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This essay discusses the lands of Lindon, the only remaining region west of the Blue Mountains to survive the sinking of Beleriand at the end of the First Age. Lindon extends across nearly the entire length of the Blue Mountains, its northern border being at Mount Rerir where the range shifts direction to the north-east, and is bisected by the Gulf of Lune to become Forlindon in the north and Harlindon in the south.

ELEMENTS OF LANDSCAPE
In the First Age all of Lindon was a lush river valley dominated by the River Gelion, which was fed by many lesser rivers that found their sources in the mountains of the Blue Mountains, named the Ered Luin by the Elves. Lindon is still a green, pleasant land, with thick forests growing at the feet of the Blue Mountains. However, the landscape was greatly altered by the sinking of Beleriand. The old rivers and forests were washed away to be replaced by new features.

Forlindon
Forlindon, or North Lindon, is comprised of all of the land west of the Northern Blue Mountains between Mount Rerir in the north to the Gulf of Lune. The region is notable for a single, large river named the Linduin, or Singing River, that has its source in the Blue Mountains about one hundred fifty miles north of the Gulf of Lune and empties into the Gulf at the harbor of Forlond. Several passes cut through the mountains allowing travel between Forlindon and the Vales of Lhune on eastern side of the range. Notable sites on the western side of the mountains include the ruin of Mount Rerir far in the north where the Noldor once held a fortress, and Mount Dolmed, only a few leagues south of the source of the River Linduin, and held sacred by the Dwarves as the birth-place of the Dwarves of Belegost and Nogrod.

Harlindon
Most of Harlindon is a vast, grassy plain bordered by the Blue Mountains on the east, the Gulf of Lune to the north and the sea. The feet of the southern Blue Mountains are heavily forested. Harlindon might have once shared a south-easterly border with the North-kingdom of Arthedain. The harbor of Harlond lies on the south shore of the Gulf of Lune.

Beloved of the High Elves
Lindon is held dear by the High Elves as a remnant of ancient Beleriand. Gil-galad and his people dwelt in Forlindon in the Second Age while Celeborn and Galadriel ruled in Harlindon before founding the realm of Lórien east of the Misty Mountains. Círdan and his folk still dwell in the Grey Havens and live in small communities in Lindon where they acquire the lumber for the construction of their White Ships. There are still creatures in Lindon, particularly in Forlindon, that can no longer be found anywhere else in North-western Middle-earth.

Keep it going, Otaku-sempai! This is a lovely region and I'd like to know more about how you envision it:
there are elves and dwarves, and some hobbits drawn to "the Blue". Rivermen should also be considered, and maybe some Rangers of the North that seek counsel from Círdan. The White Towers, the ruins of Belegost and Nogrod, and also the reamins of Beleriand that still surface a few kilometers in the sea,...

I think it's quite a place to go adventuring.

UPPER FORLINDON

This region is seldom visited even by the Elves. Grasses and plant life become more hardy, giving way to tundra where Forlindon proper gives way to the lands of the Northern Wastes. The broken remains of Mount Rerir marks the place where a great spur of the Blue Mountains stretches two hundred miles to the north-east. About fifty miles south of Rerir, the pass of Cirith Forod (the Northern Pass) connects Upper Forlindon with the West Upper Vales of Lhûn. Nearly fifty miles off the coast to the west lies the Isle of Himling, another remnant of lost Beleriand. There are no paths here; no one has lived in these lands since the time of Gil-galad.

Wildlife
There are no folk here, but there is life. Sea birds flock and nest along the coast where seals live and play to be preyed upon by toothed whales and hungry sharks. Herds of caribou graze off the land alongside large elk-like deer with great, wide antlers, called belegrasáras (great-horn deer) by the Elves. These impressive beasts stand seven feet at the shoulder, weigh upwards of fifteen hundred pounds, with antlers that can measure more than twelve feet across. Huge polar bears prowl the wastes north of the Bend. Grey wolves stalk the herds. Unique to Forlindon are huge, maneless lions that the Elves call tundorávi (hill-lions). These great cats stand four feet at the shoulder and can measure seven feet from nose to hindquarters without including the tail.

Foxes and lynx prey upon hares, mice and white swans with black and golden bills. Goats are common in the mountains, as are large, brown bears who fish for salmon in swift mountain streams and rivers. Reptiles are less common, but there are snakes and lizards that can be seen sunning themselves in the warmer months only to curl up torpid in their lairs through the long, cold winter.

Inhabitants
Some Elves still wander here but they dwell in the lower regions, nearer to the harbor of Forlond and the Grey Havens. The Dwarves seldom come to the west side of the Blue Mountains and never this far north. The Lossoth, the Snowmen of Forochel, might come here at times to hunt; however, they do not stay. Snow-trolls lair in the mountains, but not in great numbers. The greatest danger one is likely to encounter is from packs of White Wolves that fearlessly hunt Men as readily as elk. However, the Cold-drake Aguta lairs someplace north of Mount Rerir and hunts on both the east and west sides of the Blue Mountains. Rerir seems to mark the southern border of her territory.

Note: White Wolves are large, powerful canines with thick, white coats and large, well-furred feet. Treat them as similar to the Wild Wolves of Wilderland, although they are not technically Wargs. Some White Wolves may have interbred with Wargs resulting in hybrid pack leaders that may be treated as Wolf Leaders (consider substituting the Deadly Elusiveness special ability in place of Strike Fear).

NOTABLE CHARACTERS

Totóru
The Lossoth are a wandering people with few permanent settlements, following the great herds of caribou and elk across the tundra of the Northern Waste. However, several clans have establishes small communities around the Ice Bay of Forochel, sustaining themselves by fishing and hunting the marine mammals of the northern waters and by carrying out trade with other clans. Totóru belongs to one such fishing village. Most of his folk believe that dreadful spirits haunt the land of Upper Folindon that will fall on trespassers to slay them or drive them mad. Totóru does not fear ghosts and he also has a taste for the herd beasts that frequent the region. He and his sons may be encountered in the area hunting for game. Totóru speaks some Westron and, if one can gain his trust, might make an excellent guide.

Attribute Level: 4
Specialities: Fishing, Hunting
Distinctive Features: Adventurous, Wary
Relevant Skills: Explore **, Travel **, Spear ***

NOTABLE LOCATIONS

Mount Rerir
This was once one of the highest peaks in the Blue Mountains and one of the sources for the River Gelion. The High Elves of the West once built a fortress here, but it was overrun by Orcs and later destroyed in the aftermath of the Great Battle when Morgoth was overthrown. There are legends among the Lossoth, though, of ruins in the mountains and treasures of the West-elves might still lie hidden in buried vaults.

Falenthal wrote:Keep it going, Otaku-sempai! This is a lovely region and I'd like to know more about how you envision it:
there are elves and dwarves, and some hobbits drawn to "the Blue". Rivermen should also be considered, and maybe some Rangers of the North that seek counsel from Círdan. The White Towers, the ruins of Belegost and Nogrod, and also the reamins of Beleriand that still surface a few kilometers in the sea,...

I think it's quite a place to go adventuring.

I think that few folk outside of the High Elves would be found in Lindon. The hunters and fishermen, Hobbits and Dwarves you imagine would be more likely to be found east of the Blue Mountains. Even Rangers might only visit here with special permission. I do think, though, that the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains would make pilgrimages to Mount Dolmed.

LOWER FORLINDON

Lower Forlindon is nearly bisected by the River Linduin which has its source about thirty miles north of Mount Dolmed and empties into the harbor of Forlond one hundred fifty miles away. The land stretches one hundred seventy miles east to west from the Blue Mountains to the Sundering Sea. Several passes and valleys were formed after the breaking of the mountains that created the Gulf of Lune. One such valley was the Drowned Vale (called Nan Dolmed by the Dwarves) to the north of Mount Dolmed, where the earth over the northernmost section of Belegost subsided. Slightly nearer to the sacred mountain is Mickleburg Pass (Cirith Belegost), and approximately twenty miles to the south is the Hollowbold Vale (Nan Nogrod), pass through the mountains that is screened on the western end by thick forest. South of Dolmed thick forests of beech and oak at the base of the range furnish raw materials for the White Ships of the Grey Havens. The vales of the river provide wetlands for birds and beasts. The lush grasslands between the Linduin and the Sea support herd beasts and the creatures that prey upon them. Elves wander these lands, but no longer maintain large communities outside of the Havens. This is a land of peace and plenty, all but free of evil.

The High Elves of Gil-galad dwelt here throughout the Second Age and it was from here that they marched with him and with Círdan to challenge the armies of Sauron. Most of their towers and houses have been torn down or have fallen into ruin. Today, outside of the Grey Havens there are just a few small, peaceful communities dotting the coast and the banks of the Linduin.

Wildlife
The plains of Lower Forlindon are home to many creatures. Hawks wheel across the sky scattering flocks of smaller birds. Herds of deer, wild pigs and rabbits roam the gentle hills and grasslands and shelter in groves of trees as do pheasants and quail, wildcats, foxes and wild dogs. As in Upper Forlindon, the hill lions hunt the great, antlered deer and other herd beasts.

The vales of the Linduin host great numbers of waterfowl: ducks, loons, geese, cranes, heron and great swans. Thrushes nest in the willows on the river's edge. The waters teem with snakes, lizards, turtles, amphibians and many, many fish. Of particular note are the large, beautiful swans that ply the lower regions of the river, near Forlond. These birds sport lovely white silver-tipped feathers and are appropriately called Silver Swans (celeilph; singular celalph). Stands of poplar provide food and material for beavers. Muskrats seek out succulent water plants, eggs or small lizards while otters frolic on the banks, ducking into the water to avoid swarms of mosquitoes, midges and other biting insects. Especially hazardous are swarms of Dumbledors resembling extremely large mosquitoes capable of completely draining the blood from small mammals.

Hazard Suggestion: Dumbledors
(All Companions - Endurance)
The companions are plagued by blood-sucking Dumbledors. All heroes must make a Travel test. Anyone who fails loses one point of Endurance and must suffer any consequences from that loss.

The forests at the feet of the Blue Mountains are populated with numerous species of birds, including Nightingales and other songbirds. Deer take cover in the forest eaves and feral swine root about for luscious tubers, fungi and other food. Bears are common, grazing and fishing in the streams and small rivers rushing out of the mountains. The peaks themselves are home to wild sheep and mountain goats. Snakes and lizards nestle among the rocks hunting rodents, while eagles nest in the cliffs and the larger trees of the forests. Lynxes and other cats hunt for prey, avoiding in their turn larger predators such as bears and wolves.

These forests are also home to an exceptionally large and intelligent breed of magpie that sports a head, neck and breast of midnight blue; belly and shoulder feathers of pale yellow; and wings also of glossy, midnight blue with primaries of white inner webs. The bill and legs are jet black. It is said that the Elves have taught these magpies to understand and even speak Sindarin and that these birds often relay messages from one Elf to another (sometimes for a reward, anything from a colorful polished stone to a small gem).

Inhabitants
Legend says that the Dwarf-fathers of Nogrod and Belegost first awoke at Mount Dolmed and with their mates and followers founded their respective cities nearby on the east side of the Blue Mountains. But they only left their halls to trade with each other and do business with the folk of Beleriand. The first Men to cross over the Blue Mountains passed through these lands but did not settle in them. The folk of Forlindon were overwhelmingly Elves, first from the lands east of the Blue Mountains and later joined by High Elves from the Undying Lands.

In the Second Age, Gil-galad fortified the coast of Forlindon with watchtowers and citadels at strategic locations. Fishing communities sprang up in the Bay of Forlindon (south of Mount Rerir) and elsewhere along the coast. In the year 1700 (S.A.) Gil-galad, joined by a fleet from Númenor, drove Sauron out of Eriador. The population of Forlindon dropped sharply at the end of the Second Age when Gil-galad and Círdan led their forces in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. However, Gil-galad was slain in the same battle where Sauron was overthrown. The number of Elves in Forlindon continue to dwindle even today as High Elves take ship at the Grey Havens for the Undying Lands.

NOTABLE CHARACTERS

Faernen
Faernen is a Maiar in the service of the Lord of Waters. She inhabits the River Linduin and in times past kept Lord Ulmo informed of events in Forlindon. However, the lands of Lindon have been at peace for some time and Faernen is content to teach her songs to the small birds that nest near the river and learn new ones from the High Elves who linger in Forlindon for a while before taking ship for the West at the Grey Havens. Should she encounter non-elven folk, Faernen is favorably inclined towards Hobbits, is disdainful of Dwarves and shy around Dúnedain and other Men.

NOTABLE LOCATIONS

Mount Dolmed
Located on the west side of the Blue Mountains one hundred fifty miles north of the Gulf of Lune, Mount Dolmed is held sacred by the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains as the place where the Dwarf-fathers awoke who founded the cities of Nogrod and Belegost. Dwarves descended from those cities often travel to Dolmed, usually through the Mickleburg Pass, on a pilgrimage of solemn contemplation. Some journey further to the Drowned Vale to mourn ancestors who lost their lives in the flooding of Belegost.

NEW FELLOWSHIP PHASE UNDERTAKING

Pilgrimage to Mount Dolmed
(Dwarves only)
Dwarves of the Blue Mountains, or their descendants, who journey to the sacred site of Mount Dolmed in the Northern Ered Luin may remove one point of permanent Shadow. The hero may only gain this benefit once.

GULF OF LUNE

The Gulf of Lune (Lhûn) is a large body of water that separates the northern Blue Mountains from the southern portion of the range. The gulf was formed at the end of the First Age, when Morgoth was overthrown and the lands of Beleriand were broken. The Gulf of Lune is two hundred miles long from the Sundering Sea to the estuary of the River Lune and about ninety miles across at its broadest point where the River Linduin empties into the harbor of Forlond on the northern shore. In Harlindon to the south is the sheltered cove of Harlond which is well-suited for the construction of ships. The Grey Havens are located at the eastern end, at both sides of the gulf.

The High Elves of the Grey Havens are ruled by Círdan, known as Círdan the Shipwright, who late in the Third Age is the oldest living Elf in Middle-earth. It was Círdan who, when the Wizards arrived in Middle-earth, gave the Elven Ring Narya over to Mithrandir (named 'Gandalf' by the Men of the North). From the Grey Havens, the White Ships take the High Elves back to the Undying Lands in the West, never to return to Middle-earth.

Wildlife
Gulls and other seabirds ply the skies of the gulf while other waterfowl nest among the reeds and grasses of the wetlands. Sea-turtles lay their eggs on beaches of stone or sand. Otters den in the nearby riverbanks. A wide variety of frogs, toads and reptiles frequent the region. The waters of the Gulf of Lune are rich with shellfish, crustaceans and other sea life. Porpoises cavort in the waves, sea-otters dive for clams and fish. Sharks and rays glide through the water scenting for prey.

Inhabitants
Círdan's people are largely Sinda Elves who began the Great Journey but never sailed to the Undying Lands. The High Elves of the Havens are master ship-makers and mariners, as is their lord. They are also skilled fishermen and are warriors when called to fight. A common activity is diving for pearls, which are greatly prized by the Elves.

NOTABLE CHARACTERS

Círdan, Lord of the Grey Havens
Círdan the Shipwright has been Lord of the Grey Havens since the founding of Mithlond at the beginning of the Second Age. Círdan is a good friend of the Rangers of the North and throughout the Third Age provided aid to the Dúnedain of the North-kingdom. He is also a member of the White Council.

Círdan is the oldest living Elf in Middle-earth. He is exceedingly tall, has a long beard and has an aged appearance. Círdan should be approached with courtesy and respect.

Attribute Level: 10
Specialities: Elven-lore, Sea-lore, Ship-craft
Distinctive Features: Lordly, Tall, Just
Relevant Skills: Craft ******, Lore ******, Insight ****

Galdor, Messenger of Círdan
Galdor is the trusted messenger and envoy of Lord Círdan. A High Elf, he is often away from the Havens on his lord's business and is frequently seen at Rivendell. Galdor's manner can be a bit formal at times; however, he is very good at reading people and their moods and he can adjust his approach as needed.

Hadorion
The Elf-lord Hadorion commands the citadel of Barad Mithlond that guards the Gulf of Lune against attack from the sea. Born in the Second Age, he marched with Gil-galad and Círdan in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. He is also a skilled mariner. Hadorion's demeanor is lordly and proud; he is hard to impress. His brother Thandorion is the harbor master of Harlond in Harlindon.

NOTABLE LOCATIONS

The Grey Havens
Established by Círdan the Shipwright in S.A. 1 at the head of the Gulf of Lune, the Grey Havens is the chief harbor of the High Elves. From here the White Ships carry the Elves over the Sundering Sea to return to the Undying Lands. Also a seat of knowledge and lore, the Havens is the only large settlement of Elves in Arda west of Imladris.

Barad Mithlond
A lighthouse and fortress constructed by Gil-galad at the northern point of the Gulf of Lune to guard the Grey Havens against a sea-attack. A smaller fortress, Amon Harlond, is located on the east end of the harbor of Harlond.

HARLINDON

Harlindon is not as large as Forlindon but is still sizable, measuring about two hundred miles from the Gulf of Lune to the north to its southern coast near the estuary of the Brandywine River and one hundred fifty miles from the Southern Blue Mountains on its eastern border to the Sea. There are no navigable waterways; the forests and plains are watered by fast-moving streams and rivulets from the mountains and rains from the Sea. The grasslands are covered in hardy grasses and wildflowers. Oaks, beech and birches dominate the forests abutting the Blue Mountains with coniferous trees taking over at higher altitudes.

High Elves still live and wander here, but in much smaller numbers than in ages past. The most sizable community of Elves here, outside of the Grey Havens, is the harbor and town of Harlond. Men of Eriador avoid entering Harlindon except for Rangers of the North as special guests of Lord Círdan. Neither do Dwarves delving in the mountains come here. They are uncomfortable under the wide-open skies and some do not get on well with the Elves. The land is a bit too wild for the preference of Hobbits.

Wildlife
Life is plentiful in Harlindon. Sheep and wild cattle graze while large hares go about their own business. Owls and hawks hunt rabbits, voles and other small animals. Small birds feed off of swarming insects in the wetlands of the gulf and marshes. Wildcats and foxes are common on the prairie; spotted lions have been seen but are rare. Other large predators--black bears, and big cats mostly--restrict themselves to the mountains and forests hunting deer, wild pigs mountain sheep and goats. The rivers and streams are full of fish. The mountains are also home to eagles.

Inhabitants
In the Second Age, Celeborn and Lady Galadriel dwelt in Harlindon for many years before relocating to Eregion and finally settling in Lorien. Círdan's people, a mixture of Sindar, Green-elves, Noldor and other Elf-folk, have lived here since the beginning of the Second Age; however, their numbers now are far fewer than they were. They use the forests to supply wood for the shipyard of Harlond and they take what they need from the land, but only what they need--no more. The Dwarves of the Blue Mountains have a number of settlements and mines in the mountains bordering Harlindon, many of them established after Durin's Bane drove the Dwarves out of Khazad-dûm. However, these are generally on the eastern side of the range.

NOTABLE CHARACTERS

Thandorion
The Elf-lord Thandorion is the harbor master of Harlond and commander of the fortress of Amon Harlond. He was born in Lindon in the days of Gil-galad and is one of Lord Círdan's most trusted captains. When Círdan went to war as part of the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, it was Thandorion who was trusted with the steward ship of Harlindon and the Grey Havens until the Elf-lord's return. Thandorion is also an accomplished shipwright and engineer. He is friendly towards the Dúnedain of the North but his attitude towards lesser Men is less favorable, as are his feelings towards Dwarves. Thandorion looks upon Hobbits with amused tolerance.

NOTABLE LOCATIONS

Harlond
The haven and harbor of Harlond was established for the construction of the White Ships that sail into the West with Elves voyaging to the Undying Lands, never to return. A small fortress, Amon Harlond, was built in the Second Age at the eastern end of the harbor to aid in the defense of the Grey Havens in the event of an attack by sea.

My write-up for the lands of Lindon is essentially complete. I've edited the entries, fleshing them out a bit. There are still no maps, but maps of Middle-earth are not hard to find. I purposely avoided a detailed description of the Grey Havens; that can wait for something official from C7--unless someone else has a home-brewed version that they want to add? Did I err in my write-up for Círdan? Is there a better one?

Thoughts? Comments?

Interesting. Probably reasonably realistic(!) and follows a relatively low fantasy approach.

Personally I would go for a more magical and wondrous land even at the end of the 3rd Age. The sort of place where you can hear Elves singing through the trees and the stars shine more brightly than elsewhere in ME. And indeed you can see trees and hear birds that are nowhere else to be found. The light is brighter and sounds are sharper here. There are still a few Deep Elf fairy forts to be found on the top of mounds in Harlindon. Beware the Maiar of Lorien and his dream castle - if you drink one drop you will be trapped forever! And then there's the Ainu who sang the first note in the Choirs of old - if you hear his tune you will never experience peace again. There's the white road between Forlond and Mt Rerir which myth says was built in one night. Tales also tell that Daeron still sings of his lost love, Luthien, on the rocky shores of North Forlindon. In other words the place is fair and perilous (like some of Tolkien's work in Tales from the Perilous Realm) - wanderers may be permitted to visit there, but they will not return the same...

My ideas are probably less realistic mind you!

I did stick with a fairly low-key approach. You're right, though, that Lindon is an Elven-realm and I could have reflected that more. I don't think that I would incorporate some of your more fantastical ideas. However, I certainly would not object if you and others ran with them.