Shadow on

the Throne

A young man from the Breelands declares himself to be Aragorn, Son of Arathorn,
and heir to the Throne of Gondor. His claim is to be tested in Bree by an assembly of
Loremasters, but who is really behind the claim and what do they really desire?
 Adventure Summary &
Background
A boy (Ainmire Nobwood) and his councilor
and adopted family have arrived in Bree and
announced the he is Aragorn, son of
Arathorn, and the heir of the throne of
Gondor. He possesses money and a few
artifacts, which he claims are family
heirlooms, and has extensive knowledge of
his family tree. An assembly of Loremasters,
armed with scrolls, genealogies, books, etc.,
meet in Bree to test the boys claim to the
throne.
While at The Forsaken Inn, the PCs
encounter one of these Loremasters,
Berneen of Gondor, who is wounded but
resists any offers of help until she collapses.
That night, assassins, called the Shadows
Grasp, attack Berneen and the PCs come to
the rescue. Although proud, she asks that
they escort her to Bree the next day.
At Bree, the PCs meet Ainmire and Ifor and
are offered a job to escort the last expected
Loremaster, Maolordha of Gondor, safely to
Bree. The PCs travel south on the
Greenway and find Maolordha and escort
him to Bree, but fall under attack from more
assassins on the way.
When all of the Loremasters are together,
the assembly opens with the councilor, Ifor,
relating a tale of how Aragorn came to be
with a simple farm family on the southern
borders of the Breelands and reveals the
family heirlooms for inspection. The
assembly and the PCs inspect the heirlooms
and begin to debate. Maolordha, who
supports the claim, and Berneen, who
disputes it, engage in a loud argument that
comes to blows and must be separated by
the PCs.
Later, at a feast that night, Berneen and
Maolordha are conspicuously absent and
when the PCs investigate, they find
Maolordha dead and his wagon ablaze. In
his the folds of his clothes is found an
amulet of Berneens. When the PCs find
Berneen, she refuses to say where she has
been. The outraged Loremasters demand
that Berneen be imprisoned.
The next day, the PCs are asked to a secret
meeting, where they are asked by Ainmire to
assist Berneen, who refuses to speak in her
own defense. The PCs speak with Berneen
and must persuade her to let them help her.
She is still reluctant, but does tell the PCs go
to a location east of Bree where they will
meet the person she met the night of the
murder. They must persuade that person to
give them evidence that will prove that
Ainmire is not the true heir to the throne of
Gondor.
When the PCs reach the location, they find
themselves surrounded by Rangers and
Elves, including the two sons of Elrond.
When they relate their tale and persuade the
Elves to trust them, they are given a
magically sealed box and told to take it to
Berneen.
While the PCs return to Bree and go to the
jail to get Berneen, they find under attack
again by assassins. The PCs fight the
assassins at the jail and rescue Berneen
before she chokes to death, hanging from a
noose.
Upon returning to the Assembly, the PCs
find them about to pronounce their
acceptance of Ainmires claim upon the
throne of Gondor. The PCs interrupt the
proceedings and Berneen opens the box,
inside of which are the true shards of Narsil.
Berneen declares that Ifor is a fraud and that
evil men intent on overthrowing Gondor
have perpetuated the claim. Ifor becomes
enraged, reveals himself as an evil magician
and attacks the PCs.
In the end, Berneen is freed and Ainmire
begins a trek to Gondor where he hopes to
enlist in the army.
The beginning of this chain of events occurs
years earlier and involves the very future of
Middle-earth.
In the year 2934 of the Third Age, Arathorn
II, Chieftain of the Dunedain, was killed by
Orcs. His wife, Gilraen, feared for the safety
of her young son Aragorn II and took refuge
at the last homely house of Imladris. There,
Aragorn II became known as Estel and grew
up under the guidance of Elrond. In TA
2941, the year the adventure is set,
Estel/Aragorn II is 14 years old and blissfully
unaware of his true heritage.
However, Aragorn IIs well being is not
guaranteed. Elrond is constantly vigilant for
any sign that the Estel has been discovered
and takes no risks when it comes to the
boys safety. Although Sauron doesnt know
of Aragorn IIs location, he does know the
boys name, approximate age and the
potential threat he represents to his dark
plans and will take any opportunity to kill or
capture him.
With this in mind, Sauron instructs one of his
minions, Aigen Shatha, to create a trap to
force the true heir and his protectors to
reveal themselves. Shatha found a young
man of the same approximate age who was
adopted by the Nobwood family of the
Breelands. In the guise of Ifor, a supposed
old family councilor, he appeared and
played on the familys greed and told them
that the orphaned boy, Ainmire, is actually
Aragorn, and the true heir of the throne of
Gondor. He presented family heirlooms,
plenty of money and instructed the boy in his
true legacy. Shatha then sent word to
notable Loremasters from around Middle-
earth that the true king had returned and
would submit his claim for their scrutiny.
Important Narrators Note!
This scenario can be played within the
time restraints of a convention (roughly 3
and hours) or, if time is not important,
it can be played with additional scenes.
Scenes 2, 4, 5, 8 and 9 are optional and
can be skipped for conventions.
Instructions to the Narrator for skipping
the scenes and still giving the players the
pertinent information are given at the end
of scenes 1, 3 and 7.
Act I
Scene 1: Blood at the
Forsaken Inn
The PCs are at The Forsaken Inn and
encounter Berneen of Gondor, who is
wounded but resists any offers of help. She
collapses from her wounds and is assisted
by the PCs.
Give out Player Handout #1: The Forsaken
Inn
You are enjoying the quiet
hospitality of the Forsaken Inns
Common Room, nearly a days ride from
Bree, after having spent more than two
weeks away from the village. The mood
of the Inn is subdued, with the few
visitors engaging in muted conversation.
The door swings open and a middle-aged
woman in a cloak enters. She looks over
your party and the other occupants of the
room, scowls, and then limps to a seat
near the fire.
If the PCs make a successful Routine (TN
10) Observe: Spot test, they can determine
the following:
She rests her hand inside her cloak
on the hilt of a short sword.
She is wounded. Heavy splotches
of blood mark her trail from the door
to the seat.
She wears a necklace with a green
amulet of Elven manufacture (a
successful TN 10 Appraise or
Jewelsmithing test reveals that it is
from Imladris (Rivendell).
If the PCs approach her, she looks at them
warily, like a trapped animal. She will offer
her name, Berneen of Gondor, but any
offers to assist her, or suggestion that she
needs help, is met with hostility and
sarcasm. However, just as she really gets
into a volley of bitterness, her eyes roll back
in her head and she collapses to the floor.
If none of the PCs engage her in
conversation, the innkeeper, a large man
named Tom Ivybush, approaches her and
asks for her order. While she speaks, her
eyes roll back in her head and she collapses
onto the floor. Ivybush calls for help from the
PCs.
Examining the woman reveals that she is
Injured with an arrowhead embedded in her
right arm. However, the wound is worse than
is it should be, appearing swollen and black,
due to the presence of Orc-blade poison (a
Routine (TN 10) Lore: Race (Orc) or Routine
(TN 10) Healing: Treat Wounds test).
Ivybush will ask that the PCs take her to a
room upstairs and dress and treat her
wounds as best they can (a Challenging (15)
Healing: Treat Injuries test).
Upstairs, in a private room, Ivybush brings
all that the PCs require to heal the woman.
She will spend the night tossing and turning
in fever from the wounds before awaking in
the morning. While sleeping, the PCs hear
her mumbling in Sindarin (a Routine (TN 10)
Language: Sindarin test):
The boy is safefor now Appendix), attempts to kill her. Two of the
The claim must be false
The viper is hiding in plain sight
Get back! Get back!
If the PCs examine the womans belongings
(a Simple (TN 5) Search test) they find the
following:
A short sword of Elven manufacture
(no non-magical).
A letter from someone named Ifor to
a Loremaster named Gerrard of
Minas Tirith (Player Handout #2:
Letter to Gerrad of Minas Tirith).
If the PCs examine the womans horse and
gear (a Simple (TN 5) Search test) they find:
A good horse that has recently been
ridden hard over a distance.
A pack containing: several changes
of good clothes, a silver mirror,
brush and comb, and a notebook
written in Sindarin. If the PCs
succeed at a Challenging (TN 15)
Language: Sindarin test, they
determine that the notebook
contains copies of several entries in
various historical texts regarding the
Stewards of Gondor and the return
of the King to the throne of Gondor.
If the PCs go outside of the Inn or look out
the upper floor windows (a Routine (TN 10)
Observe: Spot test) they can barely make
out dark riders on the road watching the Inn.
During the night, the dark riders leave,
heading west toward Bree.
Narrators Note: If the scenario is being
played at a convention, skip the attack by
The Shadows Grasp in Scene 2 and go
directly to Berneen waking (the first dialog of
scene 2).
Scene 2: Shadows in the
night
(Optional Scene)
That night, assassins enter The Forsaken
Inn and attempt to kill Berneen. They flee
when confronted by the PCs.
While Berneen sleeps, the Shadows Grasp,
a group of assassins from Mordor (see
assassins, Bellir and Gurk, scale the outer
wall of The Forsaken Inn and attempt to
enter through the rooms window. (Unless
the PCs specifically lock it, it is unlocked and
easily opened.) Once inside, the assassins
attempt to poison the woman.
Meanwhile, the remaining three members of
the Shadows Grasp, Ishari, Hogeth, and
Markain, wait outside near the window,
ready to flee if there is a problem. The Bellir
and Markain hope to kill Berneen without
witnesses and, if confronted, will fight
defensively until they can flee back out the
window.
Narrators Note: Its important that the
Berneen survives the night to continue
through the rest of the adventure. Make sure
a PC is in the room w/ the woman in the
night by playing up her fears of an attack.
Failing that, an NPC, such as Tom Ivybush,
may hear the assassins climbing the walls
and alert the PCs.
In the morning, the woman
awakes. She is weak, but insists on
preparing to travel. She requests to
speak to you.
From what Ive been told, you
helped me. I thank you for that, but I
havent any money, if that is what youre
looking for.
I must get to Bree as soon as
possible. I have business there that must
be attended to. Since youve deemed
yourselves my personal bodyguards,
then I guess youd better escort me
there.
If the PCs are reluctant to help her, Berneen
will actually ask for assistance, an act that
requires just about all her willpower. If asked
what her business is in Bree, she will say
that she is a Loremaster on her way to an
Assembly to debate a claim to the throne of
Gondor, but that is all. She doesnt know her
attackers (she was set upon by the
assassins a few leagues east of The
Forsaken Inn) but assumes they are simple
bandits. She will say nothing regarding
where she set out from or her relationship
with the Elves.
Berneen insists on dressing and leaving for
Bree as soon as possible. The trip to Bree
from The Forsaken Inn takes most of a day
and is uneventful.
Scene 3: The Would-be
King
The PCs enter Bree, where the
Loremasters are assembling. At the
Prancing Pony, they meet the pretender to
the throne- Ainmire - and his councilor, Ifor,
and are asked by them to escort another
Loremaster, Maolordha of Gondor, to Bree.
The village of Bree is bustling with activity.
Not for many years has so large and austere
a group lodged within its hedgerow walls.
The villagers practically buzz with
excitement, as much over the wealth the
travelers have brought into the village as the
prospect of a return of the King of Gondor,
and a festival atmosphere permeates the air.
Ainmire and his family have taken residence
in the Prancing Pony, as have many of the
assembling Loremasters, and the Inn is now
filled to capacity. Some of the Loremasters
have had to find lodging among the
townsfolk or even camping under the stars.
Even long-time local customers have been
turned away by Rhymen Butterbur for lack of
space, and the other inns in Bree are doing
brisk business as well.
As you enter Bree, you are struck
with the festival atmosphere that has
permeated the village. Colored banners
and bunting hang from windows and on
twine on the streets overhead. Freshly
cut wildflowers decorate doorframes and
fence posts. Images of the White Tree of
Minas Tirith seem to garnish every
available surface. Even the old
gatekeeper at watch on the South Gate
has dusted off a set of chain mail armor
and stands a little taller at his post.
Finding the Loremasters
assembly isnt difficult, as everyone in
the town seems to be buzzing about the
activity at the Prancing Pony. Outside the
venerable old inn, musicians, acrobats
and jugglers entertain a large crowd of
locals and visitors.
The PCs have no difficulty gathering
information about Ainmire and the Nobwood
family, as its just about all the village talks
about. If the PCs ask people in the crowd
about what is going on (a successful Simple
(TN 5) Inquire test) they gather the following
information:
Marginal Success (=TN): The claimant to
the throne is Ainmire Nobwood, the
youngest son of the Nobwood family.
Complete Success (1-5 above TN), 1-2 on
d6: The Nobwood family are successful
farmers who own land about 3 leagues
southeast of Bree. They sell wheat, barely,
and vegetables at the village festivals and
are known to have cattle, sheep and horses.
Complete Success (1-5 above TN), 3-4 on
d6: The Nobwood family came to Bree about
7 days ago, announced the claim on the
throne and the coming assembly of
Loremasters and then went on a spending
spree. They now act like royalty.
Complete Success (1-5 above TN), 5-6 on
d6: Loremasters have been arriving for
several days from many different kingdoms,
some with large entourages. The assembly
has turned into a festival even before it has
begun and drawn people from all over the
region.
Superior Success (6-10 above TN), 1-3 on
d6: Ainmire is an adopted son. He was left
as a baby on the family doorstop about 15
years ago.
Superior Success (6-10 above TN), 4-6 on
d6: The Nobwoods have poor relations with
their neighbors, who have accused them of
breaking fences, redirecting streams and
sheep rustling.
Extraordinary Success (11+ TN): An old
man claiming to know Ainmires true
heritage came to the Nobwood family and
has been counseling them. Much of the
Nobwoods spending money comes from his
purse.
Once at the prancing pony, Berneen enters
the inn without waiting for the PCs.
Give out Player Handout #7: The Prancing
Pony
Inside the Prancing Pony, the Nobwoods
have set up a small court in the packed
Common Room. Movement within the room
is difficult and anyone moving about must
make a Simple (TN 5) Nimbleness check to
avoid stepping on anyones toes (Berneen
doesnt bother, scowling at those who yelp
and calling those that complain clumsy
cows).
The Common Room of the
Prancing Pony is packed with people and
miserably hot, despite all the windows
being open. The tables have been
pushed to the sides of the room and
people jostle to squeeze onto the
remaining benches. In a small clearing of
bodies in the center of the room sits a
tall, thin, blonde boy in a high-backed
wooden chair. He chats easily with a
Loremaster while a gray-bearded elderly
man stands behind him, looking on with
approval. Also behind the chair is a
brooding man with a sword. He watches
your entrance to the room with obvious
distaste.
Berneen forces her way to the
chair and interjects herself into the
conversation, to the shock of everyone.
I am Berneen of Gondor. You
must be the boy-child that wants the
throne, she snaps.
The elderly man steps from
behind the chair and bows slightly.
I am Ifor, councilor to his
highness Aragorn, son of Arathorn, he
says serenely and points to the boy.
Your arrival is welcome, Mistress
Berneen, although unexpected since you
were not invited to this assembly.
The crowd breaks out into
laughter but the boy raises his hand and
it ceases. She is wounded and her
friends are without food and drink. Come
forward and tell us about what has
happened while you enjoy our
hospitality.
The PCs are served bread and bowls of
mutton stew and tankards of ale by Rhymen
Butterbur and his young son, Oatden, and
invited to tell their tale (the Narrator may call
for a Perform: Story test with success being
a round of applause from the crowd). For
once, Berneen lets the PCs talk and doesnt
interrupt them. Narrators Note: she wont
say from where she started her journey, only
that she traveled the East Road.
When the PCs have told their story,
Ainmire/Aragorn quietly consults with
Ifor/Shatha and then the old man address
the PCs.
It would seem that the roads are
not as safe and we had supposed, Ifor
says to you. We are all assembled but
one, Maolordha of Pelargir, who was last
seen on the South Road. He is late, and
now Lord Aragorn grows concerned.
Would you do us the service of traveling
the South Road to find our missing
Loremaster?
Ifor/Shatha will offer no reward for this
service, and will attempt to play on their
honor as heroes. If the PCs resist or fish for
a reward, he offers a fee of 2 Silver Pieces
per person, and takes note of who asked for
money first.
The PCs may notice (a Routine (TN 10)
Observe: Spot test), when Ifor mentions
Maolordhas name, Berneen scowls.
When the PCs agree to search for
Maolordha of Pelagir, Ifor/Shatha gives them
the following advice:
Maolordha is an old man and
moves with an overabundance of
patience. He was last seen slowly making
his way north from the river crossing at
Tharbad on his wagon. Even as his lazy
pace, he should be near Bree, if
something bad hasnt happened to him.
He loves easy living and will not be far
from the road. I suggest you check any
inns or saloons you may happen upon.

When the PCs leave, Berneen acquires
lodging with a local family.
Narrators Note: If the PCs ask a Loremaster
or Ifor about the brooding man with the
sword, they say that he is Markain, Ifors
assistant and protoctor.
Important Narrators Note: If the scenario
is being played at a convention, skip
scenes 4 and 5 entirely. Instead, have the
PCs encounter Maoloradhas wagon just
outside the gates of Bree. The Assembly
of Loremasters will convene the
following day.
Scene 4: Finding
Maolordha
(Optional Scene)
The PCs travel south of Bree and find
Maolordha. They escort him back to Bree.
The PCs will need to leave Bree via the
West Gate, and then travel The North Road
(The Greenway) south. The road is in poor
condition, with few of the original paving
stones remaining and little more than a
pathway to mark the way. Travel is average,
with PCs on foot making 2.25 miles per
hour, while those on horse can travel 2.75
miles per hour.
The PCs will likely encounter people
traveling north to Bree to take in the festival
atmosphere and sell their goods. Some of
them passed Maolordha and can direct the
PCs on, if they pass a Simple (TN 5) Inquire
test.
For each success, roll 1d6:
1-2: A shepherd and his son prod a flock of
sheep toward Bree for slaughter. They
passed an old man and his wagon going
toBree a few days before on the other side
of the pass of Andrath.
3-4: A troupe of actors crossed the
Greyflood at Tharbad more than a week ago
with an old man on a wagon. They left him
behind and they havent seen him since.
5-6: An old woman with a mule-drawn cart
full of vegetables sold a dozen eggs to an
old man in a wagon that morning about 1
days ride south of Bree.
Maolordha is only about 17 miles
(approximately 6 leagues) from Bree, almost
within sight of Bree Hill. He has traveled
through the pass of the haunted Barrow
Downs at Andrath and has foolishly stopped
for a meal. His wagon is a few dozen feet
from the road and the smell of his frying
bacon carries for nearly a mile (A Routine
(TN 10) Observe: Smell test once within
range).
When the PCs encounter Maolordhas
wagon, he is eating a large meal prepared
by his servant and student, a young boy
named Benen. The wagon is brightly
decorated with banners and heralds from
Gondor and Pelargir, including the White
Tree of Minas Tirith.
With the haunted Barrow Downs
to the west and the bandit-populated
South downs to the east, you are
surprised to see a heavily decorated
large wagon to the side of The Greenway.
The smell of cooking bacon fills the air,
and a fire burns brightly nearby. A young
man tends a large pot that hangs over
the fire.
When you approach the boy runs
to the wagon shouting Master! Master!
A stout old man in garish robes stumbles
down the steps, nearly spilling the plate
in his hand.
Who goes there? he shouts.
Maolordha is a pleasant, if eccentric, middle-
aged man and will welcome the PCs to his
camp once they introduce themselves. He is
surprised to learn that he is the last to arrive
and is happy that the PCs have come to
escort him to the Assembly. He is happy to
travel through the night, but absolutely wont
leave until after dinner.
If the PCs mention that Berneen is present
at the assembly, Maolordhas face pales, he
clutches at his chest and groans with
despair, muttering about that Balrog of a
woman. Unlike Berneen, he is more than
happy to share their common history, their
marriage and unpleasant parting (See
Appendix).

Maolordhas wagon is pulled by two horses,
but is heavy and has a movement modifier
or 2.5 miles per hour. Benen takes the
reigns, unless the PCs offer. If they assist
him, he will be very grateful and take a liking
to that PC.
Scene 5: Arrows in the
Dark
(Optional Scene)
Just before the PCs and Maolordha reach
Bree, they come under attack by archers.
Approximately 1 league (3 miles) outside of
Bree, the same assassins that attacked
Berneen attack Maolordhas wagon. The
assassins lie in wait behind a fallen tree
some twenty feet off the road. When the
wagon passes, they rise and fire a volley of
arrows as the driver. After the wagon has
passed, they mount their horses and attempt
to give chase. However, at the first sign of
real resistance, they will break and run.
The attack on the wagon is not intended to
succeed. Ifor/Shatha sent the assassins to
make a half-hearted attack to give cover to
the attack on Berneen. They will not target
Maolordha, but Benen and the PCs are fair
game. If the assassins havent been
discouraged before the gates of Bree, they
will break off their attack there.
Narrators Note: This combat is not intended
to last long or to cause real damage to the
PCs. Remember the assassins penalty for
darkness (-5), moving target (-3), etc.
Upon your return to Bree,
Maolordha travels directly to the
Prancing Pony and is met with open
arms by all except Berneen, who stomps
off. He immediately begins to extol your
bravery and the cowardice of the
bandits between mouthfuls of food and
drink.
When the Maolordha finishes,
you received a round of applause from
the assembly and Ifor addresses the
crowd.
Now that we have gathered, it
behooves us to begin as soon as
possible. Let us gather here in the
morning and we will present evidence of
our claim and hear your arguments. A
feast will be served tomorrow night.
Narrators Note: If the PCs ask, they can
notice that Markain, Ifors assistant and
protector is not to be seen at the Inn.
Act II
Scene 6: The Assembly
The PCs are allowed into the Assembly of
Loremasters to hear Ainmires claim. The
PCs are also allowed to see some of the
family relics.
Narrators Note: While attendance at the
Assembly is not required, if the PCs choose
to go elsewhere (searching after the
assassins, gathering information, on an ill-
timed buying spree, etc.) they must learn of
the events in this scene, particularly of
Maolordha and Berneens fight, from other
sources. This will be easy (a Simple (TN 5)
Inquire test) as it will be the talk of the town
and any of the any of the Loremasters will
speak of it.
In the morning, the Loremasters
gather in the packed Common Room of
the Prancing Pony. Outside, a crowd
swarms around the windows trying to
hear as much as possible.
The center of the room has been
cleared except for a table with several
objects hidden beneath an ornately
woven cloth and guarded by the
brooding man. As before, Ainmire sits in
the high-backed chair near the fireplace.
Ifor stands beside him and the boys
mother and father stand behind him, as
well as the brooding man.
My thanks to you for coming to
this remote village. Ifor says to get the
Loremasters to hush. But, I assure you,
your efforts will be worthwhile.
Many centuries ago, the Kings of
Gondor turned over their duties to the
noble Stewards. Since then, their line has
spun in and out of history, never taking
the mantle of authority back upon
themselves. Until now.
I am Ifor, councilor to the family
of the Kings of Gondor. Nearly fifteen
years ago, Arathorn, the heir to the
throne of Gondor, was slain by Orcs. His
wife, Gilraen, who was deathly ill with the
plague, presented me with their only son,
Aragorn, and bid me care for him.
Knowing the child would never be safe
unless hidden with care, I found a worthy
family near Bree and placed him on their
doorstep. The Nobwood family took the
babe in and raised him as one of their
own.
I observed the Nobwoods from
afar and did what I could to aid them.
Finally, when the child approached his
fifteenth birthday, I told them the of the
boys true destiny.
Now, Ifor says with a sweep of
his hand, I present to you Aragorn II,
King of Gondor!
At this, the boy stands and bows
to the silent assembly.
Ifor takes the cloth from the table,
revealing a silver rod, a golden ring and
fragments of a finely wrought sword.
Behold, the treasures of Heir of
Isuldur! he says as the crowd gasps.
The Sceptre of Annuminas, the Ring of
Barahir and shards of the sword that cut
the Ring from Saurons hand -Narsil!
During Ifor/Shathas speech, those PCs with
the Observe: Sense Power skill or ability
may make a Challenging (TN 15) test to
detect a subtle magic of persuasion is
present. Those PCs who score an
Extraordinary result (11+ above TN) realize
it is not cast as a spell, but is part of a
magical objects ability.
During the discussions of the Assembly, the
PCs may make Insight tests regarding some
of the main NPCs. Apply social modifiers as
needed.
Give out Player Handout #4: Insight Tests
Ifor (a Routine (TN 10) Insight test)
Marginal Success (= TN): Ifor is a powerful
person (Bearing 12).
Complete Success (1-5 above): Ifor has
other agendas beyond Ainmires claim.
Superior Success (6-10 above): Ifor is a
powerful magician.
Extraordinary Success (11+ above): Ifor is a
Corrupt, sadistic killer.
Ainmire (a Simple (TN 5) Insight test)
Marginal Success (= TN): Ainmire is a boy
with a noble spirit (Bearing 10)
Complete Success (1-5 above): He wants
people to believe him but is more concerned
with the truth.
Superior Success (6-10 above): Believes he
is who he claims to be, but still has doubts.
Extraordinary Success (11+ above):
Doesnt trust Ifor.
The Nobwood family (mother & father)(a
Simple (TN 5) Insight test)
Marginal Success (= TN): The family is
base and selfish (Bearing 5).
Complete Success (1-5 above): More
concerned with the claim than Ainmire.
Superior Success (6-10 above): Will do evil
to keep the claim alive.
Extraordinary Success (11+ above):
Frightened of Ifor.
The PCs are encouraged to make Lore:
History (Gondor, Eriador, Gondor Nobility,
etc.) tests regarding the Ring of Barahir, the
Sceptre of Annuminas, and Narsil. The
Narrator may add Affinity bonuses of +1 for
related skills. Although they are not invited
members of the Assembly, their words will
be listened to.
Give out Player Handout #5: Lore Tests
Ring of Barahir (a Simple (TN 5) Lore test)
Marginal Success (= TN): The ring has
been passed down through the descendants
of Isildur.
Complete Success (1-5 above): The ring is
very old, dating from the early First Age.
Superior Success (6-10 above): Given to
Barahir in early First Age for an act of
bravery.
Extraordinary Success (11+ above):
Originally owned by Finrod Felagund and
given to Barahir for saving his life.
Sceptre of Annuminas (a Simple (TN 5)
Lore test)
Marginal Success (= TN): A silver rod held
by the kings of Arthedain and their
descendants.
Complete Success (1-5 above): Held by the
kings of Arnor before the land separated into
3 kingdoms.
Superior Success (6-10 above): Survived
the downfall of the island of Numenor and
came to Middle-Earth after that.
Extraordinary Success (11+): Originally, it
was the symbol of office of the Lords of
Andunie in Numenor of the Second Age.
Shards of Narsil (a Simple (TN 5) Lore test)
Marginal Success (= TN): Narsil is the
sword of Elendil, father of Isildur, and cut the
ring from Saurons hand.
Complete Success (1-5 above): Narsil was
forged in the First Age and was filled with
light. When it was broken, the light ceased.
Superior Success (6-10 above): Narsil was
forged by the Dwarven master weaponsmith
Telchar of Nogrod.
Extraordinary Success (11+): When the true
king returns to the throne of Gondor, the
sword shall be reforged again.
The PCs are encouraged to look at and
appraise the items presented by Ifor.
Appraise: Jewelry, Antiques, Silversmithing,
Goldsmithing tests are appropriate for the
Ring of Barahir and the Sceptre of
Annuminias. Appraise: Weapons, Smithcraft
or Antiques are appropriate for the shards of
Narsil. The Narrator may add Affinity
bonuses of +1 as he/she sees fit.
Give out Player Handout #6: Appraise Tests
Ring of Barahir (a Simple (TN 5) Appraise
test)
Marginal Success (= TN): The ring is of
exquisite Elven workmanship with
Quyenic Runes.
Complete Success (1-5 above): The style of
the ring is from the First Age or early
Second Age.
Superior Success (6-10 above): The stones
in the ring are no longer found in Middle-
earth.
Extraordinary Success (11+): The ring is
from the early Second Age.
Reading the runes requires a Challenging
(TN 15) Language: Quyena test. The runes
state that the ring commemorates the
banishment of Morgoth from the world, an
event that happened long after Barahir was
given the ring.
Sceptre of Annuminas (a Simple (TN 5)
Appraise test)
Marginal Success (= TN): The workmanship
is superior and of the style of Man.
Complete Success (1-5 above): The silver
is extremely pure, a type found only in
Gondor and Numenor.
Superior Success (6-10 above): The
scepters folds and wings have been
wrought using a technique developed only
recently.
Extraordinary Success (11+ above): The
scepter was created recently with the style
copied from works of the Second Age, but
there are flaws.
Shards of Narsil (a Simple (TN 5) Appraise
test)
Marginal Success (= TN): The sword was a
Masterwork.
Complete Success (1-5 above): The
insignia of the Weaponsmith is unclear.
Superior Success (6-10 above): The sword
has signs of Elven craftsmanship.
Extraordinary Success (11+ above): The
sword was created in the Second Age in
Ost-in-Edhil.
Narrators Notes: All of the items presented
to the Assembly are forgeries. However,
they are still very valuable in their own right.
They are always under the silent watchful
eyes of Ifor and Markain.
As the Assembly breaks into smaller groups
to discuss the boys claim and the evidence,
The PCs can talk with various Loremasters
and get a feeling for how they think. There
are two distinct groups forming among the
Loremasters; those who believe the claim,
let by Maolordha, and those who do not, led
by Berneen.
After about 5 hours game time, Berneen and
Maolordha fall into an argument, each
representing their respective side. The
argument starts quietly, but soon the PCs
and everyone else in the room (as well as
those watching from the windows) hear it:
Berneen: Are you mad as well as stupid?
Cant you see that the boy doesnt match
the prophecies? Where are the signs of
his royalty? Where are the Kings
healing hands?
Maolordha: Theyre right here! The ring
and scepter are genuine and the healing
hands of the prophecy are metaphors for
the healing of Gondor. If you werent
such a stubborn cow, youd see that!
Berneen: Stubborn cow?! Why, you
ignorant, fat Warg, Ill show you
stubborn!
Berneen launches herself at
Maolordha, knocking him to the ground.
She begins raining blows on his face and
head, screaming like a Wight as she does
so.
Help me! howls Maolordha.
Shes trying to kill me! Someone get
her off me!
If the PCs dont move to separate Berneen
and Maolordha, Ifor will instruct Coridian to
do it. Berneen fights anyone who gets in her
way, but stops once they are separated.
Berneen angrily leaves the Assembly.
Maolordha collapses to a bench and begins
drinking. Aside from a few scratches and
bruises, he is unharmed, except for his
pride.
Ifor/Shatha steps forward after the fray and
suggests that the Assembly adjourn for the
day. He also announces that there will be a
feast that night at the Prancing Pony.
Narrators Note: The chain holding
Berneens green Elven pendent broke
during the fight and Ifor/Shatha retrieved it.
A PC may notice this action during the fight
if they make a successful Difficult (TN 20)
Observe: Spot roll. If the PC confronts
Ifor/Shatha about the pendent, the old man
simply states that he is holding onto it for
safe keeping until he can return it to her. In
the next scene, Ifor does not place the
pendant on Maolordhas body.
Scene 7: Feast & Fire
The PCs attend a feast that night at the
Prancing Pony. At the feast, Berneen slips
out to meet with the Elves and Rangers and
Maolordha is killed by an assassin, who sets
fire to his wagon. The PCs stop the fire and
retrieve Maolordhas body, only to find that
he was stabbed and Berneens amulet is in
the folds of his clothing.
The feast that night is one to
remember. Loremasters tell stories of
ancient days while minstrels compete for
attention, and tips. Rymen Butterbur and
his assistants are a blur of activity,
serving tankards of beer and ale, glasses
of wine and bottle after bottle of other
liquors. Aine Sandheaver is equally busy
in the kitchen, producing platters piled
high with meats, breads and pastries.
Nearly every room of the Prancing Pony
is filled with Loremasters, their
assistants and members of Brees high
society.
Roleplaying opportunities
A PC is engaged in a conversation
with a leading Loremaster about a
subject they have the highest skill
level in.
Minstrels may attempt to entertain
the crowd and receive applause and
tips for success.
PCs are flirted with by the attractive
daughter/son of one of Brees
wealthier families.
The collection of Loremasters from around
Middle-earth makes an excellent opportunity
to pick up rumors about the world outside
the Breelands.
Corsairs are plundering villages on
the Bay of Belfalas. Prince Adrahil
of Dol Amroth is preparing a fleet to
pursue them.
The King of Rohan is squabbling
with his lords and dukes again. He
is attempting to tax them so as to
hoard gold and footstuffs. Its been a
good harvest, so the burdened is
 lessened, but there are rumors of
rebellion among the nobility.
Ork raids on Ithilien have become
worse than ever before. Refugees
clog the streets and byways of
Pelargir.
A plague has struck the nearby
village of Bafsted. No one has heard
from the hamlet for some time.
Berneen, Maolordha and Ifor are at the
feast, moving from room to room eating,
drinking, and speaking with the other guests.
If the PCs attempt to Observe or Sneak
(Shadow) anyone at the party, it is difficult.
The rooms and hallways are packed and
someone is always looking to engage the
PCs in conversation about their rescue of
Maolordha. Any attempt to stealthily
Observe or follow someone at the party
requires a Difficult (TN 20) Stealth: Surveil
test. If Ifor believes the PCs are observing or
following him, he sets them up by getting the
crowd to beg for another retelling of their
rescue of Maolordha, and then slips away
unnoticed.
If the PCs successfully shadow Ifor, they
see his speak for a moment to the brooding
man the PCs saw before. Ifor gives the man
a small object (impossible to see what) and
he returns to the party while the man leaves
the Prancing Pony. Attempts to follow the
man require a Difficult (TN 20) Observe:
Spot or Track test.
When the party reaches its fever pitch,
approximately 10:00 pm, Berneen quietly
leaves. Once outside the inn, she rides her
horse out of Brees South Gate at a gallop.
Any attempt to follow her requires a Difficult
(TN 20) Stealth test. Anyone successful
enough to follow her will see that she goes
to the ruined house to the east of Bree, and
then she disappears.
Shortly after Berneen leaves, Maolordha
slips out the door (a Difficult (TN 20)
Observe: Spot test to see this happen).
Maolordha enters his wagon and shuts the
door. A few minutes later, a shadowy figure,
the same one Ifor spoke to earlier, emerges
alone and slips out of the Inn-yard. Minutes
after that, Maolordhas wagon begins to burn
fiercely from the inside.
About this time, the PCs may notice the
smell of smoke (different that the hearth and
pipeweed smoke, a Challenging (TN 15)
Observe: Smell test). A few minutes of
game-time later, the PCs may make another
test, this time at a Routine (TN 10) level. If
the PCs are so inept that they cannot make
that test, Rymen Butterburr sees the flames
from the kitchen and yells Fire!
Suddenly aware of the fire, the
crowd erupts in screams of alarm.
Furniture is overturned, dishes shatter,
and you are swept up in a tide of people
racing for the exits.
It is assumed the PCs are pushed outside
the inn by the crowd. However, if they
choose to resist and stay in the inn, they
may attempt to do so with a successful
Challenging (TN 15) Strength check. If they
fail or allow themselves to be swept up
along by the crowd, they find themselves in
the Prancing Ponys Inn-yard.
Outside, you see Maolordhas
wagon burning in the Inn-yard. Yellow
and red flames leap from the roof and
windows and brilliant embers float
skyward like fireflies, some lodging on
the roof of the Prancing Pony, creating
new blazes.
Somebody grab the buckets!
Weve got to put this fire out before the
whole building burns down around us!
yells Rymen Butterbur as the crowd
surges out into the night.
If a PC opens the door to the burning
wagon, flames spill out and a wave of heat
temporarily forces them back. A successful
Routine (TN 10) Observe: Spot test lets
them see Maolordhas motionless form
laying on the floor of the wagon. Any attempt
by the PCs to enter or reach into
Maolordhas wagon will expose them to the
searing flames, and the PCs will take 2d6+4
points of damage per round. Also they must
make a TN 10 Swiftness check to avoid
catching fire. Pulling Maolordha to safety
from the wagon requires a Strength check
(TN 10).
Despite the PCs heroism, Maolordha is
dead, although not from the fire. His singed
body has a large bloody stab wound to the
chest, no doubt caused by a dagger or a
long knife. A successful Routine (TN 10)
Search test of reveals Berneens jade
amulet on a broken chain lodged in the folds
of Maolordhas vest.
The PCs can also assist in putting out the
fire. A bucket brigade is formed and soon
water is being passed from the pump to any
willing PCs. A Nimbleness check (TN 5) is
required to successfully splash water on the
fire where it will do the most good. Eight
successes are required to douse the flames
on the wagon.
However, small fires are growing on the roof
of the 3-story Prancing Pony. A PC can
climb up to the roof from the courtyard (a
Routine (TN 10) Climb roll) or, since the inn
is built into the side of Bree hill, a PC can
run around the outside of the inn and climb
the hill to the roof (a Simple (TN 5) Climb
roll). Only three successes are required to
put out the fire on the Prancing Pony.
When the fire has been contained and news
of Maolordhas death has circulated among
the crowd, Ifor asks where Berneen is. Soon
the crowd is murmuring about their previous
fight. Ifor instructs the crowd to look for
Berneen and take her prisoner so she can
be questioned regarding Maolordhas
murder. The crowd breaks up to search the
village for Berneen.
Narrators Note: If the scenario is being
played at a convention, skip scenes 8 and 9
entirely. Instead, Berneen is found by the
mob and she is tossed into jail without the
PCs being able to speak to her. The PCs will
likely want to talk to her and wont need
Ainmires intervention to spur them to do so.
Important Narrators Note: If the scenario
is being played at a convention, skip
scenes 8 and 9 entirely and go to scene
10. Instead, have Berneen found by a
mob shortly after the fire. She is
immediately clapped in irons and tossed
in Brees jail.
Scene 8: Finding
Berneen
(Optional Scene)
The PCs search Bree and the surrounding
areas for Berneen. She reappears and is
captured by a mob.
Berneen has been meeting with the Elves
outside of Bree to inform them of the days
events and returns to the village an hour
after the fire via the West Gate (she circled
around the village). Unless the PCs intercept
her, she is met by an angry mob and taken
prisoner. One member of the mob, the
brooding man in the employ of Ifor,
questions her about where she has been.
When she refuses to answer, he begins to
beat her, unless a PC stops him, until she is
Injured.
After the beating, the mob marches Berneen
to The Prancing Pony to be questioned by
Ifor/Shatha and the Captain of the village
guard, Toffer Longvine.
Narrators Note: This is an excellent
opportunity for the players to roleplay and
the Narrator should encourage them to
question (Inquire) Berneen. If the PCs begin
to ask questions of Berneen, Ifor will let
them, interrupting only if they miss an
important point. If the PCs fail to question
her, Ifor will. Additional Ifor accuses her of
Maolordhas murder and setting the fire.
If asked about the murder and fire by the
PCs or Ifor, Berneen is genuinely shocked
and saddened to hear that Maolordha is
dead and she denies killing him or setting
the fire, but she adamantly refuses to say
where she was at the time.

If presented with the amulet recovered from
Maolordhas body, Berneen is surprised
again. Her hand reaches to her neck and
she realizes that the amulet is in fact
missing. She can offer no explanation of
how she lost the amulet or how it wound up
on Maolordhas body.
After all the questioning, Berneen will insist
that she is innocent, to the hoots and
catcalls of the crowd.
The Captain of the village guard
arrests Berneen and has her placed in
irons in the village jail. As she is hauled
off, Ifor addresses the crowd.
My friends, a tragedy has
befallen us this night, Ifor says with
teary eyes. A great mind has been
snuffed out before he could voice his
belief in my young friends claim to the
throne. We will postpone meeting
tomorrow morning so that we may bury
our friend with the appropriate honors.
The Assembly will gather in the evening
after our dear departed friend Maolordha
is laid to rest.
A successful Challenging (TN 15) Insight
test reveals that Ifor is delighted with the
evenings events.
No other major events occur that night after
the arrest.
Other investigations -
If the PCs ask if anyone was in the stables
that night, they learn that Rymens 7-year-
old son, Oatden Butterbur (see Appendix for
stats) was serving as stableboy. He is afraid
the killer may do something bad to him or
his father or Aine Sandheaver if he speaks
and must be persuaded by the PCs (a
Challenging (TN 15) Persuade test) that
they will be safe. If the PCs are successful,
he relates the following:
I was in the stable looking after
the horses when I heard someone leave
the inn, climb the wagons stairs, and
shut the door. Someone later climbed out
of the wagon and left the Inn-yard. A little
bit after that, the wagon started on fire.
If the PCs think to ask the gatekeepers, they
learn that Berneen left via that South Gate,
but the gatekeeper doesnt remember the
time with enough clarity to exonerate her.
Scene 9: Funerals and
Confidences
(Optional Scene)
After Maolordhas funeral, the PCs meet
with a disguised Ainmire, who asks them to
assist Berneen, despite her own reluctance
to help.
The next morning, a funeral is
held for Maolordha, with most of the
village turning out. Despite the somber
occasion, the funeral still has some of
the festival-like atmosphere that has
permeated the village. Maolordhas
flower-decorated wooden coffin is
carried on a cart by a white horse to the
cemetery, with a crowd in the hundreds
following behind. At the gravesite,
friends and associates of Maolordha
offer a glowing eulogy of the
Loremasters life and the bitterness of
his untimely death. More than a few
curse Berneen as his murderer and
demand that justice be done, much to the
approval of the crowd.
After Maolordha is finally interred
at noon, Ifor announces that the
Assembly of Loremasters will reconvene
at sunset to take up the matter of
Ainmires claim.
As the PCs leave the funeral, Benen,
Maolordhas assistant and student, tugs on
the sleeve of one of the PCs (the most
friendly of the party) and gives him/her a
folded note.
Give out Player Handout #8: The Note
If the PCs ask who gave it to him, Benen
points to Ainmire.
The village jail is a small structure set mostly
into Bree hill. A square front with thick stone
and mortar walls capped with a solid timber
roof protrudes from the hill. A stout oak door
with a heavy metal lock is the only entrance
or exit. Small windows in the wall and door
let in a little light and fresh air, but it is
obvious that the jail possesses few creature
comforts. Outside the jail, on a wooden
chair, sits one of the village guard, snoozing
in the sun.
When you reach the jail, no one
that appears to be waiting for you.
However, after a minute, a small person
in a cloak waves to you from an alley
nearby. When you reach the alley, the
person pulls back the hood and reveals
himself as Ainmire.
Thank you for coming, he says.
I was afraid you wouldnt, then I
wouldnt know who to turn to.
You seem to be the only people
willing to give Loremistress Berneen the
benefit of the doubt. Whatever you think
of me, I want the right thing to be done.
She wont say where she was last night
and everybody thinks that means shes
guilty. Everyone else in Bree would be
happy to see her hang, and its going to
happen unless she tells somebody where
she was.
Ifor doesnt want me to get
involved, but I feel like I have to, or
something bad is going to happen. Will
you to talk to Berneen and see if you can
get her to say where she was?
Once hes made his request of the PCs,
Ainmire gathers his cloak and returns to The
Prancing Pony.
Scene 10: A Caged
Berneen, Part 1
The PCs speak with Berneen to get her to
speak in her own defense, but instead
receive a quest to retrieve proof that
Ainmires claim is false.
Getting access to the jail isnt difficult. All the
PCs need to do is ask the village guard to
allow them in. He will gladly do so if asked
politely. However, he will insist that all
weapons be left outside with him. If the PCs
bring any packages, he will inspect them
before allowing them in.
Give out Player Handout #9: Bree Jail
Brees jail is a single dark room
with straw covering a dirt floor. Berneen
sits dejectedly on a small three-legged
stool, wrapped in a blanket due to the
cells unusual coolness. Heavy iron
manacles are locked about her wrists
and ankles. Berneens face is bruised
and swollen.
Despite her unpleasant surroundings,
Berneen remains headstrong and defiant.
She still refuses to tell where she was at the
time of the murder, but can be persuaded to
listen to reason (a Challenging (TN 15)
Persuade test). If properly swayed, Berneen
will give the following instructions to the
PCs.
I dont know who killed
Maolordha, but I know that its tied to the
boy-childs claim on the throne. Thats a
greater threat to the future and all that we
hold dear than you know. If you help me
prove the claim false, my innocence will
become clear.
Go out the South Gate to the
East Road and travel for two leagues to
the ruins of a house with a well. At the
ruins, turn south for a mile until you
come to a grove of trees. In the center of
the grove lies a clearing that is known to
some who travel these lands. When you
reach it, sing the Lay of Luthien and you
will be met by those with whom I was
speaking at the time of the murder. Tell
them that I sent you and that I need the
proof that they hold. Be warned, they will
know if you speak the truth or if you lie.
Go swiftly, and tell no one where
your errand takes you or with whom you
meet. Take what they give you and return
quickly, letting no one stop you.
Any further attempts to get information from
Berneen will not succeed. She insists that if
the PCs wish to aid her, they should meet
with her friends and bring the proof back to
her as quickly as possible.
If the PCs do not know the Lay of Luthien,
Berneen will teach them the first few lines,
knowing that they wont need to know the
full song before her friends contact them.

Act III
Scene 11: Watchers in
the Woods
The PCs travel to a grove of trees and find a
group of Elves and Rangers. After
persuading them that they are friends of
Berneen, the Elves and Rangers give the
PCs a magically sealed iron box.
The PCs can easily follow Berneens
instructions. Leaving the village wont even
raise the eyebrows of the old gatekeeper at
the southern gate. From there, the PCs will
travel the 2 leagues (6 miles) without
incident to the stone ruins of a manor house
with a crumbling well near the road. A
successful Routine (TN 10) Observe: Spot
or Track test allows the PCs to find a little-
used trail leading south from the well. A
successful Difficult (TN 20) Track test
reveals the presence of a womans shoe
print laid down within a day or two (it is
Berneens), but no other tracks.
The trail leads the PCs away from the East
Road through fields and orchards that have
been abandoned for decades. Nature has
reclaimed much of the land and only the
occasional deteriorating stone wall or falling-
down shack belie the hand of Man. The trail
is considered Rough Ground, and the low-
hanging branches of the orchards make
traveling on horseback dangerous (a
Challenging (TN 15) Ride test vs. being
knocked out of the saddle).
It is while the PCs pass through the
overgrown orchards and fields that they
come under the observation of a Ranger
(see Appendix). The Ranger will stealthily
follow the PCs at a distance until they enter
the grove.
Emerging from the orchard, the PCs can
make out a grove of Ash and Alder trees
about 200 yards away, on the other side of a
field. No movement can be seen within it,
but the trees are so closely clustered
together that the space is very dark. The trail
leads directly to the grove.
Read the following upon entering the grove:
As you approach the grove, you
see that the Alder and Ash trees have
form a tight network of branches and tree
trunks that make movement off the trail
very difficult. The undergrowth is thick
and full of thorns and vines. The grove is
very quiet, with only the buzzing of
insects and the occasional birdcall to
break the silence.
The trail meanders and turns
several times before you find yourself at
the edge of a large clearing. Waist-high
grasses and sunflowers grow in the
circular area that easily measures 100
feet across. In the center, on raised
square stone platform, stand the broken
remains of four statues, one at each
corner.
Give out Player Handout #10: The Grove
There are six people, three Rangers and
three Elves of Rivendell, hiding in or near
the clearing at the time the PCs enter, but
only very talented PCs will be able to spot
them (a Difficult (TN 20) Observe: Spot test).
A Ranger hides near the trails entrance to
the clearing, while the others lay in the grass
near the stone platform. All have their bows
drawn and the PCs walk under their watchful
eyes.
The Elves and Rangers will not reveal
themselves unless the PCs make an active
effort to find them, or if the PCs begin to sing
the Lay of Luthien. If the PCs search the
area before singing, the Rangers and Elves
will assume they are enemies and take them
prisoner. If the PCs sing the Lay of Luthien,
a Ranger and the two sons of Elrond,
Elladen and Elrohir, rise from the grass, their
weapons still trained on the PCs. Elladen
will demand to know who the PCs are and
how they came to know the password. The
PCs must make a convincing case for their
association with Berneen (a Challenging (TN
15) Persuade test), or the Rangers and
Elves will take them prisoner, holding them
until it is too late.
If the PCs manage to persuade the Ranger
and the two sons of Elrond that they are
legitimate friends of Berneen, and that she
requires the proof they have, the Ranger
will retrieve a metal box from his pack.
The Ranger retrieves a metal box
from his pack. It is about 18 inches long
by 12 inches wide and by 6 inches deep.
It has no decorations and only a simple
lock on its side. He gives it to you with a
warning.
I will not say what this holds, but
Berneen alone can open it and you must
take it to her without delay. Guard it with
your life, for it holds a great treasure.
And know this, if this is lost while in your
care, there is no stronghold, no secret
chamber, no safe haven that will hide you
from the wrath of the Dunedain and all
Elves.
After the box is handed over to the PCs, the
Rangers and the Elves will escort them out
of the grove, and then they will melt back
into the trees. Once the PCs are back on the
road, the Rangers and Elves follow them
from a distance, making sure they arrive
safely and keeping an eye on their package.
Scene 12: A Caged
Berneen, Part 2
When the PCs return, they find the
assassins attempting to kill Berneen in jail.
Once the PCs have received the box from
the Elves and Rangers, they will need to
return as quickly as possible to Berneen in
Bree. Entering the village is no problem,
requiring only that the old guard at the gate
recognize them.
When you reach the jail, you find
a village guard asleep in the chair
outside the door. The door is unlocked
and slightly ajar. A slim beam of
flickering torchlight glows through the
narrow open door. Course laughter and
foul language can be heard over muffled
cries inside.
Attempts to wake the guard are
unsuccessful, as a Slumber spell has been
cast over him. His keys are gone from his
belt (taken by the assassins inside the jail).
If the PCs peer into the jail through the
narrow open door or through the small
windows, they see the following:
Inside the jail, two cloaked men
and a Eastern woman lift a struggling
Berneen onto the three-legged stool that
stands in the center of her cell, while two
men more holding torches look on. Her
blanket has been attached to a ceiling
timber and the other end tied in a crude
noose. They slip her head though the
noose and the woman says, Im going to
enjoy watching you dance before you
die!
Markain has sent Asheri and Hogeth, along
with three of their goons (include Belir and
Gurn if they survived Scene 2), to the jail to
murder Berneen in a way that will appear as
a suicide.
The PCs will no doubt want to charge in and
save Berneen, if they havent already. The
servants of Sauron will turn and fight as
soon as they enter, but Asheri will take an
action to kick the stool out from under
Berneen. She drops, her toes inches from
the floor, and begins kicking in the air and
clawing at the blanket. Berneen takes 1d6
choking damage per round until she is no
longer hanging by the noose.
Another threat to the PCs occurs during
combat. Two of the goons hold torches and
if they are wounded or killed, they drop the
torches. The dry straw on the floor ignites
immediately and the jail begins to burn. It
takes 2 rounds before the flames begin to
spread across the floor and walls of the cell.
rd th
At the beginning of the 3 round and the 4
round, the PCs take 1d6+3 damage and
must make a TN 5 Swiftness test to avoid
th
catching on fire. At the beginning of the 5
th
and 6 round, the PCs take 2d6+4 damage
and must make a TN 10 Swiftness test to
avoid catching on fire. At the beginning of
th
the 7 round, and all following rounds, the
PCs take 3d6+6 damage and must make a
TN 15 Swiftness test to avoid catching on
fire.
When three of the five assassins of the
Shadows Grasp are dead or Wounded, they
will break and attempt to flee to The
Prancing Pony.

Once the combat is over and Berneen is
rescued, she will insist they immediately go
to the Assembly, not even taking any time
for rest or healing.
Narrators Note: Its possible that Berneen
dies in this scene. If she does, let her live
long enough to tell the PCs the magical
word that will open the iron box (Athelas).
All events after this scene should be read as
if the PCs, and not Berneen say them.
Scene 13: The Assembly
Votes
The PCs intervene in the Assemblys final
voting and Berneen presents the true Narsil,
proving Ainmire and Ifors claim is false. Ifor
becomes enraged and reveals himself as a
vile sorcerer and attempts to kill the PCs
and Berneen and take the shards of Narsil.
The PCs find the Assembly is in the process
of holding the final vote on Ainmires claim.
When the PCs enter with Berneen, the
Assembly dissolves into a general uproar.
The PCs must persuade the Assembly to
listen to Berneens final comments and view
her evidence. As the Assembly believes her
to be a murderer and less than trustworthy,
their argument must be effective or they will
not listen. Ifor resists their attempts to
persuade the Loremasters.
This opposed Persuasion test requires that
the PCs roll their collective Persuasion tests
vs Ifors enhanced Persuasion test. If Ifor is
successful, the PCs may have to resort to
force to get the Loremasters to listen.
When Berneen is allowed to address the
Assembly, read the following.
With your help, Berneen limps to
the front of the group. She states that
Ainmire and Ifors claim is false and that
the supposed Shards of Narsil Ifor
presented are fakes. She opens the iron
box with a magic password, and retrieves
from it the hilt of a broken sword. The
sword is of exquisite workmanship and
the stamp of Telchar of Nogrod is plainly
visible. Gasps and cries of dismay erupt
from the Assembly.
This is the sword that cut the
ring from Saurons hand; this is the true
Narsil! she declares. With these words,
the Assembly falls into chaos, with
Loremasters shouting at each other.
Anyone who makes a successful Simple (TN
5) Appraise: Weapons, Smithcraft or
Antiques test realizes that the fragments that
Berneen presents are the true shards of
Narsil because:
On the hilt is the insignia of Telchar.
If the insignia is placed in the
moonlight, Telchars full name
appears in Moonletters.
The sword itself has been crafted
with methods known in the First Age
and now lost to time.
Once the Assembly sees the sword and is
convinced, the Loremasters repudiate Ifor
and Ainmires claim with one voice.
Narrators Note: The PCs will probably want
to relate how Berneen was attacked by the
assassins and may have taken one or more
of the Shadows Grasp captive (who admit
everything). If presented with evidence such
as this, the Assembly will also call for Ifors
arrest.
After seeing the true shards of
Narsil and hearing your words, the
Assembly proclaims in one voice that Ifor
and Ainmires claim is a fraud. Ainmires
mother and father are crushed, but
Ainmire takes the news in stride, meekly
moving from the high-backed chair to
stand by his adopted parents.
Ifor, however, does not take the
rejection so easily. His appearance
darkens, his skin draws closer to his
bones, and his eyes fill with fiery hatred.
His shadow grows until it seems to fill
the Common Room, dimming candles
and causing the Prancing Pony to groan
like a ship in a storm.
You have meddled in the affairs
of magicians and shadows enough! he
bellows. Now you shall pay!
Ifor/Shatha reveals himself as an evil
sorcerer of significant power. His speech
and the associated events (Middle-earths
subtle magic) are frightening and the PCs
must resist Ifors attempt to Intimidate them.
(The PCs Willpower vs. a roll of Ifors
Intimidation: Fear skill, as compared on the
Fear chart, page 233.)
The Loremasters Assembly breaks up into a
chaotic scramble for the door, leaving no
one to get between the PCs and Ifor/Shatha,
Markain. While the Loremasters exit, the
surviving assassins (if any) and goons enter
behind the PCs.
Ifor/Shatha launches a no-holds-barred
attack against the PCs and Berneen, using
both his sorcery and his weapons, aided by
Markain and any of the surviving rogues and
assassins. Ifor/Shatha intends to kill the PCs
and Berneen and take the shards of Narsil
for himself. He knows that he had failed his
master Sauron and that the punishment will
likely be worse than death and hopes that
retrieving the shards are enough to save his
oily skin, so he will pull out all the stops. If it
becomes apparent Ifor/Shatha will be
captured rather than killed, he will fall upon
his own blade rather than submit to the PCs.
If Ifor/Shatha is too much for the PCs to
handle, the Narrator can assist them with
some unexpected allies. Ainmire and his
mute half-brother Coridan can join the PCs if
they can be roused out of their Fear. Also,
the Rangers and Elves who followed the
PCs from the grove can join in the fray, firing
arrows from the windows.
Scene 14: Resolutions
and New Beginnings
Berneen is released and leaves for
Rivendell, taking the shards of Narsil with
her. Ainmire leaves to go to Gondor to aid in
the defense of that realm. The PCs receive
their rewards.
When Ifor is slain or subdued, the
Loremasters return to the Prancing Pony
and proclaim the (surviving) PCs heroes.
Ainmires claim is, or course, completely
refuted and Berneen is released with half-
hearted apologies from the Loremasters.
Berneen will spend a few days in Bree,
recovering from her injuries (assuming she
survived), before she leaves for Rivendell,
accompanied by the Rangers and the Elves.
She awkwardly thanks the PCs for their
efforts on her behalf and rewards them by
giving them her green Elven pendant (worth
25 Silver Pieces).
Ainmire (assuming he survives) decides to
set out for Gondor where he will serve by
enlisting in the army. He gathers his few
meager possessions and leaves before
dawn the day following the conflict with
Shatha. Ainmires mother and father return
immediately to their farm and rarely venture
to Bree again.
If the PCs search Ifor/Shathas room at The
Prancing Pony, they find a bag of 183 Silver
Pieces. However, Rhymen Butterbur and
others in Bree had been promised payment
for services rendered, reducing the total to
67 SPs. If the PCs wish to avoid payment to
the various merchants of Bree, they can, but
they will never again be able to make any
purchases in Bree.
The fraudulent Ring of Barahir, Sceptre of
Annuminias, and the shards of Narsil are up
for grab at the end of the altercation with
Shatha.
The Ring is worth 350 SPs
The Sceptre is worth 280 SPs.
The fraudulent shards of Narsil are
essentially valueless, but can be
reforged by an Elven Smith into a
Masterwork sword.
Renown Rewards
If the PCs defeat Ifor at The
Prancing Pony, award 2 points of
Renown.
If the PCs successfully persuade the
Assembly that Ainmires claim is
fraudulent, award 1 point of
Renown.
If the PCs defeat The Shadows
Grasp, award 1 point of Renown.
Experience Point Rewards
If the PCs successfully defeated
Shatha and Ainmires claim to the
 throne of Gondor, award them 200
points.
If Berneen survived the adventure,
award the PCs 100 points.
If the PCs defeated the Shadows
Grasp, award them 20 points per
assassin captured or killed.
Appendix
NPCs
Berneen of Gondor,
Dunedain Loremistress
Attributes: Bearing 12 (+3), Nimbleness 5
(+0), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 4 (+0),
Vitality 9 (+1), Wits 12 (+3)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +1,
Willpower +5, Wisdom +3
Health: 9
Defence: 10
Renown: 20
Edge: Elf-Friend, Incorruptible, Indomitable,
Stern, Wise
Flaw: Arrogant, Dark Secret, Proud, Stiff-
Necked
Order Abilities: Ancient Scripts, Expertise
(Gondor Nobility), Secretive, Spell-Casting
(2)
Skills: Appraise: Antiques +4, Armed
Combat: Blades +3, Climb +1, Debate
(Negotiate) +6, Inquire (Converse) +6,
Insight +6, Intimidate (Majesty) +3,
Language: Westron +6, Lanuage: Sindarin,
Quenya +8, Language: Black Speech +3,
Lore: History (Gondor, Eriador) +8, Lore:
Group (Gondorian Nobility) +8*, Lore:
Realms (Gondor, Rivendell) +6, Lore: Race
(Dunedain, Elves (Noldor)) +3, Observe
(Spot) +3, Perform (Story-telling) +3,
Persuade (Charm) +3, Ranged Combat:
Bow +1, Ride (Horse) +3, Run +1
Spells: Opening Spell, Scribe Moon-letters,
Sense Power, Shutting Spell
Gear: Short sword, cloak, silver brush, comb
& mirror
Berneen of Gondor is a fiery-tongued, quick-
tempered middle-aged woman with dark hair
and coal-colored eyes. Her face is travel-
worn and she seems to wear a constant
frown. She has an agile mind and values the
truth above all else.
Berneen is originally from Minas Tirith, and
was a member of that citys prestigious
Loremasters Guild. However, her her sharp
words won her few friends and when she
was found breaking into the locked Library
of the Loremasters to read ancient and
secret texts, she was expelled from the guild
and the city. Her shame has never left her
and burns like a brand in her heart.
Berneen is an Elf-friend and any PC who
has spent time at Rivendell may have run
into her in Elronds library, where she now
spends almost all of her time. The green
pendant that she constantly wears is a gift of
Elrond.
Berneen had a short-lived marriage to fellow
Loremaster Maolordha of Pelargir. The
marriage could not withstand the
combination of Berneens independent spirit
and wicked wit and Maolordhas pomposity
and it dissolved unpleasantly. The capstone
to the affair occurred when Maolordha voted
with his fellow Loremasters to expel
Berneen for her trespass in the Library.
Maolordha of Pelargir, Dunedain
Loremaster
Attributes: Bearing 10 (+2), Nimbleness 5
(+0), Perception 10 (+2), Strength 8 (+1),
Vitality 9 (+1), Wits 10 (+2)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +2,
Willpower +4, Wisdom +2
Health: 10
Defence: 11
Renown: 20
Edge: Ally, Eloquent, Friends, Rank (Senior
Loremaster of Pelargir)
Flaw: Grasping, Stiff-Necked, Weak-willed
Order Abilities: Ancient Scripts
Skills: Appraise: Antiques +3, Climb +1,
Craft: Cooking +4, Craft: Brewing +6,
Debate (Negotiate) +3, Inquire (Converse)
+6, Insight +3, Language: Westron +6,
Lanuage: Sindarin, Quenya +8, Lore:
History (Gondor, Eriador) +8, Lore: Group
(Gondorian Nobility) +6, Lore: Realms
(Gondor, Eriador) +6, Lore: Race
(Dunedain, Elves (Noldor)) +3, Observe
(Spot) +4, Perform (Story-telling) +6,
Persuade (Charm) +8, , Ride (Horse) +3,
Run +1, Teamster (Wagon) +3
Maolordha of Pelargir is a portly middle-
aged man fond of food, drink, brightly
colored robes, jewelry and impressive titles.
A pleasant man to be around, Maolordha is
a lesser Loremaster than Berneen, but has
far more connections and friends than his
ex-wife. His status as Senior Loremaster of
Pelargir is entirely honorary but that doesnt
stop him from telling everyone he meets
who he is.

Maolordhas memories of Berneen are a mix
of fondness, fear and contempt. He truly
cared for her in the beginning of their
relationship but found her too terrible to bear
toward the end. When she was found
trespassing in the Library of Gondor, he
allowed himself to be pressured by other
members of the Loremasters Guild to vote
her expulsion.
Ifor/Aigan Shatha, Dark Apprentice of
Witch King of Angmar, Easterling
Attributes: Bearing 12 (+3), Nimbleness 8
(+1), Perception 10 (+2), Strength 6 (+0),
Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 10 (+2)
Reactions: Stamina +5, Swiftness +2,
Willpower +3, Wisdom +3
Initiative: +2
Defence: 10
Courage: 4
Order Abilities: Spellcasting (5), Sense
Power, Spell Specialty: Sorcery
Edges: Rank (Apprentice)
Flaw: Fealty (Sauron), Duty (Sauron)
Skills: Armed Combat: Sword +6, Debate
+3, Intimidate (Fear) +6, Language:
Easterling +6, Language: Westron +6,
Language: Orc (Mordor) +4, Lore: Realm
(Mordor, Angmar) +6, Lore: Magic +6,
Observe +4, Persuade +2, Ranged Combat:
Bow +3, Run +1, Survival: Plains +1
Spells: Animal Messenger, Beast Speech,
Blade Shattering*, Blast of Sorcery*,
Enslave Beast*, Evoke Fear*, Mastery of
Shapes, Opening-Spell, Ruin*, Shadow of
Fear*, Shatter, Spell Binding, Wizards
Guise, Wizards Hand
* Sorcery Spells (+2)
Gear: Scimitar (2d6+4 damage, +1 parry),
Shortbow (2d6+2 damage + Orc Poison
[Core Book, page 246], 5/25/50/100+25),
Scale mail (Damage Absorbed 4),
enshrouding robes, horse
Ainmire Nobwood, Pretender to the
Throne of Gondor
Attributes: Bearing 10 (+2), Nimbleness 8
(+1), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 6 (+0),
Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 8 (+1)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +1,
Willpower +4, Wisdom +2
Health: 8
Defence: 10
Initiative: 1d6+1
Edges: Friends
Order Abilities: None
Advancements: None
Skills: Acrobatics (Tumble) +1, Climb +2,
Craft: Farming +2, Craft: Shepherd +2,
Debate +1, Games +2, Insight +1,
Language: Westron +4, Lore: Realm
(Breelands) +2, Lore: History (Breelands)
+1, Lore: Local Gossip +2, Lore: Eridorian
Nobility +2, Observe (Spot) +2, Persuade
+1, Ranged Combat: Throw +2, Ride +1,
Run, +2, Stealth (Sneak) +2, Swim +1
Gear: Rich tunic, ornamental dagger
Description Ainmire is the younger of the
two Nobwood sons, and was adopted about
14 years ago after being left on the stoop of
the Nobwood home. He is tall and fair-
haired, but still has the gangliness of youth.
He has a quick mind and a great sense of
right and wrong. When Ifor approached his
family and said that Ainmire was royalty and
due the throne of Gondor, Ainmire was at
first pleased and excited. However, since
then, he has had nagging doubts about Ifors
true intentions. Ainmire will pursue the claim
as long as it is open to debate, but when it is
obvious that the claim is a fraud, he will
resist Ifor.
Rymen Butterburr, Innkeeper & Widower,
age 47 in TA 2941
Race: Man, Middle (Man of Bree)
Abilities: Adaptable, Dominon of Man,
Skilled
Attributes: Bearing 8 (+1), Nimbleness 6
(+0), Perception 11 (+2), Strength 7 (+1),
Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 10 (+2)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +2,
Willpower +4, Wisdom +2
Order: Craftsman (Innkeeper)
Order Abilities: Speedy Work, Place of
Business
Advancements: 3
Skills: Appraise (Customers, Beer,
Pipeweed) +3, Craft: Innkeeping +8, Craft:
Brewing +6, Craft: Cooking +3, Debate
(Bargain) +3, Games +3, Inquire (Converse)
+2, Language: Westron +5, Lore: Local
Gossip & Lore +4, Lore: Realms (Breelands,
Shire) +5, Lore: History (Breelands, Shire)
+5, Lore: Famous Inns +2, Observe (Listen)
+2, Perform +4, Persuade +2, Ride +2, Run
+1, Teamster +2, Unarmed Combat:
Wrestling +2
Edge: Friends
Flaw: Forgetfulness
Health: 9
Courage: 4
Renown: 10
Gear: Towel, tankard
Description: Rymen Butterburr is a serious
man with graying hair and a salt-and-pepper
mustache. He stands nearly a head shorter
than most of his customers, and hes
developed a considerable paunch from
taste-testing too many batches of beer. The
man is soft-spoken but commands respect
and rarely has to raise his voice to be heard
in the Common Room of the Prancing Pony.
Rymen wasnt always so dour; he used to
be known as the most jolly man in Bree. He
would lead his customers in song and poem,
and was even known to put a round of
drinks on the house on occasion.
Unfortunately, four years ago, TA 2939, his
beloved wife died in childbirth and hes
rarely smiled since, let alone laughed. Hes
raised his surviving son, Oatden, as best as
he knows how, but its been a struggle.
However, some of Rymens close friends
have noticed a change in his demeanor.
Hes become less of a sourpuss and once
almost laughed. They attribute it to the
presence of Aine Sandheaver, Rymens new
cook and a fiery-tempered widow. For his
part, Rymen ignores the gossip about his
supposed relationship with Aine, whom he
refers to as that infernal woman.
Rymen suffers from the familial flaw of
Forgetfulness. All memory tests are taken at
one level higher.
Aine Sandheaver, widow and cook,
b. 2912, aged 29 in TA 2941
Race: Man, Middle (Man of Bree)
Abilities: Adaptable, Dominon of Man,
Skilled
Attributes: Bearing 10 (+2), Nimbleness 6
(+0), Perception 9 (+1), Strength 6 (+0),
Vitality 10 (+2), Wits 8 (+1)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +1,
Willpower +4, Wisdom +2
Order: Craftsman (Cook)
Order Abilities: Speedy Work
Advancements: 2
Skills: Appraise (Customers, Produce) +4,
Craft: Cooking +6, Craft: Sewing +4, Craft:
Innkeeping +2, Debate (Parley) +3, Games
+2, Healing (Treat Sickness) +3, Inquire
(Converse) +3, Intimidate +3, Language:
Westron +4, Lore: Local Gossip & Lore +6,
Lore: Realms (Breelands, Shire) +3, Lore:
History (Breelands) +3, Observe (Spot) +4,
Perform (Song) +3, Persuade (Charm) +4
Edge: Friends, Fair
Flaw: Proud
Health: 10
Courage: 4
Renown: 7
Gear: Knife, frying pan
Description: Aine Sandheaver is a sharp-
tongued beauty with green eyes and coal-
black hair. Her slight build belies a powerful
personality that fills any room she happens
to be in. She puts her nose into everyones
business, is an unabashed gossip, and is
beloved by almost all who meet her.
In her youth, Aine Sandheaver (maiden
name of Heathertoes) was the most courted
girl in Bree. Her fiery disposition narrowed
the field of suitors until only one, Matt
Sandheaver, remained. They married and
enjoyed happiness until Matt was killed
when he was thrown from a horse.
Suddenly faced with raising a family of three
young children on her own, and refusing to
move in with relatives (much to their relief),
Aine found work as a cook in The Prancing
Pony. She quickly took over the kitchen and
began bickering with Rymen, to the
amusement of the customers. All of Bree
thinks the two are a good, if unconventional,
match. Aine, however, will hear nothing of it
and refuses to call Rymen anything kinder
than wool-headed lummox.
In truth, Aine is very fond of Rymen and
absolutely dotes on Oatden, but itll be a
cold day in hell before she lets anyone know
it.
Oatden Butterburr, son and spy,
aged 7 in TA 2941
Attributes: Bearing 5 (+0), Nimbleness 9
(+1), Perception 7 (+0), Strength 4 (+0),
Vitality 10 (+2), Wits 6 (+0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +3,
Willpower +0, Wisdom +0
Skills: Appraise (Customers) +1, Craft:
Innkeeping +1, Games +2, Language:
Westron +3, Lore: Childrens Stories +2,
Lore: Local Gossip & Lore +2, Lore: Local
kids +1, Lore: Secret Hideouts +2, Observe
(Spot, Listen) +2, Persuade (Fast Talk) +1,
Perform (Song) +1, Ride +1, Unarmed
Combat (Brawling) +1
Edge: Friends
Health: 10
Courage: 4
Renown: 1 (That boy of Rymens)
Gear: fishing pole, toys
Description: Outden Butterburr is an
average boy for his age. He spends most of
his day with small jobs around The Prancing
Pony, keeping out of sight of his father and
Aunt Aine, and attempting to sneak out to
spend a few hours playing with his friends.
Oatden keeps his eyes and ears open at the
Prancing Pony, earning tips from customers
and treats from Aine for what he sees and
hears.
Village Guard (3)
Attributes: Bearing 8 (+1), Nimbleness 8
(+1), Perception 9 (+1), Strength 10 (+2),
Vitality 10 (+2), Wits 7 (+0)
Reactions: Stamina +4, Swiftness +1,
Willpower +1, Wisdom +1
Health: 12
Defence: 11
Initiative: 1d6+1
Edges: Friends
Order Abilities: Evasion
Skills: Armed Combat: Club +3, Craft:
Farming +3, Games +3, Insight +2,
Language: Westron +4, Lore: Realm
(Breelands) +3, Lore: History (Breelands)
+2, Lore: Law (Bree) +3, Lore: Local Gossip
+4, Observe (Spot) +4, Ranged Combat:
Bow +2, Ride +1, Run, +2, Unarmed
Combat: Wrestling +3
Gear: Leather armour, club, short bow,
tankard
Description: The Village Guard of Bree are
locals hired on a part-time basis to maintain
order in the village. They are usually young
Men and their greatest challenge is often a
drunken peasant or a pig loose from its pen.
Toffer Longvine, Village Guard Captain
Attributes: Bearing 10 (+2), Nimbleness 8
(+1), Perception 10 (+2), Strength 10 (+2),
Vitality 10 (+2), Wits 8 (+1)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +3,
Willpower +1, Wisdom +1
Health: 12
Defence: 11
Initiative: 1d6+3
Edges: Friends
Order Abilities: Evasion, Swift Strike
Advancements: 3
Skills: Armed Combat: Blades +6, Craft:
Farming +3, Games +4, Insight +3,
Language: Westron +4, Lore: Realm
(Breelands) +4, Lore: History (Breelands)
+3, Lore: Law (Bree) +4, Lore: Local Gossip
+6, Observe (Spot) +4, Persuade +3,
Ranged Combat: Bow +4, Ride +3, Run, +3,
Unarmed Combat: Wrestling +4
Gear: Chainmail armour, longsword, short
bow, keys, horse
Description: Toffer Longvine is a Breelander
who traveled beyond the small village as a
soldier and came back seeking the peace
and quiet he grew up with. As the only full-
time keeper of the peace, Toffer prefers to
keep things in order by careful observation
and words, drawing his old blade only when
necessary. Hes not one to rock the boat
because, as he says, I have to live here,
too.
Elf Bowman (1)
Attributes: Bearing 8 (+1), Nimbleness 14
(+4), Perception 12 (+3), Strength 8 (+1),
Vitality 9 (+1), Wits 8 (+1)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +4,
Willpower +1, Wisdom +3
Health: 10
Defence: 14
Initiative: +4
Edges: Accurate, Armour of Heroes, Wary
Order Abilities:
Skills: Armed Combat: Blades +6, Climb +3,
Healing: Treat Wounds +4, Jump +1,
Language: Sindarin, Westron +5, Lore:
Realm (Breelands, Rivendell) +6, Observe
(Spot, Hear) +4, Persuade +3, Ranged
Combat: Bow +6, Ride +4, Run, +3, Stealth
(Hide) +6, Survival: Forest +4, Track (Orc)
+5
Gear: Elven Cloak, long knife, Long bow,
horse
Description: A tall, somewhat menacing Elf
who remains silent during the encounter.

Elven Brothers (2)
Attributes: Bearing 12 (+3), Nimbleness 14
(+4), Perception 12 (+3), Strength 10 (+2),
Vitality 10 (+2), Wits 8 (+1)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +4,
Willpower +3, Wisdom +3
Health: 12
Defence: 14
Initiative: +4
Edges: Accurate, Wary, Fell-Handed (Orcs)
Order Abilities:
Skills: Armed Combat: Swords +9, Climb +3,
Healing: Treat Wounds +4, Insight +4, Jump
+3, Language: Sindarin, Westron, Quenya
+5, Lore: Realm (Breelands, Rivendell) +6,
Observe (Spot, Hear) +6, Persuade +3,
Ranged Combat: Bow +9, Ride +5, Run, +3,
Stealth (Hide, Sneak) +6, Survival: Forest
+5, Track (Orc) +5
Gear: Elven Cloak, Chainmail, Longsword,
Long bow, horse (Meras)
The Shadows Grasp
Markain, Middle-Man, Spy and Shadows
Grasp Leader
Attributes: Bearing 9 (+1), Nimbleness 10
(+2), Perception 12 (+3), Strength 8 (+1),
Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 7 (+1)
Reactions: Stamina +0, Swiftness +5,
Willpower +1, Wisdom +3
Health: 9
Defence: 12
Initiative: 1d6+5
Edges: Wary, Night-Eyed
Drawbacks: Fealty (Sauron)
Order Abilities: Lurking in Shadows,
Treacharous Blow, Fleet-Footed,
Lockpicking
Elite Order Abilities: Poisoner
Advancements: 10
Skills Acrobatics (Tumble) +5, Appraise
(Poisons) +2, Armed Combat: Blades +11,
Conceal (Hide Weapons) +4, Craft:
Woodworking +1, Guise +3, Inquire
(Interrogate) +2, Insight +6, Intimidate (Fear)
+6, Jump +5, Language: Westron +4,
Language: Dunnish +3, Language: Black
Speech +2, Legerdomain (Pick Pocket) +2,
Lore: Realms (Mordor, Angmar, Gondor) +4,
Lore: History (Mordor) +2, Lore: Assassins
(Methods) +2, Lore: Poisons +2, Mimicry +3,
Observe (Spot) +8, Ride +4, Run +4, Search
+7, Stealth (Sneak) +5, Survival +4, Track
(Man) +2
Gear: Scale Armour, Longsword*, Dagger
(2)*, Morgul Blade
* w/ Orc poison
Markain is one of Saurons many operatives
that move throughout Middle-earth on his
evil errands. As leader of the Shadows
Grasp, Markain is a harsh task-master,
retaliating with violence for the slightest
infractions. Markain is a smart and sadistic
enemy
Asheri, Southron Seductress & Assassin
Attributes: Bearing 10 (+2), Nimbleness 8
(+1), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 8 (+1),
Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 10 (+2)
Reactions: Stamina +1, Swiftness +3,
Willpower +2, Wisdom +2
Health: 9
Defence: 11
Initiative: 1d6+3
Edges: Travel Sense, Keen-eyed, Fair
Drawbacks: Fealty (Sauron)
Order Abilities: Brew Poison (2)
Advancements: 8
Skills Armed Combat: Blades +7, Conceal
(Hide Weapons) +6, Craft: Cooking +3,
Craft: Sewing: -2, Games: Chess +4, Inquire
(Converse) +6, Insight +4, Lore: Realms
(Near Harad) +3, Lore: People (Men,
Gondor Royalty) +4, Lore: Seduction +3,
Observe (Spot) +7, Perform (Dance, Sing)
+8, Persuade (Charm, Fast Talk) +8,
Ranged Combat (Throw) +7, Ride +3, Run
+4, Stealth (Sneak) +7, Survival (Southern
Wastes) +5, Track (Man) +4
Gear: Chainmail armour (rarely worn),
Longsword*, Dagger (2)*, Morgul Blade,
Dancing Veils
* w/ Orc poison
Asheri is the daughter of the chief of a
Southron tribe and was given to Sauron as a
token of fealty. She has been trained in the
arts of seduction and murder, using her
natural beauty to entice enemies of Sauron
to their doom. She is also a skilled and
ferocious warrior, all the more dangerous
because of the poisons on her blades.
Hogeth, Dunnlander Magician
Attributes: Bearing 12 (+3), Nimbleness 8
(+1), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 6 (+0),
Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 10 (+2)
Reactions: Stamina +3, Swiftness +2,
Willpower +3, Wisdom +3
Health: 8
Defence: 11
Initiative: 1d6+2
Edges: Hardy, Stern, Arrogant, Grasping
Drawbacks: Fealty (Sauron, Markain)
Order Abilities: Spellcasting (3), Strong
Willed
Advancements: 6
Skills Armed Combat: Blades +6, Climb
+1, Debate +2, Healing: Treat Wounds +1,
Inquire (Converse) +3, Inspire +3, Intimidate
(Power) +4, Language: Westron, Dunnish
+5, Language: Silvan, Black Speech +4,
Lore: Magic (Sorcery) +6, Lore: Realms
(Dunnlands) +5, Lore: History (Mordor,
Dunnland) +3, Lore: The One Ring +2, Lore:
Race (Men) +3, Observe (Spot) +6,
Persuade +4, Ranged Combat: Throw +2,
Ride +1, Survival (Forests) +2
Gear: Scale Armour, Longsword, Wand
Spells: Blast of Sorcery, Blinding Flash,
Burning Sparks, Create Light, Evoke Fear,
Kindle Fire, Sense Power, Slumber, Veiling
Shadow (2)
Hogeth is a devious and powerful magician,
trained in Sorcery by emissaries of The
Shadow. He despises his position in the
Grasp and believes he should be the leader,
but has sworn fealty to Markain, who he
believes to be beneath him. Hogeth prefers
to rely on his dark arts rather than his
weapons, but is no stranger to steel.
Gurn, Orc Warrior
Attributes: Bearing 7 (+0), Nimbleness 7
(+0), Perception 8 (+1), Strength 8 (+1),
Vitality 8 (+1), Wits 6 (+0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +1,
Willpower +1, Wisdom +1
Health: 9
Defence: 10
Initiative: 1d6+1
Edges: Furtive, Night-Eyed
Drawbacks: Fealty (Sauron)
Order Abilities: Evasion, Swift-Strike
Advancements: 5
Skills Armed Combat: Axe +8, Armed
Combat: Club (Shield) +2, Conceal (Hide
Weapon) +3, Guise +2, Inquire (Interrogate)
+3, Intimidate (Torture) +2, Language: Black
Speech, Orcish (Mordor) +2, Language:
Westron +5, Lore: Race (Men, Orcs) +2,
Observe (Hear) +5, Persuade +3, Ranged
Combat: Throw +4, Ride +3, Run +3, Stealth
(Shadow) +5, Survival (Plains) +2
Gear: Chainmail Armour, Large Shield,
Great Axe, Dagger
Gurn is muscle and violence barely
contained within the Grasp. Of all the group,
he is most likely to go berserk and is always
the first to draw his weapons. Like Markain,
he is a sadist, and thrills at the brutal taking
of life.
Bellir, Burglar and Cut-Throat
Attributes: Bearing 4 (+0), Nimbleness 12
(+3), Perception 10 (+2), Strength 10 (+2),
Vitality 10 (+2), Wits 6 (+0)
Reactions: Stamina +2, Swiftness +5,
Willpower +0, Wisdom +2
Health: 9
Defence: 12
Initiative: 1d6+8
Edges: Dodge, Wary
Drawbacks: Fealty (Sauron)
Order Abilities: Lockpicking, Treacherous
Blow
Advancements: 5
Skills Acrobatics (Balance) +6, Appraise
(Jewelry) +5, Armed Combat: Blades +9,
Climb +4, Conceal (Hide Weapon) +4, Guise
+2, Inquire (Converse) +4, Language:
Westron, Dunnish +3, Language: Black
Speech +2, Ledgerdomain (Pick Pocket) +9,
Observe: Spot +6, Ranged Combat: Bow
+6, Ride +1, Search +6, Stealth (Sneak) +9,
Survival (Urban) +4
Gear: Leather Armour, Short Sword,
Dagger, Short Bow, Lockpick Tools
Bellir is the groups covert entry expert, and
certainly not above slitting a throat. Hes
also the one most likely to strip the corpse
for gold and jewels. He fancies himself a sly
cat-burglar, but at heart, hes just a petty
thug with balance.
Timeline (approximate)
Day One (Evening): PCs meet Berneen,
rescue her from assassins.
Day Two: PCs travel with Berneen to Bree,
meet Ifor and Ainmire and asked to find
Maolordha. PCs travel south and find
Maolordha, are attacked returning to Bree.
Day Three: The Assembly of Loremasters
meets and evidence of Ainmires claim is
presented. Maolordha and Berneen fight
and the assembly adjourns until the feast
that night. That night, at the feast, Berneen
slips away to council with the Elves, Ifor kills
Maolordha and sets a fire, Berneen returns
and is captured and tossed into jail.
Day Four: Maolordha is buried and the PCs
meet with Ainmire, who asks them to talk to
Berneen. Berneen refuses to talk but gives
the PCs directions to the Elves. The PCs
travel to the Elves and are given a sealed
box. Upon returning, the PCs rescue
Berneen, who opens the sealed box and
shows the true shards of Narsil, proving Ifor
and Ainmire are frauds. Ifor attacks the PCs
and is driven away or killed.
Day Five: Berneen is officially freed and the
PCs rewarded. Ainmire begins trek to
Gondor.
Handouts & Maps
Player Handout #1: The Forsaken Inn
Player Handout #2: Letter to Gerrard of Minas Tirith
Player Handout #3: Inquiring in Bree

From page 5
If the PCs ask people in the crowd about what is going on (a successful Simple (TN 5) Inquire
test) they gather the following information:

Marginal Success (=TN): The claimant to

the throne is Ainmire Nobwood, the
youngest son of the Nobwood family.
Complete Success (1-5 above TN), 1-2 on
d6: The Nobwood family are successful
farmers who own land about 3 leagues
southeast of Bree. They sell wheat, barely,
and vegetables at the village festivals and
are known to have cattle, sheep and horses.
Complete Success (1-5 above TN), 3-4 on
d6: The Nobwood family came to Bree about
7 days ago, announced the claim on the
throne and the coming assembly of
Loremasters and then went on a spending
spree. They now act like royalty.
Complete Success (1-5 above TN), 5-6 on
d6: Loremasters have been arriving for
several days from many different kingdoms,
some with large entourages. The assembly
has turned into a festival even before it has
begun and drawn people from all over the
region.
Superior Success (6-10 above TN), 1-3 on
d6: Ainmire is an adopted son. He was left
as a baby on the family doorstop about 15
years ago.

Superior Success (6-10 above TN), 4-6 on

d6: The Nobwoods have poor relations with
their neighbors, who have accused them of
breaking fences, redirecting streams and
sheep rustling.
Extraordinary Success (11+ TN): An old
man claiming to know Ainmires true
heritage came to the Nobwood family and
has been counseling them. Much of the
Nobwoods spending money comes from his
purse.
Player Handout #4: Insight tests

From page 9

During the discussions of the Assembly, the PCs may make Insight tests regarding some of the
main NPCs. Apply social modifiers as needed.

Ifor (a Routine (TN 10) Insight test)

Marginal Success (= TN): Ifor is a powerful
person (Bearing 12).
Complete Success (1-5 above): Ifor has
other agendas beyond Ainmires claim.
Superior Success (6-10 above): Ifor is a
powerful magician.
Extraordinary Success (11+ above): Ifor is a
Corrupt, sadistic killer.

Ainmire (a Simple (TN 5) Insight test)

Marginal Success (= TN): Ainmire is a boy
with a noble spirit (Bearing 10)
Complete Success (1-5 above): He wants
people to believe him but is more concerned
with the truth.
Superior Success (6-10 above): Believes he
is who he claims to be, but still has doubts.
Extraordinary Success (11+ above):
Doesnt trust Ifor.

The Nobwood family (mother & father)(a Simple (TN 5) Insight test)
Marginal Success (= TN): The family is
base and selfish (Bearing 5).
Complete Success (1-5 above): More
concerned with the claim than Ainmire.
Superior Success (6-10 above): Will do evil
to keep the claim alive.
Extraordinary Success (11+ above):
Frightened of Ifor.
Player Handout #5: Lore Tests
From page 9

The PCs are encouraged to make Lore: History (Gondor, Eriador, Gondor Nobility, etc.) tests
regarding the Ring of Barahir, the Sceptre of Annuminas, and Narsil. The Narrator may add
Affinity bonuses of +1 for related skills. Although they are not invited members of the Assembly,
their words will be listened to.

Ring of Barahir (a Simple (TN 5) Lore test)

Marginal Success (= TN): The ring has
been passed down through the descendants
of Isildur.
Complete Success (1-5 above): The ring is
very old, dating from the early First Age.
Superior Success (6-10 above): Given to
Barahir in early First Age for an act of
bravery.
Extraordinary Success (11+ above):
Originally owned by Finrod Felagund and
given to Barahir for saving his life.

Sceptre of Annuminas (a Simple (TN 5) Lore test)

Marginal Success (= TN): A silver rod held
by the kings of Arthedain and their
descendants.
Complete Success (1-5 above): Held by the
kings of Arnor before the land separated into
3 kingdoms.
Superior Success (6-10 above): Survived
the downfall of the island of Numenor and
came to Middle-Earth after that.
Extraordinary Success (11+): Originally, it
was the symbol of office of the Lords of
Andunie in Numenor of the Second Age.

Shards of Narsil (a Simple (TN 5) Lore test)

Marginal Success (= TN): Narsil is the
sword of Elendil, father of Isildur, and cut the
ring from Saurons hand.
Complete Success (1-5 above): Narsil was
forged in the First Age and was filled with
light. When it was broken, the light ceased.
Superior Success (6-10 above): Narsil was
forged by the Dwarven master weaponsmith
Telchar of Nogrod.
Extraordinary Success (11+): When the true
king returns to the throne of Gondor, the
sword shall be reforged again.
Player Handout #6: Appraise Tests
From page 10

The PCs are encouraged to look at and appraise the items presented by Ifor. Appraise: Jewelry,
Antiques, Silversmithing, Goldsmithing tests are appropriate for the Ring of Barahir and the
Sceptre of Annuminias. Appraise: Weapons, Smithcraft or Antiques are appropriate for the shards
of Narsil. The Narrator may add Affinity bonuses of +1 as he/she sees fit.

Ring of Barahir (a Simple (TN 5) Appraise test)

Marginal Success (= TN): The ring is of
exquisite Elven workmanship with
Quyenic Runes.
Complete Success (1-5 above): The style of
the ring is from the First Age or early
Second Age.
Superior Success (6-10 above): The stones
in the ring are no longer found in Middle-
earth.
Extraordinary Success (11+): The ring is
from the early Second Age.

Sceptre of Annuminas (a Simple (TN 5) Appraise test)

Marginal Success (= TN): The workmanship
is superior and of the style of Man.
Complete Success (1-5 above): The silver
is extremely pure, a type found only in
Gondor and Numenor.
Superior Success (6-10 above): The
scepters folds and wings have been
wrought using a technique developed only
recently.
Extraordinary Success (11+ above): The
scepter was created recently with the style
copied from works of the Second Age, but
there are flaws.

Shards of Narsil (a Simple (TN 5) Appraise test)

Marginal Success (= TN): The sword was a
Masterwork.
Complete Success (1-5 above): The
insignia of the Weaponsmith is unclear.
Superior Success (6-10 above): The sword
has signs of Elven craftsmanship.
Extraordinary Success (11+ above): The
sword was created in the Second Age in
Ost-in-Edhil.
Player Handout #7: The Prancing Pony
Narrators Note: If the Fellowship of the Room Sourcebook is available, the
Narrator is advised to use the map and descriptions give there.
Player Handout #8: The Note
Player Handout #9: Bree Jail
Player Handout #10: Map of Grove