Author: stanshinn (Page 1 of 2)

In the warmth of Brandy Hall, Fennel the Hobbit found herself tasked with catering a quiet yet momentous gathering—young Frodo Baggins’ second birthday. Under the approving gaze of his parents, Drogo and Primula, and surrounded by close friends, Frodo giggled joyously as he tasted honeyed scones, mushroom pasties, rich beef stew, and caramel-drizzled apple tart. The highlight was a tiny seed cake, proudly presented by Fennel, who dubbed Frodo “a proper little gentlehobbit.” Unseen by all, fate loomed quietly, but for now, joy filled the hall.

In the halls of Rivendell, beneath the watchful gaze of Elrond Half-elven, the fellowship was summoned to a great task. The lost shield Oathkeeper, a relic of Gondolin’s final days, had been sought for centuries, yet never found. But now, a lone scholar, Berethor of Dol Amroth, had uncovered long-hidden records within the libraries of Minas Tirith, revealing that the shield lay entombed within a flooded sea cave far to the west. Heeding this revelation, the company set forth upon their long journey, their path fraught with peril.

Shadows of the Lost Ring

In the aftermath of their harrowing ordeal, the companions found themselves burdened with dark revelations. Therian, long separated from his kin, was revealed to be the lost brother of Sylvaris. His hand had been severed, for upon it he had worn a cursed ring, a relic of shadowed intent. Yet his greatest agony was not in flesh, but in spirit, for he had been enthralled to a hooded sorcerer of Umbar, a dark servant whose name remained unknown.

During the fall season of the past year, Yorric courted the dwarf-maid Arica, and they were soon wed. Months later, a son, Kendric, was born—a rare child of both human and dwarf. Yet, even as joy filled his hearth, Yorric brooded on his rivalry with Adric, a fellow Rider of Rohan. Though Adric was his equal only in skill, his highborn status gave him favor among the lords of Rohan, a privilege Yorric lacked.

Early in the year T.A. 2967, our fellowship of brave adventurers embarked in the heart of winter, venturing to the Trollshaws, enduring bitter winds and treacherous terrain to rescue a waylaid courier. The courier, beset by orcs and hill trolls, carried tidings that revealed growing unrest in Middle-earth.

The heroes contacted patrons and learned of Zoril, a Black Numenorean behind much of the corsair activity along the coast. Captain Nerek
leads a ship with various foul folk from Umbar, far to the south.