The Rohirrim

The Old Have Not Forgotten

2011-09-27T22:45:00.002+02:00

Westu Hal, my lord Therowan son of Erkenbrand!

I am Wealda, son of Herumer, son of Grimwulf of the Deeping-coomb. It's been many years since I left, with my family, the green fields of of the Westfold Vale. Bema the mighty knows I left with a heavy heart, but not in dishonour. we settled here in the Bree-lands, in the small village of Combe. But after all these years, I am still a man of the Mark and I will not look away when my kinsmen are in need.

My lord Therowan, please accept my younger son Fritigern as your aid and servant. he is strong and smart enough to know when to speak and when to shut up. he is a good rider and has seen blood being spilled, maybe too much for his young age. If you don't trust him, let him clean the horses, let him clean and repair your weapons. He knows his ways with the hammer and the forge.

My son Fritigern will await your orders in Bree. Send him a letter, if you find him worthy! With hope that this plea of an old man will not drop on deaf ears, Hail!

Muster of Rohan V: The Fist of Isengard

2009-02-09T17:16:00.007+01:00

After having spent months in some ruins on the shore of the lake Nen Harn on the eastern Breefields, a desserted but beatiful place north of Chetwood, the Eored is stirring. Rumours of the Gap of Rohan having been closed by orcs have reached captain Thraindir from a small expedition that was to escort the Rohirrim woman Cymaru, once cooking for the Eored in their camp, back to the Mark. The news is very disturbing and Therowan, son of Erkenbrand, decides that the Eored should return to Eregion and get a full update on what have passed during the adventures in the north-east. In the morning mist the men of the Eored, ranks filled with joining exiled kinsmen having been driven from Edoras and other corners of the Mark under the spell of Gríma Wormtounge, mount up and prepare to return.

The fifth event in the Rohirric campaign. The event will start Monday February 16th 2009 at 1900 hrs GMT and 2000 hrs CET (central european time) in Ost Guruth. There will be a Gamemaster at the Event.

Previously:

The growing Eored (Rohirric: a standrad 120 man strong cavallry group) consists of men and women of Rohan*, that for one reason or another, and for a longer or shorter period of time, have individually decided to join together in a larger force of the finest cavallry that can be Mustered in Middle-Earth. Some are exiled kinsmen, others have left Rohan for adventures or even love. Common to all members of the Eored is their deep interest in the wellbeing of the Mark, their wrath against the treachery of Saruman of Isengard and the urge to slay all Orcs of the White Hand that threatens the loved ones back home.

Allthough every member have not decided to return to Rohan just yet, they are all anxious to join together when the need is undisputed. And now it is. A traitor from the Mark, as blond and blueyed as any Horselord, have secretly been working as a messenger and agent for Saruman. He was uncloaked some time ago but managed to escape and havent been seen since. Rumours have reached Bree that the Gap of Rohan has been closed by dunlendings and orcs (the two archenemies to the the horselords)in an unlawful alliance.

Currently the force is being led by Therowan, son of Erkenbrand who is Lord of the Westfold. He and some of the men are not exiled from Rohan and consider to return to the Mark to see where they may be needed the most. Others are exiled however and they fear what would become of them if they return. All, however, feel the distance to the rolling hills of Rohan being too far away and too threatened. The camp north of Bree is abandoned. The Eored rides east. Towards Rohan. Towards the Mark. To get there they must pass through the Trollshaws, and the dangers from elves and trolls alike. And then coming into Ergion new dangers, yet unknown, may await them...

How many will stay the distance? How far will they come? What say the elves?

Well met!

Thérowan,
Son of Erkenbrand

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Muster of Rohan is an attempt to join Rohan characters from different kinships, backgrounds, goals and dreams into a slowly growing group of Rohirric characters to enjoy the game in a roleplaying fashion. The attempt to get rohan people together is why the name 'Muster of Rohan' was used in the first place.

The longterm goals are to ensure bonds between the Rohan characters from different kinships as well as between 'us' and non-rohan characters that chose to interact with us (which we like very much). Every character doesnt have to join everytime. Some dont enjoy it and never return, others become the closest of friends. Eihter way, these characters life once crossed paths in Eriador where they stayed for so long.

Previously we have met some of the Hobbit community. This time I hope we might meet some of the elven community for example in Gwingris where we will be around 2000 hrs GMT.

Feel free to read one or two descritpions of earlier events (links to the right). To try and get rid of the 'classical lotro looks' we will use round shields. Those who have other shileds - even 'horsehead decorated' ones - will get replacements as long as there is enough in stock.
Please bring a spear for the charge!

The Rohirrim moving east.

2009-02-04T10:39:00.002+01:00

After having spent months in some ruins on the shore of the lake Nen Harn on the eastern Breefields, a desserted but beatuiful place north of Chetwood, the Eored is stirring. Rumours of the Gap of Rohan having been closed by orcs have reached captain Thraindir from a small expedition that was to escort some Rohirrim woman back the the Mark. The news is very disturbing and Therowan, son of Erkenbrand, decides that the Eored should return to Eregion and get a full update on what have passed during the adventures in the north-east. In the morning mist the men of the Eored, rankes filled with joining exiled kinsmen having beenn driven from Edoras and other corners of the Mark under the spell of Gríma Wormtounge, mount up and prepare to return.

VIDEO: MoR IV The Shadow of Isengard

2008-10-24T09:16:00.001+02:00

Mae (aka Felwyn) has come up with some moving images from the event! Enjoy the ride!

IMAGES: MoR IV The Shadow of Isengard

2008-10-17T12:41:00.001+02:00

Westu Eorlingas Hal!

I think we are even making a small video but here are a few images:
IMAGES AT FLICKR (LINK)
Thanks for joining everyone, hope to get another going soon.

Best regards,
Therowan

Update Muster of Rohan, part IV: The Shadow of Isengard

2008-09-23T16:27:00.003+02:00

News Update!

Great news! The Shadow of Isengard will be an official Gamemaster supported event! Time to gather the forces.

Best regards
Therowan

Mail recieved from Codemasters:

Dear ...,
We have received your Event request and finally checked it.

So we like to tell you that we can provide this Event exactly as you have planned it.

The only Thing left to do is to find a Date for the Event so that we can arrange all the points to make it

A “Great” Event, our suggestion is Saturday the 11th of October, if you confirm this Date we will finalize

The execution of the Event and provide it on this Day

Kindest Regards
...
Senior GM / Event Management

LotRO Eventsupport | Codemasters Software Co.
Codemasters Campus, Stoneythorpe, Southam, Warks, CV47 2DL
www.codemasters.com

Muster of Rohan, part IV: The Shadow of Isengard

2008-09-17T23:06:00.004+02:00

The fourth event in the Rohirric campaign. The event will start saturday October 11th 2008 at 1900 hrs BST (British summertime) and 2000 hrs CST (central european summertime) in a ruin on Eastern Breefields with a campsite (22,4 S 44W).

Previous event
The growing Eored is camping in the Eastern Breefields. Numerous orccamps in the region have been razed to the ground. In the last attack evidence of a traitor, possibly from Rohan and working as an agent for Saruman, was found in forms of orders he was delivering to the orcs. The orders need to be translated from some foul orc lagnuage to reveal more of Sarumans schemes in the north. Meanwhile rumours of the traitor living with the brigands in Chetwood have reached the Eored, and among them Freiwyn, who was stabbed by the traitor and left for dead, is looking for revenge.

The growing Eored, looking for the truth of these rumours, mounted up and then rode into Chetwood, a place invested with Brigands. A shady rider hiding among the brigands from his debtors and enemies in Bree, freely told Felwyn that a man had recently left Chetwood for a newly created Robbers nest north of Oatbarton in the lands of "The Shire". Somewhere near a little village of Oatbarton brigands have settled in and driving away the 'little folk' from their homes. The closest way there would supposedly be across some river named Brandywine, and then to the north.

The Eored returned to the camp but a lesser scouting patrol rode west to find out whether the informant was telling the truth. At Buckland bridge, however, a posse of 'little folk' led by Greencap and Yelowcap had made their stand. The bravest were throwing an occational pebble at the horses and most of them couldnt tell the Horselords from brigands. After much a do about nothing, the five riders were let across the bridge and guided as far as Oatbarton, listening to tales of great little folk heroes that had knocked down goblins with a stick.

The tale was true, however. North of Oatbartons the scouts did find an estimated amount of a hundred Brigands occupying an entire village.

The Event: The Shadow of Isengard
The full Eored will ride to Oatbarton and deal with the Brigands. The goal is to catch the traitor dealing with the orcs.

Well met!

Thérowan,
Son of Erkenbrand

PS 1. The event was going to be called A Servant of Isengard but after having sent in a formal application for GM support I optimistically upgraded the name to The Shadow of Isengard.

PS 2. People have gotten this right by now but I ad it for possible newcomers.
To try and get rid of the 'classical lotro looks' we will use round shields. Those who have other shileds - even 'horsehead decorated' ones - will get replacements as long as there is enough in stock. I also wish for people to drop the most significant high level cloaks . Get a new rag on you back, please, or just leave the one you own in your backback. We also leave the bow/crossbow at home on mounted assaults. Bring a spear for the charge!

Video: Sharkey's Men (MoR III)

2008-09-04T19:23:00.008+02:00

The Rohirrim at the Buckland Bridge. Note how Fridgrim is hit by a pebble to the right going "Ouch!", and the culprit in the foreground saying: "Take that Brigand!"

While we plan Muster of Rohan IV that will be around 6th of october you can watch this video: Some nice scenery in an artistic video combining real foilage footage with the five scouting Rohirrim in the event and a handful of hobbits from last event (Sharkey's Men).

[Link]: See the video!

In short the event started out in our camp and after a strengthening mean by a Rohirrim working in Butterbur's Prancing Pony we rode into Chetwood where we encountered plenty of brigands. Information from an outlaw named Cyfier led to the Shire but at Buckland bridge we were ourselves accused of being brigands by a dozen of hobbits showing some good old bravado not backing down for a few horselords... After an eternity of Hobbit chatter we were finally let through and the Hobbits Yellowcap and Greencap (Rury Featherfoot and Wayan) was allowed up on the horses in order to guide us to Oatbarton (read their story here).

The event ended with the scouts finding the brigands north of Oatbarton counting them to about 60 being outdoors... Event 4 might take us back to Oatbarton...

Report to Erkenbrand V: The Black Rider

2008-08-15T10:13:00.003+02:00

Dear Father,

My body is bitten by the freezing cold of the high and impressive Misty Mountains and I can hardly hold the quillpen in my hand. Not only is the hand trembling from the cold, thinking back on our last meeting with the Enemy is even more cause for shivering limbs.

Last time I wrote we were heading out of the Elven Kingdom of Rivendell to hunt down a Black Rider. The mountains led us to an outpost of dwarves seeking refuge in a camp where we met Lord Gloin. Gloin's people live in constant battle with both the unforgiving nature of the peaks of the Misty Mountains and the increasing number of goblins dwelling there.

In return of helping Lord Gloin recover some odd heirlom of his he told us of a traitorous tribe of dwarves that had turned againt him. What was worse, the evil dwarves had welcomed the Black Rider we were hunting. We followed the Black Rider and ended up fighting the Dourhand's wicked Dwarf Lord. The Black Rider escaped but Lord Gloin told us, after reading some parchments we returned to him from the Dourhands, that the Black Rider was likely hiding in some ancient dwarven stronghold named Helegrod, or rather in the treassury of that fortress.

We should never have followed. It was folly and I know it. But we were too deeply involved in the wellbeing of the bitter but not unfriendly dwarves, and there was still no sign of Strider. We rode out of Gloin's camp one morning, it was colder than usual. When we had managed to locate the entrance of the old treassury I saw on the large stonedoors and understood we would have to leave the Maeras behind. I should have turned back then. But we went on. After having led Riverfoam and the other steeds into the entrance and left them with blankets on while we continued into the maze, and towards our own doom.

After having lost our way countless times, at last we entered a huge hall, comparable even to Meduseld allthough carved out in the rock, and saw the Black Rider speaking to a few minions of his. On the ground in front of him was the dried up corpse of a long dead dragon. We should have run but stood almost paralyzed in the doorway when the Black Rider and his minions started to chant and reading out curses aloud.

What happened next is as much of a miracle as the fact that I am still alive to write you this letter. The dragon, obviously dead since decades, maybe centuries, slowly came alive. I am not lying to you. There, right in front of our eyes, the dragon was awakened by the Black Rider. How utterly foolish of us to have tried to hunt down such an invicible creature! The dragon soared up into the darkness of the cave and left the same way I presume it must have entered many years ago allthough I did not myself see any openings out into open air.

Then, at that moment, the Black Rider reliazed he wasnt alone with his minions any longer. He turned slowly in our direction and I felt the blood freeze to ice in my heart. He was upon us as rain or snow come out of the White Mountains, in no time. I barely got my shiled up before he cracked it in half with his ill-tended blade. The struggle, it would not be correct to call it a fight, was over in less than a minute. The Eored broke. Without our steeds we were like young boys fencing with wooden sticks against a foe that grabbed hold of your heart with a cold invisible hand, and squeezed your life out of it.

I awoke hours later. A deep cut in my shieldarm but no other visible wounds. The men were scattered on the cold dark rock. Less blood were covering it than fill six men. My hope returned quicker than I thought possible. I could see Fridgrim sit in a corner, pale face, like life was drained from him, mute. I walked around and checked on them one by one. Gundred, face painted with horrible nightmares. Thraindir in a cowering posture on the floor. Beotatha shield covering his head, knuckels gone white holding the sheiled. Wraecca, pale as ice, his right leg soaked in blood but not mortally wounded. It was a sad sight.

And still, we were all alive. Why the Black Rider spared us is a mystery. Not that there is much left of us. Our steeds where still in the entrance and on our ride back to Gloin I pondered much on whether we should simply return to the Mark. I dont know how we will react if put to a fight again. Maybe we will all break. I know not the answer while I write this to you from Gloin's camp but I will find out.

Perhaps we are not far from you, on our way home, when you read this. I have failed to honor You and your realm.

Your loyal blood
Therowan

Muster of Rohan, part III: Sharkey's Men

2008-08-14T00:23:00.003+02:00

The third event in the Rohirric campaign. The event will start monday September 1st 2008 at 1900 hrs BST (British summertime) and 2000 hrs CST (central european summertime) in a ruin on Eastern Breefields with a campsite.

Previous events
The Rohirrim have arrived into Breeland via Bruinen and Rhudaur sent out by Erkenbrand, the aging now former Marshal of the Mark (Muster of Rohan). While not suspecting Théoden King of in any way having lost control - the king's son Théodred is still patrolling the green hills of the Mark - Erkenbrand sense the immediate need to clear out who is Master of the 'White Hand Orcs'; naturally it cannot be the old ally Saruman, but someone hiding his true nature behind Saruman's well-known symbol. And tracks lead north into Eriador.

Rohirrim living in exile in and around Bree learn that a handfull of 'Horselords' of the south have arived to the lands. One by one, some decide to search for the rumoured Eored. Why have the come? Has war broken out at home? Is Théoden King alive and well? Are they simply new fugitives from the homeland after having commited some hideous crime? The Eored have continued to the Weahtherhills, east of the city of Bree. During their ride Thérowan, son of Erkenbrand, and his Eorlingas have thus recieved unforeseen reinforcements in form of exiled kinsmen.

The growing Eored is camping in the Eastern Breefields. Numerous orccamps in the region have been razed to the ground. In the last attack evidence of a traitor, possibly from Rohan and working as an agent for Saruman, was found in forms of orders he was delivering to the orcs. The orders need to be translated from some foul orc lagnuage to reveal more of Sarumans schemes in the north. Meanwhile rumours of the traitor living with the brigands in Chetwood have reached the Eored, and among them Freiwyn, who was stabbed by the traitor and left for dead, is looking for revenge.

The Event
We start at the camp with some swimming by the lake and awaiting word from a man helping out with reading the captured orders from Nan Watheren. The growing Eored then mounts up and rides to Combe and then further into Chetwood with a guide leading them to the Brigands outposts in Chetwood looking for signs of the traitor. Traces lead away from Chetwood and the Bree outsits and into the west. Somewhere near a little village of Oatbarton brigands have settled in and driving away the 'little folk' from their homes. The closest way there would supposedly be across some river named Brandywine, and then to the north. Hopefully we get the chance to meet some live little folk (whatever that is!) on our way to the new brigand lair.

Non Rohan characters
We are hoping to get a guide into Chetwood that will most likely be a Rohirrim. When riding into the Shire, however, we hope to get in touch with the growing Hobbit community, hopefully some bouders and an occational fisherman pointing the way. We very much hope for some planned interaction with the bounders allthough that has not yet been arranged when I write this. We will set up a time when we will come to the Bridge and we will be there on time.

Well met!

Thérowan,
Son of Erkenbrand

PS 1. Sharkey is the name Saruman goes by in the Shire after having been banished from Isengard, which has not yet to come, as we all know (allthough it can allready be seen in Galadriel's Mirror in Lothlorien). Hence the name of the event 'Sharkey's men should not be taken literally. The name only reflects that we are moving into the Shire and dealing with Sarumans henchmen.

PS 2. People have gotten this right by now but I ad it for possible newcomers.
To try and get rid of the 'classical lotro looks' we will use [i]round shields[/i]. Those who have other shileds - even 'horsehead decorated' ones - will get replacements as long as there is enough in stock. I also wish for people to [i]drop the most significant high level cloaks [/i] when joining on this type of events. Having Hammers, the Tree of Gondor and what not on the cloak does only painfully remind us (at least me and I guess otheres as well) of the limited line of gear there are in game. Get a new rag on you back, please, or just leave the one you own in your backback. ;)
We also [i]leave the bow/crossbow at home[/i] on mounted assautls. We arent going to hunt for food, nor 'pull' anything.

Memories of Old

2008-07-30T13:32:00.002+02:00

While we plan Muster of Rohan III that will be around end august beginning september we offer you to relax with the memories of "Mae" of Rohan. Epic scenery in a nice, artistic video. You will long for the rolling hills of the Mark ...

Muster of Rohan, part II: Hunting a Traitor

2008-05-28T14:02:00.005+02:00

Muster of Rohan Part II: Hunting a traitor

The second event in the Rohirric campaign. The event will start Monday June 2nd 1900 hrs BST (British summertime) and 2000 hrs CST (central european summertime) in the ruin in Eastern Breefields with a campsite, next to the lake.

Previous event
The Rohirrim have arrived into Breeland via Bruinen and Rhudaur, sent out by Erkenbrand, the aging now former Marshal of the Mark (Muster of Rohan) While not suspecting Théoden King of having lost control in any way - the king's son Théodred is still patrolling the green hills of the Mark - Erkenbrand sense the immediate need to find out who is Master of the 'White Hand Orcs'. Naturally it cannot be the old ally Saruman, but someone hiding his true nature behind Saruman's well-known symbol the White Hand. The tracks lead north into Eriador.

Some 'Horselords', living in exile in and around Bree, learn that a handfull of their kinsmen from the south have arived to the lands in the north. One by one, some decide to search for the rumoured Eored. Why have they come? Has war broken out at home? Is Théoden King alive and well? Are the kinsmen simply new fugitives from the homeland, having committed some hideous crime? The Eored itself has travelled from the source of Bruinen (where it arrived following the mighty river from the south) to the Weahtherhills, east of the city of Bree. During their ride Thérowan, son of Erkenbrand, and his Eorlingas have thus recieved unforeseen reinforcements in form of exiled kinsmen.

The Event
The growing Eored strikes camp in an abandoned ruin in the Eastern Breefields north of Far Chetwood. This will turn out to be their camp for the entire campaign. The event will mainly take place in, or revolve around the ruin. Horsebreeders in the nighbourhood have traded supplies for the increased security brought to them by Rohirrim hunting down the occationally sighted orcs.

There will be one, or possibly two simultaneous, scouting expeditions to the White Hand orc encampment north of Bree and possibly one into the Weatherhills. The scouting will be done by only a few people and during a limited time (to not keep everyone else waiting) while the others gather at the camp. Hopefully there will be a few newcomers that we can spend time on getting to know while the scouts are out. Low level Rohirrim are welcome to take part in the campbased activities as well.

The scouts return with information that lead to a discussion about the given information. Thérowan makes a decision to attack (if we are not too few) a bigger orc encampment further north in order to try investigate a rumoured 1) traitor of Rohan acting as a messenger for some unknown Master in Rohan (Gríma? or Saruman himself?) and 2) to figure out why he is in contact with orcbands from other tribes than the White Hand (and perhaps alter their success with steeltipped spears).

Before such a big assault Captain Thraindir demands that every Rohirrim wishing to take part in the mounted attack will accept a spear, a round shield and a full mailshirt (not only reinforced leather which is otherwise the everyday armour of the Rohirrim kinship) saved from a few fallen Eorlingas of the Eored. Horses could also be borrowed IC for the horseless - naturally you need to actually have a horse due to the game design - this is no offer of 4.25 gold coins. Rohirrim that rather wish to fight in some 'individual' fashion (read: with their personal gear that they feel is nice and 'Rohirric') have no place in the mounted Eored and will not be allowed to ride out with it. The mounted troops simply dont fight well carrying two swords or a big club and Captain Thraindir is not having unfit mounted fighters in his lines as long as it can be helped. Nor will he accept unarmoured riders that quickly will leave gap in the ranks as a result of stray arrows. We will make sure there are enough spears/shields and breastarmour from fallen eorlingas for those that wish to ride out. An occational exception will be made. But genereally be prepared for this.

The Call to Arms
Last event was, as I understood it, very much appreciated by all players that look for a somewhat low intensity Rohirric way of life. Some players replied to the last Muster of Rohan that they were somehow 'on the run' and preferred to 'avoid people from home' in order not to get caught. Do reconsider wether it might not be worth taking a risk to meet with the kinsmen that ventured so far and if their task might not be important to the loved ones at home. If you want to risk getting caught (you actually play you are on the run not only as an excuse to be in Breeland but because you want to be some kind of outlaw) then we can arrange to actually be loking for you and make your life more exiting!

Non Rohan characters
Last time some people not from Rohan met up in the start but took off quite soon seeing they didnt fit very well into that event. Any non-Rohan players that would like to meet Rohan characers are welcome, of course, but in that case it would be very good if you could send an in game message (or post here) in order for us to be prepared a little for your arrival. Typically this event would be a good moment for some Breeland militia or Knights of Gondor to stumble upon the camp of the Rohirrim, during a patrol for example, while we are still there.

Well met!

Thérowan,
Son of Erkenbrand

PS. To try and get rid of the 'classical lotro looks' we will use round shields. Those who have other shileds - even 'horsehead decorated' ones - will get replacements as long as there is enough in stock. I also wish for people to drop the most significant high level cloaks when joining on this type of events. Having Hammers, the Tree of Gondor and what not on the cloak does only painfully remind us (at least me and I guess otheres as well) of the limited line of gear there are in game. Get a new rag on you back, please, or just leave the one you own in your backback.
We also leave the bow/crossbow at home on mounted assautls. We arent going to hunt for food, nor 'pull' anything.

Whatever problems you get with metagaming, your character having to swap clothes, shieled, armour and what not for a day is, and will remain, a problem for you and you only. If you cant stand it, this might not be for you. The fact that characters need some gear to survive gamewise isnt an excuse for sticking with is when RP. There are for example no lvl 50 round shields, hence a Rohirric player might select the horsehead shield at that level since another one cannot be equipped for outlook purposes. Champions and other classes dont have shileds at all but will be required to have them in this event (25% of the fighters in Middle-Earth were not ambidextrous but on Laurelin they are). As you see all of this are a game issues, not an RP ones. We are hoping to see some Tolkien Eorlingas, as opposed to LotRo Eorlingas

The Muster of Rohan

2008-05-12T23:10:00.004+02:00

On arriving to Eriador along the river Bruinen a group of Eorlingas met up with Théorowan's Eored and guided them in their chase for the orks of the White Hand.

Read more about The Muster of Rohan at LRPA forums.

The Maera Riverfoam, steed of Thérowan, Son of Erkenbrand.

2008-04-15T11:27:00.002+02:00

Report to Erkenbrand IV: Elrond's Deep

2008-04-01T15:00:00.007+02:00

Dear Father,

Dark news from the land of long nights. One of my men has fallen in combat. Isenrid no longer light up our path nor does he find me safe passage or campsites hidden from brigands and orcs.

How it came to happen I cannot tell you since I do not know. He was scouting for traces of Whitehands in a remote place, by the elves named Evendim, and he never returned. We searched through the forests for him and his steed Hardmane for days and weeks but to no avail. He was my best, not to say my only, tracker and without him we can find little in the wilderness - not even the corpse of a fallen Eorlingas. We lit a bonfire nevertheless and sent his soul across the fields and hills. Hopefully he will find his way back to Westfold, to the Mark, to the restingplace of his ancestors.

Last time I reported to you I was heading to the realm of Rivendell. I have seen it now, Rivendell, home of the elf Lord Elrond. I named it Elrond's Deep, not because it is as magnificent a fortress as Helm's Deep, but the valley is similar and impossible to conquest by anyone including the forces of Darkness. There elves dwell in a strange happiness and delight. I honestly do not understand the folk of elves. Not one bit. They live in eternal light and dream and cannot fathom, if you ask me, the most simple idea.

Strider seem to be a good friend of Lord Elrond, not that I can really see why. So is father's friend Gandalf Greymane who sit in their uplit library reading, muttering or jesting around with some little folk who dwell with the elves as well. At first I didnt manage to get anything concrete out of Strider who seemed heavily burdened with some unspeakable task. Instead he had me promise to go to the land of Evendim, where I lost Isenrid, to help him find the answer of some ancient prophecy. Once I returned to Elrond's Deep Strider was nowhere to be found. Instead Lord Elrond decided I repay his generosity by talking to his sons about an evil Shadow hiding in the Trollshaws of Rhudaur surrounding his realm.

The Black Riders, save one, seem to have drowned in the river Bruinen. Believe it if you will, it comes from elven tounges. The survivor has somehow awakened the forest and the Sons of Elrond, both less elvish and more sturdy, have tried to track him down. I offered them my services naturally. Who better to track down a Rider of the shadow than men of the Mark! I hope you agree it was the only decent thing to do regardless of our actual task up here. So far we managed to drive, or shall I say follow, the Black one out of the Trollshaws and he seem to have taken refuge in the northern Misty Mountains. Somewhere among the dwarves of the mountains if I understood Lord Elrond correctly.

Neither Elrond nor the old Greymane seem interested in telling me where Strider might have taken off to. Only that there is a blade that need attention and that I need to be more patient. Awaiting his return - I cannot linger in Rivendell, it make me and the others far too uncomfortable - I have decided to finish the hunt on the Black Rider. In the hunt we made a new friend in another elf named Legolas who promised us to keep an eye out for Strider and traces of the White Hand alike, whilst we are off into the mountains.

If Strider will not turn up within short and we do not fall prey to the Black Rider should he turn and bite I feel the need to return home. Soon. Little there seem to be to find out about the White Hands up here in the Fallen kingdom. More there seem to be that is stirring north of here, north of Esteldin and beyond. I fear we are only wasting our time searching for signs that will not come clear, and pursuing tracks further than can be of any help to you. At worst, ending up in a war that is not ours to fight.

I will let you here from me again before I ride home. Until then I will honor You and your realm.

Your loyal blood
Therowan

Report to Erkenbrand III: Brownrobe sent us astray.

2007-12-12T17:42:00.000+01:00

Dear Father,

Many a moon have passed over the dark trees in the shadow of the Old Kingdom of the North, or shall I say the Fallen Kingdom of the North, since I sent my last report. Few good news can I pass on to you in this letter which I write in the old ruins of Esteldin, an outpost against the enemy in the north. Ill tidings, though, I have in abundance.

First and foremost. Radagast Brownrobe, a friend your friend Gandalf Greymane you sent me to meet, has wasted months of our time. His entire presence in the region is an utter disaster for man and horse, indeed for all inhabitants in this frightful region. He cares only for trees and birds and fooled me to help him out cleareing a sick red swamp from its longfanged orcs only to see him spare the life of their leader. I have no words for his terrible treachery, had he been less old and wrinkled I would have cut off his head myself. Sparing his life he sent us in the wrong direction in our search for the only sensible man up I met up here, Strider, who lead the Rangers.

I have now, at last, found out that Strider stays in Rivendell, at the House of Elrond Halfelven. The information cost us not days, nor weeks but months of constant raiding of orc outposts around Esteldin trying to help the rangers´while waiting for a trace of thier absent leader Strider. We have even acted as voice of the rangers inviting elves and dwarves to some council where theese people hope to rearrange their defenses in a more fashionable, or suitable, way. They need it. There is not a single fort, tower or outpost that can withstand the machines of war that I have seen the orcs bring in from the north. The orcs use trolls for oxes and goblins ride on mansized wargs. I would need three full Eoreds to clear this up. They have none. And when the threat from Angmar allready appeared too strong, only two days ago, Thraindir spotted the silouette of a dragon in the eveningsky. The enemy is strong. I fear for the entire realm father. Bree will fall before next winter if nothing happens!

And, at last: The White Hand and Saruman are connected somehow! We know for sure that some orcs have been using his name as a battlecry. We have spoken with a Ranger that has a strong understanding of Black Speech as he calls their language, and he is certain there is no word "Saruman" in their vocabulary. That he would be their master is not likely but that there is a link between them has been established. I take this up last but not least because we have no confirmation of what the link consists of. Take outmost care and send word to the King if you see fit.

We will leave Esteldin tonight for the elven realm Rivendell where we now believe we will finally find Strider. I am sure he will have more information regarding the White Hand. And regarding Sarumans place in all of this. Hopefully I will manage to avoid meeting the fools in robes or get an elven arrow in my eye, allthough I am not tntirely sure about the latter. I will report in again as soon as I find Strider. I should also add that I have honored Thraindir with a halbard and he is now a full Captain of Westfold. Alltough my Eored is only seven, instead of one hundered and twenty, man strong, I need a captain. Send me his blessing should you accept him as such.

Until then know I do my outmost to honor You and your realm.

Your loyal blood
Therowan

Foul ales!

2007-09-17T12:31:00.000+02:00

Mustering report in the lands of Bree. Fridgrim, 3rd son of Rudgarm, 31st Westfold Fyrd.

Once more Grimwolds words has proven true. Battle ale is to be brought down your throat not before but after battle so that your shield holds straight and your sword slashes swift at the enemy. I have the highest regard for my troop under the leadership of Lord Therowan but once in a while it happens that the beards of said men get a tad to wet from the forlorn ales of these bitter and goblin ridden lands.

Nobody knows how long the barrels had travelled to get to the Forsaken Inn that is our current outpost. I would say from Bree town or beyond at least. Not as far as ways end but from the taste of it close to there. We took stride from this inn less than a fortnight ago on legs that had been made wobbely wool from that ale. We were not wise but brave when we marched towards the goblins, we pushed on into the ruins of something lost to fight their grim kind.

We stood strong in the waves of stench breathed foes and pushed on to the main bridge, an old wodden structure that only had withstood time due to its fear to fall down to the spider lairs below. it was here that we took our toughest losses, and though fighting valiantly as it becomes us Rohirrim we had to pull back. Nothing we did could hold back the hordes. I think not even a whole fyrd could undo that goblins stronghold. We had withdraw to the forsaken inn to regroup, a wise move as both men and equipment suffered during our clash with the enemy.

Fridgrim.

The Maera Riverfoam, steed of Lord Thérowan.

2007-09-12T16:35:00.000+02:00

Report to Erkenbrand II: Word of Gandalf Greyhame

2007-09-11T22:45:00.000+02:00

Dear Father,

I must put my faith in the ranger bringing you this message on his way to Gondor, I have no option since I myself can not take it, nor can I spare a sword as things have unfolded up here in the north. The mist of ignorance has turned into the darkest night. Where shall I start.

My effort to help the ranger named Strider developed against my will into a formidable man-hunt and dozens of brigands have fallen by the hands of my men. Eventually these northern outlaws led us to orcs! And finally to a new trace of the White Hands and their master. Although Isenrid could not make out anything for certain when the brigands spoke in blackish westron to the orc leader he swear by the river and by the light that the name Saruman was mentioned several times. We slew orcs and men alike, taking no prisoners, giving no mercy. I cannot say anything for sure yet regarding our suspicions regarding Saruman, father, but be warned: our ally in Isengard might have turned against us. We have only found the orcs first outpost, a lot of tracking is still needed to shed light on the actual forces being in motion. I will pursue this trail until we find The Lord of Mordor himself or whoever is behind them!

After we ended the reign of the brigads we lost track of the ranger Strider who we set out to help, but we found your friend Gandalf Greyhame. I did not see any reason for him to know what we found out so far, in all fairness: if we cannot trust Saruman then who can we trust? Gandalf Greyhame listened carefully to your words and fears regarding our King Théoden and he promised to visit the King when his own errands in the north, whatever those might be, has been taken care of.

When I mentioned our quest to track the orcs he said we should speak to his friend Radagast, whom he referred to as the 'master of all living - plant or animal' and who should know of any rumours regarding the movement of orcs, on or off roads. Leaving Bree behind I will not be able to write again shortly. We head out east towards Whethertop and beyond and we will defy any orc tribes we might come across. Hopefully this Radagst Brownrobe will give us the final answer on the orcish movements.

Finally, I just want you to know that I met with the exiled poet Wraecca that you spoke of, or should I say warned us of, in your letter. He was utterly out of his mind, roaming about bare armed in warg and goblin infested territory in a pair of stolen boots and unarmed! Or armed with a lute if you will. A true miracle he had avoided being slain, Beothata belived he might have survived by keeping the enemy at bay wih his horrible singing. I have let him come with us and Thraindir have him under close guard. I will let you know as things unfold, hopefully he will not hinder us too much. My personal guess is that he will succumb within a week to orc arrows or a foul wargbite. I fear more for Fridgrim who tend to get lost when we move about in the dark. I will have Thraindir look out for both of them.

Until I can write again know that I will Honour you and your Realm.

Your loyal blood
Thérowan

Lord Thérowan at Bree Town Hall

2007-09-11T18:47:00.000+02:00

Reciving a written message from Lord Erkenbrand of Helms Deep through northbound courrier to Bree Town Hall.

Dear son,

I trust you are well and sound. The news you bring are most dire. If it were not for the importance of your mission and the waning of our king I would call you back to the safety of the Mark and Westfold. I cannot delve deep into the matter of the black riders you mention from our remote position in Helm’s Deep. I will furthermore not trouble the King anymore as I only see dimness in his eyes.
By Eorl! I wish for the old days to come back when King Theoden rode strong and proud! It is good to hear you have befriended the rangers of the north. I am confident they will help you find the whereabouts of the White Hand orcs. I implore you to continue your search for the foul creatures and also to shed some light on what role the black riders are playing.

I have been visited by my old friend Gleowine the king’s minstrel. He brings most sickening news from the Meduseld. Theoden is a bent old man and clings to life only by sheer will. How that has come to be I can only guess, but I suspect foul play. Gleowine informed me that one of his students dared in all secrecy compose a song about the king’s advisor that quickly spread over Edoras. Grima now goes under a new more fitting name – Wormtongue.
To save the unfortunates life Gleowine was forced to send him into exile. The unfortunate cast away his name and now calls himself Wraecca. Apparently he went north into Eriador much as yourself. Seek him out. Gleowine claims that he holds some lore that can be of use to you. Do remember that he is an exile and that you should not normally consort with the likes of him, even though his crime might seem insignificant

Yesterday our patrols along the Isen spotted several bands of White Hand orcs on the west bank. We have skirmishes almost daily and I fear that the gap of Rohan soon will be impassable. You know as well as I do that if we cannot ride out in defence of West-March our enemies will retake it. Make haste my son and find where the creatures muster. Let us strike fast and hard to clear the borders again!

With fatherly love,
Erkenbrand
Lord of Westfold

The dusty boots of a rear guard

2007-08-30T14:44:00.000+02:00

Mustering report in the lands of Bree. Fridgrim, 3rd son of Rudgarm, 31st Westfold Fyrd.

First my apologies for the late report. We have had many days and nights of hasty march. I record it is written in the annals of the great Grimbold's that a military force, even a small one as ours, is at great peril in foul lands unless an assigned rear guard watches it's back. I thank my Fyrd commander for assigning me this position under the rigid leadership of Lord Thérowan. As to not endanger the mission should this report be intercepted I can not tell much about our exact whereabouts but rest assure that our steps are filled with the enemys blood and that my sword arm get all the necessary training.

Although this said, my contribution to the lawful beheadings necessary for us to bear further on
is not always the best. This is partly due to the way rations. I do not fully remember Grimbold's words on this but a man with an empty stomach is but half a man when he wears his sword in battle. Also I would add that the pots of Bree land often have musky aromas and are full of ill tasting spices that turns your stomach over and back. Often are the times where you have to make a hasty excuse even in the best of companies. This I partly, well I would even say fully, blame on the small folks that run about and around here wherever you go, even sometimes they trip you over or lure you into lost paths are you not careful.

This is also where I fail the most as sometimes without will I abandon my post. In Bree town and also in the damp caverns where our mission leads I tend to lose direction and suddenly I find myself out of the way. I always try to be back at my post more soon than late but I feel that this is an area where I need to improve myself.

There is more to tell but it must, I forgive, wait until I have another opportunity to make good on my reporting duties.

Fridgrim.

The proud Rohirrim

2007-08-28T00:09:00.000+02:00

Report to Erkenbrand I: Meeting the shadows

2007-08-27T11:05:00.000+02:00

Dear Father,

The tracks have led us all through Eriador up to the northern city of Bree, a place filled with filth and dishonest men. The threats up here come mainly from bandits, the roads are not safe, orcs and worse. Much worse I am afraid. We have seen lots of misery along the way, particularly passing through the lands of the fallen Dunlendings whom we belive have some dealings with the orcs. Isenrid is telling me the orc tracks are not entirely fresh but they are there. He is pussled because it looks like the orcs came from the south and went north but we all know he is mistaken and he agrees himself. They come from up here, the opposite would mean they came from Rohan and we both understand that is not the case. They are disguising their tracks somehow, for reasons we do not understand. We have not located them in the flesh yet but are certain to do so within short.

Yesterday a ranger that goes by the name Strider, one of the few honest men you find up here, asked us for help regarding some grave danger. Hoping to prove our friendship, and gaining valuable information about the orcs in return, we set out to help him find a kinsman named Amdir or something similar. Well, I do not know how to put it, but Beothata listened around in Bree and Isenrid followed the leads Beothata found. We found him, this Amdir fellow, allright. But we found something more! Black riders! Five of them! Maybe some of those that crossed River Isen not long ago. We do not know and we do not even want to speculate. Fortunately for us they withdrew when we came upon them in an old ruin from the days of Arnor. They bewitched and left this Amdir on some altar and when we thought he was lost he came alive again and attacked us with the strength of ten men! We defeated him, but just barely and only thanks to Thraindir's leadership and Gundred's outmost bravery. Fridgrim almost lost his head in his eagerness to prove himself worthy your trust and I barely managed to protect him. Strider was deeply saddened by the loss of his friend but fullfilled his promise to tell us all he knew about the orcs. We are soon heading east, to Whethertop, where they dwell in numbers. We will find out who is behind all this and put their heads on stakes. That is a fitting end for enemies of The Mark.

Where the Black Riders are now I cannot say, and I hope we will not meet them again. They struck fear into me that I have never felt before and I thought my blood was turning to ice. I am not even ashamed of it, they are not of this world. Clearly they must be connected to the orcs somehow. And thus the Nameless One himself. Allthough that does litte to explain the White hand. His minions do always wear the Eye, dont they? Maybe this is just some foul plot by the Lord of Mordor to keep us in the dark.

Of Gandalf Greyhame we have seen and heard little. We will keep looking allthough I still dont see what good he could bring us father. Riverfoam and the other mearas are fine. Just wanted to let you know. I will write again soon.

Your loyal blood,
Thérowan

Prologue: Riding into Dunland

2007-08-21T15:19:00.000+02:00

King Théoden has gone silent. No more orders are issued. No feasts being held. Nothing. In Helm's Deep Erkenbrand, Lord of Westfold is getting deeply concerned for his King. And for the Nation. King Théoden refuse to appoint a Second and Third Marshal of the Mark. To signs of inactivity are added those of distrust. And the Kings Advisor, Gríma, seems unintrested, or rather incapable of guiding the King out of the mists and into the light.

On the western border scouts report sightings of orcs. And worse. They bear the mark of a mysterious white hand. Not a know warlord in Dunland, nor elsewhere. Saruman, Rohans old ally in Isengard has little information to give. Who is the commander of these foul creatures of destruction? From Gondor come accusations that Rohan is sending their finest horses to the Dark One himself and that Rohan and Mordor have formed a secret alliance. Lord Erkenbrand a retired Marshal of the Mark can no longer remain inactive.

Looking for a trace of the origin of the orcs of the White hand raging along river Isen on the western borders of Westfold a handful of Rohirrim, under the command of Lord Thérowan, son of Erkenbrand, has been sent into Dunland by Erkenbrand himself. King Théoden in Edoras has shown only the slightest interest in the matter of threatening orcraids and Erkenbrad has not wasted time informing his King about the small group of six riders flashing past the Ford of Isen into Dunland on their Mearas. The rumours in villages along Bruinen lead them far away from Rohan, all the way to northern Eriador.

And thus the tale begins...