ISSN: 1081-8359 Issue 9 — April 1995 Eprroniat: We ARE NOT ALONE. Communtcarions FRonTunes.. A Grosat Directory oF ‘Mipp1s-Eanrit GaMane.. ‘Tile RELIGIOUS RITUAL AND PRACTICE (or THE E1ves oF MIDDLE-EARTH AT THE ‘TIME OF THE WAR OF THE RING snssse 7 ‘Tutt HEALERS OF GONDOR -sssssnsne 12 A Count oF THE Knazan .. Fawaty Business 7 ‘THe Muer’s Tate sosenee 21 Contributors Gary Hunnewell Michael R, Hickman Nadine Salim Bernie Roessler Martin Rundqvist Deena McKinney-Martin (Chris Seeman. ‘Mark Merrell James Owen Editing ‘Chris Seeman Frances Poon EDITORIAL: WE ARE NOT ALONE I was thinking about entitling this our fist “globalization” issue, but that sounded too cheesy. Nevertheless, that would have been an apt description of recent events since OH 8 last January With the sid of 2 new, computerized ‘database of Tolkien groups and publications, nny fiend Gary Hunnewell has helped me to cesublish contact with Middle-earth gamers in the former Soviet Union (many of whom have never heard of MER, much less OF! This new contact with our Fellow enthusiasts around the ‘world has encouraged me to fee! that perhaps there isa future for Middle-earth gaming, de- spite its (apparent) invisibility inthe US, In addition to these unexpected new con- tacts, OH has telf been gaining in public is- Ability and will most likely continue to do so through the end ofthis year. Already, we have ‘been receiving inquiries about our journal from. ‘people who saw our plugin the back of The Kin-nage module. Many more wil know of us at EnsterCon in London and WerldCon in ‘Glasgow, where our friends Chris Pheby and ‘Michael Saunders (see OF 6/7) have agreed to sell copies, Finally, OH has recently joined the ranks of the Small Game Publishers Assocation (GPA), “an association of small press publish- cers in the roleplaying industry, created for the purpose of providing a forum for members to ‘exchange ideas, provide mutual support and assistance, and to promote small press and the Layout and Design Lisa Disterheft Artwork Sophia Caramagno Patrick Wynne roleplaying hobby” Taken together, we hope that these developments wil lead to a wider readership for OH and a true “globalization” of| cour efforts to build a world-wide newwork of Middle-earth gamers, And now tothe introductions for this issue. ‘We begin with the promised sequel to Michael Hichman's article on Dinadan religious ritual (OH 8: 6-13). In this issus, Hickman turns his investigation upon the Ehes atthe close of the ‘Third Age. Once agin, he has produced an ‘excellent piece of analysis of great value to roleplayers, and we must once again thank the ‘Tellsen Society for kindly giving us permission ‘to reprint Hickman's work in our journal. (Our next offering isa short piece on healers in Gondor by Nadine Salim, who will be mak- ing contribution ta the Souther Gondor mod- ule on this topic. Nadine has come up with some very original ideas about this l-described ‘group, and she and I would both be grateful if Anyone has anything further to suggest or add to this essay: Who nous, maybe you'l get your idea included in the module. Bernie Roessler, anew subscriber to OH, hag also given us a highly intriguing and original picce on the dynamics of Dwarvish population. Since neither Dwarves nor demography are my fort, cannot comment on the logical or tech: ‘nical points of Bernie's article, but as 8 ‘Submission Deadline for next issue: June 15, 1995 Lops rgnize outdoor gine based on at- Ei prods ofthe Hisery of Middle-earth In short ess impose to follow the Cents deed in] BRT books exc td eal weave no defi semarion 22 car game tendo run amok Nevers, people seem to ike but sometimes decide ot eflnd Toles memory with ifr tot distortions of his eas in Riri games, (Once the Ring wis destroyed by Eton wl the Fellowship as eter d- Soop bythe Enemy) Last en Rabin Heed fumes tok pce (ot ate races Ftrdvonok So we are get need of people experienced in ging mater and, EXE) speating cou cen be ge ined the estos of oguiatons ke ICE {No olese smears. Here fmt ait ny Sgpornce) The fc ha I ave Bad no way Thing ot wy aes of such an org 1 would have remained in this ignorance had it not been fora friend of mine, who asked me awhile ago iI could get any kind of, Mididle-carth boardgame or something lke that through my American friend, Gary Hlunnewell So it was areal surprise to dis- cover a whole world of Middle-earth gaming (Our fans have never tried to write those cpizodes of Middle-earth history which were not written by Tolkien himself. That is why the materials sent by you and those produced by ICE are of great interest to our fans here, ‘who are (for the most part) quite ignorant in ‘these mates 1 will study the magazines you sent with great care one more time, and will tell about ail this to others interested. We wil appreci- sate any explanations or examples. lam look- Ing forward to receiving your Kin-nafe mod= ‘ule think i wall explain 2 lot and wall show ‘exactly what your job is lke. Who knows? ‘Maybe after that there will be people here ‘who will decide to continue this work or to join an organization like yours. [myself am very much interested in everything con- ‘cerned with Middle-earth and will be happy to give you any information of our activities. ‘You may ask any questions, and we will ry to find answers to them, Any of your advice and ‘explanations will be appreciated, I hope for 2 ‘continual correspondence. Wyacheslav Kozlov Pervostroiteley, 19-85 Komsomolsk-on-Amur G81024 Russia Dear Chris, ‘Thanks for sending me the three issues of Other Hands. Wes great U've read them and ound them to be informative and useful People who're fond of the games like Dun- _geons & Dragons will enjoy OFF, but the ‘maguzine'll be welcome also in another branch of role-playing to which my frends and { belong. I think [ must say few words bout it Let it be my lite contribution to the Other Hands ‘The specific kind of RPG we're going in {for can be called “Field Games ” Ive already. ‘writen about them to Gary Hunnewell, and Ihe published my brief account in Roni but, you being & specialist in RPG, I fel 1 ‘must explain the situation in more detail. Ar far a I can judge from Hunnewel!'s Tolkien Review, our role-playing experience is almost unique in the world ‘There are Tolkien fans here who are, soto say, purely theoretical and even somewhat religious in their attitude to Tllien's works. ‘They usually don't approve of our acttes, and we have very litle in common with them. We are “the playing Tolkienist.” Within this circle there are theortially- minded people to, who difer to some ex tent from those who prefer practice, but the Games unite all of ws. For you better to understand what we're doing, you should have some idea of our ge- ‘ography. Have a look atthe map, and keep in rind that it takes a traveller about 10 days to cross this country (we still consider i to be ‘one country, though it wae divided politically) from extreme West to extreme East. And ‘throughout these vast spaces there are Tolkien _groups and clubs which atthe same time par- ticipate in the role-playing movement. By moderate estimate, there are about 2,000 active players, and almost all these people are acquainted with each other (personally or by correspondence). There are very renowned clubs inthe Far Eas, in Siberia, in the Ura Mountains region, on the Volgy river and in the European part of the country, including Ukraine and Belorus (now independent re- publics). They organize series of games during the year, and everybody from other dubs ean ‘come and take part (if they have enough time and money, of course). Additionally there's a thumber of so-called “convents,” which are ‘adisionally gathered each year in different places: *Nordoon” in Kotla (North), ibcon” in Tomsk (Siberia, East, "Glipcon” in Ivanovo (Central Russa), and “Zilantcon” in Karan on the Volga, At these convents, former games are discussed, new games planned, papers are read, competitions of fingers and fighters ae held. We also have rmasquerades, friendly talks, et. This allows us to get all necessary information and to coordinate our plans for the next yea. ‘The local cubs usually make 2 games 2 yeas, in May and in September, for 2 or 3 days, The numberof players varies from 40 to 200, and they come for the most part fom. fone club, although guest are always invited too. Such games are called “small” or *re- ional.” They are considered as training be- fore the main event ofthe year: the “Big” summer game, People wishing to organize such games usually make a claim foritin No vember at “Zilantcon.” They must work out the initial layout, the rules, distribute them among the players and rent a convenient patch of land (the “polygon”. The prepara ‘ions begin immediately after the claim has been mace, and in July or August, all cams rect in the chosen place. Here the number of players is from 200 to 500, and the Game lasts for 4 or § days. (Oh, I wanted to gie you only a outline of what it going on here but, after having writ. ten such alot, I see that essential things re- rain unexplained. So if you're still not bored, Il ty to describe what our games are We, “They have no scenarios, only certain inital conditions, Besides Tolkien, the themes of the regional games can be historieal events, folldore or fantasy books. The Big Game ie always dedicated to Tolkien, The first was held in 1990 near Krasnoyarsk (Siberia), the 2nd in 1991 near Moscow (both based on “Third Age events), the 3rd (1992, Ufa) was based on The Slmarilon, the 4th and Sth (0993 and 1994), in Ural Mountains and again near Moscow were based on the Second Age ‘The only likeness between the indoor RPG and our field ones is that we also have written rules, gamemasters, and some typical chars. ters (fighter, healer, wiard, minstrel, et) Game time is not real time (eg, ane rel hour equal one game month), and such things as death and birth are, of course, only imag- ined, but everything else is quite rel ‘The polygon is about 2 to 4 km long and ‘wide, There are woods, a river or lake hills, ct. You walk and work, prepare food and sleep (very ltde indeed!, and the fights and flights, rituals and treaties are real! In fact, cach game isa serious prychologial experi- rent with unpredictable rerults. One must often bave strong nerves to endure i, but has been already proven that these impres- sions generally are beneficial for body and soul, People return home very tied, but happy, and begin to wait impatiently fo the ‘The participants range from 12 to 60 years of age (mainly 17-28), among whom are School and university students, computer spe- alts, engineers, teachers, mathematicians, biologists, historians, economists, and so on. Because of hard economic condition, all these highly qualified people are paid rather scarcely for their work, and to atend a Big Game (in our measure) costs a considerable sum of money: The games are nonprofit vents and we have almost no sponsors. But people do everything they can to arrive a the polygon and to live another life in Middle- ‘arth. The pleasure is great and worth any fort! Alina Nemirova Pobedy Avenue, 664-110 Kharkov 310204 ‘Ukraine —————————————————————— neT willbe doing the “Small Press” review: section for Amon Hen and will be sure to start reviewing EVERYTHING that I get for the column. 4H has been looking scanty lately so hopefully I'l be able to provide a consistent 204 pages per ism, So, pechaps you'll got a Tite more publicity for OH. Speaking of which, Tam (Finally) getting around to read ing OF. | ind some of it really annoying—not any- thing you've done in particular, but just the ideas behind some of the articles. 1 know that some of you flks want t fil in the empty Dlanks, but Sauron’s daughter (12). There seems to be an overdependence on magic as wel, which looks like i is being countered by ‘Tolkien fans who realize that “magic” played 2 small part in the grand scheme of things. [ enjoy the critical reviews—I like when you are on top of the ball and I particulary liked your article on religion in Middle-earth 1 think that someone else did a survey of Middle-earth population in a TS publication, Also, did you catch Jason Finch’ article about the condition of Gondor during the Third Age Icoriginally appeared in Gondiengnen and then Amen Hen (123: 6-7) ‘On Qucen Berithil (OH 3: 13-18), 1 think chat you overlook the most obvious rea- son why she could have been fearedwhy she fund out thing about other people. Ieis 2 pod way to keep certain people under your thumb (whether its the butcher who cheats ‘on the mest scales, or the treasurer who has a loose purse). Such knowledge is power. And, being the queen, one would have to have _great proof against her to confront her with- ‘out pain of desth, Could her marrage have been one of reconciliation or reunification Derween the King’s Men and the Faithful? One last thing: her communication with cats is very possible (Afterall, the men of Dale ‘could understand the language of bids ) Gary Hunnewell 2030 San Pedro Arnold, MO 63010 USA, > ros ‘As we speak the Eher people supplement and the revised Crotre of Middle-sareh should be arivng at your local game store. The Kin-nfeis out (at lst!) and appears to be doing fairly well (though itis still dwarfed by the success ofthe Dol Gulder citadel rmodile, whichis slzo out) Finally Nordwesurn Middlecorth Mop Set has been released ‘hich contains the great majority of Pete Fenlon’s work (including hitherto unseen maps of Anfalas and Lindon). Regrettably these maps do not allt together (pesiaps this wil be remedied in future edition. (On its cover, The Kin.zinfeis described asa “Sourcebook.” This category of product was not mentioned in ICE's original announcement of their MERP revision project, but subsequently came into being 2s an “anomaly” rubric for use with publications that did not quite fit the purer description of Realm, Citadel, People, or Adventure module, “This accommodation promises some interesting posibildes for future MERP projects that could be devoted to other specific eras of Middle-earth history alan Que, for ‘example, offers some tantalizing ideas for an early Fourth Age sourcebook that might detail northwestern Middle-earth during the reign of King Elessar and his son. [As for up and coming publications for 1995, her is the latest timetable. The Shine realm module has been pushed forward to a June release date, a recently announced Angmar realm module (a reision of Emp of the Wich-bing) is Scheduled for August, and ' Norhmen people supplement (including material from Rider of Rohon) should be ap- pearing sometime in September. At the moment, we are hoping (perhaps optimisticalh) for an October or November release date forthe Southim Gonder realm modole Finally there has been a recent turn of events with the Norther Gondor realm mod ule. The current revision authors have decided to abandon the project, and have turned it over to yours truly. Given my current work on Southem Gondor, work will not be able to proceed on the sister module until the Spring of 1996. The completion of the Gondor modules is of high priority to both ICE and to myself, so Nordhem Gondor will be taking precedence over the Dinedain people book I was to begin following my work on Southem Gondor. But fear not I remain committed to the Dinedain project, and it will ‘appear eventually Reporter: Chris Seeman —_————————————_————A GLOBAL DIRECTORY oF MIDDLE-EARTH GAMING zed fm the Tekin Fannish and Scholarly Actities and Publications direcoy {oe 1992 and 1993, compiled by Gary Hunnevel "2030 San Flr, Amold, MO 63010, USA) For those of you who have not yet crosed paths with hi, Gary Hunneell i he ier Tllien compleut par exallene on thi planet. For mary lng aso he hor goshered unto hie ll hinge Tolle, and now at lat be has niioted o project © bring ender ou of primerdil choos, by crating an nna updated dotbare of thes of extant i= formation penaiing to Tolhien fandom eround the (lobe. Beginnirg withthe ear 1992, Gary has been eopling «cer and Bblogophy of ell Tellenrelated groups, This inde groupe and publicavions deed to fartay roleplaying, and with the mogic of compute ried word- searching, I ove been ale to pll to gether al rch ference eppering i Gay's dta- Bore forthe years 1992 ond 1993. (Supplements wo his wl be presenad in fru tues of Other Hands a soon as Gay leases new volumes of bs sok) Te was encouraging 1 dacoer ro dene cy of tere in Midle-orh gaming (of both the live and indoor vanes), and T hope tha ll of ts wll make an ore wo alert Gary to any addons thet may hoe elidel bis ll bu emnicient gaze ROLe-PLAVING GROUPS WITHIN TOLKIEN SOCIETIES POHIOISNELIANNYS (SUOMEN TTOLKIEN-SEURARY SMIAL) ([Eppu Errast, Neilikeatic 13 B 10, 98580 ul, Finland) Pobjoisnelisnnys produced «brary display of Tolkien in addition to an introductory lee- ture of the Finnish Tolkien Society which was presented ata role-playing convention orga- rized by the Oulu Town Library the Oulu SF Society “Polaris” and the Northern Ostrobothnia Summer University in Oulu, Finland, fom 27-28 March, 1993 HAuTAKEeRO (SUOMEN TOLKIEN-SEURARY SMIAL) [Sampea Sibvola, Laivurinkatu 33 C 66, 00150 Helsinki, Finland) Activites include role-playing, strategy ames, ete, TELCONTAR (SUOMEN TOLKIEN- SEURARY SMIAL) {Inari Kylinen, Aioparintc 6-7 17, 00980 Heer, Finland) ‘The emial held weedy mestings and had many activites, including organizing two live section role-playing games (and attended three others). TIRION (SUOMEN TOLKIEN SEURARY SMIAL) [Kaisa Maki-Petaja, Koutosentie 36, 69100 Kannus, Finland) Lire ation role-playing meetings took place in Kannss, Finland, on 19-20 Ju and 17.19 September, and in Nias, Finland, on 12:14 November, 1993. Trion took par in cone lve ation role-playing mecting arranged by the Tleonar smal n Heldnk, Contact i tiny by ma and telephone Alc news paper Klos, had an atl about Tron and lve action role-playing CHAIRE D’ETUDES LUDIQUES (La Facutrie bes ETuDes ELFIQUES) {Syhain Fontana, 5, square Louis Brae, 94700 Maison-lfory, Free) The chairs purpose isthe waptaion of “en's imaginary background to role pley- ing ames, wargames and other boardsDut they advocate a more rigorous (and so ‘more fantastic) adaptation than Iron Crown Enterprise? adaptations, Publication: Lr jour vont FEE, (French, irvegular). Esch issue is available for two International Reply Cou- pons ‘WANDERERS OF RHUDAUR (TOLKIEN Society sMIAL) [Richard Crawshavy 69 Kirkstall Close, ‘Tootil, Swindon, Wilts, SN3 8EF, England) Role-playing within the scope of Tolkien's Middle-earth. Mectng held at Easter in Swindon, Wilts, England. RIVENDELL (LINQUENDOR INN) erry Nieakoop, Beugelskamp 26, Deventer, The Netherlands) From the beginning, Rivendell has been 8 mectng-place for role-players. Though we Jnaye had many a discussion about Tolkien, the topic has even more often to do with role- playing. On the even months a subject is cho- zen by one of the founders or guests. This subject has something to do with role-playing spd, more often than not, Talkien. Subjects sary from “Do you lke role-playing for the same reasons as you lke Middle-earth?” o “Is MERP suited to Middle-earth?” or “How ‘would you play an ef from Mirkwwood?” On. the odd months we try to deal with the sub- ject of the month before in a role-playing game. Rivendell e sill very much alive after four yeare, more than forty smisl evenings and more than sixty diferent vistors! ELEN FEANARO. (MELLON Sus-Grour) ([Wacheslav Koaloy,p. Pervostriteley, 19- 85, Komsomolek-on-Amur 681024, Russa] Role-playing is one of ther activities (see Coumustcanoxs) Doriat (SocieDap ToLKIEN EsPANIOLA SMIAL) {Pablo Gines Rodrigues, ¢/ Florencia, 7, 53°D, 08026 Barcelona, Spain] Organized roleplaying games related to ‘Middle-earth for the Catal de Sarria fom 1-3 July, 1992, From 23.23 Apri, 1993 inthe Centro Cisco de San Idefonso in Cornellt activities included debate sbout role-playing in Midale-arb RiveNbeLt-IMLADRIS (Sociedad TOLKIeN EsPAROLA SMIAL) (ais Gonzi Bainauli, C/Pisuerga 4, $° A, 47009, Valladolid, Spain] ‘The first Tolkien Conference in Valladalid was held from 4-5 January, 1993. During the conference a debate was held on Talkien and role-playing; role-playing games were run ‘Also, there was an exposition on the art and mistakes in MERP modules, MELLONATH GALABARGIAN (FORODRIM GAME GUILD) [address unknown] MELLONATH SEREGON (FoRODRIM FIGHTING GUILD) [wis Ehreson, Becksjudarvigen 41, Itz 131 36 Nacka, Sweden) Activities inlude lve role-playing and Sighting with padded weapons, MEANWHILE, IN TURKEY... [Emre Tuncer, Pk, 27 81072, Suadiye/ Istanbul, Turkey] ‘Anew group (1993) based loosely around. Tolkien, fancay roleplaying, and fantasysci= cence fiction iterature. Gaming competitions are included as one of ther activites, VARIAG {Alina Nemirova, Pobedy-avenue, 654- 110, Kharkov 310204, Ukraine} A role-playing club that participated in the 1992 Tolkien Games in Russia, Also parici- pated in two Tolkien Games in the Ural Mountains and on the River Volga in August of 1993 (see Connustcarons) Donetzk University, UKRAINE ‘This group was organized in 1983. They ‘write verses, songs and play role-playing ‘games. GAMING-RELATED PUBLICATIONS Anders Blix and Kathrin Vestergren: “En ny > en rollespisié ul Midas fede der” (1993) Ale 2: 12-16 [Alo published fn Othe Hands 5: 20-23) Anders Blin: “Midglrd i en Fran Spegl ‘Rolspesfortatande el]. Tollens Aras” (1988) Angerhar 35: 6-10 (Also published in Other Hans 2:24-22) ‘Tomasz Boréwka: “Role-Playing we Seiden” (1993) Gwin 46: 40-4 [fe sew of ERP] Jerry and Frodo: *Het rolleapel” (1993) “Lenbes 89 12-13 [introduction f roleplay ing) Ganda “Igy v ants” (1998) Boner of ddan 55-6 Robert Grybos: *Rolemaster—krétks daralteryigta tema (1993) Hinge 1 26.28 characterise ofReenare ana MERP] Mickaél Ivorra: “References to Tolkien” (1993) Lembar 62; 10-11 (references to “Tolkien in role-playing games, ee ‘Mila Lasksonen: “Lord ofthe Ring: roalipel, Jeshi-maasa® (1993) Legls 3: 20-22 (Re- sew of Lard ofthe Rings Abetre Gane] "Nye fea Be" (1993) Angerthas 33: 24-26 [news of Tolkien rolesplaying games at Regnco) Bjoen Tore Sund: “RegeCon 11 | Bergen— ‘olkien-quiz rom del a» showet” (1993) Aagerhas 38:29 (account of 2 Tolkien quiz ‘ding » role-playing consent]THE RELIGIOUS RITUAL AND PRACTICE OF THE Etves OF MIDDLE-EARTH AT THE TIME OF THE WAR OF THE RING Michael R. Hickman: [first published in Mallorn, the Journal of the Tolkien Society: 40 Hunters Hill, High Wycombe, Bucks HPI3 7EW, England] ex dade le wrten in 1954 Tlien dened hae thee mary religion” in Mieco (Let ters: 193). Hower ema gerng tthe exe coc fa panel region mith big, pity fal Tafa the ch endef gon in The Lord of the Rings In age 73 of The Road Goes Ever On Tallen sot about Elh Lg te of eth Te Bhi yo nd ten commented, “(Ts and othr ‘Sowa gon Toe Lord of Se Rings ae fqn ook)" Ina sal way I would leo realy th “oven” fra teacher of Ral Studs ond on ord ree of Teles’ book howe fen hgh coat suing the rlgor practices ond Bb ofthe pooper of Midler by oppyng tthe the techgusempiedn e sy of gon The say of lion hor been ranged over ‘hep fw decade’ One of the es infantil shiner n bringing abot th change has Ben Prferar Ninian Smart of Lancaner Unive. He oop a mathad of sthng the pension of tego by cgosing in thet mejor main ‘hich al relon mons ea Thess mye he ‘oferta "dimensions" Thay hoe Bae vel Ion and ae called Sma’ Si Dimensions of align Bi, thy ae 1) the aching of region tho are peed ono ses of big (sc), 2) the common mi of ork presipponions tht (2c cob frc fo illower of region (ath), 3) Be behold of ight ond sng (th), 4) te prac By wich people expe the Beli (tua), 5) the ect th the “dnne” (upesene) and 6) the iuracion Seance one person o grup ad anther (0). Ths are, erfre, o y of theo ps of Tate's thought oan exploration fat Son Christan Bf and how they nlc is toting. Rother ao atenp ooo thee trang in order ose wht the eligi elif ond proce ere of the peoples of Made-car othe time of the War of the Ring (henge refed 0 2s the "Wer”) Wich the isto of space ad the amount and ype of mate avalble | hoe re sented his race wo a sudo js oe of the se dimensions (ual) of ne ofthe parler the Ele) of Middeecarth ‘We posses two types of material from Middle-earth Firs, the hymns, invocations and other statements ofthe Elves (and of the ‘other peoples influenced by Ehish culture) as recorded by Tolkien; secondly the rest ofthe text of Tolkien's writings which can be taken asa kind of commentary or record of the ‘vents and thinking ofthe time. Ehish culeure in Middle-earth by TA. 3020 was in decline but because oftheir life- span and life-style it can be assumed that many oftheir religious beliefs and practices dad remained relatively unchanged over sev= cel millenia, and therefore evidence from writings other that The Hobbie and The Lord of the Range ean be used. “There were four main centres of Ebish ccalture in Middle-earth a the time of the War: the Havens, Rivendell, Lothévien, and Northern Mirkwood. There ate very few ref erences to religious practice or belief st the Havens, and not many more to those at Lothlérien or in Mirkwood but most of the basi ritual was probably common to all these centres, This article is based upon the culture at Rivendell, which was basically a combina- ton of Noldorin and Sindarin. Where there are clear differences, these will be note.Basic BELIEFS The basic Ehish belief are expressed in the tree major hyrnns recorded in TBe Lard of the Ring: the pligrimage byrmn of Gidor and company (LotR I 88:89), the hymn in the Hall of Fie atthe House of Elrond (Lo: 250), andthe hymn of Galadriel (more per- sonal than the others) on the departure of the companions fom Lothlérien (LotR I 394), All ofthese yas, called song in Th Lod of the Rings bat hymns in The Rood Got Bsr On [see note 21} are addressed to Elbert, and they each refer to Elbereth’s relation the stars. They also speak of Elbereth’s place far beyond Middle-earth, but the Ehes dearly belived that eeir prayers could reach her As sich Elbereth is seen by the Ehes a8 one ‘wove pores, although limited, could be used for protection, or to influence or change vents (Leer 193) “The Ehes believed that there was only one God, Er Thvatar, but in The Lond of he Ringe that name is never used by Elves t must be assumed thatthe mame was too boly to wer nd tat, if misused, would bring about dire consequences forthe user, as fot Feanor and his sons (Si: 88). Asa substitute in blessing and in invocation therefore, they used the tame of Elbereth or refered to the stars that ‘he had kindled. Although the Noldor were taught many of er sls by Aue is Elbereth as sar-indler who most atracted their detion, There were opportunites, which wil be refered eo later (ee ilgrim- 2g; p. 10 below) for Eles to obtain visions of Ehereth “There was a general bel inthe ability to 0 over the Sea to Erest, indeed in the NNoldor and Sindar it wae a longing that could not be suppresed. Both Galadiels lament (Losh I 385-389, 394) and Legos’ song (Loe IIL: 234.235) express this concept nein sadness, the other in expectation THe CALENDAR AND THE LiturcicAL YEAR ‘withthe Sea that would have been insppro- pritte in northern Mirkwood. April 5 or April 6, both of which are posible The effect of this diflerence will be seen later “The calendar of Imladrisinchuded a week of six days, enquie (pl enquicr), which, as ‘Tolkien comments, existed for “ritual rather than practical purposes (ibid).” The numbers 6 and 12 held special significance, and they ‘observed six seasons throughout the solar ‘year. The names of each ofthe days of the week were: “These show whom and what the Ehes e- vere, As the names are recorded in both ma~ jor languages they were almost definitely ‘common to all the Ehish centres. The cenquier existed primarily for ritual purposes therefore it can he assumed that rituals took place on one or more of these days, and defi- nitely on the last day which was, “the chief day of the week.” Each day began at sunset, but ie seems thatthe most important parts of the day were connected with the stars, “tindémé" or starfading, and “undémé” or star-opening (ibid: 389) ‘The differences between Elves and Hobbits inthe timing ofthe stat of the day can cause confusion when comparing calen- dars. Its possible to draw an Ebvish calendar and compare it, day for diy, with the Shire Calendar in The Lor of he Runge (bid: 384). ‘We ate told that the Els’ New Year, “corre sponded more or less with Shire April 6 (ibid: 390; note 1). However, we do not know whether Yestaré began at sunset on in the dating of the feat occ DEDICATION |__QUENYA SINDARIN | cbrate the viceory Elenya Orgilion _| ste Ford of Anarya ‘The liturgical the Moon, Tsilya yest had se the Two Trees Aldiya Orgalahad | Ghudsd atleast the Heavens ‘Menelya Ormenel__| thee mor fes- vals or period of the Valar Valanya Orbelain | festival which were:3) 2 evo day festival incorporating the lst day ofthe year “Metaré" which concluded the winter, and New Years day "Yet," which heralded the spring Gbid. 386); b) Midsummer's day {which sems to hae taken place on the 31st or 32nd day of Lang, not the 36) and) 3 three day fetal, “Ender,” a the end of Autumn, which was used asa day of thanks {rng (Probably for che harvest) (bid) There are no specific references tothe ast ofthese in The Lod ofthe Rags, but its exist- tence and celebration can be inferred from the parallel on Nimenor, where the tree days of fetal were the rst days of Spring, midsummer and the en of auturon (UT 16), Ts existence ean alo be inferred from the fact that Ehes usualy called the year loa” meaning “growth,” for in these mat- ters they wore primary concerned with, “the scaconal changes in vegetation (LotR TT 585)." The Elves relied for food, other than by trading fori, on growing athering and uneing and wotld undoubtedly bave had some form of harvest thanksgiving in come ton with al smiar communes today ‘The rtual ye gving both Quenya and Sindarin, can therefore be reconstructed 38 follows (Once again, ass clendar is re- corded in both Quenya and Sindarin, tan be arumed thats basis as Followed by all Ehes) The only elendar hatis. | QUENYA | SINDARIN |TRANSLATION] DAYS FESTIVAL recorded in The Lord of the ings ‘is the Calendar of Imiadris 1 New Year Festival (LotR II: 385-390).” However itis probable that this calendar is basically the same as that for 7 77 ee ci oeeetiee ree a — 7__ | including the Mid-summer srould be very unlikely fr there nme festival [1 day] sobs en dae ene [_ Yavie vas ‘Autumn 34 length ofthe seasons fered ena vee bernie, | Enderi Mid-year 3 Autmn festival ent festivals, each accor Quellé Firith Fading 54 See ie [ive [_Rhiw Winter R eee Crane eee Coiré | Echuir Stirring 54 Metaré ‘Year End i Last Day festival —————————————————————————Festivats, RITUALS, AND PRACTICES Eich society was hierarchical and led by hereditary kings of lords whose authority was both secular and sacred; this too was para: lcled by Nemenérean society. The senior hich ine in Midle-earch was that of Fimwé, represented by only two families at the time ofthe War, that of Elrond and Galadriel tn each society in which they lived, these two individuals, and chelr families, were the leaders. “The Ellord had a numberof ritual fane- tions of which one ofthe mort important was presiding at festivals. The president was satin 2 char whist minstrels sang On page 148 of The Hobie it it reoorded that Thrancil sat “om a chair of carven wood,” wore crowns of| ferent flora forthe different seasons, ber Fes and ted leaves in auturin and woodland flowers inthe spring, and “held a carven staff ‘of eak” This ritual decoration may only have ‘been practised in Thranduil’s realm but Galadriel at her last meeting with the Fellow- ship wore, “a circlet of golden flowers” in her hair (LotR 1: 388). Given the Elish love of tuees and flowers it is most probable that similar vituals were performed in most Elf ‘communities. In communities influenced by the Noldor, prayers of praise and thanksgiving to Yavanna were likey It alzo seems probable ‘hat in Thrandual’s realm there were ceremo= nies atthe New Year and at the Enderi when the king put on a new crown to the accompa: iment of feast, dance and song, ‘The normal festival ritual seems to have been feast, followed by drinking, singing snd according to The Hobbit, dancing * These activites often took place in the open air. As the day started at sunset, the festival would presumably start in the evening and continue All dawn at least, The fact that the day sarted at sunsetis the reason for The Hobbit refer. ring to Midsummer's eve (bid) and The Lord ofthe Ringe to Mideummer’s day” In Elish terms it was one and the same day ‘At the end ofthe feast there would have been some form of ritual liquid to drink, this being a normal conclusion to feasts. The Var ‘aed such a ritual drink at their festival, the Eldar believing this to have been “made from the honey of the undying lowers in the gar- dens of Yvan, though i was clear and transhacent (Road: 69)." This drink was called “mirwvére,” which was the same name as that given to “the ‘cordial of Trmladrs."* Galadriel gave each member of the Fellow- ship white mead asa cup of parting (LotR 1: 390- 391), the last and (only) meal that they had with Celeborn and Galadriel, and in her final lament she re- ferred to miruvére and posed the ques tion, “who now shall refi the cup for me bid: 394)?" ‘The singing would include hymns to Elbereth, other Ihymas (oF songs) of the Blessed Realm, and epic poetry recalling the mythic deeds ofthe ancestors. Another of the major func- tions ofthe El-lord was tobe the repository ‘of Ehish lore. There was no sacred text, be- ing immortal such a collection of ancient sto- set was probably not required, but chere were lore-masters and some eollecions of ancient stories were written down. These stories such as the story of Tiniel sung by Aragorn to the Hobbits to lift up their hearts, ‘were inspirational and thought-provoking (bid: 204-205). Their recitation would be an Important event, Iti no accident that the {greatest ofthe lore-macters at the time of the ‘War wat aso one of the greatest El-lords, Elrond. ‘These celebrations did not take place only atthe regular festivals but at any other ime that was deemed appropriate, for example, the victory at the Ford of Bruinen. On that ‘occasion & special room was used, the Hall of Fire. In Gandalf's words, “Here you will har ‘many songs and tales if you can keep awake But except on high days it usually sands ‘empty and quiet, and people come here who wish for peace, and thought. There is abvays 2 fire here, all he year round, but there ie litle ‘other light (bid: 242).” From the reference to “high days” it must be assumed that it was the place ofthe great festivals a8 wel asthe ‘occasional celebrations such asthe victory at the Ford of Bruinen, (On a comparison of calendars itcan be ‘calculated that, if Yestaré began on the ‘evening of Apil 6 S.R, then this feast took place atthe beginning ofthe high day of the ritual week, Valanya. Ifo, it may be that en- tering the Hall of Fire arid singing hymns to Elbereth and other of the Valar on Valanya was the regular practice. However, this is very slim evidence from which to draw such 2 con- clusion asi could equally be that it was the nature ofthe feast that led to the Hall of Fire being used rather than the day ‘The only wedding involving Ehes recorded in The Lord ofthe Ringe was that of Aragorn and Arwen. This took place on the festival of Midsummer. Its not clear whether this great day was choscn a5 it was such an important vent or whether oF not Ehish weddings ‘would normally be celebrated on fessival dys. As Elves were in no hurry they could prob ably have waited until the next fetal Dany RITUAL AND. PRACTICE [No Elfin The Lond of the Rings would in- voke the mime of Er Ikivatar (although on the mort important occarons the head ofthe ceiled Nomenérean community was prepared to do $0). Instead Elves both blessed and in- voked using both the mame of Elbereth and the stars A common invocation 3¢ time of great peril was, ‘Elbereth Gildhoniel” used by Legolas as he si the carser ofthe Nag (bid 403), and by Hobbits ike Frodo undermila circumstances (bid: 208). Apparendy sich an invocation had great power for even the Nazgil were troubled by ibid: 210). Elhereth and the stars were also wsed in bessngs, for example, Glidor’s farewell to Frodo, "muy the sars dine upon the end of your road (i: 94)” "may Elbereth protect. you (bid and Elrond’ farewell to the Fel lowship, "May the star sine upon your faces (bid: 24)" ‘The Ehish love ofthe stars i reflected in vst was probably daly ritual. The Bes of CGisdr’s company “all bars into song” when the evening stars appeared (hid: 91; this was ot on Vanya). This may have only been 3 Noldorin seal there fs no record of Legolas doing this, or amongst the Ebes of Lothlévien. The singing wa followed by a seal around a fie Te Smorion records tha the returning Noldor under Fingolfin “blow their ‘rumpets.at the is sing of the Moon (Si: 90)" Tt alo records that before the Fifth ate, “the trumpets of the Eldar greta the rang ofthe Sun.” and dat “the people of Gondalin were upon the walls to await the ‘sing Sun, and sng tei songs att uplift ing Tor Uh morrove vas the great fast hat they called the Gates of Summer (bid 242)" However there i no mention in The Lord of the Rings of any ritual connected with either {he moon oF the sun, nor is here any men- Sion ofthe blowing of trumpets, The Elves in ‘he Third Ags lived a quieter existence Te may be thatthe end of the First Age brought about a change in Ehish attitude and the Ehes of Middle-eac returned to their cater devotion of the sars and of Elbereth, However the Elves of Lothlrien where the sun was very bright may well have continued sich a racic, The ther Vilar are almost ‘unmentioned in The Lord of the Rng ‘As the Hall of Fire wa a place where one ‘ould go foe peace and quiet tis Hely that the Elves practiced some form of quiet prayer ‘or meditation, but probably aot on a regular Tass They were able, through song, to bing their doughs to We and were ls able to “aleep" by “eiing their minds” in kind of deep, but openscyed, meditations” ‘As far as I cn calulate there i with he posible exception ofthe celebration ofthe Fitory atthe Ford of Bruinen, no record of the ritual concerned with the ast day of the week, but ts most kel that there were pms and prayers to the Vale after whom the day was named LITURGICAL LANGUAGE “Many people have used ancient or archaic languages with which to pray butt seems that the Ehes used Sindarin mainly. The only recorded exception ofa prayer in Quenya is Galadriel's Lament (LotR I: 394), This was ber birth language but hardly er usual one as ‘there would have been very few Noldor in LLothlorien where a form of Sindarin wat epo- keen. Galadriel may have used Quenya on this. cian athe parla prayer as oper “The hymn heard by Hobbits inthe Hall of Fire was in Sindarin but of a form much in- fluenced by Quenya (Road: 72), however this seems to have been the normal language of the singers ifn rather archaic form. The ‘grimage hymn of Glidor and company was als in Sindarin, the name Elbereth is used rather than Varda, One difference between Iurgical and vernacular Sindarin was the use ‘of archaic pronouns such as “thee,” whereas the word “thee” is not used ia normal speech (ibid). Although there is no evidence itis ‘quite likely thatthe Noldor would use Quenya on very important occasions and 2 “high? Sindarin for other rituals. Sindarin Elves would probably have used “high” Sindarin forall vitals. PLaces OF WorsHIP Buildings built specifically for worship did not exist As Era Ihvstarslone was wore shipped (the Valar were understood 3 intsr- rediaries) any such building would have been thought blasphemous. This practice was pa allied by the Némendreans both in ‘Namenr and in Middle-earth (UT: 166). However this didnot prevent any race from having sacred or hallowed places. These pices were lft open tothe sky and there Yecre no buildings. Among their holy places the Dinedain had Amon Anvar, "the Hill of Awe" atthe centre of Gondor where Elendil ‘was buried (bid: 302) and other places such 2 the hallow on Mount Mindoliin where Gandsifled Aragorn to the sapling ofthe White Tee (LotR Ml: 248-250), There is no mention of any suck hallow for lve, although by impliation the burial pices of Ehish kings and lords mentioned in The Siimeriion were weated in a similar way" Ehes probably regarded the whole of Middle- car a holy and were prepared to worship tnder the open sky wherever they were. This would have been expecially appropriate 3s their devotion was expressed in hymns and prayers to the stars and other cclestal objects nd any building would have obscured thi However there are two buildings men- tioned in The Lard ofthe Rings that ae assoc ated with Ehish religous ntl. Fist, the Hill of Fire t Rivendell which has already ‘been mentioned. This was a place both for priate thought and public celebration, Sec~ fondly the tower, Elossrion, built by Gil-gald for Elendi for him to put» Plante in (Sl: 292), The Palani itself became a cause for pilgrimage. Given the intense dislike of buildings for sworthip, the place and role of the Hall of Fire isnot clear. It contained no images of any kind nor any cult object, only 2 fire there all the year round. It can only be assumed chat such a building was not deemed to have con- ‘eavened what was otherwise a strict prohibi= tion. PILGRIMAGE Gisde’s company vas returning from a pilgrimage to look into the Palani op Emin Bera when they met Frodo, Pippin and Sam This was a regular if infequent, vent far the Noldorin exes, expecially those living in the area of Rivendell, it would hae been © very dificult journey for any Nolda living in atklérin, On suc a pilgrimage the plein expected to sce Eresch and the Shores of Miinor and alo hoped w hae “a son, clear bart remote, of Elbereth, a majestic igure, shining white, sanding upon the mountain, Oiolosé (Road: 74.” From the text ofthe tym ofthe reterning plist seems that they had been granted such awsion, which ‘may acount for lidor’s comment about the Elves being ite concerned withthe ways of Hobbits, or of any other ereature upon cart" and for immediately following this by saying “Tn this meeting there may be more tan chance. (LotR 1 94)." CONCLUSION ‘A Tolisen indicated, there is indeed much reference to religion in The Lard ofthe Ringe although many ofthe references are not ic mediately clear The Eives were monotheists wwth angelic intermediaries who were the focus of their devotions, itercessons, sup- plications and thanksgivings. They had a well fonstructed ritual calendar which, both ‘weekly and seasonally, provided them with ‘uals and festival to enable them to focus their thoughts and to celebrate. The rituals that they followed, day, weekly and season- ally had a discernable pattern, abough much is sll obscure They alo undercook pilgrimages upon which they hoped to have an “experience” of ‘one oftheir angelic powers. They had no scriptures as understood by the term in Judeo-Christan-Ilamie tradition, but did have a large collection of poetry that was used {or inspiration and reflection, rather like the great Viking and Hinda epics. Ther leaders ‘were leaders in both sacred and secular mat- ters, in both war and peace and in festival and as repositories of lore “They had filly developed set of religious beliefs od paces ilar in many ways to peoples in our world today andi should not be thought otherwise eeFOOTNOTES Taken scarf owt that “they ad no ‘e- ligon (or religous practen rather for those ad been in the hands of the poe (Letter 204," “They are lio rferre tat ys in pags 17 al the Index Th and ofthe ns bt songs inthe tent elf Lot 88-85, 950, 399-39. Soe alto the comersition between Macdros and ‘Maglor (SI: 253). The ies of not pronouncing ‘he holy mame of the deity is quite common, the best cxample in contemporary religion be- Ingle Judaism where the word "YHIWH" ir only ‘ever pronounced “Adonai” rather than ait Stand! One ofthe reatns wat the thought in ‘he ancient world that to ya word meant to {gre it he and power and tat ifthe name of the ‘ely wat usered and then missed or abused {he consequences would be death or the were. CGeleborn and Thranduil met onthe diy of the [New lear after Thranduils wctory over the forces of Sauron (Lo I: 375). As only one [New Year ofthe Eber sever mentioned in The Lard ofthe Ringe it must be asamed tha ll EI cenres celebrated it on the same dy. For example, Erond after the fat elebrating the stony atthe Ford of Brain “wet to tras he tent prepered for hin the Hallo Fire (ot 242) “then they went down tthe water ose the cles dancs tnd ig upon the ldamner ow ob: 33)" For example, Aigorn and Arwen were be: toed on te eve of Mids (tk I Sh) and are mare onthe day of Mids ser bid 251. “Thiswas undoubtedly the dink gen tothe t= cles by Glovdndel (LotR 1 229), wed by Gandain set of great ced awh the Cone ry were atenpng the Rethorn ass (id 53030300) On none of thse ocaion was the terior td aly busier be boos made Ferrite purposes. ‘The oath of Cron and Eo (UT 304-308), chick was renewed by Arigora/Elesar with 10. 2, B owner, sing these formula (id: 317; note 4, ‘This was on Midsummer (Sl, 199). Many EI tventtook pce ons dy Thy en tive Sought sspctous {he thought] he bad rocved the gt ofthe Eltminstels, who can make the dhs of which they sing appear before the eyes a hove who Ien (oak 338), For example, Legolas (LotR: 31. “Theword “the” iso wid by Glidor and cone pany In addressing Berets, 1 do not know of Ey occaon of Ef wage of thse” in personal “The Burial place of Fingofn and the bul place cf Glin (Sb 54,248. Both were bared {alone high places where flowers loomed and were untouched by ce In pages 73-74 of Tic Road Gos Emr Oo its sated tat Gldor and company “lve nor neat Rivendel!™ but The Lar of be ig (89) seems tolmply tha they ae on thelr ny owt heltfale THE HEALERS OF GONDOR ‘Nadine Salim 9045 Wildwood Avenue ‘Sun Valley, CA 91352 usa ‘ci asd shat Es, boing perced Melior's igs todo harm tothe creates of Hvar, took coun wth Yanna and coused plant 10 grow thot could ba! end suengthen the body. Many of tse herbs cose slp, for Eo’ gf to all res. Chief among tei aes orion, cso called abels, whose leas, if eroshed, cary the fogrnce of the Bleed Ils. Ex alto taught the we of bebe {othe Eer who, sn ur, tught Men. She gromud the Edain te poner to hea the illness of thee Jen, but no to prolong thei ner Bond the ume closed then, otis would be contrary to the de- signs of Hiroe HEALERS AND NUMENOR In Naimenor, before the coming of Ar- Pharaadn, the wisdom of the healers grew great, and their knowledge of the maladies of ‘Men has not been equaled. Sadly. as the life- spans of men begsn to wane and doubt ofthe ‘alar grew (hunks in par to the machina- tions of Sauron), the Nimendreans became ver more obeesed with prolonging the span oftheir Ives, and bent their effors toward thse end ‘Only those futhfl tothe teachings of Esté sought to prevent the erosion of knowledge ofthe healing arts Of the few that escaped the Drowning of Nimenor with Elendil and his sons, ony sree were healers. These brought with them a chest which contained seeds ofthe plants used in healing and the fev books that could be saved. Planted far and wide, the seeds that had been saved flour- ished, but the land from which thy had come swat gone forever Elendi, perceiving the danger of having only afew with knowledge of healing, dt rected that his sone and captains should learn ‘what they could. Isldur mastered the erat {ulckest ofl, and wa reputed to possess che power to ce the sick and wounded with his hands CONNECTION TO THE KING “The hands ofthe King are the hands of a header and so shall the rightfl King ever be known.” These words were spoken trough the years by many in Gondor, bat with litle compechensian of ther origin. Isidur’s heirs and those of purer Dsinadan descent inher- ited within themsches the power to heal the fick, and to recall he epnt of those injured ‘with evi weaponry. After Sauron’s defeat by Iiklur, many of the injured semed azo to contract a dak malady that shadowed the heart and brought death more swf than seemed appropriate to thei wounds, Swift we of ae aranion could cure the afliced, but only a few had the necessary sl to administer the remedy and so less than half of the men take il by the “Shadow sickness as twas called) were heated Foreseeing Gondor's need, Isildur decreed that each city should support house of hea ing, where all who were might go. Such hhouses became an arm ofthe royal bureau ‘racy and resived the fsor ofthe King. The firs of these houses was established in Orgliath, where the books of the frst healers from Némenor were kept in a place of honor. tes interesting to note that as Kings of Gondor are alto traditionally healers, omnee- tion to the Hoses of Healing became a source of political lgtimacy. Thus, even in the time of Cartamir the Usurper (who bore lige love for the institution), the Houses received support from the King and his cour Unt the waning of Gondor i the Third Age (end prior tits rebirth in the Fourth), Gondborians believed that no one could be King who did not have “healing hands.” THE Houses OF HEALING Even though much of Gondor is governed by feudatories, the Houses of Healing in each city are agents of the King and governed only by his justice. Healers are alo given the pro- tection of the King’s Guard and are escorted by them when traveling through dangerous places Monetary bicking forthe healers in each city comes in pare from the King, in part fom the nobility and in part from teaching and offering forsale the common remedice needed in every household. Most often i wil bye found that the building used by the healees has itelf been donated by a noble family sith ties to the King Each house is governed by a Warden. In cities having more than one house, there is 2 (Chief Warden of all the houses, Nominal the head of al the houses isthe King. This is demonstrated in the salutation used in corre spondence, “By the grace ofthe Vilar and of the King?” THE HEALING VOCATION like many profesions, people join the hialers at diferent pois in life. Some ap- prentice as children, but many sek to join when they are more advanced in years and have sen something of the world and prac- teed another trade. Often soldiers who tre of king and danger, or merely ofthe need to be forever watchful, renounce their swords and take the Healer’s Oth, In addition, people who have acquired Lnowledge of cures tnd remedies wal travel to a house to share and enlarge thee wisdom, “Those whose magic to heal must be swary—trust of such things sways with the times and the nature of the Court Among the great families of Gondor, elementary healing is aught alongside clementary swordsmanship in memory of Elendil andthe refagocs of Némenor Upon entering one ofthe houses as ap- entice or jouracyman hele, cach person ust takes simple ost, gen tothe bead of the house in the city: I rsa by Ed and ll the Nala the Fld ll ihn my pert eal he ck nd 0 pre if mea hat Tw 9% oe tn Bonds vile, or sc case another ‘arm. [wile my King by healing hs pope and prcsnng the hnowiadge I hove ben gen. ‘Upon taking the ath, the speaker puts on the white oF pale blue robes that mark the healers in Gondor. Ocessionaly, when other duties calla per son may be release from the oath and is l= lowed to return and take the oath again when bis duties ae finished. Is extremely rare for a healer wo break the oath. Is also dificult for an inherently evil person to pretend to be a healer, at most healers culate goodness and ate able see its absence inthe form of a shadow clinging to the body. ——————————————————— eeA COUNT OF THE KHAZAD Bernie Roessler 13 West Hermosa ‘Tulare, CA 93274 USA ‘This ercle presens my ies of the erly popu tio history ofthe Dwares. Vale Jorn Beer «and Gunnar Brolin’ arson human populations ‘in earls sous of Other Hands [3: 4-10; 4: 22- 23), dows not ue any scene o historia methodlagy 10 ave ot ite concltiont, fe that calelaig the polation of « Dmarven care by ting aveige population denatiee would be per sible caywey, es rther my own exrepoltions fom she lide iefrmation that J.R.R. Takis Bi ‘aifbor writen on thee mates, I admitedly hae “oaked” the numbers in order to get the sls 1 swantad (eg, that af Duin’ Fk ot ther pe). Fears moy us or dri my fore a they wtb, Te my knowledge nothing inthis orl contradic Tlkie’s wings, and whee ny opinion dirs, fom tho of ICE, T hove made note of “The creation ofthe Dares by Au ae ther nlpton by Eras old n Chapter oo Of The StorinIn Te eter of] BR Teen (pge 287), we lar tater were only heen orga Dwarves: Duin and x othe pais of ales ad ema ti tue then wy were there seven Houses of Dares rather than x? Alen, how cou Durin hn been te scent ofl he Kings ofthe Longboards (Hobbit 63) My slton is follows, hough the Dares wer lad in arsundred paces dur ing tc Tog shir, Blee tat when they were Sly alowed to avaken, hey ttre reunited none place, When his = Shred, the preeminence of Doin, bing both he oldest and Aone, mart hve Been secopiec. Ths proeminence wa ll om Cede int be Third Sige, ndeated by the War ofthe Dears a he Ores in "Ap pendn # RoXK. 3522330, Tn ation, my interpretation ofthe opesing paregops of he secon Gat all {fe Dearven Howes orgy red in tear Kham, To quote Sec Taken writes that Dina he meaning ofthat people cine to Arai and Gh ces thove Kiele-ram he made ts dsling thee aftrarde mere the Mines of Moa Tenowned i song bid 352 Daring thes ear years Belov it as highly prebabe dha Barn performed forthe Drrares many ofthe facons tat Mica! Fckman wre tn Dinan monarchs (OH 8:5). This would have continent he Inter sundcig of te Hon when each fang heir woud ave eed shone. {lke alo tls ue that Darn ws gated a espn mach longer than that of ny ether Dt and was tery Frown a Din he Dente, Ar the clden af he other se pairs of Dwarves raced at ey may Five begun to ce wih could wed ther daughter to Darin Sach» union would hve enhanced the presig ofthe sues House wel above {Eat ofthe others. Dien tween te Howes a sch ner soe woud hve been datos forthe Dern, Therefor, I propose that Darn (perhaps with Ale’ ans) decided to wes daughter af ach Shes ctr couple addin see ting any denon ths would hae esab- shed Der ne at ony athe agest. House, but also the one in which ran the ood fal sre af the aes of he Dwarves. Tht was probably the only cate of sanctioned peygany in Deven history l- though bare Beard rumors tht among some af he eartern Dwarves the women some- times take more tan one husband. Irie ako my opinion that ring these crt ely year, the Bitrate fer Dwarves stud have bam lea bt higher than liter age Int, 1 propose Dat each ad every Dwarven woman for the Hist sven generacone had (Suprise) excl seven chi Gren This was, ofcourse» superatural event brought abot by the workings of Ale andor Era, These ave genrtions of ie 3to would hve colacided wath the tie of Daria Mach intermarriage oocurred between the Houses during the ne ofthese frst genes- tons. would bare ad to, berms ofthe inal small numberof Dares. Assen on the table athe end of this artle, of the seven chiles bor to exch of the olga si pair, four were male and three female Suc- ceding gencrtons ll had the normal ao foe Duntves of two males boe for every fo- sale Bere of thi even wih seven hi dren born to each female, he populiton sow rant dow ‘Alcs the birth ofthe eighth generation and Diri’s death, the Howes bean tos ds. The Dwarves mist have reazed they had tet tbe one individual who coud cor cate with Au (or "Mahal" athe was own tothe) ona regular and diet bai Twat alo at his tme that the irda among the Dwarves began to decline. Uhave dropping by about half cid foreach sccesine gene chon (se table belo, This ate of decline conned ntl she Afcenth generation (which was the four teen aculy born Middle-earth), at ich point sailed aan average of thee Xd one tid len foreach matted Dwarf woman. The unedlingness of al Dar ven women to take a band which Ten Tenone also bean with the eighth genes ton, oat ast marrage was no longer ee- (pred regard of hr whe Another important question i the number of years betwen the bh ofeach generation of Dwarves Agia the best oarce of infor tation to anawer this quenton i “AppendixA” On the chart showing the Line of the Dwarves of Erebor (RotK: 361), each Dwarf listed fathered a child at the age of about a hundred, and lived (unless they met an un- natural death) to about two hundred and By Although this is royal line, I see no reason ‘why this would not be typical forall Dwarves eran, if two undred and fy is the up- per age limit for Dwarves ofa royal line, other Dwarves would not ive much beyond this! In Chapter Ten of The Simarilion, we find that Dwarves first came to Beleriand during the second age ofthe captivity of Melkor (page 91). My interpretation ofthis passage is that it seems the Dwarves had actually been living inthe Blue Mountain for sometime before the Sindar discovered them, which leads me to believe that the awakening of the first Dwarves occurred sometime during the first hal of the frst age of Melkor’s captivity A time soon aftr the arrival of the Eldar in Valin seems the most likely ‘This would mean thatthe Bfteenth gen- ‘eration of Dwarves was born sometime near the middle of the second age of Melkor's cap- tivity Dwarven numbers would reach their peak two centuries after this and remain stable until the return of Melkor more than 3 ‘thousand years later. This event began the slow decline ofthe Naugrim, and while Khazad-diim would stl increase in numbers ater Morgoth's fall due tothe influx of refit- ‘geet from the Blue Mountains, the spring- time of the Dwarves had already past FOOTNOTES 1. woud ke to pia out tat the conception ‘ator Dwarves enon te linac apa Is nti Tow Were ac ‘ae Dares would prot ave been extinct long bts the Thi Age 2. sherefor disagree with the four hundred year Ifespan for Dares listed i ICE's description of be nce DwarVeN CENSUS BY GENERATION After the seventh generation, there would be a wider natural variance in the numbers than what I have shown here. Presenting them as have done, calculated out to the lst dig, is therefore probably misleading in terms of accuracy, but the numbers provided do givea good average (On the other hand, this is my creation, I suppose I can be as accurate asf ehoose.). The table also shows the importance an extra wile or two in an catly generation can have in affecting the final population of « House After the fifteenth generation, all genera- sions would be more or less the me size tant the minions of Melkor became active Even then because of the fact that Dwarven ‘women would seldom go abroad, the long- term population would not be affected unless 2 Dwarven mansion was lost. Since a Duar ven generation is 100 years i lengeh with 2 ‘typical lifespan of 200 years, one can deter- ‘mine the approximate number of total (i= ing) Dwarves of a House by taking the figures given by the fifteenth generation and multi- plying by 2.5. For example, the total numbers for Durin's Folk would be 108615 (72410 rales and 36205 females, 32585 of these Inter being wives). I would lke vo ad that 1 agree withthe idea to which some of ICE's ‘writers have alluded: that not all of Durin’s Folk dwelt in Khszad-dim at ite peak To dis- cuss this, howeser, would entail another ar- tide. TABLE LEGEND Roman numerals = Dwarven Houses [House I = Durin’s Folk] Total born rnamber of Dwarves born to the wives of each House ‘Wives = number of Dwarven women women who married Dwarven men of each House Birth rate = average number of children born to each wife [subsequent to the 1Sth generation, the birth rate remains stable at 3.3] Istgen T i iit Vv Vv. Wi Vir ‘Males 1 1 1 T I T 1 Females 0 L 1 T I 1 L Wives @ 1 1 T i L i 2nd gen T 1 ir Vv Vv Wr vi ‘Total births 0 7 7 7 7 7 7 [male] 0 4 4 4 4 4 4 [female] 0 3 3 3 3 3 3 ‘Wives 6 2 2 2 2 2 z Birth rate = 7.0 3rd gen i 7 mm v Vv WI vir “Total births a 14 14 14 if 14 14 Teale] 28 10 9 10 9 10 3 [female] 14 4 5 + 5 4 3 Wives 1s 4 5 4 5 + 5 Binh rate =th gen T Ti Vv Vv WI vir ‘Total births 98 28 35 28 35 28 35 male] 6 19) 3 18 2 19 23 [female] 33 3 2 10 i 9 12 Wives 33 10 i 10 i 10 i Binh rate = 7.0 Sth gen i T Ti Vv v vi vir Total births 231 70 7 70 77 70 7 [male] 154 47 31 46 32 7 SI [female] 77 23 26 24 25 23 26 Wives a 3 26 24 25 23 26 Birth rate = 7.0 th gen T 1 TH v Vv Vi vir Total births 539 61 182 168 17s 161 182 [male] 359 107 122 112 17 108 12 [female] 180 34 60 56 58 33 a Wives: 180 34 60 56 38 33 6 Binh rate Teh gen i m7 Vv Vv Wi vir TTotal births 1260 378 420 392 406 371 7 {rmale] 340 252 280. 261 27 247 285 [female] #20 126 140 BI 135 124 142 Wives £20 126 140 BL 135 124 12 Birth rate = Sth gen T in im v v vi Vir Toulbinhs 2940 882 980 317 945 368. 994 [male] 1960 588 653 6 630 379 663 [female] 980 294 327 306 315 289 331 ‘Wives: 882 265 294 275 284 260 298 Birth rate = 65 ‘Oth gen i 1 Ti Vv Vv vi vir Toul births 5733 1723 i9i 1787 1846 1690, 1937 [male] 3822 119 1274 1191 1231 1127 1291 [female] 1911 S74 67 596 615 563 646 Wives 1720 SI7 373 536 354 507 581 Birth rate TOth gen 7 iM Ti Vv Vv vi vir ‘Total births 10320 3102 3438 3216 3304 3047 3486 [male] 6880 2068 2292 2144 2216 2028 2324 [female] 3440 1034 1146 1072 1108 1014 1162 Wives "7662. 2304 2552 2388 2468 2261 2589 Birth rate = 55 Tih gen I im Ti v Vv Vi vit ‘Total births 17028 S121 3671 3308 S484 5022 3753 [male] 11352, 3414 3781 3539 3656 3348 3835 [female] 3676 1707 1890 1769 1828 1670 1918 Wives 5108 1536 1701 1592 1645 1507 1726 Binh rate = 5.0 ENOTHER 12th gen T i i Wv Vv vi vir Total births 25540 7680 8505 7960 8225 7535 3630 [male] 17027 5120 5670 5307 3485 3023 3753 [female] 3513, 2560 2835, 2653, 2742 2512, 287 Wives 7662 2304 2552 2388 2468 2261 2589 Binh rate = 45 13th gen T i it Vv v Vi vir "Total births 34479 10368 11484 10746 T1106 Toi7s T1657 [male] 23986 6912 7656 7164 7404 6783, 167 [female] 11495 3456 3828 3582 7020 3392 3884 Wives 10344 3110 3445 3224 3332 3053 3496 Binh rte = 40 14th gen T 7 TH v Vv. VI Va ‘Total births 41376 12440 13780 12896 13328 12212 13894 [male] 27584 8293 3187 8597 8885, Sid 9323, [female] 13792 4147 4593 4299 443 4071 4661 Wives D413 3732 4134 3869 3999 3664 4195; Birth rate = 3.5 15th gen i 1 i v Vv vi Vir Toul births 43446 13026 THe 13542 13997 12824 14683 [male] 28964 8708 9646 9028 3331 8549 9789 [female] 14482 4354 5823 4514 4666 4275 4894 Wives 13034) 3919 341 4063 4199 3848 4405 Binh rate = 3.3,FAMILY BUSINESS Martin Rundqvist ‘Torsvagen 61 B, 133 38 Saltsjdbaden Sweden Thi a short adventare dengned to rnd the choracers on @royp though Gandor’s rural Back snore. Tt can take pleat any ume in Gondo's story. Numbers and weapon ail ae not eral; deeraess i a aanger ase. The only prergurter ore hot the characters must own et last ne hore, that thy must end a dy' trv! though Lamadoa inthe middle of nowhere, with no inn os fr asthe ‘92 can we, ond tht they must lok and et peace- fil enought be amized to the home of an overage “former (nach i whee thy enter the plo). Northwesem Middle-earth Map Ser #7; reprinted with permission LAMEDONRIM CULTURE “The people of Lamedon ae of Dacn stock, akhough in most respects they have been eul- tural integrated into Gondor for several centuries. They are rugged, down-to-earth, tnd mainly concerned about the practicalities of life. There are, however, certain aspects of life which the Lamedonrim take especially seriously: control of one’s flack and contol of one's family. ‘The shesp and goats of the Lamedonrim are ear-matked to show who owns them, but the lambing season presents the opportunity to steal ocher people's lambs before they are marked. This isa fvorite sport among the young men, and enables ther to prove their dloughtnes to their elders. It also leads to a cern amount of quarreling between land= holders, although vendetas no longer rage in Lamedon since Gondorian law puta damper on the Lamedonris temper “To avoid intricate sub-division ofthe fam- ay lind che Lamedonrim practice an inhert- ance sytem in which the edest son of each Family gets the right to the land, employing his brothers and men from poorer famibes to help with the flocks im exchange for shares of the produce. Aman may leave the family lnd with his share ofthe flock, but this is uncom ‘mon since 3 Nock cannot be kept without Jand to graze upon. Few rural Lamedonrim ‘would be prepared t sel their sheep and do something ese for Ising. “The inheritance sytem and the need for assiance with the foc lend a very strong importance to marriages between the land= holding families. Alliances of trust and of property are forged through marrying one’s children to well-chosen spouses. Ths, how- ‘ve, isa perennial source of frustration to young people who have other things in mind than strategic pasture management. When all clse fils, nubile maiden may be abducted by her beloved, whereupon the Young couple is invariably pursued the length ofthe land by the woman's brothers, The traditional resolu- tion of these dramas is thatthe young couple stays in hiding undl the woman is pregnant, after which her father is confronted with a fe ‘czimpli, and a hopefully aceptable bride price, He rarely refuses it A TALE OF STAR-CROSSED Lovers Eda isthe younger daughter of Eland Viena, Lamedonren farmers whose bome- stead ies 3 fee miles ofthe River Cir Ela ieeall and skinny, with literng brown eyes ina plan face famed in chestnut har, She is in er erly twenties, and ths elgble for mariage. Her father has consequently nego- tated» marviage for Eda with Willer, the eldest son of Es’ southern neighbor, Bras. “The wouble i that El does nt like dhe dour and uncouth Willer. Several years of brie, clandestine meetings with Adin Enavion have instead convinced her that he vould make a good husband. Unforanately 1 Adrin can hope for ia meager co-owner. Ship of his family’ rather meaty propery and thi makes ima less than splendid can diate from Ess pont of view El hasput his boot-heel down on Ed's hints, but she isa stubborn person, and this is a very important matter to her Adrin is the youngest of four brothers, and bout Edla's age. He 8a thoughtiul young. man tho spends alot of time musing while the sheep dogs do his work. He isnot exactly dishing, but handzome enough, clean-shaven ‘with an unruly mop of black hair and blue yee. He completely agrees with Edla about ‘whom she should marry. He has actually asked his father, Ena, to discuss the matter ‘vith Es, but Ena has refused on the grounds that Eskil's answer would be all too predictable. Hallas Benokion, son of a neighboring farmes, has been Adin’ friend ever since the first childhood afternoon they spent sorting cout their mixed-up Docks, and now Hallas has volunteered to help Adrin and Eda consura- ‘mate their love by pulling the old abduction tick ENTER THE CHARACTERS. “The characters are waveling through Lamedon. Its nese night, and the last inn is three miles back. Inn or no, the party needs night lodgings, and over a rest in the road an initing farm turns up Fe might do ‘When the characters dismount, a man comes out of the howe. Is the owes, tniddie-age farmer named Es, ard he asks the party's business, After some haggling he agres to house and feed the characters and their horses fr about half of what i would have cort at an inn. If the characters look oor, he asks tobe paid in advance, Es’ typical Lamedonrim fami farm, andthe description alo fits the neigh- boring farms of Ena, Benok and Brakas prety well. The farms lie mile oF 5o apart “Te only atypical characteristic of Esk’ farm is that cs not located near the river, instead, it happens to be near the point on a road where the characters decide hat they need to find lodgings for the night ‘The main building is « U-shaped, singe story tone howe witha thatched roof The living quarters are in the left wing. The cen- tral par houses a stable with two mules, Cart and toolshed, and the right wing is used for string fodder and wool Other buildings include a dairy shed a chicken coop and a privy If the river turns out to be distant, Ire is found between the wings of the main boulding. Near the houses are several large pens used forthe shearing of sheep and goats, hich takes plein the spring. A couple of Fenced fields of modest proportions can be seen some way of Most ofthe lving-space in the farmhouse is taken up by a singe large room, with a big hearth at one end (the mules are on the other side ofthe wall). Built-in benches around the walls double as beds, and a large table sur- rounded with wooden stools occupies the middle ofthe room. At the other end of the room are found the doors to the master bed- oom and the larder (locked). Odds and ends of everyday life are stored under the benches and hang from hooks in the not-too-lofty ceiling. Two looms flank the table. Outdoor clothes are hung on pegs inthe wall to both sides of the entrance. A ladder on the wall ‘opposite the entrance leads through a hole in the ceiling tothe atc ‘The stable has room for tree horses be- side Ess moles, andthe rest are put in a corral near the house. (Saddles and harness are most likely put inthe sabe, but an inter- testing question is where the saddle-bags end ‘up. Try to establish this without alerting the characters’ suspicion—one method is t sim- ply inform them that “saddle, saddle-bags and harness are lft inthe stable." hoping that they will ot contradict you. Anyway, they will not be able to bring the horses into the house.) Inside, the characters are served mutton stew, coarse bread, white cheese and goat's ‘milk, and Eskil and the women of his family encourage them to tll stories of their waves ‘Most of the year, all of che young men are out ‘withthe locks, and will ot be present atthe farm. Esil proudly reveals that his daughter ala i going to marry the heir ofthe neigh- boring farm in a week. He beams at his daughter, who smiles tensely and eats litle Heer mother Virnia tll her comfortingy that she also had misgivings before she married Es, but points out that i ‘was not s0 bad. Everyone laughs. How- ‘ver, sensitive characters nots that che ‘gel sil is troubled The evening passes, and bedtime arrives. The characters are assigned ‘bunks in the attic, Whatever young ‘men may be present retreat to the barn, but the eldest son, his wile and his sister sleep inthe main ‘oom below the characters. [Night passes uneventflly A cautious character with acute hearing might hear smufled sounds in the darkest hours, but nothing alarming Probably just someone off to the privy (Ifa character ‘wes something seupid, Tike making nighdy ad- ‘ances on the daugh= ter or Esk’ posses sons, the whole house will be awake in a matter of mi utes and Esl wal appear stark naked, singing a wood-axe over his head, But that isa different adventure, which is lft to the improvising Bill of Ge gmemater) THe Morninc AFTER, “The characters are wakened in the ealy ‘morning by agitated voies, bore which can be heard an apparently outraged Eskil bawi- ing “The daran gir! Oh, when I get hold of her! Dama” Bedraggled characters stumble down the ladder and confront the family Esl tries to ‘explain, now and then pausing for an out- burst of curses, that his daughter has appar- ‘ently chosen to elope during the night on the back of one ofthe characters horses! To boot, she seme to have rumsmaged in the sadale-bags if they happened to be in the stable. IF, she wil have taken dried food, small amounts of money, and any pretty baubles that adventurers might possess While the characters eat their breakfast and adapt w the new situation, Esl rages land Virnia tries to placate her guests. She is vily deeply shamed over her daughter's butrageous behavior, but begs the characters, ————————————————————————————not to take any hasty action; Edla will surely bbe back soon with what she has stolen, Her brothers will find her, it will not be hard since everyone knows the reason for her dis appearance. dla has often spoken with enthusiasm of Adin, a son of one of the neighboring fami- lies. He, however, is nota good match. Edla is scheduled to marry a fine young man in a week's time, but she has shown by all means thatthe doce not lke the prospect, She must certainly have run off with Adrin somewhere, and it will not take a minute to find them. At worst, the wedding will have to be post- poned for a week, but Ed's future husband ‘does not have to learn the exact reason for this, Viria earnestly begs the characters to have merey since the future happiness of her sdmittedly shameless daughter is at stake. Adrin turns out not to have left his home ‘the crucial night, and no trace of Eda can be ‘ound linking him to the outrageous act of disrespect. Actually his friend Hallas has e=- corted the young lady toa shepherd's hut where Adrin can join her as soon as the coast is clear. ‘The characters may (with abit ofseuth- ing) be able to find out what has happened, and reach the young couple just as they are assaulted by the girs brothers. At this point the characters have to choose sides in the family conflict and try to get their stolen pos- sessions back, Their motivation for meddling in family business is the fat that some of their valuable equipment ison the run with- ‘out them. This particular chase is intended to force the characters to take the scenic route through Lamedon, which they might ather- CONFRONTING THE Suspect ‘When the characters have eaten and dressed, Esl calms down a bit, He soberly admits that what has happened is an outrage, and refuses to acept payment for food and lodgings. ay advance payment i returned) Esl inites the characters to join bi in fetching his daughter, although they may say lat ing about the farm iF they choose. ski puts a crude sdele on fone of the mules and rides off north to Enar's farm, where he rises seene and demands that he be allowed to search the pre- rises, Old Enar i completly igno- rantof the young: Sere scheme, and is thus ist dumb founded: gradually however, he grows angry a Edel stomps about his farm Advia's alibi is that he has boca at the farm with his whole family throughout the previous night Esk shouts at im and testo give im a beating, but is prevented by Adkins older brothers. Ifthe characters came slong to Enar's, they might involve them- selves in the proceedings, or they might just stand around and wateh the fireworks. Inthe tend, Eskil begins to supect that he might have jomped to the wrong conclusion. He sheepishly apologizes tothe bristling Enar and sides off home alter one lat piercing glance at Adrin, who for some reason looks pained and worried. THE SEARCH Back at his fare, Esl procedsto ell is sons--Piekor, Erling and Joxr—back home withthe lacks, intending to send them out to search for Eda, Esl plainly states to the characters that be intends to compensate them for the stolen propery ut that he hat not got lot of money athe moment His $iggestion i that they stay atthe arm fora couple of days unl Eda and the stolen goods fre found, of (at wars) so he might be gen time to borrow enough money No self-respecting adventurer wil spend these days just waiting for the stl to reap- pear The characters wll most probably begin 2 investigation of ther own, while Eas fons also do what they canto Bind their delin- quent sister. (The character might even join forces with the brothers) The characters wil be one shor in mounts, but may borrow one of Esl’ mules as longa he doesnot get the impression that they send to keep i and never come back ‘With abit of questioning, che characters may lean what f common Knowledge: that ‘Adis best fiend i named Halls Benokion, where Beno’s farm that Wile Brakason is inded rch but not particlry nice guy, and that chere ae lots of ell-tales about Young peopl cloping rather than marrying 2ecording tothe wises of their parens Exacly what they wi learn depends on what hey ask, and he gameraster hast dish tuts fir bi of irelevant information. Apart from the cay pickings, the potential sources ofinformation are Adri hselland bis tallative, siyearold niece Pia Privately, Adrin ie unpleaandly surprised that Eda and Hallas tole the charac" hore, since this invobes strangers and might send them alto jal. He wll nt confide in the characters, but might be tailed the ight after Ess lod-mouthed vst, as be ides Up © the shepherd's hut w confer with alas and Ela (which wl be very hard for anyone without Even-sigt or an intimate Iwledge ofthe aes. Pils has overheard a convertion be tween Adrin and Halls, and knows that Ela is probably “up in Beno’ sheep-shack on the mountain,” This she wil ispingy divulge only ta sympathetic character who takes the time to ask proper Halla’ own fly knows that Hallas up to something, since he has borrowed a muleell: ER and made some strange comings and goings However, ey do not know what he has been doing, This they wil tell to characters who identify themselves, establish some kind of trust with them, and ask fr the young man, Depending on the season, Halla will most probably visit his home only briely, hurrying back to his sheep when Adrin and Edla are ingaled atthe hut, He will not tll the char- acters anything, but will ack them alot of. {questions to ascertain cher intentions. (This Inguisitiveness might strike the characters as suspicious ) ‘A good tracker may be able to follow the stolen horses tracks a bit from Ess farm, and will perceive that Edla was accompanied by another rider when she left. The tracks point roughly north, but not the way one ‘would choose if one were heading for Enar's farm. (They point more or less towards the shepherd's hut, but cannot be followed for very long. The horse is kept nest tothe hut ‘out of vew from the valle, but the tell-tale ‘wisp of smoke from the fireplace of shepherd's hut with no sign of any sheep around it may appear conspicuous. The main obstacle to the investigation is simply that the characters most probably are strangers with= cot knowledge of the and-"Benok’s sheep shack” might be any one often shacks a mile apart) If, along the way, the characters should become soft-hearted at the predicament of the two young lovers, complete success wil not only be a question of regzining stolen property but also of somehow relieving the tension ofthe age-old family drama, Charac= ters who look for a happy ending must under- stand that Eda wil have an extremely hard time once she is marked in the common rind as a horse-thief. (This fact may compli fate their investigations, since they will not be able to tell their informers exactly why they are asking questions) LA GRANDE FINALE Benok’s shack is one of the innumerable simple huts that accommodate Lamedonrim Shepherds out with the Docks. tis located in a high meadow on Hilla’ father’s land. The haat snot kel to be visited fr atleast the time it akos to gst Ela pregnant (which is why Hallas chose it for bis frend). Depend- ing on the season the meadow might either bbe ney grazed by posts or just pin with cred. The hut isan unfurnished, single-room stone structure with a sod-roof. The hut is reached on a narrow goat-path ust level ‘enough to permit the pasage of a horse Adrin join Eda and Hallas at the shepherd's hue the night after Edis escape ‘The thre of them have a heated argument shout the horse-thelt and is implications, but can find no sensible course of action. Hallas leaves before dawn, returning Adrin's ‘ule to Enar's stable, Edla and Adrin are in Tow spirits but see no other possibility than to keep the horse and follow thee inital plan of cconsummating their marriage in advance. ‘The characters will probably find ther in couple of days, either by themsches or inthe company of Edl's brothers, Ifthe characters have searched on ther own, the brothers may conveniently find the hut only a short while after them, thus creating an interesting situa No matter who finds dem frst, Edla and ‘Adrin wal panic, Unless the pursuers are very ‘arefl, they will be noticed in advance, and their quarry will ty to escape, Since the only sensible escape route is down the path, i¢ will take some mighty fancy footwork fom Ed and Adin on the stolen horse to get past the approaching danger. They simply will not Pickor, Eling and Joar want to seize their sister and beat Adrin up thoroughly Adrin wants to get out of the nasty situation, prefer- ably together with Eda. Eda too wants to get ‘out, but since it does not scem very likely that she wil, she may dhreaten to Kil herself with a knife, Neither Adrin nor the throe brothers wear armor, butall weld hooked shepherds’ safle, ‘with some precision, The characters must understand that Pickor, Eling and Joar are ordinary and prety nice Lamedonrim men acting according to grim tradition, hence i would not be a good solution for any armed characters to hack them down. (Pickor even has a pregnant wife) If the characters simply stand hack, an ‘unpleasant stalemate will ensue, with Eda pointing a kife at her chest, Adri ying beaten on the ground, and the dure brothers unsure of what to do or of how seriouly take Eda’ threat. Bu, since characters rarely do stand back, almost anything might happen. “The ending wil be up to their wits and intu- Possisle OUTCOMES Sclutions might include a famous and/or wealthy character tngiblyBesing the union becween Eda and Adin, thereby compensat- ing somevhat for Ari's meager economic rmeans ora east puting weight of outsider prestige behind the match, If the characters fre to elects happy ending, they wil have to face and consnee Es, a suation which tmay inspire some good role-playing ‘At best, the characters might continue heir wavels wit al thei el, easing behind them the happily married Eals and Adin somehow reconciled with Ed's fay (This would provide the characters witha et of Ioyl fends in Lamedon who may come in andy in fatre aventives) I dhe characters cannot find the young couple (and the gamemastr feels that they hhave had their sare of gentle nudges in the right direction) Pickor, Eling and Joa re- turn one evening to the farm with Eds, the hhoree and any of the characters possessions that were stolen. Edla is bruised and apa- thetic, and the brothers curtly explain that ‘Adrin was the culprit but that he will be no ‘nuisance in the near future (which is correct, if Adrin lies unconscious outside the shepherd's hut with alot of broken bones). Edla will be married to Wilfer, unless word spreads of what has passed (in which case she will never be married at all, and the adven- ture ends on a note of despair) From a practical point of view, one might conclude that thie means the characters might aswel lay back from the start and walt for ‘thei suff to return, but this they cannot know in advance. Anyway, descriptions of Edis’ bitter fate will make them foe! their failureTHE MILLER’sS TALE Deena McKinney-Martin 410 Rustwood Drive Athens, GA 30606 usa This odventare gins tho ee of eens thor take plece bone the characters ese ge tno Thay erally ume upon the plot and quickly get coug up im something dork and nasty bore ‘hey realize i. The characters con ener the enone 1.2 very of nays: They could be traveling along the ine bank and spot Tena’ ody, Or thy could be aaked by an offer of he ral to nasigte the each of lanirBanaie Shier charac might be frend of liner and wont find ot abot his death, ‘THE TALE OF OTELL EDLIN Ever since the Great Plague struck the city ‘of Minas Tirith some 500 years ago, there have been minor recurreness of the disease from time to time, This last summer, such an ‘outbreak occurred on the estate of Lord Lothis Banair, minor noble in service to ‘King Earnil 1. Lots main source of income {is his crops of wheat, which he sells to the Baler’s Guild of Minas Tint, ‘The outbreak was relatively small, but it struck dow several ofthe freemen who ‘worked for Lathisin is wheat fields. As 3 result, Lothis was notable to raise the bumper crop he had counted on. His con- tract for the year 2031 had him selling his goods toa miler named Otell Edn. Otel is ‘unremarkable in looks, except that he i large and strong man. Lothis told his small batch of wheat to Otel aa price still within the range sct by the Guild, bur it was dfi- nitely a much higher price than norm Lothis, afterall, ull ad to have his same share of profit despite hie poor crop. Otell protested this charge, but it was approved by ‘the Guild as within the terms ofthe original (Otel, already « hot-tempered, impetuous ‘man, was infuriated by Lothis’ actions and the consent ofthe Guild. Worse, he owed a sg nificant debt toa ruthless underworld figure named Corlan Larethan, who lives in Linhir, It was only a matter of time before Corlan’s men would try to collect the debt, or Otell's head. Otell had to get the money somehow. Perhaps foolishly, he desired revenge on the greedy Lothis. (Otell knew that Minas Tirth also ad its share of ne'er do well. Through one of theTHER HAN barmaids at the Old Guesthouse by the name of Karlana, he contacted 2 young thief named Isanar Archin. In addition to his handsome, rakish looks, Isanar had a good reputation asa ‘cautious and nimble burglar, though he him- ‘self was quick to point out that he was not an assassin, Ocell hired Isanar to goto Lord Lothie’ estate and steal one of is prized pos- sessions large and unusual rack of unknown ‘origin, Lothis found it while traveling some ‘months ago Lothis’ rook isan interesting thing Its of back substance never before seen by sola in Minas Trth and is deemed to be vakable, mostly beeause ofits beauy I is ver hard, swith Becks of erystal throughout. Lothis keeps ‘ton display and ie very proud oft. In reali, the rock could be a number of things: a mete- ‘rite a bit of waste or a byproduct irom a ‘magical experiment, oF cen just an extremely rare geological formation. Whatever the rock is, it innately brings SDS unluck to the current ‘owmer, for somewhere in its pat, the rock has been cursed. The rock isthe source of Lothis" ‘had crop, and sadly enough, the death of his daughter (see below). Isanar agreed tothe task for a reasonable som. The two agreed to meet outside of Minas Tirth for the exchange, at 8 weeping willow bank where the river Anduin turned south, in to days time. The next night, Isanar made the wip to Lothis' estate and sauck into the house with relative ease. The rock was on plain display at the top ofa large stairway on the second floor. Isanar was get ‘ing ready to leave when out of nowhere came Lady Elanir, Lothis’ 17 year-old daugh- ter. Before she could scream, Isanar grabbed hher—truly intending only to knock her un- conscious and leave—but Elanir struggled ‘vith him and, in a tagie mishap, fell down he stairs and was kiled. sana, wo had tried to save the girl, was, horrified and he fed at once. Ashe ran, Elunir’s maid, coming to sce why her mistress had arisen, caught a glimpse of him fleeing Her shouts brought the house down, and Isanar escaped by the skin of his teeth, out the open kitchen window. Ianar managed to hide himeelf nel the next day when he was to meet with Otel Word of the murder and robbery spread rapidly Isanar was panicky, and so was Otell when they met. Iamar urged Otell to take the rock and floc; he tld Otell that he'd never be able to sell it in Minas Tirith, and that he had ro desire to be hung fora young gil’s death that he was Innocent of tall saw that Isinar would likly blab the ‘entire story to save his skin, so in surprise move, he strangled the thief (leaving some fine flour dust on Isanar's body), threw him up into one of the wilow trees (the closest place he saw to hide the bed), took the rock, and fled, Quickly he made two purchases: a strong box and a heayy chain. Going back to the river he placed the rock in the box and sank iin spot about a mile from where Isanar’s body war hidden, For the moment, Otel breathed a sigh of relief True, he could sell the rock in Minas Tirth, but perhaps Corlan ‘would take it as payment. It might even be sellable in Pelargi or Dol Amroth, both of | ‘which were relatively easy journeys from the city, Otell was making hie plans when a visitor called Iwas Setrian Rolnmir, one of the more prestigious members of the Baker's Guild, Setrian is tll and good-looking, the picture of respectability. Having observed Otel!’ shady activites im the past (including his deal- ings with Isanar), Setrian was intrigued when hie noticed Otel purchasing a box and chain in the marketplace, Setrian was very clever and, realling the snimority between Otel and Lothis, is roa- sonably sure Otell now has the rock, since he was obviously looking for a way to “sink” something of value with the box and chain. [Neos of the robbery and the death of Lothis? daughter is already major news in the ci Setrian could careless about the rock; what he is interested in is buying lour at reduced cost. He suggests that Otel continue selling him flour atthe rate shown in the books but actually taking 2596 lese money Otel seethes, but there is litle he can do. In ‘exchange for this reduction in cost, Seian vows to keep word of Orell's shady dealings private, Otel fears Setran’s influence in the Guild, so he agrees, not being a particularly clever man,Rouch TIMELINE ‘Week One: Lothis overcharges Otel. ‘Week Thre: Day 1 tell meets with Inner and sot up the desl 3 nsanranskds to Lord Loti’ keep, seaing the rock Ese des 4 Ox and tsar met during he ite afternoon Orel ll Urn tes SOx bys the box and chain ely in the more tng hiding the rockin the rer 6 Sevan puts bis facts together and wits Otel, cing hen Corl arrives to haat Orel. They goto the foot the rock. Its there, Ot ie snd {Corkan kes the rock Hit not thee, One is fen thre dns fo ld HCl go to Sean Tochelp 9 Ott gosto Sera, hell gt toch wth Conunndcwtadel.” 11 Oral either des orgies eh rock Cora, ‘who wl et i ve ies ENTER THE PLAVER=CHARACTERS Setran will get very nervous and decide to bbump off any characters whose meddling ‘hrestens to get too close either 20 Orel or the Baker's Guild. (Giving him some credit, Setrian wants to sive his own skin, the swect

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