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    MERP Campaign and Adventure Guidebook PDF

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    Rafael Praia Fiuza

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    a canspaign and adventure guidebook for Be ITMIOOIe CaRtD factading the aild lands—east, south, & north Contains a FOLL COLOR 24” x 36” poster map z es Raye Or al dp yo, rere Ste BaP ngerprises, Inc c at ee Or en a campaign and adventure guidebook for ifexe)| th inclading the wild lands —east, south & north Based onJ.RR. TOLKIEN'S THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS™ ©1982 Tolkien Enterprises, Berkeley, California. ters and places therein are trademark properties of TOLKIEN The Lord of the Rings" and The Hobbit™ and all cha ENTERPRISES, Berkeley. California. No unauthorized use permitted. Produced and distributed by Iron Crown Enterprises, Inc. Stock #ME 2100 CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 SOURCES 3.0 DEFINITIONS AND TERMS. 4.0 THE WORLD, AN OVERVIEW 4.1 Geography/Topography 411 The Land 412 The Water 5.0 THE INHABITANTS OF MIDDLE EARTH 5.1 General Notes on Inhabitants 6.0 LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IN MIDDLE EARTH 6.1 Language in the West 6.11 Elvh Tomgues 6.12 Northern Mannich Languages 6.13 Southern Manish Languages 6.14 Khuzdal *Dwarv) (6.15 Other Tongues of the West 6.151 Entish 6.152 Black Speech 6.153 Orkish (Orci) 6.154 The Languages of Harad 6.155 The Language ofthe Forodwaith Snowmen”) P.O. Box 1605 Charlottesville, Va. 22902 6.2 Language in the Wild Lands + East, South and North 6.21 Gubdelines for Languages in the Fast and South (22 Gubdelines for Languages inthe North, 7.0 THE USE OF POWER IN MIDDLE EARTH 7.1 Power in the West Versus Power Elsewhere in Middle Earth 7.2 Power and FRP Settings 8.0 INTEGRATING MIDDLE EARTH INTO A. FANTASY ROLE PLAYING CAMPAIGN 8.1 Adaptability and FRP Settings 8.2 A Suggested Approach for Integration 9.0 OF MAPS AND MODULES AND THEIR USE 9.1 Illustrative Maps 9.11 Major Towns a {Some Ruined! 9.12 Major Cliaate Settlements ofthe West the West ‘Some Ruined) Roads 9.2 Notes on Use of Continental Map 10.0 RECOMMENDED READING (1.0) INTRODUCTION This guidebook is intended a an ad for thse wishing to integrate RR, Tolkien's Middle Earth into thei fantasy roleplaying game. Fsteataly itis handy reference unit specifically oriented toward major fantaty role play- ing systems and the forthcoming Midale Earth series from ICE TLR. Tolkien's legacy is truly monumental; bik works of fantany are masterpieces of imagination ~ consistent, thorough, colorful, stirring and most ofall thought provoking. Each of ws who has delved into his world has ‘eveloped his or herown impressonsof the fra, fauna andlandseape, and has built upon these conceptions by wondering about those things that received relatively title, or no, atenton in he lexts end appendices. This syndrome has spawned this work and fantasy roe playing series. It sal in fended to provide a working base fr creative minds who enjoy the work of “Middle Earth and have long wished to venture out into islands, discover new ways, experience favor, and build upon its wondrous stuctaresand settings, The entire tone of ICE's approach ie aimed at thote who want foundation from which to work, not necessarily absolutes. (2.0) THE SOURCES “Tolkien's Middle Earth has been documented by a variety of commen- {ators inching his son Christopher. Certain aspects of the world and its ssociated histories are described in immense detail, while others remain ‘shrouded in varying degrees of uncertainty. Most commentaries ceaer om {he West actualy the Northwest) of Endor, the mide continent of Anda, and give lite or no space to outlying replons, aside from examining incur. sions of invaders or noting the vague activities ofthe Dark Lord. When handling evests and settings inthe East, North, or South, then, one is very ‘much on his own, The only rules of thumb to abide by are: (1) drive an ‘understanding of “western activity” and the overall world setting: and (2) ‘make sure your research shows no conflict with the sparse data found in primary sources, the actual writings of LI.R. Tolkien and those edited by his son Christopher. Adventures set inthe West, homever, are necessarily more restricted 'A complete bibliography is provided in Section 10,0, What follow i a ‘efit of the mort helpful primary and secondary sources which will prove {valuable for any Midale Earth fantasy role playing (FRP) game: Primary Sources: ‘Tolkien, J.R.R. The Fellowship ofthe Ring. Boston: Houghton Min Co. 1965, Copyright© 1965 by .R.R. Tolkien, "The obit. Revised Fation, New York: Bal 1966, Copyright© 1957, 1938, 1966 by LAR, Tolkien - The Return of the King. Boston: Houghton Milli Co, 1965, Copyright© 1965 by LR.R, Tolkien, The Sitmariion. Boston: Houghton Miffin Co., 1977 Copyright© 197 by George Allen & Uni Li. = The Two Towers. Boston: Houghton Milfin Co., 1968. Copyright© 1965 by IRR. Tolkien Unfinished Tales. Boston: Copyright® Houghton Mifflin o., 1980. Copyright© by George Allen & Unwin Lt Secondary Sources: Fonstad, Karen Wyn. The Atlas of Middle Earth. Boston: Houghton Mit ‘in Co. 1981. Copysight® 1981 by Karen Wynn Fonsad Foster, Robert. The Complete Guide to Middle Earth, New York Balan tine Books, 1978. Copyright©) 1971, 1978 by Robert Foster. Tyler, J.E.A. The New Tolkien Companion. New York: Avon Books, 1978, Copyright©) 1976, 1978 by BEA. Tyler. ‘This work is based on The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, paticulasly ‘he appendices rom The Rerum of the King, te third volume of the rig Great pains have been taken to ase o confit with any other primary source material. Since the material in ICE's series is derived from the histories of the Thint Age, The Lond of the Rings stands asthe mos in strumental resource. The Simarition end Unfinished Tales may provide crucial dat for cam paigns set inthe First or Second Ages of Midule Earth. The former i er tainly key to any in-depth cosmological overview. ICE's Middle Eanth ines aimed at stings ofa later period, but wil, nonetheless, prove hell to ‘hore concerned with carir times. (3.0) DEFINITIONS AND TERMS The majority of unigue terms and transatons from The Hobbit nd The Lord of the Ringr are not described below rather, they are 4 be found ‘elsewhere in the text, in the sections concering paces, inhabitants, ete haracter: See "player character.” Fist Age (ILA): The frst recorded Age of Middle Earth, Is beginnings date back toa period relatively soon after the dawn of time as we know it and its ending point was marked by the overthrow of Morgoth (the “Black Enemy"), Saurons overlord and mentor. The tales ofthe First ‘Age are, fr the mest part found in RR. Tolkien's Unfinished Tales and The Simarilon. These works ae not wed or described within this ‘Buidebook, since we are focusing on the Third ane Fourth Ages. CE Uses Ato denote the First Age and F.A. to indicate Fourth Age dates, Fourth Age (P.A.): The fourth recorded age of Middle Earth, the “Age ‘of Men." It began withthe passing ofthe Three Rings over the sea, Dur ingthe Fourth Age most ofthe elves departed Mile Earth forthe Un ying Lands: other non-mannish races sich as dwarves and hobbits ‘began to sek rolitude, for their ways were molonger understood by the overlord of the continent ~men. Gamemaster (CM): Also kaown as DM or dangeonmaster, the referee judge, ete. The ultimate authority ina given fantasy roleplaying game This person is responsible forgiving Ile to the game by monitoring ‘world events and providing the necessary imaginative aks, He/she i {erprets rules, controls creatures and non player characters, nd main tains pay Gord: Not the gamemaster, but Era =u ‘Middle Earth, “Middle Earth: Endore: Endor: the Mile Land: the Middle Continent. ‘One continental amd mass fund in the world It was not sell the en- tirety ofthe world, although the action and events foundin The Hobbit sand The Lord ofthe Rings i focuses om the Third Age of Middle Earth tnd the very beginning ofthe Fourth Age of Middle Earth. reator of the word, inchuding Nomplayer character (NPC): A being oF create interacting in fantasy role playing game controlled ("run") by the gamemaster, player, ot ‘another, not aa character synonymous witha player, but a an entity ho as no identity with a human participant. Since the NPC isnot ‘enified with anyone, its death or departure wil not resin anyone leaving the game or having to generate a new character Player character (PC): A character or being controlled by and iden tied with one ofthe payers In the game context. the player character (PC)1S the player and vce versa, Roll D100}: Normally a percentile dice roll ving random reals rom01 to 100 (0) Second Age (S.A.): The second recorded Age of Middle Fart. t began ‘ster thefallof Margot, with the foundingof the Grey Havens and Lit don. The age ended in S.A. MA, when Elendil and Git-gilad overthrew Sauron, Isldur took the One Ring, and the Dark Lond and Nazgul pasted into the shadows, S.A. i used denoting dats, ‘Third Age(T.A.): The thirecorded Ageof Middle Earth, It begun follow ing the defeat of Sauron asa result ofthe Las Alliance of Men and Elves land ended in T.A. 021, when the Kecpersof the Ring pissed over the Sea trom the Grey Havens) T.A. is the abbreviation Valar: Refers to primary Vali. fiften (including Morgoth), and later, fourieen servants of Er. Lester “gd,” demi-gods, enti of pure spirit but often taking physical shape. Many of ings in Middle Earth worship them or hold them sacred. Guardians of the world, its they who sent the Wizards (star) to Middle Earth, ‘The West: Northwestern Middle Earth, specifically the area within which the events described in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings took place. Loosely, the area from Umbarnorthwardand west the easter shores ofthe Set of Run (4.0) THE WORLD, AN OVERVIEW (4.1) GEOGRAPHY /TOPOGRAPHY COMMENTARY RR. Tolkien's Middle Farth was a largely undefined continent in both ‘geographical and cultural terms, What was thoroughly documented was the scene forthe event that dominated the whole "ie" of the land mass and its Inhabitants the srugale against Darkness contcred inthe Northwest was in that area that those of greatest power came toe “The undefined lands and thei inhabitants are largely unknown. What is ‘mentioned of them consists of bret, seanty references relating to the “vast, East” or creatures and men “from the South,” ete. We do kaow thatthe (elephants) came from the reaches south of the great deser that area of the Haradwaih) and necessarily came from an ‘ecological niche conducive to ther survival. Thus, we can reconsirct the region utilizing geological and. meteorological patterns. There was a ry lush region beyond the desert to the south of "Far Harad” which ‘an be explained due to the weather patterns blocked by an intervening ‘mountain enge, Many of the Dark Lord's men came from the area, and its ‘coast ws explored and/or colonized bythe great captains of Numenor. ‘We know the elves came out ofthe East and that a great aumber oftheir kind pased tothe West during the First Age. Their jourey ed them tothe northwestern area of Middle Earth, Later, mannish groups such as the Balchoth and Wainriders (both abel attached to migrating folk bythe men ‘ofthe West) came outof the East. They were from regions beyond Khun and were probably under pressure from groups farther east. Geographical con erations chaneled them into the territory of Rhovanion and lands i ‘mediately north of Mordor. Thes, we can begin to get a picture of expansive ‘aster teritories beyond Rhun whose geography (1) may have funneled troops through Rhtn and toward Rhovanion; and (2) accounted forthe teat desert of Harad. There were mountains east of the desert and regions beyond them where Sauron’s shadow took bold. They were described as vas,” West of these mountains and southeast of Mordor were the men of hand, These folk had contact with the “eastern,” atleast when the later migrated westward, and were also dominated by the overlord of Mordor ‘Their attention, due to the power of the Shadow and their geographical boundaries, focused on the Dark Land ‘Mordor’ two mountain ranges, the Ephel Duath (Mountains of Shadow") onthe western and southern borders and the Fred Lithui Ash “Mountane”) which formed the northern border, can be explained by volar activity (pentifl ia Mordor), and may have resulted from natal and/or Sauronie sources. Meir connection asfaras continental divide goes, ‘however, was tan eastern mass, forthe Anduin crossed between the White Mountains and Mordor. Mordor’s mountains were connected to eastern highlands and/or plate activity (at lestin part), Leaving substantial gap for the flow of contact between Khand the plains south ofthe Sea of Rhus, we ‘an recreate the lw ofthe mountains forming the eastern edge of the pret ‘deer that which formed the range in terms of geolopical activity is com ‘acted with MordorsEphel Duath in part, and the two mountain chains ap par to bea broken continuum, ‘Other specific standards, sich asthe reference tothe Sea of Rhun being the largest “inland sea” in Middle Earth, enable the interpreting car toprapher to judge the cae of formations inthis ese lakes and freshwater “eat” The Ice Bay of Forachel was one portion ofa "much larger bay." The cold wastesof the north extended artificially southwardin theureaofthelost realms of Armor and Angmar. and one can judge this boundary asthe ‘outermost imi of consistently Frigid weather ‘We can, therefore, derive a viable interpretive view ofthe undefined or ‘ld lands. These areas had limited “eivilizing influences. and were less dominant in eutral/ poitcalmiitary ass, but comprised a significant portion of Middle Earth After al. dhe West is described as being only the ‘northwestern part” ofthe land mass called Endore ‘What follows is «description ofthe map of Midle Barth and thes cant features which may dominate the Now of events. Is by nature inter pretive,and the gamemaster may wish take cautious beri wth certain ‘spect, Keep in mind that Jotkin's fascination with our own word ed him totranlate the Redbook and give ushis great works. Middle Earth sin many says like our beloved Earth, and many questions concering aspects of Tolkien's works are best explained by using answers from his ultimate source. This ie why a cartographer ean use physical principles found in ‘everyday life (a least for the most part). Also note tat this mythos, being ‘ult falar to “normal reality.” becomes all the more plausible ch and believable (4.11) The Land The land shown on map is shaded according to certain eviteia (1) ‘areas shown in deeper green are more rich and temperate than those in lighter shader, since the latter are semiarid, highland, rocky, hot, or cok expanses (relatively speaking) (2) hills and mountains are given relative ‘neigh is terms of symbol sizes 3) the continental shelf sn sea green oF ‘aga (4 the deep ocean the area outside of the shelf andin x pronounced ‘blue: and (5) the mountaia colori ismeant to expres the approximate ap pearance ofthe various ranges “Mountain Ranges: Middle Earths highest mountain range was the Misty ‘Mountains ofthe Northwest. Although thee height was spparently wnexcelld on the coatinent in the Third Age, thei with we chain was not particularly great Inet, certain cenral sections ofthe White Mountains (Ered Nims) were wider ‘Both the Misty Mountains and the White Mountains were relatively all ‘and snow-capped. The mountains of Mordor (the Ered Lithii or “Ash “Mountains” and the Eptel Duath or “Mountains of the Shadow) were ‘without snow on the peaks due tolower height and thei proximity to warmer temperatures. The cooler ranges of the Northwest, the Blue Mountains (Ered Luin and the Grey Mountains (Ered Mithrn) wee also lesser i ver tical ature, but retained snow a least in winter they had tae sow fil “The Mouniains ofthe East were apparently substantial afar as height and hhave been represented accordingly. It was beneath ther shadow that the Great Journey ofthe elves began. They are located in the far East. The more central range bordering the easter edge ofthe great desertisof a stature akia tothe relatively nearby Ephel Duath of Mordor. In ight ofa pronounced lack of moisture on the wetter sde of the range, the eastern Side was quite abit more ish and watered receiving the near-entirety of the fain the epion. They were not snow-capped eter: they were voolow and located in hot lands, "Most mountain ranges have a relatively steep rise on one side with @ eniler decline tothe lowlands onthe otherside (e.g. the Rockiesrise steeply ‘ut of the Colorado plain oa the east and have a less brutal incline om the swestern sie “The more precipitous faces ofthe various ranges are show. onthe fll ing chat which outlines relevant hightand dats Range Approx. Height ‘Ash Mountains (Ered Lith) 5.000 ‘Blue Mountains (Ered Lui) 8,000 Cental Range (Ered Ormal) S000 Grey Mountains (Ered Mithrn)"* 8,000 Misty Mountains (Hithsegi) 13,000 Mountains ofthe East, H,000+ Mountains ofthe Shadow 6,000 (Ephel Duath) Mountain of the South 7,00 White Mountains (Ered Nimrais) 11,0 + Denotes substantial year-round snow feds and glaciers Snow No Yeu No Yeu Ye" Varies East No West and South facing out from Mordor No. North Yes" North ** Note thatthe Grey Mountains may have been apart ofthe ancient Iron Mountains of ol. There ta good case indicating that they were actually southern spr which ineladed the ron Hil ‘The Great Deserts The vast desert region of Harad is an amazingly domi ‘at featre, fori seems tohave contributed heavily to the isolated nature of the welldocumented West. Its characteris akin to those deserts able to support limited, but not nsigficant populations trade and settlemest are evident even in deep areas); nonetheless, it isan kind spanse. Inthe eastern foothill areas alongside the moustains the land can support fair mumbers, and the coastal refuges of Unibar and some of the southern buys frequented by the men of Numenor embrace fine town and or sites, Some of Sauron’ prea mannish servants no dou ailed from the region. On the southside ofthe desert the Mountains ofthe South rise abruptly from the plan, leasing few major river systems fine, moderate Pil sites. ‘The Forests: The primary forest of old, of which Mirkwood and the Old Forest were a part once covered much of Middle Earth. Certainly the whole ofthe Wert wat blanketed bythe trees. I ‘asa dense. mixed forest whose oflsprng seem to lean toward specialization (eg. oak woods in one area, beeches elsewhere), but retain a varied character. Thus, one finds generally mixed forest throughout a baad cover- ing the central two thir ofthe now-arid reaches of Middle Earth, The ex- tensive taiga (coniferous forests) of our wor are absent excep in the northeaster sections. of the continent. This due to the extreme cold thet reaches far southward along most of the northern fromticr, an artificial ‘and/or almost enchanted situation which ea legacy of Morgot’s foul hand ‘Some regions normally covered by areat conifers ia Middle Earth were beset ‘with perpetual cold. This plight was lessened when there was an aence of active malevolence (eg. when Angmar was dormant), but remained Fa ‘Southern Mirkwood was uniformly coniferous and the rest ofthe forest vas dominated by frseven though technically itis mixed, For this reason, it isrepresented by the pine symbol In the far south, Beyond Harad and the mountains, live the mumaki Their homeland, and indeed all the nearby areas, is interspered wit mixed forest and jungle. The jungle tends tobe confined to the humid lowiand river valleys The Pains: Plains predominate in much of the East, Nort, and South. The central continent is relatively unbroken, and adds tothe iso lated character ofthe West. Extremely fertile areas may be present, but the limited technology of Easterings made agriculture a trve adventure. The region called Rhun is obviously well-watered and is an obvious site for at least occasional stdement, bu it i sil relatively insulated by expanses of high coarse grassor (ai the case ofthe area just north of Mordor) semi-arid plain. Grasypansof varying types extend across the East between the cen tral and easter highlands. Northern tundra and ie pains north ofthe ‘broken ranges that mark the polar boundary, a well ts across the so-called “northern wastes" occupied by, and also referred to as, Forotwath). Central Mordor i divided into two plans: Gorgoroth, which s actually a high and broken plateau, and Nom and the reaches surrounding the se3‘of Namen, West and northwest of Mordor there steno great expanses of true plain; rater, the unforested lowlands are generally brokea by rolling hi and oecasional wooded stands. Before the great depopulation ofthese ares, ‘muchof te land wasculivated. Many ofthe hillare rather treacherous and extreme in their features while others, such asthe “downs” found in Eriadoe ‘andthe Wold, are relatively gentle, (4.12) The Water Inland Water: The Sea of Rhun, a last during the Third Age, was the land body of water in Middle Earth, had no viet tothesea. Mostof the other reth water followed some course which accom ‘panied the low ofthe slopes down to the ocean. Continental divides define Which direction the svers traveled, sith highlands channeling the path ‘The major lake regio isfoundin the far East. There anumber of smaller ‘but not necessarily minor lakes are located. Their creation accompanied ‘the uplilt ofthe preat Mountains ofthe East. Another area endowed with ‘numberof lakeslies within the well-watered southern aook,inand about the plentiful jungles and rivers, ‘Of the riversof Middle Earth, the Anduin (reat river" or “great flow”) is the mighlics. All others should be measured by it ‘The Sea: The primary consideration regarding the ocean centers on cur reais. Winds along the western coast of Middle Earth re westerly (come out of the West) and the currents generally counterclockwise ‘throughout the northern hemisphere. Warm water currents prevail inthe ‘West while cool eurents dominate the eastern coast (6.0) THE INHABITANTS OF MIDDLE EARTH COMMENTARY “The following descriptions concern those animals and beings mort adap table ta fantasy roleplaying situation. Certain ereatures are, by the very nature, ideal participants; others e.g. ens) are not oriented toward FR ‘eames "The ercia theme thal underlies al of she writings oa Middle Earth isthe strong connection, “Tolkien's writings, as noted above, described a world very much akia to that which we perceive around ot. Itisimportant to keep this in mind when {interacting with Middle Earth. Many ofthe dominant ures, the lora and ‘the fauna, are already familar tothe average person and FRP encounters shouldbe patterned accordingly. Most ofthe dangers with regard tounimals are with beasts which talk present day Earth: bears, wolves, elephans, ec Men are the most merous of the organized societal groupings. The more fantastic creatures, such as dragons, trolls, orcs, balrogs, wraiths, wight sian spiders, great eagles, dvarves, hobbits, elves. and ents. are presen i Jesser numbers and may be extremely rare or have very low “profiles.” Gandalf once described the terrible depths below Moria and aoted that they are populated by creatures which defied the imagination. These caves extend under a large portion of Middle Earth but are out of the eye ofthe ‘word. The occupants are not spoken of further inthe trilogy. The existence ‘of such creatures shows that there may be beats and beings never belore ‘described (or thought to be extinct living in isolated areas or in regions to hich Professor Tolkien paid litle atteation. Certainly, some survivors of Mongoth’s host ived into the Third Age and actually may huve bred). The balrog and the dragons are classic examples, as are tolls end ores. Te fu and unnatural creations of Darkness come in many forms Since very litle is known of the specific populations ofthe Fas, South oF ‘North one must fil in tremendous gaps. Naturally, certain liberties wil in- variably be taken. Care must be wed however, and both consistency with the known facts and eneral"atmosphere” are vital. A suggested approachis ‘nchided in this section under the heading of “Peculiar Problems Regarding Eastern Socieie, (5.1) GENERAL NOTES ON INHABITANTS, alrogs: These "demons of might” are masters of terror and brute force ‘They should be treated as beings whose power transcends the sually accepted strength of other mythological dentons: they are beyond the pale, the ultimatephysical servants of darkness. “The Balrog found in The Lond ofthe Ringr may well have been the last of his kind, He was referred to simply as "The Balrog” in western lore and was sommesome thatthe presence of any brethren in other lands would hardly go ‘unnotived. is posable, however tha other balrogsmay havebeen trapped beneath the land following the fall of their master, jost asthe balrog of ‘Kharad-dum had; such a circumstance might have prevented their detece tion, There had been, inthe First Age, many alrogs, for they were the ser ‘ants of Morgoth, the Dark Enemy, master ofall darkness and mentor of ‘Sauron, The cataclysm that accompanied Morgoh's departure caveloped almost al ofthe hor ‘Of all the singe dark entities save Sauron and possibly Saruman, if you ‘consider the later 10 tainted) in Middle Earth, none possessed greater physical power than these creatures. Originally, they eame from the Undy- ing Lands, jst asthe Itai and Sauron had, and their relative strength when ‘compared tothe inhabitants ofthe Mile Continent was enormous. Even ‘ragons feared their coming. They were described in many ways by the few ‘who lived totellof thelr passing they were both flame and shadow, huge and ‘changing, winged and img, stronger than the greatest serpent’ grip, bear~ nga red lave a8 a sword and a great whip with many tas. Asa foe, they led by Legolas the greatest bane of the elves, save the Lord ofthe Dark Tower, Gandalf se the star below struggled for some ten days with the balrog of Moria, Ina FRP context balrogs shouldbe considered stronger than any single boing which one might face. Indeed, they overshadow most smal armies, Characters who happen across them should normally make a “morale check” of some kind to determine whether they flee, cower, submit, ot Simply go int intense shock, Should bold or insane adventurer actualy ‘sand to face a balrog (and be able to ght) they wll face a being whose ‘weapons ae many: (1) a great sheath of me about his body which can be {ignited neazly a will unless immersed ia water; (2) a sword of flame in one ‘hand and a huge whip inthe other - both atleast two hand weapons with respect to Humanoid combatants: (3) awesome physical strength; (4) the ability to manipaate hi sie; (5) wings which enable him to ly unless for ‘iby confined or upended: (6) shadowy body of amazing resilience which ‘an withstand falls of literally thousands of feet into water (which would still smart); and (7). presence embodying sheer teror ‘No creature should take more concussion damage Chitset.), withstand greater magic and weaponry, or absorb more temperatureand elemental {remes than a Balrog except Sauron and, possibly, the Wiards (stan) or certain dragons, Player characters, even of the greatest level, hae litle chance of success against such power. Dwarves: Probably the “toughest” physically ofthe races, the dwarves ate short the males 4-5 tall the women slighty les), stocky and ‘addy of complexion, with deepset eyes and dark wiry hai and beards (the latter they are quite proud of, and grow long, braiding them elaborately ‘Dwarves also are very resistant to poisons and disease, and have exceptional iespans (0 C0 years. They have superior darksight, able tosee farineaves, \shich human wold consider pitch black, not as well a elves outdoor, ‘but upto 0 in even the most dimly Ii cavern ‘They are superior eaftsmen and love tomine the earth for precios gems and metals. o forge them into weapons of strength, and artifacts of beauty and power. [Notas fertile as hamans, they have few children; and ess than a thi of their people are women, who are guarded jealously within thelr caverned hal Elvess Though basically similar to mortal men in most ways, Elves have sev cralimportant, i subile, differences, Ass race, they ae alle ham ‘most humans, although slender: the male height averaging between 6 fet ‘and 610, yet weighing bt 150-200 pounds, respectively. The women ofthe Elves range from $16" to 62, and are also sim. Elven men have 20 facial hair, andasa rue, they have less body hair than humans. Apparently highly resistant to extremes of natural heat and cold, their clothing is usally for ecoraton, camouflage, or, perhaps, modesty. Generally, Elves are fairer ‘in appearance thaa ther mortal brothers, having finer features and wamr- red skn. Their senses are extremely keen, especially their hearing, and fight they are abe tosee ona clear, saror-moonlit night si fll daylight ‘Their vision is correspondingly restricted with les light, down to bu a few fectin what aman would call pitch back". Perhaps most importantly elves do not age or grow ol and ther bodies are immune toll bacterial and viral infections. Ths, they are virtually immortal, (excepting violet deat) ‘They heal quickly, and show no scars although they 0 not regenerate limb) ‘About the kindred ofthe Elves: there are the three divisions ofthe Eker snd the Sivan Elves: “The “air Elves" highest and most lordly, migrated soon ate the coming ofthe Valarto Vainor (The Undying ands) and dwell there sil. They have hnirol golden blonde, blue eyes and faiskin; and they project visible aura at all imes, They are, asa rule, musically talented, and wear garments of white, silver and gold ‘The igh Elves, or Nokdor, are more sturdy of build (yet wil more lender than humans). The High Evesare darker: ther complexions are asi tanned, and their air isblack or dark browa, with few exceptions, Tei eyes can be ‘These Flvesare the buildersandcraftamen of the kindreds, mos! skilled in fine metalwork: weapons, armour and beautifal jewelry. Their jeweleratt is also unsurpasted. The High Evesare the mos likely toliveinites, building graceful, marble-walled towns for themselves. They are also the most ‘uriout-postetted witha desire to lear all about ther surroundings at any cost, which has more than once caused members theirrace ofall rom the path of light Sindar =the third and least noble of the Eldar, the Sindarin (or “Grey") ves begun the great migration with their brethren, but, after coming to Beleriand did not go over the see into Valinor and lived in Dorath under King Thingol. At the end ofthe Fist Age, many ofthe Sindarsiled west or dweled in Lindon or Loren, under the rule of Noldor leaders. “The Sindar greatly resemble the Silvan Elves physically, although they tend tobe more muscular, ad pale blue or grey eyes dominated, Thy also prefered clothing of an apparent neutral grey colour which has emazing camouflaging powers. "The Silvan, or Wood: Elves," are more numerous and "rustic" than their brethren. They tend tobe euddy of complexion, with sandy hai and blue or green eyes. Notas tall asthe other groups, they are sill quite light of bail, land very adept at moving silently, especialy in the forest. They ae also ‘musically talented, although not as much so asthe Fas Elves. Thee clothes are usually forest green of brown, and more functional in design than the draped robes and tunics ofthe Fair Elves; and es elaborate than that pre- ferred by the High Elves. Emo Though the oldest of ll the speaking peoples, the ents were dormant ‘uni the coming ofthe elves, who taught them speak, and inspired them to become mobile. They are the shepherds of the forests resembling trees usually one specific species thus their overalsize varies tremendously from individual to individual Though tremendovly wise, they are aot quick thinkers and are slow to take any rash action, They are basically gentle by nature, but when angered can be tremendously fearsome even seth rts of trees can sash rocks over ime, so can ents, bt second, They are uso slmest imposible to Kill, except by intense ire. ‘They are a dwindling race, partly because in later years many have developed the tendency to revert their dormant, "teeike” form: and aso to the disappearance of the ent wives, who, over # span of many yeas, became sundered from their mates and have vanished from the pages of bistors. Hoblits: Smallest ofthe speaking people, hobbitsaverage between Sand fectinhieight and tend tobe fat. They have large fect, very airy tothe pointof being "Fury", which are almost immune cold, andso they ‘roabout slmos always barefoot. They are an innolfensve people. preler- Fing the quiet oftheir own villages. Lover of good food and drink, they spend much oftheirtime at innsand friend's houses, eating. They are ableto move very quietly, and have a high level of manual dexterity. Hobbits also fre posiesied of sn amazing constitution, and can resist even the most powerful magical and physical damage for extended periods, Humans Of mortal men there are basically two kindreds: the “high men” (Edain, Dunedain, and Numenoreans) of the west; and the ‘The high men tend to be even taller than Elves 6 ‘boned and physically stronger although perhaps es nimble than the elven kind. Their air is dark-brown of coa-black, eyes be, grey or back, snd they tend tobe farskinned, from very pale seeming toa ruddy but stil ight ‘complesion. The Lifespan ofthe high mortals i quite long upto 250-300 years in thon of pure descent. They are great warios and builders of em Pires, for thei intative matches their physical stature. “The common men are shorier (S4"- 64” men: § = S10" women) and stockier of build asa rufe, and their hair and eyes run the entire spectrum of ‘normal shades, although the coal black har like that of the high men is rare). They are less lordly i appearance than the high men, and the males ‘olten wear beards of mustaches, a opposed to their brethren ofthe wes, ‘who are moat often clean shave. 7 tall), but heavier 7 (Ores: Bred by Morgoth long ago, orcs are sui 1 be originally made from the tortured, mangled elves he bad eaptured and perverted long ago asthe “Dark Enemy” could not erete fife himsel ‘Whether or nt thisis tue, there is certsniy no resemblance between the elves and the gobli-like slaves of darkness Generally. ores grow to be about 6 tal, with thick hides and grotesque, fanged faces. They are very heavy of builé: bred a8 warriors and laborers. With few exceptions they cannot sand dapigh, and are blinded bythe un shielded sun. Only a night can they sce well (with sight asthe eves). They are without exception cannibalistic, Hoodthrty and ervel, welding curved scimitars and wicked axes. One group of ores is worthy of special mention: the Uruk-Hal. Bred by Sruman for his citadel at Onan, they are mich more human ‘pearance, and can withstand sunlight. necessary, ‘Trl: Bred by Morgoth in mockery ents, even athe orcs were les, twos are as strong 28 the stone of which they are made, They re hhuge and immensely strong. (usualy about 10 tll) but stupid and slow moving, hating all oer living creatures, Troll are divide into several {types (based on theirlocation hil, cave, now, and stone trol, thelas be ng the most common. Trolls camot stand the ight of day infact reverting tothe stone of their substance in sunlight Aspecial breed, developed by Sauron, called the Olog-ha, are able osu vive daylight while the Dark Lord's wil is bent upon them, and in adition are unosually agile and intelligent, and many believed them tobe pant once, (6.0) LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IN MIDDLE EARTH COMMENTARY [As Tolkien himself often noted, both The Hobbit and The Lond of the ‘Rings begun as component pars of arch, necessary background fora much ‘aster history of Elvis tongues. His systematic allempe to portray a society in Middle Earth gave us the favor of languages embraced by the people ‘coupled with rch cultural radition, and gave the reader a vivid picture of the lands and peoples Tofkien was attempting to describe, These lemen are also important tools forthe good GM. A gamemaster should get a ‘understanding of the underying linguistic patterns in Middle Earth (ee EEvih tongues giving birth to certain mannih languages), form consistent roupings of related forms of speech, determine what groups speak what, ‘te. Until framework exists, This will enable the GM to better sketch his ‘societies. The following sa helpful, albe brie, guide to the important pat tems of language im Middle Earth, Note the handy chart below (6.1) LANGUAGE IN THE WEST Inthe late Third Age there are two pritnary language groups upen which the" mann” tongues found west ofthe Redwater(Carnen) and northof the Poros River are based Sindarin and Weston, In ture, these groups are themselves indirectly related (6.11) Elvish Tongues Elvis the mother tongue fr a numberof manish languages and cer tainly influenced many more Inthe West, ix voeabularyandassocated are have constant touched the cultures of mos ofthe inhabitants, particularly men and hobbits Yet, Elva tet split nto atleast three major linguistic subgroups rir tothe Great Journey ofthe eves across Mile Fart there was one ancient Elvish tongue. This situation changed, however, asthe First-born began to go separate ways. The elven group that crossed the sea and reached. the Undying Lands developed a language thal is, perhaps, closest tothe elder speech this is called Quenya. Those that undertook the Great Journey but didnot leave the shores of Mile Earth eventually gave the world Sindarin The "Silvan Flv” non-Eldar who had remained behing at the tine ofthe Great Journey, created a third ingistic branch which may include the {tongues of those elves found in the forests ofthe Bast. ‘Quemyas ("High Elvish”) This is « beauifl language marked by fui joyous tones and patteras. Developed in the Undying Lands, i ‘may have been affected bythe great Valar themselves. Quenya spoken in ‘Middle Earth, but only rarely in everyday speech. The ents and the Noldor ces (elves) ae the only groups who utilize iin normal conversation. Tie ‘onsdered the “fist tongue” inthe coastal areas of Lindon near the Grey Havens and among the Noldor of Lorien. Both groups are small and git ‘elusive. Other elven groups uxe tas language of lor, lending it an almoxt, spiritual quality. Access to Quenya is quite limited ‘Sindarin: "Grey Elvis”) Ths i the language of the Sindar who aso ‘developed the Cith Cranes") Sindarin is probably farther re ‘moved from the original Elvish by virtue ofthe Sinda' long exposure to Middle Earth and men. Sindarin has had a heavy influence on mannish speech, particulary that of northern groups, and their heirs, notably the ‘Dunedain, Ite spoken by most Eldar (non Silvan elves) asa fist or second tongue the Noor of Lindon and Loren silfavor Quenya) andisknown 10 mmc ofthe aristocracy/royalty in Gondor. Westron uses a number of Sin- ‘Garin words directly or via Adunaic influence, and Sindarin ore isprevalent in much of the cultures associated with Weston, Its the most accessible sven language. Sivan Tongues: The extent of Silvan dialects is unclear. They certainly are predominant emong the elves of northern Rhovani (specifically in Mirkwood) and were cartied by Sivan Elves into the forests ‘and mountuins where dey ete. Since the Svan groups outnumber the dar, there are majority Silvan populations in area such as Lorin and the ‘Wooulland Realm where the Eldar rule, and the “Wood El tongue is com- ‘mon even in repos waditionally associated with he Sindar. Silvan Elves are lo calle "Bas-Elves" or "Wood-Elves" and may speak a language that i ‘Similar to (or virtually dhe same) athe speech ofthe eves ofthe East. This may account forthe ambiguous "East Elves" label, although such a name tay simply mean the elves of easter northwest Middle Earth. Of the three branches of Elvsh, thsi the least "noble:” nonetheless, i sa beautiful language, especially when propery spoken. Sivan speech is relatively ac- cessible, lvoh Writing and Notes om Speech: Two writing putters are dominantin areas of the West where Flvsh or Weston based languages hold sway. The older of the two, the TENGWAR (letter, was developed by the Eldar in the Undying Lands and was ‘originally associated with Quenya. It has thirty-six symbol traditionally) fd they have been wed to representa variety of writing constructs depend ing wpon the folk that employed the sytem. It was originally a phonetic structure with symbols corresponding (o consonants. Some elven and man nish groups have injected vowels, while others have sed diacrtc marks to schieve necessary vowel sounds. The TENGWAR are ideal for brushor pen ‘writing, but lack the vantages of the CIRTH when it comes to runes in- seriptions, TENGWAR usage corresponds to the boundaries of Weston, “The CIRTH ("Certar” or "aes") was developed by the Sindar and isa much more angular approach to representation. Its symbols are ideal for Funes. Like the TENGWAR, the CIRTH has spread throughout Middle Earth various forms. One. the Angerthas Moria (“Long Runesof Mors isthe script employed bythe Dwarves for representationsof theirown Khu dul. Mannish groups have their own form or form based on the Sindar's Those acqusinted with a particular form of writing associated with the “TENGWAR or CIRTH will not necessarily understand the nuances of sip employed by other languages using these forms. Both writing forms vary hneaily, for they ae modified according othe tongue they represent. GM. souk! be careful not to allow a character too much freedom reading writings based on either script he/she isatterpting to decipher language that is in whole or part unfamiliar. (6.12) Northern Manish Languages “The language of the men of the West can be dvided into two major categories" () the northem speech which was influenced heavily by elven tongues: and (2) southern linguistic groups of which oa afew seem tohave ‘common rots. A great deal of uncertainty clouds the past ofthe southern branch, and iis quite posible that no common ancestor of all of these languages existed: certainly the connection to the speech of the Haradtim ‘Southrons) i tenuous Westrom: Also called “common speech.” Westron was spoken by every mann group in the West - withthe exception of the Wass, Dynlendings, and Rohirrim (Men of Rohun)-Dwarvesuse Westron while"in public." Where a numberof diferent races meetin counel orto discuss a= fairs Westron is employed asa common ground. Weston i actually amis ture of Adunaic and specific southern languages. but s more propery anor ther dialect because ofthe dominance of Adunaic and strong Elvish in Miuences. Adunaic provides most of the vocabulary: southern coastal ialects werein part incorporated following the arrival ofthe Dunedain from First Elvish Sivan Tongues | Eldarin possible influences/roots 7 indicates influences 7 indicates oltshoots and major linguistic connections — Saal Quenya ighelven Sindarin (Grey-chen) i ee Souther Mannsh (Coastal Tongues) ‘ a Basia t a | ; ~ Rho Te Re : } , grant Tongune chine ‘duns Woes Speech ; Z pee fo 7 | / od Hobbitish (Dead Dialect) - ‘Dunlendings’ Tongue fee i Black Speech Certain Orkish Tongues a . Hovbish ew Dates | ' Certain Orkish Tongues Haradrim Tongues Variag Tongues ‘Adunaic: This was the language ofthe Dunedain of Numenor and is de scended from the Edsin tongue (with intervening Sindarin nf ences), isthe parent language of Westron and ssl spoken among the no be clasesof Gondor-bot only very rarely Tes forallintents and porpores, extremely uncommon andinaccesuble, althoughitisby no means "dead."Tt isrelated to the speech found among men in the Vales of the Anduin Rohit The men of Rohan speak s distinct tongue distantly elated tothe language of the Edan (which spawned Adunaic). Both groupsare erived rom a common source. Asauch, RohirrcisaNorthmen fren that it ‘yaguely akin o olde language found in Rhovanioa. The men of Rhovanion (Mirkwood and te surrounding environs), however, speak Westron forthe ‘mort par any distinct older dialects have been incorporated, abandoned, ot lsplaced in common ase. Rohirrc ia relatively unchanged tongue, for the Rohirrim havea very conservative culture and thers sa language that closely follows the patter of their ancient predecessor Hobbitahs Hobbitish sa peculiar dialect of Westron at eas the Hobbitsh sedi thelate Third Age, There isno record ata distinct hobbit (Kuduk) language. and hobbits have apparently always relied on nearby ‘mannish tongues. The early hobbit speech of thee pre and early Shite years rasactualy a dalet akin to Robie. a branch ofthe Northnen'slanguage “This was abandoned, however, forthe yeasin the Shire saw a gradual adap tion (and modification) of Westron (6.13) Southern Manish Languages ‘The patterns and relationships of sathern tongues are htzy, At lest two related groupings are apparent, bt their connection toother mannish forms Isunknown: they are probably distinc! family called here “southern.” Note ‘tht this grouping does not include the languages ofthe “Southrons,” refer ‘ed tohere by the Elvish “Haradrin”. The latter peoples populated the Great Desert and regions south and immediately eas not including Khand, which isthe land of the Varigs, Southmen Speech: This grouping of tongues inches both the tongues of the Duniendings and the mea of Bree. The speech foundia the values ofthe White Mountains (Ered Nimrais)in elder days was ‘ofthis kind, and isolated pockets of these folk sill ean be found inthe highlands. The language of men of Bree was an early offshoot of the same Southmen line. but has since been superceded by Westron in Bree proper and the nearby iad. they now speak Westronin Bree. The speech of the Dunlendings is found wherever they abound, notably in Dunland. Lesser alecis may be seattered tiroughout the reyion of the southern Misty Mountains and western White Mountains. Like sll southern mannish languages. they bear no resemblance othe speech ofthe Northmen or heirs ‘ofthe Edin (Roirrc oe the Westron speaker) ‘Wild Men's Speech The “Wild Men” of the West are actually known as ‘Wones and difer heavily i build and character from the Dunlendings. The language ofthe Woses also diferent, but seems to have come from a common ancestor (which also spawned related coastal tongues seen in Gondor before the coming ofthe Danes). This tongue found inthe Drusdan Fores whichis along thenorthernedge ofthe White “Mountains west and lightly north of Minis Tir), Related dialects are pre ‘sent in Andeast the peninsula of western Gondor. (6.14) Khuzdal (“Dwarvish") fall he languages of Middle Earth, Khurdul s probably the most inae- ces, Few non-Dwarves ever heardit spoken: fewer sill ever learned it ‘Ammon the Dwarves (Khazad) it was the language of lore and intra dwarven feverylay speech, but chey were careful o use Westron when conversing famong men or elves. The writings in Khuzdul were made wsing a variant of the CIRTH, Angerthas Mona (6.15) Other Tongues of the West Most ofthe other languages found in the West were in some way affected by those above. Nonetheless, these groups are distinct and are not pat of any inguin family 50 far discussed. (6.151) Ens Enshave their own home tongue which was bor in times before history. “This speech is akin to other aspects of ent culture Its spoken extremely lon ands unique toa degree as tobe uniteligible as far as normal men, thes dwarves. ete- are concerned. In rare interracial conversations. of even among themselves, ents most often speak Quenya, a language taught them by the Noldor, They know other tongues but rarely use them. (6.152) Black Speech Sauron of Mordor invented Black Speech in the Second Age, and may have used certain elven consructs when composing its form. His fall atthe tend ofthe age corresponded ta dectne in the usage of his language. It re= ‘rains tongue rarely used in is purer form. Only the higher servants ofthe Dark Lord employ ion an everyday bass. Dialects, however, are rather ‘comuon, although they are fo the most part debased, Certain oe groups ‘speak variations of Black Speech or combinations of Black Speech and Westron. The terrible Olog-hai (Sauron’s elite “toll people) se it in a ively proper manner. (6.153) Orksh (Oresh) Orkish snot one language or evens language family ratheritisa number cof tribal tones whose common toad isthe large shared Woesbulary made wp fot curses. No grammatical structure for Orkish has ever been devised. n- ttead, orcs speak dilects based on either Weston or Black Speech or both ‘Some tribes may use a Southron based form. As ares ofthis divers ‘communication between ore tribes exceedingly difficult, although some Snlightened ores have been known 1o employ an intligible form of (6.184) The Languages of Harad The extent ofthe penetation of Westron ito the region known as Harad isunknown. There i lite dot that itis spoken among men of commerce td politcal persuasion even in the deep desert. This i duc in part tothe treat trade routes. The Haradrim, however, apparently rly on a linguistic Heritage that is separate from their northera brethren. Thus. in isolated oF hnon-cosmopolitan areas and among the unlearned, Westron wil be of le tse. Certain words wil be recognizable, but uaderstanding vil be hard (con: nections in vocabulary are due to Numenorean pesetracions inthe Second tnd Third Ages "The Variags of Khand are a distinct grouping and mainain their own culture and tongue. This s also true of the peoples who occupy regions Tocated actos the mountain ranges that border the desert 10 (6.158) The Language of the Forodwaith ("Snowmen") “The inhabitants of the area known as the "Norther Waste” in the Tid ‘Age are know asthe Lossoth; they are commonly referred to a the Foro ‘wai, Their language has conncctions with 0 other, for they were never ven the gift of language inthe way their neighbors the Edsin and Northen ‘were. Asaresl ther tongue isunique, and reflects the poor, harsh ifestyle {owhich they ascribe. I shouldbe noted tha their location resulsin certain ‘soncepts (such desert" being alien to them, while they may have athow- sand different words for snow and ice (6.2) LANGUAGE IN THE WILD LANDS - EAST, SOUTH, AND NORTH For the areas outside the West we willbe less specific. General guidelines are more appropriate when speaking ofthe Eat, South, or Noth. Afterall, details lacking and creative interpretation sats premium when attempting to discern specific nguisti or cultural patterns. “There are no distinct dividing fines when i comes to language and c ona continentalland mass. Neighboring groups iavarably interact, bortow, tnd integrate 1o some degree. Iti, therefore, important to realize thatthe descriptions of languages found inthe West are applicable in part wherever those groups are found, and ther influence an be felt in border areas. Ar example of this isthe language of Westron, which influences groups, ands spoken by thse leamed, in areas well tothe east ofthe Sea of Rhun or south fof the River Poros. Svan Elists impact i also widespread outside the ‘West; in fact, itis (in some form) spoken on the eastern coast of the The underlying characteristic of ll regions outside the West is diversity, Unlike the northwestern section of Middle arth these areas ae relatively

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