Greets everyone,

To begin, let me just say I will be posting all information in regards to Glaurung's Ire here, as that tale has evolved and would better be reflected here.


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To be blunt I am troubled.

I am a first-time Loremaster, what’s worse is the fact that I am a first-time Loremaster for a group of eager players -all of which happen to be Tolkien enthusiasts! Added in for good measure (as being of crazed wit isn’t problematic enough) I want to create a truly memorable and epic experience for my players. Talk about burdening the troubles.

Pay no heed to my complaints, in reality I burdened only with a vision of grandeur. Simply stated, as I stated earlier, I want to create an adventure, an experience, that is great and memorable in scope as a quest to a Lonely Mountain, deep and brilliant as dwarven mines, and worthy of a wandering wizard’s notice.

I apologize to all those who strictly adhere to Tolkien’s works, for this adventure will not strictly adhere to Tolkien’s canon, considering that by its very existence it cannot. Yet, I hope they are willing to hang strict adherence for a while and just enjoy the telling of an adventure set within the wonder and world of Middle-earth.

A great many thanks to Garbar of the Cubicle 7 the One Ring Forums, for the adventure delving into the tale of the Nameless Dwarf was his idea, and the granting of his permission for allowing me to use it..

As well a special thanks to Sir Kicley of the Cubicle 7 the One Ring Forums, for the very wise suggestion of combining the two adventures into one.

-Haugar

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I will be posting updates, information, and concepts here, which are open for critique and wisdom from any who would like to help.

So thank you in advance for aiding in this a quest to design a a great quest.

Ire within the Darkness:
Glaurung’s Ire and Tomb of the Nameless Dwarf

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This is something I came up with yesterday, actually Poostick posted earlier today a similar idea to what I had.

Poostick wrote:
Just to throw some more ideas into the pot, what if the Nameless Dwarf was not a baddie but rather went into self exile. Or maybe he knew a secret that some important dwarf wanted kept quiet and was banished from Dwarfdom. All the old texts and tale hint that he was a wrong 'un but it is later revealed (by the heroes) that he was falsely treated and leads to the discovery of some dark secret (maybe connected to Scartha's horde in some way).

Here's some poetry...

“Eldur Vindolk, Eldur Vindolk,
Eotheod shame,
He bore mighty Naurdagnir,
Bane of mortal flame,
He grasped Rista-Ihug,
Forever aflame.


Wyrm-kin wrath did rend the world,
As fell winds did mourn,
Eldur Vindolk fought with rage,
Against foul ilk born,
Mighty the clash, enduring night,
Fading with the morn.

Smote was laid the Wyrm-kin,
Herald of the Heights,
Fell winds retreated,
Averted was the blight,
Grey the bitter morn,
Sorrowful the light.

Eldur Vindolk, Eldur Vindolk,
Where does thine shield rest?
Eldur Vindolk, Eldur Vindolk,
Where is thine sword blest?
Eldur Vindolk, Eldur Vindolk,
Where does thine wound rest?

Lo, extinguished the flames of war,
Lo, did Death beckon Eldur Vindolk,
Lost was he known as, “Forge’s Roar,”
Lost was he known as, Eldur Vindolk.

Eldur Vindolk, Eldur Vindolk,
Where does thine shield rest?
Eldur Vindolk, Eldur Vindolk,
Where is thine sword blest?
Eldur Vindolk, Eldur Vindolk,
Where does thine tomb rest?


A general idea of what I think this adventure should encompass...


Malevolent and ancient forces, stirred by the surmounting tide of darkness, arise seeking to reclaim that which was forbidden to them ages past. In a perilous journey that will span across the farthest reaches of Rhovanion, delve far into the harsh realms of Ered Mithrin, and deep into the darkness of the earth in a cursed and forgotten Dwarven Fortress, characters will face many great challenges and adversaries, including the dragon -Ungash the Bitter Breath.

I love the poetry deeply, very impressive and worth reading again and again

Thank you kindly Bigasd, I appreciate your thought.

Note: As a work in progress one should expect changes and clarifications that might redefine what was once previously written. So I humbly ask that you bear with me and although something might be posted, it doesn't necessarily mean it is as is. As always advice, critiques and aid is always welcome.


Old Lore

As pertaining to or of concern to the history of Gundushatu

“Long ago in my grandfather Thror’s time our family was driven out of the far North…”



Year 1980

The Dwarves of the line of Durin Delve too deep under the Misty Mountains and awaken an ancient evil. After millennia of prosperity, the vast halls of Khazad-dum, Wonder of the Northern World, are abandoned the following year, its inhabitants driven out by fear and death.

Thrain I’s cousin Halthor, granted permission by his cousin leads a great host of Dwarves seeking to dwell within the Grey Mountains. In time they establish many great halls and mansions within the Grey Mountains. The most wondrous of these halls is Gundushatu, where the deep lake of Shatur-zaram resides -birth place of storms.

Year 1996

The Cold-Drake Scatha plagues the lesser mansions and halls of the Dwarves of the Grey Mountain, as well as the lands beneath the Grey Mountains home of the peoples of Eotheod.

Year 1999

Thrain I, king of Durin’s folk and distant ancestor of Thorin Oakenshield, comes to the Lonely Mountain and founds a dwarf-kingdom. There, the Dwarves discover their most prized treasure, the Arkenstone, known also as the Heart of the Mountain.

Year 2000

Fram, son of Frumgar, chieftain of the people of Eotheod, delves into the deep of Scatha’s lair and there he encounters the Cold Drake asleep. Scatha is slain by Fram and his treasure claimed by the hero.

‘Ere Scatha’s demise at the hands of Fram, the Dwarf Hamund son of Harung, whom bore the mighty shield Naurdagnir and wielded the sword Rista-ihug, met the wyrm Scatha at the doors of Gundushatu and there they had battled. In the end Hamund witnessed the mortally wounded Scatha retreat in fear returning to its vile lair. As Hamund son of Harung, now known as Eldur Vinrok, watched, he soon fell to poisoned wounds inflicted by the wyrm and was buried deep within the heart of Gundushatu.

A great unrest arises amongst the Dwarves of the Grey Mountains, who covet the treasure horde of Scatha as their own. Fram responds to the Dwarves by sending a necklace made of Scatha’s Teeth and the note “You have no such treasures in your keeping.”

Year 2026

Fram, Slayer of Scatha, is murdered by Halin son of Hamund, during the annual Feast celebrating the wyrm’s demise. Fram, clutching the necklace made of Scatha’s teeth, curses the Dwarves with his dying breath. Ruin he invokes upon the Dwarves of the Grey Mountains, to Halin and those of Gundushatu he spake “Darkness dwells within your wicked hearts, let darkness dwell within your realm, till ye are naught by shadows within the darkness.”

Year 2027

On the eve of Fram's death a year later, a cataclysm overtakes Gundushatu which swallows the city whole and plunges it into the depths of the earth. The Dwarves forsake the realm where once Gundushatu stood and call the area Uzn-duban.

Year 2210

Thorin I son of Thrain, removes the royal house of Durin’s folk from Erebor to abide in the Grey Mountains. He carries the Arkentsone with him, as part of the royal treasure.

Year 2570

Late in the reign of Nain II, a plague of Dragons begins to afflict the Dwarven mansions in the Grey Mountains. The Dwarves face a long and terrible war.

Year 2589

The Dragons of the northern wastes spread south to prey on the Dwarves. King Dain I and his son Fror are slain by a Cold-Drake while barring the gates to their halls.

Year 2590

Thror, the eldest of Dain I and heir to the kingship, restores the royal house to its ancient seat in Erebor.

Border-town
Branan

History:

In the lands to the North, in the shadows of the Grey Mountains, near the Grey River (a wholesome river 'ere it's journey takes it into the depths of Mirkwood whereupon meeting unwholesome tributaries becomes known as the Forest River) is situated the village of Branan, known as Border-town. Established by the peoples of Dale, in the year 2945, Border-town is a beacon and shield for those travelers whom journey around the northern breadth of Mirkwood. A haven within the harsh surrounding regions the village is an alluring destination for merchants and caravans, whom bring trades from distant realms.

Population: 150; primarily Men of Dale, although a host of Dwarves from Erebor claim residence as they construct and fortify the village.


Government: Ottarr son of Tarros, known as the Warden of Branan, is the leader of the village. He maintains firm control over the village and not much goes unnoticed beneath his scrutinizing gaze. He was chosen by King Bard of Dale not only due to his earned reputation from the Battle of the Five Armies, but as well for being a fair,yet harsh man.

He prefers Valour.

Defenses: Roughly about 20 soldiers maintain the defenses within the village. They interchange duties in a set rotation these duties range (e.g. keeping watch within the village, patrolling the surrounding the regions, and guarding travelers upon the road).

Haugar
Don't want to ruin the flow of your story by interrupting too often, but don't take my silence as disapproval or disinterest, as I suspect I will be stealing your ideas!

"I apologize to all those who strictly adhere to Tolkien’s works, for this adventure will not strictly adhere to Tolkien’s canon..."

First off, this is your game as long as you tell a good story nobody is going to complain if you veer away from Tolkien's timeline. In our game Gloin was assassinated! Can't get much more of a story veer off then that.

I haven't looked over all your information, but what I have seems perfectly sound. You should have a good game on your hands here.

Good luck and have fun!