The One Ring: The King's Own

The One Ring: The King's Own
GM
Lisa
Starting Year
Fourth Age, 1 (3021 TA or 1421 SR)
Current Year
Fourth Age, 1 (3021 TA or 1421 SR)
The Fellowship
Laramie Twofoot Déor, Horseman of Rohan Vidar, Son of Veig Gilithion Thorondir Theowulf Former Fellowship Members Primrose
Resources
Chapters Past

Still working on your character? Awesome! Here are some guidelines:

• Read the bit of timeline lower on this page for context of when we are and what the world is like. It will be condensed later.
• You should craft at least a valid-sounding reason why you are in Gondor now and put it on your page. Include where you were during the War of the Ring.
• This background doesn't need to be fully fleshed yet, just a starting point to start us off with
• Aim for variation and balance in the party. For example, aim for different cultures if choosing the same race (Man of Minas Tirith vs. Man of Bree) to have access to different blessings, virtues, and abilities that aid the Fellowship as a whole. Some redundancies are not stackable.
• Let your GM know if you have a question, special request, secret information or need things like Wonderous Items.

The Road So Far. Wait! Wrong game!

The Fellowship

• Vidar, Son of Veig, Dwarf of Eriador, played by Adam
• Laramie Twofoot, Hobbit of the Shire, played by Ben
• Gilithion, Noldorin Elf, played by Erik
• Thorondir, Ranger of the North, played by Tim
• Primrose, Wild Hobbit, played by Karen
• Déor, Horseman of Rohan, played by Mark
  • Ava, Esquire, Shieldmaiden-in-Training

The Company

Traveling Roles

Guide (Travel) Deor
Scout (Explore) Vidar
Huntsman (Hunt) Primrose, Laramie
Look-out Man (Awareness) Thor, Gilithion
Fellowship Focus

Skill Chart

(This grid shows the highest for each skill in the group)

Awe	■■□□□□	Inspire	■■□□□□	Persuade	■■□□□□
Athletics	■■□□□□	Travel	■■■□□□	Stealth	■■■□□□
Awareness	■■■□□□	Insight	■■□□□□	Search	■■□□□□
Explore	■■■□□□	Healing	■■□□□□	Hunting	■■□□□□
Song	■■■□□□	Courtesy	■■■□□□	Riddle	■■■□□□
Craft	■■■□□□	Battle	■■□□□□	Lore	■■■□□□

The MacGuffin and Objectives

• The Company will be embarking on a search for the Lost Palantiri of Arvedui. Aragorn sensed a presence "both saddened, cold, and yet hopeful," and hazy images, as though the palantir was quickly shrouded by the user after sensing another. He felt a pull was in a northerly direction, confirming the continued existence of at least one of the lost stones.

• The Company knows the outlined history of the seeing stones, but not, for example, usage or apocryphal stories.

• The Company will be granted access to the libraries of Minas Tirith, Orthanc, and Rivendell, though what aid or assistance the Company receives in these locations, and what they find - is up to their own endeavors.

• The Company may accompany Éomer and the Riders of the Mark to Édoras and thence to Orthanc and further parts north, allowing them to attain mounts that suit their purposes.

• The Company has been instructed to think of anything particular they may wish to requisition from Minas Tirith, as it has stronger trade networks than those in Rohan. Waypoints for more specialized supplies or items may be few and far between in Arnor. The Company may also expect an invitation to dine in the Hall with King Elessar and Queen Arwen at some point.

• Each member of the Company was awarded 6 Treasure as their share of the Snow Troll Hoard.

Important Characters you have met

In Gondor

• Aragorn, King Elessar Telcontar, High King of the Reunited Kingdom

Aragorn has a lot of titles and some were surprised to hear "Elessar" rather than "Aragorn" being used. The name Elessar, or Elfstone, was given to him somewhat prophetically by Galadriel and he was called such by the people of Minas Tirith for the stone he wore as they did not yet know his name. Telcontar is "Strider" in Quenya; he took it for the name of his house and line. These would be his formal names and were used in his coronation. Those with older habits may still call him how they knew him first, such as (King) Aragorn, Strider, The Chieftain, or even Estel, his boyhood name in Rivendell.

• Arwen Undomiel, High Queen of the Reunited Kingdom

Arwen is made of hope. She is inspiring to all and emblematic of all that was good in Middle Earth, light, bright, and worth fighting for. Those who had yet to meet her gain an XP or point of Hope and those who have known her still take comfort from her very presence, graced with a feeling like all is right in the world and even the most impossible of tasks do not seem nearly as difficult.

• The Prefect of Osgiliath

Shrewd and insightful, the Prefect is the current political, civilian head of Osgiliath. The Prefect organized the needed posses to investigate the rumors of destroyed homesteads and murder in Anórien. After the Company's success, and hearing their entreaties to share the Troll hoard with the survivors and Imhar's Dunlendish hunting party, the Prefect both arranged an audience with the King for the Dunlendings and brought the company to the attention of the King and Queen.

In Rohan

• Éomer, King of Rohan

Éomer and many of his Éored are newly returned to Rohan after a long year of campaigning with King Elessar and the forces of Gondor and a winter spent in Minas Tirith/Osgiliath. He is not quite looking forward to the statesmanship that needs to happen at home but is joyful to be there. Discerning and just, Éomer has high hopes that Lothiriel will be a valuable partner in diplomacy.

• Lothíriel, Queen of Rohan

Formerly the Princess of Dol Amroth, Lothíriel has just arrived in Edoras, her new home. She has already formed a connection with Sunnifa of Meduseld, a serving girl, to learn the language and better understand her new people. There is some comfort that the court of Rohan has incorporated Sindarin for the last few generations. Lothíriel first suggested marriage as a way to secure peace between the feuding marshalls.

• Éogar

Second Marshal of the Riddermark and Lord of Westfold, Éogar is stout and strong, though his beard is gray. Éogar rewarded the companions for their pivotal role in the rescue of his wife, Esfled. Hearing this, and that the Dunlendings were also under attack by raiders led him to be amenable to a peace using Mildryd Shielding, the captain of his éored, and her long-lost childhood friend, Esmund of Eastfold. It was clear that Éogar feels a responsibility to Mildryd akin to fathership.

• Cenric -

Third Marshal of the Riddermark and Lord of Eastfold, Cenric is of similar age to Théoden King, were he still alive. His eyes are hard and cunning. Despite his wariness and craftiness, Cenric was well-disposed to the company for their critical role in saving his men and cattle when a ferocious storm sparked a stampede. For this, Cenric readily showed his friendly side, and it was clear why his men were so loyal to him.

• Gálmód of Aldburg

Gálmód, the foster-son of Cenric, is cunning but genial to those who know him. As he was never brawny or a strong raider, Gálmód became an artful diplomat. He still encurs teasing and taunting as an adult, however the wise respect him as the real power in Aldburg. Gálmód was happy to give his insight on the feud and did not hold back on his feelings - both positive and negative - about Cenric.

• Mildyd Shielding, daughter of Galwyn and Esmund, son of Edwin

This newly reunited couple may continue to play a role in the future of Rohan. For now the upcoming union between the captain of Éogar's personal éored and a charismatic captain of the Eastfold is promising peace between the feuding marshals in the Riddermark. Both lost families and spouses and Esmund has a small son.

• Esfled

Wife to Éogar and mother of Erkenbrand, the company rescued Esfled when she was taken by Caswelun. Not much is known to the players of Esfled, however, she would consider herself indebted to them.

• Erkenbrand

Son of Éogar, and still only ten years old, this young boy may play an important role in the future.

• Grimhelm son of Grimbold

Grimhelm is the new Lord of Grimslade, inheriting from his father, Grimbold, who fell at Pellenor Fields. Grimhelm raised the muster for Éogar at the Fords of Isen. The company only interacted with him briefly.

• Déormod

Nephew to Frána, the Dunlending lord of Frecasburg, Déormod had a lot on his shoulders and needed to put on a bit of show to make his points heard and felt to Éogar and his men. Despite the bravado, Déormod was considered a diplomat/representative for his uncle and treated as a respectable guest. Déormod is joyful and merry in peacetime and over ale or mead. In addition, he related the identities of Caswelun and Rhonwen as particularly notorious raiders, though as they are a mixed band, he is under the impression that they are yet another band of Rohirrim raiding DUnlending villages, as had happened often in the past.

Memorable characters you have met

Characters in Gondor

• Imhar, the Dunlending

A fine hunter, Imhar tracked the snow troll for over a month in winter to its last lair. Several members of his party were survivors of the snow troll's attacks. Although reticent, he was willing to journey to Osgiliath and Minas Tirith if their example could further positive relationships between his people and Gondor.

• Léora of Lamedon

A woman of Gondor whose posse helped hunt the snow troll. She and her posse had been hunting Belfan, the Captain of the Gaurd in Osgiliath, as he is believed to have murdered Léora's brother, a minstrel.

• Captain Belfan

Deceased. A former minstrel who joined the guard and rose through the ranks during the War. He was known for his capricious viciousness and killed another minstrel for having "stolen his song." He hated Dunlendings and was eaten by a snow troll.

• Dwimler, son of Dwier

A dwarf formerly of Erebor, now of Aglarond, the Glittering Caves. Dwimler is head of the dwarf team reconstructing the roads in Minas Tirith.

• Gûriel of Mirkwood

An elven lady overseeing planting in Minas Tirith. She has a small team from Mirkwood, however, she related that more will come to help recover Ithilien when it is safe to do so, as that was an express desire of Legolas.

Characters in Rohan

• Odovacar and Mathilda

Traders from the Toft that the company met on the way to Edoras. Both in this husband-wife duo are of middle age and quite experienced travelers, although Mathilda looks far younger than her years and is more taciturn than her husband. Both are wary of strangers.

• Rynelda Fast-rider

A messenger in Éogar's éored, Rynelda travels light and her hose is fleet. She bore the message of Esfeld's abduction and Éogar's muster to Edoras.

• Sunnifa

A serving girl in the golden hall of Meduseld, Sunnifa has become a favorite to the newqueen. Originally from a prosperous family, there is an indication that her uncle wasted the families fortunes in a disaster rather than a slow trickle ruining the family over time. Her elder sisters and cousins were married off for money, however as she was quite young, Sunnifa was sent to Meduseld. As such, she is familiar with the royal family and speaks Sindarin as well as Rohirric and Westron.

• Ashgar of Westfold and Maerstan of Eastfold

Once rivals lobbing poetic insults and challenges at each other during a series of flytes at Entwade, these two have now begun a friendship. They also helped calm down and lead Blódred away from Esmund and Mildryd's reunion. As the companions helped them see the folly of their actions, and presided over the reunion, they continue to be welcome in either rider's camp.

• Blódred

A rider at the Entwade who was still clinging to the old feuds, even in the pressence of Mildryd and Esmund's reunion.

• Caswelun and Rhonwen

Caswelun and Rhonwen are twins, member of the Iron-Folk, a rebel tribe from the northern reaches of the West-march. Caswelun has brought together mixed Dunlending, Rohirric, and Gaesela raiders to take advantage of the strife in the West-march and Westfold. While Caswelun is charismatic and daring, Rhonwen is steely and looks after the others, retreating so they can live to fight another day. The twins are growing increasingly at odds with each other as Caswelun continues on his agenda.

• Léothere Five Fingers and Bída Softsong

Léothere is an old minstrel, cast out from Théoden's court by Gríma Wormtongue. Though there is a new king, Léothere is cautious about returning to Edoras. While Léothere will happily and cannily swap stories, song, and gossip, he is a bit cantankerous and leaves most of normal conversation to Bída, his young apprentice. Bída has hopes of singing in the golden hall someday.

Locations

These reflect the current conditions of notable places in our current year of play. Please refer to the Tolkein Gateway or the One Wiki to Rule Them All for further information or history.

• Osgiliath - formerly the capital of Gondor, Osgiliath is a shade of what it was. Severely sieged by the Enemy, more than half of Osgiliath remains flooded or partially ruined. However, areas on the high ground, and along the main road through the city are bouncing back. Dwarven teams are working to rebuild the city's canal structure and halt the flooding. Laborers haul ruined stonework to be re-worked, the quays welcome merchants and travelers, and the inns are bustling. The company visited Serondo's Cellar located just off the Forum of Turambar.

• Minas Tirith - Like Osgiliath, much of Minas Tirith also lay in ruins. It is told how the Men of Gondor quarried their own homes, many ruined in the siege, for stones to use as artillery against the Enemy. As the city is steeply vertical, damage to a high level would rain down on those below with deadly force, compounding the destruction. Thanks in part to the coronation of the King, the main switchback road from the Gate to the Citadel is in excellent condition. Many industries that were vital to rebuilding have their quarters cleaned up nicely, however, for many locations away from the main road conditions are a toss-up as to whether they are good or no more than rubble. Teams of dwarves and elves are working to redesign and beautify the city.

• Anórien- the northernmost realm or fief of Gondor, it is an oblong fief bordered to the south by the crest of the White Mountains, and rounded to the north by the border with Rohan on the Mering Stream, Entwash, and Anduin. Anórien is known for fertile farmland and forests rich for hunting, such as the Druédan and Firien Wood. As the Mering Stream passes through the Firien Wood, a piece of the wood falls into Rohan. This parcel, the Everholt, is particularly well-renowned. There are no towns in cities in Anórien, only homesteaders scattered in the vales or on the plain and those hardy few manning the Beacons in the White Mountains. The Great North-South road runs East-West here, parallel to the White Mountains from Minas Tirith to the Everholt. As it has been in more continual use, this section of the Road is considered in good condition.

The Story So Far

For past session stories and recent canon events, go to Chapters Past

Most Recent Chapter

Rohan: Red Days Rising Chapter 1, The Fellowship Forms continues:

Starting in Minas Tirith, all are celebrating the anniversary of the Fall of Sauron, end of the war, and the start of the Fourth Age. Aragorn engineered seating at one of the nightly feasts so that the Company could be identified by Eomer, King of Rohan. Being in close proximity to the head table led the Company to engage in a debate as to the highest virtues of a warrior, the results of which impressed Eomer. Eomer called the more impressive debaters up to him and related his current strife, feuding marshalls, and his wife, Lothiriel of Dol Amroth, offered the idea of a wedding to give a valid reason to cease hostilities. The Company could act as impartial messengers and could earn great favor with the King. As the Company planned to travel in the King's entourage/train to Edoras and thence to Isengard, this would be mutually beneficial.

Travel through Anorien to Aldburg was smooth, and spring was now showing. The Company was able to gather much information on the journey about the feuding marshalls and the two childhood friends picked out to marry each other for the sake of peace. In particular, the Company talked with Sunnifa, the Queen's servant, Galmod, Cenric's foster son, and traders from the Toft. The Marshals are Eogar of the Westfold, Second Marshall and Lord of the Hornburg (Helm's Deep) and Cenric of the Eastfold, Third Marshal, Lord of Aldburg. The unknowing Romeo and Juliet of our story are Mildryd Shielding of Westfold, Captain of Eogar's personal eored, and Esmund of Eastfold, a brave captain. Both, as it turns out, are recently widowed, and Esmund has a small child. Most asked agree that the two should've gotten together but had married out of duty. The feud between the marshalls is several generations old, but recent killings over a woman, and lack of weregild, have ignighted tensions. Indeed, it appears as though Grima Wormtongue kept the tensions aflame for his own profit and better control of power. While loyal, a new king brings uncertainty and a shakeup of power, one all the more precarious as positions remain unfilled from wartime deaths.

In addition, the Traders from the Toft, Odovacar and Mathilda, related the fate of the Toft. When asked where they were from, and their route, they both became saddened - their home has been destroyed, first by popular uprising, then by the Enemy to be used as a staging ground to invade Mirkwood and Laketown/Erebor, and then by the Galadhrim, the Elves of Lorien, who currently claim the territory, including a part of South Mirkwood. Indeed, the "Sorceress" claims both sides of the Anduin, bringing some concern and ire to the traders. They also noted reavers in the Western lands of Rohan. THis plus a lack of major towns led them to only go as far as Edoras before turning their route back.

From Aldburg, the Company turned to Deor's home village, the Entwade, border and river crossing between West and East, to hear news of Cenric, out seeing to his herds, and Esmund. There they participated in and resolved a bout of flyting between warriors of the Eastfold and Westfold that might've easily come to blows and bloodshed, especially between the two in front, Ashgar of Westfold and Maerstan of Eastfold. This won them the respect and welcome of the participants and onlookers. In the Entwade, they also borrowed horses. From there they encountered Leothere Five Fingers, a wandering minstrel, and his apprentice, a girl named Bida Softsong. After an exchange of news and song, the Company continued to find some of Cenric's outriders and cattle herd. With a storm breaking upon them, the Company helped quell a stampede, reducing loss of cattle and injuries to riders. This gained them Cenric's thanks (in the form of a steed) and his ear for their message. Through their good choices of talk to see the right of the endeavor, both Cenric and Esmund were persuaded. Esmund followed the Company to the Entwade to wait for Mildryd... or word of a nay reply.

As the fastest way to the Westfold would be through Edoras, the Company headed there to pass on word of Cenric and Esmund to Eomer, and hear news of Eogar's whereabouts. Last word was that he was on patrol in the Gap of Rohan, so the Company rode out for the Fords of Isen for better word. Enroute, the Company encountered a messenger, Rynelda Fast-Rider, with news that Eogar was raising a muster of Westfold, and to see Grimborn at the Fords of Isen. The Company could not get more from her as she sped off to take her message to Edoras.

At the Fords, the Company learn the unsettling recent events: on a regular patrol in which Eogar brought his family, raiders or reavers kidnapped his wife, Esfled. Judging from their tracks and direction, the raiders were marked as Dunlendish Gaesela. The Company learned that the West-march was home to Dunlending tribes such as the Gaesela and to tribes of mixed Rohirrim and Dunlending blood, such as the Wulfings, who are territorial. As lord of Grimslade, Grimhelm son of Grimborn was raising the muster riders to prepare for either enemy while Eogar and a handful of riders had sped to track the raiders and find Esfled. The Company was told to head South, down a muddy road. Frightened Wulfing villagers pointed the way to Eogar's camp, which was still guarded by a handful of riders. These riders in turn related what happened, and why they suspected the Gaesela, and pointed the way to Eogar.

While following Eogar and the raider's tracks, the Company turned slightly more southward into the Derne Wood (Eogar was around the North end of the wood. This was fortuitous, as the Company had been following the raiders' tracks directly while Eogar had lost them. The Company was fortunate again in hearing the raiders and had an opportunity to sneak up on them. The Company spotted Esfled, bound and hooded, in the middle of the raider's camp in a small clearing. Attempt at an ambush was unsuccessful, and the Company came under fire from arrows and spears. However, the Company had the upper hand in the end: Thorondir was able to sneak up to Esfled, and with one unconscious member and one out of arrows, the raiders withdrew. Notably, the Company pegged two leaders who looked to be brother and sister, the sister coordinating much of the raiders fighting and when to get out. The brother had been holding on to Esfled, but abandoned her and the fight early on.

The Company brought Esfled out of the woods and they regained the trail to Eogar's camp. Although initially greeted warily, a cry of joy and relief for Esfled's return roused Eogar and his son, Erkenbrand, who ran directly to his mother. The Company easily identified Mildrey Shielding as the imposing shieldmaiden to Eogar's side.

Reunions - and the companions' message- were interrupted by the arrival of Deormod, nephew and lieutenant to Frana of Frecasburg, Lord of the Wulfings. While riders made move to protect Eogar and his kin, Deormod plunged his sword into the ground and issued a formal question to the presence of Rohirrim in Wulfing lands, and mild accusations that Eogar was behind the raiders. After explaining the situation that led Eogar to the Derne Wood, Deomod was molified, however, the air indicated hours of questions and negotiations to come. The Company, however, were able to describe the raiders and Deomod gladly identified them as the twins Caswelun and Rhonwen, and said their raiding was notorious to the Wulfings.

After more peacable relations at camp, the Company related the message of Eomer to Eogar, Esfled, Mildryd, and Deormod. Having his wife returned to him softened Eogar considerably. While being in Deormod's presence certainly couched his actions, perhaps Eogar also took advantage of the chance to appear more peaceable to Frana's nephew and lieutenant. Although surprised, Mildryd accepted the offer, so long as Eogar would release her from service. As he did so, Eogar appeared fatherly, a rare showing of hidden but strongly held emotions.

The Company returned to the Entwade with Mildryd. Mildryd was a bit unsure of how to act, having also kept her emotions and demeanor hidden for some time. Soon, however, Mildryd and Esmund were reconciled. A disruptive rider named Blodred attempted to break the peace, having latched on to the feud completely. Some words from the Company kept him at bay, but ultimately, the riders the Company talked down earlier, Ashgar of Westfold and Maerstan of Eastfold, came to aid the union and took Blodred away without blows. In the lull that followed, Mildryd loudly announced her impending marriage.

Back in Edoras, Eomer and Lothiriel thanked the companions and bestowed gifts of treasure and steeds of quality. The King and Queen announced that as their celebration would be held at the end of summer and the start of harvest, the wedding between Esmund and Mildryd should be at Midsummer. The companions were, as a matter of course, invited to attend both. From this happiness, the companions began to turn their minds to what secrets of the palantiri might await in the libraries of Isengard.

Rules Clarifications

House Rules

Archer rules:

When an archer rolls an EYE, they should then roll a d6: on a result of 1-3, the archer has just one last arrow in his quiver. Being “low on ammo” makes for dramatic choices. When an archer fumbles his shot (i.e., rolls an EYE and fails the attack roll), he has emptied his quiver and is out of arrows! Being “out of ammo” makes for very dramatic choices.

Rules Errata

Concerning Blighted Places - a Clarification

The rules found on page 57 of the Loremaster’s Book detail what happens when a company of adventurers enters an area qualifying as a blighted place. From the way the rules have been presented in that chapter, it seems that players are required to make Corruption tests every time they cross areas rated as Wildlands, Shadowlands and Dark lands, making for a rather unforgiving rule.

The original intent of the rule was that it is always left to the discretion of the Loremaster to determine whether a place must be considered blighted or not. The Blighted Lands table must be used when the Loremaster has decided that an area is indeed blighted, to determine the frequency of the required Corruption tests.

For example, the text for the Marsh-bell adventure applies the rule as intended, when at page 130, under the Entering Mirkwood paragraph, the bulleted text states that “The part of the Long Marshes that is inside Mirkwood qualifies as a blighted place.”

Under this interpretation, it is entirely possible for an area found within a region classified as Wild, Shadow or even Dark not to require any Corruption test to traverse. As far as the accumulation of Shadow is concerned, the various region types as classified in the Loremaster map serve as guidelines for the Loremaster to decide whether the region currently traversed by the company is blighted or not, with Free lands being rarely blighted, and Dark lands being mostly so.

The Cultural Blessing of the Elves of Mirkwood should be:

FOLK OF THE DUSK: When an Elf of Mirkwood is inside a forest or under the earth, or it is night, his Attribute bonuses are based on his favored rating in all rolls involving the use of a Common skill.

Starting Gear

Small-sized Heroes: The list of weapons available to Dwarf characters (AB, p.76) should include Sword.

Background (Woodman)

Woodmen (Fairy heritage) erroneously has Search as a Favoured skill: it should be Awareness instead.

Page 75, Spider-poison.

The sentence, “... is paralyzed and falls to the ground after a number of rounds equal to his Body or Heart rating ...”, should be read as “... falls to the ground paralyzed after a number of rounds equal to his Body or Heart rating ...”.

A paralyzed character is considered to be unconscious, or otherwise defenseless

Resources

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