Idea for a fan created campaign

[Tolwen]

Hmmm. My understanding is that Saruman did not make use of the Orthanc-stone until around the year TA 3000, and his mind was captured by Sauron the first time he did so. Thoughts or comments?

I also think the story is like Otaku says. But I can't recall the exact source where I got that idea. I'd had to look at the Appendixes, probably.

The topic is a bit ambiguous (as for so many cases), but IMO it favours the point brought forward by Otaku slightly. On the one hand we have Gandalf's words:

But alone it [a palantír] could do nothing but see small images of things far off and days remote. Very useful, no doubt, that was to Saruman; yet it seems that he was not content. Further and further abroad he gazed, until he cast his gaze upon Barad-dûr. Then he was caught!
--- LotR.The Palantír

This might support the view that it took some time for Saruman to be caught by Sauron. At first he was wise and careful enough to stay away from Mordor, but finally he became incautious. There is precedence for it: Denethor used the Anor-stone extensively, but most of the time was wise enough to keep his gaze away from Mordor and thus avoid Sauron's attention (who had the Ithil-stone).

The entry in Appendix B is more specific though. It says for "c. TA 3000" that Saruman dared to use the palantír (implying he did not do so before this time) and is caught by Sauron with the Ithil-stone. IMO this makes it quite clear that Saruman did not use the Orthanc-stone much before that time (personally I'd set 5 years as the absolute maximum to still qualify as "c. 3000"). Thus the temporal connection between his first use of the stone and Sauron catching him would not be that far apart. I'd set this again at about 5 years maximum. Sauron could not have the Ithil-stone under constant surveillance to detect any foreign activity (as told by Tolkien) and thus Saruman's activity might get away unnoticed for some time. This might also be a reasonable explanation for Gandalf's words above: If Saruman was at first careful (and lucky!) and only caught a few years (say 3-5) later, there is time for this development hinted at by Gandalf.

This very late use is interesting, as it is elsewhere mentioned that Saruman specifically sought to settle in Isengard since he had good reason to assume that it's palantír resided there still intact and ready for a potential user. Why he did not use this object of his desire (extremely useful for him without doubt) for about 250 years - and still before Sauron's identity was finally blown - needs some good explanation IMO.

Cheers
Tolwen

[Otaku-sempai]

Thanks, Tolwen, you bring up some good points! I've missed that reference that goes beyond what is stated in the Tale of Years and I can image Saruman using the stone before the year 3000. It would have been reasonably safe to do so before Sauron returned to Mordor and even after it seems that he could avoid drawing attention from Barad-dûr.

[Wbweather]

Does anyone have any interesting ideas for adventures in this campaign? What might Saruman have a company of adventurers do for him? Where might he send them? Who might they encounter?

[Blubbo Baggins]

What if the adventurer's discover Bilbo's magic ring, but due to the separation of IC and OOC knowledge, and the limitations of what they discover, the information is IC "forgotten/overlooked" and of course doesn't pass on to Saruman?

Another option: some kind of diplomatic mission, or search, to the Ents or for the Ents. Saruman wouldn't have to be the only one giving out missions (Treebeard could). Perhaps the PCs would meet the Ents and even perhaps Treebeard would have some concerns about Saruman, but nothing major. Oh, or he could send the PCs to look for the Entwives.

Another option: What if later on, Saruman is not at home (when the PCs return to look for him), and the doors to Orthanc are left unlocked? The GM could certainly determine where they can explore inside the tower, but it would certainly be interesting to go in and take a look, wouldn't it? Saruman wouldn't actually be away. He will have hidden himself, and observed the PCs, using it as a test of character. Depending on what they do / where they go, can have a different result in benefits or the mission that he sends them on...

[Otaku-sempai]

Does anyone have any interesting ideas for adventures in this campaign? What might Saruman have a company of adventurers do for him? Where might he send them? Who might they encounter?

Dwarf-lords descended from Nogrod and Belegost might have established holds in the Grey Mountains after the Balrog of Moria drove the Naugrim from Khazad-dum. Those halls might have been raided by either the Cold-drake Raenar or the Forest Dragon, and Saruman may believe that one of the Dwarven Rings might survive as part of the dragon's hoard. Alternately, Saruman might have information indicating that the Forest Dragon dwelt in the East prior to settling in Mirkwood and she might possess one of the Rings that belonged to the Dwarf-lords there.

[poosticks7]

I quite like the idea of the heroes having to do some questionable stuff - Through Saruman's manipulation.

1) Perhaps inciting the Dunlendings by acting in a certain way to help a Rohirrim settlement, that while on the surface seems the 'right thing to do' , in fact sparks old hatreds. Or even sabotaging a peaceful settlement between a Dunlending and Rohirrim strife.

2) Sent to capture some mountain orcs for 'study' seems like a good one as well.

Building off this perhaps he tasks them with finding specimens of other creatures for 'study', trolls, wargs, spiders, serpents, basilisks - even something dark from the first age, forgotten in the deep places of the earth. We know that Saruman used his arts to create Goblin-Men, and develop his own Uruks perhaps he tried other experiments - all to study the dark creatures of middle-earth to understand them.

3) A mission to meet secretly with representatives of an Easterling faction in Dale or Lake Town could be interesting - we know Saruman wandered in the east for awhile - perhaps this could be the fruits of a long term plan - the recovery of an artefact, or piece of old lore.

Or perhaps it is a message from one of the Blue wizards asking for aid. (Which the White Wizard ignores).

Just a few ideas.

[Wbweather]

All very good ideas indeed! I definitely want to include dragons and a search for dwarven rings. Also the politics between Rohan and Dunland is very important in the story. I have had some very good adventure ideas regarding the dealings with those two groups of people submitted to me already.

Where would Saruman go to learn the art of making a ring of power and how might he acquire that knowledge? Erigion seems the likely choice. What ruins might lie there? What might the elves have left behind?

What is the route between Isengard and the Shire like during this time period. The old North-South road would be the likely route. It passes through Dunland, Tharbad, and Sarn Ford. Who or what might a company encounter on this journey?

What interactions might the company have with other members of the White Council?

[Otaku-sempai]

Well, the most direct route between Orthanc and the Shire would be the Old South Road that runs through the Gap of Rohan, but it would be in poor condition in this period and the River Hoarwell has to be forded at Tharbad unless some enterprising folk have established a ferry-service in place of the old bridge. I doubt that there would be enough traffic, though, to justify that as a full-time endeavor.

I agree that the ruins of Ost-in-Edhil (the Whispering Halls) in Eregion (Hollin) would be the most logical place to search out the old secrets of Ring-making. A party approaching too near to Caradhras and the Redhorn Pass might encounter the Warg of the Redhorn Gate. The High Elf Aiwiel might be able to serve as a guide. Yet, there could be forgotten lore preserved in the vaults of Rivendell (providing heroes an excuse to explore there and perhaps earn the ire of Elrond if they are caught in places where they should not be).

Both Elrond and Círdan the Shipwright have good relations with the Rangers, and either Rivendell or the Grey Havens might have manuscripts or artefacts relating to the North Kingdoms. The White Towers, for instance might have documents retrieved from Forochel that tell of the last days of Arvedui, the last King of Arthedain, and his followers. Such a manuscript might aid an attempt to reclaim the lost palantíri of Amon Sûl and Annúminas. Gandalf might be able to put heroes in touch with Aiwiel or other High Elves who once lived in Eregion.

[Wbweather]

Here are some possible adventure ideas submitted to me in a PM. I have permission to share them and get your comments.

2952 - Flight to Isengard

Adventurers recruited by Arciryas to escort materials (actually body of Isildur) from Gladden to Isengard. Attacked by Orcs from Dol Guldor. As they cross the Wold they ally with Eomer's grandfather and his soldiers. Big battle which Rohirrim / Adventurers win. Arrive at Isengard and recruited by Saruman. There is no sign that Saruman has gone bad.

This story follows your script. With a big battle and chase by the Goblins of Dol Guldor it is hopefully quite exciting.

2953 - The White Council

Adventurers escort Saruman to White Council in Rivendell. Whilst there, "Bandits" attack travellers to the Council. Adventurers are tasked to ride to old Rhudaur fort and have battle. The enemy is Zimraphel the Sorceress from HotW who lusts after the ring - she can sense that the One Ring is in Eriador. Adventurers win the battle, but Zimraphel escapes. Adventurers attend White Council and hear Saruman say the One Ring has gone to the Sea - they know this is a lie as Saruman is searching for it - first small sign something is wrong. Adventurers make friends with Bilbo and also meet Gandalf and Elrond.

This is a new story on my part but the last meeting of the White Council was in 2953. I've always thought that Zimraphel was woefully underused in HotW and it makes more sense for her to be in Eriador.

2954 - The Silver Bell.

Saruman commissions characters to go to the Sea Avari settlement in Eryn Vorn to get some manuscripts from Elf of Eregion that disappeared under the sea. Eryn Vorn is under protection of Sea Maiar of Ulmo called Thalassie. She is a mischievous Kelpie who manifests in either Seal or Female form and protects the woods. The Silver Bell is a gift from Numenor that tolls when danger approaches. It tolls when players enter the woods - but why? Lots of discussions with Elves and Thalassie. She agrees to help players recover books as chests of Noldor are waterproof. Players transformed to half-seals - dive down to wreck, recover chests. Maybe attacked by Sea Monster as they do so. Players return to Saruman but not before Thalassie asks them to warn Saruman of dangers of researching enemy's lore.

This is new! I've always wandered what Eryn Vorn was like - Tolkien mentions its Elven but that's it. I considered really making it really exotic (Noldor colony etc) but at the end of the day have kept it relatively low fantasy apart from Thalassie herself and the Silver Bell.

2955 - A Matter of Trade

At Isengard, players note that Saruman has begun recruiting shifty looking Dunlendings into a guard and as Servants. Saruman needs food and drink for these guys so asks Adventurers to arrange for this in the little known country of the Halflings. Adventurers do this - arrange trade with Otho Sackville-Baggins. They go to Bree to meet their old friend Bilbo. Either at the Inn or camping somewhere on the way, the party with Bilbo is attacked by Zimraphel. Adventurers defeat and kill her - as she dies she says something like "it's here, I know it is..." In Bree locals complain about shifty looking 'Southlanders' - these are Saruman's spies and this is another small clue that something isn't right.

This based on your Adventure in the Shire, but have added Bilbo and Zimraphel to make it more exciting.

2956 - Divided we fall

Adventurers escort some of Sarumans servants to Rohan - a very shifty looking bunch. Saruman has begun building his Dunlending guard, but wants to buy time as Rohan is too powerful. He also wants Rohirrim allies and to spy out their ways. Saruman is basically using the players (who are still honourable) here to gull the Rohirrim. Adventurers meet King Thengel and also Galmod (father of Grima) in Dunharrow. The King complains about Sarumans guard and comments on village in Westfold being attacked by persons unknown. Players don't like Galmod but notice other servants of Saruman in discussions with him. On way back the dead ride out and you have a "Night on a bare mountain" situation where the dead terrify, tempt and turn players against escorting NPCs. Basically the players need to retain their sanity until dawn! Players head back to Isengard with minds full of Thengels complaints - surely Saruman isn't turning bad?

This is based on your Rohan / Dunland idea but I have split your one adventure into two as I think each culture is worth a full adventure on its own. I also wanted an adventure with the dead rather than yet another one with a battle.

2957 - The Seers Doom

Saruman has co-opted the Southern Dunlending clans into his ever growing "White Guard" but the Northern ones are refusing to cooperate. Saruman therefore asks them to take some members of White Guard and negotiate with the Northern Dunlendings and especially that "mad priestess" (the Seer) at her temple. Players do this - negotiate with clan chiefs and then meet Priestess - given test of killing the King of the Wargs who is harassing the area. Players track Wolf and kill it. Players go back and chief agree to be friendly to Saruman. In the night Saruman's servants kill chief and the Seer anyway.

This is the second half of your Rohan/Dunland idea and again I wanted to give the players plenty of time to explore the culture of Dunland and especially the Temple which should be awe inspiring (think Jackson's vision of the Halls of the Dead but above ground). By murdering the clan chiefs (which Saruman will justify to the Adventurers as a necessary evil) it's becoming clear that he is up to no good.

2958 - The Last of the Seven

Reading the lore books recovered from Eryn Vorn Saruman discovers that one of the Seven Rings was given to the Lord of Belegost - what happened to it? Saruman goes with players to Northern Blue Mountains. Recruit Dwarves from Lady Dis. Find Belegost. Drake (last child of Glaurung inside) which guards the ring. Drake plays with Adventurers emotions like Smaug and Bilbo and reveals plans of Saruman at last (but not that he wants to become the Dark Lord). Players have choice - give the ring to Saruman or oppose him. If players give ring to Saruman they turn to evil - if they oppose him Saruman is their enemy for ever. Fight of Saruman and the Drake. Whatever choice players make, the Ring is burnt in hot Dragon fire. Drake is killed by Saruman. If players opposed Saruman, they meet Gandalf and make him suspicious of Saruman. They retire to Rivendell and live out their last days in protection of Elrond.

[Blubbo Baggins]

It is a bit railroady, but interesting. I don't know what Zimraphel is doing in Eriador, seems out of place, esp. any knowledge of the One.

I still like the idea of a shipment of Old Toby from the Shire, helping it get to Saruman (without knowing who the intended recipient is at first) as an introductory adventure (and the way Saruman learns of the heroes).