The Setting

The year is 2965 of the Third Age. Twenty-four years after an alliance of Elves, Men, and Dwarves triumphed over Orcs and Wild Wolves, a growing Shadow stirs once more, spreading whispers of darkness and danger. Adventurers emerge—bold wanderers and restless souls—drawn to the mystery of these troubled times. The Free Peoples’ fleeting peace is threatened, and the seeds of Sauron’s return lie dormant.

The Region of Play

The campaign is set in Eriador, a land of ruins and fading memories, where shadows prowl paths long abandoned. The Shire and Bree-land remain havens of life, but beyond their borders stretch the desolate Lone-lands. Once the kingdom of Arnor, Eriador now lies in decay, its grandeur forgotten by most save for the Rangers of the North and the Elves of Lindon, who strive to guard its secrets and defy the Enemy’s agents.

Adventurers

Adventurers are ordinary folk stirred by extraordinary times. Whether Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves, or Men, they seek what is lost, protect what is dear, or simply answer the call of curiosity and courage. They act not as soldiers or pawns of great powers but as individuals compelled by a growing darkness and a yearning for adventure.

The Folk of Eriador

  • Hobbits of the Shire: Simple folk living behind well-guarded borders, occasionally inspired by tales of old.
  • Men of Bree: Ordinary villagers from a crossroads of trade and culture, stepping beyond their quiet life for the first time.
  • Dwarves of Durin’s Folk: Travellers between their ancestral halls in the Blue Mountains and far Wilderland, seeking relics of their heritage.
  • Elves of Lindon: Watchers over the dwindling beauty of the world, tasked with guarding ancient secrets like those in Elostirion.
  • Rangers of the North: Silent guardians and hunters of evil, protecting Eriador from Trolls, Wights, and worse.

Sauron’s Influence in Eriador

Eriador, once a land of mighty kingdoms, has already fallen to Sauron’s designs:

  • The Ring-smiths of Eregion are gone.
  • The North-kingdom of Arnor was destroyed by Angmar.
  • The power of the Three Rings is insufficient to challenge him.
  • Gil-galad and Elendil are long dead, their realms reduced to ruins.

Sauron views Eriador as a conquered land with no significant strength left to oppose him. He sees no need for a great invasion, for its glory was destroyed over a thousand years ago. Only two matters in Eriador remain of interest to his plans.

Your Role

As players, you form a Company to explore Eriador’s mysteries, uncovering clues about the return of the Shadow. Whether driven by heroism, wanderlust, or duty, your journey will shape the struggle against Sauron and echo in the songs of ages to come.