Ready-To-Run Adventures

The Rhudaurian Army

Phillip Gladney ©1999

The army of Ermegil Stonearm, cobbled together from his vassals

and mercenaries, consists of three main components, the
Dunlending tribesmen, the Easterling horsemen and the
miscellaneous mercenary bands, including a Northron medium
cavalry unit as well as a Dunadan heavy infantry unit. Each of
these groups distrusts the other and none have any particular
loyalty to Ermegil. They are here for two reasons, coinage from the coffers of
Cameth Brin and the chance to get spoils of war. Even though they may dislike
each other and perhaps even hate one another, they can still work together to form
an effective fighting machine. Each provides a different and important aspect in
any battle.

The Dunlendings
The Dunlending warriors, an assortment of the tribes Eidaroc, Macha Mur,
Ruenalla, Siol Nunaw and Culmaith, owe nominal allegiance to king Ermegil. In
truth, they serve him when it suits their purpose and look to their own headmen for
leadership. Frequently, the tribes living in middle and northern Rhudaur will rebel
against some tax or decree issued from Cameth Brin and Ermegil will be forced to
send in troops to quell the insurrection. These are usually bloodless affairs, as the
tribesmen have no standing army and are ill equipped to deal with regular army
forces. Yet one thing the tribesmen dwelling in Rhudaur have in common with the
king is a love of fighting. This is something they share with most of their brethren
all over Eriador. When summoned to war, many of the tribes will answer the call.
They do this not because of duty or honor, but instead for glory and greed, for
warfare can be a highly lucrative enterprise.
When fighting, the tribesmen prefer to band together around their headman with
little to no order and seek out single combat. One-on-one, the Dunlendings can be
potent warriors, but their utter lack of military cohesion limits their ability to wage
war on any grand scale. The rudiments of the art of tactics are completely ignored
by them and therefore they can be easily defeated by a relatively complex and
coordinated attack. However, matched with the other elements of the Rhudaurian
army, they can be effective, serving as skirmishers and light infantry. As light
infantry, they constitute the bulk of the main army. They are armed with a spear, a
few javelins, a sword or ax, and have some form of soft leather armor, as well as a
simple wooden shield. The Dunlendings' strength is in their numbers and a mid-
sized army will have between 1,000 and 2,000 tribesmen in its midst with varying
skill levels ranging from inexperienced boys to accomplished warriors. During an
open battle, the men assigned to skirmish will stand about 20-40 yards in front of
the rest of the troops. They throw missile weapons at the approaching enemy and
attempt to disrupt enemy formations before they reach their own battle line.
Needless to say this is the most dangerous position in the entire army and is
habitually reserved for the expendable soldiers, also known as fodder. The reason
that the Dunlendings accept and even welcome this role is their thirst for glory and
renown. Talented, experienced warriors will have great respect in their community
and get a greater share of the spoils.

The Easterlings
The Easterlings are swarthy, longhaired, mustachioed men. They are members of
the various tribes that roam the lands around the Sea of Rhûn. They include Sagath,
Logath and Asdriags who have crossed over the Misty Mountains to make a living.
Led by a Sagath Easterling named Trojic Havel, they must be separated from the
other units due to their aggressive, nearly sadist, lifestyle. They live in tents of
cowhide and ride small, hairy ponies that are inferior to their Northron and
Dunadan counterparts. However, they are perfect for the Easterlings' style of
fighting. Due to the dearth of armor within the plains-dwelling horsemen's
armories, they must avoid pitched melees if at all possible. Instead, they prefer to
distance themselves from their enemies and pepper them with missiles from a safe
distance. If the opposing force moves towards them to try to close with them, they
just move back out of range, all the while showering their foes with javelins or
arrows from their powerful composite bows. This tactic is devastating to lightly
armored infantry forces, such as Dunlendings and most regional levies. Since they
are mounted they can outpace even the fastest of infantry charges. They do have
some weaknesses though. The Northron medium cavalry has never had any major
problems defeating Easterling war bands since their horses are faster than the
Easterlings' ponies. They merely ride down Easterling cavalry units and massacre
them in hand-to-hand combat. Also, units of longbowmen ensconced behind
mantelets, stone walls or wooden palisades can slaughter the tribesmen with
concentrated intermittent fire. Naturally, the Easterlings are absolutely useless
when it comes to siege warfare apart from being able to patrol the region around
the affected castle. When forced to fight in a melee situation or if pursuing
retreating foes, the Easterlings will use their scimitars, which have a decided
disadvantage to the average Northron broadsword.

The Mercenaries
The rest of Ermegil's army is made up of mixed units of mercenaries. These include
a medium cavalry unit composed of Northrons, a medium infantry unit and an elite
heavy infantry unit. These professional troops are the most loyal and best paid and
therefore stay close to Ermegil in battle. Ermegil trusts no one, but he trusts these
men the most since they do not have their own leaders to follow, as opposed to the
Easterlings and Dunlendings or even the Hillmen back home.

 The Northron medium cavalry all come from the other side of the Misty
Mountains. They are an assortment of horse-thieves, murderers and other
 criminals that have fled to safety in Rhudaur. In return for their service they
are granted protection from the authorities seeking their punishment. This
has made for a rather dependable gathering of mercenaries. In addition to
protection from prosecution, they receive a parcel of land when their twenty-
year term of service is over. Led by Suluthain, they are stationed in Dol
Cultirith in the heart of the Trollshaws. Their main duty in peacetime is to
patrol and protect the road going to Cameth Brin and to keep a watch on and
control the various Dunlending tribes that live to the south. This can
sometimes be a demanding chore since the tribes have an awful habit of
refusing to pay tribute to Ermegil. During times of war this unit will serve as
a screening force or be used to outflank the enemy. They are no match for
their primary adversaries, the Red Lances. Their archenemies are much
better trained, equipped and led and the Rhudaurian mercenaries cannot hold
up to them in open combat. Their armor is mostly rigid leather with a
smattering of chainmail and soft leather and their chief weapon is the
broadsword. They are well known and hated by the men of the Angle and
have been known to massacre prisoners.
 Another band of sell-swords serving Ermegil is made up of medium infantry.
These troops come from all over Eriador and are garrisoned in Cameth Brin
and Buhr Calden. They are paid relatively well and, like the Northron
cavalry, are given a parcel of land in northern Rhudaur as compensation for
years of service. Led by Belechor, a secret agent of the king of Arthedain,
they serve as garrison troops and caravan guards during times of peace. They
also march with the main host in any campaign. During combat their primary
task is to strengthen the middle of Rhudaur's battle line. They stand behind
the Dunlending and Hillmen light infantry, who invariably get the honor of
standing in the front ranks, and make sure that they do not retreat. They have
a very practical way of ensuring this. They cut down any man who tries to
fall back. This has proven in the past to help make the Dunlendings a solid
and resolute fighting force. One of the requirements for joining this group of
mercenaries is that you must provide your own set of armor and weapons.
For the integrity of the unit as medium infantry each soldier must have at
least a chain shirt as protection. Each also has a spear, sword, dagger, helm
and shield. The men in this band are skillful but not particularly brave and
will flee the battlefield if their situation gets tenuous.
 The heavy infantry unit, called the Trererath, is comprised of
mixed-blood Dunedain and is the finest in all of Rhudaur.
Selling their services to Ermegil Stonearm, they are the
remnants of the Dunedain that once inhabited the small
kingdom. Long ago their ancestors were seduced to the service
of Angmar with promises of wealth and power. Now they live
and die at the orders of their liege-lord, a lesser Dunadan
named Morvath. Normally, this group resides in the fertile valley in and
around Cameth Brin in large holdings and farmsteads. They represent the
upper class of Rhudaur and consequently look down upon and disrespect the
 lesser men of their land, such as the Dunlendings and Hillmen. They
grudgingly respect the Northrons, but only for their horsemanship and
fighting skills. The Trererath is a relatively new unit. They and their fathers
have served together for less than 75 years. Entrance into this elite band is
through hereditary right or proven excellence on the field of battle and even
then the petitioner must show some proof of Dunadan lineage. The
Angmarean general, Durkarian, was a member of this unit before joining the
army of the Witch-king. Any man wanting to join the mercenary unit must
also have a war-horse for all of the Trererath are mounted, even though they
fight on foot. They also have a fine collection of arms and armor. Most of
the warriors have half-plate with arm and leg greaves. Their weapon of
choice is the two-handed sword, used to decimate the lightly armored levies
and tribesmen who make up the bulk of the fighting forces in this area. They
are usually kept in reserve, close to the king, until an opening has been made
in the enemy's line and then they are thrown into it. This is an effective
means of winning battles and the members of the Trererath have the trophies
and scars to prove it.

Character Stats
2ndO
Name # lvl Hits AT DB Sh Gr 1stOB 3rdOB MM Notes
B
Lsr.
Ermegil 1 17 150 Pl/18 45 N A/L 180ba 80ha 70sb 15 Dunadan
Warrior
+15 battle axe, "Iron Cleaver", secondary Impact crit of equal severity;
+10 throwing axes (3);
+10 Half-plate armor, encumbers at half normal penalties, stops 1 point of bleeding
per wound, bestows 10' Nightvision, upon command of Witch-king will constrict
and suffocate Ermegil; Amulet of Sound Thought, +20 to all RR's, DB, memory
and drunkenness checks, +40 vrs. Mental attacks from evil spell casters, when in
combat with Trolls first three criticals will be "Holy", when in combat with Undead
first three criticals will be "Slaying";
Boots, negates all fumbles involving wearers feet, Stonewalking 3x/day;
Cloak, halves the effect of chill and cold; carries an assortment of herbs, including
several poisons and several doses of Sha;
King of Rhudaur, also known as the "Usurper".
Easterling
Espheme 1 12 130 Ch/16 55 Y A/L 125sc 120ml 115cp 10
Warrior
+15 scimitar, doubles bleeding/rd., +50 to initiative; +10 Chain armor, encumbers
as RL/10; +10 shield, +10 composite bow, reloads at half normal rate; +20 dagger,
coated with 10 lvl fatal poison; Helm, gives wearer 270 degree peripheral vision,
protects eyes from intense light and smoke, give wearer vision equal to that of an
eagle;
Warden of Rhudaur; Lord of Mercenaries; Has post because, due to his easterling
heritage, he is not a threat to Ermegil's position; answers only to Ermegil
Maschbra 1 13 93 SL/6 35 N A 110ss 75da - 10 Dunlendin
 m g Rogue
+15 flaming dunadan shortsword, gives Heat crit of one less severity; +15 Soft
leather armor, protects against cold and rain, hidden pockets (-70 to see) contain
10th lvl poisons; Ring, +10 to all RR's, DB and Perception, +50 to perceive poisons,
runes and magical traps, Fireball 3x/day at +20, allows breathing in up to 4th lvl
poisonous gasses; Brooch, x2 Essence PP adder, Nightvision 3x/day;
Knows the Rune Mastery, Essence Hand, Unbarring Ways, and Physical
Enhancement spell lists to 5th lvl; PP-26;
First councillor to King Ermegil; answers only to Ermegil
Aged
Belechor 1 9 87 Ch/13 35 Y N 85ma 60sb - 0 Easterling
warrior
+15 broadsword, detects Orcs and Trolls 100'; +5 equipment; Boots, Stonerunning
3x/day; Saddle, adds one speed level to horse it is saddled upon; Cloak, Hues
3x/day;
Leader of mercenary infantry; Secret agent for king of Arthedain; An older, highly
skilled tactician and leader, he frequently councils the king and is privy to most
classified information; Cloak, Boots and Saddle provided by superiors in Arthedain
should Belechor ever need to escape from Rhudaur in a hurry; answers to Espheme
Lsr.
125tw-
Morvath 1 10 125 Pl/18 30 N A/L 110lcb 85da 10 Dunadan
hs
warrior
+20 two-handed sword, Airwall 2x/day; +15 Plate armor; +10 light crossbow; +10
bolts (20); Helm, +10 to DB;
Leader of Trererath; not trusted by Ermegil; answers to Espheme
Trojic Easterling
1 11 123 Ch/14 50 Y A/L 120sc 115ml 110ja 15
Havel warrior
+15 scimitar, delivers Cold crit of two levels less severity, protects user from all
natural cold; +10 equipment; +15 javelins (3), doubles throwing range; Boots, +25
to Riding skill;
Leader of easterling cavalry contingent; answers to Espheme
Northron
Suluthain 1 9 120 Ch/15 55 Y A/L 115bs 110ml 100cp 10
warrior
+15 broadsword; +10 equipment; +15 shield, Deflections 1x/day; Belt, +5 to DB
and RR's;
Leader of northron cavalry; answers to Espheme
Estaravi
Vesserac 1 12 70 SL/5 25 N N 60qs 50da - 15
Evil Mage
+15 Staff, hits as mace, x3 PP adder, Cold Ball 1x/day; Robes, black, +10 DB,
protect as SL/5; Amulet, +3 PP adder, Dispel Essence Sphere I 2x/day; Ring, Long
Ear I and Long Eye I each 3x/day; +15 dagger, Slays Elves, casts Darkvision
2x/day; PP-72; DS-90; BS- +24;
Knows all Evil Magician Base spell lists, 4 Magician Base spell lists, 3 Closed
Essence spell lists and 3 Open Essence spell lists;
Angmarean emissary; sent to watch and council King Ermegil; Has a Crebain
familiar "Kraken" which can spy for him.
 Uruk
Hakknash 1 11 120 Ch/16 45 Y A/L 130wh 100sb 80da 10
Warrior
+15 war hammer, makes sound of thunderclap when striking metal armor, delivers
secondary Impact crit; +10 equipment; Charm, +10 to all RR's;
Warlord of orcish tribes in Rhudaur, annexed several small orcish tribes through
force, answers to Ermegil...sometimes

Master Military Table

1stO 2ndO 3rdO
Name # lvl Hits AT DB Sh Gr MM Notes
B B B
The Dunlendings
Tribal
5 9 120 Ch/14 40 Y A 120bs 105ja 90sb 10
Chieftain
+5 equipment; each leads a different tribe
Bodyguard 50 5 90 Ch/14 35 Y A 95bs 90ja - 5
Protect the 5 tribal chieftains
Experience RL/
200 4 75 30 Y A 80ha 70ja - 5
d warrior 10
Average
500 2 45 SL/8 30 Y N 45sp 30ja - 5
warrior
Used
primaril
Green 1,40
1 35 SL/6 25 Y N 35sp 20ja - 5 y for
warrior 0
menial
labor
The Easterlings
Headman 6 8 110 Ch/13 35 Y N 115sc 100ml 90sb 10
+5 equipment; serve under Trojic Havel in a variety of positions
Bodyguard 20 6 90 Ch/13 30 Y N 100sc 85ml 70sb 5
Protect Trojic Havel and the other headmen
Elite rider 25 5 80 SL/5 35 Y N 90sc 80ml 65sb 15
Lead reconnaissance patrols around Harnalda
Average
500 2 45 No/1 35 Y N 55ml 35sb 30ja 15
rider
The Mercenaries
Trererath 90tw-
6 6 90 Pl/18 10 N N 60lcb - 10
sergeant hs
80tw-
Trererath 48 5 80 Ch/14 15 N N 50lcb - 20
hs
Northron
cavalry 15 6 85 Ch/14 35 Y L 85bs 70ml 55sb 10
officer
Lead patrols and missions around Harnalda
Northron
150 3 60 RL/9 30 Y N 60bs 50ml 30sb 5
cavalry
Medium
infantry 10 6 85 Ch/14 35 Y A/L 90bs 65sb 50da 5
officer
Medium
200 3 55 Ch/13 30 Y N 60ss 40sb - 0
infantry
Used to guard important posts
Other
Royal Mixed
20 7 100 Ch/16 35 Y A/L 105bs 100ml 95lcb 5
Bodyguard warriors
+5 equipment; highly paid mercenaries, follow the king wherever he goes
Support Mixed
30 2 30 No/1 5 N N 30we 20da - 5
personnel scouts
Smiths, Tanners, Quartermasters, Cooks, etc.
Angmarean mixed
10 4 55 SL/7 10 N A 60ss 50lcb - 5
engineer rogues
+5 equipment; on loan from Witch-king; command a great amount of respect
Non-
mixed
combatant 100 1 20 No/1 5 N N 20cl 10cl - 0
rogues
slave
Mostly dunnish jerls or debt-slaves, some women
Orcish
Orcish
scout 1 4 75 Ch/13 30 Y A 75sc 60sb 40ha 5
warrior
leader
Orcish RL/ Orcish
4 2 45 25 Y A 50sc 40sb 30da 5
scouts 10 warrior
Hillmen Hillman
1 4 80 SL/6 15 N N 75sp 55ja - 10
leader ranger
Hillmen Hillman
5-10 3 56 SL/6 10 N N 55sp 45ja - 10
raiders ranger