A Shroud of Mystery in Gondor PDF

SHROUD
OF MYSTERY
IN GONDOR
An Adventure For
The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game
AUTHOR: Joe Mandala

DEVELOPMENT: Jeff Tidball
This adventure is for use with The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game, published by Decipher, Inc. It is made freely available
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A SHROUD OF MYSTERY IN GONDOR THE LORD OF THE RINGS ROLEPLAYING GAME
A SHROUD OF MYSTERY IN GONDOR

Southern Gondor is the heart of the Dunadan Kingdom. Here lie the fertile fields
which feed the armies of the Steward. Shipyards and smithies furnish the military with the
tools it needs to defend the realm against its enemies. As the power of Mordor grows, pressure
on the borders increases. Raids by pirates from Umbar become more frequent, and Ithilien
falls deeper into shadow. It is the year 3017 of the Third Age, the year that Gollum is released
from his tortures in Mordor, and the year that Gandalf learns the truth of the One Ring in the
dusty libraries of Minas Tirith. Saruman has been long under the influence of Sauron, and
Gondor finds no help from Rohan. Ancient evils begin to awaken as Sauron prepares for the
final assault on the descendants of the hated Nmenreans. Berthand is a small village on the
coast of Lebennin, around 75 miles west of Pelargir, and near the Ethir Anduin (Mouths of
Anduin) on the Anduin Road. Even small rural towns such at this are not free from the
growing Darkness. Two young boys have recently disappeared from the village, and the
townsfolk are worried and frightened enough to send for help from Pelargir.
BACKGROUND
The heavy thud of raindrops smashing against the wood tiles of the inns roof created
an eerie cacophony as the gathered townspeople of Berthand debated their next course of
action. Two young boys of the village were missing. They had been missing for over two days
and the outlook was grim. Downcast faces revealed the widespread belief that there was little
hope for the safe return of the two beloved boys, Londil and Nathyr. There were many
opinions as to the fate of the two, but very little in the way of helpful facts.
On the day the boys disappeared, they had been on a fishing trip to the small creek
that separates the marsh from the arable farmland closer to the village. This was a frequent
jaunt for all the village children as the fish from that stream were considered especially tasteful
and easier to catch. It was a day like every other, until the boys didnt show up for their
evening chores and dinner. The call went out and parties of men went out in search, but with
no result. Some argued that the recent upswing in activity by their ancient enemies, the
Corsairs of Umbar, had to be the explanation. Others argued that the sighting of a mysterious
and frightening figure in the marshes to the west was probably the cause. No one had any real
explanation and a general sense of fear had increased daily as the townsfolk floundered for
answers.
It is true that there had been recent sightings of a two-masted sleek ship cruising the
coasts between Berthand and Pelargir. It was definitely not a fishing vessel as the hull was too
narrow and too small to be a merchant ship. It was designed for speed and little else. There
had been no encounters with it as it was usually sighted at or near dusk. Most villagers
assumed it was some messenger ship of the Gondorian army conveying important dispatches
from Linhir or even Dol Amroth to Pelargir, home of the Gondorian Navy.
In contrast, Yolirian, a local herb mistress, and one of the most trusted individuals in
the entire town, emphatically declared that the disappearances were tied to an unknown being
which she had seen walking the marsh at night several weeks ago. On that night, Yolirian was
running a little late on her way back home from gathering some herbs from the marsh. As she
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was walking on one of the various paths that crisscross the bogs, she noticed a figure standing
in the middle of a pool of brackish water some distance off of the path. The figure made an
indistinguishable guttural sound and immediately began plodding toward the aged herb
mistress. Frightened, Yolirian ran all the way back and informed the town elders of her
encounter. Subsequent searches by armed men during the day turned up nothing and many of
the townsfolk began to believe the figure was the figment of the old ladys imagination. Most
now agree with her and want a systematic scouring of the marsh to turn up this figure and to
discover what it has done with the boys.
Ultimately, it was decided that help from distant Pelargir would be required. Sending
a messenger on the fastest horse in Berthand to request help in finding the boys, the villagers
waited for relief. Two days later, a small group of riders arrived in town in the early afternoon.
Lead by Tathanain, a young and ambitious Royal Investigator who sees these disappearances
as the perfect opportunity to prove his worth to his superiors back in Pelargir, the group was
decidedly smaller that what the villagers had expected. Accompanying Tathanain was Oranen,
a master of animals and Eyandor, a man-at-arms who has been charged with Tathanians
safekeeping. Oranen had brought a trained falcon to help with the investigative work.
Quickly setting up a command center at the largest inn, The Trident, Tathanain
began questioning the townsfolk for any hint or clue that might lead them in the right
direction. Not surprisingly, very little is actually known about the disappearances and most
everything at this point is conjecture. After a few hours of interviews with the most
knowledgeable of the towns citizens, the Royal Investigators still had nothing solid to follow.
They made the decision to enter the marsh at night with some volunteers and to explore the
area by moonlight. Perhaps they would meet up with this mysterious figure.
When the call for volunteers went out, very few heeded the summons. The fact that
the group would be traveling into the marsh at night made all but the stoutest of men blanch.
Naturally, the boys fathers are the first to volunteer. Also joining the search is Indail, a local
fur trapper and all-around outdoorsman. His knowledge of the area will be invaluable. Londils
father, Ailorin, is one of the strongest men in the entire village and is accounted the best
swordsman by all. His days in the Royal Army had hardened him and taught him a good bit
about fighting hand-to-hand. Nathyrs father is named Gaelindor. He is an experienced
seaman who makes his living as an ocean fisherman. Years of hard work in the blazing sun
have trimmed him and made his skin like leather. His knowledge of seacraft is vast and his
anger over his sons disappearance even greater.
The next day the group assembles and prepares for the journey. Not knowing how
long this will take, the new adventurers stock up at the local supply store with food, tools,
extra weapons and various sundries. They then trek to the border of the marsh and begin the
investigation.
There are two enemies for the investigators on this trip. First are the true culprits
behind the disappearances. A small group of Corsairs have recently set up a spy base so that
they can monitor the military traffic between Dol Amroth and Pelargir. Their orders are to
count the numbers and note the units and types of any military detachments that cross
through this area. To this end they have set up a watch post near the Marenth Bridge, the only
way of crossing the wide and deep Marenth Stream anywhere near the coast. This is where the
boys mistakenly came across two of the Umbareans as they were spying on the road. Not
knowing what to do with the boys, but understanding the value of two young, healthy males in
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the slave markets of Umbar, the men bound the boys and took them back to their camp as
captives.
This camp is a motley collection of mud and thatch huts located in a bend in the
Marenth stream close to the Mouths of Anduin. Their skiff, The Windrunner, lies moored
close to shore where they can launch it with speed should they be discovered. Currently, there
are 9 Corsairs operating out of the base. They are led by an experienced sea captain named
Feyrun the Forlorn. He rules with an iron hand and is quick with his whip when one of his
sailors steps out of line. He obtained his nickname by being the only survivor from one of
Umbar's greatest galleys, which was lost in a storm off the coast of Harondor. He spent
months alone on a small island eking out an existence off of birds eggs and rainwater.
Eventually he was rescued, but his many months alone had broken his spirit and he never was
the same.
The Corsairs normally send around 4 of their members, frequently captained by
Feyrun himself, out in the Windrunner every night to monitor the sea traffic and update maps
provided to them in Umbar. Another 2 Corsairs are stationed at the watch post close to the
Marenth Bridge. This leaves approximately 3 members of the group at the base during each
and every night. During the day the sailors manning the Windrunner sleep and catch up on
any upkeep the skiff requires while the remainder stands guard. The guards are usually
inattentive as they believe that no one will find them at such a remote location.
Another and more dangerous problem is Ungar-itan, the undead shaman. This is the
figure Yolirian saw that day in the swamp as she was hunting herbs. Ungar-itan is the remnant
of a powerful sorcerer once living in these parts before the days of the coming of the Faithful.
Being a servant of Sauron during the War between the Elves and Sauron in the Second Age,
Ungar-itan was capable of performing the necessary rituals that would preserve his spirit
within his human form for all time.
However, being tied to Sauron through mystical means, Ungar-itan was rendered
impotent when Sauron lost the Ruling Ring and his spirit wandered the twilight realm. Now,
Saurons growing power in Mordor has awakened Ungar-itans spirit once more.
Roaming the marsh at night, Ungar-itan searches for prey to sate his immense hunger.
He has found nothing so far that could satisfy his needs (though he will eventually find the
Corsairs) and his desire to devour a living being is driving him closer and closer to the edge of
the marsh. It will only be a matter of time before he ensnares some poor creature and takes
them back to his lair to feed. The only way to stop this abomination from succeeding in his
perverse craving is to destroy him and send his spirit into the Void. Burning his remains and
destroying his tomb are the surest ways to do this.
ACT I: FISH TALES

As the group prepares to leave town in the early morning hours, the weather is clear
and a little chilly. They must travel some 2-3 miles on the road to reach the fishing stream.
Yolirians evergreen sprig has little effect except to freshen the air up a bit. It certainly wont
hurt in the close, stale air of the marsh.
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As you leave town, the villagers wish you luck. Ailorins wife Iathora
comes running up to give her husband a kiss. Yolirian appears just as
youre passing through the gate, and gives you each a sprig of
evergreen. Its a charm agin thevil thing thats there, she says, so
don lose it or ye wont be safe.
Once the group reaches the fishing stream, they will notice what are normal signs
many footprints by stream along the popular watering hole. An extremely difficult (TN 15)
tracking roll will reveal two sets of tracks going downstream (presumably the boys). When the
tracks reach a rocky and difficult area, they abruptly plunge into the stream, and can be picked
up on the other side with a tracking roll with a TN of 10.
If the characters do not make these rolls, then they will have to make a judgment call
on which way to search. Eventually, though, they should find the spot at which the boys were
abducted. Just inside the swamp is a small area that shows some sign of a struggle. A tracking
roll with a TN of 10 should be made. A success of up to TN+5 will reveal simply that there
was a struggle. A success of up to TN+10 will reveal that there were two assailants, and that
all four figures left to the southwest (toward a boat hidden on the Marenth stream). A success
of over TN+10 will reveal the entire story one man approached from the northwest, and
there was a struggle. Very soon after another man approached from the northwest and the
struggle ended. The tracks leaving to the southwest indicate that the victims were bound and
half-carried. A success of TN+15 will also reveal that there is fairly regular traffic to this spot
from the northwest by some few individuals (this is the lookouts privy).
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There are signs of a struggle here. There are many tracks and some of
them are of men and obviously not the boys. The fishing gear is lying
under a bush near the fishing stream. The stream gurgles merrily, but
there is otherwise a hush over the swamp. The low trees sigh quietly.
If the group follows the tracks to the southwest, they will eventually come across the
boat used by the sentries. It is hidden under an embankment, and will take an Observe roll of
TN 15 to spot it. If it is late in the day when they find the boat, they will encounter the
sentries returning from post getting ready to embark back to their camp. If, however, the
group follows the northwest tracks they will come upon the sentries (unless it is late in the
day, in which case theyll have to track them back to the boat from here). There is no
mistaking that this spot is commonly occupied, and that it commands an excellent view of the
bridge and the road back toward Berthand (and Pelargir). On a Search roll TN 15, they will
notice a broken belt buckle on the ground near the spies perch. It is obviously of Southron
make, and Ailorin will recognize the style from his days campaigning down south. It is from
Umbar.
From this perch you can clearly see the Marenth Bridge, and the Anduin
Road can be viewed nearly back to Berthand with no obstructions. It is
obvious that this post has been occupied over a fairly long period of
time. As you gaze down toward the bridge, you see a lone rider riding
hard to the west a Royal Messenger passing through.
CORSAIR SENTRIES (2)

ATTRIBUTES: Bearing 6 (+0), Nimbleness 8 (+1), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 10 (+2), Vitality
10 (+2), Wits 7 (+0)
REACTIONS: Stamina +2, Swiftness +1, Willpower +0, Wisdom +1
SKILLS: Armed Combat: shortsword +8, Ranged Combat: shortbow +5, Observe:spot +5,
Stealth: hide +4, Run +3
SPECIAL ABILITIES: None
HEALTH: 13
After defeating the sentries (or following them), the group will have to figure out that
there must be a base camp nearby, since the boat they found is small and not seaworthy. They
will not all fit in the boat, so they must travel downstream on foot. They must also decide
which side to travel down.
If Oranen sends his falcon Jess up to have a look (before it gets dark), and he makes a
Craft: hunting roll TN 15, he will be able to tell the group that there is something on the other
side of the stream near its mouth.
ACT II: CAMPFIRE SONGS

If the group approaches the camp at night, there will only be three of the Corsairs
present (the others are out on the Windrunner), or 5 if the sentries escaped. If the sentries
have alerted the camp that someone is coming, they will be ready with bows. Remember that
in the dark it is very unlikely that anyone will spot (Observe TN 25) the pit traps around the
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camp. On a direct approach, roll 2d6 for each character if you roll a 4, then that character
falls into a pit and takes 1d6 attacks of 1d6+2 damage. If any of the attacks do more than 6
points of damage, the characters wound will fester (Yolirian can heal this) within 1 day.
If the group approaches the camp during the day, they will see the ship, and there will
be 6 Corsairs along with Captain Feyrun the Forlorn at the camp. Again, if the Corsairs are
warned by fleeing sentries of the approach of the characters, they will be ready with bows.
Feyrun will also make sure that the Windrunner is made ready to sail (taking two Corsairs
away from the fight unless it gets desperate). In order to determine if any of the characters fall
into the shallow pit traps, again roll 2d6 for each character as above. They are, however, easier
to spot in daylight, and the TN for the Observe roll is reduced to a 15.
1. Huts - these mud and thatch huts barely keep out the rain. They are used by the various
Corsairs and hold little of value as most is kept on the person of each Corsair (1d6 silver
pennies each, and appropriate gear). A campfire sits in the middle of the camp so the sailors
can cook their fish and other animals caught in the vicinity.
2. Big Hut - this was originally designed as a repository for stores the group would acquire.
While still serving this purpose, the abduction of the two Berthand boys has resulted in the
need for a relatively secure place to hold them. The two boys are bound and gagged and lying
on the floor of this hut.
3. Windrunner - the skiff used by the Corsairs to spy on the coast lies here during the day.
There are usually one or two sailors working on it to keep it in tip-top shape. The ship is the
most valuable thing in camp.
4. Scrub - the Corsairs have generously planted stake pits in the area around their camp. They
are covered with dung to cause serious infection.
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CORSAIR CAMPERS (3-6)

ATTRIBUTES: Bearing 6 (+0), Nimbleness 8 (+1), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 10 (+2), Vitality
10 (+2), Wits 7 (+0)
Stealth: hide +4, Run +3
SPECIAL ABILITIES: Leather armor (2pts damage), small shield
HEALTH: 12
FEYRUN THE FORLORN

ATTRIBUTES: Bearing 10 (+2), Nimbleness 10 (+2), Perception 9 (+1), Strength 12 (+3),
Vitality 11 (+2), Wits 10 (+2)
Inspire +5
SPECIAL ABILITIES: Leather armor (3pts damage), small shield
HEALTH: 14
After the fight, presuming that the characters win, they can find the boys in the large
hut, bound but not gagged. They will be ecstatic to see their fathers, and will expect (rightly)
some serious punishment.
There is no real treasure in the Corsair camp, though the short sword of Feyrun the
Forlorn is of good quality (+1 damage), as is his leather armor (it will absorb 3pts of damage).
There is some money on the ship in the captains strongbox as well the equivalent of 50
silver pennies in plain unminted silver coins. Tathanain will be very interested to find written
orders in the strongbox, detailing Feyruns instructions to spy on the Anduin road and up and
down the Ethir Anduin. There are also falsified papers identifying the Windrunner as a small
merchant skiff. Testifying to this cover story is a small hold filled with low-quality bolts of
cloth. There is, though, the ship itself. It is a fast and wellmade boat. Gael will certainly be
interested in it, but Tathanain will claim it for the Steward, and will want to take it back to
Pelargir (hell first have to summon a crew that can sail her).
As the cries of battle die down, you can hear yelling coming from inside
the large hut in the Corsair camp. Ailorin and Gael immediately
recognize their sons voices, and rush to the make-shift building. The
boys are inside, tied to the central support pole. As they are untied, they
grip their fathers in tight embraces, and their fathers weep with joy.
ACT III: GHOST STORIES

If the group decides to travel through the swamp at night, they should be discouraged.
Encountering Ungar-itan will be difficult enough without the added problems of nighttime
fighting. The travel back to Berthand will be overcast and rainy.
As the group travels north along the west side of the Marenth stream, they should
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notice that the wildlife has become very quiet. Oranens falcon, Jess, will become extremely
agitated, and will eventually fly off no matter how hard Oranen tries to keep her with him. As
they come into a small marshy clearing, they will see Ungar-itan standing seemingly in the
center of a shallow pool of brackish water.
As you begin the trek back to town, the now-overcast sky begins
to rain a misty rain. The sounds of the swamp are muted, and it
almost seems as if your voices echo back at you from the dreary
surroundings. Soon, even the sounds of the swamp animals
cannot be heard. All is quiet. As you trudge on, you come to a
clearing in the marsh, at the center of which is a black, brackish
pool.
Standing on the pool is a figure cloaked in black, whose
face you cannot see. It slowly begins moving toward you, and
utters a guttural wail. It lifts its arms out, grasping toward you.
Its hands are clawing bones, with long curved nails. As it lifts its
head, you see a dripping, fleshy skull beneath the hood. There
are small glowing spots where eyes should be. The specter
approaches, and wails.
UNGAR-ITAN
SKILLS: Unarmed Combat: claws +10 (1d6+4 dmg), Indimidate: Fear (wail/visage) +5,
Observe:spot +3
SPECIAL ABILITIES: ICY CLAWS: for every wound inflicted with the claws, victim loses 2 points
of STR and VIT (temporarily); when either reaches zero, victim is unconscious for 2d6x10
minutes recover 1 in each attribute every 10 minutes
SPELLS: Evoke Fear (p.178), Bladeshattering (p.175)
HEALTH: 15
Ungar-itan will attack the person nearest him. He is unconcerned with anything but
feeding on sentient beings. He requires this kind of feeding to rebuild his body so that he may
be truly reborn. If Ungar-itan is wounded badly, though (e.g., if he becomes wounded), he
will attempt to escape back to his cairn. The PCs should be able to follow him, as he is not
very fast. If he does not make it, and is incapacitated before then, the PCs must burn the
corpse or he will return the next night (by which time they should be back in Berthand), and
will continue his hunt for flesh. If he does make it, he will heal at the rate of one wound level
per hour, and will be back after the group as soon as he can be (this will be well before they
make it out of the swamp).
If they follow him back to the cairn, they may defeat him there. They should then
destroy the tomb, at least as much as they can, after burning his remains. Of course, if they do
not follow Ungar-itan there, or do not for some reason find it, they will not find the
considerable treasure there.
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1. Main chamber - this chamber houses an ancient altar in the middle of the room. It is
covered in lichen and the floor is under 6 inches of swamp water. The walls are made of
stones pieced together. There are two doors of rusted iron to either side. Both are slightly
open, and will completely fall apart if disturbed. The age of this crypt has proven to be too
much for the old decorations on the altar and wall and they can barely be seen at all behind
large patches of slimy growth.
2. Ungar-itans Burial chamber - a large sarcophagus of cut stone is the centerpiece of this
room. It lies open and the stone lid is leaning against the sarcophagus. Ungar-itans mortal
body remained here for thousands of years in a magically preserved state, awaiting the call to
serve his Dark Lord once again. Now the call has been answered.
3. Treasure Room - this room once housed elaborate wooden chests, but these have decayed
into rubbish long ago. Three small piles of gold lie on the floor beneath the water. There are
also some magical items that Ungar-itan thought he could use in his undead existence. The
coins are an ancient mint, and might return more than their face value (80 gold pieces) if
sold to the proper collector (perhaps 150 gold pieces in Pelargir or Minas Tirith). The magic
items are:
a. A small ceremonial copper dagger (1d6+2) carved with demonic faces which causes
each wound given by it to bleed for d10 rounds (delivering 1 point of damage per
round). The dagger is ensorcelled, and will give the bearer one corruption point once
it is used.
b. A stone, engraved with runes, which allows the bearer to re-roll (once) any failed
Stamina test caused by spell casting. The runes are of an unknown language. The
stone will give the bearer two corruption points once it is used (give the bearer the
choice, saying something to the effect of, as you feel yourself tiring from the casting of
your spell, a strange dark strength seems to be emanating from the runic stone do you
wish to tap this strength?)
c. The Eye of Naggoth, a crystal marble with a strange red spot. This crystal will allow
the user to discern the single greatest fear of a person. It is as Reading the Heart,
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except that it only reveals the fear, has no requisites to cast, and has a Weariness TN
of 7. Each use of the Eye will give the user one corruption point.
4. Stairs to Entrance - these primitive stone stairs lead up to the entrance to the crypt. Unlike
many crypts, this one is entered from above as opposed to walking in at ground level. The
remnants of a corroded and broken metal door lie scattered at the top of a large stack of
stones. These stones provide the necessary foundation for the crypt to survive the marshy
environment. The height of the stones was once very great, but it is slowly sinking into the
swamp and is now less than 10 feet. Climbing up the cairn to the roof will reveal the
opening. Ungar-itan opened it himself the day of his re-awakening as he left his home of the
past 3,000 years.
CONCLUSION
If the group has defeated Ungar-Itan and the Corsairs, the rest of the trip home will be
uneventful. Jess will be waiting for Oranen outside of the swamp, and will immediately fly to
his arm once he exits the trees (this may cause some temporary consternation among the
members of the group it will be startling). If Ungar-Itan was not ultimately defeated, and his
body was not burned, then he will be back to haunt the swamp within a few weeks. He will
eventually find his way to Berthand, and will have plenty of victims to rebuild himself with. If
Feyrun escaped, then Tathanain will obviously not have the passel of information that he
needs to vault him immediately into the important cases of the Royal Investigators. It is also
possible, though unlikely, that the boys will either not have survived, or will have been taken
away with Feyrun when the Corsairs were attacked. This is the worst possible scenario, and
should be avoided if at all possible.
As you ride back into Berthand with the missing boys in tow,
there is an immediate gathering of folks, all wanting to
celebrate and to hear the entire story from beginning to end.
Old ones will nod sagely, young ones will be insistent on detail,
and mothers and fathers will attempt to keep their children at
hand. Yolirian begins preparing to heal those who need it, all
the while cackling happily because people will believe her story
now. There will be a celebration this night at The Trident!
Tathanain, Oranen, and Eyandor will stay for a day or two, and then return to
Pelargir. Tathanain is very pleased with the outcome, and will want to get back to Pelargir to
tell the story. In a rare show of socialization, Indail will join the celebration that night at The
Trident, though he wont be telling stories. Gaelindors wife will come out of the house, and
will nearly incessantly hug her boy Nathyr (who will soon be groaning about it). Gaelindor
himself is nothing but happy. Despite black glances from the guard captain Mabenir, Ailorin
will several times be nominated to take his post that night. Ailorin is just happy to have his
family back together, and will be one of the last to leave the celebration, having told his version
of the story several times to the same people.
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PLAYER CHARACTERS
AILORIN
RACE: Man of Gondor
RACIAL ABILITIES: Adaptable: +2 Swiftness, The Dominion of Man: extra point of Courage,
Skilled: +1 Craft: Leatherworking, +1, Armed Combat: Blade (longsword)
ORDER: Warrior/Craftsman (leatherworker)
ORDER ABILITIES: Favoured Weapon: gain 2 ranks for each invested in Armed Combat: Blade
(longsword), -4 all other
ADVANCEMENTS: 6
SKILLS: Armed Combat: Blade (longsword), Craft: Leatherworking, Lore: Military Org.,
Observe (spot), Ranged Combat Bow (longbow), Run, Language: Westron, Lore: Realm
(Lebennin), Lore: Realm (Gondor), Lore: History (Gondor), Healing (treat wounds),
Inspire, Intimidate: Fear, Ride (horses), Siegecraft (unit leader), Survival (desert), Unarmed
Combat: Wrestling, Debate (bargain) , Appraise (leather goods)
EDGES: War-wise: +1 to all combat skills, Quickdraw: drawing weapon is a free action
FLAWS: Dull-eared: -2 to all Observe: hear tests, Rival: captain of town guard of Berthand
DEFENCE: 11
HEALTH: 16
COURAGE: 5
GEAR: chainmail armor (5 damage), longsword, small shield, longbow, camping gear,
battlehorn
BACKSTORY: Ailorin is one of few traveled men who live in Berthand. As a younger man (he is
34 now), he served in the Gondorian military during a campaign in the Haradwaith against
the Corsairs of Umbar. After a seven year enlistment, he returned home to find his father
dead and his mother living with his uncle. He married the love of his youth, a woman named
Iathora who is the daughter of the towns most prominent merchant, Celgor (who has also
been the towns mayor for years). The couple have had three children, and Londil is the
eldest. Ailorin also went into his fathers business, which was leatherworking. He buys pelts
from the local trappers and makes specialty items including hats, fasteners, decorative
harness, etc. The captain of Berthands town guard, Mabenir, is quite jealous of Ailorins
deserved reputation as the greatest swordsman of the area, and also of his marriage to
Iathora. Mabenir will sometimes harass Ailorin, and opposes him nearly without fail in all
public matters. The current situation, though, has the long-running rivalry on hold.
DESCRIPTION: Ailorin is a large man (64, 285 lbs.), with an imposing voice and a commanding
gaze. While he is not the wisest of the town worthies by far, his nononsense solutions to
common problems are well respected. His great strength and skill with his sword are always
available for the defence and succor of Berthand.
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EYANDOR
RACE: Man of Gondor
Skilled: +2 Observe (spot)
ORDER: Warrior
ORDER ABILITIES: Swift Strike: gain one extra action per round that must be used for combat,
Evasion: 3d6 instead of 2 for swiftness tests on dodge actions
ADVANCEMENTS: 7
SKILLS: Armed Combat: Blade (longsword), Craft: cooking, Lore: Group (army), Observe
(spot), Ranged Combat: Bow (shortbow), Run, Healing (treat wounds), Inspire, Intimidate
(fear), Ride (horse), Siegecraft (unit leader), Climb, Language: Westron, Lore: Realm
(Morthond), Lore: History (Morthnd), Unarmed Combat: Brawling
EDGES: Warwise: +1 siegecraft, armed combat, ranged combat, and unarmed combat,
Indomitable: +4 to willpower tests to resist torture, interrogation, domination, etc, Quick-
draw: free action to ready any personal weapon, Faithful: to family of the Lord of Morthond
- +1 bonus defending against or attacking their foes
FLAWS: Fealty: to the Lord of Morthond
DEFENCE: 12
HEALTH: 15
COURAGE: 5
GEAR: horse, longsword, shortbow, sm. shield, chain corslet (5 dmg), lantern, 50 rope,
camping gear
BACKSTORY: Eyandor is an old campaigner, at 37 years of age. He has no family, but has
dedicated himself to the family of Duinhir, the Lord of Morthond. He has taught all three of
the Lords sons in martial combat, and is beloved by them. He would die for this family. As a
young man, Eyandor was a member of Morthonds levy fighting on the eastern borders of
Gondor under Duinhir (when the Lord was himself a younger man). His life was saved by
his Lord during a particularly nasty fight with some Easterlings, and he has never forgotten
his debt. Eyandor is an accomplished warrior, but began serving in the household of Duinhir
after the campaign in the east. He was soon appointed as a trainer, and when Duinhir had
sons Eyandor was chosen as their instructor because of his skill and dedication to the family.
He has been charged on this trip with protecting Tathanain, and will do so with his life if
necessary.
DESCRIPTION: Eyandor is a large man, though not extremely tall (510). His stocky build belies
his quickness. His hair and eyes are an unremarkable brown, and his skin is deeply tanned.
He has many scars which would be remarkable on most men, but on Eyandor the sheer
number of them makes them nearly indistinguishable. He wears his armor lightly, and has a
quick and skilled glance.
13
GAELINDOR
RACE: Man of Gondor
RACIAL ABILITIES: Adaptable: +2 Stamina, The Dominion of Man: extra point of Courage,
Skilled: +1 Craft: netmaking; +1 sea-craft
ORDER: Mariner (fisherman)
ORDER ABILITIES: Sea legs: Does not suffer -2 penalty when on sea-going vessels, Sailors Eye:
+4 to weathersense when on or near the sea, Ship: small fishing trawler with two crewmen
ADVANCEMENTS: 4
SKILLS: Armed Combat: Clubs (staff), Craft: Netmaking, Lore: sealore, Observe (spot),
Ranged Combat Bow (shortbow), Run, Language: Westron, Lore: Realm (Lebennin), Lore:
History (Lebennin), Lore: devices (ships), Lore: fauna (sea), Climb, Games (wrestling),
Jump, Seacraft (sailing), Weather sense, Swim
EDGES: Travel sense: never loses sense of compass direction, Resolute: +1 to stamina and
willpower tests
FLAWS: Stiff-necked: must spend a courage point to change mind once its made up
DEFENCE: 12
HEALTH: 13
COURAGE: 4
GEAR: leather armor (2pt damage), staff, short bow, camping gear, 100 heavy rope
BACKSTORY: Known by his friends as Gael, Gaelindor is a gruff, stubborn, suspicious, and
outspoken man. He owns one of the most successful fishing boats (the Niemas Pride) in
Berthand, and employs two crewmen (Tero and Cidur). He is fairly well-off and works hard
for his position. He is a member of the town council (representing the fishermen), and many
of the other council members dread when Gael has made up his mind about something. His
wife, Niema, is distraught over their missing son Nathyr, and Gael will do just about
anything to placate her. They have no other children. Niema has locked herself in their
house and refuses to come out until Gael brings her baby home. While stubborn, Gael is
not necessarily garrulous. He doesnt like most townsfolk, but doesnt go looking for trouble,
either. He is distrustful of anyone from outside of Berthand or those who have traveled far
from the town. He will listen to Ailorin and the strangers from Pelargir, but will question
nearly every decision they make. If confronted with an obstacle keeping him from rescuing
his son, he will do anything in his power to overcome it. His anger is deep, and can turn to
rage at any time which can make him unpredictable and perhaps dangerous.
DESCRIPTION: Gaelindor is not a terribly large man (510, 190 lbs), but is stocky, tough, and
strong. His appearance is somewhat unremarkable - his brown eyes and hair do little to set
him apart from his fellow villagers. His skin is dark and wrinkled from his time on the sea,
and he wears his hair in a long ponytail (which is tied at the end with a leather thong holding
a silver locket). He is very touchy about the locket.
14
INDAIL
RACE: Man of Gondor
RACIAL ABILITIES: Adaptable: +2 Stamina, The Dominion of Man: extra point of Courage,
Skilled: +2 Craft: Trapping
ORDER: Craftsman (Hunter)
ORDER ABILITIES: Refuge: cabin north of Berthand
ADVANCEMENTS: 4
SKILLS: Armed Combat: Blade (hunting knife), Craft: Leatherworking, Lore: Fauna
(Lebennin), Observe (smell), Ranged Combat Thrown (knife), Run, Craft: Trapping,
Appraise (hides), Language: Westron, Lore: Realm (Lebennin), Lore: Flora (Lebennin),
Lore: Devices (traps), Lore: History (Lebennin), Debate (bargain), Track (scent), Weather-
sense, Observe (spot), Climb, Swim, Survival (swamp)
EDGES: Woodcrafty: +1 wilderness-based skills, and stealth when used in wilderness, Keen-
nosed: +2 Observe (smell), Track (scent)
FLAWS: None
DEFENCE: 12
HEALTH: 10
COURAGE: 4
GEAR: camping gear, snare traps (5), hunting knife, leather armor (2 dmg)
BACKSTORY: Indail is Berthands most accomplished trapper (of few), and is a very quiet man.
His mother died in childbirth, and when he was only 14 years of age his father was killed in
war. He has spent most of his life on the fringes of society in Berthand, seldom coming to
town when not selling his pelts and leather. In this search, though, he has decided to lend a
hand since Ailorin (one of the missing boys fathers) is the closest thing to a friend that he
has. Indail knows the swamp well he has often forayed there for the pelts of the elusive
marsh cats. Though he has told no-one, he has himself thrice seen the shadowy figure that
Yolirian has claimed to have seen. The figure frightened Indail tremendously each time, and
he has noticed the strange foul stench that the unknown swampwalker puts off. Indail keeps
to himself, and most of the townsfolk think that he is a gruff an unapproachable man. Indail
does little to divest them of this preconception. He is extremely intelligent, but does not
often share his insights.
DESCRIPTION: Indail is a small wiry man (52, 125lbs) with coarse black hair and black eyes. He
wears a natural frown, but his eyes are thoughtful and his demeanor not unpleasant. He is
otherwise quite unremarkable and homely.
15
ORANEN
RACE: Man of Gondor
Skilled: +2 Craft: Hunting (Falconry)
ORDER: Craftsman (Hunter)
ORDER ABILITIES: None
ADVANCEMENTS: 1
SKILLS: Armed Combat: Blade (shortsword), Craft: Leatherworking, Lore: Fauna (Birds),
Observe (spot), Ranged Combat: Thrown (sling), Run, Craft: Hunting (falconry),
Language: Westron, Lore: History (Morthnd), Lore: Realm (Morthond), Lore: Fauna
(Morthond), Stealth (hide), Stealth (sneak), Track, Climb, Swim, Weather-sense, Observe
(listen)
EDGES: Woodcrafty: +1 wilderness-based skills, and stealth when used in wilderness, Keen-
eyed: +2 Observe (spot), Keen-eared: +2 Observe (listen)
FLAWS: Fealty: to Tathanain
DEFENCE: 13
HEALTH: 8
COURAGE: 4
GEAR: horse, shortsword, sling, leather corslet (2 dmg), 50 rope, camping gear, hunting knife,
falcon
BACKSTORY: Oranen is a young man (24) who has spent his childhood as a servant in the manor
of the Lord of Morthond (Duinhir). His mother died while young, and he has been raised
by the women of the household at large. His father Bardol is the Lords huntsman. He is a
long-time friend of the Lords third son, Tathanain, and has shown a knack for hunting and
working with the falcons. His bird Jess is a good one, and he has trained her well. Oranen
loves Tathanain, and has accompanied him on the trip to Pelargir as his personal servant,
though more often than not it is difficult to distinguish the difference in rank by their
interaction. Oranen is very friendly, and does not take much seriously. He loves a good
prank, and has often gotten himself (and his companions) in trouble by going a bit too far.
DESCRIPTION: Oranen is short (54) and lithe. He has black hair, blue eyes, and his face is
covered with freckles. His demeanor is friendly, and he often flashes his bright smile. He is
bemused by women, though young ladies are often attracted to him.
16
TATHANAIN
RACE: Dunadan
RACIAL ABILITIES: Adaptable: +2 Willpower, The Dominion of Man: extra point of Courage,
Skilled: +2 Search
ORDER: Noble
ORDER ABILITIES: Deference: +2 all social skills except Inspire and Intimidate with the people of
Morthond, and +1 to the same with all other peoples (not included in skill table)
ADVANCEMENTS: 2
SKILLS: Inquire (Conversation), Insight, Observe (Spot), Search, Armed Combat: Blade
(longsword), Language: Sindarin, Language: Westron, Lore: Realm (Gondor), Lore:
History (Gondor), Lore: Race (Men), Lore: Group (Dunedain), Debate (Negotiate),
Inspire, Intimidate (Majesty), Persuade (Charm), Ride (Horse)
EDGES: Keen-eyed: +2 Observe (Spot) tests, Rank: third son of Duinhir, Lord of Morthond,
Eloquent: +2 Debate and Persuade
FLAWS: Duty: to the Lord and People of Morthond
DEFENCE: 11
HEALTH: 10
COURAGE: 4
GEAR: Warhorse, longsword, chainmail hauberk (absorb 6 damage), small shield, camping
gear, 50sp
BACKSTORY: Tathanain is the third son of Duinhir, the Lord of Morthond (a region in
Southern Gondor), and is a fairly young man at 26 years. Always curious, Tathanain enjoys
solving mysteries and puzzles. As war gathers in the East, the young Noble has discovered
that he has a gift for ferreting out spies and solving difficult crimes. To this end, he has
traveled from the remote region of Morthond (his home) to Pelargir and has joined the
Royal Investigators, a group dedicated to discovering spies and seeking out criminals. He has
brought with him a childhood friend, Oranen, and at his fathers insistence he has also
brought Eyandor, a trusted man-at-arms who also served as Tathanains martial instructor.
Eyandor has been charged with Tathanains safekeeping. Oranen is a commoner, but has
been a great friend of Tathanains since they were very young and were busy making mischief
in the kitchens of Duinhirs manor. Tathanains talents have not gone unnoticed in Pelargir,
and he has been sent to discover the truth about the disappearances in Berthand. He is eager
to prove himself, so that he might move on to more important cases in Pelargir itself.
DESCRIPTION: Tathanain is tall (64), and has a charming demeanor. His hair is black, and he
has grey eyes. Though his people are a mixture of Dunedain and lesser Men, the ruling
family of Morthond is nearly purely Dunedain. Because of this, Tathanain commands
respect from the people of Gondor with his noble bearing. He has a strong and youthful
face, and is not as dour-seeming as his father and brothers. He is not lacking in courage and
strength.
17

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SHROUD

AUTHOR: Joe Mandala

A SHROUD OF MYSTERY IN GONDOR

ACT I: FISH TALES

CORSAIR SENTRIES (2)

ACT II: CAMPFIRE SONGS

CORSAIR CAMPERS (3-6)

FEYRUN THE FORLORN

ACT III: GHOST STORIES

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