The time to leave Moria draws near

Looking back I was so naive, so keen for adventure, so blind to the harsh reality of the Mines of Moria. It feels like years since I've felt the warmth of the sun on my skin. The inspiring light of day and the dark blanket of night have been replaced by the constant burning of torches and fires. The never ending threat of goblins and orcs is never far away.

The Iron Garrison guards and miners have been my companions in this place, proud and fearless, their courage knows no bounds. I've lost count of the number of orcs we've slain side by side. After days of endless skirmishes the danger has been repelled, at least for now, and I'm making ready to leave for Lothlórien and seek aid from the elves.

During my time in Moria my skills have improved ten-fold and I have the bitterness of a hardened veteran warrior to go with it. As a reward for my aid the dwarves have bestowed upon me enchanted swords and armour to aid me on my way. I've become especially skilled with a great two-handed sword, it's much more efficient at cutting downs swathes of beasts when they bunch together like mindless rabble.

However, I am looking forward to the feel of a shield in my off-hand again, although I will need some practise after so long. The good thing is, you can always count on another orc to put it's neck in the way of your sword...

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.

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.

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.

Misty Mountains

The range’s history is as long and foggy as the mountain chain itself. Much of its lore is lost or forgotten, and even more is shrouded in the mists of legend. What is certain is that these steadfast peaks stood as an ancient witness to the epics, ancient and new, of both Eriador in the west and Rhovanion in the east. The first of the Seven Fathers of the Dwarves, Durin the Deathless, wandered these mountains in the early days of the earliest age of Middle-earth. His descendants delved mines and built halls throughout the range for thousands of years, and your own tale brings you here now.

Strange creatures dwell in the chill and fog of the Misty Mountains, where relics from older times linger in ice and snow. Yet amid these mountains, giants, and mammoths, even the smallest folk may change the fate of Middle-earth.

Evendim

About 100 miles north of the Shire, in northern Eriador, lies Evendim, a vast region dominated by the Lake Nenuial; the ‘Lake of the Twilight'. On the southern shore, the ancient abandoned city of Annúminas -- the former capital of the kingdom of Arnor ­-- is well known amongst the Free Peoples. For according to the Legends, amidst its ruins lay a great wealth and powerful artifacts now threatened by evil creatures and the nefarious forces lurking in Angmar.

Minas Vrûn

The city of Minas Vrûn once lay to the south of Fornost, on the eastern side of the pass at Amon Raith. The Lord of the city fell beneath the blade of Amarthiel, champion of Angmar.

Midgewater Marshes

The ground here is damp and dangerous, in places giving way completely to deep pools of mud and stagnant water. Further adding to the difficulties in travel, the Midgewater Marshes are home to swarming flies, midges, and neekerbreekers.

Legends tell of still darker creatures lurking amongst the deep pools and stands of moss-covered trees that crowd the landscape, and it is said that marauding bands of corrupted Men and vile goblins also frequent these lands, but on what errand none can say.

Bronwe's Folly

Bronwe's Folly is an ancient ruin located South of the town of Archet. Little lore remains from the days of the North Kingdom, but it is said that these ruins are all that remain of a Cardolan lord's failed attempt to hold back the wrath of Angmar.

Bree Town

At the intersection of the Great East Road and the North Road, the town of Bree has long stood as a gathering place for Men, Hobbits, and other travelers from the far-off lands of Middle-earth.

Travelers along the Great East Road, which joins the Shire to the west with Rivendell and the Misty Mountains to the east, still stop at The Prancing Pony Inn to share tales of adventure or news of distant lands. Bree is home to both Men and Hobbits, though adventurers must now be wary of the motivations of many of Bree's residents. As the shadow of evil creeps across the lands and the corruptible spirits of Men weaken, many of Bree's citizens, who were once open and friendly to travelers, may now have been lured into service by agents of darkness.

Aldburg

Aldburg is a small fortified city in the lands of Rohan far away to the southeast. It sits in the valley of the White Mountains close to Edoras. In years gone by, Aldburg was the capital city of Rohan until Edoras was built.