Based on J.R.R.

Tolkien's MIDDLE-EARTH™ as detailed in THE HOBBIT™

and THE LORD OF THE RINGS™

Valley
of the
Shadow of Death
In the Coldfells of Rhudaur
An Adventure Scenario for MERP
for 6 — 8 mid-level PCs
By V. J. Schiavoni
Nan Guruthos, with Amon Ereb and Bar-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the Pinnath Aegring of Rhudaur, Middle-earth, TA 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. By V. J. Schiavoni June 2020.

Valley of the Shadow of Death

An Adventure Scenario for MERP

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction........................................................4
1.1 Legal Disclaimer............................................4
1.2 Setting And Requirements.............................4
1.3 Definitions/Terms..........................................4
2.0 The Setting..........................................................5
2.1 The Tale.........................................................5
2.2 Background for the GM.................................5
3.0 NPCs...................................................................6
3.1 Dolgubâr........................................................6
3.2 Shom and the Monk-Priests...........................6
3.3 Krum and the Guards.....................................6
3.4 Other Personnel..............................................6
3.5 The Captives..................................................6
4.0 The Sites.............................................................7
4.1 The Coldfells Area.........................................7
4.2 The Coldwater................................................8
4.3 Coldwater Valley............................................8
4.4 Lonely Hill.....................................................8
4.5 The Dwelling.................................................8
4.5.1 The Temple.............................................9
4.5.2 The Catacombs/Dungeons.....................9
4.6 Dol Duniath....................................................9
5.0 The Adventure..................................................11
5.1 The Task.......................................................11
5.2 Starting the Players......................................11
5.3 Aids..............................................................11
5.4 Obstacles......................................................11
5.5 Rewards.......................................................12
5.6 Afterward.....................................................12
6.0 Encounters........................................................13
6.1 … Along the Way.........................................13
6.2 … In Coldwater Valley................................13
6.3 … At the Monastery.....................................13
6.4 … During Withdrawal.................................13
7.0 Tables................................................................14
NPC Summaries.................................................14

Credits:
Author: V. J. Schiavoni
Sponsor: the MERP Fan Modules group
Special Thanks to those who reviewed/commented on the drafts!
Glossary uses Dragon Flame v2.0.
The New Notion Club Archives - Arda Role Playing Wiki and Encyclopedia of Arda were consulted.
Layouts: by author using AutoRealm v2.2.1, GIMP v2.10.18, and Inkarnate.
Image on title page: A painting after the style of Nicholas Roerich, by Ambersky235, CC-BY-NC-SA-2.0.
Image on page 2: Gebirgslandschahft Mit Wasserfall (Landscape with mountains and waterfall), 1886, by August Wilhelm
Leu (1818 – 1897), public domain.
Image on page 6: Evil Wizard, by coalheart on deviantart.com, permission requested.
Clipart gathered from the Web.
©2020 V. J. Schiavoni v0.9196Beta 2020-07-12 Released under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

a
N n u
G ruthos, with Amon r E eb and a
B r-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the i
P nnath Aegring of h R udaur, iM ddle-earth, A T 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the iM ddle-Earth oR le-Playing game. y B V J Schiavoni Page 3 of 15
 Nan Guruthos, with Amon Ereb and Bar-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the Pinnath Aegring of Rhudaur, Middle-earth, TA 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. By V. J. Schiavoni June 2020.

1.0 Introduction
1.1 LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Valley of the Shadow of Death is a non-commercial,
fan-created adventure scenario designed for the Middle-
earth Role Playing (MERP) game by Iron Crown
Enterprises (now long out-of-print). This document is
intended for the personal, private use of role-playing
game (RPG) players and game-masters (GMs), as an aid
for their study and role-playing enjoyment. All refer-
ences to the works of J. R. R. Tolkien are the property of
Middle-earth Enterprises (M-eE) and/or the Tolkien
Estate; additionally, MERP and all references to that
game system are the property of Iron Crown Enterprises
(ICE). All other material is the property of the author,
and may not be offered for sale, nor altered, without
permission. Please note that M-eE has been extremely
aggressive against any perceived infringement of their
intellectual property rights.
1.2 SETTING AND REQUIREMENTS
This adventure scenario assumes that the reader is
familiar with the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and the MERP
game system. The GM must have access to the MERP
rule-book, and may wish to have the relevant maps/mod-
ules for the adventure area chosen; recommended titles:
• #8040: Hillmen of the Trollshaws (background
on Rhudaur and Hillmen)
• #8070: Goblin-gate and Eagle’s Eyrie (color
area map)
• #8103: Trolls of the Misty Mountains (details of
Caranduin Vale, Dispar, Elnost, etc.)
It also assumes the default date of 1640 T.A. set by
ICE, however, almost any Third Age date between ca.
1356 and ca. 1975 should work fine. The physical setting
is in the Coldfells (S: Pinnath Aegring) of Rhudaur,
among the western slopes and foothills of the Misty
Mountains – although almost any remote location should
suffice. Some rural areas in Dunland or the Westmarch
of Calenardhon (later Rohan) might work well too, with
appropriate modifications. The antagonists described
herein are primarily Hillmen of Rhudaur, with access to
limited resources, so these points should be considered
when choosing details. It is also assumed that the party
is aligned on the side of the Free Peoples (or at least not
opposed to them), and against Darkness.
The difficulty level is set for mid-level PCs (6 – 8 PCs
with 30 – 40 combined levels), but can be adjusted for
higher- or lower-level parties; suggestions: for lower
level of play, reduce by 1-2 the levels of Dolgubâr,
Shom, and Krum, and/or have a Ranger assist the party,
and ensure that Dol Duniath is unoccupied; for higher
level, simply increase by 1-2 the levels of the three main
antagonists, and/or add four more guards, and add 8 – 12
Hillman Scouts at Dol Duniath. A party focused on
stealth capabilities will probably do best.
Remember that most adventure scenarios, including
this one, are adaptable to any role-playing game system
with some work, and are somewhat flexible as to setting,
both time and place.
1.3 DEFINITIONS/TERMS
Ad = Adunaic; Bl = Blarm (Hillman); S = Sindarin
• Coldwater – Ad: Nîn Rinig; Bl: Forishka; S: Siring
• Coldwater Valley – Ad: Tum Nîn Rinig; Bl: Glin
a-Forishka; S: Nan Siring
• Coldwater (Water)Fall – Ad: Nîn Rinig Kallabân;
Bl: As Forishka; S: Lanthir Siring
• Dolgubâr – Ad: "evil dark/night" + "lord"
• Dome/Temple/Vault [of the] Great Eye – Bl: Kil
na Sul Mor; S: Hendaerond
• Dwelling/House of the Great Eye – Bl: Ot na
Sul Mor; S: Bar-en-Hendaer
• House of Death-Shadow – Ad: Zadan n'Agannâlu
(Dolgubâr’s name for both monastery and temple)
• Lone(ly) Hill – Ad: Ambon Îr; Bl: Brin Aner; S:
Amon Ereb
• Valley [of the] Shadow-of-Death (originally
Coldwater Valley) – Ad: Tum n'Agannâlu; S:
Nan Guruthos

a
N n u
G ruthos, with Amon r E eb and a
B r-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the i
P nnath Aegring of h R udaur, iM ddle-earth, A T 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the iM ddle-Earth oR le-Playing game. y B V J Schiavoni Page 4 of 15
 Nan Guruthos, with Amon Ereb and Bar-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the Pinnath Aegring of Rhudaur, Middle-earth, TA 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. By V. J. Schiavoni June 2020.
2.0 The Setting
“Where is Pogo?” shouted Ariel, rushing into the Inn.
“I’m afraid he’s been taken captive by Hillmen,” said
Grog. “He – and others”
“What? Why? Where did they take him?”
“We found this,” said the Dwarf, showing her a small
metal amulet shaped like a stylized eye.
“We believe that they have taken them to a temple of
the Witch-king in the Coldfells,” said the Ranger. “For
what foul purpose, I dare not guess.”
“Well, we must rescue him!” she said. “We must
rescue them all!”
2.1 THE TALE
The Elves of Rivendell and the Dúnedain of the North
have long known that the Witch-king of Angmar has
spread his evil influence into Rhudaur, corrupting the
Hillmen who dominate it. Not long ago they became
aware that a secret sanctuary dedicated to Dark Worship
has been established in the remote Coldfells of Rhudaur,
but have thus far discovered little more about it. Recent-
ly there has also been a notable increase in Hillmen raids
taking prisoners, which the Elves have tracked to Nan
Siring (aka Nan Guruthos), the location of the shrine.
The time has come for the Free Peoples to take action….
2.2 BACKGROUND FOR THE GM
Nan Guruthos – The Valley of the Shadow of Death
Pinnath Aegring (Coldfells), east-central Rhudaur
T.A. 1640
Zadan n'Agannâlu (Bar-en-Hendaer) was founded
about a century ago as a clandestine monastery/seminary
for Dark Worship. This facility represents a substantial
investment for the Witch-king, and is expected to expand
greatly. The main functions of this seminary are to train
Hillmen priests in the Dark Religion; and breeding
experiments, which are conducted with wanton
depravity. Subjects are criminals or prisoners taken in
raids. At any time, there may be 4 – 24 subjects, who are
kept in abject misery and forced to work menial jobs –
until they no longer can work and become experiments.
The captives are being held in cages in the dungeon.
a
N n u
G ruthos, with Amon r E eb and a
B r-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the i
P nnath Aegring of h R udaur, iM ddle-earth, A
made resource for the iM ddle-Earth oR le-Playing game. y B V J Schiavoni Page 5 of 15
High mortality and thus high turnover have necessitated
a steady supply of new captives.
The monastery/seminary is currently headed by a
Black Númenórean (epithet: Dolgubâr) Mage/Animist
from the far south of Middle-Earth. The rest of the
monk-priests (6 Animists) are male Easterlings. The
Hillmen of Rhudaur have no priestly tradition, so as yet
there are only four acolytes, all male Animists. The
facility boasts about a dozen support personnel (all male
Hillmen of Rhudaur) – the place has to be self-sufficient.
Due to it's remoteness, there is minimal security (only 8
guards plus a leader, all male Hillmen). Only males are
allowed in Zadan n'Agannâlu. This is for purely practical
purposes, to reduce distractions.
All of the Animists possess a custom-made brooch – a
stylized eye in silver with tiger’s eye iris and jet pupil –
that functions as a Power Point multiplier or Spell Adder.
The main temple (Hendaerond) of Bar-en-Hendaer is
also shaped like a stylized eye, with an altar at the center
on a raised chancel (the "pupil"), surrounded by a domed
(with oculus) circular area for worshipers paved in
colored tile (the "iris"), and two triangular side areas (the
"corners of the eye").
The valley has the "U" shape typical of glacial troughs:
the floor is relatively flat, the sides steep. The valley is
about 30 miles long from the mouth to the terminus, and
up to 5 miles wide. A 200 foot scarp or step blocks the
mouth of the valley, over which the Siring drops in a
spectacular waterfall. A single large hill dominates the
valley, the remnant of an isolated peak that survived
glaciation. The tree line at this latitude (approx. 53° N) is
approx. 7,000 ft., which is slightly higher than the valley
floor. Hence, the valley floor is heavily forested (not
shown on ICE maps), as are the lower hills and lower
slopes, but the higher peaks and steeper slopes are bare,
except for scrub. A clear, wide swath on either side of
the stream provides pasture for cattle and sheep. The
monastery has four mules, a handful of hogs, a half
dozen cows, a few small flocks of sheep, many chickens,
and several dogs and cats.
Four of the servants are shepherds and live (with their
sheepdogs) outside the monastery. They have a cottage
beside the main path at the bottom of Amon Ereb, and a
handful of other shacks scattered throughout the valley
in which to shelter.
T 1640. Being a fan-
 Nan Guruthos, with Amon Ereb and Bar-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the Pinnath Aegring of Rhudaur, Middle-earth, TA 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. By V. J. Schiavoni June 2020.

3.0 NPCs 3.2 SHOM AND THE MONK-PRIESTS

3.1 DOLGUBÂR
Dolgubâr is the appointed leader of the monastery, the
chosen agent of the Witch-king of Angmar. This Black
Númenórean Mage/Animist from the far South is tall,
pale, and always dressed in black robes, and takes his
mission to train Hillmen priests in the Dark Worship
very seriously. This character may be evil, but he is also
determined and resolute.
He is assisted by six Easterling priests, of whom the
senior is Shom. The four Hillmen acolytes are terrified
of him. The Hillmen guards nominally obey him, but
their loyalty is questionable. Their chief is Krum.
For purposes of this scenario, Dolgubâr has the abil-
ities of both a 5th level Mage and a 5th level Animist.
Dolgubâr is actually an epithet/title that he insists upon
– his real name is unknown.
Shom is the senior of the other six monk-priests here at
Zadan n'Agannâlu. He is short and swarthy like his
fellows. These Easterling Animists are actually not at all
pleased about their posting here, but are too afraid to
rebel; however, their loyalty only goes as far as their
own skins. They do know however that flight would be
perilous from this remote location, so they will generally
act in it’s defense.
3.3 KRUM AND THE GUARDS
Krum commands the eight Hillmen guards. He is tall
and muscular for a Hillman, and a veteran Warrior. He is
nominally subordinate to Dolgubâr, and will generally
obey him – unless and until he decides that he has better
ideas. In the absence of conflicting orders, the Hillmen
servants will also generally defer to Krum, so his will
carries some weight. He thoroughly dislikes both
Dolgubâr and Shom, and is indifferent about the acolytes
and their training, but the torture of the subjects provides
him with an outlet for his anger, and he indulges himself
in it. The lack of action and the remote location have led
the guards to become complacent, so security is lax.
Krum and his guards however will fight to the death.

3.4 OTHER PERSONNEL

The four Hillmen acolytes (Animists) will obey
Dolgubâr in all things, or in his absence Shom or the
other clerics, or finally if necessary Krum. The senior
and chief of servants is a majordomo who is elderly and
crippled, and is enjoying this easy posting and the status
it provides. The twelve Hillmen servants – many of
whom are retired veteran Warriors – will fight to defend
themselves if necessary, or if ordered to do so by Krum,
but they may surrender. Except for the shepherds, they
are unarmed (or bear but a knife), but if forced to fight
they will find spears and swords, if given time. The
shepherds are all well-armed veteran Scouts and capable
of defending themselves and their flocks.

3.5 THE CAPTIVES

The prisoners are all in poor health. They certainly
cannot fight. The best they can do is to help each other to
Dolgubâr walk.

a
N n u
G ruthos, with Amon r E eb and a
B r-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the i
P nnath Aegring of h R udaur, iM ddle-earth, A T 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the iM ddle-Earth oR le-Playing game. y B V J Schiavoni Page 6 of 15
 Nan Guruthos, with Amon Ereb and Bar-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the Pinnath Aegring of Rhudaur, Middle-earth, TA 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. By V. J. Schiavoni June 2020.

4.0 The Sites 5. Lanthir Siring – waterfall (location marked, not

depicted)
6. Caranduin – a river, tributary to Bruinen
4.1 THE COLDFELLS AREA 7. Elnost – a watchtower
Pinnath Aegring (as generally known to the Elves): 8. Dispar – a village
1. Nan Siring (Nan Guruthos) – the valley 9. Carandor – a village
2. Amon Ereb – the hill 10. Daenost – a watchtower
3. Bar-en-Hendaer – the monastery/seminary 11. Dol Duniath – a watchtower
4. Siring – a stream, tributary to Mitheithel

The Coldfells Area (Pinnath Aegring)

a
N n u
G ruthos, with Amon r E eb and a
B r-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the i
P nnath Aegring of h R udaur, iM ddle-earth, A T 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the iM ddle-Earth oR le-Playing game. y B V J Schiavoni Page 7 of 15
Nan Guruthos, with Amon Ereb and Bar-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the Pinnath Aegring of Rhudaur, Middle-earth, TA 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. By V. J. Schiavoni June 2020.

4.2 THE COLDWATER 4.4 LONELY HILL

The Siring (S."Coldwater"; Bl."Forishka") is a stream
arising in Nan Siring in the northern Misty Mountains,
flowing through the Coldfells of Rhudaur and eventually
into the Mitheithel. The Siring has two forks, arising in
adjacent valleys: the North or Upper Fork, and the South
or Lower Fork. They are separated by a ridge of hills
which thrusts out westward from the mountains; the two
forks join just west of the last hill. The springs from
which the Siring arises (Eithil Siring) are verily icy cold.
4.3 COLDWATER VALLEY
Refer to the color illustration on end page. Nan Siring
holds the South or Lower Fork of the Siring stream.
Access to the valley is blocked by a 200-foot scarp, over
which the Lower Siring drops in a waterfall called
Lanthir Siring. The easiest way into the valley is a
switchback trail leading up the cliff on the south side of
the stream. Once in the valley, the trail leads along the
south bank of the stream to a ford and thence to Amon
Ereb.
The trail passes a shepherds’ cottage, barn, and corrals
at the base of Amon Ereb. This hill is heavily wooded
(not shown on the color illustration for clarity) all
around it’s circumference up to within a few yards of the
walls of Bar-en-Hendaer. Climbing the steep hill is Hard
(-10 MM) but the cover is mostly excellent (Hide: Easy
+20 SM). The main path snakes up the hill, and is easily
surveyed from the front gates of the monastery.
4.5 THE DWELLING
The monastery/seminary sits on top of the hill Amon
Ereb. The buildings are constructed primarily of locally
quarried dark red sandstone, with terracotta tile roofs.
Unless otherwise specified, all items within each area
are of ordinary quality and minimal value.
1. Entry Gates – 6” thick oak doors bound in iron
2. Guard Towers – 20’ tall, embattled; a bell on top
of each can be rung from the ground; interiors:
storage, mostly empty barrels and boxes, plus 6-
12 ordinary spears and broadswords in each
3. Barn/Stable – for cattle and horses; hay loft

Bar-en-Hendaer on Amon Ereb

a
N n u
G ruthos, with Amon r E eb and a
B r-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the i
P nnath Aegring of h R udaur, iM ddle-earth, A T 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the iM ddle-Earth oR le-Playing game. y B V J Schiavoni Page 8 of 15
Nan Guruthos, with Amon Ereb and Bar-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the Pinnath Aegring of Rhudaur, Middle-earth, TA 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. By V. J. Schiavoni June 2020.

4. Pig Sty holding sacrifices. The raised chancel is paved in

5. Chicken Coop polished black granite. The circular domed area is paved
in glazed, colored tile. The wings are polished pink
6. Barracks – 2 floors, can house up to 50
marble. Metal braziers, carven statues, polished wooden
7. Dormitory – staff benches and tables, and numerous tapestries depicting
8. Dormitory – captives, barred from outside the Great Eye and such, complete the furniture, all of
9. Temple Hendaerond – see below which is above ordinary quality and value.
10. Refectory
4.5.2 The Catacombs/Dungeons
11. Kitchen
12. Garden Among other projects, the captives are being made to
excavate underground catacombs and dungeons.
13. Library/Scriptorium
14. Cisterns 4.6 DOL DUNIATH
4.5.1 The Temple This utterly unremarkable stone watchtower, located
about 20 miles northwest of Elnost, is in a state of
The main temple – Hendaerond, Vault of the Great Eye disrepair, barely adequate to shelter the Hillman Scouts
– is constructed of dark red sandstone, with a tile roof. who sometimes patrol the area. There is nothing of any
The black granite altar is equipped with shackles for value whatsoever inside nor around it. It does however

Temple Hendaerond, Vault of the Great Eye

a
N n u
G ruthos, with Amon r E eb and a
B r-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the i
P nnath Aegring of h R udaur, iM ddle-earth, A T 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the iM ddle-Earth oR le-Playing game. y B V J Schiavoni Page 9 of 15
Nan Guruthos, with Amon Ereb and Bar-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the Pinnath Aegring of Rhudaur, Middle-earth, TA 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. By V. J. Schiavoni June 2020.

possess an excellent view of the surrounding terrain,

especially the roads.
Dol Duniath (S: Head [of the] West-fence) is the end
of a line of hills that forms part of the divide between the
Hoarwell and Loudwater watersheds.

a
N n u
G ruthos, with Amon r E eb and a
B r-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the i
P nnath Aegring of h R udaur, iM ddle-earth, A T 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the iM ddle-Earth oR le-Playing game. y B V J Schiavoni Page 10 of 15
 Nan Guruthos, with Amon Ereb and Bar-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the Pinnath Aegring of Rhudaur, Middle-earth, TA 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. By V. J. Schiavoni June 2020.

5.0 The Adventure
In the dim light of the stars, the Elf led them up the hill
to the base of the wall. It was slow going in the dark,
and they had to focus on not stumbling and staying
silent. Fortunately, they succeeded despite the darkness,
and it seemed that there were no guards anyway – all
was eerily quiet.
“I will climb the wall,” whispered the Elf, “and then
lower a rope, if the way is clear. Let us hope that our
enemies are not vigilant.”
5.1 THE TASK
Other than stumbling across this place by dumb luck,
the easiest hook is to have someone close to the PCs,
such as a friend or relative – or close to a sponsor such
as Elrond or Gandalf, who may also offer a bounty –
captured and taken prisoner to Bar-en-Hendaer, requiring
a rescue mission. Another option is an infiltration/assault
operation to damage/neutralize the facility and it’s staff,
but that mission would necessarily expand to include a
rescue of the prisoners.
Any attempt at negotiation – for surrender, release of
captives, or otherwise – will be met with resolute
rejection as long as Dolgubâr or Krum is in charge.
If they successfully infiltrate by night, the PCs may
decide to attempt to methodically kill everyone as they
sleep, and (if the GM allows) indeed they may theo-
retically succeed, but this will require silent, flawless
execution and indiscriminate slaying of anyone and
everyone they encounter. However, the adventure will be
more challenging and fun if the party runs into a
ceremony in progress (see 6.3).
5.2 STARTING THE PLAYERS
The most likely starting places for the PCs are:
(a) Dispar or Elnost, both in the Caranduin Vale,
(b) Carandor or Daenost, also near Caranduin Vale,
(c) Rivendell,
(d) the Inn at the Last Bridge,
(e) Etraim,
(f) Fennas Drúnin,
(g) or some other such haven.
Dispar and Elnost (see area map) are by far the closest
friendly havens, and one of them should be used at least
as a way-station. This adventure scenario assumes that
the party starts at Dispar. Even so, the PCs will face a
long (~75 mi.) journey through hostile and rugged (but
mostly empty) territory, for which they must be
prepared. Prudent planning is required. The GM should
ensure that the party has, at least, intelligence as to the
existence of Dol Duniath and Bar-en-Hendaer and the
general location of Nan Guruthos. Unless they are
familiar with the area (highly doubtful), they will also
require a decent map and/or guide and/or good
navigation capabilities.
5.3 AIDS
The very remoteness and emptiness of the entire area
allows for generally unobserved movement, and Nan
Guruthos itself provides ample cover in it’s wooded
areas for those seeking stealth.
The GM may decide to conveniently arrange for the
party to intercept a courier or two immediately prior to
entering the valley. Said courier(s) could be captured and
made to divulge details about the valley and monastery
and inhabitants, or even useful documents.
As mentioned, the guards are complacent and security
is lax: no one at Bar-en-Hendaer is expecting trouble. An
observant party should discover and exploit this fact.
Dolgubâr’s position is actually somewhat precarious:
the Hillmen are famously xenophobic, and while the
Easterling priests certainly fear and even grudgingly
respect him, they have no love whatsoever for this
“Black Númenórean”. The fact that he is alone – and
thus potentially vulnerable – amongst a rabble of
Easterlings and Hillmen seems lost on him – he feels
secure in his own right as the appointed chief priest of
the Witch-king. A clever party might find a way to
exploit this weakness….
A truly expert party may realize that pursuit during
withdrawal will be minimized or prevented by
eliminating the enemy leaders and/or guards.
5.4 OBSTACLES
Dol Duniath is a decaying watchtower overlooking the
main route from Caranduin Vale into the North. It is
currently controlled by the Hillmen. The GM can have it

a
N n u
G ruthos, with Amon r E eb and a
B r-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the i
P nnath Aegring of h R udaur, iM ddle-earth, A T 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the iM ddle-Earth oR le-Playing game. y B V J Schiavoni Page 11 of 15
Nan Guruthos, with Amon Ereb and Bar-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the Pinnath Aegring of Rhudaur, Middle-earth, TA 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. By V. J. Schiavoni June 2020.

manned or empty, depending on the difficulty desired. If
occupied, it will be manned by a small troop of Hillmen
Scouts, who will certainly molest strangers (or worse),
so it should be avoided. However, sneaking past it at
night should be easy. Stats for Hillmen Scouts are
provided in the Table.
At Bar-en-Hendaer, there are two guards at the front
gates at all times. Security may be loose, but any
unknown or unexpected party openly approaching the
monastery will be met by Krum and a party of guards
and servants of at least equal size, more if they appear
dangerous. An open assault will be met by closing of the
gates and defense of the walls by all available personnel.
One obvious ruse to gain entry is to pose as a courier,
or even an escort delivering new prisoners. However,
infiltration of this facility by disguise and/or imposture
will be most difficult, suicidal for non-humans: all
personnel will be very suspicious of anyone but Hillmen
in this remote area of Rhudaur, and impersonating a
Hillman will require more than just clothes and a strange
accent. And who would pose as the prisoner(s)? If the
GM wishes to allow this option, perhaps the party can
forge or acquire believable documents and/or credentials
from a friendly sponsor (e.g., Elrond, Gandalf or such),
or even intercept an enemy courier on their own – the
guards will not be able to read such documents in any
case, so a single spy or two might make it past the front
gates, but then what? Krum or Dolgubâr will be even
harder yet to deceive since both can read. Still, a spy
may be able to gain entry and reconnoiter the place
ahead of the party. Infiltration by stealth, however,
should be not only possible but relatively easy, espe-
cially at night since there are only two guards, both at
the front door.
Even if rescue of the prisoners is successful, the entire
group must travel far through rough, hostile territory to
reach safety. The freed captives may need assistance just
to move. The good news is that any pursuit will be fee-
ble or hopelessly late, and random encounters likely few.
whatever the PCs can loot or steal from their enemies,
plus any bounty or boon offered for freeing the captives.
If persons such as Elrond, Gandalf, or the Dúnedain are
involved, their gratitude will certainly ensure that the
PCs are well rewarded.
5.6 AFTERWARD
If and when the PCs are debriefed (by The Wise, a
Wizard, the Elves, or Dúnedain), those of the Free
Peoples with knowledge of such things will not be
surprised at the discovery of a center of Dark Worship at
this time and place, but they should be interested and
perplexed (or even concerned or alarmed) by the motif
of the Great Eye – though they will not in any way
understand what it means for many long years – thus
foreshadowing things to come in the distant future.
There will almost certainly be survivors of any raid on
Bar-en-Hendaer, and word of events will shortly reach
the Witch-king. Unless the party has somehow managed
to completely destroy the place beyond repair, it will
soon be repaired and restaffed, with trebled or
quadrupled security.
If any survivors can identify the raiders, they will be
marked, and spies will be on the lookout for them
throughout Rhudaur and indeed all Eriador.
If either Dolgubâr or Krum survives, they will become
even more vicious, and will pursue revenge against the
PCs, if at all possible.

5.5 REWARDS
The task here being primarily a rescue mission, the
main reward is recovery and freeing of the captives, plus
maybe destruction or impairment of the Witch-king’s
plans for this facility. The only material rewards are

a
N n u
G ruthos, with Amon r E eb and a
B r-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the i
P nnath Aegring of h R udaur, iM ddle-earth, A T 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the iM ddle-Earth oR le-Playing game. y B V J Schiavoni Page 12 of 15
 Nan Guruthos, with Amon Ereb and Bar-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the Pinnath Aegring of Rhudaur, Middle-earth, TA 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. By V. J. Schiavoni June 2020.

6.0 Encounters 6.3 … AT THE MONASTERY

In the darkness, the company gazed through the oculus
of the temple onto the scene below, recoiling from the
heat and smoke. On an altar directly below them, a
chained form was laying prone. A tall figure in black
robes was leaning over the captive, holding a wicked-
looking dagger. Ten or more robed men surrounded the
altar, while at least eight other people looked on, all
watched over by a half dozen guards. The sounds of
chanting drifted up.
“That’s Pogo!” hissed Ariel. “What should we do?”
“You stay here and prepare a Fire Bolt as a
distraction,” said the Ranger. “Grog and I will take the
North door, the others the South. We’ll attack when we
hear your spell explode.”
6.1 … ALONG THE WAY
… will be dictated by the PCs’ starting point and
choice of route, and by the GM. By avoiding major
roads and occupied sites (in particular Dol Duniath),
they can minimize the chance of trouble, but will move
slower. If manned, Dol Duniath will hold 8-12 Hillmen
Scouts (see Table for stats). Other encounters are likely
with Hillmen, Orcs, or Trolls, though the area is very
sparsely inhabited. Such encounters are left to the GM.
6.2 … IN COLDWATER VALLEY
As mentioned, the GM may arrange for the PCs to
intercept a courier. If so, this should happen just before
they enter the valley, far out of sight of anyone else. Use
stats for Hillman Scouts from the Table.
Local Orcs and Trolls have been warned in the name
of the Witch-king to leave Bar-en-Hendaer and it’s
people unmolested; however, being evil and stupid as
they are, they may not always obey this command, nor
are they prohibited from roaming the valley: the
monastery’s sheep are just too tempting a target.
Random wanderers in the valley (the PCs) may stumble
across such denizens, especially at night.
The four shepherds will not be present at the
monastery except for some special occasion. They may
be encountered (with their sheepdogs) anywhere in the
valley’s pastures, usually separately, tending to their
flocks. If they spot intruders, they will attempt to raise an
alarm, but this may not be easy since they may be miles
from assistance.
During the day, the place will be a beehive of activity,
as the servants, captives and guards go about their daily
activities. Approaching by stealth will be Hard (-10) at
best. At night, however, almost everyone will usually be
abed, with only two guards at the (closed and barred)
front gates; these guards may occasionally make rounds
of the monastery grounds. Approach by stealth at night,
especially from other than the front, will be Easy (+20,
but modified by darkness).
Assuming that the PCs opt for a stealth approach by
night, it is recommended that, regardless of the date or
time, they find the entire staff engaged in a religious
ceremony inside the temple. Dolgubâr will be leading a
human sacrifice of one of the captives – preferably
someone known to the party – who is chained to the
altar, about to be slain. Although the enemy outnumber
the PCs, the party should achieve complete surprise, and
only Krum and the (6) guards will be armed (but not
armored). An armed assault by the PCs during this
ceremony should produce epic mayhem, as the (8)
servants scatter in terror and the (6) priests and (4)
acolytes hesitate in uncertainty (the Easterlings may well
flee rather than fight). See illustration on end page.
Another exciting alternative is to have the PCs
interrupt a session in the torture chamber. This could
occur at any time of day or night. Present will be
Dolgubâr and Krum, plus maybe one or two each of
guards, priests, and/or acolytes – and of course a victim
in need of rescue.
6.4 … DURING WITHDRAWAL
Active pursuit will occur only if either Dolgubâr or
Krum is alive to organize it. They will mobilize the
remaining guards and half of the servants, and will
continue pursuit relentlessly until they succeed or are
eliminated, since they realize that failure means death.
Due to the remote location, any other organized pursuit
is thankfully many days or even weeks away.
But the Shadow draws evil to itself: the GM may wish
to have a minor encounter or two with Orcs or Trolls, or
Hillman Scouts from Dol Duniath, just to harass the
withdrawal, if the party is still intact and operational.

a
N n u
G ruthos, with Amon r E eb and a
B r-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the i
P nnath Aegring of h R udaur, iM ddle-earth, A T 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the iM ddle-Earth oR le-Playing game. y B V J Schiavoni Page 13 of 15
 Nan Guruthos, with Amon Ereb and Bar-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the Pinnath Aegring of Rhudaur, Middle-earth, TA 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. By V. J. Schiavoni June 2020.

7.0 Tables
NPC Summaries
AT/ Missile
Name/# Lvl Hits Helm Sh/Gr DB Melee OB 1/2/3* OB* MM** Notes‡
Dolgubâr 10 66 No/No No/No +5 +40bs/+60da/-20 +30da +15 Black Númenórean Mage 5/Animist 5
Item: +15 magical dagger; Item: Brooch, ×3 PP multiplier. PP(Chan): 2×5×3=30; Spell Lists: 6. PP(Ess): 2×5×3=30; Spell Lists: 6. Dir Spells: +95;
Base Spells: +20; Perception: +55
Shom 5 38 No/No No/No +5 +35sc/+10da/-20 +35ja +15 Easterling Animist
Item: Brooch, +3 Spell Adder. PP(Chan): 2×5=10; Spell Lists: 6. Directed Spells: +25; Base Spells: +10; Perception: +40
Krum† 5 86 SL/Yes No/No +15 +80sp/+65bs/+40da +100sp +5/+15 Hillman Warrior. Well-armed.
Item: +10sp. Perception +10
Priests/3 4 33 No/No No/No +5 +30sc/+10da/-20 +30ja +15 EasterlingAnimist
Item: Brooch, +2 Spell Adder. PP(Chan): 2×4=8; Spell Lists: 5. Directed Spells: +23; Base Spells: +8; Perception: +34
Priests/2 3 27 No/No No/No +5 +25sc/+10da/-20 +25ja +15 Easterling Animist
Item: Brooch, +2 Spell Adder. PP(Chan): 2×3=6; Spell Lists: 4. Dir Spells: +21; Base Spells: +6; Perception: +33
Acolytes/4 1 16 No/No No/No +5 +25sp/+10bs/-20 +15sp +15 Hillman Animist
Item: Brooch, +1 Spell Adder. PP(Chan): 2×1=2; Spell Lists: 2. Directed Spells: -18; Base Spells: +2; Perception: +21
Guards/4† 3 60 SL/Yes No/No +15 +54sp/+49bs/+34da +64sp +5/+15 Hillman Warrior. Well-armed. Percept +5
Guards/4† 2 47 SL/Yes No/No +15 +46sp/+41bs/+31da +51sp +5/+15 Hillman Warrior. Well-armed. Percept +5
Servants/4† 3 38 No/No No/No +20 +53sp/+23bs/-10da +63sp +25 Hillman Scout. Well-armed. Percept +29
(Shepherds)
Servants/4† 2 47 No/No No/No +15 +46sp/+41bs/+31da +51sp +15 Hillman Warrior. Perception +10
Servants/4† 1 34 No/No No/No +15 +38sp/+33bs/+28da +38sp +15 Hillman Warrior. Perception +5
Scouts/4† 3 38 SL/Yes No/No +20 +53sp/+23bs/-10da +63sp +5 Hillman Scout. Well-armed. Percept +24
Scouts/4† 2 32 SL/Yes No/No +20 +47sp/+22bs/-10da +52sp +5 Hillman Scout. Well-armed. Percept +16
Scouts/4† 1 27 SL/Yes No/No +20 +41sp/+21bs/-10da +41sp +5 Hillman Scout. Well-armed. Percept +8
Codes: Lvl = Level; AT = Armor Type; Sh = Shield; Gr = Greaves (A = Arm, L = Leg); DB = Defensive Bonus (includes Shield);
OB = Offensive Bonus; MM = Movement & Maneuver Bonus; PP = Power Points (Chan = Channeling, Ess = Essence).
Weapons Codes: da = dagger; bs = broadsword; ja = javelin; sc = scimitar; sp = spear.
Armor Types: No = No armor; SL = Soft Leather.
* If no weapon is specified, the OB applies to any other weapon. Having a weapon skill does not guarantee that such a weapon is available.
** If two numbers are shown, the first is with armor, the second with no armor.
† The primary Hillman weapon is the spear – thrown; or secondarily retain spear for melee as a 2-H pole-arm at +10 (included).
‡ “Well-armed” means the NPC normally carries all listed weapons.
THE END

a
N n u
G ruthos, with Amon r E eb and a
B r-en-Hendaer, a monastery of the cult of
Sauron, in the i
P nnath Aegring of h R udaur, iM ddle-earth, A T 1640. Being a fan-
made resource for the iM ddle-Earth oR le-Playing game. y B V J Schiavoni Page 14 of 15