Stee | gat aun r Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's THE LORD OF THE RINGS say EAN ce rs ; CITY SUPPLEMENT xd Eee nicsCITIES Middie? of arth MINAS TIRITH A FANTASY GAME CT BY GRAHAM ST EE Copyright ERPRISE: z M The Hobbit, and The t All Rights Reserved Trish, Cities TERPRISES. acuced and distrPbuted by IRON CROWN ENTERPRISES, Ine. P.O, Box 160: First U.S. Edition, May 1988, Stock 28.901 ISBN 1-$5806-001-4: — cones: Fe REMORg oon aga, a 10 AN INTRODUCTION TO MINAS TIRITH 1023 THE GREAT BAKERY __ vay aot “a ‘SERIES — 10.29 HOUSE HARNASTIN: 7 8 USING MAINES TUTE pr 124 LETSEN'S STUDIO.. CS Preven er amar 20 CITY OF THE SUN 10.46 WOODWRIGHTS” HOUSE ... oT Seen se uca oma eae eer se aewne 1032 HOUSE OF MEMORIALS 3 Sa Te Ce ee 10.33 THE CHIMNEYS .. sone 3S Le pauoaeo 2 ee ere = 21) 8 ORG BOE 135 GREAT HALL OF THE GUARD fr a0 ai coerii —* 136 JERRIAD THE SHARP'S bait a2 a ae ee Nea FOURTH EEE ih Mneaneees a eure ao FLORA AND FAUNA 1043 WATERWRIGHTS’ HALL A ER AREA Se pena ee ee heey 42 FN Sea 431 SOME COMMON HERBS. |32_ RARE AND SPECIAL HERES =. 44 WILD BEASTS AND BIRDS 43 WILDPLANTS.. $0 CULTURE AND LIFESTYLES 3.1 HOME LIFE... 52. CUSTOMS, ETIQUETTE, AND DRE 5.1 FOOD AND DRINK. SA. SPIRITUAL LIFE. 3.3 ART AND ARCHITECTURE. 60 COMMERCE 70 THE INHABITANTS TA THE ROYAL FAMILY 12 THE ANORIANS oe 72) NOBLE HOUSES: 22 GREAT FAMILIES 723. THE FELLOWSHIPS, 734 KING'S GUARD AND Cit 7.3. THE BUREAUCRACY JA. THE ADMINISTRATORS —— JAIME ROYAL OFFICES... : 74 WOODEN-TOWN'S REFUGEES 0. 33 40 POLITICS AND POWER A ROYAL AUTHORITY 82 CONCLAVE... 43 THE PRINCE-PRESIDENCY 4A ORGANIZATION OF THE FELLOWSHIPS... BS. SECRET SOCIETIES 51 THE BLOOD RING. 2 52 THE ORDER OF THE RISING SUN 53 COLLEGE OF THE SPOKEN WORD. S36 THE ROGUES: FELLOWSMIP... 99 CITY OVERVIEW 9.1 THE OUTER WALL... 2 THEGREATGATE 93. THECITY WALLS... 81 THE INNER WALLS 92 THE LESSER GATES 933 THE RAMBERAID 04 STREETS .. ae 95 WATER SUPPL SEWERS 9.6 AKEY TO SOME CITY SITES .. ot SITES DESCRIBED iN DETA a2 OTHER SITES 98) THE MAIN STREETS .., BUILDINGS OF NOTE Te OLD GUESTIOUN ~~ THE ORRERY HOUSE LITTLE LOCK SHOP PALACE OF LIGHT KEYLODGE 108.0 To.t wen io ia ios ios WS FIFTH LEVEL 106 10. rom toa 10.8 ross 10.46 lost ‘EAGOL BOOKBINDER ‘THE. DIE MAKERS" RYND PERMAITH GWAIN KYND PERMAITH LAUR FELLOWSHIPS” HALL. HOUSE OF TAPESTRIES HOUSES OF HEALING TERIMBREL THE RATER, CHAMBER OF CONCLAVE HOUSE. OF RINGING SOUNDS... MERETHROND i FEN HOLLEN, RATH DINEN, THE HALLOWS —_. 118 LOWER BARRAC eaten W.7 SEVENTH LEVEL — CITADEL ROCK ce 117 10.0 1078 rat 1075 1076 ‘THE HIGH COURE Ww ‘THE UPPER BARRACKS —co-—osccrm—e ‘THE HALL OF ISILDUR = ‘THE PLACE OF THE FOUNTAIN ole HALL. ‘THE TOWER OF ANARION 1.0. THE CITY IN OTHER TIMES U1 THE RINSTRIFE po coccpee ant 112 THE WAR OF THE RING 00 a U3 INTHE FOURTH AGE... 9 120 PEOPLE OF NOTE 12.) THE ROYAL FAMILY... 122 THE COURTIERS 3 THE CITy’s NOBILITY 135 124 POWERFUL ANORIANS SO 41 132 RIOT IN WOODENSTOWN 133. THE SECRET OF THE RING... 134 THE HAUNTED HOUSE 15 LIGHTFINGERS AND LOCKPICK. a THE WEALTHY AND I 14.0 ADAPTING THIS MODULE, 14.1 HITS AND BONUSES tag 14.2 CONVERSION CHART. 48 150 TABLES 15.1 LESSER NPC TABI 152 ROYAL NPC TABLE. 153 ADVENTURE NPC TABLE so ISA MASTER MILITARY TABLE... 153 MASTER ENCOUNTER TABLE, 16.0 APPENDIX 16.1. TERMINOLOGY. 162 ABBREVIATIONS, CREDITS & READING ... on BadIniroduction fl, A great black shape against the fires beyond! he toomed vn to avast en despair. In rade the Lord of the Nazgiif, under the archway ‘to enemy ever yet hat passed, and all fled before his Atl save ane, There waiting, silent and still in the sp sat Gandalf upon Shadowfax: Shacowfar te f endured the if, steadfast as a graven image in Rath before the Gare he alone i aire horses of she eart "You cannot enter here.’ said Gandalf, and the huge shadow hated.” (Loti HH, p, 125). Minas Tirith, the Guarded City. ses from the great knee of rock that stands at the have of Mount Mindolluin, the last and exstern- ‘most peak in the White Mountains. Capital of Gondor, it is the pecemintent symbol of the strugele against Sauron of Mordor, No per city in western Midle-carth offers greater hope or a mare dramatic vetting for the defense of the Free Peoples ‘Set above the Anduin, where the Great River sweeps around green fields of Pelennor, Minas Tirith © ws the wide gap between the White Mountains and the Mountains of Shadow that encircle the Dark Lord's homeland. Its seven stone walls seem to >w out af the stone, ws if carved by ancient Giants. Each ck a ng way from a son glimmering white with cach sunrise. High atop the suru ber grey 10 a al, on the seven reachessky ma id uppermeest level, the ‘liken glistening spire of silvery peartand crystal, The Tower's fluitering banners fly above ificent Citadel, which reaches dike nite ship-keel, iis sheer walls casting shadows on the Great C trelow, Amidst the sinrn spawned by the: Lord of Rings, this st hold in Minas Tirith — an unparalleled bas: massive Citadel is the c crown city waits. As the specter of impending war darkens the eastem skies, its streets teen with commesce und over Midle-carth, until the lay that the Evil One sist its beight walls and noble warriors 1.1 THE CITIES SERIES The Cities of Middle-earth series presents Gamemasters (GMs) s in LIRR, Tolkien's world of Endor. Each pack documents the history, design, layout, garrison, and inhabitants-of the eity, Painstakingly elaborate maps, floorplans, and perspec tives highlight each product. Here you will find a vast wealth of tudventures and settings for use withthe Middle-earth Rate Pl (MERP) and Rolemaster (RM) fantasy role playing, (FRP) systems, material which is easily adupable t most other Fi lines. 1.2 USING MINAS TIRITH i. take a Took at the Four-page color imap of the city, Locate in the back of the module, the map is perforated and ean be easily separated from the binding, An arca view coversthe other sidcof this specialcalor section, These maps earer picture of what the text and graphics are all Before reading Minas Fir will give you shout. If youdo not use ICE's Middle-earth Role Playing or Rotemas ter fantasy role playing gamesystems, urn to Section 14,0 before you begin reading Section 2.0, Itpeavides guidelines for adapting the material to most other FRP games, Section 15.0 com all the non-playercharacters (NPCs), military units, beast Wa et Section 16.0) cavers the terminolog to ICE's Middle-earth FRP pame seri 1.3. THE TEMPORAL SETTING This module is erafied to be deliberately vague regarding the temporal setting. We took cure tadelete time-specific statements except Where they are absolutely necessary. Minas Tirith, how: ever, goes through many ehanges during the Third Age, 80 it is impossible to present the city in a truly “timeless” manner, Thus, like most of ICE's other Middle-earth modules, we place the T.A, 1640 whenever a dated passage is required, This approach follows the preceslent set by other modules, which state things in terms of the middle of Endor’s Third Age, In addition, it captures the city at onc af its most important moments, ‘when the Great Plague had just passed and the throne had just been from the old capital of Osgiliath. “Minis Tirith” is actually label which was formaity adopted in TA. 2002, just after the fall af Minas lthil (Minas Tirith's sister city in Ithilien), Prior to that time, the city is called by its given vnumne: “Minas. Anor. es Which surmarize game statistics i outers discussed in the text, and abbreviations specificCity of the Sun 2.0 CITY OF THE SUN Minas Anor is a great city stepped aginst the feet of the Ered Nimrais (S. “White Mountains”). Together with Osgiliath, the Citadel of the Stars, and Minas Ith, he Tower of the Moon. the City of the Sun forms the core af Gandor — the mightiest empire in Middle-earth. This very year it has received an even higher accolade, chasen by King Tarondar to be the capital of his realm: Therefore terithe known tha we. Taronaor som of Minar tan son of Minardi, King ofall Gondor, this day deeree that henceforth our seat and the seal of the household and government of our kingdom shall be made in the city of Minas Amor. And we command that aif our servants and persons of high office and responsibility shall remove them selvenfrom the citadel of Ongiliat upto Anduin and ate upon thir liege lard inthe said city of Minas Anor. And we ‘command that pravision forthe siting of an seat ad al our Servantsandofficials be made by the cityof Minx Anor, his tommand expresily made uno onr dearly beloved cousin Mindacit Prince-President ofthe said city and its province This decree dated the Twelfth day of Nina tn the One Thousand Six Hundred and Farticth year of the Third Axe The King's decision tomove his capita from Osiliath to Minas AAnor his been brough! on by the ropildepencration of conditions inthe orginal royal citadel. Two hundred years agothe Kin-strife took its tol, imeparably damaging many of the beautiful old buildings while Eldacar held out apsinst Castamir's siege. Then. ‘ver the past five years, the low-lying, waterside city has suffered gravely from the scourge of the Great Plague, death sweeping neatly half the citizens away on a tide even the mighty Anduin cauld never match. Tarondor's uncle King Telemmar died wom ‘with his wife Elabriel of Lamedon, their four children, and Telemnar’s sister Cethwen. Il was a tragedy of proportion un known since the civil wa. Anorian Grest-house Stil, the awful Plague indirectly bestowed a gift to Minas Anar, Neighboring Osgiliath suffered even more than the City of the ‘Sun, and the great metropolis that spans the Anduin ties largely in ruins. So after over seventeen centuries of of being known as a royal refu the seven-tiered mountain eity ssuenedd What m ts inhubitants consider to be its true tiny: it has become the new capital of the South Kingdom. Now, the seat of Andrion, an architectural marvel hewn by the first iinedain from Niimenor, has become the brightest jewel in the ‘rown of Gondor, For was it nat writen’, And there were lights burning in the firmamens ‘men came and each plucked « tight One held Mis aloft, the other close to, and sparks fell between them First to fade was the glinering light, for the waters closed And second to fade was the light held close, for the shades did draw near Al the Jast there was the red light held aloft. for all vo see the man placed the fight on his brow and fof asitsdlying she faded. it did blaze forth renewed.” Portion of prose poem, ea. S.A. 3400 Attributed to. Meneltir, Seer to Elendil 2.1 AHISTORY OF MINAS ANOR ‘The history of the eity known first as Minas Amor and later as Minas Tirth is intimately inked withthe story of the Eleni, the Ef-friendsor Faithful. ‘These were the Diinedain of Nmenor who «didnot sail to the Undying Lands against the Ban ofthe Wabar, ut rather ik heed of the warnings sent them and fled Westernexse tothe shores of Middle-cuth (Chief among the Faithful was Elendll the Tall, His sons were Isldur and Anicion, Upon their arival ia Ender, Elendil and his people took command of the vast stretch of the northwestem ‘continent, fem {mbar inthe South to Nenuial (Lake Evendim) in ‘he North, They started building cities and more permanent settlements than those the Nimendreans hau previously estab Vshed in the region, and they ruled many subject peoples, Etendil divided his realm into the North Kingdom, later known as Amor (8. "Royal Land”), and the South Kingdom later called ‘Gondor (S."Stone Land"), Elendil rufed the North Kingdom from Auniminas while his sons were conjoint Kings of Gondor. A though both sons ruled from the twin thrones at the capital of Ongilath(S,*"Foritessof the Stars”}on the Anuuin, they each had a city built. [sildur’s High Seat was Minas Teil, capital of the province of Ithilien on the easter shores of the Great River Anérion founded Minas Aner, capital ofthe province of Ansrien, inthe year 3320 Second Age,City of the Sunidtisiory & The Tate of Years 5 ‘Tragedy and the War ofthe Last Alliance overtgok both brother- kings by the beginning of the Third Age, but Andrion’s line survived to-rule the South Kingdom. is Kings still ruled from Osgitiath which lay between the two cities; a great populous city sprawled out on both sides of the Great River. Minas Anor was erected al the end of the Second Age on a smaller site that was vaguely modeled after Gondolin, the secret city founded by King Turgon in the Elder Days, [trose from a rocky spurat the base of the castern end of the White Mountains (8."Ered Nimrais”), Before his death, Anirion had seen the Outer ‘Wall of Minas Anorrise, built fram massive blocks of granite. The land. was blasted and cut into six tower levels below the towering Citadel Rock. andthe stones were wsedin the coastructionaf sheer, fluted retaining walls. Scatloped and punctuated with tll towers, the upper six walls separated the city's terraced levels, ‘The phenomenal Outer Wall, a marvel of mititary architecture. marked the point where Minas Anor proper met the surrounding district called Pelennor(S."Fenced Land”). Awesomely thickand strong, tunshakeable in its foundations, fixed to solid rock hard cough 10 keep an army of Durarven miners at bay, the Outer Wal endured aan age and more, keeping the citizens of Minas Ancor safe from even their direst enemies. “Third Age 160-1700 | Anibedain, 2 Angmar, 3 No Man's Land (iehadaut),4-Cardolan, $ Gondor, 6 Haroncior, 7 Umbar, Cardolan is me longer a visble ygdom. and Haroedoe is contested by Gondor and the Corsairs of Urn Minas Anor was thus built upon the lowest skirts ofthe granite inassif knowns Mount Mindalluin (8. “Towering Blue-head”). Sheer-cut slabs af its enduring rocky bulk sheathc the Outer Wall, perfectly jointed, then fused to leavea smooth surface —unseale~ uble and impregnable. Behind it, the lower terraces of the city sweepback, planes cut into the hillside, each ending ahuundred feet above the lst. A thoroughfare isthreaded along them, paved with white marble brought from Lossaraach. For miles it weaves back and forth across the eastern side of the eity, passing through the Citadel Rock five times in its ascent to the gates of the Seventh Level. There, the Citadel of Anrion surmounts the Rock and looks down the whale city. The topmost room of the Citade!"s ‘White Tower soars eight hurklred and forty feetabove the fields of the Pelennor. At the tower's foot is the Court of the Fountain, another marvel of this High Seat, Some four hundred -odd years after the death of Andrion, Minas ‘Anor saw renewed royal patronage under Ostoher, the seventh King. The High Hall and Kingshat! were built on the upper levels to accomodate the royal household during summer residence. A tradition was established, followed by subsequent monarchs, of spending atleast four months in Minas Anor. In keeping with its increased importance, Ostoher surveyed the land know as Inlor Duinna or Parth Duinna (S. "Fields by the Loop of the Anduin”, and decided to erect a further defense for the city. This was to be 4 great encircling dyke, called the Noeg Echor, und the land within then hecome known as the Pelennor (8, “Enclosed tands": "Fenced-lands"), The dik not only protected the townlands from attackers, but it guarded apainst the occasional flooding of the Anduin 2075 NEI S777 Since the fifih century, Minas Anor has undergone litle out ‘ward change. There are fewer of the beautiful wooden buildings constructed in Angrion’s time, favor Iying more with sturdier constructions of masonry and mortar. The pallem of streets disintegrated under the building and rebuilding of houses and halls; personalities came and went; fashions left fleeting impres sions; and secretsmultiplied under the weight oftong years. Minas Amor seathered the Plague ell ane ix still bustling with fife an fan optimistic mood. Although the mortality rate was high during the Great Plague of T. A. 1636-37, the good sanitation and advan- ‘tageous prospects of the city meant amuch higher proportionof the population survived. .A clean air blew up from the sea ant along the White Mountains, lifting the spirits of the beleaguered cit sentry, Trades he’ gresieal krypt ow tho city sce hak oan the ‘great influx of refugees, Many people journeyed here from nearby ‘Oselliath, where the Great River stank with decay, and there are few abandoned houses here, There have been so miiny neweomers that the city's authorities have restricted entry (an a permanent basis) to those who-can find three sponsors and a place of work. ‘The delays in processing upplications from would-be residents and the timeneested by many of them to satis the officials of their good intentions have led. to the founding. of Wood Town in Pelennor. Temporary dwellings built outside the wallsof the city have spawned a suburb which has only recently stopped growing. 2.2 THE TALE OF YEARS ‘Sucoxn Ace 2380 Pelargir is built by the Faithful of Niimenor; a fort of white ‘marble with a small garrison is built atop the Citadet Rock as. walch onthe Anduin, named Minden Alata, 2689 fort and ferry-station are built by the Numendreans at COsgiliath (then named Gilathiach). 3178 Civil war in Ntimenor; the forts at Pelargir and Osgiliath are tshundoned and their garrisons are left to fend for themselves, 3261 Ar-Pharazin declares warn Sauron, ‘The “Golden” King fans in Umbar. 3262 Sauron taken as prisoner to: Nimenor- Mindon Alata remanned and a bridge is built at Gilathiaech (“ant Gilisth”) 90 that a safe passage to conquered Mordor is maintained,City of she SuniThe Tale of Years 3319 Downfall of Nmenor; escape of Etendil and his sons to Middle-earth, 3320, Sauron rewurns to Mordor. The Realms in Exile, Amor and ‘Gondor, are founded, Work begins on Minas Anor and Minas Ithil in Gondor, but Osgiliath is mule the capital of the: Seuth ‘Kingdom. Palantiri(S.“Secing-stones”)are installed atall three cities, as well as at Angrenost (Tsengard). They are linked tothe three located in the Narth Kingdom. 3345 The Outer Wall of Minas Anoriscompleted and the six lower levels are laid out. Building continues apace, ‘20 Celebrations mark the Herenyand (S, “Centenary") of Minas ‘Ano and Minas Ithil, The twin cities trade gifts. Minas: Anor is almost fully occupied and the Citadel of Andrion is complet $429 Sauron attacks Gondor, taking Minas Ith and destroying its ‘White Tree. Isildur escapes with a seedling to Armor while ‘Angrion holds Osgiliath and Minax Anor. 3430 The Last Alliance of Men and Elves is formed between lend and Gil-galad of Lindon, The mustering of troops begins ‘M34 The host off the League cross the Misty Mountains and ‘confronts Sauron's forces, Battle of Dagorlad and defeat of Sauron. The host occupies Mordor and besieges Barad-diir M40 Andrion issiain in the valley of Gorgoroth by a rock drown from the Dark Tower, ‘M41 Sauron emerges from Barad-dr and duels with Gil-galad and Elendil, slaying them both, twit is himself thrown down, Isildur cuts the Ring from his hand. Thum Ack 1 Meneldil son of Andrion assumes throne of Gondor. Canstrvc~ tina of Angrenost at Orthanc commenced to defend the Gap of Calenartbon, White Tree planted af Minas Anor in memory of Anérion, 2 Disaster of the Gladken Fields; Isildur stain with his three elder sons and the Ring lost. 158 Cemendur crowned King of Gondor, his brother Dilinaith is ‘made first Prince-President of Minas Aner. 238 Ezrendil assumes throne, 324 Anandil becomes King. 411 Ostober crowned in Oygiliath; sets about « vigorous buil program covering all the fortresses in Gondor. 420. Minas Anor rebuilt by Ostoher ind the Nocg Echor raised. The city becomes the summer residence of the King. 492 Death of Ostoher, greatly mourned in Minas Anor, a statue is raised to honor him, Tarastar ¢“Rémendacil I”) is crowned. 1432. King Valacar of Gondor dies and the Kin-strife is triggered by opposition to his hatf-Northman son Eldacar. The Sea-lords of the southem provinces revott. They are fed by Castamir of Pelargit 1437 Eldacas forced to flee from thesiege of Osgiliath, The capital city is bamed by Castamir and the Tower of the Stone falls into the Anduin. The Master-stone of the Palantiriistostin the waters of the Great River. Prince Omendil, Ekiacar's eldest son, is mur- deted, Coratar, Prince-President of Minas Anor, remains neutral in the affair and allows Conclave to offer support to Caxtamir, including a large tribute 1447 Eldacar returns and defeats Castamnir at the Baitle of the Crossings of Erui. 1448 Eldacar’s rule resumed; Coratar is lauded after it isrevealed that he was master of Eldacar’s intelligence network, ng 1634 Death of King Minardi, slain at Pelargir by Corsaies froin Umber. Telemnar takes the throne. 1635 First stirrings of the Great Plague in. Rhovanion (Dor ‘Rhinen), Princess Cethwen, the first royal vitim, dies 1636 Telermnur, his wife and his four children all perish in the Plague, Telemnar's nephew Turondor becomes King, 1637 The Plague subsides, but Ospiliath is devastated. Many flee to Ithiien, the southern provinces, and to Minas Anor. Less than 4 quarter of Andrians die, more than half in Osgiliath.. 1640 Tarondor moves capital to Minas Anor, and a new Golden ‘Age for the city bexins. 1741 Mindacil, the last Prince-President of Minas. Anor, dies. ‘Turondor does not name & successar. 1798 Turondor dies. A great wibutary work is started upon the cliffface of the Citadel Rock 1900) Calimehntar builds the 304 tall White Tower atop the Cade Rock, aggrandizing the Hal of Isldur, 1945 Pelendur the Steward is given official power aver Minas ‘Anor’s Conclave by Earnit I 2000 ‘The Nazgil issue from Mordor and besiege Minas Ith ‘2002 Minas Il falls and becomes Minas Morgul (S, “Tower of Dread Sorcery"), Thus, the Iihil-stone is lost. Minas Anor is renamed Minas Tirith (S. “Tower of Guard” 2050 Eirnur slain by the Witch-king, ending the line of Kings of Gondor, Mardil the Steward becomes the first Ruling Steward. 2475. Atiacks on Gondor renewed; Osgiliath finally ruined and the stone bridge broken. 2698 Ecthetion | rebuilds the White Tower, now known as the Tower of Eethelion, 2852. Belecthor II of Gondor dies, as does the White Tree, No seedling to replace itis found, and the Dead Tree is left standing. in Minas Tiith. 2930 Denethor Il is born in Minus Tirith 2941 Sauron leaves Dol Guldur and reenters Mordor. 2951 The Evil One openly declares himself King of Men. Work begins on the Rammas Echor around Pelennor, a great wal built upon the ancient dike, 2987 Aragorn serves Rehan and Gondor as Thorongil, visiting Minas Tirith during his travels 2976 Denethor weds Finduilas of Dol Amroth. 297% Boromir son of Denethor Il is born, 2983 Furamir is born, 2984 Ecihelion II dies and Denethor I becomes Steward of Gondor. 2.3000 Dencthor starts using the Palantft of Minas Tirth. 3017 Gandalf visits Minas'Tieith and finds the Scroll of Isidur in the Rynd Permaith, 3018 Sauron attacks Osgiliath and secures the East Bank. The Rammas Echor is rebuilt in anticipation of war. Boromirhas the dream of the Sword that was Broken and sets out for Rivendell. WIP Death of Boromir. Two of Sauron’s armics assail Minas Tirith. Denethor commits suicide during siege. ‘The Riders of Rohan the Army of the Dead led by Aragorn Tl arive to help in the struggle during the Batile of Pelennor Fields. The forces of Darkness ure vanquished. sAs the subsequent Battle of Moran- non rages, the Ring-bearer reaches Orodruin (Mount Doom) in Mordor. The Lord of Rings perishes when the One Ring is destrayed in the Crick of Doom, Aragorn IL is erowned King (Blessar).The City Lana 7 3.0 THE CITY LANDS oris one of Endor’s ny Anorian would an nest). Thecapital of the province of Andrien yn Lossarnach in the south to Cal { provide excellent cattle grazing. There are many cla roads and lines of communica the row of seven beat White Mountains, t sith (later Rohan), ‘The roads and bridges d and there are frequent travellers and coaches, of the Empire, but itis sill well Three of Gondor’s great tree-lined highways converge at the along the shores of the: Anduin there are s ferries providing I points further east. The mountain vales are ‘with only a few remote furmsteads herding hardy shee ‘Much of the foothill-land is thickly wondest Minas nor at Gate small towns of Andrien form dy market for the ch fletds), stone (quarried Min-rimmon), beeswax and ta8 The City LandsiThe Petenaor 3.1 THE PELENNOR *..Rammats Echor...Far ten league's or more it ran fresn the imeuntains feerand so back again, enclosing in ts fence the flelds of Pelennor: fair and fertile townlands on the long slopes and terraces falling tothe deg levels ef the Anduin (Lathe IEF, p23) ‘The Pelennor, or the “Enclosed Lands’ of Minas Anor. are surrounded by the Noeg Echor(S. "Encircling Dike"), sturdy, if basic. defense which protects the valuable farms and their fields from inundation and invasion. ‘The Pelennor Fields are not a simple expanse of farrstund, however, The land isrolling, dotted with smallknolls and hillocks. ‘The Noeg Echor is about 15 miles broad (there being 4 leagues he furthest point northeast, an the road to Osgiliath), and thus is some 3$ miles long, ‘The Pelennor cover some 150 squure miles (96,000 acres) including tlth (cultivated land), orcharts, and fold (enclosures for animals) ‘The arca is dotted with farmstead. and little walls, bums and byres, oaxt and garner. Many roads and tracks cross the green fields, linking up to the two great arteries which rum strebght as arrows: the Hortheast highway to Osgiliath and Minas Anor. and the horth-south highway to Harlond, Pelargr, and the southern provinces. There are also streams which flow through the wales, providing irigation for agriculture and cool ponds forthe country folk's enjoyment 3.11 THE NOEG ECHOR “The Nocg Echoris adike comprising a broad, deepditeh running outside a high earthen bank. About 25° wide and 10V deep, the ditch’s steep sides are battened with timber baulks to: prevent erosion, ‘The ditch is continuous, being. spanned by wooden bridges built on sione pier-upporis where roads.carve through the bank. ‘The bank itself is 12' high. On the ditch side there is a narrow (7 wide) stone-flagged pathway separating bankand dite atthe face ofthe bank is near vertical, shored up with tooth-shaped stone slabs brought down the Stonewain Valley from the Ered Nirais, On the Pelennor side the bank slopes more gently from a wel trodden path atop it. The bank is about 10' wide on top and 25° wide atthe base, ‘The dike was one of the first additions to Minas Anor built by King Ostoher in the fifth century of the Third Age. Since then it has been well maintained and improved, and now drains carry ‘Excess Water fram the dike ta the Anduiin. New siane gatchouses ‘tard the entrances of the roads nin the Pelennor. Each houses a {garrison of 20 men, who reside in one side of the building which spans the road. The other side of the gatehouse is used asa shelter and free lodging for travellers, NOTE: The Rammas Eehor (8. “Great Wall of the Quter Circle") surmounts the dike after T.A, 2951. Built in response oSauron’s theeatin Mhilien the massive forifica- tion receives frequent alterations unail it is rebuilt in T.A 3918.The City Lands!Pelennor Map HONNATEE10 The City Landsittartand MapThe City Lands|#arlond 3.12 HARLOND Harlond (S. "South-baven”) runs along the norte bank of the Anduin 3 miles south of the Great Gates of the city, just beyond the ‘Noeg Echor. It is a smal, fortified suburb of Minas Anor and serves asthe offloading point forall traffic coming upriver from ‘the South, Most of the commerce from Pelargir, Gondor's princi- ‘pal port, und ll the eoustal provinoes.of the South Kingdom flows ‘through this strategic anchorage, ‘Around five hundred people live in this busy arg, They’ are ‘mostly sailors and merchants, along with stevedores and other inborers, and their families, The Iavens consist of four great bays ‘ut into he bank, separated by stone quays, and a fifth harbor ‘which opens Further downstream, Each wharf has numerous yi up points, and Harlond can accommodate a hunelred eraft with ‘ease, Ships berthing here range from large ocean-going vessels with high prows to the litle fishing skerries and flat-botiomed barges that ply the lower Anduin toting heavy loads of quarry stone, timber and the like The wharves lead to three marketplaces surrounded thy ware~ houses, chandlery shops and the offices of shipping concerns. Further from the shore are the lodging houses and dwellings of the people who stay, liveand work inthe havens. In Hariond, itis easy tobay bulk gonds and other trade items oto take passage to mst puns of the Kingdom, be it the fishing villages on the Ertwash in ‘orthern Calenardhon or the far reaches of Anfalas, tis alse possible to find adventurers, mercenaries, and other outlandish characters in the local taverns — for ualike Minas Aner, there are furnerous inns, dives and alehowses in Harland, Harlond has a small garrison and refies on the maval base at Pelargir vo keep enerny shipping away, The guard units focated at the two main gatchouses arc responsible for patollig. the town and keeping law and order, which is no-easy task in such a rough (though not really dangerous) locale. Patrol vessels stationed in the seven-sided Ship-house inthe middie of the harborage handle the tasks of enforcing toll-laws and preventing smuggling 3.13 ROADS ‘Roads inthe Pelennorare well maintained. The major ones have broad cobbled path wide enough forcarts to passone another with case, This trackway is cumbered and provided with drains so nat Itnever becomes bogey arrutted. Flanking the trackway isanother broad strip, this tive of turf, used by riders. On the ather side isa ‘well-worn footpath. ‘The roads are kept evel ind straight, cuting ‘through low hls and banked! uptocross vales strong. stone bridges ross streams, oir easy Pelennor's avenues are ofien hedged, andl some stretches are flanked by magnificent poplartrees. Along the ways are a number of shelters: simple stone huts with tiled roofs and! a hearth, so that travellers can wait out violent wind er rain, Also provided for the traveller are wayside league-stones matking the mileage to Various places; these are labelled with the Angerihas ¢S. “Long Rune- rows") or angular Etvish lettering, and with the sign of the royal Office-of Works: a set-square with erown. A less common sightis the roadside gibbet where criminals are hung for all wo see, war 40" ‘Mod. Saow/Rain Mod, Snow/Rain tireesy Breezy sas" as Mod. Raia Mod. Snow/ain reery ast or Bain ‘reery om Mod. Rain Mes, Rain Brey Cam 1) Lod oe (2) End intratry days: Mires) mas ass" Mod. Ra Calm ess Mou, Rin Calm ss Nor, Rain Breexy ass" Rainy windy asst Nor Rain ‘windy soso" Mod. Ral ‘empernture [expres in degres Fabre, Note hat mow of Mie ety peoples do ete tempera o pec; hey simpy say the ‘emperatune a old, cool. warm, Hot. Mountain temperature rer to th haat eons between 1002308” above se ve. clea temperate 1 igher abides, saberact I for evry 307 more above ca lve Precipaton:Reersto the chance o rain or fling on 3 ven da. Inte higher altitudes of he Ese Nir, saw wil nally ou when Moderate Soom Rain vicki «precipi raul. ‘Moderate Rain 158 in; pacy oud ‘Moderte Saosin: $8 snow; Ma lee: ain: party cloudy ‘ral Raia: 255 rl, party cloudy Rainy: 408 rin lowly Wind: Speeds ce give niles pe hove. Above the re ing wind ar om siderably more oeefl Tem ery ax Windy, ac Windy at High Wind (G40 mph, oF + 1 om the Bay Winds Tae) (Cal: 09 ips or sonal Bay Winds chart (20. ‘reer 5-20 m ps oF comma Bay Winds Tle (5). Windy: ld sep; or see Bay Winds able (no adjusimenThe City LandsiA Typical Farmstead, ATYPICAL FARMSTEAD ‘The typical farmstead of the Pelennor is a luge affair, built around the four sides of a square courtyard. The buildings are pari-timber, part-stone, usually whitewashed and with a ted or brown tiled roof. Many are surrounded by orchards and gardens. where labor-intensive crops are grown, ‘There may also be a number of outbuildings. FARMSTKAD PLAN 1. Main Buildings, These include the secornmodatigns For dhe (aly ‘ofthe owner and the families of farm warkers(a)—the heavily shaded ‘fea isthe second slory above the large open-plan kitchen, hearth and hall wing forthe stovage ind pack ing of goods produced of the farm. (bp. suchas fruit, eggs, gran, hay, vegetables and herbs, and alsoin this area abenhouse allowing chickensto wander outa thee oun yarUand Scratch in the dirt a wing comprising a slaughterhouse and taming ration (¢), where animals kept on the farm are killed and packes, either fresh or salted down in barrets and theirskinsand other inedible portions rendered into leather tallow and glue; a small brewhause (A, and a storehouxe with a car, Farm tools, two ploughs anc a stable for the Master's best horse. The gate is "high and 1? wide 2. Drive. The road away from the farmhouse leads throughun avenue Of inees wo the fields of the farm and on to the main Oxgiliath-Minas ‘Anor road same two miles away. 3. Orchard, This orchand has a mixiure of frit trees: about half are apples, a quarter cherries anid a quarter peaches. Between them are ‘staked! out canes of black currunts, raspbores and cheseles. The ‘orchards well teaded and alse-supports six thriving beehives (a) with the season of Blossom and clover amongst the tree roots 4. Gardens. The gardens cover fair area, and are hedged to keep out browsing animalsand the worst ofthe winds, A.path rans from the bam (3) through to the Mill-pond (7b), dividing the gardens in two, ‘The northern half (ay is devoted 1a rots and other vegetables, such as carrots, leeks and onions. Te southern half (h)i¢ weed For growing herbs and more delicate plants, There arealsa some stil pos fed from, pond (c} which are palasenin beds. ATYPICAL FARMSTEAD $5, Burn, The gamer (a) isa store for hay and bulk grain, uni also a “Sable forthe draught harset and oxen used fr plenghing and carting (Connected to fare the milking parlor ¢c) where cheese and butter mre also made in modest quantities; and.a house for geese (b, aluo used 10 keep young calves an calving cows in bud weather, The geese are ‘excellent producers of eggs, succulent meat and goose grease used in ‘many medicinal compounds. The down is used for stuffing quis and pillows. 6. Onsts. The oasis are circular buildings with conical roofs, They house kilis whicifdry hops and! walking grains wo be used in brewing 7. Mill, The farm is lucky enough to have iis own watermill (a for sirieding grain into flour. Ikalsooperatesathreshing mill. The power foe the mill comes froen a head of water Baile up behisnd a darn io the ‘Mill-pond (b). The Mill-pond is alsa. useful source of eels und every Spring live elvers (young eels) are brought here from the Atdin to restock it. The mill race (c) flowsaway 0 join up wath one ofthe major streams flowing:ast across the Pelennat ‘% Pasture, The fart’ best pasture lands areoneither sie tse ill rice; ford crosses the race, much muddled! by cattle om ther daily trip lothe mitking parlor, Two lew, lal topped mounds beside the sream sre ‘pillow mourds' antfictal rabbit warrens, The rabbis are culled ‘every two mors; slaughtered, skinned! und the meat and pelts soldin Minas Anor 9, Graveyard, ‘The farmstead, being some distance from the large cemetery south of Minas Anor, hus it-own graveyard, The Master's Family has u large stone mausoleum, half sunk into the ground and screened by greenery. Once ombsate less impressive. some ust stone ccfins embedded! in the ground, The whole graveyard is surrounded by a.tall evergreen hedge,The City Lands!The White Mouriains 3.2 THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ‘The city of Minas-Anor is built on the knees of Mount Mindol- twin, the greatest eastem peak of the White Mountains (8, “Ered Nimeais"). ‘This massif alse forms the rear section of the Noeg Echor, as the Pelennor reach up into two broad. vales of the ‘mountains. Mount Mindoliuin itself lowersupabove the snowing 0 that its white-capped. head is always visible atop the purple Slopes. Although other peaksare notas high asthe Moat, the land enerally rises steeply from the gentle undulations of the Pelennor ind wooded foothills into high valleys once delved by glaciers. ‘This upland region ismaderaely inaccessible, Herethere are no cartways and only a few paths which horses and mules can traverse, There are, however, the tracks af human passages the trails of the mountain goats and sheep to follow. should ane wish to venture into the interior (One reason for going mountain-climbing is the fact that many extremely rare herbs and valuable plants flourish in the pure, if ratified, air. Most important of these are the secretly-planted seedlings of Nimloth, the White Tree Which isthe royal symbot in Gondor and which normally flourishes in the court below the ‘Citadel of Andrion: “tote southern feet of Mount Mind 1 path made in ages past thar few dred to tread. Fort led up on the mountain to ahigh hallove wikere only Kings [went], to. high field below the snows that clad the lofty peaks: “shere was e stony slope runaring clown from the akires of the snaw'sand atane there inthe waste & growing thing stooxd 4 sapling tree (with) leaves long and shapely, dark above ‘and sitver beneath. and wpom ies slender erown it hare one small cluster of lowers whose white petals shone like the unfit snow” (Loa ITE, p. 308). Other herbs such as the White Mountain Pappy, Dwarves ‘Eyebright, Boneset and the Wight Orchid also grow here amid the ‘crabby grasses, the snowields or the loose and treacherous serees ‘wmbling down the steep slopes, There are some dangers in the ‘mountains. With so much snow made umstable by sudden searm ‘winds or rains there are frequent avalanches; these are in addition ‘to the simple hazards of travelling a path with a drop of several ‘nunidred feet on one (or even both) sides where squalls of sleet ‘hailcan be as ferocious as the bite of any wolf. Dwelling here are afew wild beasts and some less wild, such as the Great Eagles, ‘The mountains are useful sources of fine limestone and marble, ‘but in this area there are no mines for gems or minerals; berier ‘deposits lie west inthe dales of Lamedaa. Gondorians also shun the forests owing 1o the presence of the Diedain (Woses), “Wild Men" whom most ‘ordinary’ folk avoid. A few people dwell here ‘during the summer months, herding long-haired (and sure-foored) goats and adventurous sheep or gathering the wild plants. Many ‘of these people are descended from masily Duniending stock, anc retain a few of their customs Finally, the isolation and wilt beauty of the higher elevations tmutke the Near Vales (as the Anorians refer to them) an attractive place of “pilgrimage” for the occasional poet or spirt-seeker. As Meneltir himself once wrote: “My heurt sil Lingers among the high stony wastes. among the marains and mowntain-wreckage, silent in spite of the sound of thin, chill water.” (Letters, No.78 p. 91) 3.3 ANDUIN RIVERBANKS ‘The Anduin (S. “Great River") fs the the largest and most important iver in northwestern Middle-earth, As westem Endor's mightiest wateroourse, it has a great impact om the land around i ‘Most important is the Great River's contribution to the ecooomy ‘of Gondor’s heartland. As well 8s providing a bountiful suppty of fish, itis a critical artery, essential forthe inexpensive iransporta- tion of goods from the North ai the South, ‘Thereare important havens at numerous points, most especially Pelargir. Harlond (see Section 3.12), and Osgiliath, where the river, flowing south, first meets tidal water. There are also numerous ferries plying from one bank 1 another, typically between fishing villages. The Anduin is heavily fished (see ‘Scotion 4.2) and between the Petennor's Noeg Eehor and the river there are wide flat lands, oecasionally floaded by spring tides or prolonged rains feeding the Anduin to the north. Dotted arotind on ‘the Nats are “tumps" or smal hills, om which the fisher folk build their homes sothat even ai the worst times they might remain safe Fortunately, the Anduin is not a very ditty river, Sift and sediments from the far north are retained in Nen Hithoe, the lake above the Falls of Rauros, white the Mouths of Entwrashfikterrmwch ‘ofthat tributary's deposits. Hence the Anduin remains a clear and ‘moderately swift stream with no treacherous levees or mudflass ‘until nearer Pelargir. Above the Ethir(S, "Mouths", there are few natural islands in the stream, ‘The largest, Cir Andros, lies far 10 the north. Thus, the unceasing seaward flow south of Rauros offers ‘few tricky currents or dangers to the sailor. ‘One of the few placesaf note isthe southern bank in the vicinity ‘of the great bend westward, where the Anduin skirts the Emyn ‘Amen (8. “Royal Hills"). Here — between the Harfond and the ‘point where the Ciryant ¢S. “Dividing Stream," the river crossing ‘the Pelennor from Mount Mindolluin) joins the Anduin — there are backcurrents and whirlpools, No ferries und very few individu- als are willing ta risk the treacherous crossing. There is, though, 44 small hamlet by the mouth of the Ciryant named Tareairion, which provides 1 regular service to its twin town in South lhilien, With access to roads along the south bank und also eastwards. Warden's Hall (Harlond) Shipwright's Hall (Harlond) ‘One of the most interesting areas along the riverbanks is the stretch of land between the Hariond ane Tharcairion. Other than 4 few settlements along the oad which runs along an artificial ‘causeway through the marshy land, the flats between the river and the Noeg Echor are abandoned and desolate. A sand bardivides off shallow lagoon filled with giant reeds and lilies. Large wading birds suchas storks, flaniiigees, spoonbills anderanes gather here, slong with smaller water fowl and reptiles like the lessercrocodile, marsh gavial, and moon-backed lizard. The lagoon’s treasury of rareandl special plants (sce Section S)is legend,endowing it with astatusasa unique preserve, Thisis one of the few ateas where the ‘Anduin isactively building upits shoreline, adding a few feetto the north bank while the waters.churn away atthe hills to the south,Flora and F 4.0 FLORA AND FAUNA Although Minas Anor and th there ure nun stic animals and cultivated pi seen by visitors to this region, Eve ‘or pear the city The Diines andthe illin Pelerinor are well-settled lands, ts to be esdwell in nly by force of circumstance ugric ve sails generally left tothe least of their society ‘emplayed for this ‘menial’ labor re men and won esser races, such as Dunlendings afd. Northmen, However, ceftaie skilled or supervisory occupations — like bert gardening, the cultivation of grapes und other fruit used in the manufacture of wines and ales, and the tending, horses —are not considered beneath the dignity of he High Mer and so both noble masters as well as rtder folk presicle over the inors and farmsieads of Andrien and Ithilien, The nobility Theserv of mixed or 1€ farm owners of the Pelennor Fields, ‘The townland, as they are also known, encompass a rich and presi ious farming area, given their proxir ah Osgiliath Minas Anor. Bounding the fields and pastures are the White Mo rise sharply to the west, and the Great River to the east, Bothare suitable habitats fora range of wildlife, fo benign to the mysterious and threatening. 4.1 LOCAL AGRICULTURE NOTE: A rypieal farm of the Pi pow is descr Section 3 Pelennor's well-protected furmlunds grow many cash crops and goods which donot travel well, Thereare pens of geese, ducks and hens, espe ssall but productive Black-backed Hen which y when well kept. There and rabbit-farmers who tear animals on uf intensive basis in n larger fletds the rich o [SOepesaye seyppens, sties and artificial warrens, white cattle are herded producing fine fatlened beet from the superts pastureland ‘The peaple of Minas. Amor also appreciate the delicious fruits i sunny orchards. Cherry, apple and some olive trees in dureas are tended welllin neat lines between which sm ellises for soft fruits: currants, gooseberri small white fruit witha creamy texture, The orch mike excellent homes for heehives producing plain and sce is Pigeons an during the ta built by the Danes townlands) is a species of watercress with large, crinkly leaves «: are alse lilies with edi Echoe along salmon, trout and stun jaded palate Fish forms one of the staple ele populace. Everything from the! sh is eaten in hhouschold is with partway through th Gondor small boats put out fro drop trail nets or cork dangle, Those seeking large inthe year. Sa claimed, to col 1y Mountain: of the majer bebanksof And sh: il ceases being tidal between the Hur stil bowed and nay {freshwater fish, T ey breed, swimmi plump g Js with fisheries and ponds Whe ‘of water plants are cut vated. One 0 ut a Kemuing: a clay pot, oval ins! iting lid, in-whic pped bed of g. lasenin birds mn and winter to pro fare, Mlong water courses (many of which are ¢ avons and text a whole fish cam be baked wil A fierce he awidewariety xr meadows where flawers are geawn supplying florist it settlers just outside the Noeg is ishing River teers semingly ‘es wvenliven the most oes Lo thes soups, patés and broiling dishes. No ape, with is use, and saking process, a goodly amount of sweet neir stoep-sl hb use bar swith chopped how » Nina ig back down all the way up Anduin, ors sands if and the Mouthsof Tines from which several hooks ted spears attached ies inthe Misty aFlora and Fawnaitlerbalison 15 4.3 HERBALISM One of the tradititonal occupations of an older Dinadan is herbalism, Some dedicate their fives to the healing arts, inctading the cultivation and preparation of hers, but many i later life also take to small gardens around cottages in the Pelearior where they can lavish day-long care on the mamserous tiny plants and shrubs, jgently coaxing them to yiekd uptheirbest leaves, roots and flowers inorder that Men might live longer and in better health, ‘Though both are descended from the same Ndmenéreans, the Amorians and the Men of Gondor are dissimilar in many ‘Those of the northtend ta speculatian, forctclling, “dreaming, Gondorians would say. “Those of the south place more emphasis ‘on history and fact, on action and powerof the moment. And who into'say they are notright,us Gondor waxes and Arthedain wanes? ‘This difference in philosophy also shows in matters as small us gardening, fr the gandens of Minas Anor are organized, closely watched anu! tended, marshalled according to texts and accepted ict, not eft to grow wid 4.31 SOME COMMON HERBS Numerous herbs are grown by the herbalists, and more grow id outside the Pelennor; onthe slapesothe Ered Nimrais, in the pastures of Anoricn and by the Anduin’s waters. (Some of these latter are mentioned in Section 4.5 below.) ‘Ot Cxstucnenn Old Castlcherb is a slender-leafed, delicate plant that likes growing on tumbled rocks and ruins. Its leaves are a pale green, greyish underneath, andthe stems havea high tensile strength, able to Force their way through cracksand crevices, They also bear tiny stickers like acta! roots to help them cling to therocks, The leaves are used 10 ad the healing of damage to joints and muscles. Old Casticherb bears small lemon-colored flowers in Nor Heaven's Caaowne Healet's Chamomile is a meadow plant with lacy leaves and clusiers ofsmall, daisy-ike Flowers. bed of thisplant and other related varieties is sure to be found in every herbalist’s garden, giving off a slight but pleasant fragrance, especially ifthe leaves ie crushed. All parts the plant are chopped together to make brew inducing a deep, healing sleep; like all medicines this must be used with care as excessive dosages are dangerous. Davirns on Cuouny-tve Dark tefoiled leaves. and dazzling scarlet flowers mark the ‘esefut Dayher — but only when the sun isshiningom it. Ifa cloud passesacross the sun's face, the lower"s petals are quick tocurl up and hide its loveliness. This herb is used as a general addition to the diet, reducing the chance af contracting communicable dis- eases. It also strengthens the body during the course of an illness improving the chance and speed of recovery 4.32 RARE AND SPECIAL HERBS Fret Moss ‘The subtle tones of color in the fronds of Attanar,or Field Moss ‘ay it is more commonly known, make it easy ta miss in the herbalist's water ganlen. Individual plants are said 10 take on a protective coloration like a chameleon, assuming the shades af ‘those plantsaround them, Because of this, it is very diffcultto spot in the wild a rows quite widely, Inme- dicinal use, the moss is removed in toto from the soil and boiled -with salts and special ols, then immedisely applied to tke fore: hheact and any afMicted parts of a patient with fever Boxesrnmias Bursthelas, also called Lime-teaf and Marrawroot, isextremely Tare in the wild and does not grow well in the rich soils of the Pelennor unfess constantly tended and treated with lime ¢from chalk or limestone), hetce its name. The herb'scalciferous inli- nations can be put good use ast is unparalleled init ability to thea shattered bones and joints. ean be preserved by brewing the stalks four times over, retaining the jelly-like substance yielded each tine and mixing it with powdered chalk, pure water and a stock made from fish bones. Thisamust be finally strained through charcoal and left to set ito a thick exeam ts of Bux rare Ry ofthe Furry Oak of Mirk wood Its one of the surpassing successes of the Diinedain herbalists. Despite being a dwar tree, itproduces a heavy crop of acorn-like tuts which can be pressedand ground. Theessence extmacted frog the pressing goes imo the making of a sustaining cordial; the sound. dried flesh is taken as a flour and used to bake wafers of waybread asis recorded: “caclvof the Dinedain carrie ina sealed wallet on his belt a small pial of cordial and wafers of a waybreid thot would sustain life in him for many days" (UT, p. 276).16 Flora cand Fauna/Wild Beasts and Birds 4.4 WILD BEASTS AND BIRDS ‘The less intensively ruraliaed surroundings of Minas Anor and its Bet of Andrien are rich in animal and birdlife. Bears and boars Jair inthe thickets and thinly-wogded areas north of the Pelenmor and on the lower slopes of Mount Mindolluin and the Ered Nimrais. Mast commonly found are the black and brown bears. usually docile and living solitary ives unless mated and witheubs Much rarer is the blue bear of the mountains, an unnatural and semi-sentiemt creature whichis usually shunned and never hunted tokillone issaidto bring greatcutse, The wild boar is considered fair game ahd thrives in the rolling lands since the virwal ‘extermination of its natural predators. Higher up in the sparser valleys closer to the snowline wild goats make their home, Smaller animals ‘Such as marmots, bob cals, block hadgers, lymxes, foxes. small Wik! dogs tike terriers, ‘batsand moleseanalso be found in many: ar- eas. fen they are domesticated by the locals, particularly the lesser men (for the Dinedain consider dealing with most ani- ‘mals beneath. them). ‘Occasionally there are reports of larger und more dangerous erea- ures, although these are seldom credited. [Examples from the last few yearsinctode large felines, thought per- haps to be te last so ‘YivOrs ofthe grass cats nf Calenardhon, now almost extinct on Rohan's plains; and alo one or two grey wolves Finally there are the numerous fowl of the area, and the birds of Prey that feed upon them. ‘The mountains and forests provide roosts for falcons, hasrks, golden eagles and the Great Eagles, On Anduin’s shining waters float graceful flocks of geese and swan: auceompanied by divers and waders from near and far, dining on rich (if fishy) pickings Within the city there are also several animals of note which adventurers might encounier. First among these are the Royal Lions, a “domesticated” variety of mountain lion originally found inthe southernmost reaches of South lhilien.in thebulls bordering Hasondor, NOTE: These are more cfosely described in the Section 7.24, lnthedescriptionofthe Citadel Guard, for these beasts sare trained for war Also inthe sireetsare many cats, dogs and some vermin. Minas ‘Anar does not suffer as badly as many cites, perhaps due to the ‘greater amount of stone used in its construction, but there are stil nis, jackdaws and straystocontend with. However, the city does fot ignore the problem. paying for the upkeep of a civic official, ‘Teximbrel the Rar (see Section 10.62} 4.5 WILD PLANTS With so riclroF the land around the city under the hand of Men for thousands of years, itis not surprising that there are few wid plants of interest in the area. The forests und woods are mainly de- iduous trees with typical undergrowth: bracken, brambles, nettles, “woodland plants and. flowers Between the clusters of trees are pasture and meadow lands, with many small. stream pools. and waterfalls flowing dowa frorn the Ered Nimrais. In the foothills smaller trees proliferate, such as the bien, ash and Linden, and give way to shrubs sch as magnolia éthe tulip tree}, thododen- drom, azalea and broom. In the higher reaches of the moun- tains plants. are re duced to hardy alpine varietiewand a crappy ground cover of heather, ting, comet and dwarf chestnut (which, unfortunately, bears no uit}. Sone wild herbs are found, — including Bright Biue Eyes inthe meadows and tall Splayfoot Geox wort in the pools: and higher up thrives the White Mountain Poppy. Opposite the Emyn ‘Amen, the south-facing bank of the Anchtn is a peculiarly goad spot for plants ofthe salt-margin, Thettides lap over a shallow sand bar into a lagoon-like area surrounded by a narrow band of ranrsh wherein can be found, amongst the beron and pelican nest, tall maces and reeds, broadsleafed sea lilies, marram and wingrove, Some plants for the hertalisis to find are Felmather, dark and shude-loving; Yav¥thation that sprouts its tiny shoots in the rain Water pools formed in the bark hollows of twisted tres; Ebur wit its dull white flowers smelling vaguely repellant; and Gylvir, a blue-green algue-found on the roots and stems of water-dwelling plants.NOTE: This section details the daily Ife and habits of the Inhabitants of Minas Aor, so hau a pleture of normal if in the city can be portrayed when adventurers visit it. Use this {information 1a form a background of typical activity. This slp establish the Player Charactersemdgivessdkeman idea sof haw the te omething of the culture of the Dunedain can be found by reuling the records of other peoples, such as the Red Book of Westmarch and Angerinna’s seminal work The Rangers af the North, The Anoriansenjoy the fruits of an ancient civilizat raised much higher in earlier t ndor isa slowly declining Empire set in the warm, dry Souther clime where industriousness itched against hedonism und militaristic pride against rural peace. The Kingdom's new capital naturally reflects many of the realn's myriad facets. 5.1 HOME LIFE Although the Anorians retain as strong a vense of family as any other culture, to outsiders their way of life might appear more idistant. Ina cramped city like Minas Anor there is a need to live ineloser proximity to oné another, and also forthe same space on the ground to be put 1o more than one use, As ean be seen by looking at the samp on 10.0, most buildings are used both asa workpl we quasters forthe workers and their famitics #u ‘Town Houses al Non-player Characters live f structures detailed in se ceandasliv Arnorian Style Great-house Dany Lire weryone stays in the same house all day This is not wo say tha long. Letuslook at a typical Anorian, Gillen isa lesser Deinadan, the wife of Hirluin, Hirluin is member of the Bakers" Fellowship and rises very early in the moming, parting the drapes which separate the bed from the rest of the room; itis snugly built into an alcove, flanked by a wardrobe and a washstand. He dresses quickly and leaves. Anhourlater, Gillen herself rises, washing and dressing slowly, tidying the room and. wiping the windows of the Ite frost. Each of the small square leaded panes is traced with a lacy pattern, ‘She hurries downsta to the kitchen to help prepare the com ‘munal breakfast, ahearty mealeaten attable, Gillen knows Hirluin ‘will have had a breakfast somewhere on his way to work. Seeing her friend Varin has not riven, she takes a tray up to her. Varie has just had a baby, and has a larger bedchamber than Gillen and Hirluin, needing room forthe baby and ber 2-year old daughter. A small bed and the new baby's handsome wooden cridle are in another alcove of the room. When her daughter is older, she wil probably sleep upstairsin the giel’s dormitory unt age of 21, when she might marry or obtain her own room and support herself, After seeing to Varién, Gillen returns downstairs and helps the other womenfolk clean and tidy the living quarters. oS EES 7 Other tasks, such as darning a dress and buying some sweet- meats for Hieluin oceupy her mon fstreet-trader for her lunch, going on to the House of Tapestries ‘where she helps Dorelas of the Clothwrights' Fellowship in stitching garments, She hopes to work well enough to he accepted into the Fellowship herself, so tha she can sponsor her sister and brother-ie-law. Both moved to Osgiliath ten Yes Lupa sther-shop. They now live in Wooden-town, having been ruined by the Plague, whicl also claimed their two children ‘After five hours hard work, Gillen takes her leave of Dorelas, collecting her wages for the week. Hull of it spends on her way down the city, mostly in the Di ‘where she buys food and other supplies. ‘The sun is low in the sky, Mount Mindolluin's shadow already cast over most of the city, by thetime she aches the Great Gates, squeezing varough the throng, of citizens returning and visitorsdeparting. She gropes through’ dark maze of sheltersand rude houses in Wooden-town to find the room where her sister lives, and delivers the supplies to her. She just gets back to the Gate before they close, half an hour after sunset, The last lamps are just being lit by the men who have ‘worked their way dovrn over five miles fromthe Citadel Gate, The raad back to her lodgings on the northern second level isquite log her enough ForHiriuin is already home and is playing gwithta, aboardgame Tike nine-men’s-gamboi, with his father. ‘Turluin is also a Baker, and lives on the ground floor of the lodging-house His wife died in the Plague. “As Gillen helped with breakfast and also pays something towandsthe upkeepof herself and herhusband, she does ‘hat have to tielp prepare the ‘day-meal”. Afereating in the Hall of the house, she and Hirluin have the evening to themselves: rather cold for a walk, so they jain some friends in the parlour 10 talk and sing. ‘Then they rete fairly early. Hisluin oes straight to bed, but Gillen stays up a while and stares up at the evening star, ‘eeiing a silent prayer. She asks fora blessing om her husband, on Varien's new child, on her parents, sleeping in a house of the Ironsmiths’ Fellowshipon the third level. Finally she asks that she ‘might be blessed with child herself, Then she dons a nightgown and goes to bed. 5.2 CUSTOMS, ETIQUETTE AND DRESS ‘Theneare numerous all there isthe natural bbe found in-any of their lands Deference is observed towards ‘Womenfolk, and this often extends into situation where menfolk are responsible forthe protection and support of their wives and dependents. However, itis notunusata iofind independent women supporting themselves, or a husbund ancl wife who bath work Cualure ana Li 1isthecusiom alsofor Anorians todothings gether. They ase social bunch; they live, Work, eat andelax together onthe whole ‘There are few private houses where just one family ix found Instead they group together is ndging housesand the builfings put up by Fellowships which serve both as workshops and accomoda- tion, Credlitable workers in particular industriesor occupations ane allowed to join thei Fellowship, which is a loose organization heided by a Deputy who sits on Conclave. the city's cout. There are twenty-eight Fellowships recognized by the city, along witha hhost of smaller, informal ones; these wield no political power but sill serve as focuses forthe lives oftheir members, Fellowships also protect the widows and etre folk who have given them good service Line Customs Children are cared fox hy and live with their pareets. Atshe age fof six or seven, they may be slightly sepanited, sleeping in a communal dormitory (én the same building) with ether children until their age of matufty, This iscoramonly 20 years for menand 21 for women. However, from the age of 13, a child may be apprenticed, most often into their parent's eccupation. Standards of education are quite Varied; some children are mot even taught to read and write, while others attenel schools ran by the Scribes" Fellowship or have private mition, Seme Fellowships organize lessons for the children of their members. Boys also underiake training inarms from age 15, spending a week (or more) euch yeur with the Citadel Guard or with a training woop in Ancien or Lossarmach, Few young men and wornen marry immediately. With a usual life span of eighty to a tundred years, or more for those of pare blood. and a prolonged ‘middle aye" (the Dinedain being blessed with a very short aging perio), marriage can oftce wait until & person's thirties, or even later, The murriage ceremony is simple and joyous, taking place at an evening gathering of the Fellowship or house, with additional friends and relations. from outside Everyone drinks more than usual and the couple rides off 4 specially prepared chamber in a guesthouse nr hostel kd folk are respected and supported by their relatives and Fellows, (A brief discussion of death ritesis given in Section 5.4.) Cry Laws Most lawy are informal; “Common Acts” take the form of customs which, if not obeyed, lead Wo the ostacization of the offender rather than punishment, No: priests practice within the city, even for “Toreigners” (he Dlinedain themselves having tio tnue clergy anyway), No inns or taverns — that is places apen for the sale of drink to be consumed on the premises — are permitied ‘within the walls. Instead, the city's Bostels and questhousesofFer only full board, including. meals and drink. Street-raders, stall- holders, and small shops also deat in beer, wine, and athe spirits, but patrons cannot consume them on the premies, The vigilant and well-organized City Watch (see Section 7.24) patrols the streets to keep them clear of drunks, peace-breukers, and thieves. It i they who aso “elose” the Great Gate of the city ithalf hour after sunset. While iis actually lft slightly open, those wanting 4 passthrough must show good cause and prove they are ‘citizen to gain entry. Similarly the lesser gates have a sharper watch after darkness fulls and their guards will check on passers- by.Culture and Lifestyte (Food and Brink 9 Inthecrowded confines of thecity’sstreets and alleys, littering tnd the dumping of anything on the pavements is frowned upon. The occupants of buildings ave not supposed to block the free passage of pedestrians af traffic, although the trafic is normally resiricied to hand barrows, rémesir (palanquins) dleaim (sing. “eam; boards carried lke stretchers or-on yokes by to men) andthe occasional horse orcart. Sometimes buskers fall foul of the City observances on free passage, much 10 the annoyance of certain members of the Artists’ Fellowship ‘The wearing of armsund armor inthe city is considered uncivit: afterall itimplies thatthe defenses of the city are inadequate. Since violeat crime is not unknown, small arms (a dagger, eet, ot fhandaxe) may be borne, but anything larger, or armor (including.a shield) will resutt in townfolk avoiding the person concerned, and leven those associating with them, Naturally, the City Watch and trrison are expected to be seen wearing arts. Dass Men and women dress fairly distinctly in Minas Anor. Let us return to Gillen and Hirluin, In their room's wardrobe hang [purments belonging to both of them, Hirluin, leaving carly in the morning, dresses in an andyeth and a criséath, ‘The andyeth is a Joose-fitting shirt; long and edged with ribbon or brocade, Like mos mien, Hirluin prefers ita pale color or white, However, inthe evening after his day's work is over, he sfons another andyeth, perhaps with an embroidered, hand-painted ar batik design up the Sleeves. All the andyeths.are made from light fabrics like cheese. loth, ‘The shiet has a deep neck vent, draping sleeves und a front and rear vent Over this is worn the crisiath, a stylized and formal waistooat ‘Where the andyeth is loose. crisiath is tight and close-fitting, IL has a broad waistband, chest and dorsal segments hung over the collarbone and shoulders and flused skirt pieces. The gindle is Jined by a thong or metal clasp-buckle. I! is made from a tight leather, the waisthand being fooled or stamped with a design and having loops for hanging tools from. Other clothing is less. portant, Hirluin wears a hove (tight-fitting breeches) of a dark colar. His father Tirluin favours puntiloons tucked inte short boots, buggy or even pleated around the knee, and alse fas fancier crisath, with padded shoulders and designs printed or embrol dered om the left breast. Footwear depends upon the season, Leather sandals, colorful shoes (some with wooden soles) and ankle boots are racked! in irluin’s wall chest. Naits und tacks may not be used in cobblery, bylaw, Being mot poorly off, Hirluimhas a number of overctothes, ‘Most often used is.a lighter knee-length cape with slits instead af Sleeves, He also hast full-lengtt coat, voluminous, with wide sleeves und quilted with sheep's wool. For best wear, be owns, hing fur mantle ancl leggings illen dressesdifferently, Herclothes are many-layered, using avaniety of shades in different layers.or layers of two contrasting colors, On rising, sive will dona drexs or blouse and skirt, Most ure loose-fitting. although she will add a tighterbodice or apron for ‘working wear. Sleeves are Foose and not gathered at the wrist stead, Gillen has had to learn to de things with ber hands without ceuiching the hems. She wears gloves but rarely ‘mittens o¢ avafflers| n winter leecy wally hands are bare, Gillennormallyalso wearssome sor of beaddre ribbons or a hanging wimple. Over her dress or skirt she might \wrapa shaw or cape, Outer clothes with sleeves are impractical, and arms rnust be kept held inside or poked through slits, Someof Gillen’s capes have wide hoods that may be drawn about tke fe and still accommodate her long fair tresses. In the evening timer for formal occasions, Gillen adds adoraments including plaited armbands, headbands, chokers, belts and so on, Her plaits are ‘made of colored woven theeads, strips of dyed cloth, leather and beads. Gillen's hair is long (like many Anarian women's) and plated, making it easy to form into headdresses. Hanging plaits ‘nd fringes are acommonslecorative motifie much of her clothing, along withembroidery, beadwork tc. Twootherfavorite dresses, ‘once her mother’s, hive historically fashionable designs ineorpo- rating star designs, but lately the resentment of refugees from Osgiliath (Citadel of the Stars”) has been expressed by the avoidance of such designs. 5.3 FOOD AND DRINK Although not as dedicated to their trenchers us Hobbits. the Dainedlain like weat heartily and well, They take three meatsaday, the lightest of which is nuncheon (from noon). Food is brought in from some distances to supply the city — from the Pelennor. crammed with farms (see 4.1), and from An6rien, Calenardhon, Lossamach nd Letennin.