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    Source book for Middle Earth Roleplay game

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    Source book for Middle Earth Roleplay game

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    Download as pdf
    713 views114 pages

    Merp - Citadel of The Nazgul

    Uploaded by

    bobninja3
    Source book for Middle Earth Roleplay game

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
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    #8205 j 7 (misole €PearcP Fortress m IN| AZG Ole | saat NAZzGUL’s CITADEL” Authors /Designers: William E. Wilson; Gary D. McClellan; Robert J. McCarter Editor/Developer: Jessica M. Ney Cover Illustration: David Martin Interior Illustration: Liz Danforth; Elisa Martin Layout Design: Robert McCarter, Jessica Ney Layouts: Eric Bruns; Bill Covert Project Specific Contributions: Sires Editor: Jessica M. Ney: Content Editor: Pete Fenton: Page Design: Terry Amthor: PageMaking: Ted Dinwiddie; Cover Graphic: Terry Amthor. ICE MANAGEMENT — 41 Dior roduton Manger Terry K. Amor Se Manger Deane Bepcbing: “Eig & Despont Manger Coleman Chariton, Prd Peer Fenlon; CEO. Brace Nevinger ICE STAFF — Marty Counbn Join Morgan, Bag & Drelpmet Sufi Kevin Barer, Monte Cook, Pee Fnlon, Jescs Ney, Tery Amthor ‘Graphs & Prdutn Sag Ted Dinwiddie, Bl Covers, Sharon Bouton, Erie Bruns eke Kubaach; Fae & Adana Sa Chad Maly: Shp ih Joha Breckenridge, David Mercier, Sal & Customer Sri Su. Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION... 1 THE FORTRESSES SERIES wenn 3 1.2 TERMINOLOGY. svn 1.3 ADAPTING THIS MODULE. 3 3 3 1.31 HITS AND BONUSES, 3 1132 CONVERSION CHART nnn 2.0 BACKGROUND. 5 2. THE TALE OF YEARS. 5 22 THE HISTORY OF AKHORAHIL 7 2.3 THE HISTORY OF NY CHENNACATT ..8 24 NY CHENNACATT AFTER TA. 1640 sone IS 2.5 THE FORTRESS IN THE FOURTH AGE . 16 3.0 THE ARMY OF THE SOUTHERN DRAGON 17 3. ORGANIZATION OF THE WINDS wooo 17 32, THE ORC ARMIES OF NY CHENNACATT AND FHUL ssn ey 33 TACTICS. eo IB 4.0 PEOPLE OF NOTE sn 21 5.0 THE FORTRESS — 5.1 INNER WORKINGS OF THE FORTRESS 28 SAI Water 28 5.12 Sewage and Wase Disposal 29 [S13 Venton nen 29 S14 Heating : ~ 29 SAS Lighting 7 29 5.16 The Blevatoe 29 52 THE LOWER HALLS 7 521 The First Abyss : : 522 The Second Abyss - 5.23 The Third Abys $5.24 The Fourth Ay nnn 5.25 The Fifh Abyss 7 53 THE UPPER HALLS vonnon S31 The First Tier ~ ‘5.32 The Second Tir 533 The Thind Tie 5.34 The Fourth Tir. - $8.38 The Fifth Tit een 5.36 The Sich Tir 58.37 The Seventh Tier soe 70 ‘5.38 The Eighth Tir 5.39 The Ninh Tier re 544 OUTLYING WATCHTOWER 3 5.5 ITEMS OF POWER 73 6.0 THE RUINS OF THE CITY OF CHENNACATT.... 7.0 TARTAUST. 7.1 THE LUMBER MILL 85 7.2 THE SUNKEN WELL INN 36 7.3, THE SMITHY, 9 “4 THE SOOTHSAYER sn 9 8.0 ADVENTURES eeenvsonnnnnnnnnn 92 8.1 MERCHANTS FOR HIRE 92 1 The Tale : 92 BIZNPCS 92 813 The Task 96 8.2: THE SEARCH FOR THE DARK STAR... 100 ‘821 The Tale 100 B22 NPCs enn 100 B28 The Tash avn 100 83 IN THE EMPLOY OF THE WARLORD ..103 831 The Tale 103 B32 NPC. 103 833 The Tithe 103 84 THE ARENA OF AKHORAHIL. os BI Miliary Advancement os 842 The Tests of Akira. los 843 The Five Challenges of Akhirahil 106 8.5 SUGGESTIONS FOR ADVENTURES IN OTHER TIMES 106 9.0 TABLES 107 9.1. MASTER NPC TABLE vom 107 9.2. HERBS AND POISONS TABLE. 107 93 MASTER MILITARY TABLE 108 9.44 MASTER BEAST TABLE 109 95 MASTER ENCOUNTER TABLE. 110 9.46 ENCOUNTERS IN NY CHENNACATT IIT Copyright © 1991 TOLKIEN ENTERPRISES, division of ELAN MERCHANDISING, Incerkeley. CA, [Nass Cal, Te Hol, nd Th Lodo be Rigs, and al harcters and place therein, are rademark properties of TOLKIEN ENTERPRISES, Produced and disbuted by IRON CROWN ENTERPRISES, Ic. P.O. Box 1605, Charleville, VA. 22902. Fir US. Editon, 1991 ISBN 1-5S806-121-5 Stock # 8205 1.0 INTRODUCTION Ny Chennacatt, the citadel of the Fifth Naz located on the steep, dry, northern flanks ofthe Yellow Mountains. This chain of peaks forms the southern border ofthe primarily desert lands of Harad. Near its eastern end, winds born in the turbulent Bay of Ormal bring rain to the headwaters of several rivers. The mightiest of these, the Siresha, flows through CChennacatt, Iara, and Kirmlesra, regions richly im- printed with the signs of civilization. [Neat the source of the Siresha stands a hollow ‘mountain — Ny Chennacatt. Sculpted to resemble a Dragon's head, the fortress houses the army of AkhSrahil, the Storm King. Composed of disciplined Haradan warriors and ferocious Ores, the hosts are poised to hold all the lands south of Mordor under theesway. The Nazgil plots to render this vast fef up to the Datk Lord's sovereignty. 1.1 THE FORTRESSES SERIES The Forneses of Middle-earth series is intended to provide Gamemasters (GMs) with extremely detailed overviews of individual towers, castles, citadels, and other fortifications of particular note. Each module in the line documents the history, design, layout, and garrison associated with the given site. A list of suggested adventure themes follows the ext Like the restof the Middle-earth Series, this module contains game terminology and references based on ICE's Middle-earth Rele Playing (MERP) and Rolemaster (RM) fantasy ole playing (FRP) systems. Ifyou need. to adapt the material to another FRP game, read Section 1.3. 1.2 TERMINOLOGY case of space considerations, we cannot reason- abl discus all the peculiar terms foundin ehismodule We can, however, provide a sampling of the most commonly wed terminology Bailey — an enlosed courtyard Buban — an ourwor coving a caste gateway Destin — «pal tomes eurpence roma roller ower > provide fanking Br. whe pore defensive postion lca pawl o tower Crepelion — apotchedbutement (parapet) sembly "spel ew aleraig openings (embrasure ean eens) and secon providing ees (mslons). Crain — 2 sight secon of fee wall Dile— an aia emberkmest such wa manmade arto walls ao an exertion, Dravbelge — a bridge thar eon be rased and lowered Enlrautt-— a specily designed opening fom which defender fires mises, such at 8 creel or 4 space iellowe inathck wal whch provides acces w= leap Hoard —anofen temporary, overhanging ibe paley Projecing fom the ep ofawall. Ketp ao cle» Dijon theindpentes se Lop. fensible, inner stronghold of a castle of manor. Spek mow opening in a wal For he dschage of Machiocolation — a projecting gallery 2 the cop of wal or tower with slow (made holes in the floor fom sthich miles can be dropped or fred down aginst an enemy Moat a defensive dich Motte — lange defensive mound, Paraper sb ahora alone which defer Porscllis — a vera, ling grill with spiked tps that Serves 5a bare gate Splay — a sloping bse of wal ortower, which frstrates SP ming bf deg sks upwards Talon — 1 loping wal thicker (splayed) at ics bae Turret — a bartzan 1.3 ADAPTING THIS MODULE ‘Thismoduleis adaptable to most major FRP games. Statistics are expressed on a closed or open-ended scale, using a 1-100 base and percentile dice (D100), No other dice are required. 1.31 HITS AND BONUSES ‘When converting percentile values to a I-20system, simple rule is: for every +5 on a D1OO scale you get a +1 on a one-twenty (D20) or three to eighteen (DIB) scale ‘The concussion hit numbers listed in this module only represent general pain and system shock. They cover bruises and small cuts rather than wounds. Critical strike attacks and damage are used to describe serious blows and wounds (respectively). Should you use a FRP system that employs no critical strike results (eg TSR Inc.'s Advanced Dungeons & Dragors® game), simply double the number ofits the PCs take orhalve the hit values found in ehis module. 1.32 CONVERSION CHART If you play an FRP game other than MERP or Rolemaster and you do not use a percentile system, use the following chart to convert 1-100 numbers to figures suited to your game. T100 Bonus Bonus 318-212 Stat. on DIOO_onD20_Stat._ Seat. Toot 4357 20F T+ 100 +3046 19 15-16 10 #250 $5 BS. 989942000 44 ITT 9597 41S +3 6 — 9094 410 42 Bsa aa $5 HT 4 10 7384 $541 m0) 674 0 0 RB 8 49590 Ol eer OST str) 25390 ° 9 6 1524S a oie oS 4 7 4 so 02 6 3 340 IS sa 2 2 4 4.2 I 24 42 2.0 BACKGROUND “There it stood in all its evil magnificence! 1 could see the array of towers jutting out from the ‘mount in an almost insane fashion. Mammoth archways spanned the areas between the cliff and I could hear the wind blowing, playing a strange melody through the vast halls. Lucky for ‘me had approached nocloser.for asl was about 10 ascend to the entryway above, I heard horns sound. vast army began to spill from the mouth ‘of the demesne and wind its way to the west.” Chen Izud, TA, 1398. After te fall of Chennacatt in S.A. 1929, Akhérahil commanded his chief military leader Wyatan to build capital for administering the eastern half of his newly expanding empire. A site was chosen in the Yellow Mountains above the ruined city of Chennacatt. Lo- cated near the headwaters of the west branch of the Siresha and a peak nearby, the abandoned mines of CChennacate seemed a prime location to build a highly defensible fortress. Work on the hold co be called Ny Chennacatt commenced inS.A. 1938. Wyatan employed the finest stone masons and artisans from Ciyatandor to carve out the new halls. Later, Orcs from the Yellow Moun tains and from Mordor were employed to hollow out the remaining chambers and towers. The intial con struction, however, progressed slowly due to the war cffore to the cast. By S.A. 2000, Wyatan and his councilors were able to relocate to Ny Chennacatt and feom the lofty halls, administer AkhOrahil’s eastern provinces. The rule of| Sirayn and Harshandat continued smoothly until erly inS.A. 2279, when Akh6rahil recalled Wyatan to the capital in Ciryatandor. From that time onward, therule at Ny Chennacatt has been extremely turbulent. 2.1 THE TALE OF YEARS ‘The following is a time line given in the King's Reckoning of Gondor. It covers the major events that revolve around Ny Chennacat and it’s rules. Seconp Ace 1929 The forces of Ciryatandor, led by Wyatan, attack Baud Selen. Chennacatt falls. 1930 Early in the year, Wyatan, general of Akhérahil’s forces, attacks Isa. 1933 Rask, Tal bra, and Tyaret fall © Wyatan's amy. 1938. Akhérahil visits his new lands. Wyatan shows has liege the ruins of Chennacatt and the mines nearby. AkhSrahil orders a capital be bule for him inthe east. Work commences on the fortresses of Ny Chennacatt and Fhil 1940 A.59 year campaign against Tél Harar and Harshandat commences 1995 Tal Harar surrenders to Wyatan, 1999. Harshandat falls oo Wyatan's forces. 2280 A Niimenérean force defeats Akhérail in the west after the death of Wyatan. The Blind Sorcerer flees to Mordor. 2285 Ny Chennacattis abandoned asthe populace overthrows the current rulers 3023 A group of Ores takes up residence in Ny ‘Chennacat Tino Ace 512 Anearthquake damages the fortress of Fhall and to a lesser extent Ny Chennacatt TOSI Akhérahil returns to Ny Chennacatt with a select group of followers. The Ore Lord of Ny Chennacatt bows to the Storm King’s rule. 1053 The Storm King begins to assemble a new force in the South, 1078 Construction begins again on Fhil, a fortress used to guard the Y61Sari trade route from Tartaust 10 Diishera (south of the Yellow Mountains). 1103 The Storm King's forces are turned loose in Chennacatt and Ista 1201 Afteralmostacentury of controlin the south, ‘Akhérahil's Orcish army is destroyed by the forces lead by Obed the First of Clan Masta. 1338. Akhérahil begins co form a new army com- posed of Haradrim from the north. 1350. Tarts lean is born in Ista 1367 A force at Fhal is organized by Uthed, the new general of the Army of the Southern Dragon. Agbatha, a Halftroll Slayer sent by Sauron, is appointed to guard the Boasiri — the Great Pass. 1368 Agbathii forms a group called the Slayers of the Storm King. These killes are used by Akhérahil to remove his most threatening enemies. 1375 Akhérahilseduces Bazaud IzainofclanBalgan. 1380 _ Bazaud and his followers take control of the court at Tal Ira 1385 Tartas Tzain is appointed Taraskon (Ta. “Might-lord”) of Til Ista, 1397 Templesto theSilent One first seen in Sirayn, the kingdom spanning Chennacatt, Ista, and Kirmlesra 1399 AkhGrahil's new army led by Uthed attacks Tulwang 1436 Tartas lzain flees to Chamesra after Clan ‘Masca regains control ofthe government. 1457 Tarts lain, atthe prompting of the Storm King, convinces his uncle, the Tarb of Charnesra, to attack Tl Isra. The Charnesran army is defeated. 1555 Clan Bulgan and the followers of the Storm King regain power in Tal Isra 1629 © Tareas Izain returns to Ista and is appointed Taraskon for a second time. 1635 Sangarunya, a fallen Néimensrean warrior, becomes a Warlord in the Army of the Southern Dragon. His duties include campaigns against Far and Greater Harad. 1641 After the fall of clan Bulgan, Taras Izain lees to Ny Chennacatt. AkhSrahil removes Taras’ head for loosing his interests in Sirayn and gives Tartas ring to Uthed. Akhérahil then returns to Mordor. 1642 A fallen Diinadan from Arthedain is ap- pointed as Lord of Ny Chennacatt by the Storm King 1657 After almost three centuries of fighting, Tulwang falls to the Army ofthe Southern Dragon. 1660 The Army of the Southern Dragon starts to ‘move against the combined forces of Ciryatandor and Hyarn. 1665 _ The local portion ofthe Army of the South- ceDragon,ledby Sangarunya lays siege to Tartaust 1671 After six years of battle, Sangarunya and his forces abandon their plans for Tartaust due to the need to devote more resources to the campaign in the West. 1675 Uthet is forced to reteat to the borders of ‘Tulwang and regroup. 1705 Utheii begins a new campaign against Ciryatandor. 1802. Ciryatandor falls to Uthed's forces. Uthet takes Barad Caranniin as his capital in Ciryatandor. 1812 Uthed breaks ties with his liege in Ny Chennacatt. The Lord of Ny Chennacate declares war on Uthet and his followers. Uthet renames his forces: the Army of the Burning Sun, 1813 The remaining forces loyalto Ny Chennacatt are recalled and begin to prepare for an assault on Ciryatandor. 1815 The Army of the Southern Dragon, led by. Sangarunya, launches a surprise attack on Barad Caranniin. Utheti is slain by Agbathi the Troll Slayer 1816 For the last time, Akhérahil arrives at Barad. ‘Caranntin (inthe spring ofthe year), reorganizes the remaining leadership of Ciryatandor and Ny ‘Chennacatt, and then returns to Mordor. 2000 The rise of the Servants of Vatra in Far Harad. The Storm King assists in the siege at Minas Ithil in Gondor. 2002 Minas Ithil falls to the forces of Sauron. Akhérahil becomes the chieflicutenantofthe Witch- king. 2013” Civil war rps apart the combined kingdoms of Ciryatandor and Tulwang. The provinces are split into numerous petty kingdoms, each vying for conteol of the others. 2099 Ny Chennacatt begins to pose less of a threat to the Free Peoples of the South. 2137 _ The garrison at Fhilis destroyed by the army of Chennacatt 2178 The sacred well at Tresti fail. The ancient city is abandoned and the practice of Moon worship in Far Harad begins to decline. 2182_ Thearmy of Chennacatt defeats the Army of the Southern Dragon a the old cty of Chennacatt. The Tarezan (Ta. "Captain, Leader") of the CChennacatti orders Ny Chennacatt sealed to the ‘outside world. 2194 Ponlftais crowned King in Bozisha-Dar. His reign matks the inception of the cruel Sun Lord Dynasty in Far Harad 2205 Pon fta ends is forces against Cinyatandor and within a year conquers the province 2224 TheSunLord’sarmy moves against Tulwang. 2229 Tulwang falls to the Far Haradan forces. 2400 _ Strange lights and foul beasts are seen inthe proximity of Ny Chennacat. Trade routes through the area begin to be abandoned 2643 The Sun Lord's army moves against Harn. ‘Atthe batele ofthe Sir Carun (to the south and west of Barad Caranntin), the Sun Lord's army is deei- mated by the Hyarn forces. This halts further conquest to the south. 2858» Jenna Chy takes Tél Hara 2941 Sauron moves to his demesne in Mordor. Fourti Ace 6 Tal Harar regains its independence. 7 The Sun Lord Dynasty falls. The well at Tresti begins to flow afresh, and Tresti blossoms once again as the capital of Far Harad. The worship ofthe Moon begins to wax. 22 Chamnesraistesettled andi given the original name of Skarataib $8 Ny Chennacatt and its inhabitants begin to again pose a threat to Greater Hara. 61 The Taryb(Ta.“Might-lords”) ofthe Cities of Sirayn signa trade agreement with the Council of Regents of Till Harar. The Caravan Masters of Sirayn are to carry out the details of the agreement. 66 The Cities of Sirayn unite militarily. The Warlord of Tal Isra leads the united armies of Greater Harad against common enemies. 2.2 THE HISTORY OF AKHORAHIL Akhérahil was bornin .A. 1888 into the houschold ‘of Ciryamir at a manor overlooking the waters of Nisinen in Namenor. Of noble birth (a cousin t0 Prince Miirazée, who would become the Witch-king). Akhdrahil was fased by vain and immature patents. He was to be an only child, but his sister (later t0 become his consort) was born a decade later. Her bith and the attentions that his parents gave to his new sibling, formed patterns in his behavior that would later cause his downfall A brilliant child, AkhSrahil was often teased by other children forhislackofskillatarms. However his ac cunning and knowledge allowed him to best even, Sais in games bined more on gui than stengd Throughout his youth, Akhérahil became more and smote spoiled and jaded as his parents pampered him, and his knowledge of the arcane grew. In S.A. 1904, Ciryamir moved his family under royal license ro Endor and founded a kingdom in chs new and, Constructing his Capital Marath Carnackiné (Q "Tower of the Red Sunset"), Ciryamir carved out the realm of Ciryatandor (Q. "Gate Cleft”). It was to remain a Nimendrean clientstate for centuries. How- ever, Ciryamit’s reign was short lived. Akhérahil’s el and quest for power spurred him to covet his father’s throne. In the year S.A. 1918, Akhrahil signed an evil pact with an aged Haradan Priest and traded his eyes for a set of gems called the Eyes of the Wel. The artifacts bestowed great power tothe youn sorcerer and enabled him to take contol ofhis thers mind. Burdened by a sudden despair, Ciryamirtook his ownlife, thus giving Akhérail full control of this new kingdom. ‘Axhrahil, now called the Blind Sorcerer, ascended the throne on the frst day of S.A. 1919. Taking his sister AkhSraphil as his wife, he proclaimed himself ‘Storm King and began his rule. Securely in control of his young kingdom, AkhSrahil began a campaign of conquestalong the northern edge ofthe Yellow Moun- tains — taking Chennacatt in S.A. 1929, Isa in SA 1933, and Kiemlesra in S.A. 1979, By S.A. 1999 his armies had pushed through Harshandae to the Bay of ‘Ormal. Ie was at this time thatthe Dark Lord sent an ‘emissary from Mordor to offer the young Lord a wealth of knowledge and a promise of immortality. In S.A.2000 the Blind Sorcerer accepted aRiing of Power from Sauron and became the fifth Lord of Men to become a Ringwraith Although Akhérahil had always been considered bizarre and a times il-mannered, after his acceptance of the Ring his personality became even darker and changed forthe worse. Fear of him grew and by S.A. 2230, he had become a virtual recluse. His. dack practices and introverson forced his wife co take their children and escape to Elorna in Nimenor. A great rg ensued after ther escape and ll those with close tiesto Niimenor and the King were put tothe sword. New governors were appointed in the provinces and Akhérahil began the metamorphosis of his kingdom. To keep from alarming the King at Armenelos, tribute continued to flow to Némenor. All the while, Akhérahils envoys were meeting with those of the Dark Lord of Mordor. In the year S.A, 2250, Akhorahil presided over a client state that was ostensibly Diinadan, but was in fact Black Nimenérean. His kingdom stretched from the Great Sea east to the Bay or Ormal and formed a strategic boundary between the Dark Lord’s lands in the North and the Néimendrean holdings in the far South. Akhérahil’s formal declaration of indepen- dence from Nimenor halted any plans of further [Nimendrean conquest of Harad for many years. ‘After the death of Tar-Atanamir in S.A. 2221, the kingdom of Nimenor was reorganized by Tar- Ancalimon. Following the reorganization, the new King turned his attention to the client kingdoms and. old holdings in Endor. In SA. 2250, Tar-Ancalimon sent a special envoy to Ciryatandor. He feared that Ciryatandor was a threat to his rule in Endor. This belief was spurred by the words of AkhSraphil, the Blind Sorcerer's sister. ‘AkhSrahil realized that Némenor’s desire was to rule all Endor, including Ciryatandor. The Nazgél ordered the Nuimendrean emissary held as a hostage and renounced all ties to his island birth place. Ciryatandor became an official ally of Sauron of Mordor. In response to this, Tar-Ancalimon ransomed his messenger and conceived a planto regain the landsheld in hel bythe ev Storm King In SA. 2280, let landed in Tulwang carrying an extensive host. Only 200 miles from the Storm King's Capital, Tar- ‘Ancalimon hoped to crush the pretender’s forces quickly. Arriving too late to stop the landing, AkhSrahil'sarmy was caught near the Oasis of Fult and. decimated by the Namenérean host. This left Ciryatandor's western border virtually defenseless Akhdrahil fled north to join his Master before suffering the embarrassment of seeing his own capital razed, His flight ended the brief era of Ciryatandor's independence and preserved the prospects of further Adan exploitation in Far Harad and the lands to the south, ‘Akhdrahil remained in Mordor until his return to CChennacatt in the Third Age. During his sojourn in Mordor, Akhrahil oversaw Narn. This slave-state was the breadbasket of Mordor. A crue rule, the Blind Sorcerer exacted torment from any who dared threaten the Dark Lord's plans. His ruthlessness assured an ample supply of food for Sauron’s host. ‘The Numenérean invasion of S.A. 3261 precluded the completion of the Dark Lord's armament and forced his surrender in the face of superior Adan arms With their Lord's capcure, the Nazgil silently awaited has return, After the downfall of Niimenor in S.A. 3319 and Sauron’s spirit came back feom the deeps to Mordor Akhérahil occupied the castle Luglirak on the south- fem shores of Niimen. He remained here until SA. 3429, when he led the host of Nien inan attack against Ithilien in Gondor. Although the Dark Lord's battle plans proved initially successful, the Last Alliance of Men and Elves led by Gil-galad and Eleni eventually prevailed. Barad-dtr fell, and the Dark Lord and his nine Nazgil passed into the shadows atthe end of the Second Age. ‘Akhrahil again took form around T.A. 1050, but forthe next five hundred and ninety years he resided in his old eastern demesne at Ny Chennacatt. The Datk Lord called him north in T-A. 1640, and ordered him to return to Naim and quietly replenish the strength of the fief in anticipation of the reopening of Mordor. This he did. Later that year he joined four of his brethren and entered Gorgoroth, Late in T.A. 1975, Akhérahil received a visi from the Witch-king. He gathered the other Ulairi and ploredthefinal movesrequiredo secre their maser’ hhome. During the next twenty-five years, they as- sembled their forces and aid plans otake the Diinadan city Minas Ichi ‘The Fell Riders struck in T.A. 2000, startling the valiant Gondorian garrison but failing to secure an immediate victory. A two year siege ensued culminat ing in che city’s fall. Minas Ithil and its palante were won by the Ringwraiths in T.A. 2002, thereby ending any Gondorian hold over Mordor. From this time onward, the city was known as Minas Morgal Akhérahil remained in Minas Morgul until the end of the Thied Age. Although he frequently journeyed to both Luglirak and Barad-dii, the Storm King kept to the side of his captain the Witch-king. Both fallen [Naimenérean Lords feltakinshipand enjoyed.aspecial rapport through their skill in the sorcerous arts 2.3 THE HISTORY OF NY CHENNACATT Since S.A. 2000, Ny Chennacatt has been the primary edifice of evil on the northem slopes of the Yellow Mountains. Its effects can be felt from the ‘Seven Dominions (see ICE's Shidow in the Sout) far to the southwest, north past Far Harad and east to Harshandat. Akhérahil never proposed any campaigns against the countries directly south of his hold (in Dishera, Gan, Mimakan, or Koronande) since that area was under the rule of Ji Indur, another ofthe nine Nazgill ‘Nor has the Army of the Southern Dragon troubled the Mablid Dwarves. The strength of theie delvings, the might of their host, and their policy of neural suggested different tactics. The Warlord of the Army ‘of the Southern Dragon has typically paid the Dwarves for the right to move through the mountainous area under their control. He has aso used them asa source for arms and armor. InS.A. 1929, the barren wastes of the Erim Poa rang with the clash of stel and the seream of horses asthe forces of Ciryatandor attacked the city of Baud Selen, acity-stateon the border of Chennacatt. The Warlord of Akhérahil’s Army desperately needed control of the city to successfully carry out his master’s plans for conquest of the South. With Baud Selen under his contro, the first wedge would be driven into the wall of resistance that stretched from Chennacatt to the bejeweled throne rooms of Harshandat. ‘The inhabitants of Baud Selen disagreed with these plans, and a long and bloody siege ensued that cost Shalatar, AkhSrahil's Warlord, his life and a fll third of the Army of the Southern Dragon. Baud Selen was wellknown forthe quality of armor and weapons crafted by its smiths. The city’s warriors were second to none and had successfully conquered (Chennacatt and many lands further north. The battle- hardened veterans ofthe city were not about to surren der theit holdings to the upstart from the west who referred to himself asthe Storm King, ‘The forces of Shalatar surrounded the city co the west and controlled access to the gates in the northern and southern walls, Breaching those gates was another matter. In desperation, Shalatar launched teams of watriorsand engineers to penetrate the walls ofthe city from the east. To do so required that a narrow strip of land beeween the city’s eastern wall and the Siresha River be succesfully crossed and then held, as engi- neers and alchemists attempted to weaken and breach the walls ‘Thesttip ofland quickly became known as Shalatar’s bloodbath, or simply “the bath” among the Ciryatandorian forces. To enter the bath was to enter a killing ground where death rained from above as arrow flights shadowed the ground in their descent. Hotoil, stone, and enchantments flew from the walls to emush and maim those below. As more and more Ciryatandorian warriors refused to volunteer for the continuing "bath squads,” Shalatar was forced to lead the guns or face a mutiny by hitmen, Oni foray, he was accompanied by the commander of ae ‘guard, a young warrior named Wyatan who seemed to have some favor with the Storm King. ‘The walls had been weakened in several spots, but not enough to provide an entrance tothe city. Shalatar hoped that one final attack on the walls would breach. them. The teams managed to survive long enough t0 complete their mission, but Shalatar did not live to see his plan put into action. Cringing in the depression in thewall they had managed to complete, the bath teams awaited their death, Wyatan laughed like a demon and laid about him withthe flats of his scimitars to bring ‘order to the men. He bade them wait until his return and then rode through a seemingly solid wall of arrows back to the main encampment. Bellowing orders in a maniacal voice, he organized a dual attack on both the north and south gates, threatening that he would personally kill any man who fled from the gates and dln’ die atcempting to breach them. “The men had grown weary from the long siege, the failed ateempts to scale the western walls, and the wholesale death ofthe bath teams. Wyatan's voice was the voic oftheir warrior traditions, igniting the fire of their warrior traning. Afer verifying that two howling hordes of Cityatandorian forces were attacking the gates, Wyatan rode back through the bath to the weakened wall. Urging the weary soldiers on with words and steel the bath teams penetrated the remain- ing stonework. “The majority of the Baud Selen's warriors were engaged a the gates and on wall positions flanking the attacking forces. The few that remained atthe base of the western wall expected a fight asthe wall burst open toward them. They never expected to see a jet black stallion, carrying a wild man that swung a scimitar in ‘ach hand with long sweeping scythe-like blows, ex- plode suddenly ine thet mide The incamadied form of Wyatan appeared to be everywhere at once, dealing out death to all who came within reach. The bath ceams followed as though drawa by alode stone, spurred into battle frenzy by their leader's efforts. Others continued to undermine the wall until complete section fractured and collapsed. The rumble (ofthe falling wall and the cacophony of battle rippled through the city, generating confusion and fear. Con- vineed that most of the Ciryatandorian force had penetrated the city, the warriors of Baud Selen rushed to defend the breach, leaving the forces at the gates weakened. The southern gate was sundered, and the hose of Cityatandor poured through to establish a foothold within the city. ‘As they penetrated deeper into Baud Selen, they were hentehed atthe ight of ther own men on the battlements above. They quickly cut their way through to Wyatan and his small band of warriors, and then pressed onwards toward the northern gate. Pinched between Wyatan’s expanding forces and the enemy without, the Chennan warriors withdrew westward. By nightfall, Baud Selen was in flames, and Wyatan's troops celebrated their victory. The victory at Baud Selen generated welcome tid- {ngs in the lands under the Storm King’s rule. Wyatan was appointed the new Warlord soon after the battle. ‘Young warriors raced to join the triumphant Army of the Southern Dragon, intent on booty, land, and ‘making a name for themselves. Within months after the fall of Baud Selen, Wyatan led an army twice as large as before. He and his men swept like tide down the Siresha flowing over and engulfing the cities and townsalongitsbanks. The fallofthe city of Chenmacatt became a footnote to the conquering of the province and the ensuing campaigns to the eas. "At the feshruin of Chennacatt, Wyatan earned of abandoned mines located near the headwaters of the west branch of the Siresha, He spent several days at the ‘mines, exploring and confirming the reports of marble, gold, and other minerals to be found there. He then returned and reported the findings to his master. A small detachment of troops was stationed nearby to “keep the Haradan riffraff out,” while Wyatan turned his attention elsewhere. FromS.A. 1930 to 1932, Wyatan honed his army's tactical skills, leading forays into Isa. Borrowing from the Haradtim’s historical hit-and-run nomad tactics, Wyatan created an army of highly mobile calvary teams that provided advance information and pro~ tected the slower infantry and Tarkem (M."Maimak,” W. “Oliphaunt”) riders. Wyatan's atacks moved deeper into Isa, both softening his enemies positions, and providing the experience to turn his calvary units into deadly, seasoned veterans. Always to be found at the head of the most forward detachment, Wyatan’s black stallion and flashing scimitars became the sight most feared by dwellers in the lands of sra. The battle- hardened warriors of Rask, Tal Isra, and Tyarett leamed to dread the stories of “Akhérahi’s Razor,” the wild man who fought from horseback with twin scimitars, a perpetual smile on his face as he struck down man after man who opposed him. By SA. 1933, Akhérahil's Razor and the army he commanded were honed to ine edge. On the frst day of the new year, Wyatan’s forces overwhelmed the defenses of Tar Aylra and then pushed through the rugged terrain along the Kek Dénemek toward Tél Isa. Wyatan moved his army south along the Y6l Ira, and crossed the river well below the city, striking at dlawn and catching the forces of Tal Isra off guard, as the city waited in preparation for an attack from the north. Afterabloody three day campaign, Tal Isra had fallen A small detachment was dispatched eastward to Tar Aylea, where additional troops from Baud Selen were due to arrive. Consolidating his position in the new city, Wyatan spent several days in Tal Isa systemati- cally putting any city officials known to oppose the occupation to the sword. Five days later, Wyatan moved north, and met the fresh troops sent from Tiir Aylra. Wyatan's combined forces washed over the town of Rintarkinatorrent of bone and blood, leaving behind them few buildings unsearred by fire and carnage. In a bold move, Wyatan turned to the south to take Tyarect. Unprepaed forthe atack,the city fell quickly. The siege of Rask was completed next. Many were cut down that had waited too long to flee the doomed city. Turning east, Wyatan continued along the Siresha, seton stopping only afterhe had entered the city of Tal Harar. At Skarataib (later to be called Charnesta), ‘Wyatan was forced to set aside his dream of a quick victory march to the sea. The inhabitants of Tal Harar had rallied their forces and sent reinforcements to shore up Skaratab’s defenses. Several surprises awaited ‘Wyatan at the city, including an opponent that he had failed to take into consideration — the Yatali-gan of the Sira Bask. The battle for Skarataib raged for several weeks, as control ofthe city swept back and forth between the forces of Tél Harar, and Wyatan's army. In frustra- tion, Wyatan moved a portion of the army across the Siresha, to push forward along the southern bank to the east. This detachment ran into trouble when they moved too far into the forest. Yatali-gan warriors drifted out ofthe woodlands ofthe Sira Bask to strike, and then withdrew back into the safety oftheir tree- realm. Wyatan’s calvary followed, but were useless in the thick scrub and undergrowth. Calvary sorties were casily dispatched within the woods To the north of the river, the shield-walls of Tal Harar's infantry squares held firm, barring passage to all. Siege engines, used to support the infantry. pum- :meled the attacking forces and successfully repelled the detachments of elephants and cavalry. As Wyatan's warriors grew battle weary and saddle worn, he called a retreat to Rask. Three years had been spent securing Isra Although all of the Erim Péa, Chennacatt, and Ista lay beneath is ist, Tl Harar remained free. Wyatan ‘was said to have remarked in later yeas that taking Tal Harar was akin to fighting a two headed demon. Its infantry squares could not be broken with a calvary ‘charge, since the horses would not run through a solid wall of human flesh; thus one head of the demon held the roads. The simple maneuver of outflanking the foe by skirting far tothe south and through the woodlands was thwarted by the second head of the demon: the Yatal-gan. After the wearying weeks of unsuccessful tacks, Wyatan's only response when asked about the woodland was to reply with disgust, “Those cursed \woodlings own the Sara Bask.” ‘Ar Rask, Wyatan rested and shored up the city’s garrison with troops from the batle before journeying back to Tartaust. He concentrated on strengthening his control ofthe south, and the rebuilding ofthe army. ‘Akrahil, well pleased by Wyatan's succes, arrived to tour his new holdings in S.A. 1938. Certain of his inevitable control of the entte south, Akhrahil or- dlered Wyatan to begin work on a capital in the east at which he might abide. Wyatan had never forgotten the abandoned mines near the ruins of Chennacatt, and led hhis Master thereto view theextensivetunnels. AKhSrahil was pleased by his General's choice, and agreed that hhere was to be raised a mighty fortress — an abode ‘worthy of his ttle of Storm King. Wyatan began the preliminary excavation on both the fortres, and a military stronghold on the eastern tributary of the iresha, called Fhil ‘Wyatan ordered engineers, miners. marble workers, and other journeymen brought in from the Capital in the West to work at both Fhiil and Ny Chennacatt. Several of the original mine shafts were opened and enlarged to provide permanent residences for the /Aficr to full years of construction, Wyatan felt secure with the swelling ranks of warriors hehadadded tothe Army ofthe Southern Dragon, and the comple- tion of the firstphase of the stronghold at Fhal. Attack from the south over the pass that led through the Yellow Mountains was now no longer threat with the strong gatrson of Fhal protecting his lank. Progress Account FRoM Ny CHENNACATT, S.A. 1939 “Ave the traps in place?” he sergeant demanded The Ciyaanderian engineered upright from is bent postion neath flor of he corridr. “Why eof cours,” se steed. He quickly pine tthe for, the sides of hal, andthe cing. “Quite deadly, to, might ad.” The sergeant ip cured upd sb watched the engineer wring hs hands, end ten ok away. The eft bud of ple bing soe ecboed through the balf finished bal ofthe fortes lie he dare sound of «body ted from «big cif as the sergeant spat. “Thope 2, for your ste” be drawled and then snaped to tention as footsteps sounded bend him. A al fee energed from the shadows ofthe bll and topped by the sergeant, “Mord Genera?” sid the sergeant As the man tured the blkay’s lea condi threw dark shadows agains already derk features. He wore bs lrg 4 black bain warrior’ kno pulled ght a eb of he sl, withthe reining unkown strands barging 0 near rmid-tack over cok be color of midnight fog, The cloak matched ss, and he sree agen experienced recurring ile hough — were the general’ ees chisel from poled sel o worn stone? “This scion is complete?” The words ng in he ar ke physical objets asthe General poke “Aye, Mord Gener,” answered began without flinching. Yearsf evi withthe Wyatan’sCiryatandorin forces bud acusomed i 1 the man. The general did’ ask th geerl commended And tht aswel a tbo “Ths is your work?” Wyatan said, crosing his arms and walking it he new balla ‘The engineer laced a he man and ther averted hs ees as be Bure ot, "Mlrd! Th trap!” Wyatam ered and regarded the engineer He raised brig band and slowly stroked te long musacis ta railed _fror beneath is angular nose 0 wl past Ks chin. His and lured in candle igh as suddenly snapped Bs fngers and them pointed atthe engine. “We sl se,” be sid softly. “We sll se.” His tect caught ligh as b stretched is ips it Balfron gin. Them be rurned for the engner and walled into te bly “These bel is breath and ated as he general med lik some lage feline predator toward the far end of the ball. He ped, sed the i, coke is bead sigh as though ining ard Ben wae dagonal pater fom near cone side ofthe allay othe pst wal. He then stoped, and ld beneath someting unseen at seulder eve. He paused, and with bunched soulers, sde-srped to th righ and then spun ninety dere. The sft pt, spt spat of three dats inpacted the wl bist. He paused fora moment, and ten wok to quick eps and somerauied over a sudden pening in the flor, landing lily in a couched poston, and turned to reard the men down the alway. The sergeant ined ash aw tht sare half-moon grin om the Generals fae "Send hm tome, sergeant” Wyatan barked "Bu Mlord some are activated and near sprang 1...” The engineer sudered and stopped speaking as be fl he point of the erga’ fara aginst isback. He taeda speak, andthe fl len. Heclsedhisees and walked ward the General “Come tome builder, come ome,’ te General roomed. Head barely repeated thsentene fore is words were drowned cut by th screams ofthe engineer asthe razor edges ofthe horizontal pendulum sytbes ct bi in bl Te Cray pre me se a i oft ald her sald od pe He pede and therealong the balay topes, turn, and move more unseen objets, and ben returned tthe sergeant’ “Sega,” bse the General, ord!” The sergeant stutered as set beaded om is forehead and rolled down 10 trae bis eyebrow lop, Sergeant! The ran was lppy. Tou bard cll at mishmash of egincring a iting scurity mesure for cour Lord Arai’ abode.” The General paused fora moment and cls waced be sergeant, andthe nodded “Agree?” “The word ebed like a giant dra beatdown te balay. Aye, Mord Wyatan,” the sergeant nerly showed “Then se 10 4 new einer, man. De jut tard there” “his done, Mlord Woutan” yeled th sergeant, sb tuned and doblimed dwn the coridr ‘Whatan smoothed back bs Blak air, pausing te eck the warrior’ kt for tgs, and then addres the remains lying in he bllway. “Why can't any of ou doit as I would? Must I place every stone of ts fortes myrelP” He book is bead andthe lok int bis open pbs as if seking an ener. “Ab wel” be continued,“ much to do and so tle time suppose there sus one of re after all” The geerl cached hse and absent-minded checked he placement ofthe crsed scimitar tht rode om er ide of Bs waist as be tured and illowed the sergeants departing fos. was being made on the fortress of Ny Chennacatt as dictated by his Lord's orders. With so much going well, Wyatan lacked only one victory to ensure total success. In S.A, 1940, he se about fulfilling that need, and started what would become a six decade campaign against the lands controlled and protected by Tél Hara. Fifty-nine years later, an exhausted and wearied Wyatan, at last walked the marble halls of that city. “The years had been harsh, demanding divided atten- tion on the war effort and the construction of Ny Chennacatt. Following his design, Wyatan had driven the workers to complete the plans quickly, only to be balked at yearly intervals by Akh6rahil’s visits. Akhérahil, who seemed to grow in power with the passing of years, grew ever stranger to his General's Understanding. He ordered changes tothe design fresh walls and floors tom down and reconstructed, and hallways built that seemingly terminated at dead ends or in thin ait. Wyatan’s victory over Tél Harar did lice to ease the burden he carried. Within months of conquering the city, the general was recalled to Ny ‘Chennacatt by Akhérahil who was visiting the site. Two weeks of near continuous riding brought Wyatan to the gates of the Fortress. Supported by a sergeant who had long been in Wyatan's service, he stumbled into the temporary quarters of his master. [AkhSrahil seemed preoccupied by aringhe continually twisted against the index finger of his right hand. Minutes passed in silence. Wyatan bade the sergeant depart and marshaled what remaining strength he had to address his Lord. ‘The sergeant later was heard to relate to several fiends, the short conversation he had overheard as he Jef the chambers “Aye, he was weary, he was, and near staggering on his feet, looking as though he expected to meet his death therein that black-candled cavern. I heard him whisper Master, Iam here And then the room grew cold anda voice came out of the very walls themselves. ‘Tsee you are, my General, Isee you are it hissed. I swear [heard it down in my bones. Then the voice got loader and rang through the cavern and my ear drums, itdid. That voice, it rang out loud and clear, and said ‘Know this my General. I AM POWER. “Near blew me right through the doors into the hallway itdid, and I don't mind telling you that forthe first time in my life I was truly afraid! [hid and waited, haying not been properly dismissed from my post, you see, and then the General came walkin’ out like he'd been on a two month lay down in the pleasure palaces of Cryatandor and been fed on the finest victuals this side ofthe Yellow Mountains. I sweat he looked . younger, some how. And as full of energy as a ill ct ‘onthe hunt. That's what I heard, and that’s what seen, and that’s all I know.” For the next two hundred years, the Razor of ‘Akhrabil shone brightly. Wyatan seemed to devote himself to his Lord with a new vigor, never showing, signs of dismay asthe construction on Ny Chennacatt was constantly interrupted, altered, and redesigned on Akhérahil’s whims. When not supervising the raising of Ny Chennacatt, Wyatan spent long weeks at Fhal, where the Fortress became known as the Razor's Hilt There, the inner workings of Wyatan's mind took conerete form, for Fhil was his, down to the final placement of the last stone. He also. spent many _month-long sojourns atthe port city of Til Harar, or “Wyatan's city’, ashe liked to call it. He continued to build the army's strength toa level he deemed saisfac- tory: In the years prior to S.A. 2280, neither man nor beast could walk from the headwaters of the Siesha, t0 the Bay of Ormal without fear ofthe “Razor's Edge.” In early S.A. 2280, Wyatan was recalled to Ciryatandor co protect the western capital of his Lord, Quickly gathering men from the garrison of the sur- rounding cities, and the stronghold of hil, Wyatan dlrove his small army west with an intense frenzy that cost him the lives of many of his troops. The fourteen- hour days of forced march took thet oll in exposure to the elements and disease among the weary warriors Wyatan arrived several days too late to stop the landing of the Namendrean host intent on the con-

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