The Angle - Middle-earth Hexcrawl
An installment of my hexmap for Middle-earth project. Follow the "Middle-earth Hexmap" tag for all entries in this series.
The **Angle** is a wedge of land between the rivers of Hoarwell and Loudwater, south of the Great East Road.
---
The Angle
When Bilbo - and later Frodo & company - traveled towards Elrond's House, the **Angle** is what lay below the road. It's a delta of arable lands where once the splinter kingdom of **Rhudaur** once built its strength, before it was cowed by Angmar in the north.
Before the time of Bilbo, folk that were kin to Smeagol lived along the river. You might spy one or two of them in this hexcrawl.
At the time of Bilbo, the forest above the Angle was haunted by trolls. Hence, it was called the **Trollshaws.** The Trollshaws are the primary focus of this section of the Middle-earth Hexcrawl, but you can chunk the Angle out as a separate, distinct region.
#### 46.87
**THE LAST BRIDGE.** An ancient bridge with three arches crosses the River Hoarwell at the bottom of a deep valley. This is the only reliable passage into the Trollshaws from the west. The Great East Road crosses the bridge, stretching west to east. The landscape of the Trollshaws is dismal—the hills are brooding, the trees are somber and huddled together, and on the heights of hills one can see the ruins of ominous towers.
_(1) - TROLL ATTACK: At night only. A troll from_ **48.88** _is camped out under the bridge, ready to reach a hand up and grasp at passers-by._
**INN AT THE LAST BRIDGE**. The Last Inn stands on the western bank of the Hoarwell within sight of the bridge. Although the landlord and his wife, **Thad** and **Bura Grumm** , are fundamentally decent folk, scoundrels are too-frequent guests at the inn. Given its remoteness, prices are 2x normal.
✦ - OFTEN HERE: 1. **Turlin** (dwarf - jeweler's loupe, parsimonious, trader) has heard evil tales about the herb-seller Goldang—he was forced to flee Gondor after selling poisonous medicine, 2. **Goldang** (man - heavy-lidded, sacharaine, physiker and herbalist) claims to have seen a haunted castle in the Trollshaws (**43.87**) and will reveal the location for a few coins, 3. **Falen** (woman - olive-skinned, shrewd, huntress) knows the Trollshaws well and is willing to serve as a guide to a specific location for a penny.
! -THE LANDLORD'S SON: The Grumm's eldest son, Leddon, has been missing for a week. They fear he's been taken captive by trolls, and are heartsick that it might already be too late to save him. They offer the regular fee in addition to free room and board for life if he is found alive.
Leddon is held captive in the troll den in **48.88**. See that entry for details.
[Credit: MERP 2E]
#### 51.85
**RIVER-SIDE CAVE**. The country rests in a bend of the River Hoarwell (impassable). Near the edge of the water are honeycomb caves in a cliff. The caves are kept by **Gillie** , a water-troll. During the day, she's either in the caves (50%) or lurking under the river water (50%). At night, she is always underwater, waiting to ambush anyone using the river. The Look-out must test **Understanding Δ10** (due to her subtlety and the loud voice of the river) or the entire company is surprised. Her favorite technique is to capsize the boat and pull victims underwater one by one, drowning them quickly so she can feed at leisure.
* In the caves, Gillie keeps a driftwood fire, pair of bellows, bed of seaweed, and a fishing spear.
* The bellows don't work because they're stuffed with 123 copper / marks.
* On her belt, Gillie carries an enchanted glass bottle that keeps whatever is inside it fresh. She often fills it with the milk of her goat (50.86).
#### 52.85
**SHRINE OF THE BEAR**. A forested region of white hemlocks and willows. In a glade, a stone **dancing bear idol** stands amidst the bracken and tumbled, mossy, ruined stones. The idol is Numenorean. It would be considered a treasure to the Dunedain. Bears are drawn to this idol and automatically attack anyone who carries it. The River Hoarwell is impassable to the west.
★ - One burglar who spends a night in the presence of the dancing bear idol may spend an Experience to gain a bear animal companion. The bear emerges from the wood and follows the burglar at a polite distance.
(3) - DANCING BEAR: A brown bear attends the idol with a rapturous dance. The dance looks ridiculous. If any laughter is expressed by the company, the bear will attack in a rage. Otherwise, it will conclude its dance solemnly and depart.
#### 53.85
**OVERGROWN ORCHARD**. A wedge of land at the southern tip of the Angle where the River Loudwater meets the River Hoarwell: the confluence is bright, dazzling, thunderous, impassable. Inland channels water an ancient apple orchard, now long wild grown. During the growing season, curious apples of different colors grow here.
_What is ripe today? (summer and autumn only)_
1. **Bright red**. _Sweet taste._ Restore 1 Endurance.
2. **Dull red**. _Bitter taste._ Fall into a deep, unwakeable slumber for 5 - Strength days.
3. **Green**. _Slightly effervescent, tangy._ Feelings of drunkenness and giddy contagious laughter; listeners cannot help but join in. Lasts 1d4 hours. Can be made into potent cider.
4. **Mottled**. _Hearty, rich._ Serves as a whole day's worth of rations.
5. **Yellow**. _Mealy, sour._ Can understand the speech of birds for the rest of the day. Local birds give a random rumour.
6. **Whitish**. _Subtle tartness._ Gain a buoyancy of body for the rest of the day. Take damage from falls as if you fell 20' less. Cannot drown. Jump 2x distance.
The enchantment is only strong enough to affect a person once per day. Each apple remains fresh for about a week. What's ripe one day may be rotten the next.
(1) - APPLE THIEF: _Summer and autumn nights only._ **Big Nose Barry the hill troll** (from 45.91), fairly drunk from eating fermented apples, loads up his bindle with fruit to take back to his lair.
#### 49.86
**RIVERSIDE FOREST**. A shadowy wood of oak and elm trees filled with turf-covered mounds topped with cup and ring patterns. The shadows of the trees are thick enough to allow trolls to move during the day. The River Hoarwell in the northwest of this region is impassable.
BADGER DEN. Hidden. In a heaped pile of pitched-over standing stones, there is a hole one can just fit through if they slither in on their belly. A **clever badger** named **Unfreldo** lives in the burrow beneath. It can speak Westron, and is cautious and cantankerous but always polite.
! - THE BADGER'S WIFE: Unfreldo's wife, **Kaja** , has been captured by a troll named **Lyle Longarm** who dwells a few days' journey to the east. If rescued, Unfreldo will teach the **language of badgers** to an interested burglar; they must spend an Experience Point and two weeks of study with Unfreldo to get the basics.
(1-3) - HONEY-SEEKING TROLL: **Larry the Licker the hill troll** (from 45.91) has knocked a beehive down for the honey. The bees are swarming on him; he curses loudly at each sting but has a tough enough hide to be unhurt.
#### 50.86
**TERRACES**. The remains of terrace farming: many hills have steps carved into them. Twisting olive trees are prevalent. The River Hoarwell is impassable to the west.
**TROLL OF STONE**. Hidden. A statue of a troll, petrified by the sun. Investigation reveals that it's holding something tightly in its stony hand: a scrollcase. Nearby, the bones of a skeleton it disinterred before the sun caught it.
* Removing the scrollcase is difficult. It is less durable than stone, and breaking the hand that holds it might destroy it as well.
* If it can be successfully retrieved, a letter inside the scrollcase tells of a desperate plan to bury Rhudaur's jewels at the "Hill of Teeth" (44.100) to hide them from Angmar.
(3) - TROLL'S GOAT: A she-goat of prodigious size grazes here. She gives forth a quart of milk every day. She is the property of **Gillie (51.85)** , who will come looking for the goat if taken.
#### 51.86
**CAIRN OF THE KINGS**. A ring of hills used as the tomb complex of the kings of Rhudaur. There are clusters of chambered cairns set into the hills, all surrounding a central court in the dell—there are **six cairns** in all. The River Hoarwell is impassable to the northwest of this region.
THE WAILING WIGHT: Burglars will hear the sound of a dolorous cry as they approach the complex and each take 1 damage. This is the **wailing wight** who haunts the tombs of the kings. The GM must randomly determine which cairn the wight is currently occupying.
The first turn the company comes to the courtyard of the cairns, they will hear a **wail** , which deals **1d10 damage**. Every turn, the wailing wight will shriek again.
During the day, a **fog** will begin to rise. By the third turn that the company is in the area, the fog will have covered the hills, blotting out the sun. At this point, the wailing wight will leave the cairn they were previously occupying and go towards obvious disturbances. If she encounters burglars, she will use her wail every round to try and kill them.
Plugging your ears allows you to ignore the damage of the wight.
THE CAIRNS: Each cairn has a similar design: an open entrance (except Cairn 1) made of large, flat stacked stones around a passage into the hill. The entrance is small, obliging human-sized characters to stoop or crawl. After a short passage, the cairn opens up into a larger central chamber. Each cairn has one or more sepulchres inside the central chamber: a mix of Arnorian and Dunnish burial practices.
* **Cairn 1** : The only cairn to have a large stone slab (weighing 2000 lbs) blocking the entrance passage: runes in Sindarin read "Galadhion" above the crest of unified Arnor: seven six-pointed stars above a scepter.
* **1A - Tomb of Galadhion:** In the chamber is an alabaster sepulchre with a **mithril death mask** of Galadhion, the first king of Rhudaur. Inside the sepulcher are bones and dust as well as a **corslet of mithril mail**.
* **Cairn 2:** This cairn is in disarray—it has obviously been looted in the distant past. In two niches are two sarcophagi, opened, their stone lids are broken in the central chamber. Potsherds litter the floor. Except for bones and dust, nothing is within the opened sarcophagi.
* **2A - Tomb of Orodreth**
* **2B - Tomb of Elenthorn**
* **Cairn 3:** A skeleton lies in the passage of this cairn. (How will the players crawl past it?) Inside the central chamber are three niches holding sarcophagi. The alabaster stone lids name and depict the faces of each king that they hold. Each stone face has open eyes.
* **3A - Tomb of Edelion** : The sarcophagus says "Edelion, Son of Elenthorn." The statue depicts a warrior in a stag-topped helm carrying a sword and a shield with the seven three-pointed stars of Rhudaur. (Pressing the topmost star disarms the trap.)
* Attempting to open the sarcophagus triggers an **arrow trap** : arrow fire from holes in the ceiling. Each burglar in the chamber must make a **Valour Δ12** maneuver or suffer a **Piercing critical wound** (+0). Having a shield in hand adds +2 to this test.
* Inside the sarcophagus is a closed **helm of Perception** set with the device of a stag forged from gold and mithril.
* **3B - Tomb of Forodagnir** : The sarcophagus reads "Forodagnir, Son of Edelion." The statue depicts a sad-looking king holding a harp, crowned with a circlet bearing a three-pointed star. (Pressing the circlet disarms the trap.)
* Attempting to open the sarcophagus opens a pit trap at the mouth of the alcove: the burglar must succeed in a **Strength Δ8** maneuver or fall in. The pit trap then resets, sealing a large stone over them.
* Inside the sarcophagus is a **harp with mithril strings**. It never needs tuning and the strings never break.
* **3C - Tomb of Ruadcara** : This sarcophagus is in a different style and mode: obviously Dunnish. The sarcophagus says: "Rúadcara, Son of Broggha and Elentriel." The statue holds a torc in one hand, the other rests on an axe. The statue's eyes are carven with stars. (Pressing the eyes disarms the trap.)
* Attempting to open the sarcophagus triggers a poison arrow trap. If the burglar isn't wearing hand protection, they suffer **2d10 poison damage**.
* Inside the sarcophagus is a **torc of sorcery**. Wearing it allows the bearer to sing a **Song of Sharpness** for 10 rounds a day without taking damage.
* **Cairn 4:** Inside the central chamber is a niche holding a stone sarcophagus. There is also an alcove with a statue of a maiden.
* **4A - Tomb of Elwen** : This sarcophagus reads "Elwen, restorer of the line of kings." The statue on the lid shows a sad-looking queen, her mouth open in song.
* Inside the sarcophagus is a belt of tiger eyes. When worn, the bearer has a 20% of negating a critical wound.
* **4B - Alcove of Statue** : Groundwater flows down the alcove so that she seems behind a veil of rain. Sindarin runes on the alcove read: "My daughter, denied her birthright." The statue is of a young woman holding roses in her hands. Careful investigation of the roses shows that one can be removed: it is a **key with a rose motif**. (This opens the hidden door in the Grave of Princess Malvegiel (41.96).
* **Cairn 5** : Inside the central chamber are two sarcophagi. There is also a **mural** of two kings (depicted as giants) striding among smaller warriors fighting at their feet: their hands are held out against a skeleton-faced specter rising over the land.
* **5A - False Tomb of Aldor** : The sarcophagus reads: "Aldor." It is empty.
* **5B - False Tomb of Elegost** : The sarcophagus reads: "Elegost." It is empty.
* **Mural** : The mural is set on a thin wall of plaster. It sounds hollow. It can be broken down easily to reveal the true tombs.
* Climbing into either false tomb and closing the sarcophagus reveals a hidden passage leading behind the mural.
* **5C - Tomb of Aldor** : The sarcophagus reads: "Aldor, son of Elwen, brother of Malvegiel." The statue on the lid depicts a man with a hammer and chisel in his hands.
* Inside the sarcophagus is a **wormskin scabbard**. While worn, the bearer does not bleed.
* **5D - Tomb of Elegost** : The sarcophagus reads: "Elegost, son of Aldor." The statue on the lid depicts a man with a warhorn and a bejeweled sword.
* Inside the sarcophagus is ***Wraithward** ,* a sword with a ruby pommel which heals 2 hits each round the bearer is engaged in combat with the un-dead.
* **Cairn 6** : Inside the central chamber is a niche bearing a sarcophagus. On the floor before the sarcophagus is a **large marble slab**.
* **6A - Tomb of Dathas** : The sarcophagus reads "Darthas the Traitor." There is a very simple carving of a bearded man in a Dunnish style on the lid.
* Inside the sarcophagus is a **bone-gnawing wight** which rises and attacks those who disturb his peace.
* **Slab** : It is 3' x 6' and 1" thick, weighing 200 lbs. If any magical light ever falls upon it (from the Song of Stars, etc.) an elvish design is revealed that lists the following runic words in the Angerthas script:
* DIR-NEN: Saying this command word transforms the slab into a +2 shield wearing just 5 lbs.
* BEN-GUL: Saying this command word invokes total protection against enchantments and sorcery for those standing on the slab.
* OND-ANNON: Saying this command word turns the slab into a "stone door," so when placed on a stone surface up to 5' thick, it will open to reveal a portal through the stone.
* The slab has 66 charges per year. (It is desired by the giant Ridorthu in 43.101 as payment for his father's work for Dathas.)
[Inspiration for the treasures from MERP: Phantom of the Northern Marches]
#### 52.86
**ECHO HOLLOW**. This region is sparsely wooded lowland, carpeted with bluebell, anemone, and primrose. At a confluence of hills is a bowl-shaped hollow. The hills trap echoes inside them, reflecting back a bewildering riddle of sound. **Wandering encounters** in this region are always presaged with a snippet of sound or conversation before they're seen.
(3-4) - ANCIENT ECHO: A snatch of a song sung by an unseen voice, or perhaps come out of an age long past:
From in my white and windy tower,
Ye bide no moment and await no hour,
But chanting snatches of a mystic tune
Go through the shadows and the dangerous seas
Past sunless lands to fairy leas
Where stars upon the jacinth wall of space
Do tangle burst and interlace.
Ye follow Earendel through the West,
The shining mariner, to Islands blest;
While only from beyond that sombre rim
A wind returns to stir these crystal panes
And murmur magically of golden rains
That fall for ever in those spaces dim.
Those who comment or reflect on the poem heal 1d6 damage.
(6) - RUMOUR: The company hears the echo of a far-off voice telling one of the local rumours.
#### 53.86
**TROLL FUNGUS**. Throughout this region grow a variety of "trollish" mushrooms: greenish, knobbly, and huge. A company that explicitly declares that they wish to avoid them as they travel must spend +1 travel points to leave this region. Otherwise, each player must roll a d6. Those who got an odd result trample on a mushroom and disturb the spores: gain +1 Strength and -1 Understanding 1d4 days. Eating the mushrooms makes this change permanent. The River Loudwater is impassable to the south.
(1-3) - FUNGAL SQUIRRELS: 2d4 flying squirrels, enlarged and made aggressive by their diet of troll fungus, harass the company. Stats as a rat, can fly short distances.
#### 47.87
**SHATTERED CARAVAN**. The wreckage of a dwarven caravan has washed up from the river, thoroughly smashed. If the area is searched, 1d4 dwarven bodies can also be recovered.
(They were attacked, slain, and pillaged by the bandits of 48.89).
[Credit: TOR: Ruins of the North]
#### 48.87
**ANCIENT CALENDAR**. A stone plaza near the river where there was once a dock (now gone). Though ruinous, there is a mosaic still visible: a wheel with 365 sections around which six women dance. _Those with Elvish Lore will recognize the women as costumed as the six seasons in the Imladris Reckoning: their dance is the dance of the year._ _Each night, the star of Eärendil rises directly over tomorrow's date on the calendar._ The River Hoarwell is impassable to the west.
(3) - ADDERS: _(In all seasons but winter.)_ Adders infest the riverbank, gathered here to breed. **Hunters** in the company will find themselves suddenly surrounded by writhing serpents with no clear path out. A **Subtlety Δ9** test is needed to pick their way past the snakes, with smart plans allowing the test to be bypassed.
#### 49.87
**FIELDS OF THE ANGLE.** Grasslands stretch across the region, unbroken by stacked stones or habitation of Men: sedges, rushes, and clover are dominant. Those with Herb Lore find **blue eye flowers** growing plentifully in this region: when brewed, they confer night vision (and practically blindness in bright light). They lose their virtue within 3 days of being picked.
(3) - OWL OMEN: A passing owl drops a partially eaten snake in front of the party. This is an ill omen to anyone superstitious within the party.
#### 50.87
**THUIN BOID**. The desolate ruins of an old city, a center of power in the latter days of Rhudaur. The shape of the earthworks rests like a thumbprint on the land. _Lore-masters will recognize a blend of Arnorean and Dunnish architectural styles._ Today, nature has reclaimed almost all of it except for a few sections of large carven stone blocks (the remains of a wall) and a Dunnish-style drystone hollow-walled **round tower**.
(1) - HIDDEN OUBLIETTES: Each non-hobbit burglar must roll one dice as they explore the ruins. The first person to roll a 1 or 2 has their leg plunge through a thin layer of earth and they realize they're walking on a fragile crust atop a series of oubliettes. Each burglar in front of them in the marching order is in danger of plunging into a 30' pit if they take vigorous action. A **Subtlety Δ8** test is needed to crawl back from danger if no plan is implemented.
(3) - CREBAIN'S PUZZLE: A crebain scratches at a moss-covered stone wall. If investigated, there are engravings under the moss depicting: knight, snail, serpent, egg, shepherd's crook, sword. Each are buttons that can be pressed. Pressing knight, egg, and snail (all armoured) at the same time releases a secret cache containing a **ring of sorcery** that allows the wearer to use the Song of Slaying. Pressing any of the other combinations causes 6 additional crebain to mob the burglar and chase them away.
(6) - TRANSLATOR'S LECTERN: Under an old chestnut tree is scratched a **riddle** : "I'm a silent hunter in the night, with bright round eyes and quiet flight. I ask who, who am I?" If the answer (an owl) is spoken, the tree grows a lectern in the shape of an owl with spread wings. Texts placed on the lectern are read aloud in Westron, regardless of the original language. The lectern will not retain its magic if moved.
#### 51.87
**ANCIENT MINE**. An ancient mine bored by the Men of Rhudaur to harvest the red gold found in the Angle. The tunnels are half-flooded and treacherous. Those who brave them find their torches gutter suddenly, pointing towards **poisonous vapours** within. Exploring the mines costs 1 damage from bad air. **Brunn Migi** , a cave troll, guards a hoard of **red gold ingots** within.
(1) - INVESTIGATING GOBLINS: **Five goblins** from **Cameth Brin** (38.94) are hoping to "tame" Brunn Migi and force her to mine gold for them.
(3) - FUMES: A pocket of poisonous fumes deals 2d6 damage to each burglar.
(6) - POCKET OF GOLD: Any dwarves in the company quickly identify an unmined vein of red gold.
#### 52.87
**THORNY LAND.** Brambles reach out like grasping hands throughout this region. Entering this hex deals **1 damage** as the thorns snag and tear at the company as they pass. Near the middle of the thorny land, a single great hawthorn stands lonely: it looks remarkably like a brooding old man. _Elves recognize it as a huorn._ The huorn is named **Nwarin** (Q. "Worrier") (huorn - hypochondriac, hawthorny, tree). If spoken to in High Elvish, he will respond. He is terribly worried that he is sick or dying (but it is only anxious) and has spent a long time thinking about his symptoms. If asked, he can tame the thorns of the land to allow easy passage. The River Bruinen is impassable to the south.\
#### 47.88
**ROAD**. The East Road runs from the **Last Bridge** (46.87) to the **Ford of Bruinen** (46.99) through the **Trollshaws**. To the north, forests; to the south, a stony, hilly country. Along the road, a **wooden sign** that warns "Trolls!" points south.
(3) - HELMED BADGER: A badger is investigating a cowardly dwarf's helmet, cast off when he fled some trouble.
(6) - ELVISH MASON: **Gondril** (elf - raven haired, introspective-then-bold, stonewright) is traveling to the Last Bridge to inspect it for wear at the behest of Elrond in **Rivendell** (**45.101**).
[Credit: TOR: Ruins of the North]
#### 48.88
**ANCIENT TRACK.** Here and there, the remains of an ancient road can be found running north to south in this region.
**TROLL DEN.** A stony hill, littered with bones and trash. Inside, **three hill troll brothers** sleep during the day—Wormy, Lear, and Letch.
* The entrance is blocked by a huge **boulder** : requires +6 collective Strength to move.
* **Leddon Grumm** , son of the owners of the **Inn of the Last Bridge (46.87)** is held captive here, being fattened by the trolls for eventual dinner.
* In the larder there are stolen casks of beer from Bree. There is also a trapped chest of treasures: 2 silver bracelets (worth 5 silver / 10 marks, each), necklace of gems (worth 25 silver / 2 pennies), mahogany box with 5d100 copper/marks, 10 silver rings (worth 5 silver/10 marks each), enchanted belt buckle (shaped like a cross-in-a-circle, grows cold when unbodied spirits are near) and a leather herb pouch filled with aldaka (1 use), aloe (5 uses), arfandas (2 uses), genful (1 use), mirenna (12 berries), and vinuk (10 uses).
[Credit: MERP 2E]
SECRET ENTRANCE. Hidden. A back door to the troll's den, unknown to the inhabitants: a small entrance at the base of a hill, from which a stream flows.
#### 49.88
**ANCIENT TRACK.** Here and there, the remains of an ancient road can be found running north to south in this region.
**CISTERN**. A hole in the ground drops into an ancient Rhudarian cistern—cathedral like and many columned. A rope or a **Strength Δ8** test is needed to descend as the stairs are lost. Water stands 2' high in the base.
Safe from the sun in the shadow of the cistern, two young **hill trolls** —**Bob** and **Rob** —take turns smashing pots, laughing uproariously. The pots are worth 8 silver / 4 pennies each to an antiquities collector. There are 20 pots left.
#### 50.88
**ANCIENT TRACK.** Here and there, the remains of an ancient road can be found running north to south in this region.
**HOUSE OF LOST THINGS**. Near a spring-fed pool is an abandoned stone villa. It is empty and ruinous. _At night, the ghost of a maiden named Vingya, who wears a heavy mourning veil, calls out from the darkest rooms of the villa. She says she has lost her head (slain for being unwilling to lay with a Hill Man lord) and asks the company to retrieve it from the pool. If a strong swimmer goes to the bottom of the pool, they find a skull. Vingya's ghost does not appear again. In the morning, something precious the company has lost will be returned to them._
#### 51.88
**TROLL'S LARDER**. A troll has repurposed the ruins of **Arnorean baths** as a prison for captives, holding them in makeshift cells until he has a chance to cook them for dinner. The troll, **Lyle Longarm** (hill troll - three-segmented arms, gluttonous, kidnapper) spends the days under the floors of the baths, in the hypocaust. If someone tries to free his captives, he'll try to reach up and grab the burglars from a hole in the floor (if the sun is low enough to allow for shadows).
If there is a hunter in the party, they can see obvious tracks on the ground (trollish) as they enter this area.
**Today, the larder holds:**
_Roll 1d6. That entry and all lower entries are currently held captive._
1. A clever **badger** named **Kaja** (cunning, but speaks only her own tongue)
2. A wild **pig**
3. A **mountain goat**
4. **Carnak** , a crow that speaks halfway decent Westron. If a burglar convinces him to follow them, they find he has a decent head for riddles. Once ever, Carnak will answer a riddle on behalf of the burglar, knowing the answer.
5. **Pavel** the Hill Man (man - bucktoothed, nervous, orator), dehydrated and despairing. His hope is kept alive only through the white mouse that he's befriended. He calls him Ban.
6. **Güven** and **Gizem** (dwarves - blue-robed, secretive, rug merchants), a husband and wife from Dorwinion, captured en route to visit cousins in the Blue Mountains.
#### 52.88
**BY THE LOUDWATER**. A wild country sloping down towards the river. Glacial boulders litter the landscape like exposed bones of the earth. The River Loudwater is impassable to the south.
(5-6) - RIDDLE CONTEST: **Tomaz the Rhymer** (man - bowl cut, quick witted, bard), a Dunlending, is questing in the Trollshaws. He challenges the company to a riddling contest. The company must put up one of their treasures if they fail to guess his riddle. If they win, he will teach them a Song of Power. He asks: What good thing did man find in Middle-earth that Eru the Creator did not find? (A worthy master)
#### 47.89
**ROAD**. The East Road runs from the **Last Bridge** (46.87) to the **Ford of Bruinen** (46.99) through the **Trollshaws**. To the north, forests; to the south, a stony, hilly country with an evil-looking ruinous tower (**48.89**).
TRACKS. Hidden. A track made by many feet leads across the East Road, connecting the Ogre Camp at the tower of **Rilineldor (48.89)** to the **Bandit Tree House** (**45.89**).
(1) - HIGHWAY MEN: A detachment of **10 Ogres** (48.89) have accosted four Mannish merchants (of **Heathertoes & Thornapple Importers** returning to Bree from Rivendell). The merchants were about to hand over their purses to the bandits, but the appearance of the burglars changed the situation.
(6) - LOCAL HUNTRESS: **Falen** (woman - olive-skinned, shrewd, huntress) is hunting food to sell at the **Inn at the Last Bridge (46.87)** and invites the Hunter in the company to join (if any). If they do, they gain +4 to their roll for the day's hunt.
#### 48.89
**CAMP OF THE OGRES**. A bandit gang calling themselves "The Ogres" make in and around a crumbling beacon tower Rilineldor (see below). They are herdsmen and cottagers from south of Mirkwood paid in plunder by the Necromancer, sent to raid and harry over the Misty Mountains.
The leader of the Ogres is **Eadred** (man - scarred jaw, bold, bandit captain). Their champion is **Utred Face-Biter** (man - tall and bearded, casually cruel, bandit). There are **130 men** in the company. All of the bandits wear green and hide their faces with monstrous helmets, making them look trollish at a distance.
As they are encountered and slain in wandering encounters, mark off their total numbers. At any point, 50% of their total strength is found at camp.
The Ogres are ostensibly provisioned by the Necromancer's outpost in **Cameth Brin** (38.94). At need, they can request reinforcements from them (but both parties would resent this). **Mother Lump** (45.93) has instructed her trolls to leave the Ogres alone, in feigned deference to the Necromancer.
**RILINELDOR**. One of the five beacon towers of Rhudaur. It is named "The Shining Beech" in Sindarin. **CONTENT TBD.**
#### 49.89
**ANCIENT TRACK.** Here and there, the remains of an ancient road can be found running north to south in this region.
**CRUMBLING TOWER**. A round tower of dry-stacked stone. The tower is hollow, its insides empty and lost to time, but an inscription can be seen on the keystone of the archway—the inscription is burned onto the stone, as if written by a flaming pen: "I have a beak, but I have no feathers. I have a whistle but I'm no musician. I live in the ocean but I am no fish. Find me and look under me for a treasure dearly kept."
(1-2) - SEEKING SCARECROWS: Scarecrows animated by the magic of **Ar-Gûlar (43.87)** search this region for the conch horn (50.89).
#### 50.89
**TRIUMPHAL ARCH**. A triumphal arch built by descendants of Numenor in the early days of the North Kingdom that has outlasted the realm it celebrates. It depicts a churning sea, full of sharks, dolphins, fish, crabs, and other creatures. It is capped with images of the landing of the sea kings on the shores of Middle-earth, bringing forth treasures. It stands lonely in a desolate, stony land with occasional scrubby trees.
* If the **dolphin engraving** on the arch is searched, a secret compartment is discovered. Inside, a **gilded conch horn** wrought in ancient Numenor. When blown near the ocean, it calls dolphins to the wender's aid.
(1-2) - SEEKING SCARECROWS: Scarecrows animated by the magic of **Ar-Gûlar (43.87)** search this region for the conch horn.
(5-6) - AVENGING DWARF: **Ceorl son of Rickard** (dwarf - long black mustachios, obsessed, warrior) is hunting a troll with one eye. He has an enchanted prism: when the sun of noon shines through it, it points the way towards the nearest troll. He will continue seeking the troll who killed his father until he succeeds or dies in the attempt.
#### 51.89
**FORESTED DELL.** Trees, though wild grown, tend to have even spaces between them, as if deliberately planted long ago. The trees ring a dell in the center of this region like a shallow bowl. The River Bruinen is impassable to the south, but the remains of ancient pylons speak of a bridge that once existed here. _An Herbalist's tests to forage for herbs in this region gains a +2 bonus._
(3) - PORCUPINE: A porcupine waddles through the trees, untroubled.
(6) - ELVEN BOATERS: On the river, **Ivorwen** (elf - wears swan feathers in her hair, genteel, scout) travels on a secret errand with three other members of Elrond Half-elven's house in a small river boat. She has had strange dreams of late and inquires about the company's dreams. She will trade rumours with friendly travelers.
#### 48.90
**ROAD**. The East Road runs from the **Last Bridge** (46.87) to the **Ford of Bruinen** (46.99) through the **Trollshaws**. To the north, tangled forests; to the south, a lonesome country.
(1-2) - DROPPED PURSE: In the middle of the road is a dropped **troll purse**. It is magical. It can both talk (rudely), seal itself in a way that it's practically impossible to open, and produce enough cram each day to feed a hobbit. It only wants to be brought back to its master, **Ungus** the troll (48.91).
(6) - DWARVEN PALLBEARERS: The dwarves are standing around a corpse-laden bier looking despondent. They are short a bearer, so they cannot take their old friend Silent Ced to his final resting place. If a burglar offers to help, they will be taken upon a slow, difficult journey along hedgerows, over ditches, and through tangled fields before they get to an open grave under an ancient linden tree. If there is an awkward size difference between the burglar and the dwarves, the burglar will need to make three **Strength Δ6** tests or stumble and overturn the corpse. If passed, the dwarves gift them a random magical tool.
[Source: "Dwarfs" by Tom Clare, Casket of Fays issue 16]
#### 49.90
**GIANT'S GRAVE.** **Point of interest**. In a rolling country of hills rises a tumulus mound. Atop the mound is a 30' black stone with three faces, somewhat prismatically shaped. On each face is art in the Dunlending style. One side depicts a monstrous humanoid with an axe. One side depicts a scene of animals: deer, hawks, boar, salmon. One side is decorated with abstract knotwork.
(6) - DUNLENDING PILGRIMS: An extended family group of eleven **Hill Men** have come to gaze upon the Giant's Grave, said to be raised by their forefathers. They are led by the matriarch of their clan, **Cersorn** (woman - full figured, blunt but honest, freeholder). Cersorn's oldest daughter, Iona, is of marrying age, and she's looking to make a good match for her. She has a pair of good cows and a bull on her farm (68.81) for a dowry.
#### 50.90
**LAKE RUINS**. A small lake sits in a valley between two hills, lightly forested with evergreen trees. At the head of the lake is a Dunlending ruin: the remains of a drystack stone wall, fallen stones resting against each other at odd angles, and a round tower.
At the top of the tower is a **statue of a maiden** leaning in for a kiss. The floor of the tower is long gone. Climbing the 40' tower is a **Strength Δ9** test. On a success, the burglar may kiss the statue and receive a +8 bonus to one Beauty roll sometime in the next week.
(3) - GOAT TRACKS: Many hoofed feet have left tracks by the valley lake. Wild goats are nearby and are automatically discovered if there's a **hunter** in the company.
#### 51.90
**HARNALDA**. Dungeon is replicated here.
#### 52.90
**BY THE LOUDWATER**. Rolling plains with sedge grasses and white flowers. Furrows of limestone rise from the ground, like the bones of the earth. The River Loudwater, in the south of the region, is impassable.
SMALL CAMP. Hidden. A small, temporary settlement for a small people is cleverly hidden on the banks of the river: holes dug into the bank, screened cookfires, clay jars and earthen cookware, and six rafts tucked under shrubbery. The owners of the camp are Wild Stoors (appearing as a local event on a roll of 5+).
(5-6) - WILD STOORS: **Fern Nulwise** (hobbit - shabby but bright-eyed, curious, nomad) spies on the company. Nearby are secreted 1d6 of her closest relations. Her family is descended from the Hobbits that lived in the Angle 1000 years ago. (They call themselves "Stoors.") They are a nomadic group, digging temporary holes in the riverbank for brief periods of time before moving on.
! - POISON CURE: If encountered, Fern may ask for the company's help. A Stoor, **Bilean Fiddleweed** , has been poisoned by a troll (**Shuck Ironfletch** , 43.97). They dare not go into the woods in search of healing herbs. She will trade a cure for a magical ring handed down from her grandmother—a ring with a beryl, 1x/month will expand in size into a 10' circle across which no enemies can pass; lasts until the sun crosses the horizon.
#### 47.91
**ROAD**. The East Road runs from the **Last Bridge** (46.87) to the **Ford of Bruinen** (46.99) through the **Trollshaws**. To the north, forests; to the south, a wild country.
(3) - RIDERLESS HORSE: A palfrey runs wild down the road. Its master, a merchant from Lake Town, is dead, slain by trolls. In its saddlebags is 10d10 x 10 copper/marks and 1d20 silver/pennies. A plan must be made in order to capture and calm the horse.
(6) - WIZARD: **Gandalf the Grey** hustles back to Bree (47.66) from Rivendell (45.101). If the company seems goodly and capable, will immediately tell them of a quest.
#### 48.91
**THE WELL-TROLL TRADER**. There is an old, mossy well. From it, a voice cries: "Hullo! Hullo!" It is a **troll** named **Ungus** who is perfectly content to live in the well. He claims to have a variety of items to trade, but is vague about the details—everything is so wet and dark down there. If any character is brave enough to send down an item of actual value via the well's bucket, Ungus will send back up a completely random item.
#### 49.91
**PASTORAL PLINTH**. Amid the rolling fields of the Angle is a copse of ancient willow trees. Approaching the copse causes a haunting melody to play that creates a sense of dread. Normal animals automatically bolt as if they failed a Morale check. Burglars must pass an **Understanding Δ8** test or take 5 fear damage. The song of terror is an illusion, a phantom left by ancient sorcery.
Inside the copse is a statue of a goatlike man, a tricksome expression on his contorted face. The first burglar to touch the statue each month gains a trait for their **next three maneuvers** : instead of rolling dice, they **flip a coin**. Heads is treated as a roll of 12, tails is treated as a roll of 2.
#### 50.91
**RUINS OF WALLS**. A hilly country, occasionally spiderwebbed with walls and the ruins of walls. Although a main central wall running east to west in this region was once 10' across and 12' high, no portions with such dimensions remain today; the walls do not hinder travel even for the smallest of the company.
(5-6) - TRACKER: An old ranger called **Tracker** by Bree folk (elf-friend - like an old wolf, reminiscing, ranger) walks the path made by the sections of crumbling wall. He speaks of the history of Rhudaur; how the folk of Westernesse ruled the land, which was then filled with the fathers of the Dunlendings, and how corruption from Angmar caused it to collapse from within, with the folk turning to sorcery and worship of the dark. He knows that the walls were a minor fortification related to defense of the river from unfriendly Dunlending tribes to the south.
#### 51.91
**RAPIDS ON THE LOUDWATER**. The River Loudwater earns its name at the south of this region. It roars down shallow steps. The river is impassable.
(1-3) - BOGGY BANKS: The river has spilled from its banks and cut partially through this region. Entering an adjacent hex requires 6 movement points due to avoiding streams and rivulets. All jobs' difficulties are increased by +2.
#### 48.92
**ROAD**. The East Road runs from the **Last Bridge** (46.87) to the **Ford of Bruinen** (46.99) through the **Trollshaws**. To the north, forests; to the south, a wild country.
(1-2) - DARK CLOUD OVERHEAD: A cloud passes overhead, casting a shadow that causes you all to shiver. The grimness of your journey overwhelms you. The company loses 1 Hope unless a burglar sings a heartening song or someone shares a story that reminds them of home.
(6) - MERCHANT CARAVAN: A caravan of twelve Easterlings from Dorwinion headed towards Ered Luin, led by **Saad Lionstooth** (man - smells good, problem solver, merchant). Selling a variety of oils (food, medicinal, industrial), paints, dyes, and textiles. Eager to buy works of art or hire additional escorts.
#### 49.92
**LAKE TURLOCK**. A lowland region sloping gently down towards the River Loudwater on its eastern edge (impassable). _In spring and early summer,_ there is a seasonal lake of cold water. _In autumn and winter_ , the lake is a dry basin.
★ - One burglar who drinks from the lake's waters may spend an Experience to gain the ability to sense violence on items. Different types of violence have different intuitive qualities: out of a lineup of swords, you can tell which ones committed a particular murder.
(6) - HILL MAN: On the shores of Lake Turlock sits **Old Senan** (man - liver spotted, unsettling, fisherman) who recounts a Dunnish legend saying that the lake burst out of the ground when one brother killed another, then tried to bury him. His origins are mysterious. He shares sour wine from a clay jar.
#### 50.92
**SIRTATHAR.** One of the five beacon towers of Rhudaur. It is named "The River Willow" in Sindarin since it overlooks the River Loudwater. **Dungeon is presented in a future post.**
#### 47.93
**FOREST ROAD**. The East Road runs from the **Last Bridge** (46.87) to the **Ford of Bruinen** (46.99). In this region, it runs under the trees of the **Trollshaws** ; the forest canopy is thick enough to blot out the sun above.
(1) - ROUTED RANGERS: **Idril Fairhair** (elf-friend - white haired, fey, ranger) staggers against the blows of **Maynard Man-eater** (mountain troll - hippopotamus-mouthed, melancholic, child taker). Her arm is broken from a blow of his hammer. Five unconscious rangers lie on the road.
(5-6) - HARROWING RANGERS: **Maynard Man-eater** (mountain troll - hippopotamus-mouthed, melancholic, child taker) staggers under the arrows of ambushing rangers led by **Idril Fairhair** (elf-friend - white haired, fey, ranger). In pain and fear, he rushes the approaching company.
#### 48.93
**ALLUVIAL MEADOWS**. Plains of wild grasses, orchids, and tall shrubbery. At points, bedrock breaks through the grass like lichen-covered exposed bones. The River Loudwater at the south of the region is impassable. _In all seasons but winter, enough fresh bilberries are harvestable to supplement a camping meal._
(1-3) - TROLL TICKS: Trollish ticks are common in the region. When journeying through this hex, each member of the company must roll a die of doom. On a roll of 1-3, the burglar notices too late a fist-sized tick latched onto their skin. If left alone, the tick will deal 1d6 damage for 1d6 days until it's the size of a balloon and fall off. If a burglar tries to pull one off, they must make a **Skill Δ6** check. On a success, they take 1d6 damage immediately but the tick is removed. On a failure, the tick is too dug in, but a new attempt may be made the next day.
#### 47.94
**ROAD**. The East Road runs from the **Last Bridge** (46.87) to the **Ford of Bruinen** (46.99) through the **Trollshaws**. To the north, forests; to the south, a stretch of alluvial meadows.
(1) - OGRES: Piles of brush and logs form a makeshift wall across the road, preventing wagon traffic. A detachment of **10 bandits** from 48.89 demands tribute.
(6) - CROFTERS: A family, the father **Jon Unction** (man - bushy brows, peaceful, crofter), his brother Wil, and his four children, return to Bybury (48.86) carrying hunted game, nuts and tubers, wild herbs, and firewood.
#### 48.94
**BEACH OF SWANS**. A race of beautiful **swans** nest on the shores of the Loudwater (which runs, impassable, in the south of the region). Their feathers are prized by elves for arrows.
Those who attempt to gain the feathers through trickery or by hunting the swans will be confronted by **Lóthessë the Swan Maiden** (elf - feathered cloak & wondrous fair, suspicious, skin-changer).
! - She asks the company not to steal treasure but return it—she wants her ivory comb given to her daughter, Lítha, who dwells with her estranged husband near Lhûn (39.16). She will pay the usual fee or grant them 20 swan feathers for arrow shafts (giving them a +1 bonus).
★ - One burglar who approaches the swans with song or by speaking their own language may make a **Beauty Δ10** test. On a success, Lóthessë offers to teach them one of the following arts: Beast Speech, Fetch Soul, and Feather Cloak. Those who master all three may become a skin-changer who takes the shape of a swan. Those who fail may try again after a week.
47.95 ROAD. The East Road runs from the Last Bridge (46.87) to the Ford of Bruinen (46.99) through the Trollshaws. The road curves, avoiding the grasping forest to the north. To the south is the River Loudwater, audible even at some distance.
RANGER CAMP. Hidden. A semi-permanent encampment of the Rangers of the North for scouting into the Trollshaws is hidden in a forest hollow past two natural stone chimneys that stand like columns. Stores of dried fish, firewood, and healing herbs are kept in caches here, as well as three sturdy canoes for river travel. Athelas grows here, lending the camp a sweet smell and heartening air.
Often here: 1. Elphirë (elf-friend - shaven head, aloof, ranger dove-keeper) keeps her messenger doves as tame pets, 2. Udalraph (elf-friend - scarred jaw, adventurous, ranger outrider) considers himself an expert in horsemanship and wishes to speak on the subject of husbandry ad nauseum, 3. Findegil (elf-friend - cupid's bow lips, scholarly, ranger loremaster) is interested in the patterns and similarities between the watch-towers and politely inquiries about what the company might have found therein.
! - A POISONED BLADE - Aerodel (elf-friend - feathers in his hair, spiritual, ranger) was ambushed by the troll Shuck Ironfletch near 43.97, and now lies poisoned and near death. If the troll's weapons can be recovered and taken to Elrond for a cure (XX.XX), perhaps he can be saved. (He will die in 3d6 nights.)
(1) - GOBLIN INTEL: Suspecting that the Rangers are nearby, a sortie of six goblins from Tirthon (47.96) search the region. (6) - RANGER MEETING: The Rangers watch the company from cover (Skill Δ10 to spot). They reveal themselves to allies such as elf-friends and elves, or companies that need aid against the Shadow.
#### 47.96
**ROAD.** The East Road runs from the **Last Bridge** (46.87) to the **Ford of Bruinen** (46.99) through the **Trollshaws**.
(1) - GOBLINS: A detachment of five **goblins** (Laugzog, Gorzod, Rirborg, Uthra, Agbra) from Tirthon scrounge for food and blood-sport. If the Lookouts fail in their roll, the goblins will ambush them and attempt to take them back to the tower for torture.
(6) - DEPARTING ELVES: A company of elves led by **Rávië** (high elf - curly, flower-filled hair, touched with sadness, lady), passing to the Grey Havens after staying for many years at the House of Elrond (45.101). They warn the company of the goblin-infested tower of Tirthon. If the burglars pass from east to west with the elves, no evil will molest them.
**TIRTHON**. One of the five beacon towers of Rhudaur. It is named "The Watch Pine" in Sindarin for it stands in vigilance near the East Road. Dungeon is replicated here.
#### 48.96
**OTTERS BY THE LOUDWATER**. Flower-topped hills rise and fall, sloping down towards the River Loudwater, running impassably at the south of this region.
A clan of otters live on the Loudwater in this length of the river. **Deep-Diver** is their chief. He is curious if you've met his cousins of the Withywindle (49.62). The otters are capable of finding objects that the company might have lost in the river.
(1) - GOBLINS: _At night only._ Four goblins from Tirthon (47.96) are hunting the otters for their pelts.
(6) - ELVEN HUNTERS: Six elves from Elrond's household, led by **Elfaron** the hunter (high elf - dazzling eyes, merry as a child, hunter) are returning towards Rivendell (45.101) carrying a stag on a pole between them. They warn the company of the **Troll Cat** (41.99).
#### 47.97
**ROAD**. For much of this region, the road is overshadowed on the northside by tall pine trees. In the south of the region, the Loudwater roars impassably. The Merril stream joins the Loudwater here.
**TOL LAEB**. Where the Merril and Loudwater join there is an eyot named Tol Laeb (S. Green Island). The island is difficult to reach because the waters flow so swiftly here. Even with a boat, you must be watercrafty to challenge the river to reach the island. Herbs of great virtue grow here. **Herbalists** who successfully forage roll **twice on the herb table** and select the more precious herb.
(5-6) - DWARVEN CARAVAN: A merchant caravan of Stonefoot Dwarves from Rhûn led by **Wibe** (dwarf - beetle-browed, dour, merchant). They complain bitterly about having to pay "the Necromancer's tithes" to the Ogres in 47.94.
#### 47.98
**ROAD and the FORDS OF BRUINEN**. The road runs steadily downhill towards the river. A mile before the fords, the road is flanked on both sides of tall cliffs of red stone, like a hall
(5-6) - DWARVEN VENGEANCE: A company of eleven Dwarf warriors from Ered Luin are traveling towards the Misty Mountains to make war upon the goblins. They are led by **Unn the Deep-Minded** (dwarf-wife - red-haired with a witch lock, doughty, warrior) who seeks vengeance for her father who was slain by goblins. The ten others in her company all wish to seek her hand in marriage; she is not currently planning on giving it to anyone.
---
Map credit: Idraluna Archive. Click for the full map.
## While I have you...
Did you know that my free website on old-school dungeon creation, the Designing Dungeons Course, is currently nominated for an **ENNIE** for**Best Online Content**? If you've gotten use out of the course, please consider voting for us as #1!
---
Vote Designing Dungeons #1 for Best Online Content
riseupcomus.blogspot.com
