Sunday 28 February 2010

Khazad-dûm - Durin's Threshold

Here at Durin’s Threshold, the westernmost edge of Moria, the new colonists of Khazad-dûm store supplies brought in from Eregion and bound for outposts deep within the Dwarf-city. Here, at the foot of the grand stairs, where new stables have been raised and old forges have been lit, great new sagas begin beneath the mountains.


Dwarves labor to revitalize their ancient home by unpacking their gear, exploring the darkest regions, patrolling the nearer ones, and stoking the fires of their hostel furnaces. A Stable-master waits to greet newcomers. Weary yet eager Dwarves seek out brave souls and strong arms to share the burdens of exploration and defense in these early new days beneath the mountain. Here, at least, haggard adventurers from Eriador can take a breath before braving the many perils to come.


Durin’s Threshold is comprised of three halls, with the grand entryway in the center and wings of furnaces to the north and south. Each is handsomely crafted in the manner of the Dwarves but modest compared to many of the older halls beyond. The masons of Moria designed these halls to whet a visitor’s appetite before he feasts on the visions within.

Saturday 27 February 2010

Hollin Gate

At the Stair Falls, it led over a small cliff, and then down a shallow valley running eastward, and led towards a wall of immense, unclimbable cliffs: the Walls of Moria.


Arriving at Hollins Gate I met up with an expedition of dwarves known as the Iron Garrison, lead by Brogur and Bosi. We made ourselves busy clearing rocks and trees from the gate. The air was heavy and dank and everyone could sense evil lurking close by. I'd heard tales of a demon living in the Black Pool for many years.


In the middle of the Second Age, the War of the Elves and Sauron saw Eregion laid waste, and the West-gate was shut. By the craft of its makers, the doorway blended into the Walls of Moria, and could only be opened again by one who knew the password.

Friday 26 February 2010

Eregion

Arriving at Gwingris I decided to rest up for a week or so and enjoy the hospitality of the handful of elves that call this place home.

I've been adventuring hard in the past months and it was starting to take it's toll. My armour and weapons were in need of repair, as was my aching shield arm.

The days were growing ever shorter but I was thankful for the last few days of summer sunshine. I knew the road ahead lay under the mountains and who knows when I would feel the warmth of the sun on my skin again. I would need to be at my best for the journey to the Hollin Gate and then on into Khazad-dûm, the Mines of Moria.


Eregion or Hollin in the tongue of Men was a kingdom of the Noldorin Elves in Eriador during the Second Age, located near the West Gate of Khazad-dûm under the shadow of the Misty Mountains. The Elves of Eregion lived in harmony with a Dwarven civilization, trading freely with the Dwarven kingdom of Khazad-dûm, or Hadhodrond in the Elven tongue.


In the Third Age, Eregion now is a pleasant but unpopulated land, and contains many of the ruins of the Elven civilization that once thrived there. It is famous for its holly trees, whence the name in both (translated) Westron and Sindarin came from. Cooks will also find a bounty of abundant produce growing wild in the region.