The
Mage Tower awakens: Maig Tuira scenario
Setting: Located in NW Middle Earth within Rhudaur in what
was once the northern kingdom of Arnor. Between the Mitheithel (“Greyflow”)
and Bruinen (“Rushing”) Rivers there are 7 towns with keeps, along
with several villages, that constitute the what remains of the Dunedain Kingdom
of Rhudaur. The capital is at Fennas Druinen in the South, seat of the
(self-proclaimed) Dunedain King Arfanhil, who claims a bloodline to
Isildur.
Significant nearby landmarks
are the Trollshaws to the north with the Great East Road just below. The Iant
Methed is the “Last Bridge” where the East Road crosses the , with a village
and semi-famous “Inn of the Last Bridge”. The road west leads to Amon Sul
(“Weathertop”) which still has a great Tower and is rumored to contain a
Palantir. The road east crosses the Misty Mountains at the Misty Passes, which
legend says also hides Imladris (“Rivendell”).
Populations: The blood of the Dunedain has run very thin
in Rhudaur where barely 10% are of any Dunedain blood, pure Dunedain only about
2%. The most prominent group are the Hillmen (~ 35%) with significant Northmen
and Eredrim populations (each ~ 20%) and some Dunlendings (~10%)
and a few Easterlings (~5%).
Situation: King Arfanhil rules from the south and has recently
named a Marshall, called his “Hand of the King”, to better rule the northern
half of the country. The Hand of the King is Lord Galdir, who rules the
northern 3 towns and Maig Tuira.
Scenario background: The characters were passing through the nearly
abandoned village of Maig Tuira when the town was attacked by Orcs from hills
to the south. A young squire Trisaval, left in charge of the
run-down keep, decided to investigate with the help of the wandering
adventurers. A small but epic battle was fought at a stone-circle in the
southern hills against Orcs and Wolf-riders, as well as a few dreaded undead.
An evil mage was encountered while attempting to summon and enslave spirits of
the ancient evil. An ancient horn was
sounded by the Squire entering battle and from beyond the grave spirits of the
Ancient Protectors came forth to strengthen the characters, allowing them to
defeat their foes.
One of these Ancient
Protectors knighted Trisaval to rekindle their order and continue
their protection. He recovered the Circlet of the Battle Mage, an artifact
designed for the High Battle Mage of Rhudaur to coordinate the defenses of the
region. He bestowed this upon the young mage Silveris. Together
they have reawakened the “Mage Tower of Maig Tuira” and plan to rebuild the
others nearby, to try to withstand the coming terror of the north, the Witch
King of Angmar!
Characters:
Sir Trisaval (Shawn
Morin), Experienced Dunedain Crusader of the Mage Knights of Rhudaur – Began as a young squire to the knights of Maug
Tuira. When the knights rode to war 2 years ago they never returned, leaving
the squire in charge in this forgotten outpost. Much as changed since. He is a
changed man since the battle with the evil mage on the Echo Hills to the south.
He has discovered strength and presence of character and is rebuilding the keep
and overseeing Maig Tuira’s defense. He discovered the Mage-Knight Reliquary in
the basement of the keep and appears to have re-awoken the ancient spirits of
its guardians.
Silveris (Anderson
Ramroop), Experienced Taredain Wizard and High Battle Mage of Rhudaur – Came from Cardolan to settle in Rhudaur and make
his name and fortune. His humble beginnings and a little magical talent have
since grown into the Supreme Battle-Mage of Rhudaur as he discovers the secrets
of the Mage Tower. He has defeated a Great Troll and Wraith Minion with Fell
Beast so far, enemies he never even could have dreamed of until recently.
Fingers (Brian Beyer),
Experienced Eredrim Rogue and Steward of Maig Tuira – A childhood friend of Trisaval, he
has found a home and purpose in Maig Tuira. Everyone knows Fingers and everyone
loves him (so says Fingers). Although he is known to be a little
sticky-fingered, he always is forgiven, and seems to truly care about his new
home and inhabitants. He has a pet lizard he calls Lenny, and is often heard
speaking about his ‘good friend Troy. He busys himself looking out for criminal elements in town
but still disappears into the swamp to the north occasionally.
Leriel (Simon Mok),
Experienced female Dunlending Bard –
A young Dunlending women fleeing from the terrors of the ‘Bull-head Cult’ in
Dunland. She hopes to find a sanctuary for her tribe in Rhudaur but finds they
have trouble of their own, so she uses her talents as a Bard to tell stories
and create heroes.
Ethirin (Richie Mok),
Young Eredrim Warrior and nobleman of Harnalda – A young nobleman who enjoyed the fruits of his
position, and now is coming to grips with the responsibilities of his birth. In
Maig Tuira he has a chance to create a legacy and reputation that are his own.
Sergeant Garrick (Andy
Schweighardt), Experienced Eredrim Soldier and Sergeant of the Guard of the
Mage Tower – An old, grumpy veteran
of past wars that hid in the bottom of his wine cup when war last came. He was
left behind because he was thought useless, but has been given another chance
by Trisaval. He still struggles with the battle between duty and drinking, but
now his age and experience are looked upon as an advantage instead of a burden.
Mourne (Mike Vapnik),
Young Eredrim Sorcerer– He is often
seen examining things others think best left alone. A dying animal, the carcass
of a dead beast, old gravesites … people think him spooky or insane. He says he
is just ‘curious’ and once spent an hour watching an Ogre that had half slipped
through the cracks of a frozen stream slowly freeze to death, just to examine
it’s ‘last living breath’.
Sir Galdir (Mike Perks),
Veteran Dunedain Knight and Hand of the King– Marshall of North Rhudaur and close friend to King Arfanhil (if a King
has any close friend). He bears Numenorean relics of a legendary era, and in
his wrath appears as an ancient hero of legends.
