THE CULT OF BENISH ARMON (Chris Seeman: PU Box 1215, ‘Novato, CA 94948, USA Jason Beresford: 3469 Legato Court, Pomona, CA 91766-0977, USA. ‘Stefan Ardinger: 1617 Ashby Av- ‘enue, Berkeley, CA94703, USA Galea weep wpe of many Made ah canpigs [esa lin imple taj anc cope op ned net Bk ber eS oy Dk cued b-side be (5 pda plane roti oy oho a (hu dna of Mado cl nth sto Sl lx anc gon 0 decoy a ance ‘and unig ofr o gen alsa hot howe adn wing MERDP modal amply ‘nde he amorpaur apy of "the Dat Relig, aly eka fer aplansion, Wt fill a daspon of «ae hich ue prema the fing Kies ms, od ‘hich nl alo ave anne he Usa li al tk, Iie pret her bi ton cepa ow mre ‘nein cal ight be degpd, ad san epson of the pr rentent of wtchwl e gen te fr reenvened moc, oii se die ally cutee an aout afte orgy, hay, arb. nd mig ample by he mini of Bich Arn. INTRODUCTION The cul eich Arron draws togeber scr isin stands rom Toke’ writings, 35 wells sanous tem rom the Umbur and Ai mode te The eoneeprinderying the cals here ‘Chis Seemaa's presouly published are ‘A Jour ‘yin the Dark (OH 4: 15-18) which amines the ‘ant ditions concerning the enigmatic ge of {Quren Beil. In essence, che cul of Bene Arman centr upon the cas which Benithiel en- sled do her bidding ‘hese ct are magneto have been Msa-spnts shirk the Quen ected athe her val sige Sojourn Es Ari, tollowng Meru o-alled “expulsion” fom Goer thee ats ered mth shi where they bea an object worship fo those ofthe Lai Folk hd been ited th Benthic ‘The goal ofthe cts to re the cat from he camnshond to which he Quen sujet de turn the cas actas "guardians over hie Bhi fle Joes invest the cut leders with magical power toefct ther ens. Ath de ata re aude Mie-piioand ‘hit prea calofien eueraune gruesome prc ‘oe they ean an “independent en” sent of dination by Sauron ad his puss. Dring the ‘ine ofthe Kinet, howe, circumstances neces state a rudngallanoe between the sera of nth Arm and hnee fhe Necrmance, ut ths enue lance is aay in danger of uring {in open cont and oppesion. JsonRerent ramen fhe Blcke Niswendrea lees of Unbar provided further background for thse. His development of enon cent el artic known 3 the Kuleondo created an ‘mporanc explana ink beside org of Ue a athe subjection w Benthic. The Kuléordo a jevel of unlight which suri the wreck of ‘Belerad only w flu dhe hands of Unborean sorcerers oer Une aro he Sexual Ay Bethel was heels Back Nirmeniren from Lumbar saree af he hey el ho ant ' by meas of the Kui thc se was able to bind the ast he. Ie ie though the Kaloo sso that th ubeaqunt inion otha et ae able wo sw pon ther Mapes, and Sin Arges spe list deus some ofthese they might be wee inthe course ogame. Although thee of Hens Armon des ill figure in “Eyes othe Bll Night,” the campaign presented in this suc of Ober Hands, the cts and the Kuléondo do. Te aoc therclore forms an sel ce a cplemen en running hat angi Pray sone of he material presented Frere (prion the background ot Beith) sal ot be ppg in he Kin adil. Wile sherman in sare doesnot out in any sy ith ha itn mht mole, ide it necesary for he cbereneo he soon to-be-pub- tha mati It shul be eared sheen aan pond esto o wise pss ie Kars anal Unb males.THE Powers (MERA HISTORY Bee ee eae AND ORIGINS Sitndlatten tx aberpion nines fh or pe on ot ace cae at OF THE CULT ratrspatlraions incarnate being (eg thes, en Mia), Tb wa eye teijend and mgben gh Pecan Sead (Qo) Th pce eres een feamanletharwow te war ay tae fered ucluporeterase rao pay coup wes te rer oe re pce gut, fRehte omenl eo fs pst ng Seucileowsy Gol Te roe perf ‘vam dela, Some years fllowing Wil See eh nae on tere See ayaa tod Te pee wo Ce aes Ser fregh ctv md peer Fain Fo thmghs ge elongate Cee senmrd lands of their homeland absorb he he muy be drawn upon by the err ham deel cpm er mag os lend N= see dec tlcitim webs + f+ En fyor br eset SOSESEASS SERS Petepemrel well Te toes ‘of Banith Armon were made into purmessare only accessible w wav tal ian Setivofmacicn Maar Thecacyofte Kona mre spi dat ssumed scicike varies cording w the bdo ad pia atare Ez often Te pone Bon yearend eae atv eee ay bade de cist dew peomeh eo ‘Bthir Anduin ac their domain and jy as soon as the link between body and soul is sew Proedinen human nuht- ee eke odo er dc ne) arn 63 uen ene pore ot sie Gono tw de olsen ErathenEhurAndunas The Rakondo itis fice trans Bs comrucedtyherbad, snare er marc eon hen Tran Fbsuvucd fe shuld a Midi bb Be Te Kalerds wore tas, staf memston manera w bre telocriy fe eA whch mena rae toc feo dverarefbeash cominor ale wx of tt deb ect ner CTeenhl eh ttde, Cope thon te we cage ove States = Puerboapteisieymeel rom, Secereng te Eos Fak hs foncetf rd blow soa de nu ak mb depe nes Are renaraed ts ert (Ben a iy betet pce Kn somber er, Gqule sevens $D/ 10 THE NATURE bese sara notin by nt hr drach mere fo ts rae oh AND FATE OF ig oe cup ofachceaues en te THE Tedd tng bd German win a : toe ges mela pea fs egegh KUILEONDO “aittrithy tbe ocanebetapes Te tnd a phere one po wl revig spon cory fr xtdpaposnacipin magal we Ab ae tne homens Se npn indesta Kimever te deep red by of he Ma's he pens the we fm Seinen bit Whee” acing yes tle fe eon le tm sce snd imeced rere ev, ter met inf bheys polo dioce ort svn Rte Is nen appeades ‘ransom te one, ge umd) gem hope west ace glean! stig nore rig nes, hemor rs eS fcitusrnmae id mo le pen Kan pores The erst ba Sh peal en men ee ge Bexish Armon san ancient Den Coen wich etn the midst of Echir Andi. Fewas‘Thera wx ofthe Kuéond w ened ie necesita he itis eat berm fom ‘he body and epee wth he gem ble he wes dis. The mihi not vue « tras of sempovered words inorder for ela ffm the vic’ blad be maser the rile’ own dd, The wiles usta ere ‘Be RR lee ofthe vices Shou is fil, hv’ wl remain ‘sapped inthe gem as maples and the Soalondo wl edicts absorb power pon the vhs If he welder sued nvercaing he vit’, he or she wl sop gig fora mab of month equal tthe vis Co 9+ wel number nf prieny orion rn Adin mee ‘anode made fir he ecco tina ee fice completes cour. Faure repeat ern vel a inthe are pg of wre boda irrevocable has fhe ty ram ence the proce. ORIGIN AND HISTORY “The Kulopdo was ried by nor Iva oe uf die many gers sien by Mage rm he as of Formenos ad fed to Ungoiane Only the at poverfl fal the gems devoured by Ungolant ur ‘ed the ordeal and were sry belch Fh fom the spider. These few gens were as formed—ther weight med net and ther power persed: Morpeth td a of these fell dd ea aga, here they were fo the mos part fot nd ler lor reer in he darructon oft free in A Wa of Wiad “The udeondo emp hi chon ae do been gen to on of Moros moral wwe Turco ne puceee Kondo enn the waa tapi of “adh n ey wh ta ie wed (he wis of Derr aking prey fe ett dine hanger, Having ensned theca, Goro seatthem spy open te Brand hr mora 2s ie Fs ‘With he deseucon of Angbnd and tx cptare of Morgth, Goat he ext ad sat eal Fading icy the morn chore af the Nen Unter There he exmunered ta free ‘hen ofthe Fath, Using he Kaeondo becom ‘mare Tevido and hic thre pte many bape kes Fala vices, who were inn sae the Falondo, hae poner Gort dow pono prolong his ie. Other ofthe Flt Gortir take tse asx bem bu fo a 3 szonghld onthe nordweser eet of Unbar owns Vanag Tox rls nim, Co a he Jane log the northern co fhe Nen bar through es, threat, nd bloody saniom. Ashe Seca Ag progr de Nader pl oe creasingly quent airs ain Goris head the ari popuaon ws becoming ‘angerty bow Hard noid the orbare Non rrr faing the en ip” at dele ere 0 Goth was ef with rng the Fig along the southern css of the Nen Ub Ina ony oflaling anung to cates, te ene Pibrinm pepuon curing tere weresactio ‘© maintain Gord's ered to ren m *haretng” cries fram tke Fab alg J Ne Unbar's orien eoas, ‘Coot was oreroved when ele ship sled im the Nen Usa These Nimendrean mariner. were hl iy Aaron he Mucins sono i> Nera bag Capen oe ere, who ve hn engaged na comtue eplorsbon of and, Pecesng hat Adaron ae is men wou eld up 3 more efiacous mexbe forthe Tadeando, be ordered Telde and hr hae at ‘ack the Veta once their ship made nll ‘Though supra bythe tack, Aaron's men were blew Bight off the ambush Sever meres tak were lamche before ofthe Vena wer captured. Their comparionspumued thes apt back Vamag, bu not before one ofthe apres was serif Aldon raced! Yama, managing w ‘ie ns een el ae A fal parting shot by Adrons bow impaled Cmte wedng han a eng Tink w de pers the Kea Gorothir ought aneuary motes pein Gece, i per nctne idee dco fom de Kaleondo, though ithad no wieder For neat ‘emyomnemes, he om resie bund 9 vag, ‘unable to actin ns form (ough the hoor of ‘ther memory hindered ayo! moral re For Aruing nea rr resting place un th soning of Addnuphe! w Unbarin SA. 1914) Adinaphe!’s choice of rag ashe esdence in Milllseanh alle permed he of the Raléondo. Disegrg ise eptatio, he ambroous Duodan lords ordered that her cade Ieuan the ine of Groth oongha During te corsrusion the Kuonde wa ner cede Adapt ny began ech power, Focusing on i lie-exening property, she documented how they ould be ped but ‘Adnaphel never bee sar of he Kaeond's ‘otis pen, of the eats tat wer brand shine Deering to dangerous tad ck ing tru ineortiy rather han» mere eercon of Jt fe, she pue hese ane her notes ae na regor ned box and place! them inher ments ‘ur vat There they remsined, undoes by the ing Men 3 Hy demanded Adinphale del falowing ber rebelion Lite inthe Sernd Ag, he Kuéondo was di cures oer aunty 2 Sigh mad, mide aged [Nimendrean named Gorin, who was desperate aver death, Gori oloved rumor ar rumor, szslang he mh gem tat woul Yep Seah st ‘bax Gorm made ata with he enmapped spit of Teo, agrecing to can Un at fn de pr incachangs for koowiee ofthe Kléond's we. “The Pins of Cas lly ace Goris fer, ‘nerutng him in bloody mec ancl heeding of ‘oral efor. Gorim thn held this prone ‘ean tec from the Kado and laving them rinhahirvamog m pha frm, whore they ere so dvell unl the Able, when Vamag was de Soop “he Kalo, bowers rene Gis pocesion. Wk Phar’ corrupton and de ‘cabshmentof he wort of Mellor in Amend dec cary te Nieminen nies, Cori re tothe Temple fn Unbar Hisage and gor proving aU be pool ended wm cemenseat he “a0r™ [gant him by Male (Are ie of See Sry eFC nw En Gorm anuned ental pia en Unban tsofiel cae Gorin’ is urkowe, bathe Tp in ‘ch he and aH reed elo fer ‘he Allah doe ma rblion int thw who Jad je Arar in the Gre Armament at faded he down of orcad. This rot seas brought an end with the ara in Ubarof Faint eal Herunos oo eam baer mh ‘elu who bad abandoned he Fat afer ‘Besson camed he rip. With ir ad Heruneril theme ron onthe the Tempe and Gorm ws rebel of Kaleo urge coune ofthe sragge “Te Koodo dlls Ue penn of Fins wh beame aor rte Haram dig test yas of Second Age Au be never sz us ofthe Kann’ power, bos Pulner tod hs bodes were coped by Sauron make ‘repent nnn Conder in the War of hc {a Aline (rough Sumas promise om of tbe throne of Gone). Herumor pers in at srstconlin but Fun led he Deora. re igi Uber avait tend ‘Wi Sauron vague an his em yar rom Ingshor Fama wrumbed tothe wale oF ie econ efor a means of rer Det or 4B oe Bu gh dope, Pumas fo he ew he per of wing Kukondo prolong ied woul pot be dese as Gorm ben Ith, betel ihe ued another way Fning sent outs senor rough the Sth inch opel ncn some fxg tthe slrent Pur ear rn pl neath be sur ofthe Mir of Br wire Bowed lng ‘ter ht woud prone li unening To Cher par be wt eth al he ou ae de sezdel ine he depts of Hanah, Te asond wen ith him The yarns SA. 344 Tie Miro Fe eh ie whore he pot vis of Cra nd sisted the cz of Adin Malar pon the ala The dng mcs fe hp cored Be wa nt te nd nde mil of be peat ae of ge Theil dmalason of be Mirorof Fre bore he seanofansent Amare, but beneath sree il ‘at hide veo uf nse prise wae Rom he Fine Spring of he wold eeeOTHER HANDS. , | The Prophecy of Zimrakhil ‘As the day of Tarannon’s ascension approached, the lords of Umbar srew fearful for they could not forever hope to resist the might of Elendil’s cons through their waning power. And yer this impending doom was but the eanvas fora peril that lay the heavier ‘upon their minds—eheir race was dying. ‘fer the fall of Sauron and che disappearance of Fuinuy the King’s Men had «dwindled in numbers, and much of cheir blood became merged with that of Lesser Men. So ‘it was that in the time of Tarannon no woman of pure lineage remained ro perpecuate ther name. They called upon Milher eo deliver chem from their fate, and spilled the blood of many ¢acrficas upon the alter oftheir Temple, ec hasten if they might the promise of death- {essmess spolue en their fathers of ole ‘Their minds became cwisted with despait, and many slew themselves in che ‘madness and pride; but chen ane arase among them who spoke in whispered counsels ofa way by which ther salvation might be won and ther foes overthrown, His name was ‘Zinmwabhil, and he was a wicked lord of necromancy ofthe brood of Heruzmor. "The Lord of Ancient Darkness does not lie’ he said to them. ‘Deathlecenast he has promised to chose chac serve him, and these words were noe spoken lightly; but the ‘malice ofthe Valar has frustrated his designs, and the Sons of Elendil hinder the coming of that day. Bus when thei might is overthrown and they look upon the naked lies of chet ‘masters, chen will they east themselves in shame upon our alters tothe glory of Melhor; but this honour we must eam by our own design.” Buc the fords uf Umbar answered, “You speak of vieuuries noc yet achieved and of ing day our fos srow cerongor and we the weaker! honour yee to be had, but with each p Wl any of our race even five co ete thar day, though ir shoal came te pase? Open your eyes to the truth, clever seer! Behold, among us no woman still lives whose veins pump with the blood of Ar-Pharazin!” ‘Then Zimrakhil’s voice grew soft yet venomous, and he mocked their disbeli “Fools! Fainchearted fools! That you should be unmanned by your own forgetfulness, while he pro uf Mellar’s words les before your yaving faves! Tor chese isa woman of our blood that yee livesy and whose years have surpassed even thoce of Elr Tar-Minyatuy greatest bieseed of cur race’ “Of whom do vou speak” ‘Then Zinsakhil laughed, and the sound of his laughter echoed throush che temple of Melkor “Ancalimé/he said at last. “The daughter of Fuinur ‘Bus che King’s Men looked at him once mare in doube:'Why do you speak tous of legends” “Lpeak sniy ot what mine own eyes have seen; for I have been to Fuinur’s Well and have looked upon the face of our forefather’ answered che moplec with slow relish "And be lives” “There wat hushed astenighment in che Temple asthe lords of mbar conten plated whas this might mean. Then ac Last they asked: “And what of Ancalimé his child?” “She sleeps beside her father and all his court, {ar beneath the surface of Ards; but s00n she wil be awakened, and her presence will herald our salvation and the downfall of our foes.’ iThese ving waters were “breathable,” and indeed presened morale, supending the Bow of Time 2 peson wee to be ime in em (ut 8 [rina hd beard from the end of his Harada, subjecs) What the sgng Dinan lord did not law ws data moral exposed aver log the water would Billint dark lcp—erlles,unkss the shumbenngindredual were eed w the rel fai ysemcine cae. Bat meron nde pe mal waters of Aimaea halted Ties couse, removal ‘rom tem would cance their ees the even anv agian he om of Man. And te peson ad passed beyond thir led spn of ears Inthe water beneath, Doom woukl cae upon ‘them al the sft afer resuming the sree. Theo thse waters Flour and is our dead, afer Funar we the magia pover sored within the Kulonda memo foch water pint ome smardng them w cows fr tm and bis floes 4 pale 2 the watery ros of Amare, And form this submarine throne-oom, Fumar frame con tse wre the Harad unl de ep tk han and his cour. and all rumor of them eased During the ime when Fuinur hd erblhed his ‘ew dominion fam bea ie Mirror of Fie be ad gen the Kllvndo wo bis ee Ancaims, whom be had taken nos hou fallow ing the death of is Els in Urb hari he = Delion agains the Temple Acaimé was the dah terof Ar Pharan’s Captain in Umbar, and ber ‘mother hal herelfheen ara of Phare, Arcam vast ep in Fina’ wel for nearly ‘thousand yas, before she wat to become Herth, Queen of Gowvor and sn ar, mers Dron ot of er devising. Through be, edo ae his ‘hanes were to be once aan botnd w the Kaloo, and cue oft nding wend be born the cut of Beish Ammon. “THE AWAKENING OF ANCALIME Anal we con de vane Aine B iano aed 2a heise bead red open Tena uel ra ear iat canton a Une bypeang “Fret forthe pomacel come om Soahwaea Te rhe eng ethmrskn pec iner ea typed on art vray be! Me whe aerate octagcoe iva oe ig ake gs eS “enn pe pp rig sot af Ran oy reper Pip win eee ago Gor vd ot arom aren Sa og Sonacs Faring renvfia Bete ‘eam Deval feed ayer seman oan ol imerrcngh ea nome per ct Spread poet Desanel To ‘Achld would hae wo be bur he be of ‘Bed ac in whore vein would un the blood fb the King Men and he Fath an bi fo ae dave wae dal Valine al ere 34 bass for Sauron corre Gondor frm witht nunc and veneer bi recs eal fone of Urn Ane uel Bear tare mth kw ar Ane wold not hve log toe on eve rom a wae rin sp she fad ae pase eat sof en tie tong bondins aft Be lalate buts the wef the King she might le long ech pevorm the tk ued of ex The ocr dy Ter tat more han ight ocris of der inthe ‘wie of Almaren woul oud Anal’ toad whats wan twa to Areaty whan sh wat brought out of Fai wel, Zmral ad dove sean of ang ‘oad weet ard purpose bot et tod w the men of Gondor Zim new of be Kenda dash ne, borne Be col ore- cedut valet retuel wenn dees nce ain, nor tthe woud we ti dine power Slee te one erble set Oat Be sree so wed wo bep i lee ng Sind of Gondor ped ava ety inthe yet ningodypee pone South knglom Huson and bess, na soon o ake the own, ed nexdedaqucen A woran war aleybebothed to him Berthe dager of Price Thro of Armor. Bertil + 0 Gondor by ship, ad was to mest Jerhubud-t best hw ela fll wre Tinea hd purer hima Capainof he oss under ihe mm pln wa tent hh ll Barchiel and al of er re and et the el dumber ingle wpon i Amalooknt somepiit ‘eel he cmon ts pow sean nplaaion for he week fers and ele ofr oe ocd woul ata Deel lw oe Gondor woul raise depion Tiwari ‘Afi, Ani ep ho ety shoves her pe thes hou te darks of Ihr memory ever rented her—an seas tine wore om nt abe und hel tbe Chl. Tobling rent of er el pe bean to aut her dreams, he col ot dered tar trv meaning. The bay api of righ crenriee etborrowe fife hen bean esas ding ber inthe ben of monn These things al wok pice daring ine when Tannen her husband was ay making war on he lorie bar Remhielhn un Er can ‘ing ullawhch ie hing had bu In ese be Cone avare of the mleelen power dt sled enshrmon Ath las she amet rele hat Bertie wat ds and that she wasn ruth Ani, daughter of Frnt ch hy her marl mate ded nw died centres pst Her deh ws capable, at wld herein? And vu tv da the? She ad kar ou ose wd mt tec boen Set barber men sober doy Se sou inton be bth Aron ‘Anal ne newt To ands hanes done ben cle toe wee he ery fave lieon at she re, be ad seed Furr ee command meal pone {lveulapwinaks bdo wagan Thee fenton wt a fr dot ren od rae Tey were dw Aine toda Bes Fm tt binding soege nary the ty hl iow tens ad be ened by ‘acing oe oy hrc Ac ened» Of bw ber ch, and be es compel bs Herel bho peace bh er whan by the ngs er commande mt ode ine Af hag let we pone at wed ten ee call Enltand ure detrppees Hence “Baton va ele cies an! te sazeion pasedin Erde phon who wrt doves Ethno afte sr ots en me al tfieFandlin aye Inthe remsnig deta ee tt Analg, sone in Gun wer cid, be we de cre ‘bath rank te wile rho at ad tapped on Bowel shipped ino tt ‘Stns sereff bono ls warm ho Sex ener ata bbe er ofr ca Sep ano daar na persed fore Ch To szoah th, hemor ogo ‘eas news ee wow ‘thor wat wat wey an la ayyetbe— epee, Ost of ex a dn Oni as dese aster pf eget ed any nour de fpr of Bente sa cow ered we Buti uu ey wee bet and tng ern oth El regi bere herb Tran, Tle wh th ed Her bt wei Goon. nda ncn ee Boor en ‘Theces ound wherin dfn wen wher Te Kalk i at hows fr Aral hal renin be aa om ofher aes om te Edi ble rd ‘Wher att fone saree her weary it {Mann Tinh anes on Sek paca ges ad were den bec Beh ‘amen, pel er ang There ey met ome gache no powmtel onde and wh es nl made pce which wa ero eae THE CULT OF Benish ARMON es cee fi an binding Tbe ‘and his thanes were now unable to move beyond the ‘Del of enn Amon, nes Acie rome ec axed fm hth wed Fao Snrtordee bem nabs ohne —————_—_—_—_— erhere moreover, this release could ony be eetve ‘Fie wok place on grou tat il hm allan a -Mabor, whoce serants ha brought about ‘Arclime's unatutal te by remowng her fom the watersof Almaren. Such ground exited now only Uns, on the site of Temple, which was red the ground by Earl in TA. 933 and foundations sede beneath a rong aver that he ted tobe ult here “Tad malo hate could not hope frre dom rom his bondage ures he cou appl the ‘shir Fok ior help. Erin agreed wad the cain ‘exchange for Trl’ promae that the cas would no Jonge: prey upon th Et Fol, bur would instead become thei protectors La euef dis prome, Ennand ber fle woud seek knowledge of ‘Avalime's l,m onder that they maght brig itt Banish Armon, Throw ie Kaito, Treo fganted Erin and her steczson magia pove's Sichen inaaining be gas Tevitpo’s powers (MERAY ‘The Prins of Casha dap mers of p= ining his te hrugh de Radavel en hgh "remanent ad iiston pon spo es Thug he meciom of he em, Todo do fn of thing 1) suri Ne dae 2) ae {eceram power tothe weer of he Kalondo ss ieplene hin, 8) ly projec sprees ot ofthe gem fora brief peril atime Fach af heer ‘shies are sje eran condison, SUMMONING hs Gams he Ue prape cbtis cusde of enh Arnon ths oranaone Seekers lo i Pc ef Ga, te Rac a em ny bare poston This homes cn on beaters on Egret dt non he of be ent ven eye bundy slid) MTs ‘tors mate mcnepuned by Bed etic hee met trove be treed eto ted inaon The erm peared ihe ad ogee peat mente nord tm feof eh Aron wot fer ne mt lpn mr aod tas bygone (Geran nape) The eo fs nde Ten fe hsm will be nau oe ao passe whe compe rome nen Rak pent no oreenel egal trpeoon “The incratinn prereset sae of 5 points / day and can ony be eee bythe ‘mor powertul healing mag POWER TRANSFER, Besse the Kuiliondo enables he tanar of shila magia energy Teo ables nearporte seme us own powers « Maia ha exchange In this wag the Prince of Ca ges assume whe ‘wider ol the gem beyond the pure ibility of ‘rom Pruee Pin ‘The nonin of thi seamen de pendsin pr spon he wie adin par upon he Cia gedte become Aaa ofthe ct? powerand as proofof ie cevesant with th Eh Folio serve tem, leo Iecerniered the poe of apetng ie te sve of Ue el ear er asune frm ge hanna ai and a 0 P ott fey we eh ee a) afi te boon ard anny be woman might besa inane carded In daiion wo he scomparg ie ai. {al onde and aman als erie while ineatatae (bough ome of thee may be ra “Flo's capacity to channel power through the em end goer Mis bie apt the footer emaonmet. Thimeans that he Pince of Cas eabew gare mimevsig sw the gener (op © +100 bons onal mance veralad wo dibing, npg ig and eak- Ing seen a innened eri aronihng ne The ware FACE down led wage of Peo Goseribubdymrat andi mal Nexus ede be Kaan in pect Tey Cen igh eens pes itn ole obo as ent ete aoe venir ons: Bath Amon kis ry poner Sennegirteare malin bone, (ets oe yea bein) Tor (libagesaldabet ig ct0u ela ‘How tt rf weedy hr com of demon ehh infra sasha pop we ufo RR ets arcer Si cealby te te rancor? fp) A aaw of 50% erred peat ‘iy ‘THE CULT IN ACTION ‘The it of Benth Armon emerged soon afer ocd’ dus ervnd 830 o 831 and pe ne fe hundred years searching forte sent ad st ofa ig a of Asner n. Fearing for his child's ale but no wiling 0 expose sw on othe public ee bese fhe now qth berg Leen ced he ab be secre foszred by Gunlr his Stenard. who bean he Prin of Mortond. Gundor tok the hye era, and ade hit he hao Ne use St was tha te bode of Berit! and Turron led on in the prey ne of Morthond unlnown oe othe te cons ofthat bose Ttis daring he dine ofthe Kins (1432- 1448) tar howlage of the chide comes tothe cerof Teo Spe srt bythe Necromancer to seach ot here capita of Orgith ders feet neripion amen othe Wen of Beith clan th are eommanded by the Duh Lind sch wt Del Aunts oder pride this Loonie to the Prince of asad is talt—frs pre Sauron know het he can only be ced by thelandoCArelimds duceedaton ground nord to Mele Inexharge forte dexendane’s mame ted so te hidden foundation of Mors “Temple n Uhr, Ssron demande hat Tee and his servans gan the eofenr of deren, edt proper rd ds Ut St oe forhi— rae the Dinedsn on Bi bebal Tes ad his tas he er echewed the domination peter el power ard doory of Anais decent proms reas from bs andl oder such compubion but now the Dark Lord zeke we hem for is ovr purpomcs. The cal of Bensh Armon has ne apparent choke bit azzee w So's er jeter wil be nczraintes log the way fly deeb tion, and dreamers might are at could arn {he Uber sgune the Newoaner sd in ther oe “The abet seat in te fohenming Kin. _ngp mode, end Dei ep appearing in ise fOr Hand, ofr one posible hon of is conf Ther aoe wel Footnotes: 1 Te, Pte of Cm if ume, deme fiom he famous ct lord sparing in Lat Ti 15-58 «fsizany charac which Toles never developed farther in any of is publi wetigs Insuring he wialiy of ed ou bed wg cnerang earth, Tendo crepes as te only ex snerremle fine Taek might have devel oped line chances of dak sgrifeance. For Acree ae or nine tree Jane hen meld hie arnd of La Tl sil epg fn Bere Reading Brite at as Maisie car ‘ny nx te ony pale planation for Tole story, doe not bower, conlct wi cider de ese er pit of be Beri ‘aon, an in ay met cei ning ane poss. 2 Rake Binh Briel ped ae een reer Sara en oe ease 2. Thea ian nl dona of mag era esha Nak sen pea scene ‘aed perma ae torr ad pcp danas werd mele Ole rare tevdidopac dona han magi Roki ospar Snlcoum- sideman balgmae) Tae (co eee ey Conlae Br seman oman eh mage), Cor (her ewer Soma Corp crgoreg mgt renee, 1k es ihr oma Nang rae) pee rary ea month, _—SPELLS OF THE CULT CAT-LIKE VISAGE dee vag epee (Domain: Tevicoo} acer ee a pe ry ef ng a ea = cig te otic cng sone en a ch z athe SESAME ceca somal embargo aks Pepe nee ban nn ae eee Sepaliettacornconte “The eater kneels in rot ofa statu of Teo, and begins the chant. “Cher soles, coins 1, Todo” (Cat Lord bleed one, Tel). The caster thn ar up into the ays of he rie (6feen of de or emer), the es of both the case and the sae now lowing a dl green. noo by the Kul (oe hoe), thr power ise e eee ‘The eater conte: “Ota gg al nay (alc ma wth Your wesge)- AEC on, 3 if Tatar do (atin of ecg il Gene ita elope ed su Hoes pl de ie Sewate ae aoa font Toes enter "er rae, fhe Kao, oh able Iperf es ny wa ra) Te lage Been Be chy hr sdthecstags comple pe Deal Blow oie doe 5 eesaeeee ‘SENSORY ACUTENESS (Domain: THINDAE) “Tus spl iene seal ung wale i a abana bh ple maga arenes a gen station may demand, An adinal lev of power mst be x= Fon ye cer bf cab emery dona non cur iran “The ei Use ns sal barges ch wih ys ond. The chant ‘bags “Gi maser set ith sr oun, Thindse™ (sk thy sight and hy hearing, Thins) Eye ope ad nko though daycreaning the caters ya bogan gow een ‘olor. Te citer connie: “Cher maha fede ier ier (Cs? Thane 2 tt ap on) (DOMAIN: OIKERO!) “Thispel uae vo inh lang magia eave for on he Sof the tae Sgr, isthe pong Ty eine orm ng pel open eng {Ease mun). he re mages power meted the re, or more Sang ey become Arnona aren the evs wre bout cere wa sharoword ough nen oot they can bes damaging as some polar The pl ry sed ony asl deine Tn order to at the caer mast tdi eouching poston with hands raping, mak: upped lg enone Saget Oke am © The ie ofthe er ith owing fon toe fs eal oben sane Su fs lp nba ad me) The te uy Ben nackte ave SUMMON T’MALSHI (DoMaIN: Curucae) “Thi: oneof the more important spel a evant of Teo may earn to ct tras to ‘he camer cmpaiont wm they may lok frail or msc. Arai at with ‘rag. erbanced ili (hough nt necoary ol at marty haan ster) Al ‘hough sown eng the Tah sink othe easter, who wil experienc physical pain ‘ond the companion ever be wounded or dan. To eis the spel, some powce ground from hal mast be toned with ome bere pon an open re, after Ge ste hs sired “Cache age” The fst par of the chant pcs ‘with extrelng thestanton of te Pans of Ca sd hi ercuren “Curgl Told ‘am Todo, anol kot serbeklin® (Crug Sorcerer of Too, al for hy ak) A Posie cfhek, combining ci and ther rma sen nts pn the re prodaing {yt odor atinctne to i “ane atl, Carol oma aimas, tote ‘cm sola an nam cr re" Qc swan, Cla hesing 1, cmp, 2 Wased servant oy lore, edo). There san expectant pause, the slower burning herbs git, creating lt ol smoke and ght a “Carol, te ae a aed er hapa ait aaa am Feld tesla imi th ied soluer" (Carl, ak hy summons, ols flne Yang fads uve vat of Fe, onto Eeorec an yBr), Many sn, he ener willie into unconsciatis fra te ostg ofthe spel. When reavakaned he wil beome land floral lene gpropat to eter he sream—often the largest posible. but itis random. se caer has no idea what they ace ing) When the exter dow not ape ino unconscaurnen, et every oe __—_—_—_—_—_—————————————————————"}HER HANDS "T’MALSHI SENSES (DOMAIN: ALREADY ESTABLISHED THROUGH “SUMMON T’MALSHI”) “Tis pl cubes the ester So pro he word hough the ener of Final compan- tom nney se bough pontaly dangers, str 8 nore siscxpibe wo king cree He Paul wounded Bar ae “The sel being wth he following can: Gi ores ese, ari sere shes TAT eeay ge nce My Tain, Meo afbed eae aed he Till oe een he ne cater doe the 0h en o longer vale “Ged {Dat Sj Ean ta ctl helin vr sbemo a el ote ram Tn” (My ging Ree RST Bed wath hy ie, bythe Henge Tha) Trane noe Tench des Tris oes her though er ean, ce Tough ey Gonos ough her nar ae Tey yap, ctf pl at Us nn eye de Tals MENTAL ILLUSION Byg (Domain: MagcuEN) “Thi pel eae the tert place rang ed dcrang mags nna ponent % snide yaunping, bat creel atl rendering te cm rete od neo “oem he spel he caste’ ye arr Fring on the age hr ads malig ic pues ny Sar Se sem vo, Mae ged alt, mec ors, tgs” Cad to cs conhine ry ceri rc then with hy sions, Maeies) “he ge ato th oe ome of acing th get (Valeo other wen of thug) deans soniucr 58 dea sb di baum rel earl (Lt hem ett woe no tee) The lon thn ake lin ke mind of Be wc BESTOW CAT-SIGHT (Domain: MIAULE) “his spel gran the este gi-vson quent ato eset that also wi Sa et bosib ford dram oe efos Wide ete caver qed apper ove “Te uns es seal pans 7s fog wil the loin words ae chan Tag ser thtan, unc co als Made” (aw by ey vent ached, ae. “The Sach eches out and ight toutes the echo eel cating “Fal ‘lel mcr mel (My tne or rm) CAT GUARDIAN (Domain: Umurvan) oe en esa fed ps node Sept "aen sry Spee eT Oa nie dex wi ne cp Teethers oward SHERI ESE lg ee ah mare Then non soo, ong parse we ee hen ot cop Tene eae wpe ne Camere ce oa? ae a ear lp Sata firs ach recs or ae Ths oft Thane ol mage Lard Fens lsd) Ae tis un He pout owt xl peo do Be ter’ ee, Teeter an ee ee re ela prcectnde ope tome HESE Se nn fs gees ore boron fore beet he pour aw Fae gn cc sickenbar tte seer ena enteeatis SET, ate otc cote aad enpabor ve econ ae Wap wargodicher alder adda sia eat ae we soliges‘2 Blind Night Beneath desrraying flames of Light overthrown Remain echoes of a Spring to morals unknown ‘A paradise lost ere Sun or Moon were born The waters of its life rum in secret veins by evil yet unshom In Fuinur's hall che fates of North and South are bound In that place it may be found Aldariem’s Karma, the grace that hinds ‘Yet im another's hands, of what will ic become the Sign? Before this realm you will fmd no Death For the screams of Umo will be your breath But let chase who enter beware Lest with Fuinur and his coure they be ensnared Into the Abyss hurled And sleep forever at the nave! of the World Chris Seeman: PO Box 1213, Novato, CA 94948, USAThis adventure was frst assembled tn the surumer of 1992 for pleyetesting atthe annual gathering ofthe Oxford Tolkien Society on a lonely isle in the Bristol Channel. In its eurrent form. tt was conceived as support material for The Kin-strite module, now in its final stage of preparation. hn exrure, itis @ development and coneretization ofthe views set forth in the arlele 7 joumey m the Dark” (OH 3: 13-18), though the figure of Berithiel appears only as part of its buckgronnd. The adventure, set in Gondor just two years after the conclusion ofthe Kin-strife, tums upon the culmination of a ‘Sauronte plot to destroy the royal house, and to install upon the throne a pratender secretly subject tothe Dusk Lnd's wil Ils written from the perspective ofa group of player-characters attempting to uncover and hinder this design, a quest that will involve travel to settings as diverse as Onhane, Pelargl, Umbar, and Far Harad. in their singglesto thwart the Necromancer’s euil purposes, the characters ull begin to unlock the mystery of Queen Berithlel and her cats. Considerations of space have necessitated compressing the ‘extant material forthe adventure. NPC stats have been ‘omitted, and the encounters ae often presented only in outline. Aisa consolation, | have tried to elude as many illustrations cand player-charnrter handoutr a | was able, These will hopefully compensate for the other absenees by maintaining the atmosphere and texture of the game. The plot Much of the background for this adventure is already lal ‘out in “The cult of Benish Armon” article in this issue, which ‘covers the legacy of the Kuiléondo and Queen Berithiel’s lineage down through the beginning of the Usurper's reign (LR. 1437-1447). This adventure resumes that tle ae it ‘might have developed by the year 1450, two years after the siege of Pelargir and the establishment of Umbar as an independent lordship by Castami's family and followers. A particular course of prior events is presumed by this adventure. events which might have turned out otherwise had the ster already run 2 group of players through the adventures in the Kin-strife module pertaining to Benish Armon. In that case, much of the plot of this adventure may require some alteration, although certain aspects of it (notably Fuinur's Well) will retain their validity as they are. The end of the Kin-strife Inthe year 1447, at the Crossings of the River Cru the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor slew Castamie the Usurper, ending a ten-year reign of tyranny. Castamir's followers fled before the host ofthe returning King Eldacar and shut themselves within the walls af Pelargir & year-long siege ensued; but at the last the rebels were forced to abandon the haven and withdraw with their fleets to the sanctuary of Umbar in the south The tue Kinestrife had only begun. Eldacar had not sat long upon the throne when the rebels, led by Castamir's descendants, began tavaying the coasts of, Gondor, reaping a bitter bounty for thei versal of fortune. 2 ‘The King had no hopes of retaking Umbar as long as the ‘rebels held the power of the fleets, but neither could these corsairs hope to depose Eldacar while he had the friendship ‘of the Northmen: for many of these had settled in Gondor at ‘the King's invitation, thereby strengthening the divided power of the South-kingdom by land, By 1450, it has become clear to all in Gondor that a stalemate has been reached; but things look diferent to those in Umbar, Stasis in Umbar Although the rebels are at one in their cause to regain their homeland from the half Northman Eldacar, they ate by no means in agreement over the matter of leadership. (astammr's firstborn son and chosen heit Castaher assumed temporary leadership over is fathes's frces during the ‘retreat to Umbar: but. after two years of exile, it is doubtful ‘that they can hope for a swift recavery of the South- Kingdom. and many of his captains are less comtent with Castaher's rule than with his father's. Matters were compli- cated when Castaher perished in a mysterious fire at his sesideswe in Urbar A polarization of uyalties has taken place In the wake of Castaher's untimely demise. His younger brether Castarion is too weak-willed to hold the captains to his will, and has become a pawn fr the strongest among ther—the Usurper's causin, Calimon, and Calimon's father Morlaen. ‘These captains rally around the figure of Castarion in ‘opposition to the Usurper’s widow, Mirabéth, who has assumed guardianchip ef har deceazed aon’s wife, Lothrel whose hand is new coveted by many power-hungry captains. Aconspiracy Castaher's death was orchestrated by an old enemy of the Usurper, who now consorts with dark forces in the hope of gaining dominion over Umbar and, ultimately, of Gondor. Moraen and Calimon secretly conspire with thie former ‘enemy and hs alles. oblivious to their own peri in unite ‘ungly allowing themselves to be counted in league with a minion of the Dark lord Only Castaher's murderer knowe the truth of the matter, but he has other plans, Neithan ‘The Usurper's son was murdered by a man named Neithan (formerly Oradreth of Morthond and cousin to Castaher’s wife). Neithan is tie son of the last Prince of Morthond and therefore the direct blood-descendant of Queen Beniithie! and King Tarannon, Now under the tutelage of the sorcerer Tinakhil (namesake to the Black Nomenérean prophet of Berdithiel’s time and ambassador to Umbar for the Southron Confederacy), Neithan prepares to meet what he believes is his destiny—the throne of Gondor. te order for Neithan to attain the kingship in the wake of the Kin-strif, the existing royal house must ether be annihilated or brought to the brink of dissolution. Through Ue agency of the Kuileondo, whichis currently in Zimrakhil's possession, this grim necessity may he effected. yes ofthe Blind NigheThe Tale of the Karma It came to pass on an evening of spring. when Aldarion was in Komenna ‘with his companion, Hallatan of Hyar- rostar, thatthe two mariners weve walke ing upon the quays. And looking out across the bay. it seemed to Aldarion that he espied a smal islet which he had ‘ever seen before. He pointed his finger towards the cock and asked his compan ion ifhe had set eyes oni: forthe fiends had sailed the waters ofthat bay many times. '| marvel that your keen eyes have not ‘marked that place afore,” said Hallatan “And stil more that you do not know its ‘name; To! Uinen itis called, and men say that it was raised by the Lady of the Wa | ters when the Vaiar made this land. Mari- ners often go thereto gain her favor, or to take counsel beside the pool that is said to lc there.” Aldarion spoke. “Verily | say to you Hallatan, my frend: if my eyes rave not ‘marked this place until now then | deem itto have been the will ofthe Lady her sell and that Uinen sends to me this Tigh a sign. Let us make for the islet ‘without delay’ ‘Then Aldarion and Hallatan took a boat and rowed out tothe rock. And set- Ting foot upon it, they came to 3 path of stone steps cut into its side which climbed to the height of Tal Uinen, where they found @ pool of clear water. ‘The lights of heaven were mirored upon its calm surface, and Vinglot shone brightly Then Aldarion looked in wonder, for it seemed to him that he saw the ime age of a woman, whose dark hait lay ‘nardil Aldarion: hear naw the voice of the sea that you love, for ! am Uinen servant of Uimo. The Valar do not plant desire to no purpose, nor does the Lady | ofthe Waters. Those whom | call are || those who love me: the unwilling do not | hear my music “Behold! In the armour of ate there is ever aif, and inthe walls of Doom a reac. until te fulrmaking. whic ye call | the End, So it shal be white | endure, a se: ret voice that pomnsayeth, and a lght ‘where darkness was decreed | _. ‘So spoke the Lud of the Waters to | Teor your forefather at Vinyamar. where | the waves of Belegcer washed upon the shores of Middle-earth, before all was drown beneath sundering seas. So he speaks now to you Aldarion, child of a new age. and | am his messenger “For many years have you laboured in the ulig of tips and always you have Then Alderion spoke. do not under stand these things which the foreknowl- ‘edge of divine race causes you to speak, Blessed Lady But | hear your call, and come willingly to your summons. For if Men eannet presume to serve the Vala they may perhaps arogate themselves to seek the friendship of even the least of the Maia, though Uinen of the Waters be far rom the least ofthat great people. ‘The voice of Uinen answered. lone of all Men you. Aldarion, shall have my friendship: and any who call you Captain ‘il receive my grace inal their ways. As the heir of your father you will one day bear the Crown and Scepter of tlros Tar- Minyatur; but as the lover of Uinen you and your descendants wil beer another token. Behold, a rift in the armour of Fate, a breach in the walls of Doom!” ‘Then it seemed to Aldarion that the ‘waters of the pool began to ripple, and ‘out of them was raised a helm of won ddrous design. It was crafted in the ike- ness ofa see-crest. forged of peetl and encrusted with precious stones. ‘The Lady of the Waters spoke. ‘Behold I Keep it wel, Bl thing is a mighty treasure from the deen (of Uimo’s ream: it will aid you and any to whom you choose to pass ton when you are in need,” Aldation took then the Karma into his hands and bowed in reverence towards the pool, and the image of Uinen faded ino the water. Fora long while he satin silence upon the hl of Tol Uinen, harken- ing tc the music of the waves up the rock, wondering to himself what this gift spread through the waters of the pool, |. sought out te fienniship ofthe Eka portended for the future. ‘And she spoke to him with avoie ike to | though you dd these things frely cut the gentle currents of the open sea. when | deste, a time may come when your works Ossé is at rest. will tum back the tides of doom. For this reason | have called you. But more is required of the would-be pretender. Others Fuinur's Well and the quest will press their claims tothe succession and another bloody fgg the Karma civil war may threaten, unless Neithan produces some. indisputable emblem of his worthiness that will outshine all contenders. The reincorporation of Umbar into the realm ‘may play a part in these plans: but much more crucial will be the acquisition of a hallowed artifact of ancient Niimenor— the Karma of Aldarion, (OtherHands Adventure ‘The Karma of Aldarion was passed down through the line of Imrazér (Aldarion’s descendant who founded the haven of the Faithful in Pelargir during the Second Age) until it was stolen by Fuinur when the later fled with his brother to Umbar in S.A. 3320, From there it accompanied the expat ate Dinadan to his eternal resting place beneath the of Fire in Haradwaith. Neithan is aware of the Karma'slocation in Fuinur’s Well, but he cannot pass the doors of Fuinur’s watery domain until he obtains the key which opens its doors. The key The key to Fuinur's Wels a uly, metalic tablet of interwoven silver, It functions not only as a key proper. but also a a navigational device designed to gute te seeker through a devely gauntlet of ere Without ft descla- tion of the Mirror of Fire cannot be crossed, and Fuinur’s Wel cannot be entered (One further obstacle hinders Neithan’s acquisition of the Karma: the key is fragmented into three separate pieces, only ‘one of which is currently in his possession. He murdered CCastaher to get it. The second fragment is in the keeping of Castaner’s widow, Lothnel, who 1s under Queen Marabéth’s, protection in Umbar. The third fragment lies hidden in & secret vault somewhere inside the Hall of the Faithful in Pelargit. Both must somehow be recovered in order for Neithan to fulfill his destiny. The cats and the plot to destroy the royal house Zimrakhil has contrived a means of drawing upon the power of Tevildo’s thanes to eliminate Eldacar Vinitharya and all his household. In exchange for rendering this service, the sorceres has promised the Prince of Cats release from his hndage tathe Kuilaonda, The cult of Benish Armon. which was orginally established by the cats as a cadre of human servants to aid them in their quest for freedom. was itseit wiped ovt by the treacherous sarcerer's machinations during the time of the Kin-strife, Tevildo must now bargain directly with Sauron’s emissary for his release. tabi’ pl for using the cats pivots on ther current inability to assume fano (die ta theit subjection to the Kuiléondo). The sorcerer has learned the Ethir ritual of summoning the cats away from Benish Armon through blood sactfce, and he believes thatthe palanti would ina similar ‘way possess the capacity to guide the cats’ spirits to their royal targets in Gondor. Of course, in order to make use of the stones in this way, Zimrabhil muct first manage to steal ‘one of them—a presumptuous task, not to be taken lightly ‘even by a sorcerer of Zimrakhil’s powers. 4 The plot to steal the palantir Although Neithan will not take part in the theft of the palantir, his ereewhile politics allies will. Lord Morlzen, the ‘senior conspirator, knows about Neithan’s prior association with Benish Armon and, while he does not relish the thought of eonsorting with sorcerers and Mao-spiit, Is nevertheless willing to lend his ai if Neithan’s fiends prove themselves able to eliminate the hated Northman upstart and his family from the throne. Neither Morigen nor any his co-canspiraters.of course, is even remotely aware ofthe Karma, or of Neithan’s own claim to the throne. Instead, they view him as a too! for overturning Mirabéth’s power and for recavering the throne of Gondar for themselves, With the loss of the Master-stone of Ossiliath in 1437. the South-kingdom holds only three of the lesser palantiri— ‘bwo at Minas Anor and Minas Ithil, and one at Ortnane. tis ‘only hy virtue of Angrenost’s peripheral location that Zimrakhil is able to conceive of carrying off the Orthanc- Stone from what is arguably the strongest fortress in Middle- earth. Once in possestinn af the stone, Zimrakhil will have it brought to Benish Armon, from which Tevildo'sthanes will be directed by the far-seeing palantir to strike at the Kir and his family. In order to wrest the Orthancestone fn however, Zimrakhil must first journey to the Gap of Calenardhon. The sorere: will accompany Morlzen and Calimon on an ostensibly diplomatic mission to Tharbad, from which he wil disembark with his brother and fellow namesake, Belphegor. From Tharbad, the two sorcerers will Fide through Enedtaith to the Fords f Angren; and inthe foothills of the Angrenost-vale they will await the night of ‘the black moon (which falls on Loéndé), On that night, Zimrakhil will draw upon the Kuiléondo’s power to summon Nenduhir, the storm-rplri which the original Zimrakhil used to waylay Berethiel’s ship in TA. 830. ‘This storm (unusual for mid-summer) will shroud the entire Gap—from Methedras to Agfarond—in impenetrable dark- ‘ness. Which will make it impossible for the sister-stones of Ithil and Anor to view what takes place there. (On that same night, Zimraiil and Belphegor wal ride to tie yates of Angrenost, and cast upon them a spell of destruction (again drawing upon the vast reservoir of power stored within the kKuileondo by innumerable sacrifices). Following this demonstration ofthe Kuiléondo's awesome destructive power, Zimrathil will display the jewel before the faces of any who offer A ‘them resistance, calling forth the Prince of Cats to reveal his naked visage which drives mortal eyes to madness, Before proceeding to the spire of Oxthane, the two sorcerers will slay the ‘Warden of Angrenost, Eyes of the Blindtaking from him the key to the doors of Orthane. Offering up the Warden's body at a blood-cacrifice, one of Tevildo’s ‘thanes will be summoned from Benish Armon to infest and slay Edrahil, the Keeper of the Orthanc-stone, while they proceed to annihilate the tower garrison with the horror of the White Face. Having obtained the stone. the sorcerers will mount their steeds and ride with the wings of the storm back to Tharbad. while the garrisons uf Angienust and Aglarond are yet consumed by darkness and confusion The raid on Pelargir and the summoning at Benish Armon from Tharbad, Calimon wil bring the sorcerers with palantir and Kuiléondo to Ethir Anduin, where the Corsair fleet gathers for a raid upon Pelargs Zaki tens Lo use this raid as a cloak for his attempt to obtain the second artifact necessary to effect Neithan's destiny—the thicd fragment of the key to Fuinus’s Well, which Eamnil hid within the Hall of the Faithful. As the Corsair rteeat hack down, the Anduin following the raid, Calimon will bring the surceres to Benish Armon In the Echt. At the ruins of Benish Aniuom are found canopic jars which contain the physical remains of the fana worn by the ‘ats prior to thei subjection by Berithiel (vital components to the ritual oftheir release) Belnhegorremalns here with these jars and the patantit, zwaiting the next dark of the ‘moon to initiate the attack on the King. Zimrakhil, however, returns to Umbar with the Kuiléondo and Tevildo's canopic jar (forthe Prince of Cate himzef ean only be freed within the precincts of the Temple of Melkor, whose foundations lie beneath Eamil’s tower in Umbat) In addition, Belphegor will fetain the Pelargie fragment ofthe key to Fuinut's Well (a3 surety for Neithan’s cooperation with their plan). itis the intention ofthe sorcerer that Neithan should seek the final fragment of the key from his cousin Lothrel in Umbar only after the success of the ritual st Benich Armon iz confirmed with Belphegor's safe return. As the South- kingdom falls into chaos as a result ofthe King’s infestation by the eats, Neithan will begin his journey to the Mirror of Fire in Haradwaith. to win for himself the Karma of Aldation and so return to Gondor withthe sign of salvation fo present confusion. This, at any rate, is the plan, not taking into account what obstacle the playerecharacters may pose to its completion The course of events Although the player-characters may enter upon this adventure at any logical juncture, the progression ofthe plot is fany inear—and will, in any cate, be presented that way for convenience, assuming that the characters will begin at the beginning. The exact circumstances ofthe characters” involvement are left unspecified, though some ofthe settings may require that they be close enough to King Eldacar’s counsel to warrant their direct involvement. Perhaps the most convenient solution to getting the characters involved from the static to have one of them play the royal seer of Minas Anor, who keeps watch over the OtherHands Adventure patantir there. This will lend an immediacy to the communi- cation breakdown with the Orthanc-stone and provide 2 strong motivation to get to the bottom of things—the security of the realm 1s at stake! Ihe King will need to ‘entrust the key of Orthanc to someone when he decides to send the player-characters to investigate the problem. so this person might as well be one ofthe characters. In the Kin's rife module, the Warden of the Anor-stone is Lorin, con of Edrahil and cousin to Neithan, Estel, and Léthriel. This would add a dimension of familial concern and tension to the already rather desperate situation. The gamemaster should fel free to conjure up social and/or emotional ties between the player-characters and the NPCs as he or she sees fit for generating the proper atmosphere for the game The opening scene (Loéndé) The chatacters ave gathered together at Minas Anor on mid-yeat’s day for the Council of Gonder, whieh convenes during the King’s annual sojourn in his summer capital. The ‘King’s arrival in Minas Anor is always selzed upon as an ceccasion for important events, and this year is no exception. Prince Vidustain of far Rhovanion has journeyed to the Tower of the Sun to be confirmed in is patrimony by the king of Gondor. Vidustain is betrothed to Lady Terieth of Anérien, and their marrage isto be presided over by the King in one month's time at Amon Hen. As is his custom, King Eldacar marks his arival in Minas ‘Anor with a levish celebration, to be held in the gardens of the Houses of Healing in the sixth circle of the city. All of the player-characters will be present at this event. at which they ‘will have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with each ‘other and with other members ofthe King's curt If they are ‘of high standing, the characters will be invited to enjoy the hospitality of the King’s House inthe seventh and upper= most circle of Minas Anor Acry of distress At Some paint during that night, one or more of the characters (especially the royal seer, fhe is being played) will happen past the chamber where the palantir is kept—the door, always securely locked, lies open. Inside, the Anor- stone rests on the floor ofthe room, tictly clutched by the arms of a young git! who lies shivering upon the stone floor, eyes wide with terror, oblivious to everything around her. ‘The young gir is Eetel, daughter to the late Prince of, Morthond (who perished in the Kin-strife). She has looked into the palantir, and isin shock. She is lad only in her night gown, drenched in cold sweet. She cannot be revived Unless touched by the healing hand ofthe King Any character who chooses to look into the stone (and is possessed of the requisite skill and royal mandate) may attempt to recall what vision the gil may have seen (though how Estel managed to get into the room in the frst place is a ‘mystery in itself). Any attempt to make contact with the ‘Orthane-stone will fal, and an area scan will be impossible under the darkness of night (the palantiri ean only function by light).‘When recalled from shock by the King, Estel will begin to ‘whisper words not her own, as though sepeating what she heard in her mind through the stone: “stele called you...You have the Sight! You heard my cal...Tel them—anyone—that we render attack...]We have shut the gates against them, but I ear it wil wt hold them... can see them now! | Gan see their eyes... have seen them in my dreams, and cow they arecome...They are here...fsudden, {$259 offer, a Estels body ieezes, her berathIahored, and then slowly telaxes. as though a burden were lifted trom her." Estel will retain no conscious memory of how she enteced the chamber of the palantit. Nor will she recall what she saw, save that she heard her uncle's voice speaking to le. Estel's only surviving unele is Edrahil, Warden of the Orthancestone. Characters familiar with her family may deduce that “the Sight” refers to the Truessight of Ntimenor wich the Maia Uinen grants to one member of each generation in hmrazOr's line (whose descendants have ruled Morthond and Belfalas fram time immemorial) I Estel has received the Sight, Iti a fair guess that someone has passed it on. Edrahil was known to have possessed it. A vigil wl be kept all night beside the stone, hoping for some reply from Orthanc—to no avail. When the light of morning enables the use of the patantit, it will be discovered that an ominous storm-cloud has wreathed the Cap of Calenardhon with an impenetrable canopy of shadow. No slimpse of either the Angrenost or Aglarond fortresses wil Bevtsible, though a seareh ofthe Great West Road unig ‘out of the Gap will reveal errand-riders making haste towards Anonien, bearing troubling tidings for the King. The journey to Orthanc (1st-6th Cerveth) Thinking tt umwase to tary in Minas Anor forthe arrival ot the errand-riders, Eldsesr will decide upen an armed com pany to investigate the strange events at Orthanc. The leader ‘of this company (preferably the royal seer) will be given the hey to Orthane. which will unlock its doors. A force of one hundred mounted soldiers will accompany any characters who choose to undertake this potentially dangerous mission for the King, The company will encounter the errand-riders at the crossing of the Glinhir on the 3rd of Cerveth (the company will be riding hard, covering up to eighty miles in a day, with frequent stops to commandeer fresh horses). from the messengers they will receive news that the strange storm ‘came upon them suddenly out of the Enedwaith ona seabourn wind: and that, soon after its arrival, the beacon of COrthanc was set ablaze, ungently sigriling Aglavond for aid, Soon after the beacon's fre had been sighted, a violent tremor was fet from the earth, followed by a dread silence. Captain Harnastin, the commander of Aglarond, deralied 3 company to ride for Angrenost without delay. The storm-cloud, still menacing but beginning to subside, “willbe seen by the characters by the fith day oftheir ride, as they appivach the Gap of Calenardhen. If tey chovse to lead their company to Aglarond first, they will be greeted with great anxiety by Captain Hamastin and his men, He will report that the cicle of Angrenost has been breached by some nameless foe who is nowhere to be found, unless the enemy has shut himself within Orthane itself. From Harnastin, the characters will learn that the distress beacon of Orthanc had been extinguished by the time his men had reached the gates of Angrenost. The gates had been torn off their hinges (most likely by the earthquake that had been earlier felt at Aglarond). The tower of Orthanc was shut. and neither light nor answering voice issued forth from any of its portals. But the Angrenost gate-guards were atilicted with some madness of which no cure could be found. Those that recovered could not (ot. at any rate. would rot) remember what had happened. save that they looked into a white face of terrible power. ‘A new guard has been set at the gates of Angrenost, and about the tower, but none of the patrols Hamnastin sent to scour the lands about found any trace of a foe, Hamastin will be grateful for the troops sent to accompany them by the King. 28 his own men are too few to secure the heeach of Angrenost, should it again be threatened. He will send a small escort to guide them to Angrenost. The empty tower ‘The characters will be hailed atte entrance to Angrenost, whose twisted metal doors now rest against the wall-towers adjoining the fate, Harnaztin's men have erected 2 temporary fortifica tion wall around the open gateway of the ancient fortress. Here, the characters’ ‘escort will take their leave. turning the defense of Angrenost aver to the King's Fase company as the characters. FE UHhenaelves press on to the tower of Orthane itself The door to Orthanc is locked and can only be opened by its designated key. Inside there will be utter darkness and the stench of decaying flesh. Torch-light will reveal the corpses of the Orthane garizon lying about the tower floor and stairwells, their pale faces contorted in nightmarish expres- sions of inhuman fear. Many will have tele weapons drawn Eyes of the Blind Nightand still in their clenched hands, yet neither eut nor bruise will be visible anywnere, There are forty-two dead in all. Characters who enter the chamber of the palantr will ind the stone missing: but in the corner of the room, crouched against the stone wall, will be found a stone effigy of what ‘was once Edrahil, Warden of the Orthane-stone. He is dead, Edrahil’s diary ‘The Warden had possessed the True-sight of Westernesse, granted to him by Uinen, which often gave lin visions of ‘the future (or amplified the divinatory powers of the stone), Anyone familiar with Edrhil (like the royal seer) will know that he kept a diary of such visions when they occurred. A ‘search of Edrahil's personal quarters in Orthane will produce this journal (Handout #1), the most recent entries of which appear to have some relationship to the mysterious events at the tower. The aftermath of the tragedy With a chain of inexplicable events behind them and no agents of malice in sight, the characters will be burdened with the reo:dering of affairs at Angrenost and Orthane. A ‘mass burial must be prepared for the slain solders of the ‘arrison, and messages must be relayed to the King at Minas nor, arranging for the mustering of troops to re-gartison the fortress. but his flesh has begun to corrode into some. horrible, statue-like substance, It is an unset- ing sight The thing within Still more unnerving will it prove to any charactet who chooses to touch Edrahils remains. The incorporeal cat-thing still lies ‘within him, now nearly finished feasting upon hie life-force, and wil stiri roused by the touch ‘fa living being. Soon after Edrahil is touched, 2 Blowing red aura will begin to form about his torso, and an ethereal shape wil slowly emerge ‘until fully Visible to the characters. Ie wll ‘appear as a translucent feline creature of roughly bobcatesize Being far from Benish Armon and having now consumed its victim. the cat is effectively blind (though it will be able to sense the movement of nearby lifesfances), Because the cat possesses no fana, it cannot be touched by physical ‘objects (though it may be damaged by magical weapons). It realizes that it may be ina hostile sevironment, and will behave defensively towards whatever threats it may perceive. until it can make a break for a tower-window, whence it will streak away into the nigh, returning to the place of ts binding IT teapped and cornered, however it will not hesitate to attack by entering the body of one ‘of the characters and wreaking havoc un their life-oree, causing damage each round to the Person's ‘le until it fees its enemy wounded ‘enough to escape. Although this wll not cause ‘any physical damage. the character will feet as ‘though powerful claws were raking through their innards ‘OtherHands Adventure 29 Nérui : At Arien’s rising the Sight came to me. | stand on a rocky, windswet sheet of ce ng ee ny {ulls. The resounding thud of hooves on the beach, the snores and whinnies of horses, the footsteps of men dismouncing. “They sather around de spe ofa wean ng face down upon the beach—her nk 1t0 the id. She is breathing—I can hear Dead eae oko nga memory of dark waters. 30 Norui ‘Ac Atien’s soaring the Sight came to me, [stand alone im a harren brs, ‘empty and abandoned. Beneath ics stone arches the sleepy waters of a grea ‘ives wander She was hee one, but now has depaied. She was nox alone, but the burden she bore was hers alone, Asad tal ut its end lies elsewhere. Noni AcArien’s setting the Sig came to me. I stand in che house of the thvcimeta before tsar Po nc one the setng an srkes he Lower th Dome tnding ver of he es ‘Was here once, beneath the eaves of yew and cypress, but now has feparted_ ieee regenera = ‘They know in themselves the tion of Dearh—and yer multiple meee ee ee Dee eae eee eter eaten eee mee iene eee Loénde ‘Me Asien’s dying che Sight came tome. [tis dark—a bimd /might—but a fire we acres ata teat A Nain Rae fen sap mee Lady of che Waters, preserve us in ovr paths ‘Biessed Umen, defend us from che storm and what it hides aaa ‘The Karma that heals, che curse repealed Sa Handout #1: Edrabil's Visions‘The theft of the palantir is 2 serious matter, But equally grave is the death of Edrahil, a man of high lineage (and, perhaps, a blood relation to some of the characters). A ‘earch for the lost stone must be organized, but first Edrahil’s body must be embalmed and prepared for burial on the island of lolfalas, where the line of ImrazBr keeps its hallows. Prince Aradan of Geltalas will arrange fora ship to ‘mect them at Tharbad. so that Edrahil's body may be borne to its final resting place with all haste. He will ask that the characters accompany the body Gf they are nat alveady planning on doing so) Journey to Tharbad (8-20 Cerveth) ‘The road fram the Gap of Calenardhon to Tharhad will be uneventful. The characters will have an escort from Aglarond, ‘which will dispel any danger to their safety that Enedwaith might hold. At Tharbad, they willbe received with honor by 2 show of dignitaries, among them Prince Argel of Arthe- cain, Allwaugh the Prince's father, King Araphor, lacks the means to enforce his royal prerogatives in Cardolan, the men ‘of Arthedain nevertheless hold 2 strong interest in Tharbad, as its thelr principal Ife-ine to outside ald In time of war. As his father's emissary, Argeleb does his utmost to maln- taln good relations with the confederates in Umbar, who had given Arthedain great material and financial support during ‘the Usurper’s reign in Gondor. ‘This complicatas mattere in Tharbad, cince the confeder- ates are now considered to be outlaws and rebels by the returned King Eldacar. Lord Moriaen of Umbar has come to ‘Tharbad to meet with Prince Aigeleb and Eldacar’s legate, CGramir. in order to discuss the terms on which Arthedain may expect to avoid Gondorian interference in Tharbad while ‘continuing to engage in friendly relations with Umbar. When the characters artive in Tharbad with EdrahiT's body, these negotiations will stil be in progress. and for an evening at least the characters will be staying under the same roof as ‘one af the chief movers af the plot ta —rine black and ane white—such a5 ar common tothe Eth, and each was Carved in the arme of one ofthe Queen's attendants. Now Gundor was present atthe birth ofthe Queens child |, andine told me that Merethiel had lin near to death for meny | our. Bur the cate encircled her at though protecting her from some unseen enemy, and she ved | Ie became known that the Queen had returned to Ospiiath; | buc he retueed al eitors, and Gundor instructed the sevants to keep silent about the mate of the child, Buta shadow of | fea fel upon te people of Orga during the flows days, before my arial ort was cepted that thee cats were seen in many places ofthe city, and even as far as Minas Anor and ‘Minas Iu. How they were able to travel 0 swifly was never ‘Sserwern, but Gondor had heard fom the King’s sere that these creatures had made thle way into the chambers of the olan and were gating ino the stones The fate of Belphegor and Antorn the Quce's gua is | ‘better left unspoken, but rumor of the foul end to which their candi had brougat tem $008 tpread uncetratatly | Serr Oth ant ree Gn tning "Benithiel,” that is ‘Woman of Malice.” Anborn and Belphegor had been intested by these catthings wich. it seems, anly wore ‘the fana of eats, and when ther tesh had been corrupted | beyond humanity the creature rae cut of them and disop- peared, Othertlands Adventure ‘Whether these things were sent by the Queen was never learned, but Berethiel was so weakened that she could barely ‘peak. When | found her the wat lke a candle fickarng wn the it which Heid nat who in truth she was. Ancaliné, doughter of Funur” was her answer; and those were the last words that passed her fips. | bore the Queen with her child in great haste tothe Ki who hed returned to Caras Tolfalas fin the wet. Te catx followed, as though bound to her (though the red stone of Which she spoke in her diary was nowhere tobe found) “Taree wee overcome with gre! fr hls wife's death, but ‘commanded that her body be sei upon a boat and surrendered to the grace of Uinen. The cats would not be parte fram her, ‘The fate of Ancalime’s cid isa secret known only to mse and a few ovhere (let the Queen's fears about the dark designe she wrote of should prove true; but | shall pats ths knowledge ‘onto Ciryandil my own son when the time comes for him to succeed me. In my quest 10 discover the truth about the Queen (to which I now, atlas, turn, this secrecy has been well vindicated, | succeeded Tarannon Falastur upon hie death in the year 213, and resolved to renew war agnint Unbar: for | perceived hat the answers to my questions woud there inthe end. Aad Inthe year 933, 1 ed the hosts againet the Black Nimenérean hhaven by land and sea, and took It in that same year. de- stroyed the wicked Temple of Meth, whose slter had seen great ‘vil, and slew its warden, who prophesied to me in these words ‘even 25 is lite flowed out of him: Hear me, fil mes of the West! ‘And bree that the how of ty doom dows nigh; For though ‘reft of fe, my words shall not perish. "Nay, for areal thou knewest the sign that was hidden. Its seed has been planted in thy ids, ‘And ten lises of Man shall not pa or itt ft be rote, ‘And should set foot upon thee stones, ‘And ras up this lemple from its rt Then wit thou kno this one for it is wrt mame; ‘And wl cll upon the Lod of the Dark. ‘That those who serve him shouldbe redeemed a est, ‘And case within themselves the cup of deathesiess. And the name of Malor will overthadow the ethes of thes foes These worde wil | ever remember. But have razed that Temple tothe ground, and have but srong tower vets and have rarer taba re about ita cr of etre tees at oe facred to Uinen, to ward off any ev that should try to rege the prophecy, Lely ofthe Waters, preserve usin cur paths lst Linen. defend us fom he tem oe what hide Remember the Sin of your covenant The Karma tha hel, the exe pele16 IN THE NINE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIRST YEAR, i (OF THE EXILE. THE LORDS OF UMBAR SAT IN FEAR, FOR THE ELENDILI WERE PRESSING UPON THEI COASTAL DOMINIONS IN HARADWAITH, ‘AND WERE ADVANCING WITH FIRE AND WAR EVEN UNTO THE CAPE OF UMBAR. IN THAT TIME \WAS HEARD A VOICE OF PROPHECY, THAT SPOKE THE PROMISES OF MELKOR TO THE REMNANT ‘THAT STILL HELD TO THE OLD WAYS, SAYING THAT THE LORD OF THE DARK HAD NOT ABAN- DONED HIS FOLLOWERS, BLIT WAS PRFPARING ‘TO GRANT THEM AN UNENDING LEGACY FOR ‘THE CONTINUANCE OF THEIR BLOODLINE. MANY DOUBTED THIS VOICE, WHOSE NAME WAS CALLED 7IMRAKHIL, FOR THF KING'S MPN, HAD DWINDLED, AND NO WOMAN OF PURE LINEAGE NOW LIVED TO BEAR SONS TO THEM. BUT THE PROPHET MOCKED THEIR UNBELIEF, “FOR’, HE SAID, ‘BENEATH THE SURFACE OF ARDA, FUINUR YET SITS UPON HIS CARVEN THRONE, [AND BESIDE HIM ANCALIME HIS DAUGHTER, WHOSE VEINS PUMP WITH THE BLOOD OF AR- PHARAZON.” ‘THEN MANY BELIEVED, AND IN THEIR DES- PERATION THE LORDS HEEDED THE WiLL OF ‘ZIMRAKHIL AS ONE SENT WITH AUTHORITY, ‘THOUGH THEY DID NOT WHOLLY UNDERSTAND ‘THE DESIGNS OF MELKOR. ZIMRAKHIL BADE THEM JOURNEY INTO THE GREAT DESERT TO A PLACE ‘THAT WAS CALLED THE MIRROR OF FIRE. THERE, IN DARK WAIERS UF NENDUHIR, LAY FUINUR’S. WELL, AND ZIMRAKHIL GAVE TO THEM THE KEY THAT WOULD OPEN THE DOORS OF HIS HALL. AND THEY BROUGHT FORTH ANCALIME, FOSTER- DAUCHTER OF FUINUR, UNTO A GREAT DESTINY. Umbar Scroll #1 LET IT BE KNOWN THAT IN THE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SECONI YEAR OF THE EXILE I, FUINUR, LORD OF BOTH FAR AND NEAR HARAD, DEFIED THE CURSE OF DEATH, NAMING FOR MYSELF AND FOR, ANCALIME MY DAUGHTER THE FLILFILLMENT OF MELKOR’S PROMISE. FOR BY THE POWER OF THE KUILEONDO | HAVE SUMMONED OUT OF ‘THE LIVING WATERS OF NENDUHIR THOSE NAMELESS THINGS THAT GNAW BT THE FOUNDATIONS OF ARDA, COMMANDING THEM TO PREPARE FOR ME A MANSION WHERE THE STING OF DEATH SHALL NOT TOUCH ME. TO THIS, MY ETERNAL SEAT OF DOMINION, SHALL ALL HARADWAITH DO HOMAGE, UNTIL THE LORD OF THE DARK IS PLEASED Eyes of the Blind NightThe attack on the Hall ‘Only afew brief moments after the characters finish reading, a powerful tremor will rock the chamber. As the shock-wave hits, Parmandll will be pinned to the loor by falling rubble. While they were reading. the Corsair attack had broken out against the haven above, creating a dietrace tion for Zimrakhil to draw once again upon the power of the Kuiléondo—this time, to rupture one of the river walls to the: Hall ofthe Faithful, thus creating fr in 4 means of entrance {and causing water to begin flooding the lower levels of the Hall) Zimnrakil is with Belphegor and ten of Calimon's well- armed crow, who will begin searching forthe third of the key that Ezril hid in the depths of the Hal. Zimrakhil actualy knows where this hiding place is, but they still must make their way through the rubble of the quickly-flooding hall. If the characters venture away from the Karma vault to find help for Parmandil, they will come across his scribe Aramis—- ‘slain by Zimrakhil's men. if they follow the noise being made by the intruders, they will swiftly discover that water is seeping into the lower hals, Zimmrakhil has insured thatthe tremor caused by the Kuiléondo would zeal of all ef the main stairwell to the upper halls. but there are air-shafts large enough for a person OtherHands Adventure to craw! through with openings in the ceilings of many of the lower chambers, including the Karma vault. These air= shafts could be used to escape to the upper halls and, Finally, to the surface. But there willbe little time to plan an escape. for once ‘Zimrakhil has obtained the key fragment. he will use the Kuiléondo once more to fully open the ruptured wall to the river waters, Should the characters pursue the sounds of his men. there may be a confrontation with the sorcerer Buit the characters will be unarmed, and Zimrakhil has the power of the Kuiléondo on his side. Nevertheless this may be another good opportunity for the characters to size up their antago- nists. The sorcerer may even “gloat” about his plans if they encounter him, thinking that they will perish in the deluge in any case—but don’t let on too much to the players. Setting ‘eyes on the Kuiléondo should be enough for them to make ‘the connection between the stone Eamnil spoke of, and their present adversaries. Ifthe characters tary too long, they may have to run for their lives or be drowned in the waters ‘exploding into the Hall (which could make escape an inter- cating chellenge).Pursuing the Corsairs (30-31 Cerveth) By the time the characters will have been able to make their way (with of without the wounded Farman safely to tthe surface. Calimon’s raiding party will be long-gone. From Prince Aldamir’s soldiers who fought in the defense of the haven, t may be learned thatthe raid was led by Calimon, Lord Morlaen's son and that he had been captaining the Corsair vessel Arangwil, which retreated back downriver with the other ships following the raid. IF the characters choose to pursue the Corsairs. Prince ‘Aldamir will give them access to a small but relatively cwift Patrol boat, with local maps of the Ethir and the surraunding bay, marking likely hide-outs and staging-posts fur the Corsair. The patral boat wil he captained by one of the Ethir Folk, who knows the waters of the lower Anduin well. Ii the characters choose to make for Tarannon's villa, they will find it to be occupied by Calimon and his men, with the Arangwil laying in wait nearby. If they can defeat Caliman in battle or somehow sneak aboard his ship, the will find a letter fiom Mostar ying on the desk in the captaln’s cabin (Hanciout #5). [feaptured and interrogated, Calimon will claim not to know the location of Benish Armon (though in fact he does, and will make for It to warn Belphegor if forced tw abandon Terannon's villa. Ethir Anduin Rey eee Calimon, Vou ate tn pened with dhe enn! to thir Anduin, where you sll meat ss sempeny of shipe hom Une, Tar gether ye will contoue upriver fo Belargls and assist Zimralh and Belphegor tv cbinining the artefact from the Hall of the Faithful. From ‘hance, you wil netim te a place i the Ethirthat in callad Banish ene Zimrakhil wil join the ether ships on ‘hair return to Ubu, bat he Orthane stone must be aurvenderad to Balphagnn He will exe te tha swale ening of rene things againat Vinay ‘ura his howe, When that achieved, ‘you will rata to Unbar at once: Merlaen 22 Carve, 1450, I Handout #5: Letter found on the Arangwil 18 Eyes of the Bllnd NightThe ritual of release (1 Uruf) Belphegor will enact the ritual to release Tevildo's thanes a from Benish Armon in order ‘to attack the King on the c= fist night of the month (the night of the dark moon). This ‘wl fal on same night that Eldacar prepares to wed Prince Vidustain of Rhovanion and Lady Terieth of Anérien at Amon Hen. If Belphegor succeeds in the ritual. the nine cats will be directed through the line of sight ofthe stolen palanti, and they will infest the King and ail his family (ust as they did to Edrahil). Even with the aid of healers, the royal house will have only @ few months to lve before they are turned into lifeless statues, _~ From Tarannon's vill itis “= a full day's march through the Ethir swamps to the ruins of Benish Armon. If Calimon has escaped them, the characters may attempt to track hint there, Otherwise, one ofthe Ethir Folk pilating their boat may be able to guide them. The sorcerer will be assisted at Benish Armon by the remainder of C many is up to the GM's discretion, depending on the strength and numbers ofthe player-characters). oth the palantir of Orthanc and the fragment of the key to Fuinur’s domain are in Belphegor’s possession at Benish ‘Armon. In order for the ritual to take effect, Belphegor must perform a blood sacrifice (one ofthe Ethir Folk, or perhaps vue uf Eldacar’s Ethir-guard who fad been stationed at ‘Tarannon's villa but was captured) The victim's blood must be poured into the well at the center of the ruin (see accom- panying map), followed by the contents of the cats" canopic jars. Once this is accomplished, the ethereal forms of the ‘ts will arise from the well and await Belphegor's command. The sorcerer will bid each of them gaze into the Orthanc~ stone and “lock-on” to their targets at Amon lien. Alter doing this. Tevildo’s thanes will abandon visible form altogether and fly towards Amon Hen. Ihe characters may intervene at any juncture of this process, depending on how soon they ative and when they choose to act. If Calimon managed to escape Tarannon's villa and reach Benish Armon before them, he or Belphegor may have caused sentinels to be set around the site to watt of any intruders. If the characters deleat Belphegor. they will have recovered the palantir and come into possession of a third of the key to Fuinur’s Weil. The next move must be theirs OtherHands Adventure Deciding what to do next In the process of recovering the Orthanc-stone from its captors, the characters will have uncovered a deeper ‘conspiracy. Namely, that the minions of evil are searching for the descendant ot Queen Benithiel and King Tarannon. presumably to accomplish some dark purpose. What that purpose is may yet be unclear to the characters, but all of the loose ends accompanying this puzzle appear to lie in Umbar. at Eimnil's tower that guards the foundations of ‘Melkor's temple against the return of his servants. While the characters deliberate as to the most appropri- ate course of action. Zimrakhil arrives in Umbar with the Kuiléondo and Tevilda’s canopic jar, which he hides in the foundations of the Temple. The sorcerer waits with Neithan for Belphegor's return to Umbar with news that the ritual of release has been accomplished, ‘If rumor of Belphegor and/or Calimon’s deteat comes to their cars. Neithan and Zimrakhil will have ‘to contrive, t plans. Most important to them now will be the acquisition of the Karma from Fuinur's Well, which means that they will need to obtain the other two pieces (held by Lathriel and the characters respectively). The voyage to Umbar (2-6 Urni) if the characters make known their desire to go to Umbar, Prince Aldamir’s boatmen will rect them to Captain Rastarin of “The Calm before the Storm” (the .C.8.5.),@ ‘smuggler-captain who plies the waters between Umbar and the Ethir on a regular basis. Rastarin was a piratess from Eriador who found her way into Belfalas Bay during the Kin- ‘strife. At that time, she became a close friend to Neithan. who was then serving Castamir as Ethir-captain.