Treasures of a Middle-Earth Campaign (AD&D)

Auteur : Mark L. Evans

Introduction

Over many years of play we developed an exciting and detailed campaign game set in northern Middle-earth, beginning in the year 2941 of the Third Age of the Sun (the year of Bilbo’s adventure as recorded in The Hobbit), and continuing through the War of the Ring to the current year, which is 1 Fourth Age, when the Ringkeepers sail from the Havens.

We began with D&D, then AD&D 1^st Edition, 2^nd Edition, etc., through each incarnation of the game. I am in the process of converting everything to 3.5, however, have not yet completed it. Nonetheless, these treasures are provided for use in whatever way you like. If you wish to use them for another time frame or realm within Middle-earth, it should be a comparatively simple process to convert them.

Few of these are magical in any way, though the rarity of some of them, especially the Elven ones, might make them seem so to the unenlightened.

In addition, the monetary values given after each treasure are per silver pennies (sp), weighed and minted of old among the Dúnedain of the North Kingdom, and these coins are still found upon occasion in circulation in these and nearby lands. However, the values are only approximate, and reflect pristine conditions for the items. Damage to the items can lower prices. Prices are not given for some of the rarer and more powerful items, since in a well-balanced game reflecting the subtler magic of Middle-earth, such items will be few and far between, and eagerly sought by heroes, who will utilize them in their struggles against the Shadow.

List of Treasures

Dunlending death mask: Of beaten gold, of a bearded noble, actually, Freca himself=44 sp.

Dúnedain coffer: Two-foot high by one-foot wide by two-foot long, with gold hinges and catch, of carved ivory worked into a beveled top, with a gigantic battle scene of Dagor Iant Methed (the Battle of the Last Bridge), in the year 1409 of the Third Age, covering both sides and the top, all of the figures individually cut and exquisitely detailed=75 sp.

Dunlending whistle: Pipe-style, of a fluted design, of reddish gold, with a ring at the top for a chain or a chord=3 sp.

1–6 silver bars: Each a flat rectangle, two-foot thick by two-foot wide by 10-foot long, and weighing 50-pounds, untarnished=25 sp each.

Black Númenórean scroll tube: Of carved ebony with silver-plated end caps, each cap inset with a large=100 sp –faceted half-emerald=230 sp.

Balthalion [Strong Power]: A Black Númenórean scroll tube, of carved ivory, with gold-plated metal end caps=5 sp.

Dwarven bowl: Large, chased and pierced, gold-worked, of a design of a leaping dragon, said to be Scatha the Dragon of Ered Mithrin, being driven backward by Dwarven champions=30 sp.

Sindarin golden handled comb: With an eagle’s head for an end, set with two sapphire (=90 sp) eyes. This implement immediately untangles the hair of anyone using it, without pain=100 sp.

Dúnedain fingerpick for stringed musical instruments: An oval, polished section, with an abalone shell-affixed to a moon-and-stars design crownpiece=25 sp.

Easterling pendant: A fire opal, with a gilded, fine twist-link neck chain=150 sp.

Rohirrim cloak pin: Silver, fashioned in the shape of the head (side-view, facing right) of the great boar of Everholt in the Fírien Wood, slain by King Folca in the year 2864 of the Third Age, though the King died of the tusk-wounds which the boar gave him, with a ruby as the eye=110.

Beggar (Thieves’) Bag: Small, black velvet. Within can be found a one-foot long waxed cord, man-sized black leather gloves, rolled-up black face mask, and iron grapnel and end ring=30 sp.

Dunlending scissors: Silver-plated=3 sp.

Dunlending bracelet: 46-tiny white pearls strung together on a gilded wire, fastened with a barbed hook and a loop=320 sp.

Súlthôl [Wind Helm]: An ornamental Dúnedain helm of blue leather, inlaid with silver and reinforced with steel trimming, decorated with curling, floral vines meeting, curling away and meeting again, wrought for King Arveleg I in the year 1408 of the Third Age, as he prepared for war with the Witch-king=66 sp.

Sindarin jewel-coffer: Chased silver, with catch, depicting woodland scenes with birds in branches on the back and the sides, and a maiden combing her hair while gazing at her own reflection in a pool on the top, exquisite. The maiden might just be a youthful Celebrían=150 sp.

Dwarven cup: Of the tinniest beaten gold set with a lip-ring of 12-tiny (=5 sp) emeralds, chased and embossed in rings of an abstract pattern of interlocking rings, vertical and horizontal bars interwoven with them=125 sp.

Haradrim bangles: 2–20 four-inch-diameter gold hoops, with rounded edges=5 sp each.

Rohirrim flagon: one-foot-tall, tapered, of pewter set into a gold-plated iron frame with a gold handle and pierced gold decorative side-panels depicting huntsmen in the chase, winding horns, and with their hounds harrying the stag, it holds two-quarts, and weighs 120-pounds=85 sp.

Book of Fornost Erain: Steel-edged, beaten gold covers, embossed and painted in fine, intricate repeating-pattern borders, having a central scene of King Argeleb I falling in battle with the Witch-king, but valiantly holding his ground while all the others hard by lay dead or are in terrified flight, in the year 1356 of the Third Age, containing what is in effect, (iii) Eriador, Arnor, and the Heirs of Isildur, The North-kingdom and the Dúnedain, from Appendix A of The Red Book=300 sp. Great background for your heroes.

Dúnedain hairpins: 1–6, gilded, and with bloodstones as heads, each=51 sp.

Haradrim urn: Golden, chased and cut with relief designs of flowers, painted with scarlet blossoms, six-foot-tall, and weighs 20-pounds=55 sp.

Mirror of Ost-in-Edhil: A Noldorin orb consisting of a five-foot-diameter sphere of solid gold cut with a relief design of four-swans amidst the reeds, holding up a mirror (polished area), with the eyes of the swans being tiny cabochon-cut sapphires (=100 sp each)=860 sp.

Dwarven chessman: A rook of carved ivory, with two amber beads as eyes/adornment=50 sp.

Crown of King Eärendur: Long believed lost, this beautiful circlet of yellow gold, was worn by King Eärendur, who reigned during the years 777–861 of the Third Age, and who witnessed the dividing of the Kingdom of Arnor between his sons ; it is of six-slim spires, a large (=90 sp) zircon set at the base of five of the spires, and a gigantic (two-foot-high, and =100 sp) amethyst set at the base of the tallest (front) spire=170 sp.

Dúnedain chamber pot: Copper, chased and embossed in relief design of a pair of leaping, stylized dolphins at play, with two emeralds as eyes=65 sp.

Dáin’s Ring: In the year 2589 of the Third Age, King Dáin I of Zarak Dûm, was slain by Skell the Besieger, the cold-drake, and this is believed to be his ring, wrought of carved and beaten gold in a curlicue design with a mock beast claw holding a large spherical aquamarine (=100 sp)=125 sp.

Haradrim ring: Ornately and skillfully worked of electrum, set with two obsidian chips (=5 sp each), as the eyes of a laughing and mocking Mûmak=25 sp.

Dúnedain arrows: 1–6 silver-tipped arrows, although the fletching is worn=5 sp each.

Darvik Burrower’s tobacco pouch: To which the Halfling thief ordered exceptional workmanship to be applied ; a faint, musty odor, of shabby leather, with an ivory toggle switch and a large, amethyst ornament surrounded by rings of beading, now worn and missing in spots=80 sp.

Beggar throwing knives: A set of three identical, finely balanced throwing knives, with plates of polished sardonyx (=15 sp each) set on both sides of the tang to form the grip, both beautiful and practical=75 sp for the lot.

Sindarin perfume: A cut crystal bottle six-inches-tall, with a one-inch-stopper, sealed with wax, that flares from the base to its wider facet, and from there tapers to a thin neck, that contains an unknown, musky but pleasant and very seductive perfume, soft and sensuous=32 sp.

Dúnedain tapestry: Of wool and animal hair with a few strands of spun gold ; it is a large six-foot-wide by twelve-foot-long tapestry, depicting three maidens in skirts standing in a moonlit garden beneath seven stars, and although the origin and meaning(s) of the scene is now forgotten, it is believed to represent the division of the North-kingdom into its three smaller realms=128 sp.

Black Númenórean ring: Of red gold, beaten into a long knuckle-coil, to resemble a miniature serpent coiling about the wearer’s finger, with two tiny rubies (=90 sp each) set as eyes=190 sp.

Dúnedain longsword: Of steel plated with silver, a simple cross-hilted blade with a cabochon-cut piece of jet (=50 sp) set into the center of the tang where the quillons meet it=130 sp.

Dwarven toy warrior: Of a Dúnadan roquen, wrought of bronze, with a wire sword, broken off and missing, two tiny faceted turquoises (=5 each) are fashioned as his eyes, the shield has silver inlay, and he is very finely worked, with detailed chainmail and features=20 sp.

Variag wand: While not enchanted, this was used by Variag sorcerers from Khand to frighten their Men into submission ; a thin, gilded, wooden stick, straight and smoothly cylindrical, capped with a gold open-petaled flower at one end, and a crescent-moon of gold at the other=18 sp.

Haradrim silk: 1–6 bales, rolled and bound with leather thongs and canvas outer wraps, and although the outer layers are rotten and black, the inner ones are fine, comprising faint pastel shades, with the usable area of each bale approximately four-foot-long by 10-foot-wide=10 sp ea.

Black Númenórean mantle: Possessed seemingly of a life of its own, this cloak constantly whips and whirls around the wearer. It is of black silk lining, with a black velvet outer face, adorned with beaded stars and curlicues, moonstones set into the center of each star, with 36-moonstones (=5 sp each), sized for a large man, and requiring a pin to be worn=180 sp.

Lossoth fur pelts: 1–6 mink, ermine, or sable pelts, cleaned and cured, sewn together into wide-sleeved, open-fronted overcloaks for winter and northern wear=15 sp each.

Sindarin bottle: Wrapped in its own cloth, this is a dark green glass bottle, about the size of a half-gallon bottle, with a screw top. Any liquid placed within the bottle will maintain its current temperature indefinitely while inside. However, the bottle is light and very fragile=25 sp.

Dúnedain hourglass: A large wood-and-glass hourglass, with particles of fine white sand=3 sp.

Dúnedain quill: A fine goose quill=1 sp.

Sindarin bedroll: A grey, quilted, goose-down bedroll, sewn along the edges so as to make it a large bag, similar to a sleeping bag. Anyone sleeping in this bedroll will remain warm, up to a +/- 30° F. ambient temperature difference, and dry, regardless of rain, snow, or other conditions without, unless the bedroll comes to lie in more than one-inch of water. However, it remains dry even when covered with un-melted snow=50 sp.

Dúnedain purse: A leather drawstring purse about the size of a small fist. Whether it is full or holds only a few coins, no noise emanates from it=25 sp.

Dúnedain candle snuffer: A six-inch-long, red cherry wood candle snuffer=3 sp.

Sindarin feedbag: An ordinary appearing horse’s feedbag, but of exceptional craftsmanship upon closer examination. once per day it can be placed around a horse’s snout, and the horse can eat its fill from the bag, with clean, fresh oats and grains, that provide it a hearty meal, no matter what the season. No food can be poured from the bag, but it can be used again the next day=30 sp.

Dúnedain abacus: A chestnut wooden frame, about eight-inches by 10-inches, across which several heavy wires are “strung” parallel to one another. on each wire are 10 wooden balls=20 sp.

Lossoth gloves: A pair of very warm mink gloves=15 sp.

Halfling Cooking : 101 ways to liven up your meal.: Written by Gerontius Took, this beautifully-illustrated book entitled Halfling Cooking : 101 ways to liven up your meal, contains 101 mouth-watering recipes for a variety of meals ranging from appetizers to feasts=35 sp.

Variag fan: This beautiful peacock fan can unfold to almost one-foot=25 sp.

Bracelets: A pair of Black Númenórean galvorn bracelets, each set with a blood ruby (=25 sp each)=75 sp.

Troll’s Purse: ‘It was ! Trolls’ purses are the mischief, and this was no exception. “’Ere, ‘oo are you?” it squeaked, as it left the pocket ; and William turned round at once and grabbed Bilbo by the neck, before he could duck behind the tree.’ Some Troll’s purses have minor sorcerous spells of vigilance woven into them, though the secret of this is not known among Men. When touched, purloined or pinched by anyone but its true owner, a Trolls’ purse cries out. Most can only wail an alarm, but more powerful versions can actually speak short sentences in a high-pitched voice. Troll’s purses are called such for the trouble and mischief they can cause, as it is unlikely that the Trolls themselves possess the skills or magic to craft them. Any attempts at pickpocketing their Torog owners automatically fail when tried against such a Troll’s purse=250 sp.

Galadilin [Tree of Hiding]: This Dúnedain collar is fashioned of twelve rectangular, curved pieces of fine oak, about one-inch by two-inches-long, bound and linked together with silver bands=75 sp.

Noldorin scroll case: A herring bone scroll case, sealed, that can hold many separate scrolls. Even better, any scroll placed within is kept magically dry, intact, and preserved, no matter what the external circumstances, and is placed within in the correct alphabetical order, if the holder putting the scroll into the case enunciates a title to represent the scroll=100 sp.

Noldorin pouch: This large leather pouch is completely waterproof, and will also preserve anything placed within it in almost pristine condition, as it slows the aging process for non-living items by a factor of ten=100 sp.

Celebrimbor’s Lamp: ‘When Frodo came at last up on to the flet he found Legolas seated with three other Elves. They were clad in shadowy-grey, and could not be seen among the tree-stems, unless they moved suddenly. They stood up, and one of them uncovered a small lamp that gave out a slender silver beam. He held it up, looking at Frodo’s face, and Sam’s. They he shut off the light again, and spoke words of welcome in his elven-tongue. Frodo spoke haltingly in return.’ This beautiful, three-foot-long silver lamp was crafted by the famed Noldo smith himself. It is inlaid with gold, and carried or suspended by a silver chain. It has a specially crafted hood, so as to provide stealth as needed, for the hood is perforated with intricate designs through which the light shines. It can illuminate an area of up to a 60-foot radius, or focus the light into a narrow beam. Within is a small crystal, smooth yet unshaped, and smaller than a fist. The crystal was found deep within Ost-in-Edhil, and prepared using the proper ritual, including a song of celebration to Elbereth Gilthoniel [Star-Queen]. Thus it is able to capture and hold star-light.

Nauzgauga [Ring of Azog]: The mount of this rare, black gold ring is cunningly shaped like an Orc-skull, with ruby eyes and diamond tusks=75 sp (for the value, but who would want it?).

Mothras [Dusk Horn]: It is said that this curved horn with a galvorn mouthpiece was carved from the tusk of a great beast, some say a Mûmak, and others mayhap Scatha, the Dragon of Ered Mithrin. None know the truth. However, it was used for many years by the Circle, a dread band of evil Men and fell beasts that attempted to raise again the Witch realm of old that was Angmar, to summon their servants for battle=125 sp. However, any heroes utilizing it risk corruption…

Sarn-i-Hîn [Stone of Children]: This one-pound grey-green stone, probably a rare form of a beryl, is depended from a silver necklace. An unusual Dúnedain heirloom, it was handed-down by the Rangers as a favorite children’s toy=125 sp.

Sûlrostur [Master of Wind and Foam]: A beautiful silver ring set with a magnificent star sapphire, wrought by the Dúnedain of the Guild of Venturers of Bar-en-Gaer (Dúnedain House Sea) during the midst of the Third Age, when the final war that destroyed the North-kingdom imperiled them so that they set sail on a last desperate voyage seeking Gondorian aid. once per day it can aid a mariner by summoning a unique spell-like power known as wind in the sails: up to one-knot-hour for up to one-hour-per every three levels of the caster. It is usable by any class. Due to its superb craftsmanship, it is +1 on all saves vs. damage to the ring.

Culok [Bow of Bending]: A stout Sindarin longbow of Imladris, wielded of old by picked champions, both Rangers and Eldarin, who served Elrond and the Wise throughout the wars of the North Kingdom. It is wrought of various laminated woods, including the finest yew and ash, and inlaid with mithril. It is +1 “to hit” and “to damage” vs. servants of the Shadow, and to saves vs. damage to the bow itself.

Cirmegil [Cleaver of Swords]: A Black Númenórean longsword of black alloy, a mixture of iron and similar metals, though not galvorn, studded with diamonds on the handle points, and a jade pommel. While not enchanted, it is quite beautiful and very strong, receiving a +1 bonus vs. damage saves to it=250 sp.

Khuzdul Khazâd, K(h)ZD K(h)ZD [Book of the Dwarves]: It is said that for many centuries, the Dwarven kings, including Durin the Deathless himself, who some say wrote the first page, directed that special scrolls and tomes be prepared containing all that pertained to Dwarven lore. The history of the Dwarves, their precious secret language, oftimes more cherished than the stones of the earth, and finally, most known Dwarven runes of power, are all believed to have been recorded within. As each book gradually returned to dust, a new one was lovingly penned, sometimes taking an entire lifetime for a Dwarven scribe. Sadly, it was lost in the Mountains in the year 1981 of the Third Age, when the nameless terror that was later revealed to be the Balrog was awakened. The wondrous tome was re-discovered in the year 2797 of the Third Age, during the War of the Dwarves and Orcs, by Nár, a valiant Dwarven hero. He and his stalwart band of Dwarves was sent into the Mountains around Orod Gundabad to scout out the ancient ways of the Orcs, though it was not known just how the tome found its way into the dread goblin lairs so far north. Nár and the survivors of his company discovered the tome, and carried it to safety upon their flight from the dark hills. The Dwarves had only just decided to send it to Dáin II Ironfoot for safekeeping and study, but first the War of the Ring and then the King’s death in the Battle of Dale delayed them. Yet, with the fall of Sauron, some bold Dwarves even suggest that the time is right to return it to its rightful place in Mazarbul, the Chamber of Records, in Khazad-dûm. However, cooler heads prevail (for now) and it remains sealed under the Ered Luin, Blue Mountains. The Dwarves refuse any non-Dwarf to even speak of it, let alone to read it.

Oromendil: Within this barrow rests the mummified remains of the dread Black Númenórean Dragon Lord Oromendil the Usurper, who lived between the years 2769–2835† of the Third Age. The mummified champion of the Shadow is wrapped in ceremonial bandages. Over his bandages he wears a rotting blue-stained steel hauberk, set with precious stones, garnets and onyxs (=900 sp) and a golden headdress shaped like a bejeweled scorpion, with pincers protecting the eyes=120 sp. Resting beside the creature are the shattered fragments of a black-stoned (obsidian) greatsword, its golden hilt shaped like unto a stalking scorpion=50 sp for the hilt alone.

Gilnár [Starfire]: A great heirloom of Bar-en-Uial (Dúnedain House Twilight), Starfire is a beautiful mithril ring set with a single deep blue sapphire. It is even believed by some to have been the lesser mate of Vilya, the Ring of Firmament. Its last known whereabouts was said to be “Beneath the Ruins of the Witch Realm of Old (Angmar).” It is said that once per day the ring can cast deadly shocking bolts against servants of the Shadow, causing 4–24 (4d6) points of searing electrical damage. The range is 5-feet + 5-feet per level of the caster, and one such bolt can be cast per every three levels of the caster, up to a maximum of four bolts at 10^th–level. Those struck by the bolts must succeed on a DC 20 Fortitude save to resist for half-damage. Creatures immune to electricity are normally unaffected. Due to the superb craftsmanship of the ring, it is +2 on all saves vs. damage to the ring.

Gûlnár [Spellfire]: An heirloom of Bar-en-Uial, Spellfire is a beautiful mithril ring set with a single deep red ruby. It is thought by some to have been the lesser mate of Narya, the Ring of Fire. Its last known whereabouts was said to be “Beneath the Ruins of the Witch Realm of Old (Angmar).” It is said that once per day the ring can cast deadly fiery bolts against servants of the Shadow, causing 4–24 (4d6) points of scorching fire damage. The range is 5-feet + 5-feet per level of the caster, and one such burning bolt can be cast per every three levels of the caster, up to a maximum of four bolts at 10^th–level. Those struck by the bolts must succeed on a DC 20 Fortitude save to resist for half-damage. Creatures immune to fire are normally unaffected. Due to the superb craftsmanship of the ring, it is +2 on all saves vs. damage to the ring.

Caran Ithil [Crimson Moon]: Legend tells of the Crimson Moon at the Battle of Orod Gundabad during the War of the Ring. Of all the terrible things of the darkness that the Dúnedain and the Eldar battled on that grim field, those under that banner did much hurt and were greatly feared. A man rode at its head wielding a black sword. He was mail-clad and his chain shone red with the blood of the fallen, while his eyes blazed with the fires of hatred and evil. Dark will be the day if the banner of the Crimson Moon, leering with sinister intent upon the night sky, should rise again.

Dagnirdraug [Wolf’s Bane]: A strong Sindarin silvered longsword of Imladris, wielded of old by picked champions, both Rangers and Eldarin, who served Elrond and the Wise throughout the wars of the North-kingdom. The blade’s name is etched in Sindarin along it, and it has a beautiful star beryl, an elf-stone, studded into the pommel. It is +1 “to hit” and “to damage” against all who serve Sauron or Mordor, as well as to saves vs. damage to the blade itself. However, it is against wolves and those in league with them, including the dreaded werewolves and wargs, that the sword really makes its mark, for it is +2 vs. such creatures. In addition, it glows with a bluish light in the presence of wolves and their allies, such as Orcish wolf-riders, warning the wielder when he is in danger. The range for this effect is 1,500-feet, which becomes brighter the closer the monsters are, as well as the more of them there are. This light pains the eyes of these creatures, striking fear into their hearts. By the time they are within 100-feet, the exposed blade is giving off light equivalent to a flickering torch. However, this can make it difficult for the wielder to hide, and any bonuses that he might receive from being in darkness are eliminated.

Hollenilon [Closer of Paths]: To all appearances this seems to be merely an unadorned and ordinary, though stout, five-foot-long brown oaken staff, tapering at the bottom. However, it was in fact crafted lovingly by the Sindarin loremaster Orophin, who loyally served Elrond from the retreat from Ost-in-Edhil to Imladris, keeping the latter hidden throughout the Second–Third Ages. It is usable be any class without restrictions, other than those normally applied for non-proficiency with staves. once per day, the caster may tap the lower, tapering end on the ground, activating its powerful magic, and the path behind the bearer up to 100-feet is covered, as if he and all of his friends have not passed. Naturally, the effectiveness of the covering is determined by the amount of plantlife in the vicinity. Ideally, Hollenilon is used within forests or where there is ample flora. Hollenilon is also enchanted against servants of the Shadow, or those creatures who seek to do harm to forests, affording a +1 bonus “to hit” and “to damage” against such opponents, at no additional cost to the caster. Due to its superb craftsmanship, it is +1 on all saves vs. damage to the staff.

Nebulous: A beautiful Dúnedain staff of fire-hardened ash, shod with a single mithril band around its foot, and capped with the head of one of the great eagles of Manwë, with beryls for eyes (=100 each), who some say is Gwaihir the Windlord himself. However, it is not known how the staff could have survived so long, unweathered, since it was first crafted, over a thousand years ago, allegedly at the behest of Malbeth the Seer. It can be used only by spellcasters (of whichever class) or those of Eldarin blood. It is nigh indestructible, and receives a +1 on all saves vs. damage to it, due to its exceptional craftsmanship, as well as affording a bonus of +1 “to hit” and “to damage” opponents in battle. It is also believed that two wondrous spells, believed to be daylight and obscuring mist, were cast into it, allowing them to be cast accordingly, once per day, at no additional cost to the caster. As well, its enchantment is such that these spells automatically recharge themselves the following day.

Fichiers

Pour les fichiers .markdown, préférer un clic droit et sélectionner
« Enregistrer le lien sous... »