Galador at the Inn

Galador was restless staying here. The air was stale indoors and he moved to the window of his room to open it. The stench in the air of the city street outside provided little relief to the stuffy confines of the room, mingling with the smells of tobacco smoke, ale and bad food to create an even more revolting scent.

Galador heaved a sigh. How long before they would be free of this place and back out into the countryside? There he would feel at home with the wind in his face and nature all around. His thoughts wandered to Lauralyn and the glade in the forest where she lived. He heaved another, longer sigh.....

My kingdom for a song

The dulcet tones of Landroval Eldanar had just faded as the sound of a few coins could be heard being added to a hat. As the young bard leaned over to collect his bounty a large booted foot stepped towards his fingers pulling back the coins in the hat. "Ho, ho young fop you don't think to come play in my Inn and not pay your tab did you?"

Flipping the only copper he was left with the poet smiled for he had seen some real interest in his story of the Eladanar's tonight and had actually not had to run up his tab in the process....a most wonderful success in his opinion....there was the matter of his benefactors however....

Two serious looking Dunedain and a red-bearded Dwarf wanted to speak to him of his songs.

"Ah, my friends, I see you enjoyed my song....alas my throat is dry."

Staring balefully Landroval finished the ale that the armored Dunedain...Brac...had just bought him much to the the chagrin of the Dwarf.

Having no further patience for the back and forth conversation and niceties the Bard, Ranger, and Knight were exchanging Hagrim finally slapped the table..."enough talk! Listen you fop are you of the Eldanar clan or is me friend here wasting his time."

"Yes, my height challenged friend, I am the seventh son...lover, poet, friend to all and performer of the dulcet tones you enjoyed this evening."

It was only after many more ale with Hagrim and Galador helping Brac and Landroval into the common room that Landroval agreed to talk to his father on their behalf. Landroval recognized the gift horse he was looking in the muzzle but still was reluctant....prooving that he was worthy to his father and restoring some honour to the Eldanar name was a noble cause....it was a step he was not sure he was willing to take yet.

Landroval Eldanar

Landroval Eldanar had heard the tales of his great, great grandfather’s family having to flee Castle Eldanar many times from his father Tarcandil. The shame that his father faced at having to now live in Fornost was matched only by his disappointment in his youngest and carefree son who wiled away his time singing and talking of yesteryear. Landroval had actually put the Eldanar tale to a clever song he played on his lute on his frequent forays about Fornost and the Northern Realms. Unlike his father our happy-go lucky bard did not wallow in the past but revelled in the adventures of the future and the possibility that the Eldanar name could be called upon with pride rather than pity. Despite those lofty thoughts, it was sometimes necessary to resort to a light-fingered touch in order to pay his way. Travelling throughout the North as Poet, Lover, and friend to all the Bard fights “work” and “duty” with song and laughter.

Fornost Erain, Norbury of the Kings

Located on a steep rise on the southern slopes of the North Downs, Fornost is as much a fortress as it is a city. Fornost was chosen to be the royal seat of Arthedain after the sack of Annúminas in T.A. 1409. Since then, a somber mood has permeated every aspect of life in court, for the Dúnedain stand ever ready to meet another assult by the Witch-king. Despite, or perhaps because of, the omnipresent threat from Angmar, the people of Arthedain are a spiritual folk given over to introspection. The wisest scholars and greatest library of the Men of the North are to be found in Fornost.

The capital of Arthedain after the division of Arnor in T.A. 861, Fornost has long been the largest and busiest city north of Tharbad. The tin and lead deposits underlying this part of the North Downs drew Eriadorian and Dwarven miners here as early as S.A 1000. For obscure reasons, the Dwarves got no support for their claims from their kinfolk in Moria, and the Eriadorians drove them out after a series of minor wars. Much later, religious mystics from Númenor arrived and received permission to build an astronomical observatory on Fornaer (S. "Lament of the North;" coll. "Norland's Glower"), the highest crest of the downs around the headwaters of the Nen Erain, the most important local river. Númenórean power kept the peace locally, and the Eriadorians got used to the idea of their leadership. Around S.A. 3250, a Sauronic minion used the mystical lenses of the observatory on Fornaer to summon an elrog (S. "star-demon"). It ravaged the countryside until slain by a Dúnadan mage, Calvellon Glornor. Calvellon was elected Lord of the Tyrn Fyrn by the grateful locals and eventually willed his domain to his nephew, Elendil of Andúnië, who later combined the title with several others when he made himself the first king of Arnor.

The actual name of "Fornost Erain" first appears in Elendil's original plans for the defense of Arnor against the Orcs of the Misty Mountains. He ordered a fortification, the "Citadel," built along the highest ridge of Norland's Glower, and added a series of defensive walls around the hill as local settlement moved, from the towns on either side in the valleys below, uphill towards the center of local power. Valandil, the first king of Arnor in the Third Age, built a palace within the citadel for use in the summer, to enable him to get away from the heat and biting insects that troubled his official capital at Annúminas. Over the centuries, Arnor's kings transferred more and more of their officials to Fornost, seeking the knowledge of the religious mystics dwelling in the area.

A little help and some Whine

September , 1640

Morkar’s purple face says all the heroes need to know as the Captain storms up to them, “By some grace of the bloody gods you two have been granted leave yet again to chase after your brother, this time without bounds. All I can say, is find him or your end quickly so I can know how to make up the duty roster.....fools errand I say!”

Brac and Galador decide that they should visit Brac’s friend Myrick. An elderly man of some skill in magic that might know more about Eldanar Castle and be able to help them in other ways. Loading up some supplies, Brac figures wine and parchment will be welcomed by Myrick who hasn’t seen the Knight in many years.

Travelling East for half a day sees the roads sparsely travelled for to head further this direction would be foolhardy as the Angmarian border with Orc raiding parties and untold other creatures are known to guard and make forays even as far as Myricks run-down castle on the borderlands.

Myrick greets them at the door as if expecting them reaching into the saddlebags without prompting for the red Shire wines stowed carefully therin. “Come, Brac and yon woodsman friend and let us share a cup or two before you ply my aid”.

Myrick tells Brac and Galador that the help they need will be more than just maps and directions for even the steeds of the elves Nimros and Rochallor may not be enough to get the two into Eldanar castle quickly or quietly enough. As Myrick stares into the fire he breaks out his pipe tapping it smartly on the side of the hearth. “What you seek, I cannot provide my friends but I can help in some small ways none the less....a ruin in the forest east of here may provide us both with some needed help. In those ancient Edain ruins you may find a fungi of the deepest purple. Find it I say and you may find you have found yourself some help....or some trouble as well.....ware thee well for the watchtowers to the east can see through to the forest and Orc patrols are known to be found near those cursed woods.” Reach above the fireplace, the old man brings down a dusty scabbard with a sword still hidden inside, “This may help you, it is Numenorian and has slayed many an Orc in its day...or so I am told. Castle Eldanar was at one time a gift from Elindil you realise...it is a stronghold now for the Angmarian servants much to the chagrin and humility of the Eldanar family who lives in shame in Fornost....yes they may help you was well...seek them out and...yes....bring me the mushrooms...and stay off the roads”. While cryptic Brac and Galador have many questions for Myrick who tells them the story of Castle Eladanar in detail but is of little further help.

Brac waited on his horse as Galador gently rubbed the ears of his mount while talking to it as though it were to talk back when the slap of a meaty palm on cold steel had Brac turning quickly. The fire-red beard of the Dwarf was braided as if for battle...”Ya weren’t thinkin of goin off on some adventure without me now were ya?”

Galador smiled as the complaints from the Dwarf riding behind him continued non-stop...”Ya mean to tell me this foul beast below me and your back are all I’m to see all the way to Fornost...by Durin’s beard the trials that must be endured....Have I told you of how sore me arse is?”

The Boy cant handle his Ale to be sure!

September 19, 1640
• The pounding in Brac’s head is all that remains of the heady drink shared with the King’s advisor Lord Talisien.
• Brac attempts to ditch his guard duty given he is tired and suffering the ill effects of the fine wines...but Captain Morkar has seen his share of loafers and recognizes the best duty for this would-be hero is to pound the drum at the head of the few recruits who are also in need of some marching. The hills surrounding Castle Hyareth prove quite adequate in getting our Knight’s attention.
• Lauging uproariously at Brac’s final days of marching, Galador and Brac put the finishing touches on a missive to Brac’s father imploring him to intervene on their behalf in order to get the time to pursue some help in their quest to rescue Ceradon from Castle Eldanar.
• Galador knows of other places he might get some help and information and smiles as he enters the smithy of Hagrim Durnst noting the new Dwarven curses floating through the air along with the faint smell of burnt hair.
• Dragging Brac by the feet to a cot, Hagrim shakes the fire-red beard that is the signature of his clan at Galador “Boy, couldn’t handle his Ale, it’s a wonder ya dunt need me help.”
• Galador talks to Hagrim late into the night with only brief interruptions from the snoring Knight.

The Hero's of Fort Brattar

September 16, 1640


• Brac and Galador decide to leave Fort Brattar as Brac has only 2 days to return to his duties at Castle Hymenarth before being branded AWOL. Captain Morkar of the castle garrison is one that is not to be trifled with.
• Brac realizes that he did not find his brother, but at least he knows where he has been taken.
• Leave Fort Brattar with one heck of a headache. The exploits of the Heroes of Fort Brattar and the exceptional bravery are being noticed by the Rangers....A message is sent to watch the two rogue heroes as there may be untapped potential that can be called upon in a time of the most dire need.

September 17, 1640

• Arrive at Castle Bargad, the home of Lord Taliesin, a friend of Brac's father.
• Learn from Lord Taliesin that Eldanar Castle is located in “no-man's” land between Angmar and Arthedain.
• Sitting around the fire with some excellent wine and food the heroes recount their tale to the delight of Lord Taliesin and his family.
• Unbeknownst to Galador a travelling stranger who has asked for and received hospitality from Lord Talisien has taken a keen interest in Galador's story of Lorilynn.

September 18, 1640
• Leave Castle Bargad.
• Our heroes push their horses as they have leagues to travel and must arrive today.
• Our heroes make it to Castle Hymenarth with no time to spare, but Brac's horse comes up lame.
• Galador attempts and succeeds in healing the mare, although it will be two weeks before she can be ridden.

Captain Morkar notes the arrival of the Dunedain Knight and Ranger and smiles as a cat at a mouse hole knowing that the two will be sore and tired from a long trip....time to make them do some double duty...he he he.

The Battle for Fort Brattar

September 13, 1640

• The weather is heavy overcast and drizzle.
• The Orc army moves it way up the incline of the hill upon which Fort Brattar is located. The traps of falling boulders and logs do nothing to the advance of the Orcs
• The Orc army outnumbers the Arthedain defenders 5 to 1. With them are a brace of Hill Trolls as well as the latest in Angmarin seige equipment. An Orc and Warg cavalry waits for the final assault.
• Galador decides to wait outside the Fort as he feels that guerrilla tactics may be useful here.
• Galador attempts to kill the Orc Commanders with his bow, but fails. By a hair's breadth he manages to escape the Wargs.
• The fighting is vicious on the walls. After what appears to be hours, Brac and the Defenders successfully repel the invaders, but the toll is heavy and the gates are being assaulted.
• Oil and fire at the gates do not stop the Orcs and Trolls in their relentless assault. Although the defenders led by Brac and Captain Caradok are successful in holding the gates, it is not enough to stop the assault as the Orcs bring up the catapults and begin artillery fire.
• Galador communicates with the spirits of nature and this time the spirits are listening. Galador summons a huge swarm of Hummerhorns (a dragonfly size wasp like insect) to attack the Orcs. Again Galador escapes the Warg patrols.
• Galador leaves the battlefield to look for the re-enforcements. He finds them and quickly leads them to the fight.
• Brac decides it time to use his horsemen and leads the charge of the fort's cavalry into the fray. The Orc army is caught in between Brac and Galador and the rout begins.
• The victory is complete and our INTREPID ADVENTURERS are hailed as heroes
• Captain Caradoc decides that considering the situation and what has occurred, he will not arrest our heroes. Ale is passed around.
• Galador and Brac remain at the fort for 2 days helping with the healing and clean-up.

Dire Warnings

September 12, 1640
• Brac finally has a chance to read Dongorath's diary and discovers that his brother Cerdon has been taken to Castle Eldanar and that a large contingent of Orcs are going to attack Fort Brattar....on the morrow!!.
• Brac does not know the location of Castle Eldanar but knows his duty is to warn Captain Caradok and the Fort despite whatever punishment might be forthcoming.
• Our heroes decide to go to Fort Brattar and warn the garrison, even though it may mean their arrests by Captain Caradoc.
• Riding hard the heroes encounter a large group of Orc and Warg cavalry on the way to the Fort and the chase is on. With Orc patrols in pursuit Galador and Brac spur on their faster horses in the morning to make good their escape into the unwelcoming arms of the Captain at Fort Brattar. Our heroes manage to escape quite easily as their horses outpace the Wargs.
• After listening to the tale and seeing Dongorath’s diary the Captain decides that the two brave fools are correct in their assumption that all men at arms will need to make ready for an impending attack on the Fort expected in the next day or two. Our heroes inform Captain Caradoc of the situation and the good captain immediately drafts them into the service of the fort.
• Brac and Galador are assigned tactical duties and decide to set some rolling log traps for the invaders on their way up to the Fort in addition to boiling tar and ensuring that the cavalry and Rangers are ready to do their duties as commanded by Brac and Galador.
• On Galador's advice a carrier pigeon is sent out to the next nearest Fort for help. This help will be a day in arriving.
• The battle goes poorly at first with Trolls smashing the log traps and laughing in the face of the hills leading to the Fort. Those laughs were quickly squelched with the sound of Hummerhorns who harry the Trolls and Orcs assaulting the walls. With archers filling the air from their murder holes and boiling oil from up above the tide is quickly turned.
• A final foray into the heart of the Orcs with Brac leading a group of Cavalry breaks the back of the assault as the Orcs and Trolls flee but are ultimately run down by the lances of the Dunedain Knight.

Dongoraths Hold

• September 11, 1640

• After traveling through the hills in Rammas Formen, our adventurers are set upon by a huge Hill Troll during a bad rain storm.
• The Troll is intent upon turning theminto Dunedain jelly.
  
• With some luck and a great deal of skill and bravery our adventurers succeed in dispatching the Troll......Brac with his sword and Galador with his bow.
• Arrive at Dungorath's hold. The place is located at the top of a Tor with steep cliffs and only one well guarded and trapped path to the top.

• Galador attempts to commune with the spirits of nature to try and learn more about the
  terrain surrounding the hold. The spirits are not talking.
  Our adventurers make camp in a copse of trees and succeed in avoiding the Orc night
  patrols.
• The Orcs discover the body of the dead Troll and report to their finding to
  Dungorath.

• September 12, 1640

• Galador decides to scout out the terrain personally and by himself. Thankfully for our adventurers he chose correctly.
• Galador is captured in a trap and taken to Dungorath for interrogation. Here he is tortured but refuses to reveal the presence of Brac.
• After many hours without the return of Galador, Brac decides to go look for his friend after dark.
• The rain has stopped and Brac successfully scales the cliffs to Dungorath's hold.
  Bracsets the stables on fire and creates a distraction that allows him to free Galador. His brother is nowhere to be found.
• Brac discovers Dungorath's diary but delays delving into it in favour of escaping.
  
• Our adventurers make good their escape from the hold.
  
• Our adventurers again avoid the Orc night patrols and move their camp. They decide that it is too dark to travel safely and will wait until morning.
  
  

The Lure of the Woods

September 8, 1640

Brac and Galador negotiate with Captain Morkar (Porker as he is referred to behind his back) as he reluctantly agrees to let them head off
in search of Cerdon. He gives them leave for a ten-day before they will be
considered away without leave and hunted down like dogs.

Our would-be heroes travel fast and hard on the road from Castle Hyareth thinking to make Castle Bargad, the home of Lord Talisen, about halfway towards Fort Brattar and the last known location of Ceradon, the Dunedain brother of Brac Ophare.

The Kings advisor and friend of the Ophare family Lord Talisen welcomes Galador and Brac into his castle as Lord Talisen tells them of the increased activity being found by the Rangers of the North by bands of Orcs, some on Wargs which is a troubling development. Lord Talisen also believes that Captain Caradok of Fort Brattar has captured an Easterling that was on his way to Dungaraiths hide-out.

Leaving early the next morning the Knight and Ranger travel half a days ride North West along the road before Galador stops and looks longingly to the West. His wistful stare into the dense forest that beckons him off the road has him remembering his first encounter with the lovely elven girl of his desires, Loralynn. The siren like call of the woods is too strong and Galador all but forces a foray into the woods on Brac.

Brac calls out for Galador as the Ranger himself is overwhelmed by the spirits of nature and his attempts to call upon their help to find the lovely Loralynn. Brac finds the Ranger in a stupor, very near a lovely herb garden that is obviously well-tended by caring hands. Loralynn surprises Brac as a shift in the trees brings her gossamer dress into view as the Knight helps Galador into Loralynn’s home in the trees.

Loralynn, while quiet and reserved brings about the expected change in the Ranger and calms the spirits of the forest that disturb him. Embarrassed at his weakness, Galador tells the fair elf of
what they intend while giving her the unfortunate news that he has not been able to find any word of Loralynn’s brother. The Ranger vows to keep searching for her however.

Galador and Brac reluctantly leave the forest knowing that Loralynn’s garden gifts will help them in the future for the herbs in her garden are rare indeed.

With the rain pouring down in sheets, the Knight Requain nearly loses his stalwart composure at the audacity of the guards that make them wait at the well-fortified gates of Fort Brattar. Dismissing the guards apologies Brac focuses on the task at hand and meets with the leader
of Fort Brattar, Captain Caradok, who while sympathetic to the Knights cause and his loyalty to his brother steadfastly refuses to let the two see the Easterling they have captured. He steadfastly believes that Ceradon, Brac’s brother has been captured by the renegade Dungaraith and that waiting a ten-day or so for the King’s inquisitor’s is the correct course of action.

Brac’s bravado and Galador’s idea of how they might yet get their way are tantamount to treason but the two take their chances together, knowing the consequences could be severe, and break into where the Easterling is being held.

After breaking the Easterling out of Fort Brattar, the adventurers bring the Easterling to the forest home of the Elven Witch Lorilynn where she preformes a ritual upon the Easterling that leaves the Easterling with a broken mind. Her mind probe reveales the location of the hideout of the renegade ranger Dungorath.

The commander of Fort Brattar, Captain Caradok, sends out his men to retrieve our
adventurers as well as the Easterling.

Our adventurers decide to leave the unconscious Easterling at a roadhouse near the
fort. The roadhouse was the watering ground of many of the fort's soldiers, but
our adventurers made good their escape.

The adventurers follow the directions of Lorilynn and the map they now have, while avoiding the road patrols looking for them for the next 2 days travelling into the wilds of Rammas Formen in search of the Dongorath’s hold.

A letter from Lord Turagon Ophare

To Brac Ophare,

We have received word that your brother Cerdon has been captured by the renegade ranger Dongorath and taken into the wilds of Rammas Foremen. We fear for his life and your mother is besides herself. Because of her health I cannot leave to find out what has occurred. It falls upon you as the eldest son to retrieve your brother and our youngest, whether dead or alive and bring him back.

Your brother was stationed at Fort Brattar, a two days ride from your current location I'm told. I know that you will not fail us my son and may ERU bring fortune upon you.

Lord Turagon Ophare

Galador Brafora

Galador is a Dunedain Ranger born in a small village in the Hills of Evendim. His family are distant relatives of the Foros family, one of the great houses of Arthedain. From an early age Galador was attracted to nature. The voices of the spirits of nature called to him and taught him many useful skills. By watching the animals of the forests and hills he learned how to run, climb, hide and survive in the outdoors. From his friend Lazan, a member of the "Rangers" of Arthedain he learned how to shoot a bow, use a sword, much Lore and most of all how to call upon the spirits of nature to aid and assist him.

Cool headed, fearless and ferocious in battle, he is loyal to his friends and will die for Arthedain if need be. He is currently a member of the "Rangers: and is stationed at Castle Hyareth on the eastern border of Arthedain.

He has made a good friend in Hagrim the Dwarven weaponsmith of Castle Hyareth and although the fellow can be a bit grumpy, he is a times a wealth of tales and information, as long as you buy the ale. His closest friend and ally is Brac Ophare, a Dunedain Kinght of Arthedain. The two have forged a close relationship and either one would die for the other. On a recent trip to one of Arthedain's forts to the Northwest of Castle Hyareth he met and fell in love with Lorilynn, an elven maiden who lives alone in a wooded vale. He wishes to marry her, but she cannot even entertain the idea unless her brother, Melathar, who has been missing for some time, returns to her. Some say she is a witch, with the powers to ensnare and read men's minds, but to him she is the most gentlle, beautiful being he has ever seen.

Brac Ophare

Brac Ophare is a Dunedain Knight (Requain) of the Ophare house of Arthedain. He has sworn fealty to Lord Turagon Ophare, his father as well as to King Argeleb II, the current ruler of Arthedain. Brac is a handsome man with a build that is all muscle and sinew from hours of drilling and practice. He is the epitome of the Dunedain Knight and all he needs now is time to make a name for himself. In the wink of an eye Brac can go from charming and gentle to fearless and vicious if the situation warrants it. He is more than capable with sword, shield, and armor and is willing to use his prowess to avenge any wrong that is done to his family. His greates desire is to bring honor and fame as well as the title of "Duke" to his family name.

Currently serving at Castle Hyareth on the eastern border he has had many encounters with the enemies of Arthedain. But with enemies also comes friends and here he has made some good ones. Bargad, captain of the castle guard and Myrick, a middle aged Mage who lives down the road in the hills. His closest friend and ally is Glalador Brafora, a Dunedain Ranger from the Hills of Evendim. The two have forged a very close relationship and either one would die for the other. His favorite saying summarizes his attitude and life, "Strength and Honor".

Middle Earth Map