
of the armies that fought against the Witch-king fell in a battle strength. These places are often protected by dread sorceries;
near this place. In wartime, returning the dead home was not evil spirits bound into statues and forced to serve their masters
always possible, and the soldier was laid to rest where the as eternal guardians and lookouts. As you prepare to make
Company now camps. But the great and the good of Eriador camp in some ruins, the feeling that you are being watched will
attract the attention of the evil spirits that haunt the land, and grow, and you soon become aware of an evil presence lurking.
now this is a place where the Shadow grows strong when the It may remain as quiet unease, or an active guardian might
sun fails and night comes. Any sort of undead might plague the let loose a high shrill cry to alert its allies. Such guardians are
Company if they find an enemy here. servants of the most dread servants of the Shadow: Great Orcs,
Wights, Wraiths, Hounds of Sauron or Secret Shadows.

133
 Journey Event Table Entry 11
The Enemy is Abroad pages 97 and 104 of the Loremaster’s Guide. The troupe has a
Evil Men, Orcs, Goblins or other servants of the Enemy are Challenge 8 rating.
moving through the area. If the Company is subject to The
Keen Eyes of the Enemy, the confrontation is unavoidable, if Gorzim
the Look-out makes a Wisdom (Perception) check, the enemy The mighty Gorzim is a Hill-troll Chief (see page 107 of the
is Surprised on the first round of combat. If the Company is Loremaster’s Guide) who travels the North on missions for his
Hidden from the Shadow, the Look-out can use Perception master (the secrets of his errands and his lord are discovered
or Stealth to avoid the enemy. If the check fails, the enemy is in Eriador Adventures). He will often be accompanied by Orc
still Surprised on the first round of combat. If neither applies, Soldiers, Thugs or Outlaws, which he will readily abandon to
then each member of the Company must make a Dexterity save himself. These unfortunates will know little of Gorzim’s
(Stealth) check. If the Company has horses or ponies then one true goals in Eriador. The minimum for this encounter is
companion must make a Wisdom (Animal Handling) check Challenge 9 with twice as many Orc Soldiers or Thugs as
as well. If any of these rolls fails, they have spotted and battle there are heroes.
is engaged with no advantage to either side.
Radgul
Berk Few things other than rumours of Hobbits nearby could
Berk does not always tend his gate and sometimes when cause Radgul to stick his neck out of his stronghold of Mount
hunger drives him he ranges far from his Troll-hole in search of Gram. Unless, of course, his presence in the land is some
fresh meat. Without a hiding place to retreat to, he will exhibit clever stratagem to conquer Mount Gundabad or weaken its
Great Might in his fear and anger, and serves as a Challenge defenders. The warband has as many Orcs of Mount Gram
6 encounter. as there are companions, along with their leader, and ranks
as Challenge 5. They are likely to flee at the first serious
Bloodstump resistance, leaving behind tokens of Gorgol, son of Bolg (see
Sometimes Bloodstump will lead his hunter-trolls himself. This page 16 of Rhovanion Region Guide and page 48) in hopes that
band consists of Bloodstump and one Hill-troll per companion the heroes will misidentify their attackers.
(page 108 of the Loremaster’s Guide). They gain Battle-
hardened and Formidable as Bloodstump outfits them with The Warg of the Redhorn Gate
gear taken from the broken bodies of slain Rangers. The troupe The wind howls and it howls with wolf-voices. The Wargs
counts as Challenge 11 in total. are hunting in the West tonight, lead by the great Warg of
the Redhorn Gate (see page 36 for more information on this
Burzash Hound of Sauron). There are as many Wild Wolves as there
Burzash, the Warlord of the Grey Waste, will be encountered are heroes accompanying their leader, and the troupe counts
leading a mixed force as seen on page 51. There are twice as as being Trained in their Bite attacks. The wolfpack is a
many Goblins of Carn Dûm as there are heroes, an equal Challenge 6 rating.
number of Hillmen of Rhudaur along with Burzash and his two
Mountain Troll bodyguards. They are both Bloodthirsty and The Wight-king
a Vengeful Band, and have a total ranking at Challenge 15. It is said that on moonless nights, the Wight-king leads his
followers out of his grand barrow and they wander the land
Gishak Gashnaga looking for new subjects. Though he must return before the
When Gishak Gashnaga (see page 59) takes his own troops sun comes, the dead travel fast. The Wight-king’s excursions
into the field, they count as Driven as they fear their leader are part of Eriador Adventures. The Wight-king is joined by a
more than the weapon of any of the Free Peoples. Gishak is a Barrow-wight for each companion and the entire encounter
Great Orc, accompanied by one Orc Guard for each hero. See ranks as Challenge 10.

134
 Journey Event Table Entry 12 (or more)
Many Meetings? Fly you Fools! Glorfindel
The companions have encountered a traveller upon the road, A rider approaches. He is tall and armour gleams from
but all may not be as it at first appears. If the Company began beneath his travelling robes. The horse is a magnificent beast,
the journey under Dark Signs and Evil Portents, it is a servant with a white coat that shines in the sun.
of the Enemy. If they started From Auspicious Beginnings then
it is one of the great powers for good. Otherwise, the Look-out Glorfindel has ridden out from Imladris and only one thing
must make a Wisdom (Perception) check. — the command of Lord Elrond himself — would cause the
protector of Rivendell to leave his post. Both Elrond and
If the Look-out succeeds by 5 or more, they recognise the Glorfindel are gifted with foresight and it’s likely that one of
traveller for someone of great standing and may immediately them has seen a vision of the future that involves the Company
remove 1 Shadow point, gain +1 to their Arrival Roll and (or at least their mission or destination). Glorfindel will initially
may seek an Audience with the traveller. On a basic success, be cautious, the Enemy has many tricks and many servants,
the traveller’s identity is shielded from them and the meeting some who do not even know that they serve an evil master. But
should use the rules for A Chance Encounter. Insight checks once trust has grown between the Elf Lord and the Company,
may reveal their true identity. he will tell them of the reason he has come, which will likely
involve some threat to Rivendell or its people.
If the check fails, each hero must make a DC 15 Wisdom
saving throw against Corruption or gain 2 Shadow points. If the Company treats him as a stranger, he will likely leave
They must then hide from the enemy (using the rules in The them and continue to search… some visions never come to be
Enemy is Abroad) but also gain a level of Exhaustion and -1 and all must depend on the choices of individuals. The way is
penalty to their Arrival Roll. If the Look-out fails by 5 or more shut for those who do not wish to walk it.
then the Company is automatically spotted and they must flee.
Each hero gains 2 Shadow points, a level of Exhaustion and a Arwen
-1 to the Arrival Roll. The Company spies a woman walking, her head covered. She
carries a basket and seems to be on some sort of errand.
Gandalf the Grey
Ahead, the Company sees a traveller, bent with age and In recent days, Arwen has chosen to walk amidst the Dúnedain
leaning on an staff. His travelling cloak is stained and coated from time to time, providing aid and comfort where she can
with mud and dust from the Road. to a folk that have seen many trials. When the Company
encounters her, she is likely going to or returning from a secret
The Company has come across Gandalf the Grey. But has the place of the Rangers. However, she will be slow to reveal this
Wizard sought them out for a singular mission or is it chance information to the heroes (unless they have one or more
(if chance you call it) that makes their paths meet today? For Dúnedain among them and have recognised her). She rarely
Gandalf, the best kind of heroes stand against the darkness, travels alone, but her escort will wait hidden, to allow their
even when the odds are against them. He might tell them of Lady to judge for herself the merits of these travellers.
enemies that would chill the blood, to see how the companions
react to danger. If Arwen remains unknown, then she will beg off staying long
with the Company, saying that she has an urgent errand and
If he is satisfied, then he might ask them to do something for she dares not to tarry.
him… if he is not a Patron of the Company, then it will be a
simple task such as checking on other travellers or delivering Elladan and Elrohir
a cryptic message to an important person. But Wizards are A group of warriors is nearby. They have drawn weapons and
subtle and it’s likely that the Company will find themselves you hear them shouting to each other. There are two leaders
drawn into larger affairs as they complete the task. with bright swords that look so similar to each other that it
seems almost as if your eyes are bewitched.
Wizards are also quick to anger. Gandalf will quickly become
frustrated by a Company does not recognise him or asks foolish The two sons of the Lord of Imladris often lead sorties into
questions or wants help with things that they themselves can Eriador in pursuit of enemies. They have just fought off one
accomplish. In these cases, the Wizard will quickly take his such adversary and the approach of the Company (especially if
leave after some harsh remarks. they are not cautious) might be misunderstood. Once tensions

135
have calmed, it’s likely that the Company will be asked to The Lord of the Ringwraiths
temporarily join the Elves. Such a mission should prove a A stooped figure in dark travelling clothes is ahead. He turns
short but exciting affair as the heroes can encounter some of back and forth as if searching for something. He turns towards
the more dangerous foes of the North while still having the you as you approach.
assistance of the Elves in the battle.
If the heroes identify the traveller then they will likely hide from
If the Company does not realise who they are dealing with, they the Wraith. But this is no Fell Wraith and it’s likely that the
might think the Elves are one of the Wandering Companies heroes will find themselves outmatched (and the Lord of the
or dangerous renegades. Similarly, the Elves might judge the Nazgûl rarely travels alone, he will likely be escorted by Orcs
heroes to be common thugs and sellswords and warn them off of Mordor or worse).
of trying to seek for the fabled Rivendell.
If the heroes do not identify the traveller and think that they
Tom Bombadil speak with a shy stranger, then the Witch-king is amused
Close to the Barrow-downs, the Company might spy a short, and will speak to the heroes. He might ask if they have been
bearded man wearing bright blue clothes and oversized boots. to Imladris or where other strong defenders of the land might
He seems drunk or perhaps just merry and not at all steady hide.
on his feet.
The Wight-king
The companions have chanced across Tom Bombadil as he It is night-time and the Company has made camp. In the
walks the borders of his land. He will greet them with a nod distance, they hear singing. There is someone else out there, if
and a wink and a song on his lips. He is irreverent and answers you wish to leave the safety of the camp. The heroes might wish
most questions in a roundabout way. to investigate, but they take a chance to come under the effects
of the Wight-king’s song (see page 86). If they escape that effect
If asked who he is, he might answer Forn (if a Dwarf asks) or then they will recognise the Wight-king and his minions for
Orald (if someone from Rhovanion is asking) or Iarwain (if an what they are.
Elf is the questioner). But if all ask, he will give each answer in
turn and not be concerned with the apparent contradiction. If If the companions ignore the song, then the heroes will find
they ask where he’s going, it will be ‘this way and that’. But if disturbed earth near the camp, as if the dead dug their way out
the Company is in true need, he will set them on the Road to of their graves and walked together during the night.
Bree or otherwise make them safe.
Other Enemy Captains
If the companions don’t recognise Tom (or do not take him If the companions have rolled poorly, they might encounter
seriously) then he will soon depart, singing a song about any of the other captains listed on page 133 for the entry for
swans that have too high an opinion of themselves and river The Enemy is Abroad. But there is no confusing a Troll or Great
wrens that are too talkative. Orc for a fellow traveller. The Company will need to choose
whether to flee or face their enemies head-on.

136
 - High elf -
of
rivendell
Cirmacar

You have dwelt in Imladris since its

founding, leaving only once in your long
years when Gil-galad called all banners
to him and the Last Alliance of Elves
and Men stormed the Black Land of
Mordor. Those dark times rarely
leave your thoughts, even in a
place so fair as the hidden valley
of Rivendell.

You will not suffer to see the world plunged

into such darkness again. With the permission
of Lord Elrond you have set forth upon the
wild, to learn more of the designs of the
Shadow and to do what’s in your strength
to resist them, so that none of the Free Folk
of Middle-earth will have to endure such
terrors again.
 TM
cLASS & Warden Back- Hunted by the Player
lEVEL ground Shadow Name

cHARACTER nAME High Elf Shadow Lure of Power Experience

Cirmacar Culture Weakness Points

Inspiration Character tRAITS

Armour Class Initiative Speed
Strength Distinctive Quality
14 +2 30 feet
12 (16 with Shield) Cautious. You are considered in your actions,
+2 Proficiency Bonus lest your carelessness give Shadow agents an
+1 opportunity.
Current Hit Points
Dexterity SAVING THROWS 10 Speciality

14 +1 Strength
____ Dark Secrets. The best way to elude and defeat
+4 Dexterity
____ your hunters is to learn more about them. You
10
Hit Point Maximum ____________________________
+2 +2 Constitution
____ study all you can about the Shadow.
 +0 Intelligence
____
Temporary Hit Miserable
Constitution +3 Wisdom
____ Points Hope
+5 Corruption
____ My example inspires others to do the same.
14
+1 Charisma
____
+2
Skills Hit Dice Death Saves
Intelligence Despair
 +2 Acrobatics (Dex)
____ 1 Successes
I put my friends in danger just by being with them.
10 +5 Animal Handling (Wis)
____ Failures
1(1D8)
Total _______________
+1 Athletics (Str)
____
+0 -1 Deception (Cha)
____
 +0
____ History (Int) Attacks Features, Traits, and Virtues
Wisdom +5 Insight (Wis)
____ Name Atk Bonus Damage/Type
17 -1 Intimidation (Cha)
____ Night Vision - dim light 60 ft as bright light, in
Great Bow +4 1d8+2 piercing
+0 Investigation (Int)
____ darkness as if it is dim light.
+3 +0 Lore (Int)
____ Dagger +4 1d4+2 piercing Elvish Dreams - four hours of dream resting per
+3 Medicine (Wis)
____ night
+0 Nature (Int)
Charisma ____ Against the Unseen - You can perceive creatures
9 +5 Perception (Wis)
____ in the wraith-world (Invisible undead) and are
 -1 Performance (Cha)
____ immune to becoming Frightened by the undead.
-1 -1 Persuasion (Cha)
____ Beset by Woe - When you undertake to Heal
+0 Riddle (Int)
____ Corruption, gain 1 permanent Shadow and lose 1
Shadow +0 Shadow-lore (Int)
____ temporary Shadow before making your check.
0  +2 Sleight of Hand (Dex)
____ Troubling to the Wise - you know some of the
Permanent +4 Stealth (Dex)
____ Great and the Good and can sometimes receive
0 +5 Survival (Wis)
____ favours from them. You also might know hiding
+2 Traditions (Int)
____ places in some castles and cities that you visit.
Warden’s Gift - you have one Gift die (a d6). You
can grant that die to an ally who may use it in the
15 Passive Perception (wisdom)
Equipment
next 10 minutes and add it to one ability check,
G A slate blue travelling cloak, attack roll or saving throw. You regain the Gift die
travelling gear for the current season, after a long rest.
Other proficiencies & languages
a backpack or saddlebags, a belt Ever Watchful - spend a few hours travelling and
Proficiencies: The Eyes of Elves - you are S 17 dagger, boots, a white jewel on a talking with locals to make a DC 12 Intelligence
proficient in Perception. Elf-wise - you are chain of silver, smith’s tools. You also (Investigation) check with Advantage. Success
proficient in Corruption checks.The Tools of War have a great bow, 20 arrows, and a means you know news, rumours and important
C
- you are proficient with daggers, spears, great leather corslet and shield. individuals. Failure means you know some, but
spears, short swords, long swords, great bows, light don’t know what is true
armour and shields. Subtlety of Craft - you are
proficient with smith’s tools Cultural Virtue: None.
Languages: You can speak, read and write Westron
(the Common Tongue) and Sindarin. You use Quenya,
the Ancient Tongue, in song and high matters of lore. Standard of Living Prosperous
 Magical Treasure Index
Loremaster: ________________ Campaign: ____________________________________

Campaign Members: ______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

- Precious objects -

Notes: ____________________________ ________________________________

_________________________________ ________________________________
_________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ __________________________________
________________________________ __________________________________
________________________________ _________________________________
________________________________ _________________________________
________________________________ _________________________________
_________________________________ _________________________________
________________________________ __________________________________

- Wondrous Artefacts -

Notes: ____________________________ __________________________________

_________________________________ __________________________________
_________________________________ __________________________________
________________________________ __________________________________
________________________________ _________________________________
________________________________ __________________________________
________________________________ __________________________________
________________________________ _________________________________
_________________________________ __________________________________
________________________________ __________________________________
________________________________ _________________________________
________________________________ __________________________________
________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________ _________________________________
_________________________________ _________________________________
_________________________________ __________________________________
 Legendary Weapons and Armour
Companion: Companion:
Item: Item:

Type: Type:
Craftsmanship: Craftsmanship:
Banes: Banes:
Qualities: Qualities:
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.

Notes: ____________________________ Notes: ____________________________

________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________

Companion: Companion:
Item: Item:

Type: Type:
Craftsmanship: Craftsmanship:
Banes: Banes:
Qualities: Qualities:
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.

Notes: ____________________________ Notes: ____________________________

________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
________________________________ ________________________________
 Index

index -
Craven 71 (The) Eye of Mordor 110

- Crebain of Tharbad
(The) Crossing of Tharbad
Cruel Stroke
75
67
69
F
(The) Fall of Angmar 30
Cultural Attitudes Chart 118 Famous Weapons and Armour (blank) 139
A Cultural Heirlooms – High Elves of Rivendell 121 Fate and Predestination 92
(Nazgûl) Abilities 74 Cultural Virtues – High Elves of Rivendell 118 Fear of Fire 71
(New Creature) Abilities 70 Cunning Speech 71 Fearsome 69
(New Especially Strong) Abilities 69 (How to Design a) Curse 100 Fearsome Bellow 71
(New Exceptional Troupe) Abilities 70 (Lifting a) Curse 100 Feast on Suffering 74
(Special) Abilities of the Undead 73 Cursed Items 99 Fell Spirit 74
(Powerful) Adversaries 69 (Examples of) Curses 101 Fell Wraiths 84
‘Agents’ of the White Council 22 (New) Fellowship Phase Undertakings:
Aiwiel 35 D Elven-smithing 119
Ambush 70 Damron, the Elven-smith 19 Find and Prepare Athelas 56
Amphibious 71 Dangers of the Wild 75 Go See a Lore-master 23
Ancient and Forgotten Treasures 90 Dark Undead or Unclad and Invisible 87 Honouring the Fallen 42
Ancient Elven-craft 98 Darken 101 Open Rivendell as a Sanctuary 23
Ancient Ruins 34 Darker than the Darkness 73 Receive Title (Friend of Elrond) 24
Angmar 50 Deadly 70 Researching Lore in the House of Elrond 24
Inhabitants 51 Deadly Elusiveness 69 Return to Amon Dûn 61
Notable Characters 51 Deadly Spear-Thrust 71 There and Back Again 24
Notable Locations 53 Deadly Voice 74 Visit the Treasury of your Folk 25
Wildlife 50 Discovering the One Ring 102 Watch upon Amon Sûl 58
Arbarad 57 (The) Dome of Sight 61 Write a Song 25
Arthedain Stands Alone 29 Dreadful Spells 73 Finding Rivendell 7
Artificer of Eregion 118 Dreorg the Wargling 45, 80 Formidable 70
(Seeing) Arwen 16 Dreorg’s Warg-band 80 Fornost Erain 61
Asfaloth 17 Driven 70 Friend of Elrond 25
(The) Dúnedain go into Hiding 31 (The) Front Porch 7
B (The) Dwarven Toybox 40 (The) Frozen Path 54
(A) Barren and Pathless Country 122 Dwimmerlaik 74
(Entering a) Barrow 65 G
(The) Barrow-downs 62 E Gems, Jewels and Crystals 96
Inhabitants 63 Easily Unnerved 70 Ghost-form 74
Notable Characters 63 (The) Eastern Porch 9 (The) Ghostly Voices of Fornost 61
Notable Locations 64 Effects on Experience 23 Ghosts 73
Wildlife 63 Effects on Shadow 23 Ghosts of the Past 34
Barrow Tombs 64 Elbereth Githoniel! 120 Gishak Gashnaga 59
Barrow-wights 82 Elements of the Landscape 34 Gleaming Blade 98
Battle Cry 71 (The) Elf-lords of Rivendell 20 Glorfindel 16
Battle-hardened 70 Elladan 21 Goblins of Carn Dûm 77
Beauty of the Stars 119 Elrohir 20 Golfimbul’s Gully 49
Berk the Gatekeeper 39 Elrond, Master of Rivendell 14 (The) Great Barrow Stone 64
Berk’s ‘Gate’ 40 Elrond as a Patron 14 (The) Great Hall 9
Bitter Experience 111 Elven-craft 98 Great Might 70
Bewilder 71 Emissaries of the Enemy 79 Greater Stone-troll 76
Black Breath 74 Enchant Weapons 119 (The) Greenway and the East Road 61
Black Dread 73 Enchanted Helms 99 (The) Grey Waste 53
(The) Black Shadow 75 (New) Enchanted Qualities 98
Bloodstump the Hunter 43, 79 (The) End of Arnor 29 H
Bodyguards 71 Enfeebled 101 (Elrond) Halfelven 13
Bog Soldiers 83 Enhance Weapons 118 (The) Hall of Fire 9
Books and Maps of Forbidden Lore 121 Ensorcelled 71 Hate Sunlight 71
Bradan 67 Entrance Hall 9 Hawk’s Eye 71
Braving the Ford 68 Eregion 34 (New) Herb: Kindler’s Lace 122
Broken Blades 71 Inhabitants 35 (The) Hidden Valley 6
(The) Burial Bog 45 Notable Characters 35 Hiding from the Eye 23
Burzash, Orc Warlord 51 Notable Locations 37 High Elves of Rivendell 116
Wildlife 35 Cultural Attitudes 118
C Erestor 17 Description 117
(The) Cairn of the Crag-King 43 Erestor’s Medicinal Tonic 18 High Elf Names 117
Camouflage 71 Erestor’s Travelling Cordial 18 High Elf Traits 117
Carn Dûm 54 (The) Errantries of the King 13 Standard of Living 117
Cellars, Crypts and Caverns Map 11 (The) Ettenmoors 44 High Elf of Rivendell Character Sheet 137-138
Challenge Ratings 69 Inhabitants 45 (The) Hill-men of Rhudaur 52, 77
(The) Coldfells 41 Notable Characters 45 (A) History of Eriador 27
Inhabitants 43 Notable Locations 45 Hoard Ratings 91
Notable Characters 43 Wildlife 44 Horrible Strength 71
Notable Locations 43 Ettins 46, 76 (The) House of Elrond Map 10
Wildlife 43 Evaluate Treasure 118 How to Make Magical Treasure Rolls 92
Commanding 71 Evils of the North 69 How to use the Rivendell Region Guide 5
Concerning the Undead 72 (The) Eye Awareness Check 113 (The) Hunt 110

141
 Rivendell Region Guide

(The) Hunt Intensifies 111 N Superior Runes of Protection 99

(Resetting the) Hunt Score 112 Nimble Escape 71 (The) Swanfleet 68
Hunted 101 (The) North Downs 59 Swiftness 99
Inhabitants 59
I Notable Characters 59 T
Ill-luck 101 Notable Locations 61 Tainted Treasure 91, 92
Ill-omen 101 Wildlife 59 Talandil, Ranger of the North Downs 59
Imladris 6 Not All That Glitters... 97 Tharbad 65
Incorporeal Movement 74 Notable Characters 12 Inhabitants 66
Introduction 4 Notable Characters 66
(The) Iron Crown of Angmar 53 O Notable Locations 67
(The) Orc Wars 32 Wildlife 66
J Orcs of Mount Gram 78 (The) Third Age 28
Journey Event Table Entry 1 123 ‘Ordinary’ Treasure 92 Thrall 72
Journey Event Table Entry 2 124 Outbuildings 12 Touched by the Shadow 92
Journey Event Table Entry 3 126 Owned 101 Tough Hide 72
Journey Event Table Entry 4 127 (The) Tower of Twilight 61
Journey Event Table Entry 5 128 P Trained 70
Journey Event Table Entry 6 128 Pack Tactics 71 (Description of) Trinket Table 93-94
Journey Event Table Entry 7 130 Parry 72 (The) Troll-Hole 40
Journey Event Table Entry 8 131 (The) Passing of Years 5 (The) Trollshaws 38
Journey Event Table Entry 9 132 (The) Peak of Mount Gram 49 Notable Characters 39
Journey Event Table Entry 10 133 Precious Objects 95 Notable Locations 40
Journey Event Table Entry 11 134 Precious Objects Descriptions 96 Wildlife 39
Journey Event Table Entry 12 135 (How) Precious Objects Work 95 Two Centurie s of Oblivion 33

K Q U
Keen Hearing and Smell 71 (The) Queen of Castle Hill 40, 81 Undead Fortitude 74
Kyna 66 (Arwen) Undómiel 15
R Unnatural Vitality 74
L Radgul the Orc-Chief 48, 81 Unyielding 70
(The) Land Between the Rivers 39 Region Dweller 71 Upper Floors 12
(Staying at the) Last Homely House 22 (The) Realm of Arnor 27 (The) Upper Solar 12
(The) Last Homely House 7 Recent Years 33
Leadership 71 Reckless 72 V
Legendary 70 Recovery 23 Vault 12
Legendary Weapons and Armour 93 (The) Redhorn Pass 37 (The) Veil 112
Legendary Weapons and (The) Refuge of the Dúnedain 40 Vilya, the Ring of Air 15
Armour example 105, 107, 109 (The) Regions of Eastern Eriador 34 Visions of Torment 74
Lesser Ring 121 (The) Restless Dead 82
Lindir 19 Revelation Episodes 113 W
(The) Long Winter 33 (Examples of Revelation) Episodes 114 Walking Dead 73
Lone-lands 34 (The) Rise of Angmar 28 (The) Warden of Amon Sûl 57
(The) Lord of the Nazgûl 87 Rise of the Rangers 31 (The) Warg of the Redhorn Gate 36
(The) Lord of the Nazgûl as Dark Undead 89 (Things to do while in) Rivendell 22 (The) Watchtowers 54
(The) Lord of the Nazgûl, Unclad and Invisible 88 Rivendell Map 8 Weak Spot 72
Runes of Clarity 98 Weakness 102
M Runes of Protection 99 Weathertop 58
Mad Ostley 63 What does the Hunt represent? 111
(Using) Magic 111 S What is a Hoard? 90
(Displays of) Magical Power 112 Sentimental Value 90 (The) Whispering Hills 37
(How to Compile a) Magical Treasure Index 97 Serious Misfortune 114 (The) White Council 21
Magical Treasure Index (blank) 138 Shadow Gain 111 (The) White Council as a Patron 22
Magical Treasure Index example 103, 106, 108 Shadow of Fear 74 Wicked Cunning 70
Magical Treasure Indexes 97 Shadow Taint 101 (The) Wight-king 64, 86
Magical Treasure Rolls 91 Sigil of Guarding 99 Wights 73
Magical Virtues and Features 112 Singing Songs 26 (The) Witch-king 89
(The) Magpies of Mount Gram 49 Skill of the Eldar 120 Winds from the Wastes 54
Malice 101 Skillful 70 (The) Wolf-Den of the South Downs 58
Maps & Books of Lore 12 Smiting 99 Wondrous Artefacts 93
(Meeting the) Master of the Last Homely House 14 Sneak Attack 72 Wondrous Artefacts and Legendary
Midgewater Marshes 58 (The) South Downs and Weather Hills 55 Weapons and Armour 100
Might of the Firstborn 120 Inhabitants 57 Words of Power and Terror 74
Mixed Warbands 78 Notable Characters 57 Worthless Trinkets 93
Monsters of Eriador 75 Notable Locations 58 Worthless Trinkets and Precious Objects 100
Morgul-knives 88 Wildlife 56 Wraith-like 74
Mount Gram 46 Spear of the Last Alliance (Great Spear) 121 (The) Wraith-lord 87
Inhabitants 47 Spectres 85 (The) Wraith-lord of Mount Gram 48
Notable Characters 48 Spells of Despair 74 Wraiths 73
Notable Locations 49 Stealthy 72
Wildlife 47 (The) Steward of Carn Dûm 52
Strike Fear 72
Sunlight Sensitivity 72

142
Children kidnapped in the night, unusually cunning Trolls, a mysterious caravan, the fate of a company of
Hobbits, the legacy of the Dúnedain and an evil awakening beneath the barrows – six new stories set in the
ancient land of Eriador. Six adventures that need a company of heroes to undertake them. 

Delve into the ruins of overgrown Fornost, walk amidst the cairns of the Barrow-downs and venture to the lair
of the Witch-king of Angmar himself, the ancient city of Carn Dûm — if you have the courage!

Find out more at cubicle7.co.uk

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