The Fall of Eregion

[Captain Novaes]

Tomorrow, I'll start my very first LotR chronicle: The Fall of Eregion!

13 players divided in two gaming groups, plenty of action and emotion. The characters are of several different Advancements. 8, 12, 15 and even 20 Advancement-characters will be together, facing hordes of countless Orcs.

They'll have to break the unwillingness of the Númenorean royalty, they'll have to free Mount Gundabad from the Desolation of the Dragon, they'll face the first bearer of one of the Nine head-on...

And of, course, there will be Sauron. With the One Ring. Just waiting in the wings.

Boy, I can barely wait. I have run several playtests before cooking up this game. This will be the greatest challenge in my 16-year career as a GM. After "Eregion" I plan on moving a few centuries ahead and showcase Akallabêth, and then the great showdown of the Second Age - The Last Alliance.

I'll post my impressions as soon as the first session ends.

[Scottomir]

13 players?? Holy smokes! Are you doing this PBEM, or do you just have a really huge RPing social circle?

[Captain Novaes]

I really do have a huge RP community around me -- most are my pupils, gathered from those 16 years of GMing I spoke about.

That's why I had to break the group in two companies. When the announcement for the game came out, I found myself with multiple requests for participation...

To be perfectly honest, I'm more than a little scared not to deliver up to the expectations. But we'll see more about that tomorrow

[Captain Novaes]

And so it begins.................





"Fall of Eregion" is somewhat of a misnomer. The game started in 1697 SA, just after Rivendell is founded. Eregion is laid waste already. Sauron has gathered the Nine and six of the Seven - the first of them has been given to Durin III by Celebrimbor himself. Sauron's forces are spread throughout Eriador. If the Númenorean warfleet does not come, Lindon is sure to fall.

The campaign is set one hundred years after Annatar leaves Ost-in-Edhil to make the One Ring. At that time, Annatar was a guest at the wedding of Celebrimbor's sister (a non-canonical NPC) called Ariel [1]. He gave her a Ring, a beautiful thing which granted her powers of Foresight. Unfortunately, as the years passed, the things she saw were becoming darker and darker until, at the moment the One was forged, she fell into a trance-like state, a waking dream of sorts. She never really did recover.

The Ring was taken by Elrond to be studied, while Ariel has been entrusted to the care of a disciple of Nienna (Laeruin, below). Her husband vowed to take down the Enemy, no matter the cost.

We had five players yesterday:

Aegnor, male Noldo Magician (17 Advancements);
Laeruin, female Noldo Minstrel/ Loremaster (18 Advancements);
Tirion, male Noldo Warrior/ Archer, and husband to Ariel (20 Advancements);
Alassantë, female Noldo Craftsman/ Warrior (15 Advancements);
Sûl-Adûn, male Dúnadan Mariner/ Ranger (12 Advancements).

In the first scene, Laeruin, Ariel and two other elves are tending the gardens of Gil-Galad's palace in Mithlond. Elestirnë, one of the other elves, worries for her husband, who was sent to the front. Laeruin offers word of comfort, and the four elves see a white ship appear against the setting sun. It is Círdan, coming home after a few weeks of scouting the Great Sea in search of Númenorean ships. He goes straight to Gil-Galad and talks to him in private.

Near Midgewater, Celeborn is leading a great host and sends scouts to find out more about what seems to be a great enemy camp ahead. Celeborn thinks a great captain is there, if not the Enemy Himself.

Alassantë is chosen to go, as well as Curlastir the archer. They find it strange no sound is there to be heard. A sicky mist rises from the ground as the sun sets and a foul miasma comes from the moor to the north. The camp is empty. Seven strange dolls are seen, standing like scarecrows facing northward. The meaning of the scarecrows eludes the elves, who otherwise deduce a great host of Orcs and Men was there scarce three days ago. Someone very important was with them as they turned south.

Celeborn decides to follow and the elves turn south as well, for he knows a large host of Lórien elves is in that direction. He hopes to get the Orcs between the tow armies.

In the following nights the elves are followed by what seems to be a winged beast, cloaked in shadows. The beast soars high, going away just before morning. Celeborn worries about that, not knowing what tracks them. It’s not a hell-hawk.

Eventually a tribe of barbarians comes their way. The elves hide. Alassantë can’t get a grip on her an attacks the men as they start searching what she thinks is Celeborn’s hiding place. Combat ensues, where the elves promptly defeat the barbarians. Celeborn gives Alassantë a stern rebuttal.

Two nights later the elves are found by a large group of Orcs coming from the south. Apparently, they were warned! Combat ensues, and Alassantë is grievoulsly wounded. The winged creatures appear from nowhere and start tearing the elves apart. In this moment, elven horns are sounded: Tirion’s army, coming fresh from Rivendell, surprise the enemy!

Even with reinforcements, the elves are no match for countless Orcs and those strange vampire creatures – for vampires they are, of the worst kind. Celeborn whispers: “Thuringwethil-spawn! Sauron has summoned them from the Darkness Beyond!”. Tirion’s forces manage to give Celeborn enough breathing space to make an ordered withdrawal.

Defeated and sullen, the elves return to Mithlond. Of the Lórien host, not a sign was seen.

Laeruin again must comfort Elestirnë as she discovers her husband Curlastir was killed by the Thuringwethil-spawn. She grieves deeply, and asks Laeruin to talk to Gil-Galad and convince him to let her sail into the West, for she is wearied of Middle-earth at last [2]. The Minstrel agrees and goes to see the High King.

Gil-Galad summons all his lords and councillors to hear Tirion’s and Celeborn’s reports. The Gap of Calenardhon is now fortified, and Lórien cannot send reinforcements before the Enemy is driven from there. Tirion reports the Misty Mountains are fair teeming with Orcs and Wargs, cutting off reinforcements from Greenwood as well. More, a great Lieutenant of the Enemy is watching that region. Tirion does not know, but that is Azaghâl, an Easterling Sorcerer who is in possession of one of the Nine.

After much consideration, the King decides to send Aegnor and Tirion to Númenor to reinforce the call for aid. Tirion would rather spend some time with his ailing wife, but must obey the King.

Gil-Galad had sent ambassadors to Númenor three years before, but so far hasn't got any answer other than "wait yet a little". Tar-Telperiën is still Queen [3], and she seems reluctant to engage in a war against so powerful a foe who has not attacked Númenor.

At the end of the Council, Galadriel comes forth and asks permission to seek aid from other allies: the Dwarves of Hadhodrond – Khazad-dûm. Celeborn instantly disagrees, saying they are untrustworthy and shifty; great friends when Celebrimbor used to give them gifts, unwilling cowards who shut themselves in their halls when peril loomed over. Gil-Galad intervenes and gives permission to Galadriel to go and lead an Embassy to Durin. Galadriel further expects to go to Lórien from Khazad-dûm, and there converse with Amdir, Celeborn’s kinsman [4]. Celeborn is loath to go to “Moria”, as he calls the place. She intends to take Ariel with her to Lórien, there to rest and heal the spiritual wound of the Ring.

Laeruin then comes forth and pleads the case of Elestirnë. Gil-Galad is sad for his best gardener, but fears Elestirnë may be wanting to go into the West for the wrong reasons – she did mention she intended to remain in the gardens of Irmo until Curlastir awokened from his stay at the Halls of Mandos. He asks Laeruin to do what she could to comfort Elestirnë until such time as all the elves could safely decide wheter to leave Middle-earth or stay and fight the Enemy they helped to grow in power. “It is not in my power to judge who should go or who should linger in Endor, but I would not have our orphans and widows go over the Sea and thus break the spirits of those who remain. This sorrow Elestirnë must endure yet a little, if she can”.

Círdan readies a ship and off Aegnor and Tirion go. Two months later Galadriel calls Laeruin and Alassantë and asks them to accompany her and Ariel to Khazad-dûm and then to Lórien. They promply agree, and a company is formed, some 20 elf-maids and six scouts. They intend to cross Greenway and then move out of the road, crossing the wilds until the Misty Mountains are reached. The most dangerous part will be the crossing of the Greyflood, which is almost certain to be watched. Celeborn goes to Alassantë and asks her to never let Galadriel unaided.

Aegnor and Tirion reach Númenor, where they are received at Rómenna by Captain Sûl-Adûn of the Queen’s Warfleet. Just prior to the elves arrival, Sûl-Adûn was discussing with Prince Minastir how much longer it would take the Queen to decide wheter or not to build the great armada Númenor would need to aid Gil-Galad. Sûl-Adûn hails from the House of Soronto, and bears the Ruling Queen no great love, but admires Minastir.

Aegnor and Tirion make landfall at last, and are received with great honor by the Prince and the Mariner. The elves are directed to Armenelos after a rest in Rómenna. Minastir and Sûl-Adûn can’t wait to bring news of the great Shadow over Middle-earth, so perhaps Tar-Telperiën can be persuaded to perpare a new warfleet and send it over.

They ride to Armenelos. Cue to “The White Tree” track in the Return of the King CD, as the City of Kings is described with it’s splendid stone halls, wide streets, fair people and the magnificent marble palace of the Queen, shining golden as sunlinght is reflected from it’s lofty towers and domes. The great Meneltarma is seen from a distance, hallowed and alone. Minastir comments the great festival of the Meneltarma will be held in a few weeks.

They see the Queen and her councillors, who has been warned of the guests the day before. Tirion presents the case in earnest, stating that the mysterious new Shadow Gil-Galad spoke about centuries before to Tar-Meneldur has finally revealed itself: Sauron. He is poised to conquer all of Middle-earth and if aid does not come, maybe the peace Númenor has thus far enjoyed will come to naught.

Tar-Telperiën notes Gil-Galad is a good friend, but she is unsure to send aid. Númenor has few warriors yet, if they are valiant and steadfast, and Sauron seems and implacable foe. Have not the Noldor stirred this evil and allowed it to grow? Have not their craving of knowledge and skill blinded them to the snares of the Enemy? Why should Númenor risk open war? To this, some of the councillors agree, while other shake their heads in disappointment. The Queen goes on to say she very much wanted to help Gil-Galad despite all this, but it will take time to build the great armada and to train soldiers for this war.

Aegnor then speaks. He reminds everyone of the old alliance between the Eldar and the Edaín which drove out the Great Enemy of old, and how only through the union of Illúvatar’s children can this Lieutenant of Morgoth be vanquished once and for all. At this Sûl-Adûn jumps and offers to lead a single warship to Middle-earth to scout ahead the forces of the Enemy so that Númenor will have a better idea of what it will face.

The Queen is much impressed and asks for a time to ponder these grave matters. After the festival of the Meneltarma she will make her decision known.

Meanwhile, Galadriel and her company reach the wilds. They have eluded the enemy armies thus far, but there are several patrols througout the land. Galadriel thinks somehow the Enemy knows they are crossing the land, but cannot guess how He knows that. Dark clouds cover the Misty Mountains and roll forth carried by a strong eastern wind.

Laeruin and Alassantë discuss these matters during one night. The Minstrel thinks somehow Ariel is uncounsciously sending signals to the Enemy, due to the influence of her wedding gift. They go to Galadriel to talk about this, and notice the Lady of the Noldor is straining herself to the utmost to hide their presence.

A few nights later, they hear the foul cries of Thuringwethil-spawns overhead. Ariel becomes very disturbed. The very land seem to be against the wearied travellers. Thorns, hard ground, rocks, and an impending sense of doom broods over. Galadriel is exausted from her contest against the Enemy. She thinks He is near, perhaps in Ost-in-Edhil, perhaps just after them. Alassantë sends scouts ahead during the day, while at night they hide to avoid the Vampires. Alassantë then counsels the party travel on, so as to reach Moria faster. Galadriel agrees. Laeruin starts singing songs of comfort and joyment, to alleviate the effects of the weariness.

A few nights after, as they close on the Greyflood, Laeruin discovers to her shock that Ariel has escaped while she sanged to Galadriel and the others! Galadriel is dismayed, and asks her and Alassantë to go after Celebrimbor’s sister. Alassantë is unwilling to leave her charge, and explains that to Galadriel. Galadriel takes her aside after a moment of reflection and asks her to swear an Oath of secrecy. Alassantë agrees, and Galadriel shows her Nenya, the Ring of Adamant. While Sauron does not know she is It’s Keeper, He does know the great noblewoman of the Noldor is travelling eastwards unprotected. Nenya cannot fall in His hands, so it is imperative that Galadriel reach Khazad-dûm as soon as possible. On the other hand, Ariel is surely under His evil influence, and Laeruin alone may not be able to find her. Should Galadriel go with her, maybe Sauron will have the coveted prize. Alassantë asks if Galadriel wants to be taken back to Mithlond and attempt the road to Moria another time. Galadriel frowns. They must march on. Alassantë sends three scouts with Laeruin and goes with the Lady to the Greyflood crossing. Laeruin casts a spell to call Ariel, but succeeds only in drawing the Gaze of Sauron to her mind!

In Númenor, the elves visit Andúne, there to meet it’s Lord, one of the chief councillors of the Queen, who was not in Armenelos days before. They catch a glimpse of Tol Eressëa as their ships close on the harbour and long for the West.

In Andúne the elves meet visitors from the Blessed Realm: a teleri ship has come just tow days before, to bear gifts to the Dúnedain. In the ship is a Vanya Elf, a beautifull and regal lady by the name of Nimphredil. She is unsullied by the pains of Middle-earth, which are carried by the other elves, and at times seem almost aloof. The men are enchanted by the elf-woman beauty and some dream of sailing just a bit closer to Eressëa to see more.

Nimphredil shows one of the gifts: a Palantír!

At last the embassy of Gil-Galad sees the Lord of Andúne. He agrees with Sûl-Adûn and promises to to whatever he can to aid the elves. “May Númenórë founder before the Old Alliance is forsaken and the Edaín fail the elves, our beloved friends!”, says the Lord.

The solemn festival of the Meneltarma begins. All of the elves attend, and they glimpse the glory of Nimloth the White at the terrace of the Palace in Armenelos before they go to the Meneltarma.

After the great solemnities, the Queen made know her decision: Sûl-Adûn was to go to Middle-earth, there to observe the Enemy for a year. After that time, he should go back and report everything he saw. Only then would Númenor rise to the challenge. The captain should begin his observations immediately at Vinyalondë with Tirion and Aegnor, while emissaries from the court would return in the elves’ ship to Gil-Galad.

To this he readily agrees, but his elder cousin Meneldur – who was one of the Queen’s Advisors – goes to him soon after and tries to cool his eagerness. Meneldur fears Sauron greatly, and tells his cousin that there’s a way of observing Middle-earth without risking precious lives. Sûl-Adûn retorts. Only by sending men to the field may the reports be accurate.

They leave Númenor shortly, a great western wind behind them to speed up the travel.

[Captain Novaes]

Laeruin follows the tracks of Ariel for days near the dûnlendish settlements next to Tharbad. Fearing the worst, she sees the great black standard of the Enemy flowing atop some ruins of dûnlendish origin. Sauron is there!

Galadriel and Alassantë come across the crossing of the Greyflood, where a great Orc camp is set. Only by a smart trickery Alassantë is able to cross the river while the Orcs pursue a decoy though a nearby neck of wood. The Orcs notice the company only too late, and come after them in great numbers. At night several Vampires are seen flying overhead, their cries filling the hearts of the elves with terror. The sky becomes so overcast that the Vampires can pursue the company even during the day. Galadriel is becoming more and more exausted every day and Alassantë knows it is only a matter of time before the Vampires or the Orcs find them. They will never reach Moria if someone does not distract the Eye of the Enemy.

Laeruin sends one of the scouts at night to the enemy camp, but he does not return. Tired and afraid, knowing that Ariel and Sauron are there, she decides to go forward and try a desperate rescue.

As she is nearing the ruins were the Black Throne stands, in come the Númenoreans! They noticed Vinyalondë laid in ruins and decided to go up the river until Tharbad. After making landfall, they were scouting when found traces of a great Orc-host to the North. As they reach the dûnlendish ruins, they sense the presence of the Enemy – and He senses them.

Sauron raises from his throne and dispatches several Mordor Orcs against the pitiful Númenoreans. He has what He wanted from Ariel, who lays passive at his feet, and was ready to execute the elven scout when Laeruin started crying for the Valar and asking Ariel to come to her. North from there Galadriel was being tracked by one big Vampire. Sauron challenges Laeruin to a Contest of Will. Tirion evades the battle lines and tries to rescue his wife. Aegnor positions himself so he can come to the aid of Laeruin as well. Sûl-Adûn orders his troops to take care of the Orc horde.

Cue to “The Black Gate Opens”, followed by “The End of All Things”!

Laeruin actually wins the first two rounds of the Contest, thanks to her Vala Virtue Order Hability. Aegnor manages to launch “Flame of Anor” at Sauron and hurts Him! Tirion sneaks behind the great Enemy, frees Ariel and the scout and bades them to get out. He challenges Sauron with an enchanted blade and even draws some black blood of the Enemy!

To the North, Alassantë battles the great Vampire-spawn, after Galadriel puts a Bane-spell on her blade.

Angered by those annoying gnats, Sauron unleashes the fury of Edhil-Crist, the big mace from the “Fellowship” movie. Tirion suffers a grievous wound and his enchanted blade is shattered by the fell sorceries of Edhil-Crist. Tirion is sent flying and lands near dead next to Laeruin.

As Alassantë kills the great Vampire, the sky seems to finally clear a bit. She goes back to Galadriel and the company makes haste to Moria, for the Orcs are still behind them.

Sauron senses the death of one of His pets, and assumes the form of a giant and dreadful Vampire as well, and leaves the poor excuse of a Western army for His Orcs to finish. Sûl-Adûn is forced to retreat, losing thirty of his men, but he and the elves reach his ship safely. Tirion is nursed back to consciousness, while Ariel seems to be well, at least for a while.

The ship goes down the Greyflood, hoping to get to Mithlond as fast as possible. Vinyalondë is filled with enemies, and cannot be re-taken at this time.

[Captain Novaes]

Notes to the "Fall of Eregion"

[1] Ariel's character is derived from someone's idea in this forum. I do not remember who it was now, but I want to give thanks anyway! Much will happen yet, especially after Aelindur is born...

[2] While I strived to be as close to the canon as possible, I seem to remember reading somewhere the Elves never left Middle-earth during times of great strife. I felt Elestirnë would have to be granted permission to leave because of her great sorrow. Gil-Galad's response seems reasonable, since she was so distraught she was willing to wait at the doors of the Halls of Mandos for Curlastir to return.

[3] The Tale of Years accounts the King to be Tar-Minastir at this time. There's a discrepancy at the Unfinished Tales, where tar-Telperiën is listed as not passing the Sceptre until a few years after Sauron is defeated. So I decided to fudge things a bit and present Tar-Telperiën as friendly towards the elves, but unwilling to send Númenor to war, much like Tar-Meneldur centuries before.

[4] The full tale of Celeborn and Galadriel, and how they came to be lords of Lolthlórien is never told. There are many conflicting accounts to be found in the HoMe series. I decided Amdír father of Amroth will be a close relative of Celeborn, but who has never travelled to Beleriand.