The Fall of Arnor: A Lord of the Rings RP (IC/Open)

[Liecthenbourg]

"And then the Great Plague struck us down, it demolished our valour and our hope.
The Forces of Darkness were too strong that day and a shadow of Malice and Flame was cast upon the land."

OOC
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Welcome one, welcome all to this tale from the realm of Middle Earth. We are in a great time of peril for the Forces of Good, as the Dark Lord's Lieutenant, The Witch King of Angmar, Leader of the Nine and Scourge of the Free Peoples has begun his quest to utterly annihilate the divided realm of Arnor. He strikes like a hammer against an anvil, unrelenting and brutal and all seems lost for the divided realm. But hope, hope remains in the hearts of the vigil defenders who wish to push back the darkness, back to from whence it came, back to the realm of shadow.

---

The Kingdom of the Iron Crown

Carn Dum, Angmar
The Witch King of Angmar sat upon his throne within his mighty fortress of Carn Dum, an ancient Fortress of Morgoth that had fallen into ruin. He however had rebuilt it in silence, carefully planning his moves upon the chess board of Middle Earth to bring total destruction to the Kingdom of Arnor, to weaken the forces of Good for the eventual return of Sauron, his Master. His gauntleted left hand tapped the armrest it was upon idly as he listened to the Council of his Black Numenorean Entourage. Here they were, debating what the realm should be doing and if they should reveal the Kingdom to their neighbours. In their suits of plate armour and robes of black that were upon the metal that protected them they cursed eachother and spat at eachothers ideas before they debated the idiocy of eachother. This would go on for some time, before the Witch-King personally intervened himself and decided on what to do or he merely followed the majority in their usually wise Council. The Witch-King's trusted lieutenant, Morgormir, was himself seated amongst the Council but generally kept to himself, with everyone only coming to his aid when it was to do with military command. The King of Angmar slammed his right fist into his chair, causing the Council to stare it him in shock.

"ENOUGH" he said as he stood up, his cape of black dropping behind him. "We shall muster the men and build the barracks we need." He turned, his cape swirling with him. "Morgomir, you shall ride to Rhuduar and contact the "King of the Hillmen" to rally him to our cause. Take several dozen Numenoreans with you and I repeat this command with my authority. Do not engage a foe, if you were to find one, unless you are absolutely certain you can kill every single one of them."

With that done, the Black Captain beckoned to the Council to begin their meals. He himself returned to his study to plan the fall of Arnor, to engulf the North in shadow.

Two barracks are constructed in the the two southern most regions of the Kingdom of the Iron Crown - 1000 Strength.

[The Starlight]

Deleted.

[Maineiacs]

Glorfindel was troubled. Recently, a new land had been founded straddling the northern-most reaches of Hithaeglir; centered at a place called Carn Dûm. The Men of the upper vales of Anduin were speaking of this place with growing dread, claiming its king was a powerful dark sorceror. Men had little knowledge of what they termed "magic", using the same word to describe both the feats of mind and body granted to the Eldar and to the deceits of the servants of the fallen Dark Lord. It did not seem likely that Sauron had arisen once more; surely that would have been noticed. Might it be one of the Nazgûl? That did not seem likely either, still if this "Witch-King" were not one of the Nine, he must be someone of power among the remnants of the Black Nûmenoreans, and someone to reckon with in his own right. He needed to speak to Lord Elrond of his misgivings. He spurred his horse "Noro lim, Asfaloth." and headed back toward the ford of Bruinen...

[Escalan Corps-Star Island]

Much tag; many wow.

[The Starlight]

Rivendell

Lord Elrond stood on one of the finely crafted balconies of Imladris. He was troubled, for he sensed something dark lurking in the shadows, something sinister. Lord Glorfindel had ridden north to investigate and would soon return. It could not be Sauron, for it was too early. It was something else which the Lord of Rivendell sensed. Perhaps a servant of Sauron, the Nine? But for now, he dispersed these thoughts from his troubled mind for now. His trusted friend Elvedui would be returning soon with his Grey Company, and he had a task for him.

Several hours later...

Elvedui Telemnar rode into the fair haven of Imladris. Behind him rode the rest of the Grey Company, tired after a prolonged battle with some orcs that came near the secret pass. None of them survived. Elvedui dismounted, taking his horse to the stables before reporting to Lord Elrond. After reporting of the battle, Elrond said "I have a task for you, my old friend. I sense darkness creeping back into this world, something dark is coming. The High Pass is critical for safe passage between the East and the West. But if orcs have control of it, any reinforcements coming from Lorien would be hindered. So we must keep ahold of this passage. Take 350 Elven infantry and 100 Archers and half of the Grey Company. Secure the High Pass and fortify it. Even though you will be in small number, the Pass is narrow and suited for one on one combat, of which an elf will win against orcs or goblins. Take any wood that you need." Elvedui gathered the forces neccessary and took several trees to help with fortifications. As he mounted his horse, he said to his elves. "We march for the High Pass!"
Elrond stood watching. If this worked, no orcs would get through the blockade. He had also been pondering Ost-in-Edhil. It could be rebuilt with enough men. But the elves were not in that great of a number since the Second Age. He would have to ask for help from the Divided Kingdoms of Arnor and Moria. The dwarves of Moria, luckily, were not mistrustful of the elves of Rivendell. He would have to ask Glorfindel, when he returned, to ride out to Arthedain, Cardolan and Moria to ask for builders, in exchange of a barracks in the new city and open access to them.

74 Elven Infantry are recruited
74 Elven Archers are recruited.

[Bearon]

Hwaldir was deep in thought and pacing his camp when the messenger from Angmar arrived. Hwaldir himself had heard of the growing Shadow in the North and had often thought of sending a messenger to this so called Witch King but after much thought had decided not to draw attention to himself as it might just be trading one master for another. His current masters came in the form of Cardolan and Arthedain but Hwaldir wasn't sure being free of their smug and condescending attitudes was worth having his people enslaved by this so called Witch King and his orcish minions. Striding through his camp which was based in the foot hills of Rhudaur and which held 6,000 men equally divided between archers and spearman Hwaldir felt his heart swell with pride as he walked by a young countrymen training with a spear. It was these brave soldiers which would help to free Rhudaur from its oppressors and make it a mighty nation that would be respected. The camp itself was fortified by wooden logs and stone from the local quarries and because of the rebel armies knowledge of the landscape and the natural defenses the interlocking hills provided they had been able to survive the combined assaults of the Arnorian loyalists in Rhudaur aided by Cardolan and Arthedain though Hwaldir knew his men would not be able to hold off a true assault from Rhudaur's "brothers" or it's own traitorous citizenry. Walking up to the gate where the messengers were being kept Hwaldir said "What brings you to the abode of the hill folk?"

Recruitment: 175 Rhudaur Archers, 175 Rhudaur Spearman.

[Elerian]

King Iloras looked out from atop Amon Sul. In every direction he could see the lands that had once been Arnor, and now only the dream of the once great kingdom remained. He looked up at the flapping banner of Cardolan where it should have been the standard of Arnor. If it was within him Iloras would see Arnor restored within his lifetime. Then his dream of greatness would be realized and he would be heralded as a hero. He smiled at the notion and turned back from the precipice that overlooked Arnor. He turned to an adviser as he walked and told them to begin construction of two barrack'. If his dream was to become reality it would be through war . . .

[Liecthenbourg]

Hwaldir was deep in thought and pacing his camp when the messenger from Angmar arrived. Hwaldir himself had heard of the growing Shadow in the North and had often thought of sending a messenger to this so called Witch King but after much thought had decided not to draw attention to himself as it might just be trading one master for another. His current masters came in the form of Cardolan and Arthedain but Hwaldir wasn't sure being free of their smug and condescending attitudes was worth having his people enslaved by this so called Witch King and his minions. Striding through his camp which was based in the foot hills of Rhudaur and held 6,000 men equally divided between archers and spearman Hwaldir felt his heart swell with pride as he walked by a young countrymen training with a spear. It was these brave lads which would help to free Rhudaur from its oppressors and make it a mighty nation that would be respected. The camp itself was fortified by wooden logs and stone from the local quarries and because of the rebel armies knowledge of the landscape and the natural defenses the interlocking hills provided they had been able to survive the combined assaults of the Arnorian loyalists in Rhudaur aided by Cardolan and Arthedain though Hwaldir knew his men would not be able to hold off a true assault from Rhudaur's "brothers" or it's own traitorous citizenry. Walking up to the gate where the messengers were being kept Hwaldir said "What brings you to the abode of the hill folk?"

Recruitment: 175 Rhudaur Archers, 175 Rhudaur Spearman.

Rhuduar
Morgomir bended forward, his arm draped under his stomach as he did so. The Nazgul then stood up, pushing back his cape as his lips parted and he formed a small smile. He had had quite an easy journey from Angmar to Rhuduar, under the cover of darkness they travelled and close to the mountains did they trek. Here they were bound to not be spotted, or atleast have a less chance of such happening. As it turned out, they had ridden to the "Capital" of Rhuduar with much haste, arriving rather rapidly after their departure. Now, the Nazgul saw the man the tribes rallied behind face to face. He was rather tall for a Human and bulky too. Red of hair a mighty beard. Not wanting to dwell within this location more than he needed to, the Lieutenant of Carn Dum began to speak.

"Greetings Noble High-Chieftain Hwaldir of the Rhuduar, the one just ruler of the former Arnor Territories. I come from Angmar, an emissary of my Master. He wishes for you to align with him, a mighty military alliance, to thwart the power of Arthedain and Cardolan whilst cementing our own and making your increase by a tenfold. Your people are oppressed, noble chieftain. By the savage nobles whom dine in their halls of stone whilst peasant and commoner die in the snow." the Nazgul's head tilted to one side, his mouth once again forming a grin. "Will you side with the liberators, High Chieftain? Will you answer the pleas of your people?"

[Bearon]

Hwaldir was deep in thought and pacing his camp when the messenger from Angmar arrived. Hwaldir himself had heard of the growing Shadow in the North and had often thought of sending a messenger to this so called Witch King but after much thought had decided not to draw attention to himself as it might just be trading one master for another. His current masters came in the form of Cardolan and Arthedain but Hwaldir wasn't sure being free of their smug and condescending attitudes was worth having his people enslaved by this so called Witch King and his minions. Striding through his camp which was based in the foot hills of Rhudaur and held 6,000 men equally divided between archers and spearman Hwaldir felt his heart swell with pride as he walked by a young countrymen training with a spear. It was these brave lads which would help to free Rhudaur from its oppressors and make it a mighty nation that would be respected. The camp itself was fortified by wooden logs and stone from the local quarries and because of the rebel armies knowledge of the landscape and the natural defenses the interlocking hills provided they had been able to survive the combined assaults of the Arnorian loyalists in Rhudaur aided by Cardolan and Arthedain though Hwaldir knew his men would not be able to hold off a true assault from Rhudaur's "brothers" or it's own traitorous citizenry. Walking up to the gate where the messengers were being kept Hwaldir said "What brings you to the abode of the hill folk?"

Recruitment: 175 Rhudaur Archers, 175 Rhudaur Spearman.

Rhuduar
Morgomir bended forward, his arm draped under his stomach as he did so. The Nazgul then stood up, pushing back his cape as his lips parted and he formed a small smile. He had had quite an easy journey from Angmar to Rhuduar, under the cover of darkness they travelled and close to the mountains did they trek. Here they were bound to not be spotted, or atleast have a less chance of such happening. As it turned out, they had ridden to the "Capital" of Rhuduar with much haste, arriving rather rapidly after their departure. Now, the Nazgul saw the man the tribes rallied behind face to face. He was rather tall for a Human and bulky too. Red of hair a mighty beard. Not wanting to dwell within this location more than he needed to, the Lieutenant of Carn Dum began to speak.

"Greetings Noble High-Chieftain Hwaldir of the Rhuduar, the one just ruler of the former Arnor Territories. I come from Angmar, an emissary of my Master. He wishes for you to align with him, a mighty military alliance, to thwart the power of Arthedain and Cardolan whilst cementing our own and making your increase by a tenfold. Your people are oppressed, noble chieftain. By the savage nobles whom dine in their halls of stone whilst peasant and commoner die in the snow." the Nazgul's head tilted to one side, his mouth once again forming a grin. "Will you side with the liberators, High Chieftain? Will you answer the pleas of your people?"

Hwaldir looked the man who was surely no man up and down before responding in a cool voice "What assurances are there that once Rhudaur has been freed of its current oppressors another will not take its place?" Despite his misgivings Hwaldir was seriously considering the offer as it might finally allow him to free his people from the abuse they suffered at the hands of the Cardolan and Arthedain nobles.

[Liecthenbourg]

Rhuduar
Morgomir bended forward, his arm draped under his stomach as he did so. The Nazgul then stood up, pushing back his cape as his lips parted and he formed a small smile. He had had quite an easy journey from Angmar to Rhuduar, under the cover of darkness they travelled and close to the mountains did they trek. Here they were bound to not be spotted, or atleast have a less chance of such happening. As it turned out, they had ridden to the "Capital" of Rhuduar with much haste, arriving rather rapidly after their departure. Now, the Nazgul saw the man the tribes rallied behind face to face. He was rather tall for a Human and bulky too. Red of hair a mighty beard. Not wanting to dwell within this location more than he needed to, the Lieutenant of Carn Dum began to speak.

"Greetings Noble High-Chieftain Hwaldir of the Rhuduar, the one just ruler of the former Arnor Territories. I come from Angmar, an emissary of my Master. He wishes for you to align with him, a mighty military alliance, to thwart the power of Arthedain and Cardolan whilst cementing our own and making your increase by a tenfold. Your people are oppressed, noble chieftain. By the savage nobles whom dine in their halls of stone whilst peasant and commoner die in the snow." the Nazgul's head tilted to one side, his mouth once again forming a grin. "Will you side with the liberators, High Chieftain? Will you answer the pleas of your people?"

Hwaldir looked the man who was surely no man up and down before responding in a cool voice "What assurances are there that once Rhudaur has been freed of its current oppressors another will not take its place?" Despite his misgivings Hwaldir was seriously considering the offer as it might finally allow him to free his people from the abuse they suffered at the hands of the Cardolan and Arthedain nobles.

"The reassurances?" Morgomir replied, raising an eyebrow at the individual. "The Kingdom of my Master will see to it that none will oppress Rhuduar as long as the Kingdom remains. With your cooperation, this length will be null and void - for the Kingdom will last eternity."

[Bearon]

Hwaldir looked the man who was surely no man up and down before responding in a cool voice "What assurances are there that once Rhudaur has been freed of its current oppressors another will not take its place?" Despite his misgivings Hwaldir was seriously considering the offer as it might finally allow him to free his people from the abuse they suffered at the hands of the Cardolan and Arthedain nobles.

"The reassurances?" Morgomir replied, raising an eyebrow at the individual. "The Kingdom of my Master will see to it that none will oppress Rhuduar as long as the Kingdom remains. With your cooperation, this length will be null and void - for the Kingdom will last eternity."

Hwaldir nodded his head turning over the proposal in his mind. "Allow me to keep half of my troops within Rhudaur and lend me builders to help create large fortresses and siege weapons and Rhudaur will lay under the banner of the Iron Crown within a month." Hwaldir said having no intention to become a vassal under another kingdom but believing that once he had control of Rhudaur and Cardolan and Arthedain had fallen he would be able to wage war with his countrymen and defeat their new masters.

[Maineiacs]

Glorfindel descended into the valley of Imladris, the scent of the trees filling him with a certain sense of calm. As he entered the Last Homely House, he asked to speak to Lord Elrond.

"My Lord," he said, "I have been to the vales of Anduin, and have spoken with the Northmen there. There is growing concern with the newly formed kingdom of Angmar. I have been able to discover little of any certainty, but if one sifts through the superstition, it seems clear that this one who calls himself the 'Witch-King' has at least some skill with the dark arts. Mayhap it is some descendant of the Black Nûmenoreans come up from the Southlands. I fear there could be some peril posed to the kingdoms of the Edain in the North. Cardolan and especially Rhudaur have few Edain left; power in those realms have passed to Lesser Men. In particular, one called Hwaldar has seized power in Rhudaur. It is said he is a man of deep cruelty but little wit. War may be coming to all the lands of Arnor soon. What would you have me do?"

[The Starlight]

Glorfindel descended into the valley of Imladris, the scent of the trees filling him with a certain sense of calm. As he entered the Last Homely House, he asked to speak to Lord Elrond.

"My Lord," he said, "I have been to the vales of Anduin, and have spoken with the Northmen there. There is growing concern with the newly formed kingdom of Angmar. I have been able to discover little of any certainty, but if one sifts through the superstition, it seems clear that this one who calls himself the 'Witch-King' has at least some skill with the dark arts. Mayhap it is some descendant of the Black Nûmenoreans come up from the Southlands. I fear there could be some peril posed to the kingdoms of the Edain in the North. Cardolan and especially Rhudaur have few Edain left; power in those realms have passed to Lesser Men. In particular, one called Hwaldar has seized power in Rhudaur. It is said he is a man of deep cruelty but little wit. War may be coming to all the lands of Arnor soon. What would you have me do?"

"Thank you for these warnings, Glorfindel. I also have felt the stirrings of some shadow lurking in the dark, something sinister. I have sent 350 Elven Infantry, 100 Archers and half of the Grey Company to fortify and secure the High Pass, so our allies can pass through while the orcs cannot. Elvedui Telemnar is in command. I would have you ride with the remaining 15 of the Grey Company to Arthedain, Cardolan and Moria. Warn them of the impending danger from Angmar and possibly Rhudaur. I have been thinking about the destroyed city of Ost-in-Edhil. It could prove a vital bastion if war comes to the West. But we have not the manpower. I wish for you to offer to the leaders of Arthedain, Cardolan and Moria a deal. If they provide us the manpower to rebuild Ost-in-Edhil with the rest of our builders, we will grant them free passage in and out and a barracks in the city for each of them. What do you think of that, my dear friend?"

[Liecthenbourg]

"The reassurances?" Morgomir replied, raising an eyebrow at the individual. "The Kingdom of my Master will see to it that none will oppress Rhuduar as long as the Kingdom remains. With your cooperation, this length will be null and void - for the Kingdom will last eternity."

Hwaldir nodded his head turning over the proposal in his mind. "Allow me to keep half of my troops within Rhudaur and lend me builders to help create large fortresses and siege weapons and Rhudaur will lay under the banner of the Iron Crown within a month." Hwaldir said having no intention to become a vassal under another kingdom but believing that once he had control of Rhudaur and Cardolan and Arthedain had fallen he would be able to wage war with his countrymen and defeat their new masters.

The Nazgul shook his head. "When the invasion begins, you must commit three quarters of your force. You will have no threat if we are on a constant offensive, you see? The realms of Cardolan and Arthedain will not be able to hold a successful defensive line and their nations will plunge into fire and smoke. As for the labourers? Angmar currently cannot lend any workers that may give away our intentions to other realms and their prying eyes. I do hope you understand."

[Maineiacs]

Glorfindel descended into the valley of Imladris, the scent of the trees filling him with a certain sense of calm. As he entered the Last Homely House, he asked to speak to Lord Elrond.

"My Lord," he said, "I have been to the vales of Anduin, and have spoken with the Northmen there. There is growing concern with the newly formed kingdom of Angmar. I have been able to discover little of any certainty, but if one sifts through the superstition, it seems clear that this one who calls himself the 'Witch-King' has at least some skill with the dark arts. Mayhap it is some descendant of the Black Nûmenoreans come up from the Southlands. I fear there could be some peril posed to the kingdoms of the Edain in the North. Cardolan and especially Rhudaur have few Edain left; power in those realms have passed to Lesser Men. In particular, one called Hwaldar has seized power in Rhudaur. It is said he is a man of deep cruelty but little wit. War may be coming to all the lands of Arnor soon. What would you have me do?"

"Thank you for these warnings, Glorfindel. I also have felt the stirrings of some shadow lurking in the dark, something sinister. I have sent 350 Elven Infantry, 100 Archers and half of the Grey Company to fortify and secure the High Pass, so our allies can pass through while the orcs cannot. Elvedui Telemnar is in command. I would have you ride with the remaining 15 of the Grey Company to Arthedain, Cardolan and Moria. Warn them of the impending danger from Angmar and possibly Rhudaur. I have been thinking about the destroyed city of Ost-in-Edhil. It could prove a vital bastion if war comes to the West. But we have not the manpower. I wish for you to offer to the leaders of Arthedain, Cardolan and Moria a deal. If they provide us the manpower to rebuild Ost-in-Edhil with the rest of our builders, we will grant them free passage in and out and a barracks in the city for each of them. What do you think of that, my dear friend?"

"I will, my Lord Elrond." said Glorfindel. "I will go first to Malvegil at Fornost, I think. The Dúnedain of Arthedain still honor the old alliances, and with them agreed to your proposal the others may be easier to persuade. It will be most difficult, I think, to enlist Cardolan. I shall send messages as I may."

With that, Glorfindel took his leave and made ready to gather the remainder of the Grey Company and ride to Fornost.

[Bearon]

Hwaldir nodded his head turning over the proposal in his mind. "Allow me to keep half of my troops within Rhudaur and lend me builders to help create large fortresses and siege weapons and Rhudaur will lay under the banner of the Iron Crown within a month." Hwaldir said having no intention to become a vassal under another kingdom but believing that once he had control of Rhudaur and Cardolan and Arthedain had fallen he would be able to wage war with his countrymen and defeat their new masters.

The Nazgul shook his head. "When the invasion begins, you must commit three quarters of your force. You will have no threat if we are on a constant offensive, you see? The realms of Cardolan and Arthedain will not be able to hold a successful defensive line and their nations will plunge into fire and smoke. As for the labourers? Angmar currently cannot lend any workers that may give away our intentions to other realms and their prying eyes. I do hope you understand."

Hwaldir gazed at the Nazgul thoughtfully and said "Then we'll need to keep to keep men here to help build up our hill forts. The warriors of Rhudaur are strong and you'll be able to make due with 3,000 of them."

[Liecthenbourg]

The Nazgul shook his head. "When the invasion begins, you must commit three quarters of your force. You will have no threat if we are on a constant offensive, you see? The realms of Cardolan and Arthedain will not be able to hold a successful defensive line and their nations will plunge into fire and smoke. As for the labourers? Angmar currently cannot lend any workers that may give away our intentions to other realms and their prying eyes. I do hope you understand."

Hwaldir gazed at the Nazgul thoughtfully and said "Then we'll need to keep to keep men here to help build up our hill forts. The warriors of Rhudaur are strong and you'll be able to make due with 3,000 of them."

"Simply construct the forts after the war, Chieftain" Morgomir replied. "I don't doubt the strength of your soldiers, but more is generally better."

[Maineiacs]

Glorfindel led his riders on to Fornost, chief city of Arthedain. Glorfindel sighed. Fornost, although a fine city as the cities of Men went, was but a shadow of Annúminas in the days before the kingdom of Arnor was split after the death of Eärendur. It was plain to see that the Dúnedain of the North were in decline. Glorfindel rode through the streets of Fornost and sought entry to the court of Malvegil.

"Hail, Malvegil, King of Arthedain," he said when he was brought to the king. "I am Glorfindel, Lord of the House of the Golden Flower. I bear greetings from Elrond of Rivendell, and have been asked to make a proposal to you on his behalf. Lord Elrond is concerned with the rise of this "Kingdom of Angmar" and fears that there may be some alliance with Rhudaur. If they were to move to war, your lands would be imperiled. My Lord feels that if the ruins at Ost-in-Edhil were repaired and maintained it would be a useful bastion against invasion. His proposal, therefore, is to re-occupy Eregion. However, we do not have enough troops nor skilled craftsmen to do so. If you are willing and able to spare workers to help us rebuild Ost-in-Edhil, we will pledge free right of passage for your men and a barracks for them. Know also that I will be riding on from here to present the same offer to Cardolan and to the Dwarves of Moria."