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Documente Profesional
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Contents
1.0 Notes on the features and use
1.1 Definitions and terms
1.2 Special notes concerning maps and interpretation
1.2.1 Map
1.2.2 Map
1.2.3 Map
1.2.4 Map
1.2.5 Map
9.0 Tables
9.1 Master NPC Table
9.2 Master Military Table
9.3 Master Beast Table
9.4 Encounter Table
9.5
10.0 Selected Reading
1.0 Guidelines 1.11 Definitions
This adventure supplement has been designed to keep true
to the format of the Campaign supplements created by Iron Carnen (The Red River): A prominent river in the Iron Hills area that has its
Crown Enterprises (ICE) for their Role-playing system called origins in the western part of the range and flows south into the Celduin.
Dorwinion: The area East of the River Carnen the “Red River” including the
MERP, which is based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. While eastern half of the Iron Hills.
it is based on the works of Tolkien, it uses for the basis of the Goda Sarker (The ______): The eastern branch of the Carnen river. Both
information and details from the works of ICE’s Middle-Earth branches have high steep banks carved out of the soft sedimentary rock found
Role Playing materials now no longer published. Where south of the Iron Hills.
Great Plague: A terrible plague that struck Western Middle-Earth in 1635
discrepancies between the two works occur, this supplement and lasted for 4 years having a devastating effect on the population.
will defer to the material published by ICE as the preferred Northman: The name given to the people found in the region from south of
ruling source. While Tolkien purists will undoubtedly scoff at the Ered Mithrin to the southern extent of Mirkwood.
this, it is done to allow easier integration with the MERP Rhovanion: A vast region encompassing all the land south of the Grey
Mountains, North of Mordor. Rhovanion stretches East of the Misty
gaming system which this supplement was designed for. Mountains and west of the Red River (Carnen). The western part of the Iron
Created as a tool for GM’s who want to expand their Hills is located in this area.
playing knowledge in the Iron Hills and surrounding areas. As Rhun:
with all Fantasy Role Playing supplements, GM’s are
encouraged to modify and adapt any part of the material to
better suit their ongoing campaigns. Most of the material is
based on the campaign-taking place in the year 1640 of the
third age, except for sections relating to other times.
Terms
Character Stats:
Ag – Agility
Co – Constitution
St – Strength
Pr – Presence
It – Intuition
Ig – Intelligence
Game Terms:
AT – Armour Type Mod – Modifier or Modification
Bp – Bronze piece Mp – Mithril Piece
Cp – Copper piece NPC – Non player Character
Crit – Critical Strike OB – Offensive Bonus
D – Die or dice PC – Player Character
D100 – Percentile Dice result PP – Power Points
DB – Defensive Bonus R or Rad – Radius
GM – Game Master Rnd – Round
Gp – Gold piece RR – Resistance Roll
Lvl – Level Stat – Statistic or characteristic
2.0 Introduction
Created by malevolence, the purpose of the Iron
Mountains was meant to be for the proliferation of evil in
Middle Earth. And so it would seem their fate, created by became a safe haven for their kin, fleeing the Dragons attacks
Melkor early in the first age to guard as a gate to his ancient upon their Dwarven mansions in the Ered Mithrin and Erebor.
citadel Utumno. But all ends are not known even to the most
wise. After the war of wrath when the Iron Mountains were
torn apart creating the Iron Hills men and elves avoided the 2.1 Overview
area.
So it was for thousands of years before any of the free The Iron Hills are not an imposing land feature that
people made this area their home. It would be the dwarves, the dominates a region like the Misty Mountains or the Mirkwood
children of Aule that would see the beauty hidden within the forest. Far enough removed from the settled lands in the east
hills and tame the region to call it home. Yavanna and Aule and west the range has not played a role neither hindering nor
took pity on the corruptness that Melkor dealt to the Iron Hills helping in their development. Nor does it create a significant
feeling that no area should be created for such devises and barrier to travel going east to west as it is easily
blessed the land with beauty and riches few men and elves circumnavigated to the north or the south. It is no wonder men
have seen on this earth. And so true with all that is found and elves paid no heed to the area. Despite the original
within the Iron Hills; two sides one of dark and foreboding purpose of the Iron Hills as a work of evil, the land was also
and another of beauty and hope. blessed with beauty if one knows where to look. In the
Valleys and shelter from the winds that blow from the north a
Day 96 - “We have explored many of the natural caves and large variety of plants and animals can be found. In the open
cracks within these hills over the past few months to discover plain of the basin, springtime brings a kaleidoscope of colour
little but Orc and Troll holes. But there is something about like nowhere else on middle earth as dozens of species of
this area that draws me to continue looking. I can’t explain it wildflowers bloom all at once. The varying land features also
but it is akin to looking at a rough diamond and seeing the make an ideal home to numerous species of animals some
beauty that lies within it when left to the capable hands of a common and some very rare such as the large mountain cats
master jeweller. I feel as if the will of Aule himself pushing me found in the hills. Underneath the hills many ore deposits can
on to continue looking and delving in these hills. Its as if the be found as well as natural underground caverns filled with
area needs to play a critical role in the fate of Dwarves for crystal formations of unmatched beauty. Small underground
generations to come.” - From the Journal of Fulla VII SA aqueducts cut through the hills creating natural pathways that
2731 reveal the beauty of the rock and crystal formations as they cut
their swath through the rock.
East of Mirkwood and Lake Annen (Long Lake), just
south of the eastern edge of the Grey Mountains lays the Iron
Hills (Emyn Engrin). The Iron Hills were once part of a larger
2.2 The History of the Iron Hills
chain of mountains and were once actually connected to the Melkor and The Iron Mountains
Grey Mountains. During the War of Wrath, which occurred at The Iron Hills were once mountains instead of hills. They
the end of the First Age, the Mountain range was split apart as belonged to the range of mountains called Ered Engrin or the
the land underwent a great upheaval. What was left was a Iron Mountains, which existed during the first age. The Iron
separate range of low mountains now known as the Iron Hills. Mountains spanned across the north in a large curve going
The Iron Hills is a harsh area, which has escaped much from East to West. Melkor, the most powerful of the Valar,
notice by men and through the ages has had very little created the range itself whose song become corrupt with
settlement. The Northmen who settled west of the range along vanity and jealousy. Melkor wanted to possess and create life
the Celduin river stay far enough removed from Iron Hills, as like Eru and was envious at the creation of the new world,
the area is very much untamed. The Dorwinions, Rhovanions Arda and all that Eru had made upon it. As the parts of the
and men of Rhun have also left these inhospitable peaks to the other Valar songs were being sung, creating what was to be
wild beasts and creatures better suited to its rugged nature. known as Arda or Middle Earth, Melkor added his corrupt
Being left untamed and unsettled the Iron Hills have not tunes, warping and bending what beauty the other Valar were
played a significant role in the development of the civilization making. In this battle of songs not all was corrupt and many
in the western part of Middle-Earth. things of beauty came to pass. So is true for darkness, and
Through the second age the Iron Hills became home to Melkors song in these matters was the louder. So in his song
wild beasts Orcs, Trolls and Giants. In fact it was not until the was the Iron Mountains created.
middle of the third age when Dwarves took up residence in the
range did it develop any significance to the free peoples of Utumno
Middle Earth. Around that same time the Iron Hills became Within the Iron Mountains Melkor created a secret citadel
an important location for the Easterlings and their need to called Utumno and he placed it hidden underground away
establish a secure trade route to the west into Angmar. This from the eyes of the other Valar. There he dwelt and spied on
route was to become known as the Men-Rhunen. the world as it was created, plotting to have his will over all
Rich in minerals and ores that make superior steel, the Iron things. Time pasted and it came to be that the First born, elves
Hills developed into an important strong hold for Dwarves and began to walk on Middle Earth. Created by Eru, and things of
Orcs alike. Later in the third age these Dwarven strongholds beauty, Melkor was angry and wished to possess and create
his own living things that would worship him above all others. The Second Age
In Utumno, Melkor created demons and spirits whose essences For the first three hundred years of the second age the
were corrupt and vile like his. Made of fire and darkness they Iron Hills lay barren. Slowly animals crept into the area to
issued terror before them and in later days became known as live. Deer, elk, and wolves to name a few made the Iron Hills
Balrogs. Other vile creatures Melkor created and distorted to their home. Then in SA 330 the 7 th house of the Dwarven
his song, too foul and many to mention they dwelt deep within Lords the house of Barin stopped their journey eastward at the
the bowls of Arda. Melkor was the first Valar that became Iron Hills. Here they tried to settle and build their mansions
aware of the coming of Elves. He sent his vile creatures to spy but the evil essence of Melkor was still strong in the Iron Hills
on them. Tales were spread of a rider who stole elves and at this time. The settlement was plagued with misfortune and
took them far away to the west never to be seen again. These strife. Disease and disaster made it hard for the clan to stay in
were the lies spread to fill terror among elves about the the Hills. After struggling for 3 seasons the house of Barin
coming of the other Valar. Then came the day when Orome abandoned their settlement and continued their journey
rode to the east and laid eyes upon the first-born. Some of the eastward. There they eventually made there way to the Land
elves were afraid and terror filled their hearts. Others looking of Ruuriik and joined with the Dwarves of the 6th house Druins
upon Orome and were not afraid and heeded his call to follow folk.
him into the West. Of those that stayed behind not much is “…The Valar did not discover all the mighty vaults and
known of their fate for sure. Most were captured by Melkor caverns hidden with deceit far under the fortresses of
and brought to Utumno where he perverted their beauty and Angband and Utumno. Many evil things still lingered there,
warped their spirit creating from his envy and mockery the and others were dispersed and fled into the dark and roamed
race of Orcs. It came to pass that the Valar held council and in the waste places of the world, awaiting a more evil hour;
decided to make war upon Melkor for fear to have the coming and Sauron they did not find.” - Similarion
of the first children grow up in his darkness calling him lord
rather then in light. All was quite for the Iron Hills as men, elves and dwarves
left the area alone and avoided the Iron Hills until later in the
“Long and grievous was the siege of Utumno, and many second age. But the Iron Hills were not uninhabited. Deep
battles were fought before its gates…in that time the shape of underneath the hills the under deep tunnels that intertwine and
Middle-earth was changed…” - Similarion. connected the citadels and fortresses still remained. Some of
The Iron Mountains were brought asunder during this which crisscrossed under the eastern edge of the Iron Hills.
battle against Melkor. The Valar laid waste to the area trying Trolls and Orcs moved in to the many cracks and caves that
to destroy Utumno the citadel used by Melkor. are found through out the broken Hills in the East and north.
Finally in a valiant show of courage Tulkas the champion In the west and south Giants moved in and made their homes.
of the Valar, wrestled with Melkor and through him down. But deep below in the forgotten tunnels made by Melkor
Tulkas then bound Melkor with the chain Aule gave him forgotten evil laid hidden. Here foul creatures lay waiting for a
called Angainor and led Melkor away from Arda. The Valar chance to once again walk on the surface of Middle Earth and
then laid waste to Utumno turning the under deeps out and bring destruction and chaos to thee free peoples.
destroying all they found but they could not find Melkors
lieutenant Sauron. Thus ended Melkor’s rule on Middle Earth.
For three ages he was bound to dwell in Mandos from where Fulla VII
none could escape. In the Second Age (SA) 2710 Fulla VII the heir to the
throne of Druin heard of the great siege and battle that the
Return of Melkor (Morgoth) Demon Muar lay upon the dwarves of Ruuriik. In SA 2711,
Then came to pass the sentence of three ages had come Druin along with his companion Balli (later to be known as
and gone and Manwe pardoned his brother Melkor. But Balli Stone Hand) and an embassy of Dwarves and Men set
Manwe was not able to see all the evil in Melkors heart. It out on a journey to Ruuriik to liberate the Dwarven city of
came to be that Melkor feigned love to the Noldor elves and Khazad-madur. This 30-year journey included a stop over in
found an instrument to corrupt to his evilness. Befriending the the Iron Hills in SA 2731. Here they fought many Orc hordes,
elves he taught them much in the ways of secret crafts, skills partially cleansing the area of the foul race. Intrigued by the
they should not have learned. From this knowledge did Feanor area Fulla VII and his group stayed in the area for just over 1
create the three Silmarils whose beauty and craftsmanship was year. While in the Iron Hills they mapped out the natural
unmatched before or since. The tale that follows about the caverns and caves that they found. They made detailed notes
Silmarils is too long and to tell here. In the end, Melkor stole and maps of the various loads of minerals and crystals that
the Silmarils and sped away to Angband. A final battle they found or speculated would be there based on the
occurred called the War of Wrath that ended the First Age. geographic features they discovered. They concluded that
Again Middle Earth underwent great upheaval devastating the though Gold and Silver were not to be found in huge
land and sea. The result was that the Iron Mountains were quantities, rare crystals, iron, coal, limestone, nickel and
split apart leaving in their desolation the Grey Mountains graphite were plentiful. Aside from the Iron Hills area, Fulla
(Ered Mithrin) and the Iron Hills (Emyn Engrin) and the VII and Balli mapped and made notes on several hill and
Scattered ranges in the Far North. mountain ranges that they came across. They were developing
a detailed encyclopaedia consisting of maps and notes on the
hills and mountains that they came across on their journey detailed maps and information of some of their findings of the
east. Upon reaching Ruuriik a great battle ensued, and the mountains to the south and east.
Dwarven Animist Balli, slayed the Balrog Muar. In the battle They arrived and spent the next year exploring and
however a mage from Muars army turned Balli’s hand to mapping the hills. This included finding the abandoned
stone- hence he became known as Balli Stonehand. Fulla VII settlement by Barins folk in the eastern part of the range. That
then claimed the crown and ruled Ruuriik in piece. was that same area where many orcs had made their
strongholds, which Fulla VII decimated 1500 years earlier.
Fulla II of the house of Balli Believing this area fouled by orcs and having some kind of
In TA 825, Fulla II a direct descendent of Balli Stonehand unknown benevolence, Fulla II moved his band westward
left the Dwarven Mansion in Ruuriik, Khazad-madur with 100 along the southern range of the Hills. In TA927, Fulla II found
Dwarves and headed out on a long journey armed with the the ideal location in the southwestern range of the hills
maps and notes made by Balli and Fulla VII almost 1500 years situated only about 1km from the headwaters of the Carnen
earlier. Fulla II was a very Charismatic dwarf much like his River. Here an old dry creek bed entered the southern side of a
ancestor Balli was. His charming personality and knowledge hill. The creek bed wound its way for about 600m and entered
of mining was renowned in all of Ruuriik. Unlike most a huge natural cavern. It was filled with marvellous crystal
dwarves he did not enjoy the crafting weapons or armour but formations, a waterfall and a small river dividing the cavern in
enjoyed geology and engineering. When he was a young half. Amazed by the beauty Fulla II decided then and there
dwarf he often would spend countless hours pondering over that this was going to be the site of his clan’s mansion that
the maps and notes left by Balli wondering what it would be would later be known as Azanulinbar-dum. The hill they
like to delve into new uncharted lodes rich in ore. named (K._______) which means “Fulla’s Peak ” and soon
When he was old enough and he felt the time was right, set about mining and making the area their new home. The
Fulla II approached the king and asked for leave to go out hill itself was about 3000ft in elevation, and the valley around
exploring. The king agreed to help to fund the expedition as it was sheltered from the harsh northern winds. In this valley
long as his discoveries were made in the Kings name. So with a mixed forest of pines, oak, ash, hemlock and yew gave the
the kings’ blessing and financial backing, Fulla II gathered his dwarves access to timber for building machines, furniture and
group and headed out. The journey itself was nothing short of wood for fire.
an epic campaign that would take over 100 years and included As they delved deeper into their new home, the dwarves
many stops along the way. Each stop was for a varying length discovered that it was filled with small natural streams and
of time allowing them to explore, mine and examine what was found 2 other smaller natural caverns. The greatest find was a
charted before. They would make additional notes and maps fissure in the hill that contained huge deposits of Iron, coal
and update the information they had. Often samples would be and other ores needed to make steel. These would later be
taken to see the type and quality of the minerals and ores found to be some of the purest lodes in all of Middle Earth.
present. When they could, the expedition would send The fissure was created in the first age as a result of the War
messengers back to Ruuriik with what they found. This group of Wrath and the cataclysmic changes the area underwent.
of exploring dwarves soon became known as The Rolling
Dwarves (K._______). As time went on the numbers of Life in the Iron Hills
messengers sent dwindled as the interest of the King waned. The Dwarves of the Iron Hills prospered and their
Most of the Dwarves from Ruuriik soon forgot about both, numbers grew. On occasion small bands of orcs would try
their journey and their deeds. Stories of the band of “rolling and attack Azanulinbar-dum but it was too well defended and
dwarves” became not much more then legend. Aside from constructed for any of these to be affective. The Dwarves in
exploring and mining, there were many hardships and turn would go out in war parties to try and route the orcs from
encounters with orcs, trolls and other fell beasts. These stories the hills when they could find the holes from which the orcs
and adventures are too long and numerous to be told here. came from. These sorties would keep the population of the
Coming near to the end of his travels, after exploring orcs around Azanulinbar-dum to a manageable level, never
many locations along the eastern and northern mountain really posing any threat until late in the Third age.
ranges, Fulla II knew his time was coming to an end. He Fulla II and the all of Balli’s ancestors lived long lives
saved the Iron Hills area for the last, as this was the one even for dwarves. Some say it is due to their pure heart and
location that interested him the most. According to Balli’s the lack of sway over them from the Dark Lord, as none
notes this place held a lot of promise for a new Dwarven possessed any of the 7 rings made for the Dwarven kings.
stronghold. In TA 925-926 Fulla II and his group wintered in Fulla II wed late and had 2 children, Builla and Fulla III. Even
the halls of the Dwarven settlement of Nurunkizdin in the though Fulla II was up in years he still ruled the Iron Hills for
Rhun Mountains enjoying king Thralin’s clan hospitality. over 375 years. When he died his throne went to his son Fulla
In the Spring of TA 926, He and his group of now only about III, who in turn ruled for 397 years. Fulla III became the 2 nd
60 Dwarves left the Dwarven settlement in the Rhun lord of Azanulinbar-dum in TA1303 when he was slain by an
Mountains and headed northwest to the Iron Hills. With them Orc arrow during one of the patrols to keep the local Orc
came 20 female dwarves as brides to help build the Dwarven population in control. The Clan of Fulla III had prospered and
population at the new settlement. In return for the brides Fulla grown. The population was getting to the point that the great
II gave Thralin the king of the clan at Rhun Mountains cavern found in Azanulinbar-dum, which was the main living
quarters, was getting too cramped even for dwarves. Azaghal,
Fulla III’s cousin the great grandson of Ballis brother Zigli, the mannish settlements slowly began to re-establish trade
proposed to create an new delving another Dwarven with the dwarves from the Iron Hills. The trade that flowed
stronghold that would complement Azanulinbar-dum and between the two Dwarven settlements Khazad-dum and
would be located under a hill nearby. Fulla III agreed to the Azanulinbar-dum also slowed to a stop at this time. Once
division and Azaghal founded the Dwarven stronghold of demand began again after the plague, Dwarven goods were
Barak-Shathur under the hill (K._________) “the Forging once again travelling along the Men-i-Naugrim. This time
Hill” in TA 1490. The two strongholds were connected however the caravans fell prey more frequently to Bandits and
together by a 6km long tunnel that followed an old fault line Orc raiders. This was especially true for the section of the
and even crossed under a small branch of the Celdiun’s road that passed through Mirkwood. Here more frequent raids
headwaters. Never under the influence of the rings the would occur. Only large well-armed caravans travel this road,
settlement grew in moderation. They never delved too deep or and then only during the time from late spring to early fall,
wanted too much treasure. In fact it could be said that this when the weather is not so harsh as to add to the danger of the
Dwarven settlement grew more in tune with nature than most. road. Dwarven caravans themselves at this time are rare. For
As they delved and expanded the halls and mines natural most of the Dwarven trade during this time flows either west
features were not removed to pure linear design but improved across land to the town of Esgaroth (Lake town) where the
upon and worked with. The result is a more natural flow of merchant’s there acting as middlemen will parley the Dwarven
tunnels then in other Dwarven colonies. This was done for goods to their final destinations or down the Carnen river to
practical reasons as well as to preserve the natural beauty in settlements in the south. Located where the Celduin and the
the many existing caverns and dried aqueducts. The perfect Carnen meet the fortified settlement of Buhr Mahrling is
example of this is the mammoth cavern that Fulla II first found. Most of the inhabitants here are of Eothraim heritage.
discovered. Here is where the Dwarves built their homes to Further down river where the Donu River connects to the
live and instead of changing the entire cavern into a purely Celduin a smaller mannish settlement called Ilanin the Wain-
linear hall they worked within its boundaries and limited the town is located. Most of its inhabitants are Easterlings but
effects on the crystalline formations found in the area. some Northmen make this their home as well. From either of
these towns the Dwarven goods either were sent south onto
Azaghal and his influence Gondor or east to trade among the ports found along the
While Fulla III concentrated on building the Dwarven shores of the Sea of Rhun. Often the Dwarves would head
realm with the Iron Hills, his cousin Azaghal was concerned out in small well-armed caravans under the cover of darkness
about diplomacy and building trade and re-establishing contact to either of the destinations to the west or south. Once they
with the other Dwarven clans to the west. Azaghal was always sold their finished steel goods that were mostly fine weapons
intrigued with the stories of the glorious halls of Khazad-dum and armour they would then purchase foodstuff that they could
Ever the diplomat; Azaghal led a pilgrimage to Khazad-dum not or did not desire to grow themselves. Often this consisted
in TA1590 to establish relations with the dwarves there. So of grains, flour, vegetables mostly of the gourd variety, some
successful was this yearlong envoy that upon his return an wooden craft products, cloth and other supplies. The one
elated king Fulla III agreed to open up a trade route to product they always made sure they purchased was lots of
Khazad-dum. This roadway was called Men-i-Naugrim (the strong Northman Ale.
Dwarven Road) and was construction was started the
following spring. As part of the trade agreement the Dwarves
from the Fulla clan had to construct a bridge that crossed the 2.3 The Iron Hills after TA 1640
river Celduin. They decided to construct a stone bridge at the
rivers low point, Lach Celduin. The Dwarves from Khazad- From TA1640 and on, trade between the Dwarves of the
dum in turn, built an identical stone bridge crossing the Iron Hills and the men of Rhovanion prospered. Trade
Anduin. Trade soon flowed between the two Dwarven clans, relations were secure and Fullas’ clan did not have the same
emissaries were sent and a bond was developed that would last prejudice as the tribes to the west. The finished products of
for hundreds of years. These were the days of prosperity for swords and armour made by the Dwarves were sought after far
Fulla’s clan. and wide. The master forgers of Azanulinbar-dum developed
and perfected the rolling of steel in the making of swords. The
Iron Hills in Modern Times quality of these superior swords is unmatched even in the halls
Soon trade was developed with the mannish clans of the of Khazad-dum. They are given a +5 minimum bonus to +15
north and east. With the northern clans steel and finished even without the aid of magic spells cast upon them. The cost
products were much sought after in exchange for foodstuffs for such weapons increase in multiples equal to that of their
and northern beer that the Dwarves in turn needed. In most of bonuses above what a normal weapon would cost.
these trades the Dwarves were able to set the prices as their Each of the ruling houses of Fulla lived an abnormally
goods were of more value. In TA1635 the great plague long time even for Dwarves. Not since the first fathers were
severely hit the mannish populations throughout Rhovanion the number of days seen by a Dwarf. For the house of Fulla
including the settlements the Dwarves trade with. In these was not affected by the twisting evil of the influences of the
times trade all but stopped. Men no longer needed Dwarven rings of power. Evil held little sway over them and they did
steel, as basic survival not profit or war weighed heavy in the not grow too greedy to delve too deep. The clan grew in
minds of man. By TA1640, after the Plague had passed and
numbers and in wealth as trade with the dwarves from moved to the Iron Hills settlement replenishing the population
Khazad-dum and the men in the area continued. When the there and re-establishing the ties with the eastern dwarves. The
Balrog was freed in Khazad-dum in TA1980, some of Durin’s population of the Iron Hills was steady at around 1000- to
folk made their way into the Iron Hills and the safety of 1200 as it became a gateway and freehold settlement for all
Azanulinbar-dum and Barak-Shathur. The population of the the Naugrim.
two strongholds grew to about almost one thousand strong.
As time went on, rumour spread of the wealth that was held
within the Dwarven halls. A great host over a thousand men
were summoned by the warlord (_______) of the Easterling
tribe (________) in TA 2360 and the gates of the Dwarven 2.4 A Timeline
mansions were besieged. The fortresses of Azanulinbar-dum
and Barak-Shathur were not designed by simple miners Date Comments
looking to delve deep and far, but by Fulla II a master
Dwarven engineer like none other. His designed the fortresses
Melkor raises the Iron Mountains to be used as his first line of
so that they could be easily defended with only a handful of 1st Age
defence of his Citadel Utumno.
Dwarven warriors. Seeing no easy way into the Dwarven
mansions, and under constant counter attack dwindling their The Iron Mountains go through a great upheaval as the Valar
numbers while inflicting very little to the Dwarves, the st battle with Melkor for the first time and try to destroy his
1 Age
Easterlings gave up after a 6 month long siege. It is said that citadel of Utumno. Unknown to the Valar, Utumno’s deepest
halls survive along with many of the under deep tunnels.
none can enter Azanulinbar-dum without the kings’
permission and Barak-Shathur could repel a force 5,000. The In the Final Battle with Melkor the War of Wrath the Iron
Mountains are torn asunder and divided, leaving some
Dwarves pursued the retreating attackers back to their own St
1 Age
mountains in the Far North, the Grey Mountains and the Iron
stronghold of Asharag. There the dwarves utterly destroyed Hills
the Easterling outpost. Once the WarLord (_____) was slain Druin the Proud lays claim to Amon Lanc and founds the
by (______), the remaining force of men lost their will to fight SA 20 strong hold of Tumun-gabil in what is later known as Dol
and yielded to the mercy of the dwarves. Showing mercy, Guldor
dwarves let the surrendering Easterlings go after they sworn
Druin leads part of his clan to the Chay lands; Borin his son
an oath never to attack the dwarves in the Iron Hills again. SA 97
stays behind to rule Turnun-gabil.
In TA 2770 Smaug the dragon laid waste to Erebor.
Hundreds of Dwarves fled both to the west and Ered Luin and Barin’s Folk (King of the 7th house) leave the West and try to
SA330
settle in the Iron Hills.
to east the Iron Hills. Now over 1500 strong the population of
the Iron Hills was at a peak. Some of Durins folk made the Barins Folk after three years filled with misfortune and strife,
SA333
Iron Hills there home for over 70 years. Then in the year TA abandon their Iron Hills Settlement and move Eastward.
2941, one of the great Ravens (______) which spoke Naugrim,
The Dwarves from Druin’s folk founded the kingdom of
arrived at the walls of Barak-Shathur with a message from SA 700
Ruuriik.
King Thorin II that Smaug was dead and their mansion was
under siege by men and elves. A good host of Dwarves were The Aged Barin and his tribe arrive in Ruuriik Planning on
SA707 settling in the North part of the walled valley Barin offers his
then dispatched to the mountain of Erebor and participated in daughters Bis hand to Druin. The 2 tribes are joined.
the battle of 5 armies. The joined forces for the free people of
Middle Earth with the help of the Eagles defeated the Orc The 2 tribes prospered and coexisted for over 500 years. Later,
army. Many from the Iron Hills moved back into Erebor soon Barin III establishes a temple at the mouth of Druin’s Cleft a
rock formation in the Valley). Designed to resemble the Birth
after and the population of Fullas folk returned to less than a SA707-
hall of the 7 Dwarven Fathers, Barin named it Kjalarazum.
thousand. Trade between the two Dwarven kingdoms began 1143
Centuries later the Keys to Ahule were stored within it when
anew and men rebuilt the town of Dale. In the days during the the banished fled westward when the Balrog Muar threatened
the kingdom.
last part of the War of the ring Sauron sent a force from the
east to join up with the Orcs in the Ered Mithrin to battle the Muar the Balrog, and his army started war against the Dwarves
Elves of Mirkwood. The Easterling settlement of Asharag, SA 1143
of Ruuriik. Unable to force his way through the mountains into
upon hearing of the coming of a great host, heeded their Ruuriik, the war became a siege. The dwarves took some
comfort in their safe isolation from the army.
loyalty to the dwarves and sent runners to the Iron Hills to
warn them. In turn, remembering the newly founded alliance Some of Druin’s folk fled Ruuriik taking refuge in Turnun-
SA 1165
with Thanduils folk the wood elves. The dwarves from Erebor gabil and then in the Ered Luin.
and the Iron Hills joined forces to repel the attack. The Erebor Disguised as the “Lord of Gifts” the dark lord Sauron begins
dwarves attacked the army with a frontal assault at the base of SA1200
the seduction of the smiths of Eregion
the mountain Erebor while with the Dwarves from the Iron Sauron’s teachings and suggestions take subtle hold in Eregion.
Hills coming up from the rear and south closed the Easterlings With the Dark lords’ arcane knowledge and the lore learned
SA1500-
and Orc army in. The enemy force was destroyed though 1580
from the Dwarves, the Elven-smiths reach the zenith of their
heavy were the casualties suffered to both Dwarven houses. skill. They begin making the Rings of Power. The nine rings of
Men and the seven rings for the Dwarves are created.
The King (_______) was slain in the battle. In early of the SA 1590 Celebrimbor completes the three Elvin rings. The Elves Present
fourth age a large number of dwarves from Ruuriik in the east Durin III King of Khazad-dum, with the first and greatest of the
seven rings as a gift unknowing of their true nature.
Fulla II Finds the halls of records in the ruins of Kjalarazum
Sauron secretly forges the One ring at Mount Doom. In it he
and learns of the maps and records Fulla VII made on his
places a significant portion of his life force making it as evil as TA 823
SA 1600 journey to the east. He begins plans to lead an exploratory
he. Celebrimbor Now realizing his folly and the peril he has
expedition.
placed his kind in, instruct the Elvin lords to remove their rings.
SA1693- Fulla II sets out from Ruuriik heading west to find a place for
War between the Elves and Sauron TA 825
1701 him and his followers to set up their own Mansion.
The Dark Lord and his army overrun the land of Eregion and
Celebrimbor is slain. The 9 rings of men and the remaining 6 Fulla II and his group overwinter in Nurunkizdin and enjoy the
TA 926
Dwarven rings are retaken by Sauron. Fearing the Dark lords hospitality provided to them by King Thralin II
SA 1697 armies onslaught, the Dwarves seal the West-gate into Khazad-
dum, shutting out both the dark lords forces and the elves. From Fulla II settles in the Iron Hills and the Dwarven mansion
TA 927
this point on Khazad-dum is known to the elves as “Moria” the Azanulinbar-dum is established.
Black Chasm.
The Nazgul reappear in Middle-Earth. The Witch-King and
Sauron takes control of Eriador, but his westward thrust is Khamul travel to Amon Lanc to prepare the Caverns for
TA1050
stopped at the Blue Mountains by the Elves of Lindon. In the Sauron. The Dark lord takes up residence in Dol Guldor under
attempt to control the other free peoples, he distributes the the guise of the “Necromancer”
captured rings of power. The nine are given to Men who
SA 1699 The Wise (three of the Istari and the chief Eldar) discover that a
quickly succumb to the Dark Lord’s power. The six Dwarven
Rings are passed to Dwarven Lords, but they fail to affect the stronghold has been constructed at Dol Guldor. The Evil power
Khazad as planned. Sauron swears vengeance on all Dwarven- of the Naked hill is thought to be one of the Nazgul. Saurons
TA 1100
kind. servants begin limited evil activities in Mirkwood, making the
southern half of the great forest an increasingly dangerous
The Men and the elves form an alliance and drive Sauron out of place.
SA1701 Eregion. The Dwarves keep the West Gate into Khazad-dum
closed. The wizard (Istar) Gandalf visits Khazad-dum for the first time.
TA1103 He befriends Durin V. The Dwarves name the Grey Wanderer
For the next thousand years the Dwarves in the west keep to “Tharkun”.
themselves, mingling little with man or elf. The empathy that
SA1700- Trade is established with the Mannish settlements around the
was between Dwarves and other two races slowly turns to
2700 Iron Hills. To the south, Dwarven goods are sent to the
distrust, fear and animosity. The Orc settlements in the Iron TA 1225
Hills grow in numbers. settlements of Ilanin and Buhr Mahrling. To the East Trade
goes to Esgaroth.
Learning of the siege at Ruuriik, Fulla VII the heir of Druin’s
line whose forefathers fled Ruuriik at the start of the siege The realm of Angmar is established with the Witch King in
about 1500 years earlier gathers a host of men and Dwarves to TA 1300 Charge. Supply trains pass from the east into Angmar along the
retake his land and free his people. Accompanied and Balli Men-i-Rhunen just north of the Iron Hills.
SA 2711
(later known as Balli Stone Hand) a charismatic Dwarf
Animist, they set out from the Blue Mountains. On this 30-year The Grey Wizard Gandalf visits the halls of the Iron Hills. He
journey they stop at the Iron Hills for some time but do not befriends the new current king Fulla III. Warns Fulla of the
TA 1375
stay. Dangers of delving into the hills of the eastern range- his
warning is heeded.
Fulla VII and his host arrive at the Iron Hills. Here they spent a
year cataloguing the hills and the ruins they found. They Easterling outposts of Asharag appear along the Men-i-Rhunen
SA 2739 discovered the abandoned settlement of Barin and his folk as TA 1395 including north of the Iron Hills to protect the supply trains
well as cleared out many a host of Orc that remained in the heading to Angmar and the Witch King.
hills.
From Khazad-dum some of the Dwarves leave and establish an
Fulla VII and Balli Arrived at Ruuriik and inadvertently led TA 1440 settlement at Mount Gondmaeglom called Silverplunge in the
Muar and his army into the secure valley. A Great Battle was Grey Mountains.
SA 2741
fought with the Demon Lord Muar being slain by Balli
(StoneHand) and the horde routed. The Dwarven stronghold of Barak-Shathur is founded by
Azaghal, Great Grandson of Balli’s brother Zigli. This becomes
TA 1490
A final battle was waged foe the recapturing of Akhuzdah the main outlet for the Dwarven goods, keeping the entrance to
SA2742 (Ahule). Balli led this force; and finally the last of the Balrog Azanulinbar-dum secret and safe.
Muar hordes were either slain or driven out of Ruuriik.
Azaghal Red Hammer (Cousin of Fulla III) now the ruling lord
The Dark Lord Sauron and his forces are finally defeated in the of the stronghold Barak-Shathur, makes the pilgrimage to
TA 1580
SA 3430- last Alliance of Man and Elves. Isildur keeps the one ring for Khazad-dum. A strong bond is made and a trade link is
3441 himself instead of destroying it. Sauron is not seen again for a established.
thousand years and the Second Age comes to a close. The Bridges across the Anduin and Celduin are finished
TA 1592 opening up the Men-I-Naugrim between Khazad-dum and
Set out on a quest from his father King Galin, Naug recovers Azanulinbar-dum.
the North Hammer from the halls of Mirrors. The Hall is
SA 3441
situated in the Mountain of Umlaher Danali in the ruined TA 1600 The first of the dragons begin to stir in the North
Citadel of Utumno.
The great plague sweeps across the northwestern middle earth.
TA1635-
Naug becomes King of Ruuriik. The 180 years of his reign Rhovanion is devastated. The effects of the plague are not felt
1640
were some of the most prosperous the Dwarves in the East ever in the Iron Hills but trade between Dwarves and men halt.
TA 100- knew. Naug’s reign came to an end when he was slain in battle
280 by Amis Shug. According to the legend he dropped his famed
North hammer into a deep chasm the moment before he was
slain.
Dwarf Maiden Druis of the house of Barin returned the Mithril destroyed by the Dragon Khuzadrepa. The few Dwarves that
TA 1639 Mirror to the Dwarves of Ruuriik retrieving it from the Wind survived by fleeing made their way to Norr-dum.
Mountains and the Nazgul Hoarmuraths grasp
The dragon Angurth greedy for the wealth of Longpeak attacks
TA2578
Fulla III the current king (a renowned slayer of orcs) of the the Dwarven mine, few dwarves survive.
Iron Hills resides at Azanulinbar-dum. At this time population
between the 2 Iron Hills settlements is around 700. At this time The dragon Leucaruth attacks the Mine of Norr-dum. Leucaruth
TA 1640 TA 2580 is slain and Norr-dum withstands the attack though many good
the Watch on Mordor Ends, all the Nazgul except the Witch
king re-enter Mordor and begin the prepare Mordor for Dwarves perished.
Sauron’s return.
Drawn by the wealth within the halls of Norr-dum the cold
Drake, Ando-anca attacks the stronghold. He slays the dwarf
The North-Kingdom of Arnor ends, but the Witch king of king Dain I, and destroys Norr-dum. The remaining dwarves
TA 1975 TA2589
Angmar is defeated and flees back to Mordor. finally abandon the Grey Mountains. Most return to Erebor
with Thror the new king. Others go on to the Iron Hills with
Under Khazad-dum the dwarves dig too greedily for Mithril Gror.
TA 1980 and the Balrog is released. It slays current King Durin and
attacks the Dwarven city. Sauron learns of the return of Thror to Erebor. Sauron begins to
bend his will on the dragon Smaug. Poisoning his restful
TA2592
In a last vain attempt to save his city then new King Nain I dreams of lust of treasure to be found in the Dwarven
TA 1981 (Durin’s successor) is also slain. The remaining Dwarves leave Stronghold of Erebor.
Khazad-dum on an 18 year pilgrimage to find a save haven.
Under the suggestion of Sauron unbeknownst to Smaug, Smaug
Durin’s folk establish Thundercleft, a new silver mine in the attacks Erebor. He lays waste to the stronghold and to the
TA 1994 surrounding area. Destroying the town of Dale and forcing the
Ered Mithrin. Others of the clan move on to Erebor (below)
TA 2770 dwarves to flee. King Thror is left with no other choice but to
After years of wandering the remaining group of Durin’s folk lead the survivors in a search for a new home. Some of the
TA 1999 that did not stay at Thundercleft, enter Erebor (the Lonely Dwarves seek refuge in the halls of Azanulinbar-dum in the
Mountain) Iron Hills.
TA Sauron is aware of the success of Smaugs attack and is pleased.
Dwarves from Erebor begin mining and settling in the Grey
2000- Now with the Northern pass secure he increases the skirmishes
Mountains.
2200 into Mirkwood. Saurons control now stretches from the
The 2 sundered branches of Durin’s folk re-establish. ThrainI TA2772 southern passes of the Misty mountains, up past Moria, into
learns That Scatha the Worm, destroyed Silverplunge in 1635 southern Mirkwood and on into northern Mirkwood. His
TA 2003 and that Fram slayed Scatha and claimed the Dwarven treasure control over this part of Middle Earth is at its peak- he has
for his own. Trade between Erebor and the Iron Hills are effectively cut off the west.
established.
Arriving at Dunland, Thror with great sorrow gives to his son
Expanding their mining activity in the Grey Mountains three Thrain the ring of Durin, the only ring not recovered by Sauron.
TA
more mines Silverpit, Long Peak and Norr-dum are established. TA 2790 Thror then leads off with only his long companion Nar to
2050-
A Large exodus of dwarves leave Erebor all but abandoned as Khazad-dum. There he is slain and his body defiled by the Orc
2150
the more to the mines in the Ered Mithrin. lord Azog. Nar escapes to tell Thrain what has happened
Gandalf the grey secretly enters Dol Guldor by passing its Enraged the Dwarves begin what was known as The Great War
defences. Sauron discovers this intrusion, and not wanting to be - between the Dwarves and the Orcs. United in a single cause-
TA
TA 2063 discovered abandons the Stronghold for the Chay lands. Here to destroy all Orcs the Dwarves decimate many of the Orc
2793-
he stays for the next 397 years. This period becomes known to fortresses in the Misty Mountains and finally slay the Orc Lord
2799
the free people of Middle Earth as the “Watchful Peace”. Azog. Unable to recapture Moria, Thrain II and Thorin II leave
for the Blue mountains.
The New King of Erebor Thorin I, leaves and goes north into
TA 2210
the Ered Mithrin Deciding to return to Erebor, Thrain II, King of Durin’s is
TA
attacked and pursued by Saurons forces into Mirkwood. There
2841-
After an attack on Azanulinbar-dum by Easterlings and Orcs, he is captured and brought to Dol Guldor where he is
2845
TA 2360 the Dwarves of the Iron Hills counter attack and destroy the imprisoned and tortured by Sauron.
northern outpost of the Easterling tribes known as Asharag.
Gandalf enters into Dol Guldor for the second, time. This time
Sauron returns to Dol Guldor from the east with his greatly the Dark lord is not aware of his presence. Here Gandalf finds
TA 2460 increased forces that he gathered while in the East. He Thrain II dying. Thrain II gives the key to Erebors’ secret
TA 2850
continues his disguise as the necromancer. entrance to Gandalf then dies. Gandalf discovers that the
necromancer is really Sauron in disguise and that he has taken
The White council is formed to combat the ever growing threat back the 7th ring of the dwarf lords.
of the necromancer. Deagol the (stoor) Hobbit discovers the
TA2463
One ring in Loeg Ningloren. Smeagol covets the ring and slays
Deago.
4.30 Creatures
4.32 Trolls
There are many places for evil creatures to make their
dwellings in the Iron Hills. The hills themselves are by their Next to Orcs, trolls are the second numerous of foul creatures
design littered with caves and caverns made during the war of making the Iron Hills their home. In the Iron Hills there are
the wrath ideal for the likes of Orcs, Trolls and even a two types of wild trolls that can be found. Forest Trolls are a
variation of the Giant spiders make the Iron Hills their home. nomadic group that wander through the hills hunting animals
and mannish races (including dwarves and orcs alike). In
small bands from 2 to 8, these trolls can be found everywhere
4.31 Orcs in the hills except the Basin. Prone to turn to stone in direct
Orcs are by far the most common of the foul creatures found sunlight, they will often hold over in any convenient cave or
in the Iron Hills. The breed of orcs found here are of the crevous during daytime. Currently there is about 30 such
smaller goblin stock. These lesser orcs came from the orcs of bands roaming throughout the hills hunting and foraging for
Morgoths army that survived the destruction of the Iron food. Forest Trolls are smarter then other wild trolls and have
Mountains during the war of the wrath by cowering in the little use for treasure they may acquire from a slaughter of orcs
deep pits and halls, which crisscrossed deep below the or dwarves simply leaving all the gear there only taking the
mountains. Laying hid for many years the small pockets of bodies to eat. The other type of Troll found in the Iron Hills is
Orcs slowly and cautiously made their way back to the the Cave Troll. These solitary trolls are not as smart as the
surface. Over time these small pockets of orcs grew in Forest trolls and often squirmishes between the two will occur
numbers and began to rebuild many of the destroyed halls and when a band of forest trolls stumbles across the territory of a
tunnels, and for many years they were the undisputed rulers of Cave Troll. Cave Trolls are stronger and larger then Forest
the Iron Hills until the coming of the Dwarves in the third age. Trolls and often drive away the intruders, but not until a
When Fulla and his clan decided to make the southwestern successful raid of its burrow of its food stock by one of the
part of the Iron Hills there home they routed out many of the Forest Trolls. When times have been particularly hard for the
orcs from that part of the Iron Hills. The only remaining Orc Forest Trolls they will often enter the territory of a Cave Troll
strongholds are now in the east and north ranges of the hills. to lure him away from his den so a member can raid it for any
The orcs too have found deposits of the riches of iron provisions it may have. A few dozen Cave trolls make the
available in the Iron Hills and have become superb craftsman Iron Hills their home. Their territory is scattered throughout
of crudely designed but quite effective weapons and armour. the entire range of the Iron Hills often consisting of an area of
From some of these mines shipments are sent to the armies of up to 100 square miles. Confrontations between Cave Trolls
the Witch King of Angmar to the East. Often bands of orcs are rare as they seldom leave their territories.
will leave the iron hills to join the armies of the Witch King in
the east for promises of riches and spoils of war and to feast 4.33 Spiders
on man flesh from their kills. The Social structure of the
remaining orcs is broken into 5 surviving clans which all hold A variation of the Giant Spiders common to Mirkwood can be
loose allegiance to the Witch King. All five houses send him found in the valleys and slopes of the Iron Hills. This
finished weapons and armour for his army in Angmar in return subspecies are called Stone Spiders and are smaller cousins to
for continued independence from his rule. Each clan is ruled the spiders found in Mirkwood, with an adult female growing
by an Orc chief who’s only right to the position is that he is up to 3’ in diameter. The spider’s appearance is similar to the
the smartest, strongest and cruellest Orc in that clan. His common wolf spider found in North America. Stone spiders
position was probably won by defeating in battle the previous have lost their ability to climb and to spin webs. In turn they
chief though undoubtedly treacherous and foul means. The have developed the ability to jump great spans and to run over
chief of each clan does not trust anyone including the other ground at very fast speeds. Also adept at burrowing in the
chiefs for fear of attack from another clan. Clashes between many cracks and loose rocks in the hill slopes these spiders
Orc clans though not frequent are not uncommon either. Most have become masters of the ambush. Laying in wait until their
of the tunnels used by the Orcs are interconnected, as they are prey comes within striking range these spiders leap out of
the surviving passages created long ago in the first age by hiding and pounce on their unsuspecting prey. A stone spider
Morgoth for his many strongholds built under the Iron is able to spring up to 8’ high and 20’ long to land on its prey.
Mountains. At these junctions guarded checkpoints are set up Biting their prey several times it injects poison that paralyses
and manned by all concerned clans to prevent unwanted entry it victim so it can drag it off to its nearby burrow. The Stone
from other clans. Each clan has spies in place in every other Spider does not kill its victim right away but later injects an
clan watching for any sign of trouble or weakness for a acid that slowly turns the victim into a jelly which the spider
surprise attack. then ingests this jellylike substance at a later time. Stone
spiders are loners who only can be found in small groups
during breeding season, which is late spring. The females are
up to 5 times larger then the males and usually will eat the men Northman mostly have made small settlements just south
male after mating. Once mated the female will then create a of the Iron Hills along the banks of the Carnen or Angren
burrow and lay its eggs attached to a captured prey so the rivers. These settlements would only enter into the Iron Hills
young will have food upon hatching in 4 to 6 weeks. Stone with large hunting parties only when food was scarce or the
spiders would probably be a dominant species in the Iron Hills build up their food stock prior to winter. Later in the third age
were it not for the fact that Martins and fox love the taste of outposts of Easterlings such as the Sagath made settlements
the spider eggs. Stone spiders will attack any small animals along the northern range of the Iron Hills, as outposts and
that happen by its ambush. Though they have been known to stations for the wagon trains heading to the west for the army
take on up to man sized creatures when food has been of the Witch King. Also in the Northern part of the range the
particularly scarce. secretive evil cult called Cult of the Long Night have made
their home among some mannish ruins of a long forgotten
time. The only true culture to become indigenous to the Iron
4.34 Giants Hills is that of the Naugrim, but the tertiary influences of the
Along the northern range of the Iron Hills, a small group of mannish races are mentioned here briefly.
Giants make their home. Their territory runs the entire
northern range and into the basin. Little is known about this 5.1 The Humans
band of giants except they are very reclusive and they avoid
contact with all mannish races. Occasionally however a 5.11 Easterlings
wandering Orc band will stumble into their territory- a mistake
they soon do not forget and quickly retreat from where they The Sagath in the early 1400’s set up the outpost of Lar-huz to
came from or face obliteration from the giants. The group is act as a citadel to guard and protect the wagon trains heading
made suspected to be made up of 5 to 8 large males or rogues to the land of Angmar the realm of the Witch King. This is a
that wander the northern range. It is believed they are small outpost of about 40 to 60 Easterlings currently led by a
originally from the Grey Mountains to the north. Their 12th level fighter Huz of Amov. They patrol the northern
demeanour is not of evil but they do not take kindly to range of the hills and along the Men-i-Rhunen keeping
strangers in their area. They will not confront the strangers, if unwanted travellers and eyes from learning too much of the
they discover a group of trespassers in their territory but will dark lords designs and interests in the area. Replacements and
watch and see what they are doing. If they perceive the new troops come from the land to the east along the eastern
visitors as a threat, they will use all their cunning to formulate shores of the Sea of Rhun.
an ambush and attack. Their natural enemies are the wild Small bands of Easterlings will raid the remote villages and
trolls also found in the Hills. On occasion these 2 titans will farms that can be found scattered throughout the plains
clash and battle for territory. Often the Trolls will retreat between the Iron Hills and the western settlements of Dale and
conceding to the giants the territory. These battles are of Lake Town. They will then hold up in the numerous caves
almost mythical proportions and the cries and battle noises can found in the foothills of the Iron Hills to avoid any military
be heard ringing through the valleys for miles. patrols that may be pursuing them.
5.12 Northman
4.35 Mearas
The only mannish settlement found in the Iron Hills proper
The pseudo-mythical breed of super-horse most treasured other than the outpost of Laz-huz is found in a secluded valley
above all by the Rohirrim and almost worshipped by them as in the northern foothills about 15miles south of the Easterling
demigods, the mearas can on rare occasions be found racing outpost called Nan Morsereg. Here the Cult of the Long Night
through the basin of the Iron Hills. For the past several has established their school and their stronghold. Worshipers
centuries, the mearas conjugate in the basin of the Iron Hills of Sauron the Dark Lord, this secretive group of Northman
once every 25 years or so on the eve of the new moon. It is at devise evil plots and schemes to disrupt and increase their
this time the mearas stallions compete in races and tests of influence over the unsuspecting mannish settlements to the
endurance and strength vying for the right to mate with the west such as Dale and Lake town.
mares. Only lasting for 3 days this is a site to be seen. It is at As the eastern border for the Northman settlements of Dale
these gatherings that the intelligent race of horses elects a king and Lake Town patrols will often reach to the outskirts of the
to rule them. This secret ritual of the mearas is known to Iron Hills in pursuit of bandits and to keep the amount of
Radagast alone and is something he will not share with Easterling invasions on the farms and small settlements in the
anyone. plains between the Iron Hills and the Settlements to the West.
They also loosely patrol the rough roads that lead to the iron
hills to make sure that the trade routes to the Dwarves
5.0 Peoples and Cultures settlements are kept open. This includes patrolling as far
south as to the Men-i-Naugrim keeping the amount of raids on
Not until the third age have any of the free people of middle the Dwarven caravans down to a minimum.
earth made the Iron Hills their home. Even then it was the
hardy dwarves that settled first in the region. Small groups of
5.13 Eothraim own, led a small group of 15 men and women on a journey
south from the Ered Mithrin after a particularly harsh winter.
Later these Norse-like people would develop into the Rohirrim After travelling for 2 seasons and having over wintered in the
the mighty horse riders of the plains of Rhovanian. Though northern range of the Iron Hills, they made their way south
not overly common in large settlements, the Iron Hills mark along the eastern edge of the hills and came to “the valley of
the northeast extent of their range. Patrols comprised of a the deer” (______) where they set up camp at the edge of the
company of riders are not uncommon up to and including into forest (_______) located at the juncture of the Carnen and
the Iron Hills especially when tracking raiding bands of orcs, Angren. Their numbers have grown over the past 190 years to
rogues and Easterlings who seek to use the hills as a refuge. become a strong tribe of about 180. Though nomadic they
These patrols often are made up of dozens (12 to 40 are have set up a permanent settlement where they ride out the
common) of riders, as they are aware of the dangers in the Iron winter located at the eaves of the (_____) forest at the rivers
Hills. junction. During the better months they travel along the rivers
Loose trade has also been established with the dwarves with and plains hunting and herding the plentiful deer herds found
the Eothraim people. This trade mainly takes place at the in the lush valley. This lush secluded valley is filled with
settlement of Buhr Mahring located where the Carnen and the ample tall grasses and small intermittent stands of trees
Celduin join together. Twice a year the Dwarves will travel in creating an ideal habitat for deer to procreate in large numbers.
small well guarded caravans down the banks of the Carnen The Tribe is now led by (_______) . In the warmer months
once in the spring and then later again in mid-fall to do trade they patrol the entire valley in small groups gathering only in
with the riders of the plains in Buhr Mahring. Stocking up the winter at the settlement called (_____). The Lossoth hunt
mainly in food provisions cloth and other materials, the the predators such as the wolves that prey upon their
dwarves trade in return weapons armour and raw iron. In times livelihood the deer. This keeps the number of wolves low
of trouble, leaders from the settlement of Buhr Mahring will allowing the deer to flourish. This unnatural increase of deer
travel to do trade directly with the Dwarves at their stronghold population is then maintained by the tribe though careful
doors for additional supplies of weapons and metal. These hunting of the deer, making sure to keep the population in a
emergency trade negotiations only take place at the healthy balance. The level of husbandry over the herd has
Stronghold (Barak-Shathur) as no non-dwarves are allowed to become quite good and the overall health of the herd is
enter the mansion of Azanulinbar-dum. excellent. This small tribe of Lossoth, though not really living
in the Iron Hills do trade with the Dwarves on occasion, for
5.14 Dorwinions metals in return for furs and meats. They avoid the Iron Hills
as they are aware of the orcs and trolls that live there. Only
The Dorwinions, masters of commerce and trade are also twice has this small band of Lossoth been attacked by orcs
found in the area. Concentrated in the Town of Ilanin located both times they were victorious fending off the orcs and
at the conflux of the Celduin and Donu rivers. Though they retreating away from the incursion into the wide plains where
are further down stream then the settlement of Buhr Mahring the orcs did not follow to avoid the bright daylight of the
the Dwarves make the extra journey to the settlement. Here pursuit. The Easterlings have not noticed this group, for they
they can procure the superior Dorwinion wines and find a have not travelled into this isolated valley, as it has no
market for the other raw materials that hold no value to the perceived strategic value or riches to plunder. The dwarves do
simpler needs of the Eothraim. The Dorwinion are happy for not speak of the settlement to the other mannish races,
this trade as the superior Dwarven finished materials fetch a empathetically understanding the Lossoth’s desire to be left
high price in the far off markets of Gondor and Rhun. When alone from outside influences. Dwarves better than most can
the Dwarven caravans leave Ilanin, Eothraim riders escort appreciate the value of wanting ones privacy. What the
them. These bands of horse back guards consisting usually of dwarves do not know however is that the Lossoth learned of
20 to 40 well equipped riders, will accompany the Dwarves the location of the mansion of Azanulinbar-dum. They in turn
back to the Iron Hills providing extra protection against reciprocate the unspoken vow of privacy and do not venture
bandits and Easterling raiding parties. This extra protection is there nor do they speak of its location but keep it secret. This
provided to the dwarves free of charge, as it would not do well is the band of Lossath that the ranger Chosum Drear belonged
to loose the trade with the dwarves because of marauding (as mentioned in the ICE MERP product #8114 River
bandit raids on their caravans. Running.)
11. Mines
7.0 Places of Note 12. Forge
There are many places worth noting in the Iron Hills, This
area will cover most of them that are not covered in other
supporting materials previously published by Iron Crown 13. Workshop
Enterprises. It will however go over (with some changes) the
layout of Azanulinbar-Dum as this is a main focal point of the
area and needs more detail. 14. Crafthall
7.1 Azanulinbar-Dum
15. Armour Stores
1. Main Entrance This large, circular chamber (130’ diameter) holds the
majority of the weapons and armour of the Dwarves an
2. Cart Road Azan, carefully stored in shelves, racks and chests.
3. Black Blades
7.3 Orc holds in Eastern Range
Five Orc clans have inhabited the eastern rim of the iron hills 4. Crimson Eye
for thousands of years. Ever since the fall of Melkor at the
end of the first age Orcs have called these caves and caverns
home. Relatively left alone with no outer influence to sway 5. Fell beasts
them, 5 distinct Orc clans have developed and thrived. Except
for when Balli Stonehand and his band of dwarven murderous
mercenaries arrived and inflicted serious casualties to the
clans. Since then the Orcs have regained in numbers since 7.31
then. There are frequent battles between the five Orc tribes for 7.32
territory and power. It is these inter-clan skirmishes that have 7.33cxay.er
kept the Orc population in check.
The population is also depleted by the Witchking, who from 7.5 Mannish outposts
time to time conscripts some warriors into his army to help .
guard the men-__________ road.
The caverns the five Orc clans inhabit are actually a small
portion of a much larger and older complex of caves. To best 8.0 Suggestions for Adventure
depict the vastness of these caves, caverns, tunnels, lakes and
underground waterways, three maps drawn in perspective
point of view showing main tunnels caves caverns and points 9.0 Tables
of interest have been created. This area of the Ironhills is vast
and links to long lost dark areas of Middle Earth called
DeepEarth where evil has been left alone to grow and thrive.
Many of Melkor’s vile creations still dwell in the lowest of
these dark chasms.
This map depicts areas and levels closest to the surface. Here
are where the Orc tribes and their territories are located.
There are three distinct layers making up this map giving the
caves and caverns a three dimensional aspect for adventuring.
The upper most layer is the level is contained within the
elevation of the Iron Hills themselves. The second layer is
hundreds of feet lower then the level of the surface and the
third level is several hundred feet below that. Some area will
have a detailed description to help the GM with developing
story lines while others will be left so they can add their own
touch to the cavern.