A light from the shadows shall spring (Tolkien AU reboot)
- Thread starter ganonso
- Start date
KnightDisciple
Brotherhood. Unity. Peace.
- Location
- Midwest, USA
[X] Hit up ghost bros and help wanted
- Location
- Texas
[X] Hit up ghost bros and help wanted
It's a nice surprise to see this rebooted, though I do have to wonder how the thread saw 'redeem the shadow' and decided to go with orc sorcerer with a helping of wraith sorcerer. 
As creatures of Shadow go these are not the folk I would think inclined towards redemption. Most of our most fel weapons and means of resisting the Enemy are born of the power of Discord . Our task is then to set the sundered lore of a broken realm against He Who was Marion the Admirable, He who stood at the right hand of Melkor Before the Beginning. If we do this, if we tip the scales though such arts I suspect that the Fallen Vala chained in the Void will have a moment's merriment at the sheer irony .
[X] Hit up ghost bros and help wanted
As creatures of Shadow go these are not the folk I would think inclined towards redemption. Most of our most fel weapons and means of resisting the Enemy are born of the power of Discord . Our task is then to set the sundered lore of a broken realm against He Who was Marion the Admirable, He who stood at the right hand of Melkor Before the Beginning. If we do this, if we tip the scales though such arts I suspect that the Fallen Vala chained in the Void will have a moment's merriment at the sheer irony .
[X] Hit up ghost bros and help wanted
Last edited:
Orc Lore
ganonso
Compulsive Quest Starter
- Location
- PACA France
Orc Lore
Here is the tale of the Orcs as collated by Gulghash, chieftain and sorcerer.
As the Elves huddled near the waters of awakening, Melkor the Mighty saw them and grew envious for he desired to possess them and make them his. Many servants he sent in the forms of riders and many other guises. Voices whispered in the woods and they spoke in the delightful language of the Quendi. Those who hearkened to them never returned to their home although sometimes things wearing their faces haunted their kin. They were taken to Utummno the greater hells where Melkor sat among his fiery court. There they were put to torment so that the Mighty could understand the workings of their flesh and the brightness of their souls. For he had long coveted the Flame Imperishable and sought it in the void and the Timeless Halls. In the Elves he saw what Eru Allfather had refused he wields and whatever he tried neither he nor his servants could replicate it. So he decided he would have his chosen race no matter what. His prisoners were put to the fiercest torments a god could conceive but before it began, they were put in his presence. All were broken by the terror of his gaze and swore they would abide by his side forever. Such oaths kept their féar from escaping when their flesh failed. Slowly and deliberately they were made into the Orcs and each aspect of them was made as an insult to the Father.
Orcs ever reproduced in the fashion of the Children of the One. They were ordered to grow and multiply and the Umaïar made them terrible to every living things. Some like Maïron captain of the host grew ever more curious of the ways of flesh. They improved the race until it could be a weapon against the forces of the Powers. Those who were chosen by the weavers of flesh were put into great vats and Men when they came into Beleriand proved able stock for the transformation. And this is the most hateful secret of the Orcs. For even as they are born and multiply, the greatest among them, those learning the lore of their creation, can convince Men to join them and be transformed by blade, poison and spell. This happens less than some would think. For the Orcs are the creation of Melkor and in truth neither Maïron nor the Nazguls ever considered them their best servants. Men, especially those descended from fallen Numenor are the highest in honor in the service of the Eye and the Tower. The two Lieutenants of these places are of this dark breed some call the Black Numenoreans. There are rumors the Lord of the Rings can oversee the conversion of Elves but this is most difficult to verify. The Firstborn generally die before being captured, being able to lay off their bodies and answer calls to travel westwards outside of the dominion of the Shadow. If he does that then he continues the sins of Melkor called Morgoth by his foes.
What happens to Orcs after their death is unknown. Some say they are cast into the Void and there is evidence some of the original Elven captives are able to abide after their death in Arda to bedevil the world. Yet it is held by the Wise that they are gathered westwards and taken to the fate of the Secondborn or taken under bonds in separate Halls where they are healed. Conjecture on the matter of the afterlife is discouraged under the rule of the Dark Lords.
Orcs are divided into several breeds, several numerous enough to fill entire bastions.
Goblins are the Orcs of the Mountains of Mists. Ages of living underground have stunted their growth but not hobbled their minds. They give the lie to this rumor Orcs are dumb. They create many things who are not beautiful but useful. They forge weapons in the darkness under the earth and these weapons are cruel in design and often imbued with primitive discord in the song. They are wise in the lore of metals and there are rumors they manage to create explosives devices, very dangerous to the user and targets. The tribes of the Black Pit live in worshipful fear of the Balrog and proclaim their dreams are filled with dark flame giving them proficiency in many fell things.
Taururuks are the Orcs of the woods. Living in the dark forests of Middle-Earth have imbued tem with the lore often forbidden to the race. They are hunters and stalkers, often ranging the forest in search of prey. Many have taken friendship with wolves and other creatures of the reign of Melkor. Some are hideous indeed in very indeed, having taken the essence of the flies or the dark trees into themselves. While most Orcs see the wilds as a place to despoil the Taururuks direct their prayers to powers of dark nature who sing of the world before the coming of the Children and the forests under the cold light of the stars. They are by traditions and need weavers of flesh and tamers of beasts and brewers of poison more painful than most.
Maithuruk are technically the breed of Ghulgash. These Orcs are the winners and despoilers. They cover themselves with plunder acquired from their foes. They existed since the first battles against the Sindar but the term came into use after the fall of Gondolin when Orcs captains stole for themselves swords and armors from the forges of the Noldor even as their touch burned them as the Jewels burnt Melkor. The most powerful of them known to the chieftain are the Orcs of Gundabad who fight in full armor and see their strong lords caper away wielding weapons of mithril and plate emblazoned with Dwarven runes.
Here is the tale of the Orcs as collated by Gulghash, chieftain and sorcerer.
As the Elves huddled near the waters of awakening, Melkor the Mighty saw them and grew envious for he desired to possess them and make them his. Many servants he sent in the forms of riders and many other guises. Voices whispered in the woods and they spoke in the delightful language of the Quendi. Those who hearkened to them never returned to their home although sometimes things wearing their faces haunted their kin. They were taken to Utummno the greater hells where Melkor sat among his fiery court. There they were put to torment so that the Mighty could understand the workings of their flesh and the brightness of their souls. For he had long coveted the Flame Imperishable and sought it in the void and the Timeless Halls. In the Elves he saw what Eru Allfather had refused he wields and whatever he tried neither he nor his servants could replicate it. So he decided he would have his chosen race no matter what. His prisoners were put to the fiercest torments a god could conceive but before it began, they were put in his presence. All were broken by the terror of his gaze and swore they would abide by his side forever. Such oaths kept their féar from escaping when their flesh failed. Slowly and deliberately they were made into the Orcs and each aspect of them was made as an insult to the Father.
Orcs ever reproduced in the fashion of the Children of the One. They were ordered to grow and multiply and the Umaïar made them terrible to every living things. Some like Maïron captain of the host grew ever more curious of the ways of flesh. They improved the race until it could be a weapon against the forces of the Powers. Those who were chosen by the weavers of flesh were put into great vats and Men when they came into Beleriand proved able stock for the transformation. And this is the most hateful secret of the Orcs. For even as they are born and multiply, the greatest among them, those learning the lore of their creation, can convince Men to join them and be transformed by blade, poison and spell. This happens less than some would think. For the Orcs are the creation of Melkor and in truth neither Maïron nor the Nazguls ever considered them their best servants. Men, especially those descended from fallen Numenor are the highest in honor in the service of the Eye and the Tower. The two Lieutenants of these places are of this dark breed some call the Black Numenoreans. There are rumors the Lord of the Rings can oversee the conversion of Elves but this is most difficult to verify. The Firstborn generally die before being captured, being able to lay off their bodies and answer calls to travel westwards outside of the dominion of the Shadow. If he does that then he continues the sins of Melkor called Morgoth by his foes.
What happens to Orcs after their death is unknown. Some say they are cast into the Void and there is evidence some of the original Elven captives are able to abide after their death in Arda to bedevil the world. Yet it is held by the Wise that they are gathered westwards and taken to the fate of the Secondborn or taken under bonds in separate Halls where they are healed. Conjecture on the matter of the afterlife is discouraged under the rule of the Dark Lords.
Orcs are divided into several breeds, several numerous enough to fill entire bastions.
Goblins are the Orcs of the Mountains of Mists. Ages of living underground have stunted their growth but not hobbled their minds. They give the lie to this rumor Orcs are dumb. They create many things who are not beautiful but useful. They forge weapons in the darkness under the earth and these weapons are cruel in design and often imbued with primitive discord in the song. They are wise in the lore of metals and there are rumors they manage to create explosives devices, very dangerous to the user and targets. The tribes of the Black Pit live in worshipful fear of the Balrog and proclaim their dreams are filled with dark flame giving them proficiency in many fell things.
Taururuks are the Orcs of the woods. Living in the dark forests of Middle-Earth have imbued tem with the lore often forbidden to the race. They are hunters and stalkers, often ranging the forest in search of prey. Many have taken friendship with wolves and other creatures of the reign of Melkor. Some are hideous indeed in very indeed, having taken the essence of the flies or the dark trees into themselves. While most Orcs see the wilds as a place to despoil the Taururuks direct their prayers to powers of dark nature who sing of the world before the coming of the Children and the forests under the cold light of the stars. They are by traditions and need weavers of flesh and tamers of beasts and brewers of poison more painful than most.
Maithuruk are technically the breed of Ghulgash. These Orcs are the winners and despoilers. They cover themselves with plunder acquired from their foes. They existed since the first battles against the Sindar but the term came into use after the fall of Gondolin when Orcs captains stole for themselves swords and armors from the forges of the Noldor even as their touch burned them as the Jewels burnt Melkor. The most powerful of them known to the chieftain are the Orcs of Gundabad who fight in full armor and see their strong lords caper away wielding weapons of mithril and plate emblazoned with Dwarven runes.
Kir the Wizard
The Sun King
- Location
- Ukraine
Glad to see this is back! Redemption for the Orcs of Angmar! Ghost & Rhudaur bros rejoice!
Turn 1 Results
ganonso
Compulsive Quest Starter
- Location
- PACA France
Turn 1 Results
[Confer with Lindir: Epic Lore (+60)+Lindir Help (+20)-Arduous Lore Test (-50): 52+30: 82: Great Success]
Your friends never were many. Besides the vagaries of your life, there is the simple fact you live longer than most of the people you interact with. Even the fallen Dunedain are still less than you and they cannot help but resent the fact. In the vastness of Arda those that will outlive you are the deathless Elves and the wraiths. Even as you ride on the back of a great wolf you shudder at the thought. You know of the dead and the lifeless. The Houseless Ones whose bodies were slain or lack the power to weave another. Those you call using the arts of the Eye. The wights whose chiefs are the Nazguls are something else. They are not dead even if their bodies have long returned to the dust. They are alive but their life is nothing you wish to share. They live in the netherworlds, acting on the world through spells and dark lore. This is not the life you dream of but you know of several people through the Age who deliberately sought it. Lindir was not among those. In the wars against Arnor your lords were four of the Ringwraiths and death was in their swords and more than death in their blades. When they loathed a foe so greatly, they stabbed them with enspelled weapons and looked as they decayed from within.
And Lindir they hated more than most. For he was a prince among the Dunedain of Arnor. He was tutored in Rivendell where dwells Elrond son of Earendil and spent years in the Grey Havens. He knew the songs of the wild and the songs of the sea, the tunes of the heavens and the chants of the earth. Blades he made full of traps and harms for all those serve the Shadow. Miracles of healing he made against the pestilence flowing ever westwards. Even some wounded by the arts of Morgul he made whole and kept from slipping in the shadowy lands the Chief of the Nine controlled. He saw the fall of Arthedain and was the leader of a band who harassed the victorious armies of Angmar. From what you understand from his ramblings, he led the Angmarim in a merry chase while the Last King fled through the Blue Mountains. He went willingly in the wilderness in a time where your Orcs spread through the ruins of the kingdom putting to the sword all that stood before them. This was in the time where you led the tribes, fleeing before the terrors your master filled the dark woods with. Nameless things born in the caves of Angband and loosed in an unhappy world. Lindir stood before them but he was caught by the Witch-King. You remember of their duel in songs and Lindir made a valiant effort. Yet he was before the Lord of the Nazgul, in a land already cloyed in the Shadow and he was alone. He struggled for weeks against the blade but in vain.
Humble is his abode in which direction you ride. Never he was buried like the kings of Cardolan whose corpses are now moved with fell spirits. Yet he rests in a barrow made for him and well you filled it through the centuries. For even as he is stepped in darkness and sang against the Elves and the Men of the West and even the Rangers as they crept back to regain their realms, he still longs for beauty and innocence. Even trinkets burning the hands of those who bore them hence, jewels from sunken Numenor, books rescued from burning libraries. All are piled in the dark and you see him hunched about them. For those who have not sight beyond sight he is nothing than a gust of black air, darker than the darkness of the forest's night. When he wishes to travel abroad and acts on the world, he clads himself in black plate and vestments, adorning the void of his form with enough matter to affect reality. For you he is a Man older than old. Unrecognizable due to the many years of rot on his face, he still sings softly of better days when kings ruled in Fornost and even before that ere strife came to the Dunedain.
His thoughts touch yours as you announce yourself. He knows why you ventured in his abode. Always you come when seeking knowledge, or requesting the forging of some weapon and armor, or rarely when you must supplement your songs with his. Here you seek knowledge of your dream and the words flow from your mouth like water. Of the Gods you know only Melkor and Maïron his successor and the Nine as chief priests. Yet Lindir know much of what the world has forgotten.
Praise to Sulimo Lord of the Breath master of winds and liege of Eagles, regent of Arda by the grace of the Name Unspoken.
Praise to Elbereth the Lady of the Stars whose light was placed ere the sun was made. This name you recognize for it was screamed at you by the elves even as they fought and fell
Praise to Aüle the Craftsman and the Great Smith whose steps made the mountains and whose forge sprang the Dwarves proud and warlike.
Praise to Yavanna the Lady of Fruit and the Queen of Sacrifice. She created trees and glen and now you understand what the mud in your blood hates them so much.
Praise to Oromë the Hunter master of the beasts of the field. He crafted the horse and the dog and made them to be in peace with the Children of the One
Praise to Vana the Bride, ever young she is the fertile soil from which creeps all life. She is queen of love and beauty and from her comes the desire to join flesh to flesh to be one.
Praise to Tulkas the Vailant, master of war and laughing even as he strikes against his foes. He came from outside to fight against the creatures of Melkor and twice defeated him.
Praise to Nessa the Fleet-Footed. She dances in the shape of the deer and her dance is the dance of joy and battle. She is mistress of wild animals and lady of battle.
Praise to Mandos the Grim. Lord of the dead he hosts mortals but a short time. Master of Fate he decrees the dooms of the Valar and the prophecies of the great.
Praise to Vaïre the Weaver. She is History and she weaves the past and the future in her tapestries. By such tokens are events remembered and knowledge shared among the gods.
Praise to Lorien who is Sleep. Master of Dreams he is the comforter of the night and the lord of passion and what is outside order.
Praise to Estë the Healer. In the woods of Valinor she offers to all the succor of her cup and made all wounds and all diseases go away.
Praise to Ulmo the King of the Sea. Lord of Waters he strikes at the land and sings the melody of rain and snow.
Praise to Nienna the Mourner. She who talked to you in the winter of your soul. Of all she is the most mysterious for she mourns for all that Melkor has made. According to Lindir her apparition is surely a sign you have the potential for change. Neither the Marrer nor the Eye will help you or answer your prayer but perhaps the Powers will.
[Seek a Diplomat: Accomplished Diplomacy (+20)-Challenging Diplomacy Test: 65: Success]
Seeking a diplomat means seeking those who walk between the factions of your divided ruined kingdom. After weeks of work, you are able to find three of them that fit the bill.
Normal means the outlined characteristics are at a level of Renowned (+40)
Choose one (1) of them
[] Medh daughter of Vevic: (Diplomacy, Woodlore, Tracking): A proud daughter of Rhudaur Medh is accustomed to the wilds for the dark forests of the north are her first love and the truest. She is the warden of her people and the hunter of those they banish from their ranks. She hunts wolves and monsters too for they often pay no heed to old alliances. For this she is known in the Four Hamlets.
[] Iorthondaer son of Baranir: (Diplomacy, Lore, Subterfuge): One of the fallen Dunedain Iorthondaer is lucky enough his line has but recently forsaken the Light. Which means he has still the lore and knowledge necessary to attempt to pass for one of them. Like many youths he is ready to embrace what his parents detest and ancient texts have awoken in him the love of beautiful things and a desire to see the Elves.
[] Aurzaut daughter of Gafhdug: (Diplomacy, Command, Warfare): Orcs have no nobles, not officially but there are lineages of chieftains where the weak are culled and the strong prosper. Aurzaut comes from one of them and is respected by all in Angmar for her exploits against Wild Trolls and rival factions. She bears at her belt heads of Goblins and Snow Orcs, a grisly trophy which can bring her friends in the West.
[Seek an Administrator: Accomplished Husbandry (+20)-Challenging Husbandry Test (-20): 98: Critical Success]
Among your Orcs stand a prodigy. Kurgoth son of Darhed is a gifted administrator and diplomat who made himself known by shepherding of all things. Stories are told about how his flocks grew, not only by good practice but also by the conning of rival shepherds. As he is generous with the tribe, this was tolerated. Gold and goods seems to follow this one wherever he goes.
Kurgoth son of Darhed: Epic Husbandry, Renowned Diplomacy, Renowned Subterfuge
[Ascertain resources: Proficient Husbandry (+10)-Challenging Husbandry Test(-20): 83-10: 73: Success]
Lindir laughs at a task which is neither shadow nor blade nor pondering over ancient lore. Still he departs his abode and rides upon the wind uncloaked. After a while he returns to you and with singing whispers tell you what the wind bears: First the forests of Rhudaur have grown large and forbidding, full of good wood never disturbed by the axe. As for the mountains they are full as they were of metals. Iron in great number, still produced in the crucibles of the earth but also pale silver spreading towards the ruins of Khazad-Dum. There is life there still. Herds of woolen goats feed on mountain flowers, seemingly able to survive from licking the stone alone. It opens some ways.
Iron
Silver
Prime Lumber
Herds of woolen goats.
[Confer with Lindir: Epic Lore (+60)+Lindir Help (+20)-Arduous Lore Test (-50): 52+30: 82: Great Success]
Your friends never were many. Besides the vagaries of your life, there is the simple fact you live longer than most of the people you interact with. Even the fallen Dunedain are still less than you and they cannot help but resent the fact. In the vastness of Arda those that will outlive you are the deathless Elves and the wraiths. Even as you ride on the back of a great wolf you shudder at the thought. You know of the dead and the lifeless. The Houseless Ones whose bodies were slain or lack the power to weave another. Those you call using the arts of the Eye. The wights whose chiefs are the Nazguls are something else. They are not dead even if their bodies have long returned to the dust. They are alive but their life is nothing you wish to share. They live in the netherworlds, acting on the world through spells and dark lore. This is not the life you dream of but you know of several people through the Age who deliberately sought it. Lindir was not among those. In the wars against Arnor your lords were four of the Ringwraiths and death was in their swords and more than death in their blades. When they loathed a foe so greatly, they stabbed them with enspelled weapons and looked as they decayed from within.
And Lindir they hated more than most. For he was a prince among the Dunedain of Arnor. He was tutored in Rivendell where dwells Elrond son of Earendil and spent years in the Grey Havens. He knew the songs of the wild and the songs of the sea, the tunes of the heavens and the chants of the earth. Blades he made full of traps and harms for all those serve the Shadow. Miracles of healing he made against the pestilence flowing ever westwards. Even some wounded by the arts of Morgul he made whole and kept from slipping in the shadowy lands the Chief of the Nine controlled. He saw the fall of Arthedain and was the leader of a band who harassed the victorious armies of Angmar. From what you understand from his ramblings, he led the Angmarim in a merry chase while the Last King fled through the Blue Mountains. He went willingly in the wilderness in a time where your Orcs spread through the ruins of the kingdom putting to the sword all that stood before them. This was in the time where you led the tribes, fleeing before the terrors your master filled the dark woods with. Nameless things born in the caves of Angband and loosed in an unhappy world. Lindir stood before them but he was caught by the Witch-King. You remember of their duel in songs and Lindir made a valiant effort. Yet he was before the Lord of the Nazgul, in a land already cloyed in the Shadow and he was alone. He struggled for weeks against the blade but in vain.
Humble is his abode in which direction you ride. Never he was buried like the kings of Cardolan whose corpses are now moved with fell spirits. Yet he rests in a barrow made for him and well you filled it through the centuries. For even as he is stepped in darkness and sang against the Elves and the Men of the West and even the Rangers as they crept back to regain their realms, he still longs for beauty and innocence. Even trinkets burning the hands of those who bore them hence, jewels from sunken Numenor, books rescued from burning libraries. All are piled in the dark and you see him hunched about them. For those who have not sight beyond sight he is nothing than a gust of black air, darker than the darkness of the forest's night. When he wishes to travel abroad and acts on the world, he clads himself in black plate and vestments, adorning the void of his form with enough matter to affect reality. For you he is a Man older than old. Unrecognizable due to the many years of rot on his face, he still sings softly of better days when kings ruled in Fornost and even before that ere strife came to the Dunedain.
His thoughts touch yours as you announce yourself. He knows why you ventured in his abode. Always you come when seeking knowledge, or requesting the forging of some weapon and armor, or rarely when you must supplement your songs with his. Here you seek knowledge of your dream and the words flow from your mouth like water. Of the Gods you know only Melkor and Maïron his successor and the Nine as chief priests. Yet Lindir know much of what the world has forgotten.
Praise to Sulimo Lord of the Breath master of winds and liege of Eagles, regent of Arda by the grace of the Name Unspoken.
Praise to Elbereth the Lady of the Stars whose light was placed ere the sun was made. This name you recognize for it was screamed at you by the elves even as they fought and fell
Praise to Aüle the Craftsman and the Great Smith whose steps made the mountains and whose forge sprang the Dwarves proud and warlike.
Praise to Yavanna the Lady of Fruit and the Queen of Sacrifice. She created trees and glen and now you understand what the mud in your blood hates them so much.
Praise to Oromë the Hunter master of the beasts of the field. He crafted the horse and the dog and made them to be in peace with the Children of the One
Praise to Vana the Bride, ever young she is the fertile soil from which creeps all life. She is queen of love and beauty and from her comes the desire to join flesh to flesh to be one.
Praise to Tulkas the Vailant, master of war and laughing even as he strikes against his foes. He came from outside to fight against the creatures of Melkor and twice defeated him.
Praise to Nessa the Fleet-Footed. She dances in the shape of the deer and her dance is the dance of joy and battle. She is mistress of wild animals and lady of battle.
Praise to Mandos the Grim. Lord of the dead he hosts mortals but a short time. Master of Fate he decrees the dooms of the Valar and the prophecies of the great.
Praise to Vaïre the Weaver. She is History and she weaves the past and the future in her tapestries. By such tokens are events remembered and knowledge shared among the gods.
Praise to Lorien who is Sleep. Master of Dreams he is the comforter of the night and the lord of passion and what is outside order.
Praise to Estë the Healer. In the woods of Valinor she offers to all the succor of her cup and made all wounds and all diseases go away.
Praise to Ulmo the King of the Sea. Lord of Waters he strikes at the land and sings the melody of rain and snow.
Praise to Nienna the Mourner. She who talked to you in the winter of your soul. Of all she is the most mysterious for she mourns for all that Melkor has made. According to Lindir her apparition is surely a sign you have the potential for change. Neither the Marrer nor the Eye will help you or answer your prayer but perhaps the Powers will.
[Seek a Diplomat: Accomplished Diplomacy (+20)-Challenging Diplomacy Test: 65: Success]
Seeking a diplomat means seeking those who walk between the factions of your divided ruined kingdom. After weeks of work, you are able to find three of them that fit the bill.
Normal means the outlined characteristics are at a level of Renowned (+40)
Choose one (1) of them
[] Medh daughter of Vevic: (Diplomacy, Woodlore, Tracking): A proud daughter of Rhudaur Medh is accustomed to the wilds for the dark forests of the north are her first love and the truest. She is the warden of her people and the hunter of those they banish from their ranks. She hunts wolves and monsters too for they often pay no heed to old alliances. For this she is known in the Four Hamlets.
[] Iorthondaer son of Baranir: (Diplomacy, Lore, Subterfuge): One of the fallen Dunedain Iorthondaer is lucky enough his line has but recently forsaken the Light. Which means he has still the lore and knowledge necessary to attempt to pass for one of them. Like many youths he is ready to embrace what his parents detest and ancient texts have awoken in him the love of beautiful things and a desire to see the Elves.
[] Aurzaut daughter of Gafhdug: (Diplomacy, Command, Warfare): Orcs have no nobles, not officially but there are lineages of chieftains where the weak are culled and the strong prosper. Aurzaut comes from one of them and is respected by all in Angmar for her exploits against Wild Trolls and rival factions. She bears at her belt heads of Goblins and Snow Orcs, a grisly trophy which can bring her friends in the West.
[Seek an Administrator: Accomplished Husbandry (+20)-Challenging Husbandry Test (-20): 98: Critical Success]
Among your Orcs stand a prodigy. Kurgoth son of Darhed is a gifted administrator and diplomat who made himself known by shepherding of all things. Stories are told about how his flocks grew, not only by good practice but also by the conning of rival shepherds. As he is generous with the tribe, this was tolerated. Gold and goods seems to follow this one wherever he goes.
Kurgoth son of Darhed: Epic Husbandry, Renowned Diplomacy, Renowned Subterfuge
[Ascertain resources: Proficient Husbandry (+10)-Challenging Husbandry Test(-20): 83-10: 73: Success]
Lindir laughs at a task which is neither shadow nor blade nor pondering over ancient lore. Still he departs his abode and rides upon the wind uncloaked. After a while he returns to you and with singing whispers tell you what the wind bears: First the forests of Rhudaur have grown large and forbidding, full of good wood never disturbed by the axe. As for the mountains they are full as they were of metals. Iron in great number, still produced in the crucibles of the earth but also pale silver spreading towards the ruins of Khazad-Dum. There is life there still. Herds of woolen goats feed on mountain flowers, seemingly able to survive from licking the stone alone. It opens some ways.
Iron
Silver
Prime Lumber
Herds of woolen goats.
- Location
- Singapore
[X] Iorthondaer son of Baranir: (Diplomacy, Lore, Subterfuge): One of the fallen Dunedain Iorthondaer is lucky enough his line has but recently forsaken the Light. Which means he has still the lore and knowledge necessary to attempt to pass for one of them. Like many youths he is ready to embrace what his parents detest and ancient texts have awoken in him the love of beautiful things and a desire to see the Elves
- Location
- Versailles
[X] Iorthondaer son of Baranir: (Diplomacy, Lore, Subterfuge): One of the fallen Dunedain Iorthondaer is lucky enough his line has but recently forsaken the Light. Which means he has still the lore and knowledge necessary to attempt to pass for one of them. Like many youths he is ready to embrace what his parents detest and ancient texts have awoken in him the love of beautiful things and a desire to see the Elves
We can't survive unless we ally with the Free People. And a rebellious son is more likely to be accepted by them than an Orc. And Dunedain, even fallen, is rarely lesser than a man
We can't survive unless we ally with the Free People. And a rebellious son is more likely to be accepted by them than an Orc. And Dunedain, even fallen, is rarely lesser than a man
KnightDisciple
Brotherhood. Unity. Peace.
- Location
- Midwest, USA
[X] Iorthondaer son of Baranir
- Location
- Canada
[X] Iorthondaer son of Baranir: (Diplomacy, Lore, Subterfuge): One of the fallen Dunedain Iorthondaer is lucky enough his line has but recently forsaken the Light. Which means he has still the lore and knowledge necessary to attempt to pass for one of them. Like many youths he is ready to embrace what his parents detest and ancient texts have awoken in him the love of beautiful things and a desire to see the Elves
- Location
- Texas
[X] Iorthondaer son of Baranir: (Diplomacy, Lore, Subterfuge): One of the fallen Dunedain Iorthondaer is lucky enough his line has but recently forsaken the Light. Which means he has still the lore and knowledge necessary to attempt to pass for one of them. Like many youths he is ready to embrace what his parents detest and ancient texts have awoken in him the love of beautiful things and a desire to see the Elves
A good diplomat kinda needs all of those traits, and being human certainly helps.
A good diplomat kinda needs all of those traits, and being human certainly helps.
[X] Iorthondaer son of Baranir: (Diplomacy, Lore, Subterfuge): One of the fallen Dunedain Iorthondaer is lucky enough his line has but recently forsaken the Light. Which means he has still the lore and knowledge necessary to attempt to pass for one of them. Like many youths he is ready to embrace what his parents detest and ancient texts have awoken in him the love of beautiful things and a desire to see the Elves
One does have to wonder how someone like this would be seen when they realize he is taking orders from orcs. I mean it's not like there is some clear demarcation like named 'Forsaken the Light'. As far as anyone in the other lines is concerned this is just a man of old lineage who had forgotten much, one of the Middle Men as Faramir would put it so then why is he taking orders from orcs and ghosts?
One does have to wonder how someone like this would be seen when they realize he is taking orders from orcs. I mean it's not like there is some clear demarcation like named 'Forsaken the Light'. As far as anyone in the other lines is concerned this is just a man of old lineage who had forgotten much, one of the Middle Men as Faramir would put it so then why is he taking orders from orcs and ghosts?
[X] Iorthondaer son of Baranir
ganonso
Compulsive Quest Starter
- Location
- PACA France
New character sheets
Kurgoth son of Daered
Rank 3 (1 action)
Warfare: 10: Not for war were you born
Command:10: The intricacies of command are lost to you
Strength: 10 : You are neither strong nor weak
Diplomacy: 16: Hideous face can hide words of gold
Lore: 10: You know nothing but the words of the tribe
Husbandry: 18: You are father of gold and herder of beasts
Crafting: 8: Knowledge is not your path
Magic: 8: No magic remains in your blood
Woodlore: 8 : Not for you the paths of the forest
Tracking:8: You do not hunt
Stealth: 8: Skittering was not your way
Subterfuge: 16: Tongue of gold can also cheat.
Iorthondaer son of Baranir
Rank 3 (1 action)
Warfare : 8 Your line foundered from lack of conflict
Command : 8: You have not commanded men
Strength : 10: Weak for the Dunedain is strong according to the standards of lesser house
Diplomacy : 14: You speak to each what they want to hear
Lore : 14: You are wise in the lore of old
Husbandry : 10: You still have to eke a living from the Wild
Crafting : 8: Your ways are not of making
Magic : 10: You remember some old songs
Woodlore : 10: You still know the woods
Tracking : 10: Some skill of the Dunedain remain to you
Stealth : 10: You mask your approach adequately
Subterfuge : 14: You are a liar without shame
Kurgoth son of Daered
Rank 3 (1 action)
Warfare: 10: Not for war were you born
Command:10: The intricacies of command are lost to you
Strength: 10 : You are neither strong nor weak
Diplomacy: 16: Hideous face can hide words of gold
Lore: 10: You know nothing but the words of the tribe
Husbandry: 18: You are father of gold and herder of beasts
Crafting: 8: Knowledge is not your path
Magic: 8: No magic remains in your blood
Woodlore: 8 : Not for you the paths of the forest
Tracking:8: You do not hunt
Stealth: 8: Skittering was not your way
Subterfuge: 16: Tongue of gold can also cheat.
Iorthondaer son of Baranir
Rank 3 (1 action)
Warfare : 8 Your line foundered from lack of conflict
Command : 8: You have not commanded men
Strength : 10: Weak for the Dunedain is strong according to the standards of lesser house
Diplomacy : 14: You speak to each what they want to hear
Lore : 14: You are wise in the lore of old
Husbandry : 10: You still have to eke a living from the Wild
Crafting : 8: Your ways are not of making
Magic : 10: You remember some old songs
Woodlore : 10: You still know the woods
Tracking : 10: Some skill of the Dunedain remain to you
Stealth : 10: You mask your approach adequately
Subterfuge : 14: You are a liar without shame
Nice to see this update, I was just listening to the Fellowship of the Ring on an Audiobook, just now making it out of the Old Forest and into the Barrow Downs. I wonder what the hobbits would make of orcs and wraiths that seek the light again? I mean on the one hand they would distrust us as they would any thing of darkness, but on the other they are hobbits, of the folk of middle earth among the most innocent of heart.
ganonso
Compulsive Quest Starter
- Location
- PACA France
Hobbits will be complicated. It's easy to forget Frodo, Bilbo and co are exceptions to their common characterization. Breelanders Hobbits are allready somewhat in contact with the Hill-Men, very rare contacts but even the Dunedain can have peaceful contact with them.
Orcs and Wraiths though and Hobbits from the Shire? That's going to be a hard sell. Hobbits can be ridiculously small-minded and sincerely I never saw them as nice to people who are not already part of their in-group. This is not even things of darkness. Everybody except Frodo who is far more intelligent than the rest distrusted Aragorn.
Frodo even notes when waking in Rivendell Sam was distrusting Aragorn even after Weathertop if I remember well
Orcs and Wraiths though and Hobbits from the Shire? That's going to be a hard sell. Hobbits can be ridiculously small-minded and sincerely I never saw them as nice to people who are not already part of their in-group. This is not even things of darkness. Everybody except Frodo who is far more intelligent than the rest distrusted Aragorn.
Frodo even notes when waking in Rivendell Sam was distrusting Aragorn even after Weathertop if I remember well
I wonder if there is any profit to trying to teach Iorthondaer some more magic than half-remembered songs? Having a magician that is not a dreadful spirit or and orc could come in useful, but on the other hand almost all we know is tainted by Darkness. I would not want to harm him in some spiritual sense.
Curious about something @ganonso just how old is Old Chief Orc here? I mean he is the grandson of a Boldog and he recalls the fall of the North kingdom, that makes him millennia old, but is he even older than that?
It says on his sheet that he knows songs of Angband and Beleriand. Does he recall the First Age, did he see from afar the War of Wrath and the ruin of Melkor and if not did his teachers speak of it? From the action with the names of the powers it is clear he did not know much of that Deep Lore, but still he must have known that the Marrer who was mightier by far than Sauron in Mordor failed and was dragged as prisoner into the west by his foes. That would I imagine be a sort of comfort to an orc who has decided to betray the shadow. One thing to know 'yes there may be light for you to', a comfort, but a strange one, but to be told 'the Light is mighty and it will triumph as it did of old' would suit the orcish mind better I think
PS: Sorry for the double post, I was not sure if he tag would get though in an edit.
It says on his sheet that he knows songs of Angband and Beleriand. Does he recall the First Age, did he see from afar the War of Wrath and the ruin of Melkor and if not did his teachers speak of it? From the action with the names of the powers it is clear he did not know much of that Deep Lore, but still he must have known that the Marrer who was mightier by far than Sauron in Mordor failed and was dragged as prisoner into the west by his foes. That would I imagine be a sort of comfort to an orc who has decided to betray the shadow. One thing to know 'yes there may be light for you to', a comfort, but a strange one, but to be told 'the Light is mighty and it will triumph as it did of old' would suit the orcish mind better I think
PS: Sorry for the double post, I was not sure if he tag would get though in an edit.
ganonso
Compulsive Quest Starter
- Location
- PACA France
Good question. He is a creature of the Third Age, that's for sure and yet he is nearly ageless. For his grandparents were either Boldogs or Elves changed into Orcs and as such he is of pure immortal lineage. He knows of the songs of Angband for they were taught to them but even to him the Battle of the Last Alliance and the Fall of the Dark Tower are but memories and tales from childhood.
He was in his prime when the Lord of the Nine came to Angmar. He saw the entire war from the skirmishes in Rhudhaur to the fall of Fornost and the death of the Last King.
Even the knowledge Sauron is not the first Dark Lord is not that widespread across the Orcs who often confuse Sauron and Morgoth into the same entity who escaped the wreckage of the western world.