LOTR Campaign

[Kaiddin]

Well looks like I get to run a LOTR campaign. Got the CODA book last Wednesday and have until next weekend to get things in order. So I've decided to put my idea up here and see if I can get something to add to it. Basically comments welcome, help more so.

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Lord of the Rings Campaign Plot

Primary Goal
To defeat the forces of Sauron threatening Isilnorë. Especially Ar-Zimrathôr of the Thaurhoth. Gil-nimras and Histarië of Isilnorë know that they are not the centre of the conflict against Sauron. It is their hope that they can draw off enough of Sauron's strength and attention that the free nations of the west can find a way to defeat him. Isilnorë, although not known by most of the north west of Middle Earth, is known to Mithrandir. Like the Shire, is Isilnorë another of Mithrandir's secrets?

Secondary Goals
i) Quest for Celebrist (Silver cleaver); said to be a sword of power made by Telchar of Nogrod. It has been foretold, possibly by Histarië, that it would be used by a great champion. Other than that, it has not been revealed if the champion is to be a Dwarf, Elf or Man. Although a powerful weapon, it is not capable of changing certain prophecies. For example, it will not change the fate of the Lord of the Nazgûl. It may hurt him but it will not kill him. Unless by some method it manages to make its way to Éowyn in time for the Battle at Minas Tirith. Care must be given to make sure that the knowledge of the books does not interfere with the story.
ii) Quest for the Cauldron of Galentari of Nargothrond. It is said to have a revitalizing effect on those who eat food prepared in it. Another of the three items required in prophecy needed to complete the Primary Goal. Why it is needed is not understood when the quest begins. For that matter the actual power of the Cauldron is not known. When researched, Galentari will be discovered to be a minor Loremaster virtually unknown in Nargothrond.
iii) Quest for the jewel, Naurthilmir (Shining fire jewel). A powerful gem created in Valinor and used by some of Finrod's people in the crossing of the Helcaraxë. The last of the prophesied artifacts, its powers are also not fully known. Popular legend in Isilnorë is that Oromë used the gem on his search of Middle Earth when he looked for the elves. Histarië either does not know or chooses not to reveal any of its power.
iv) Quest for Allies. Isilnorë on its own does not have the strength to withstand the minions of Sauron arrayed against it. Even the recovery of the three artifacts will not guarantee Isilnorë's survival. Gil-nimras and Histarië believe that they need to free the prisoners and slaves of the Thaurhoth. Towns and tribes that are either opposed to Sauron or at least not firmly attached to him need to be found. Only with allies can the Primary Goal be reached.


Note: This basic plot is borrowed from Kenneth C. Flint's "Riders of the Sidhe" books. The details of the quests and campaign will be different to fit the Tolkien mode and to add a touch of the unknown. A lot of MERP elements are used as well.

[Kaiddin]

Lord of the Rings Campaign

Gil-nimras
Gil-nimras is a Noldo warrior and King of Isilnorë. Teleri blood led to his silver hair but he has the gray eyes of the Noldor. He stands 6'7" and weighs 225 lbs. Gil-nimras is generally quite sober, compare to most Elves. This is not to say that he is gloomy, rather that at times he is saddened by the tragedies that he has witnessed. At court, he is always quite charming and cheerful but as the years move on he finds more reason to seclude himself from others. Histarië is quick to notice when these moods strike and can usually repair the situation. In war, Gil-nimras has proven himself to be a powerful warrior and a good commander. If not for his duty to Isilnorë, he would lead his companies against the Thaurhoth with greater ferocity. However, he knows that there is not enough of his warriors left to protect his people and wage war.

His parents named him, El-ninquëtil (Q. the white horn star) when he was born in 403 of the First Age in Nargothrond. Because of the Kinslaying, he was commonly called Gil-nimras (S.). His father was a lesser noble of the house of Finrod and his mother was of the Teleri of Aqualondë. They had wed just before the Kinslaying. This fact played a prominent role during Gil-nimras' youth. He was well aware of the ban placed on the use of Quenya in Doriath, where he traveled often.

It was in Doriath that Gil-nimras met a maiden he suspected of being of the Vanyar. According to the lords and ladies he asked, none of the Vanyar had returned to Beleriand with the Noldor and none refused the journey to Valinor. Slowly he began to court Histarië, his suspected Vanya maid. This pulled him away from the politics of Beleriand. Histarië then revealed that she was of the Maiar, one time of Varda's court.
At the instigation of Histarië, Gil-nimras soon decided to travel east and south to leave the influence of Morgoth. Some of the Noldor and Sindar chose to follow him hoping to find allies against Morgoth.
Crossing the Misty Mountains, more elves joined his journey. These were Silvan Elves who desired to see other lands. Many of the host of Gil-nimras turned back when they reached the coast at the mouth of the Anduin, though none of the Noldor and few of the Sindar. Many leagues to the south, the host came to a stop. Gil-nimras believed that they were far enough away from Morgoth and the land was rich. He soon learned that he was virtually besieged. Morgoth had sent fell beings to the south, although not as powerful as those he kept in Angband. As well there lived men in the area. Some of the men had been corrupted by Morgoth. Some of the men were simply afraid of these new arrivals. Luckily, none had a leader strong enough to rally them against the Elves.

Then, in 1000 of the Second Age, things became darker. Histarië believed that either Morgoth or one of his lieutenants had risen to the north west of them. Not long after, the Númenóreans landed near the city of Gil-nimras. In these tall men, Gil-nimras saw the hope of Endor. They aided in two battles against the men of Southern Endor. The Númenóreans tried to persuade the elves to abandon their city and move north to lands protected by the Lords of the Sea. In 1080 of the Second Age, Gil-nimras and Histarië sailed to Númenor to meet with Tar-Ancalimë the queen. Gil-nimras found himself rarely at court, rather with the old king Tar-Aldarion. The men of Aldarion's household began to call Gil-nimras, Tar-Nimgil (Lord Whitestar) because he always wore white. Gil-nimras and Histarië stayed with the old king for eighteen years building a formidable reputation with his household.

Leaving Númenor, Gil-nimras brought his people to Lindon where he joined the host of Gil-galad. There he was happy to live as a captain of the High King. His people did not lose their identity. Instead of diminishing or being absorbed into the people of the High King, they kept themselves slightly apart. In the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, Gil-nimras kept his warriors close to the Household of the High King. The death of Gil-galad was devastating to Gil-nimras. Returning to Lindon, it took Histarië many years to convince Gil-nimras that all was not lost and that he was needed in Endor. The Dúnedain of Arnor contained some men whose ancestors told of the Elf Lord, Tar-Nimgil. Although having little contact with the Kings of Arnor, Gil-nimras developed many connections with the lesser nobility.

With the rise of Angmar, Gil-nimras began to take a larger role in the war. The men of Arnor began to call him Ithilrog (Isilrauko), the Moon Demon, when they learned that the armies of the Witch-king called him by this name in their own language. In 1400 of the Third Age, the Witch-king caught Gil-nimras nearly destroying him. Histarië managed to save him. She then ordered their people, including many Dúnedain who joined them, to move east. They traveled beyond the Sea of Rhun until the found a great river flowing north. Here, Histarië said it was their doom to build a land opposed to Sauron and his minions. She called it - Isilnorë (Q. Moon land) or Ithilnor (S.). The orcs and men of the east called it Lughâsh. Their masters did not consider it enough of a threat to send a large army to destroy it.

The Dwarves of Amon Celebrin are allies with Gil-nimras. Some of the distrust between Elf and Dwarf has been put aside for their common good. Still it is uncommon to see either race in the other's city in any numbers. Although not as numerous or as famous as the Dwarves of Dúrin's Folk, the Dwarves of Amon Celebrin have proven to be important allies.


Histarië
Histarië is of the Maiar taking the form of a Vanyar Elf and is Queen of Isilnorë. Her name means the Mist Queen. She stands 6'2" and weighs about 139 lbs. Like the Vanyar her hair is golden and she has blue eyes. Although of Varda's court, she spent a lot of time with other of the Valar. In her time with Nienna, she came to view Olórin with great respect.

Histarië was always drawn to Endor and began to travel there after the rise of the Elves. She was a lone wanderer spending a little time in Doriath. Melian accepted her into her household while keeping Histarië's origin secret. After meeting Gil-nimras, Histarië gave up much of her power to remain with him.


Telpion
Telpion is of the Noldor and is the Steward of Minas Nimeran. He stands 6'5" and weighs 200 lbs. Like most Noldor he has brown hair and eyes. Born in Lindon in 1232 of the Third Age, he was befriended by Gil-nimras. After their journey to Isilnorë, he proved to be an able leader. At his core Telpion is a minstrel but circumstances has lead him to be a warrior as well. It was once said of him that he took to the bow mainly because of its nearness to the harp.

Telpion has a noble bearing but is also the easiest of the lords to approach. In fact he often mingles with travelers and the common people. The Noldorin Elf singing and playing his harp in the simplest of inns at Minas Nimeran is usually Telpion.


Isilmirë
Isilmirë is a Noldor warrior, with some Vanyar blood, born in Valinor. He stands 6'7" and weighs 235 lbs with the golden hair and blue eyes of the Vanyar. Of the host of Finrod, he lived in Nargothrond until the coming of the Edain. At that time he told his friend, Gil-nimras that he was going to travel to the east to muster the lost elves against Morgoth. He passed far to the east and was presumed dead by Gil-nimras until he arrived at Isilnorë some years after it's founding. Of his journey, he will tell no one.

Isilmirë has a noble bearing that demands respect. Though he is not arrogant. He is proud but not arrogant. Isilmirë is quick to laugh and slow to anger. In war he is a mighty foe. Oddly, the people of Isilnorë rarely call him by the Sindarin form of his name (Ithilmir). He commands the Ninraukar.

[Kaiddin]

Galien
Galien is a Dúnadan warrior with Elven blood. She stands 5'11" and weighs 140 lbs. Galien has very long black hair and gray eyes. Her forefather was a Noldo ranger who rescued a group of Dúnedain of Arnor during the war against the Witch-king of Angmar. These men and their descendants joined the eastward trek of Gil-nimras' people and many years later, Galien was born. At an early age, she decided that she would be a warrior. At first her father opposed her desire, reaching the point where he took her before Gil-nimras, himself. The king agreed with her father but his decision was changed when Histarië asked that Galien be trained. Even then, it was assumed that she would soon tire of her hobby. Instead, she became one of Isilnorë's elite warriors. The orcs and men of the Thaurhoth soon came to know and fear her. As she was always dressed in gray and silver and fighting like a demon, Galien was called Daerog the Shadow Demon.

When not at war or on adventure, she has many suitors because of her beauty. Galien has decided that currently her duty demands that she not allow pursue the matter. She has been described as a proud woman and bold. Some have called her arrogant and reckless. Usually never more than once.


Ancalimë
Ancalimë is a Dúnadan warrior of Minas Nimeran. She stands 5'10" and weighs 135 lbs. Her hair is black like many of Númenórean descent but with green eyes. Ancalimë is descended from a group of Númenóreans who settled to the south of Endor during the reign of Tar-Ancalimë. Although the colony flourished, it never became as great as the City of Umbar. The colony was forgotten when Tar-Vanimeldë came to power. Despite the hardships, the colony survived without merging with the neighbouring men. It even prospered for many years. Although not merging with the local people, the colony did develop a trading relationship with them. However, with no direct contact with Gondor or Arnor, the colony had very little to do with the northern wars or history.

This all began to change in 1551 of the Third Age. The Haradrim began to raid the colony, stopping many times just short of destroying it. By 2460, the colonies' leaders began to debate abandoning the colony. Unfortunately, they could not decide where to go. Some wanted to forget their heritage and merge with the local tribes, some wanted to travel north to the City of Umbar. A small group wanted to try and sail west. Nothing was decided. Finally, in 2942 her father and a small band of people decided to leave the city and travel north. Ancalimë was born on the journey which traveled to the east and then north. By the time they reached Isilnorë, only 25 of the band had survived. Because of their numbers and the fact that they were in hostile lands, everyone was trained as a warrior.


Anordil
Anordil is a Dúnadan warrior of Minas Naurhir. He stands 6'5" and weighs 225 lbs. At 50 years of age he is a veteran of Isilnorë's army. Rare among the Dúnedain is his red hair and light blue eyes. His eyes seem to blaze with the force of his personality that often makes it hard to look into his eyes. Anordil has a soft spot for the young, especially children. In fact one would be surprised at how gentle this fierce warrior will become.

Anordil is a minor commander of a troop of Isilnorë's Dúnedain cavalry. Although he has fought in many battles he has not lead a force on his own. Isilmirë has confidence in his abilities but it may take several skirmishes to convince Anordil.


Beregil
Beregil is a Dúnadan warrior of Taur-nu-Ithil. He stands 6'6" and weighs 220 lbs, with Black hair and gray eyes. At 32 years of age, Beregil is a young man but experienced beyond her years. When he was 18, he returned to his home to find it burned and his family slaughtered. Pausing only long enough to collect his bow and a few of his friends, he set out to avenge his parents and younger sister. Over the next 4 days the Easterling raiders were continually ambushed and gradually destroyed. More than half of Beregil's friends would not be returning to their homes. Since then he has devoted himself to training as a warrior and ranger.

Histarië says that he has a bruised soul but will soon find healing. Beyond this she will say nothing, just smile and talk of other things. Beregil's friends are occasionally forced to prevent him from declaring an oath that he has not fully considered. He is only rash in war and when he deems an oath is needed. A temperate drinker, he has been known to demonstrate his lack of musical talent in quite a few inns.

[Kaiddin]

Halbarad
Halbarad is a Dúnadan warrior and knight of Dol Amroth. He is 6'4" tall, 220 lbs, with Black hair and gray eyes. At 32 years of age he is seasoned but still fairly young. Although he has swore an oath of fealty to the Prince of Dol Amroth, he has been allowed to adventure where he wills. Halbarad does not like to make attachments preferring his own company to that of others. It is a preference that he has had to deal with since he found Isilnorë. He feels that it is his duty to learn as much as possible about this realm that he believes unknown in the west.


Isilnorë (S. Ithilnor) (Moon Land)

Army
King's Household
30 Ninraukar (White Demons) Gil-nimras' guard of Noldor warriors
Dagarim (War host)
70 Sindar Cavalry (Mounted Infantry)
400 Silvan warriors (Mainly Archers)
100 Dúnedain Cavalry
500 Dúnedain Infantry


Population
Noldor 90
Sindar 210
Silvan 1200
Edain 2800
Total 4300


Naurthalion
Naurthalion is King of the Dwarves of Amon Celebrin. He is actually quite a young king, being only 100 years old. His father was killed in one of the countless battles between Dwarves and Orcs near Amon Celebrin and he has no siblings. It is possibly his youth that has made him more open to friendship with the Elves of Isilnorë that would be expected of the Dwarves. Naurthalion stands 5'1" tall and weighs 200 lbs. His hair and beard are bright red and he plaits them only when he goes to war, which he does not allow himself to do as much now that he is king. He is also notable for his gray eyes that seem to belong to someone at least twice his age and many times his experience.


Morgond
Morgond (Black Stone) is a Dwarven warrior of Amon Celebrin. He is quite powerfully built at 4'8" and 180 lbs. His hair is black and has his beard in two plaits. Remarkable are his deep blue eyes that seem to be able to look into your soul. At 75 years of age he is still somewhat young but already has a bit of renown. In manner he is sober and quiet but not adverse to jest. He also is temperate with food and beer. Morgond's secret desire is to lead the Dwarves of Amon Celebrin west to join the Dwarves of Erebor.


Amon Celebrin
400 Warriors 600 Total Population

Ar-Zimrathôr
Ar-Zimrathôr is the Black Númenórean King of the Thaurhoth. Very little is known about him. It is believed that he was a noble in his homeland, were he learned that only his ability to command armies would draw Sauron's eye. Whatever methods he used, it is believed that he was able to gain the notice of Khamûl, Second of the Nine, and through him was given the command of the army opposed to Isilnorë. The Lords of Isilnorë assume that the Ar portion of his name is an affectation that took when he received his command.

It is said that no living man or elf has ever laid eyes on Ar- Zimrathôr out of his armour. Only in sleep is he out of his black chainmail and plate armour. Thaurhoth prisoners claim that he wears his black helm even in his throne room. Those that have faced him across the battlefield know that he is tall (6'7"), powerfully built (250 lbs), proud and of noble bearing. As he has Númenórean blood it is assumed that he has black hair and gray eyes and is so pictured on the few paintings made of him.


Thaurhoth (Abhorrent Host)
Barad-gor 250 Cavalry 1700 Black Númenóreans
1500 Infantry 7000 Easterlings

3000 Orcs ?

[Kaiddin]

The Player Characters are:
Anordil (7 Adv.)
Beregil (7 Adv.)
Morgond (7 Adv.)
Galien (10 Adv.)
Ancalimë (10 Adv.)
Halbarad (7 Adv.)

The Non-Player Characters are:
Gil-nimras (30 Adv.)
Histarië (25 Adv.)
Telpion (12 Adv.)
Isilmirë (15 Adv.)
Naurthalion (12 Adv.)

and of course

Ar-Zimrathôr (18 Adv.)

Haven't got the character blocks typed into the computer yet.

[Kaiddin]

Sigh!

I guess people would rather fight over politics and insult each other.

Well don't say I didn't try. It may not have been good but it was game related.

[Phantom]

You seem to have a good stroy to tell, and well thought out characters for the drama to unfold.

I for one would be interested to see how the game plays out when you run it.

[Ineti]

Um...I'm not really sure what you're asking for. It looks like you have everything together for a solid LOTR game.

I'm assuming since the characters are significantly powered up, this is a First or Second Age game? It wasn't clear from your description, and I'm not enough of a Tolkien scholar to guess.

I know nothing about Flint's books or the MERP supplements, so I don't know how much help I'd be. Game to try, though.

[Phantom]

I think he is looking for general opinions about the story he has planned.

[AslanC]

I just noticed this thread, my apologies for not responding. I will read everything over and post a response later.

But what I see so far loks good and I think I read one of tose Sidhe books when I was in High School.

[Kaiddin]

I'm assuming since the characters are significantly powered up, this is a First or Second Age game? It wasn't clear from your description, and I'm not enough of a Tolkien scholar to guess.

Sorry, I meant to say in the plot description that this campaign is to take place near the end of the Third Age but how far before the actual War of the Ring has not been determined. Somewhere between 2941 (Year of The Hobbit) and 3018 (Sauron's attack on Osgiliath). Basically, the players wanted to play during the War of the Ring. I would have preferred to do a First Age (Noldor centered) or a Second Age (Númenor centered) campaign but felt it better to stick with the majority. My concern was that we not just use the characters and replay the books or movie. It is my hope that the players will be able to say that their campaign was instrumental to the success of the events in the book (or movies) while not being recognized by the Lords of the West. Not sure that made sense.

The power of the characters is a concern of mine, as Decipher hasn't released anything to use as a yardstick. Well other than the Witch-king and Saruman in the core book. So I pulled out my "Lords of Middle-Earth" MERP books. Decipher gave the Witch-king 52 advances and Saruman 41. LOME had the Witch-king level 60 and Saruman level 50. So the number of advances was roughly the LOME level multiplied by 0.80. Therefore I made a chart:

Character-----LOME lvl-----Advances
Elrond--------65-----------52
Galadriel-----60-----------48
Legolas-------8------------6
Aragorn-------36-----------29
Boromir-------20-----------16
Éomer---------10-----------8
Théoden-------24-----------19
Frodo---------12-----------10
Samwise-------9------------7
Merry---------8------------6
Pippin--------8------------6
Gimli---------8------------6

It looked close enough for me. Well maybe give Gimli and Legolas 8 advancements. I guess the hobbits are a bit high too. I imagine them at about a third of these numbers. Éomer should be higher as well. But with this established, I established the number of advances for each of the NPCs.

For the player characters, my group likes to play established heroes. So I decided to do the same thing that I normally do. Any level they start with has to be paid for before additional levels can be gained. Not sure how CODA will be with this. I might have to modify it to where odd numbered advancements are used to payback the 'free' levels and even numbered advancements work as normal. The reason for the PCs starting at 7 advancements was to give them the chance at having just entered an elite order if the wanted it.

[Kaiddin]

I think he is looking for general opinions about the story he has planned.

Well that would be nice. Does it make sense? Is it close enough to a Tolkien feel? Does it sound interesting enough to play?

I would like to get some input on what else I could add to it. For example, in another thread someone mentioned a 'Daughter of Sauron' idea. I have been considering adding something like this to my campaign. Not necessarily an actual daughter but maybe something like the Mouth of Sauron or the Emperor's Hand from Star Wars. Possibly as a rival for Ar-Zimrathôr. How would you guys handle that?

I'm going to have the first quest as the quickest and easiest probably completed in one or two sessions. Each additional quest may take one session longer than the previous one. Goals within each quest will be need to be explored. Any ideas what you would do would be appreciated.

Occasionally, I would like to have a session that is, shall we say, 'outside the story arc'. What would you suggest? How would you integrate it? My campaigns are more episodic in nature that arc related.

Basically, I'm looking for any kind of input. I did not specify what kind of input in the first post because I wasn't sure what to ask for. Kind of an 'I'm inside the box what do you see from outside it' problem.

[Kaiddin]

I think I read one of those Sidhe books when I was in High School.

Thanks! Now I feel so much older.
In the books Lugh had to find the sword 'Freagarthach' (The Answerer), the 'Cauldron of the Dagda', the 'Spear of Gorias' and the 'Lia Fal' (Stone of Destiny) before he could overthrow Balor of the Fomorians. I decided to just have one weapon in the quest instead of two.

For the sword, I'm leaning towards the idea of it having the Inspire and Intimidate bonus instead of the expected Armed Combat one. Where Andúril provides +2 to Armed Combat and +3 to Inspire / Intimidate, Celebrist will give +4 Inspire / Intimidate only. If used by someone other than the champion of the prophecy it will act only as a masterwork sword.

The Cauldron of my quest produces food with the same basic bonuses for Lembas. In addition the food accelerates healing. I'm not sure by how much though. The 'Cauldron of the Dagda' always produced enough food to fed those present. I'm not sure how to handle this either.

The 'Lia Fal' rang out when the true king stood upon it. My jewel is more of a direction finder or ally locator. It is possible that I'll use it to announce who will be the prophesied champion. There may be a 60% chance that it is one of the players. It depends on how they play. The champion may have to sacrifice himself heroically as well. It depends on the players.

[AslanC]

I like what I read here

But then it is sort of based on Irish legends and that sings right next to me heart don't ya know?

I think the characters present an interesting mix and the plot overall is solid.

I am not a big fan of doing campaigns that take place so close to published heroes (B5, LOTR, etc), but if it is what your players want, then I can see why you are doing it.

One thing I would say is be careful with the names. I think Sindaran was based on Welsh while Quentan was based on Finish (or vice versa). While this sets a rpecedent for using celtic naming and vocabulary in MIddle Earth, you want to make sure you group the words together by language group.

Which I think at first glance you have done a good job of, but I might have missed something

Looking forward to more on this topic

[Kaiddin]

Aslan, you asked about pronounciation, this is what I have:

Name ----- Pronounciation
Isilnorë ----- Eye-sill nor eh
ninquëtil ----- Ninkwe till
Histarië ----- hiss Tairi eh
Ancalimë ----- Anka leem eh
Isilrauko ----- Eye-sill rawook oh
Lughâsh ----- Loo gash
Telpion ----- Tell pee on
Isilmirë ----- Eye-sill meer eh
Ninraukar ----- Nin rawook ahr
Galien ----- Gallee en
Daerog ----- Die rog
Vanimeldë ----- Vani meld eh
Naurthalion ----- Nahr thal ee on
Morgond ----- More gond
Zimrathôr ----- Zimrah thor
Khamûl ----- Kah myul (or Kah mool)
Thaurhoth ----- Thour hoth
Celebrist ----- Keleb rist
Galentari ----- Gallen tar ee