HOLDINGS

BY
RICHARD HARRISON
JACOB RODGERS
&
DAVID REA
FOR
THE ONE RING
ROLE-PLAYING GAME
 CONTENTS

Artwork and Author Credits

Artwork found within this fan created supplement is strictly the copyright of the original artists and, if
applicable, any publications associated to their printing and distribution and such usage in no way challenges
this.

1
 - Holdings -
The following chapter provides a more detailed sub-
system for determining the development and
management of Holdings and replaces the section
relating to Holdings within Darkening of Mirkwood
(pages 8 and 9).

A character's Holding is tied intimately to his

Standing within his home Culture; a trapper will
maintain his modest cabin, a respectable farmer
will tend his lands and cattle, whilst a lord will
oversee his large estate; all these individuals and
their lands make up the culture of a race of people
and determine their Standing within their culture's
society.

Even the heartiest adventurers eventually come

home to rest. The wise ones don’t fritter away all
their hard-earned treasure buying rounds at the
inn; they also invest in Holdings that strengthen
family and community, and can generate a modest
income. In prosperous towns and cities the wealth
generated by Holdings comes in the form of hard
coin, whereas in more modest communities some of
this wealth comes in the form of influence, goodwill
and favours owed. When restless Heroes succumb
to Adventure’s call and leave home again, their
Holdings are typically managed by family members
and trusted retainers. Should the journey home be
with empty pockets, heroes will be glad they left
their Holdings in the care of wise and honest
stewards.
Holdings have certain characteristics that make
them unique and different from others in the same
community. As Heroes strive to increase the value of
their property, weighing their options of how best to
reinvest their profits, their holdings will gain both
physical improvements and less tangible benefits,
becoming increasingly distinctive.
Physically, a Holding can be many things: a large
rambling farm, a small storefront in a bustling
trade town, a hidden forest grove, or a deeply-
delved mine. But Holdings are more than just a
place; they are a refuge and a source of income and
opportunity for heroes when they are not
adventuring. Holdings will grow and change over
their lifetimes. Most Holdings start small, but with
good management, and good luck, they may grow
large indeed.
The following section summarises the various
elements in creating a Holding and also the steps
taken at year end during the game's Fellowship
Phase.
Acquire a Holding
By either receiving or establishing a Holding.
Select the Holding Type
Select the Holding Type based upon your
character's Calling or Culture.
Select the Holding's Defining Trait
Select one trait (Holding Trait) that further
describes and defines the Holding and its
distinctive features.
A character may select the Improve Holding
undertaking during any Fellowship Phase.
At year end:
Running a Holding
The player rolls to determine the performance
(ie, profit) of their character's Holding.
Special Events and Hazards
Any Special Events or Hazards are resolved
during year end and these may provide hooks
and ideas for actions and endeavours to be
taken as part of the proceeding year's
Adventuring Phase(s) or beyond.

2
There are two primary ways to acquire a holding; a Once the inspiration for the Holding has been
character may receive an established Holding as a established, the player then considers geographical
reward or use the Establish Holding undertaking in and cultural traits to further define and detail the
order to create or renovate a new Holding. Holding:

• A trait may then be selected from the "Holding

New Reward: Receive Holding
Traits" list
A character of any culture may take this Reward.
You have received a holding, perhaps as an
As a whole, these traits provide the foundation for
inheritance or as a gift from your ruler for your
the Holding in order to aid the player and
service. The holding is already established, but
Loremaster in understanding the make-up of it and
cannot have a rating any higher than the lower of
how it relates to the player-hero, the lands around it
your Valour or your Standing scores (to a minimum
and the campaign in general.
of one).

New Undertaking: Establish Holding

You may select this undertaking only during a Year's
End Fellowship Phase. You work to either establish
a new holding or renovate a long disused one. You
must have a Valour score of three or higher and the
new Holding starts at a rating of one.

After a Holding is acquired or established as per the

above Undertakings, the player should use the
following rules and advice to define the Holding. As
part of this process the player defines their
character's Holding and its purpose. This is done by
selecting a number of Holding traits based upon a
player-hero's Calling and Culture, as well as the
physical location of the Holding.

The exact nature of what makes up a Holding is up

to the Loremaster and players. To define a Holding
A character's Calling may shape and influence the
the following steps should be followed:
type of Holding they acquire or establish. The
following section provides information for players
• Keeping in mind the player-hero's Calling, the
and Loremasters in establishing a Holding's
defining element of a Holding may be selected
Inspiration; the defining trait of a Holding and
from the information provided later in this
usually related to a player-hero's Calling.
chapter. Players do not have to base their
character's Holding upon their Calling; instead,
Whatever the Calling type, such Holdings profit and
they may base it upon their Culture
grow through teaching others that visit and stay at
such establishments. The residents of these
• Whether this trait is selected based upon the holdings, the friends and kinsmen of the player-
Calling of the player-hero or their Culture, it is hero, may also advise local communities and even
known as the Holding's Inspiration and is a lords great and small, sharing their knowledge and
shorthand reference to understanding the expertise, and being rewarded accordingly in
relationship between the Holding and the player- treasure, prestige, favours and status.
hero in question (ie, is their inspiration related to
their Calling or Culture?)

3
Player-heroes of this Calling place great importance
on serving and aiding others through the direct
commitment of their time and associated resources.
Holding Types which support the Companion can
be varied affairs but proximity to those people to
which they hold dear, and wish to serve, is the main
determining factor for a Companion settling,
establishing a Holding, and ‘putting down roots’. It
is not uncommon for Companions who a
particularly close to the ‘masters’ to be immediate
neighbours or even to share their home and holding
with them, for what better way to support and make
sure the focus of the efforts is looked after and safe.
Motivated by a desire to command and lead others,
player-heroes of the Leader Calling oft find
themselves, whether they wish for it or not, in
positions of power, responsibility and high office
within their culture; such is their sacrifice to those
they love and the things they hold dear.
The Holding Types of a Leader are often martial in
disposition comprising of a stronghold of some
kind; a fortification for men, elf or dwarf to rally
around in times of need and to seek shelter behind
when great danger threatens the land; whether that
be the forts of the Woodmen, the keeps of the men
of Dale, the fortified tree-houses of the woodland
elves, or the towers of the dwarves hewn from the
living rock. Leaders that hold office or represent and
lead their people in positions of responsibility may
also establish other abodes; it is not strange for
player-heroes of this calling to focus on leadership
through learning and shared wisdom rather than
valorous deeds, and such Leader's Holdings often
resemble those of a more scholarly persuasion.
4
Player-heroes of this Calling are interested in
acquiring and learning as much as possible of the
world, its people, lore, myths and any other subject
that may take their fancy.
Holding Types which support the Scholar in their
research and learning vary from culture to culture;
libraries, of some form or another, exist in many of
the cultures of Wilderland and beyond, and often-
times the Elves of Rivendell and their kin in
Mirkwood can be found relaxing within their solars
and scriptoriums. Other cultures, such as the
Beornings and Woodmen record information in
carvings and pictures and the rare scholars among
such peoples rely on such medium to communicate
legends and old lore rather than the great books of
others. Such places of learning and knowledge are
often comfortably appointed and furnished for a
relaxing environment aids scholarly endeavour.
Driven by death and vengeance, those player-heroes
of the Slayer Calling often leave behind their past
lives and focus on seeking revenge over those that
wronged them.
The Holding Types of a Slayer focus much on
honing their martial abilities, with gymnasiums
and training grounds of some kind or another
forming this basis of most cultures, be they man,
elf, dwarf or (very rarely) hobbit. Heavily martial in
their attitude such holdings are marked by the
scouts, soldiers and/or militia seen training with
sword, axe or bow; always under the watchful eye
and guidance of stern sergeants and captains. The
focus on martial discipline and excellence is also
evident in the architecture and furnishings of such
holdings for they are often Spartan in decoration
and functionality.
The desire for wealth in all its forms drives player-
heroes of this Calling to seek out treasure thought
long lost and also to claim that which belongs to
others.
The Holding Types for Treasure Hunters can be
opulent affairs; the treasure acquired during a
player-hero's journeys conspicuously consumed to
provide lavish living accommodation and beautiful
surroundings. Other times, those artefacts and
treasures discovered may be a means in themselves;
displayed within a museum, like the Mathom
Houses of Hobbits, as personal collections to be
enjoyed and studied or the great vaults associated
with the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain where
gold and priceless gems are locked away for only
their owners enjoyment.
The desire to protect and defend those that cannot
defend themselves is what define player-heroes of
this Calling.
The Holding Types for a Warden are usually martial
in nature but reside on the borders of free lands, or
beyond, protecting and watching over their kin from
the depredations and encroachments of the wild.
Usually they take the guise of a watchtower or fort
of some kind, and homes to soldiers and scouts,
these places are first and foremost military
bulwarks and bastions. Utilitarian in nature, such
places are not usually places of comfort for the soft
of heart although that is not to say that a traveller
cannot find a wholesome meal to fill their belly and
a soft pillow to rest their head.
Player-heroes of this Calling travel the lands in
order to discover untold secrets and explore new
horizons.
Holding Types which support the Wanderer relate to
the exploration such player-heroes undertake in
their adventures. Often such an abode is a
combination of library and museum; repositories
for maps and lore and secrets and items from far off
lands respectively. Holdings will vary widely in
appearance depending on the culture, from the
cluttered Mathom House of a Hobbit to the private
rooms of an Elf of Rivendell; maps, books and
artefacts placed on high book shelves and travelling
equipment stored within a chest, hidden away until
the wanderer next ventures out of her home.
5
It is not uncommon for a player-hero to seek relief
from his Calling and after returning from his
adventures look to more private and relaxing
pursuits. This is especially the case for more violent
Callings and usually relates to characters with the
Slayer Calling who wish to absent themselves from
the violence and loss of their past or Wanderers that
look to relax and recuperate from the rigours of
their travels.
Player-heroes of any Calling may select a Cultural
Holding Type as the basis for their Holding's
Inspiration rather than their Calling. The following
section details such types.
The following section explores the different types of
holdings that are available to the cultures of
Wilderland and lists some common Holding Types
associated with each culture, albeit Holdings are
not limited to such examples; a Mine may be more
common in Erebor but they are still known
elsewhere.
The people of Dale live in one of the newest and
most prosperous kingdoms of Wilderland, usually
stone or wooden houses depending on if their
holding is located within the city of Dale or its
borders respectively. Many people come and go
throughout the land, so Holdings that cater to their
needs are popular. Mining and Smithies are less
practised due in large part to the close proximity of
the lands of the Bardings to the Dwarves of Erebor
and the Iron Hills. As a thriving and growing
kingdom there are many crafters and farmers in
Dale
A fierce and independent people, living in their
thatched long-houses or round-houses, the
followers of Beorn occasionally emulate their
leader, thus there is less demand for meat in this
land while holdings of beehives and livestock for
wool, cheese and milk, alongside fertile orchards,
are predominant. However, other Beornings do
hunt, keep stocks of rabbits, and trade with their
neighbours using fish and game.
The people of Bree and the surrounding villages of
Archet, Combe and Staddle are a peaceful but
hardy pastoral folk. Largely farmers of grains,
vegetables and livestock, and supplemented by
professions that support such agricultural
industries, the holdings of the people of Bree focus
on the basic needs of a community rather than
more luxurious pursuits.

The dwarves of the Blue Mountains have founded

many mines and fortresses in the home among the
peaks of north-western Eriador. For many years the
many varied veins of metals proved a rich source of
income but now, in the latter years of the Third Age,
this is no longer the case. Dwarves in this age travel
far and wide, trading with others, and also
diversifying more than others of their kin have been
known to do.

A people estranged from their ancestral homes, the

dwarves of the Grey Mountains usually establish
holdings within the lands of the Iron Hills or the
Lonely Mountain. Those brave, or stubborn,
dwarves who do decide to eke out some ‘stead or
piece of land to call home will need to make sure of
its martial characteristics; a Holding must be
defensible in such dangerous times after all. Those
dwarves that do undertake such ventures mainly
focus on mining and other related industries – for
the Grey Mountains are still rich in ore and metal
deposits.
The dwarves of the Iron Hills share much with their
Lonely Mountain kin, although are perhaps more
focussed upon militaristic pursuits and the mining
of ore and metals due to their lack of proximity with
other neighbouring cultures. Out here in the wild
Iron Hills they dwarves need to be self sufficient and
in the time before during the Desolation learnt to
be self-sufficient, farming hardy root crops and
rearing tough mountain goats in small herds that
could be hidden quickly should a dragon be spotted
hunting in the distance.
The dwarves have many mines of gold and silver
sunk deep beneath the Lonely Mountain,
supporting the many smithies and workshops used
for crafting the wondrous items of the dwarf
artisans. Crafts and workings of all metals and
designs are in high demand by Dale and Esgaroth
and the dwarves trade these in exchange for food
for they do not grow their own, nor mill their own
flour, and few keep livestock. The dwarves do not
regularly entertain guests from other cultures within
their stone built apartments, except during trade
negotiations so there is very little demand for inns;
although Dwarven alehouses are a common sight.
The peoples’ of Dunland live a simple existence;
hunting and gathering supplement fishing and the
smaller farmsteads that make up the settlements of
this proud and independent folk. Iron-workers and
craftsmen are highly valued by their chieftains for
the varied skills they employ in the support of their
communities and basic trade with the people of
Eriador bring in other supplies that may be needed
from time-to-time.

6
The ancient harbour lying on the western shores of
Middle-earth has been a home for the elves of
Lindon for ages past. A rich land full of craftsmen
and artisans of their folk, the elves of Lindon have
little need to trade with others as their kin make
their way to these lands when making their way into
the West and beyond. The lands of Lindon are full
of life, and elves that male their home here can
establish Holdings of varied types including
orchards gardens, fisheries, artisan workshops or
craftshops, hunting lodges and vineyards and
wineries.

The secluded and apparently insular Elves of Lorien

remain a mystery to many other cultures within
Wilderland and further afield. Theirs is a life of art
and fine craft and quiet contemplation and
Holdings established here often reflect these
pursuits; although so close to Mirkwood means that
more martial and practical establishments are also
valued among the elves here. However, there is
nothing finer than walking through the gardens of
these graceful folk or spending time in quiet
contemplation admiring the music or craft of the
grey elves of Lorien.
Making their homes within their Flets among the
boughs of Mirkwood and within the Halls of their
king, the woodland elves trade almost exclusively
with the men of Laketown. Thranduil's hall imports
many foodstuffs but only exports foraged foods
such as nuts, fruits and fungi along with unusual
dyes, pigments and other luxury goods like fine
clothes, carvings, jewellery, etc. Almost unique to
the elven cultures is the purely artistic Holding that
produces art (song, music, dance, paintings, poems,
etc) for the enjoyment of their brethren and any
visiting guests from other lands.
Known as the Last Homely House, Rivendell and the
elves who call it home is largely self sufficient due to
its remote and isolated location. The House of
Elrond has many vineyards, orchards and gardens
that are both beautiful and functional in use and
further afield, on the borders of Elrond's lands, lie
hunting lodges where elven patrols watch over the
lone lands and Trollshaws and the lords of
Rivendell hunt deer and boar.
Inside the Shire are many prosperous businesses;
providing food, drink and pipeweed to their
customers. Inns and public houses abound serving
travellers and the local community alike, as any
journey of more than a day is seen by hobbit-folk as
worthy of an overnight stay. Artisans provide useful
goods and plenty of mathoms also, with Mathom
collectors purchasing them and often selling them
on to other interested parties; for a tidy profit of
course! Hobbits do engage in fishing, but from the
banks of rivers and streams and therefore only for
their own pleasure with the produce gained for
personal consumption of their families. Mining is
very seldom practiced so demand exists within the
Shire for iron and metal related products.
Gardening is highly praised and those with green
fingers can make a good living serving those in well-
to-do areas of the Shire.
Laketown is ideally placed near to numerous
cultures and acts as a central hub of trade to the
many regions surrounding it. Considered a 'free city'
it sees a large amount of trade, with many people
travelling their roads between Esgaroth and Dale
and far beyond to other lands. Inns and Public
Houses are present here and fishing is a viable and
productive venture anywhere on the Long Lake.
Many common Holdings are that of the Trading
House; a family-based unit that specialises in
buying and selling goods acquired from others,
often focusing on a specific category of good or a
specific region.

7
Famed and made prosperous and rich by their wine
and other goods, the people from far off Dorwinion
focus on the grape and other farming. They
supplement this with the rich fishing that can be
had from the Sea of Rhun as well as extensive
livestock rearing in other areas. This, along with
their open outlook to other nations has allowed
them to trade far and wide to the north in
Wilderland and south-westwards to Gondor.
Closely allied with the High Elves of Rivendell, the
Dúnedain of Eriador travel far and wide; their
holdings are found in isolated parts of the ancient
kingdom of the north, providing immediate benefit
to the people that call such places home. Trade is
very much between the nearby Holdings of the
Dunedain rather than further afield and with other
cultures, although exceptions to this are Rivendell
and, occasionally, Bree.
The Rohirrim lead a largely pastoral and martial
life; patrolling their lands and tending to their
horse-herds and cattle while their kin till and tend
to the various crops they grow. Beyond luxury
goods, traded with Gondor for their famed horses,
they are largely self sufficient and Holdings will
spring up to meet the demands of their people.
8
Perhaps the most civilised and settled of all the
peoples of Middle-earth the men of Minas Tirith,
and of further afield within Gondor, follow
professions and trades that vary as much as their
nation. Ranging from the hunters of Ithilien, to the
farming and livestock rearing of the lands south of
the White Mountains, to the maritime-based focus
of the fair city of Dol Amroth and other ports, the
land of Gondor accommodates most trades and
professions found within all other lands.
Like their neighbours, the Beornings, the Woodmen
believe strongly in independence. A farmstead large
enough to support their extended family is the
priority of almost all people of this culture. Near to
Mirkwood, woodcutting and charcoal-making exist
to support the people that reside there. Mills are
extremely rare as every family has its own
millstone. Near to rivers and the Anduin herself,
fishing can be viable. Inns and Public Houses are
foreign to the peoples of these lands.

The following section details the various Holding
Types that may be selected by a player-hero when
defining their Holding. These entries describe either
the raw materials available to the holding, the trade
or occupation of residents of the Holding, or the
actual goods produced by the Holding in question.
Artists or Performers
The Holding is the home of artists. These
individuals or groups of people may produce song,
sculptors, paintings, poems or other such expressive
arts. They often travel, both to neighbouring
communities and further afield, in order to perform
for others and to finance their endeavours.
Beehives
Although Beorn is known for keeping bees he is not
alone in this undertaking. The presence of bees
enhances crops, flowers and other plants that
require pollination. They also provide honey to use,
sell, or make into mead as well as wax for candles
and to be used as a sealant.
Boatwright
This Holding is a specialised craftsman that builds
the boats, canoes, and skiffs that transport the
many trade goods between Laketown, Dale, and
beyond.
Carpenters or Stonemasons
The Holding hires out workers to build structures
for other Holdings. Such work is often seasonal and
many carpenters have other secondary professions
to supplement their income. Stonemason's work,
however, can often take years to complete with
significant investments of time and labour.
Crafters
The Holding has workshops and tools for skilled
manual workers who make items that are
functional, decorative, or both; including clothing,
furniture, jewellery, household items and tools.
Collier
Using nearby forests and woods, the Holding
produces charcoal to use, and sell to other
communities, as a source of fuel to warm hearth
and fire smithies.
9
Coneygarth
Also known as a Rabbit Garden, the Coneygarth is a
penned enclosure, similar to a chicken coup where
rabbits or hares nest and reproduce and useful as a
source of meat for many cultures, especially when
times are harsh.
Dovecote
A dovecote is a birdhouse, home to scores of
pigeons that use it for nesting. Many cultures use
these birds to send messages or as an easy to
acquire source of fresh meat.
Farmstead or Farm
A farm is a collection of fields and buildings used to
cultivate various crops and vegetables to feed the
general population, animals, and also to trade for
other goods. It has a small amount of livestock and
may range in size from a farmstead (a farm housing
and sustaining an extended family) found within
the lands of the Beornings and Woodmen to the
larger farms found within the Dalelands that are
often focused on the production of grains and
hardier crops.
Fishery
The local area has a significant river or pond where
fish can be caught, saving a portion of their catch
for local consumption with any left over for trade to
the surrounding communities.
Foragers
For those with such knowledge and training the
wild can provide an abundance of forage able
foodstuffs such as nuts, fruits, fungi and herbs for
both cooking and medicinal purposes. These foods
are often consumed by those who forage them but
can be trader with nearby lands and further afield if
they are dried or preserved.
Gardens or Allotments
Including the expertise to tend, gardens are an area
of ground for growing flowers, bushes and trees
simply for delight and pleasure, Allotments are
small holdings for growing vegetables not usually
mass consumed and herbs oft used for cooking.
Horse Herd
Located in large corrals, horses are bred and used
for labour, travelling or war. Highly valued by
commoner and lord alike they provide a valuable
service and source of income to any Holdings that
has them.
Hunting Lodge
A hunting lodge is a cabin in the woods or wilds
that are suitable for a couple of nights stay. A
resident caretaker keeps it repaired and tidy, and
always has a small supply of food on hand in case
his lord shows up unexpectedly.
Inn or Public House
Generating income from those travelling through
the lands of the Holding, and therefore only
available to those places on established routes, inns
and public houses also provide the local
community with news and information from the
patrons that frequent them.
Kennels
Used for hunting, herding and as watch dogs a
kennel is a large, often wooden structure
comprising of pens for the dogs to shelter and runs
for them to exercise. The average kennel house
around three dozen dogs. The kennels of the
Woodmen are impressive structures and house their
Hounds; the greatest of all the hunting dogs of
Wilderland.
Livestock
Livestock may comprise of cows or sheep. Such an
improvement constitutes a large herd of a couple of
hundred cows or several hundred sheep and the
fields to hold them. Cows are raised to produce
milk, cheese butter, meat and hides for leather.
They are tended by cowherds, milked by
dairymaids, and require a fairly large staff to
exploit fully. Sheep are raised for food, wool and
parchment. They are grazed on Wastelands,
guarded by shepherds who also milk them, and
shear them in the spring.
10
Logging
Wood and forest are often over-logged and ruined
by zealous men but if it is managed as an
occasional activity then it can provide an
invaluable, and replenishable, resource for the
community. Harvested trees can be turned to all
kinds of tasks; lumber for woodmen long houses,
barrels to trade and transport wine with the elves,
boats to transport goods along the Celduin and
many other uses such as weapon hafts and shields.
Mews
A mews is made up of pens and cages wherein a
variety of falcons, eagles, hawks and other birds of
prey are kept and cared for. The nobility of Dale
hunt with these birds but are careful to leave the
ravens of Erebor alone.
Mill
A mill may be water-driven, wind-driven or ox-
driven. In smaller, self-sustaining hamlets, each
family may use their own millstone but it is usual,
in larger settlements, for one mill to support
numerous farmers and farmsteads within the area
who transport their grain to it in order that it may
be ground into flour.
Mine
Found within mountainous or hilly regions a mine
usually provides coal, iron, gold or silver through
the veins that are discovered therein. Such valuable
raw materials are sold on to smithies and crafters
alike for various uses.
Orchards
An orchard is a large grove of fruit or nut trees.
These may bear apple, cherry, pear or plum fruit or
chestnut or walnut nuts. Orchards allow for the
gathering of these foodstuffs without the need for
time-consuming foraging.
Pipeweed
Grown predominantly in the Shire, Pipeweed is a
type of tobacco that is farmed, dried and used by
hobbits and others to smoke within their pipes. The
cultivation and exportation of this herb is a key
industry in the Shire, especially in the south.
Popular varieties of pipe-weed included Longbottom
Leaf, Old Toby, and Southern Star.
Smithy
Smithies are a specific type of craftsman and may
range from the production of weapons and armour
to the shoeing of horses and other beasts of burden.
Trading House
Merchants use trading houses as part of their
business; the front is employed to receive other
traders in order to negotiate and finalise deals and
the rear is often a warehouse used for storing stock
purchased and/or transported from further afield.
Vineyard or Winery
A vineyard is a great range of land whose sole
purpose is that of growing the correct variety of
grapes to be used in the fermentation of wine within
a winery. The Dorwinions are master vintners and
have yet to be surpassed by any other culture within
Wilderland.
Players and Loremasters should use the above list
of Holding types as a guide and not be limited in
their usage, For instance, there is no brewery and
distillery detailed above but it is quite easy to
rename the Vineyard and Winery to fit such a
purpose.
11
A hidden mine deep in the trackless mountains is a
very different kind of holding than a bright and
cheery inn perched atop a high hill or a trading
house in the bustling town of Dale. Holding Traits
allow you to customise the feel of your character's
holding. They can also be invoked, much like
character traits.
In addition, the holding type and traits for Holdings
can be invoked like character traits:
• For example, "I'm going to invoke my Holding's
"Beehive" trait/holding type; my farm has
particularly vibrant flowers because of the bees,
so I'm going to send a bouquet of flowers as an
apology
• As part of their Holding Upkeep action to
produce an Ordinary Success without rolling
• Once per adventuring phase, you may earn an
Advancement Point by invoking your Holding
trait after a notable roll. Earning an AP in this
way works the same as other character traits
• Also, the Loremaster may invoke any of the
holding's traits at any time to introduce new
elements into the narrative: a prominent
establishment might have an unwelcome guest
or a hidden resource might be in jeopardy of
being revealed
As previously mentioned, when creating and
establishing a Holding, the player may select a trait
to describe and define their player-hero's Holding.
A single trait might have widely different meanings
between two Holdings.
When selecting a trait, the player should try to bear
in mind the location of the Holding, the
geographical landscape, political allegiances and
anything else that comes to mind as something they
deem important to the Holding.
• For example, one Holding with the Precarious
trait may be described as clinging to a mountain
side, whereas another might be found in a flood-
prone gorge, and yet another may be a rickety
house-boat tethered to Laketown.
When choosing traits, players must describe the
specifics of the trait as it applies to their Holding;
this is part of the fun of creating your Holding!
Players should be encouraged to select traits that
may, on first inspection, appear to be negative in
application and possibilities; such traits may lead
to interesting plot hooks and in-game developments
for both the player and the Loremaster to develop,
thus enhancing and enriching their game.
Loremaster Selected Trait
An alternative option that may work better for some
gaming groups is for the Loremaster to select the
trait of the Holding. Thus allowing for the selection
of more negative traits, should certain players be
adverse to picking them, and also to represent that
Holdings are far from perfect!
What follows is a comprehensive list of traits, along
with details on how they might be applied. Players
and Loremasters may also create new traits as they
see fit.
Arcane
Holdings with this trait have some kind of magical
property associated with it in some way. Perhaps
this could be an enchanted stream, a ring of stones
that impart prophetic dreams to those that sleep
within them or an ancient oak that imparts visions
to those resting within its boughs on a midsummer's
eve.
Botanical
The Holding is graced with a diverse variety of
beautiful and fragrant plants, be they flowers or
flowering-trees or herbs. This could be due to the
efforts of a gardener, the luck of the land, or an
especially industrious hive of bees.
12
Blighted
Holdings with this trait have some kind of recurring
problem or danger associated with it. This is likely
to be some kind of creature; perhaps a troll makes
his home under a nearby bridge or the lands
around the Holding are plagued by wargs, but it
may relate to something more natural; such as
terrible storms, or the Holding may even suffer from
a curse upon the land.
Cluttered
The Holding may be a Mathom stacked to the
rafters, or an ancient manor filled with detritus
from a variety of unfinished projects or may contain
ancient barrels still awaiting shipment to far off
lands. This Holding may have little aesthetic
appeal, but it is a treasure trove of unlikely items.
Defended
Holdings with this trait have some kind of active
militia or soldiery residing within it. This may be a
formal force of men-at-arms or something less so
such as elven archers.
Disputed
Holdings with this trait have someone, possibly an
estranged relative or former resident, claiming
ownership over it. The player-hero and his
representatives must guard against efforts to
reclaim the Holding; and the restfulness of being
home can too often be disturbed by the
confrontational claimant.
Distinctive
The Holding has unique features that have become
part of its identity; for instance "that Mill with the
square wheel".
Established
Holdings with this trait have been established
before they became the property and responsibility
of the player-hero; the Holding had at least one
master before the current one. It has existed, more
or less as it is now, for as long as any of the locals
can remember.
Famous
The Holding is famed for a particular thing that it
does or provides. This may relate to elements
associated with the type of Holding in question,
such as a Mews being famous for its sparrow hawks
or could be famed for other, less obvious, things.
Fertile
Holdings with this trait are sited on extremely fertile
ground usually in relation to the Holding's main
resource; for instance, land for farms or rich veins
of gold for mines.
Grand
The Holding has a stately air about it; grand gates,
well-maintained drives, ornate columns etc. This
Holding was built and sited in order to impress and
awe its visitors. Some, including the owner, might
scratch their heads at the cost of all these
embellishments; for its upkeep, let alone its original
construction, is an ever-present drain on resources.
Growing
Holdings with this trait are often relatively young
and in the spring of their history; full of life,
opportunity and expanding and growing along with
the communities near or around them. There will
often be overcrowding as building struggles to keep
up with the increasing population but there exists
an air of optimism in such places that is hard to
ignore.
Hated
The Holding has a bitter rival who will look to hurt
its interests at every available opportunity.
Haunted
Holdings with this trait as haunted; at least, the
locals believe this to be the case, whether it is true
or not has yet to be determined.
Hidden
The Holding is hard to find, even for those who are
looking for it; tucked in a back alley with a
nondescript door, nestled in a deep part of the
forest where no paths seemingly lead or deep
underground with nary a sign on the surface.
Historic
Holdings with this trait have something of historic
significance associated with them. This might not be
a commemorative statue or plaque, and the locals
might remember the event as nothing more than a
nursery rhyme, but this Holding is located on the
site of an important historical event or some such.
Perhaps a battle was fought here, or a defining
speech was given, or two mighty heroes met, or
tragic lovers parted.
13
Inconspicuous
The Holding seems, at first glance, to be less than it
is.
Infamous
Holdings with this trait are known locally as the site
of a notorious event, similar in application to the
Historic trait but of a negative aspect.
Infested
The Holding despite repeated efforts is infested by
something. Such creatures do not have to be a
danger to life and limb but they are at least more
than just annoying and keep coming back, despite
attempts to dissuade them.
Lawless
Holdings with this trait are lawless in nature. This
may mean that crime is rampant or widespread, or
simply that the area is not governed and enforced
by any formal laws and those living in such areas
stake their claims through their exerted might and
influence.
Oath Sworn
The Holding has sworn an oath of support,
protection or allegiance to another; likely a
neighbouring Holding.
Outpost
Holdings with this trait are located on the border of
less civilised lands.
Overgrown
The Holding, despite efforts, or perhaps because of
their absence, is perpetually encroached upon by
the local flora.
Peaceful
Holdings with this trait are quiet and calm. Visitors
find themselves resting and forgetting their worries,
and engaging in song or poetry or other similar
pursuits.
Perilous
The Holding is situated in an extraordinarily
unlikely location. Buildings cling precariously to the
landscape and occupants, or even the holding itself,
seem to cower under the threat of imminent
disaster. The very approach to the Holding may be
hazardous which inevitably means it is a place
where few visitors frequent.
Prominent
Holdings with this trait might be situated on a hill
with views for miles around or its main building
may be stark against the sky, or it could overlook
the town square in a bustling city. Whatever the
nature of the Holding's prominence, it is almost
impossible to not notice it.

Protected
The Holding has above-average defences, either
intentionally constructed or naturally occurring,
which protect it from attack. Fences, hedges, water,
cliffs, marshes, or just thick walls and a solid door,
are all possible physical manifestations of this trait.
During a Fellowship Phase, a character may work to
Rustic improve their Holding. The exact nature such
Holdings with this trait have a rustic and quiet improvements take is, of course, dependant on the
charm about them with buildings and other nature and type of the Holding. Loremasters and
features may have a simple utilitarian design or a players are encouraged to be specific about their
primitive feel. improvement(s), using the information detailed in
the previous section in order to add verisimilitude
Shrinking to the story and campaign.
The Holding is shrinking in size due to some
circumstance. This may be because resources and
supplies are diminished or some outside influence New Undertaking: Improve Holding
threatens the Holding in some way. Whatever the You may select this undertaking during any
reason, the population of the Holding is Fellowship Phase. you must spend the necessary
diminishing and the place is in general decline points to improve your Holding to the next rating
unless its fortunes can be turned around. level and the Rating of your Holding cannot exceed
your Standing (or Renown) of the culture whose
Strategic lands the Holding is part of.
The Holding is sited at a point of strategic
importance; possibly located at an important
Improving a Holding to the next rating has an
crossroad, ford, bridge or some landmark that
intrinsic cost, given in points:
offers a clear view of the terrain, and any
approaching enemies, from afar.

As with Distinctive Features that relate to player-

1 -
heroes, it is possible, over time, to replace the
trait(s) associated with a Holding; and this should 2 1
actually be encouraged by the Loremaster in order
to illustrate how a Holding may change due to the 3 2
events it witnesses and the challenges it overcomes.
4 4
In addition, the Loremaster, under exceptional
5 6
circumstances, may decide to award additional
traits to a Holding. These should occur based on 6 8
memorable events within the game and/or great
ideas or role-playing that the players may
These points can be paid with Experience Points on
demonstrate. Loremasters should adopt what feels
a one-for-one basis or with Advancement Points;
right for their campaign.
two points of APs required for each improvement
point paid for in this way.

14
The mundane affairs of running a business
(planting crops, mining ore, forging tools and so on)
can be ignored in the game; it is assumed that the
character has the requisite skills or can employ
someone who does. What is important to determine
is how a holding may change over the course of the
years, and what fruits does it bear.
New Undertaking: Tend Holding
A character may spend a Year’s End Fellowship
phase tending to his holding by choosing this
undertaking. If he does so, he may roll the Feat die
twice when determining Holding Upkeep and
choose the best result when determining the
conditions of his property and if the hero possesses
an appropriate Speciality, he gains an additional
Advancement Point.
During the end of year Fellowship Phase, the
Loremaster must check for the success of each
Holding. To do so, the player rolls the Feat Die and
a number of Success Dice equal to the Holding's
current rating and compare the result against a TN
of 14.
1) Successful Upkeep Result
An Ordinary success produces 4 Treasure, a Great
success produces 8 Treasure, and an Extraordinary
success produces 12 Treasure. This is the Profit of
the Holding for that year. The profit of a Holding is
capped depending on the Standard of Living for the
culture it belongs to.
Poor / Frugal 2 on increasing Standing within the community that
Martial 4 the character’s Holding is based within.
Prosperous 8 A well-run Holding provides more benefit to the
Rich 12
2) Unsuccessful Upkeep Result
A failed roll indicates the unsuccessful upkeep of
the Holding, where no profit is made for the year in
question.
15
Special Events for Holdings
A roll of A on the Feat Die represents an Interesting
Event and the player should roll on the Holding
Events table below.
Hazards for Holdings
Whether the upkeep of the Holding was successful
or not, if the Feat Die result is an C then the
player should roll on the Holding Hazards table
below. Special Events and Hazards are exceptional
occurrences and are not subject to the maximum
allowed treasure (profit) cap detailed above.
Cultures that are Frugal or Martial do not have as
much Treasure in circulation as richer cultures.
When a Holding in one of these less prosperous
cultures does well, the amount of Treasure
available will likely be restricted by more than the
other, Prosperous and Rich, cultures.
Spending Stored Wealth
Any unclaimed Profit is not lost, however. It instead
is stored within the Holding itself as Retained
Wealth. This wealth has the same value as Treasure
obtained from other sources but can only be spent
community than may be represented by the
Treasure taken per year as profit. It provides a home
and livelihood for a number of people and their
families as well as others who benefit in associated
trade. Stored Wealth effectively represents goodwill
and spending it improves the living standards of
those who work his Holding or on the population in
general of the culture.
Besides Holdings being a more effective way of
increasing Standing than spending Treasure directly
they also provide the player-hero with a Sanctuary
as long as they are suitably defended; this could be
expressed as an appropriate Holding trait or an
ongoing commitment by others to watch over and
defend the Holding from danger. As always, what
constitutes adequate safety is determined by the
Loremaster.
A Holding that is a Sanctuary provides a specific set
of advantages for the character in question:
• Heal Shadow: characters gain a free attribute
bonus when Healing Shadow within their own
Holding
• Advancement Point Development: when a
Holding's Rating reaches three and then five
the player may declare one additional
Common Skill that is not favoured as favoured
for the purposes for increasing its rating
through spending Advancement Points. Ideally,
these declarations should relate in some way to
the nature of the Holding or its Trait(s)
16
References to Holding Upkeep within the Darkening
of Mirkwood and other supplements can be easily
converted to these rules. Any alterations stated are
made to the TN difficulty (either up or down) during
the Holding Upkeep phase and should be self-
explanatory.
Player-heroes may often feel it appropriate to share
a Holding, contributing to its upkeep and
development. Although these rules assume each
player-hero develops and maintains their own
Holding there is nothing in particular to stop the
sharing of resources. The following points should be
considered in making such decisions:
• Holdings are often very specific to a player-
hero’s culture, background and/or calling;
therefore, it doesn’t wholly make sense for
characters of very different backgrounds to
share one Holding
• Only those player-heroes’ with strongly shared
ideologies etc can develop a Holding together.
In such cases costs, benefits, penalties etc
should be shared between such characters –
eg, only one character per Fellowship Phase
should be able to benefit from the ‘Heal
Shadow’ advantage if the Holding is a
Sanctuary
• A further potential option could be to site each
individual Holding in one location, thereby
allowing player-heroes to support each other
but for each Holding to remain separate. In
order to protect such Holdings there may be an
additional cost/resource to do so but this
should be considered by each Loremaster and
discussed with the players of the characters in
question
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual Loremaster
and their players to come up with shared solutions
that make sense and work for each particular
circumstance.
C Nothing Special Nothing special occurs this year.

The Holding has been extremely successful. Add two points of Treasure to the
1 Extra Profits
profit calculated for this year.

Fate smiles kindly upon your Holding. Add one point of Hope to your
2 Hope is Kindled
Character's current score.

A Great You invested in new ventures and your Holding bloomed. Add your character's
3
Investment Wisdom rating in Treasure to the total profit for this year.

4 Hard Work Pays You may reduce the TN for next year's Holding Upkeep by two.

Your Holding hosts a winter feast. Your Standing for next year is temporarily
5 A Great Feast
increased by one.

Something of interest relating to the Holding occurs. This may relate to the
player-heroes Calling, the nature of the Holding itself or one of its traits. For
A Fortuitous
6 - 10 instance, a master of one of the Holding's chosen trades visits. Whatever the
Occurrence
event in question the player-hero should gain one Advancement Point in the
Skill Group most appropriate.

An uncommon and potentially valuable resource is discovered on your Holding.

It could be a rare animal, a kind of herb, a spring of particularly pure water, or
A Rare or something else entirely. This should relate in some way to the Holding, or one of
A
Interesting Find its traits, or the player-heroes Calling. It is likely to be of some significance and
should have some lasting, although not necessarily significant effect on the
game and campaign for the player-hero in question.

17
 Disaster strikes and a part of your Holding, selected at random, is destroyed.
Improvement
C This may have occurred due to a fire, flood or other natural disaster or
Destroyed
something more sinister. Reduce the rating of the Holding by one point.

Your Holding has been extraordinarily unsuccessful this year. Subtract three
1 Disastrous Losses points of Treasure from any profit for this year. This can include using up any
Stored Wealth.

2 Hope is Dashed Fate curses your Holding. Reduce your character's current Hope score by one.

A Poor Your Holding has invested poorly in improvements. The cost of your Holding's
3
Investment next improvement is increased by three additional points.

You owe a favour to an important Holding near to yours which they collect on
4 Favours Owed this year; you must use an Undertaking aiding them or lose a point of Standing
as you renege on your promise of aid.

Your liege lord visits during the winter and costs 2 Treasure (for Poor/Frugal
5 Liege Lord Visits cultures), 4 Treasure (for Martial/Prosperous cultures), and 6 Treasure (for Rich
cultures) to accommodate him and his entourage.

Such a hazard should relate directly to the Calling of the player-hero, the
Holding itself or one of its traits. The following present some ideas for what
events could occur:

Brigands Attack
Brigands attack your Holding, pillaging your supplies. Reduce your Holding's
Stored Wealth by four points. Heroes may decide to hunt down the brigands
which would require a short adventure to do so and the recovery of the stolen
treasure.

Marauding Creatures
A Significant Your lands are beset by marauding creatures. If they go unchecked then an
6 - 10
Threat Improvement will be destroyed. The nature of the creature(s) can be determined
by the Loremaster and should result in an adventure of some kind to deal with
the threat.

Pestilence Strikes
Pestilence and disease strikes your holding. Reduce the Holding's Stored Wealth
by six points

Neighbour Trouble
There is a dispute with a neighbour. Test your character's Persuade skill against
TN 16. A failure results in a loss of one point in your character's Standing. Any
success results in no loss to Standing

A Nothing Special Nothing special occurs this year.

18
19