04 · Flora and fauna

The Grey Mountains and the surrounding locale are abundant with many varied forms of wildlife, which is surprising considering the harsh climate. Many of these are unique to the region, such as the very rare and aloof Snow Lion, a long sought-after prize by furriers and trappers — who thus arose the wrath of the nature-loving Beornings. North of the mountains there are also large numbers of animals ; the herds of the Losrandir (S. « Reindeer ») and Caru (S. « Elk ») comprise large numbers of these. It is a largely untouched wilderness that thrives in its isolation.

4.1 Flora

The Flora is less varied than the fauna and is less plentiful. Grass species predominate, both in the Narrows, giving way only trees (Willows) along the banks of the Taurduin and its tributary streams, and the tundra land in the North. In the mountains there are fewer species — which are mostly coniferous : spruces, furs and pines which thin out at the end of the tree line, at around four thousand feet. Down on the basin of the Withered Heath only one species seems to be able to grow in this desolate place and it is another grass species, called Dragon grass. It thrives in certain pockets where it is very thick. In the foothills north of the mountains one finds small stands of pines and furs. On the tundra plains there are several types of mosses and lichens, which cling to life on the rocks. Furthermore there are several rare and potent types of herbal plants which are found throughout the area.

Dragon Grass

Loke salqe (Q. « Dragon Grass ») is a dry reed-like grass which flourishes in the central parts of the Withered Heath — hence its name. The grass is long, dry and hollow, and on windy days its rustling and swaying makes such a noise that it is hard to hear anything else. The grass germinates from seeds in the early spring. growing rapidly until the stalks reach eight to ten feet in height. Around autumn the seeds are produced and fall to the ground where they “hibernate” during the winter months awaiting the spring to begin the cycle again. During the winter the grass slowly dies off, yet they do not wilt immediately, (much like bamboo) the dead stalks remain standing. only disappearing as the next generation begins to grow.

Silver Firs

These tough, steadfast trees grow in small scattered stands throughout the northern foothills. Extremely tolerant, they grow in some of the most barren soil ever to yield plant life. Generally speaking they reach no great size, understandable under the conditions, but heights of thirty to forty feet arc average throughout most of their range. They remain green all year round — silver green actually, for their needles are tinged with a silver color which gives them their name. In pale moonlight this is accentuated, and they take on an almost mystical appearance.

North Pines

Another conifer species which makes its home in the Grey Mountains is the equally hardy North pine. Closely related to the Common pine of the, Misty Mountains, it is somewhat less tall ; more stocky and sturdy. It is also longer-lived ; more often than not the trees reach four hundred years of age. North pines are found mainly on the slopes of the southern foothills, and in the highland vales of the Ered Mithrin itself.

4.14 Notable herbs

Telek

A small, stunted bush well known to the Ice-orcs, Lossoth and other peoples of the northern regions. It is common throughout the rocky tundra. The fruit that is produced during spring is edible but the plant is not esteemed only for this. Its chief value lies with the benefits of the berries” juice has upon frostbite. It acts fast, in ten rounds a person previously crippled with frostbite can be up and walking as if nothing had happened. It will also confer between 3–30 hits for cold related injuries if ingested, although it tends to make one thirsty.

Kalmog’s Spoor

Named after the first king of the Ice-orcs of the Dark-ice Fortress this is a potent poison. It is found on the northern aspects of the Ered Mithrin where it is uncommon. The Ice-orcs propagate it, and they coat it on their weapons. The plant is a small, delicate shrub whose leaves yield a highly toxic substance when pulped to a paste. It reacts with blood giving a burning sensation on the skin. This causes 2–20 hits and can be more severe depending where the paste touches the skin (i.e., more severe on the eyes and face). After a 24 hour incubation period festering sores appear where the poison touched the skin. These sores hinder movement by –10 to –50 (again depending on where the paste touched the skin). The sores will remain until the antidote is applied to the afflicted places. The antidote is known only to the Ice-ores — it is made from the same plant. Kalmog’s spoor is also used by the Ice-orcs when they torture their captives. They also “export it to Angmar.

Chebkuile

This literally means to keep life, for this is what this remarkable herb does. It is extremely rare, being found only on the high peaks of the Ered Mithrin. Probably only the Mirkwood Elves know of its existence, because it is not mentioned in the lore of other peoples. Chebkuile is a moss-like growth which clings to rocks in inaccessible places. Little is known about its life cycle, what is known is that it changes color. When it is green it is safe to pick and use, but when it is blue-green it is dangerous. If eaten in the blue-green state it will kill any patient instantly. There is an unpleasant side effect to the herb when it is administered to a patient in its green from. When the person who is given the moss revives there is an 75% chance they will have permanent amnesia.

4.2 Fauna

Most of the animals of the Ered Mithrin is carnivorous, feeding on the large herds of Losrandir and Caru or the nimble Mountain Goats. The bold or the desperate will venture to the Beorning settlements in search or more appetizing prey.

4.21 Carnivorous animals

Wolves

The most prominent predator here in the north is the wolf. A very successful animal there are several species that call the Grey Mountains home.

The Grey Wolf is the most plentiful, roaming throughout the southern foothills, the Narrows and the south-eastern Ered Mithrin in small packs of 12–20 mature adults. Younger wolves sometimes gather into form large packs of 50 or more individuals but are more often solitary. They wait to gain a place in one of the established adult packs. These large bands of younger wolves rarely stay together — the local population of game cannot long support such numbers. This forces them to turn to Beorning settlements and they Beornings do not take kindly to this.

The White-wolf, or North-wolf, is less common and it is rarely seen south of the mountains. Their home is the northern regions and their principle prey is the Losrandir. They have been “domesticated” by the Ice-orcs who use them as mounts. Larger than their southerly kin, they are unafraid of men, and in lean years will readily attack the Lossoth.

The third species is not actually a wolf at all. Wargs arc unnatural creatures bred by Morgoth from cursed wolves. They are a form of undead ; when killed, their bodies disappear after a short time. Abnormally large they sometimes act as leader of wolf packs, dominating the lesser wolves who then become tools for Sauron’s malice.

Snow Lions

The Snow Lion is a hunter of the highland vales. Few are now seen, leading Beornings to believe that trappers have nearly brought the species to extinction. They feed mainly on the agile Mountain goats, occasionally bring down Cam or deer — this is usually a sign that they have cubs. There have thick white coats which afford them excellent protection from the cold. These pelts are what attract the Northmen furriers. Snow Lions reach an average of three foot in height at the shoulder.

North Bears

These huge pale grey or white bears wander over most of the Northern Waste, from the shores of the Encircling Sea to the tundra plains north of the Grey Mountains. As such they are only seen near the Ered Mithrin during the winter months when they retreat inland. Immensely powerful they can break the back of a Losrandir, their main prey, with one swipe of their large paws. In small groups of four to six, they follow the eastern Losrandir herds in their seasonal migrational patterns. North bears are relentless opponents, once they have the scent, and will track the animal (or man) for days, striking only when they are assured of an easy kill.

4.22 Herbivorous animals

Losrandir

This northerly bovine is a gregarious animal that herds in large numbers of 3,000–10,000 individuals, these herds can swell to vast numbers, under favorable conditions, to many tens of thousands. They migrate across the north in seasonal patterns using the same routes each time. Not all Losrandir migrate, there are smaller groups of 10–100 animals that do not join with the large herds but remain in the same grazing areas for most of the their lives. They are generally grey or silver in color and both the males and the females have antlers, although the males” are larger. The Losrandir have many natural predators, but in addition to these the Lossoth and Ice-orcs make use of this animal, utilizing its meat, fur and bones.

Caru

The Caru, or Elk, is a large variety of deer found in smaller numbers than the Losrandir. Each Caru herd numbers between 500‑5000 animals. This particular northern sub-species is migratory ; it winters in the Narrows and the lands to the east, traveling to north through the Cirith Feadin to the tundra in the summer. The Caru is also a staple diet of many northern predators.

Mountain Goats

These are tough wiry little creatures are smaller than the normal wild goat species. They are agile climbers and are completely at home in the upland areas of the Grey Mountains. They can be found in small groups of 10–15 which have a territorial range of several square miles which the dominant males defend. The greatest threat to their existence is the Snow Lion who feeds on them almost exclusively.

4.3 Dark Creatures

The land is also a dwelling place for many evil creatures. Trolls are, unfortunately, relatively common in the south and south-eastern parts of the mountains, and there are several modest-sized Orc tribes well-established at strategic places in the mountain passes. There is also a small colony of Fell Beasts who live in the central upland valleys. Undead can be found in some of the Dwarvish ruins and in the old Adan burial grounds that were defiled by Morgoth’s and Sauron’s evil servants. These creatures pale into insignificance, however, when compared to the might of the Dragons of the Withered Heath.

4.31 Trolls

Trolls have been fairly successful in the Ered Mithrin. Four types inhabit the region : the common Stone trolls and Hill trolls, the loathsome Cave trolls, and the little-seen but much-feared Snow troll.

The Stone trolls are the most numerous of this horrible race. They have a violent sense of humor and enjoy playing with their victims before cruelly killing them. They are usually encountered as lone individuals, but sometimes band together in small groups of two to five to plunder mannish villages. Stone trolls hoard treasure, being attracted to shiny metals — they know it is valuable, even though they have no use for such things. They are quarrelsome creatures who do not enjoy each other’s company, stealing and cheating at every opportunity. Stone trolls will turn to stone when they are exposed to direct sunlight, returning to the material from which they were made. They are the smallest of the trolls, reaching only eight to ten feet in height, and are found throughout the Grey Mountains.

Hill trolls are the second most common type of troll. They are slightly larger than their stone cousins, growing nine to twelve feet tall. They make use of clubs and spears and will attack anything that looks edible, including other trolls. They are similar in demeanor to Stone trolls but tend to be even more brutal (if that is possible). Hill trolls are found in the foothills south of the Ered Mithrin in family groups of six to ten, but solitary males roam the mountainous terrain. Hill trolls will also turn to stone if exposed to direct sunlight.

Cave trolls are the largest, the most powerful, and the most disgusting breed of troll ever to be spawned. They are between ten and fourteen feet in height, with massive limbs and large splayed feet. They also turn to stone if they are caught out under the sun. Thankfully, they are scarce in number, living in isolation under the mountains. Although virtually blind, Cave trolls are still good hunters, having keen senses of smell and hearing. Cave trolls eat anything that moves.

Snow trolls are similar in size to Hill trolls, averaging ten to twelve feet in height. They are rare, even compared to Cave trolls, and prowl the northernmost lands of Middle-earth. They can go long periods of time without food ; in summer they hibernate in underground caves. This is an adaptation to the climate, for the summer months have almost continuous daylight. In the sunlight Snow trolls will turn into large pillars of slag ice. This is a reversible process — at night time the ice melts and the trolls reform. However, while in this form they are as vulnerable as natural ice to the elements, heat, sharp blows, etc. If they are badly damaged while in this state they will not reform. The pillars look like natural landforms, and many a naive party of adventurers has sought shelter under them only to find, in the middle of the night, to their horror, an angry Snow troll in their midst.

4.32 Other evil creatures

Orcs

Found in every corner of Middle-earth, this foul race is particularly common in the north. Where the Grey and Misty Mountains meet stands their capital, Mount Gundabad — a city of many thousands. In the Ered Mithrin there are (at T.A. 1640) three tributary tribes under the control of the Ashdurbuk (B.S. « One All-ruler ») of Gundabad. These tribes send their required levies and tributes but are for the most part autonomous and more independent than other vassal tribes. The Grey Mountain Ores are no different from any other. brutal, greedy, treacherous, having respect only for power. The three tribes, the Uruk-erag, the Lok-uruk-shab and the Asharag have their strongholds at Udrabax, Tuwurdrog and Cirith Auris respectively.

Fell Beasts

In the years prior to the Great Plague a colony of Fell Beasts settled in the central vales of the Ered Mithrin. From here they hunt in pairs for Mountain goats, Cam, Losrandir and anything else they can find. Occasionally they will raid the livestock of the Beornings. With their bat-like wingspans of up to 40 feet, formidable nine-inch claws. awesome jaws (with six-inch teeth) and long whip-like tails, these primordial terrors only add to the woes of the Northern Wilderland. There are perhaps twenty of these creatures in the mountains, living in the caves that line the central valleys.

Undead

The unquiet spirits of the long dead haunt many parts of these mountains. In western Ered Mithrin there are a number of ancient Adan holy sites and burial grounds that date back some 5000 years. In the times since then they have been plundered by Trolls, Ores and Dragons. Evil things have crept into these places, and they have become the haunts of Barrow-Wights, Werewolves and Ghosts. In the ruins of the Dwarvish outposts also lurk undead ; away from the Dragon lairs in abandoned mine shafts and passageways dwell Wights, Ghosts and Skeletons. This is especially the case in Celeb-ost.

4.33 Dragons

Dragons are the most feared monsters of Middle-Earth, with many possessing the strength to rival a Balrog. They could be declared Morgoth’s finest creation — the ultimate fighting creature — or his most hideous perversion. Nothing else can compare with their sheer brute force.

Origins of the Withered Heath Drakes

Although there were older Drakes before him, Glaurung is accounted the Father of Dragons. From him came many Drakes of lesser strength. These were the original land-bound Drakes of which there are now many varieties : True Cold-drakes, Ice-drakes, Cave-drakes, Fire-drakes, Marsh-drakes and Rain-drakes.

The other major form of Dragon is the Winged subgroup ; Ancalagon the Black, the first of this line, is accounted the most powerful Dragon that ever lived. Winged Drakes are either variations of True Cold-drakes or Fire-drakes.

The Dragons of the Withered Heath are mostly either Cold-drakes or Fire-drakes (winged or otherwise). While they are not as powerful as the Dragons of the First Age, they still possess great strength. Their lesser power is a reflection of their link to Morgoth, their master and creator, who is banished from Arda. Lacking the focus of his evil will, they have not developed to their full potential.

After the fall of Angband those Dragons which were not destroyed fled the ruin of Thangorodrim. Many hid themselves beneath the roots of the Grey Mountains, in deep caverns and in the Under-deeps. These Drakes were mostly younger ones who had not fought in the War of Wrath, but others were survivors of the Great Battle and bear the scars to prove it.

Deep underground, far from the eyes of the Valar and their servants, the Dragons slept for an Age. Many emerged from hibernation to wander the North. As time went by more Dragons awoke, but lacking a focused will they were content to live quietly. This was brought to an end around the middle of the Third Age when increased activity in the region (Dwarves, Orcs, Ice-orcs) and the growing power of Sauron aroused most of them from their intermittent slumber.

Physical characteristics

All Dragons are immensely strong, although their appearance may vary. Most possess a superior intellect and all have some spell ability, either inherently or through enchanting power. Magic flows through their veins and their caustic blood. Truly it can be said they are awesome beings.

The land-bound Drakes are larger, heavier and have thicker tails than their winged kin. The long-worms are more agile, and have tougher scales. Their powerful limbs are tipped by steely claws. These Dragons are found mostly in the lowland areas of the Grey Mountains or in the Withered Heath itself.

Those Dragons who possess the power of flight are lighter and more slender than other Dragons. They have long, whip-like tails which they are able to use to deadly effect. Their large, leathery bat-like wings allow them to fly ; the wingspans of some of the larger Drakes can be in excess of one hundred and fifty feet. These Drakes can also utilize their wings as a form of attack, stirring the air so as to bewilder a foe. The winged Drakes are found mainly in the higher altitudes of the Grey Mountains.

Dragon nature

Of all Morgoth’s creatures, Dragons are the closest in mind to their master. Thoroughly evil, they are crafty and cunning beyond compare. Dragons have the power to dominate the minds of lesser beings ; few of those who have looked into the baleful blood-red eyes of a Dragon have escaped unharmed. They are vain, jealous creatures who are susceptible both to flattery and word-games or riddles. Strongly territorial, the Dragons of the Withered Heath exist in a state of mutual distrust. Periods of peace are broken suddenly by vicious battles over trespasses real or imagined. There are subtle shifts in the power, balance and hierarchy of the Dragons as each attempts to dominate their brethren. Being such vain and treacherous creatures, alliances are out of the question and the state of order is unstable. Most battles prove to be inconclusive, as many Dragons are fairly evenly matched. The more powerful Dragons such as Scatha and Smaug consider such petty squabbles beneath them, holding themselves to be omnipotent.

Dragons live in underground lairs or caverns, often occupying ruined strongholds which they themselves have sacked. They seek wealth in every shape or form, desiring to hoard it, piling their treasure into vast mounds upon which they rest.

Dragons consider their aims to be two-fold ; the achievement of power and glory through their physical strength and cunning, and the gain of booty that testifies their triumphs.

General features of Dragons

While each Dragon is unique, they all share certain common elements. They are all virtually immortal creatures with formidable strength. The general powers common to all Dragons follow :

1) Critical Strikes: Unless otherwise noted, critical strikes against a Dragon are rolled on the Super Large Creature Critical Strike Table. This applies to both physical attacks and spells. (Use MERP CT-10 and CT-11 or Anus Law 10.15 and Spell Law 10.85).
2) Armor: Dragonskin varies in strength. The overlapping plates toughen with age. Unless otherwise stated, younger Drakes have scales equivalent to Rigid Leather (AT 12), while mature Worms have armor equal to the finest Plate (AT 20). This enchanted material resists (DB bonus of +2 x beast’s Ivl) all forms of directed spell attacks and shields the creature from the harshest of elements. In order to make a suit of armor out of Dragonskin, an adventurer must first cut the scale and the underlying hide from a Drake’s body, all the while contending with the beast’s toxic blood. This is a considerable feat. Even then, however, sewing and molding a suit of armor made from such enchanted material will require the work of both an armorer and an alchemist.
3) Spells: Dragons are powerful spell casters. Enchanted creatures, they possess the inherent ability to cast any spell from the Calm Spirits and Detection Mastery spell lists (Open Channeling, page 65 in MERP ; Closed and Open Channeling in RM). Most also know the Lore and Item Lore lists (Open Channeling, page 65 in MERP Bard Base in RM) as well. The level to which each Dragon knows these lists varies, but regardless of the level to which they are known these spells require no power points. Many Dragons are powerful Mages, Sorcerors, Bards, etc.
4) Strength of form: Dragons come in many forms. Winged Dragons and Cave Drakes tend to be more slender than normal, while Cold Drakes are stouter. Winged Dragons can stir the air within a range of 1000’, creating the equivalent of a local hurricane (treat as a +20 Airbolt attack). Drakes rarely suffer from penalties associated with age. nor do they weary easily. They require no rest during a given day. When they do sleep, however, they rest for 1–100 days on end and they are hard (-10) to stir from their slumber. Dormant, or “hibernating”, Dragons sleep for 10–1000 years
5) Enhanced senses: The Dragons can see perfectly well in utterly dark places, and they can sense the shapes of creatures from the Shadow-world (e.g., Nazgûl). They also have excellent (+30 to Perception Rolls) vision, smell, hearing, and taste.
6) Presence: Anyone coming within sight of a Dragon makes an RR versus a 5^th level Fear spell. With an RR failure of 0–50, the victim flees in terror for 1–5 minutes. lithe RR failure is 51–100, the victim flees in fear for 1–100 minutes. If the victim fails by 101+, he falls under the control of the Worm for 1–100 rounds. In addition, a Dragon can use his fiery red eyes to captivate an individual, his concentrated gaze being the equivalent of a spell of his choice from the Spirit Mastery list (an inherent power as in 3 above).
7) Foul breath: If the Worm possesses a breath-weapon, they can use it once every 1–3 minutes (6–18 rounds, depending upon the age pf the beast). It can attack up to 2x its level in a given day. They can concentrate their breath into a bolt (e.g., Firebolt) with a range of 300”, or they can use a dispersed cone (base 100”) with a range of 100” that is the equivalent of a ball attack (e.g., Fireball). The attack bonus varies with the creature. (When unspecified, use a bonus equal to 1.5x the creature’s level.)

4.4 Dragons of note

This section details many of the more prominent drakes of the Grey Mountains.

4.41 The Greater Drakes

This select group of individuals contains the most prominent Drakes of the Withered Heath. They are generally stronger, older and of greater lineage than their lesser kin, and many are skillful spell casters. These Dragons are extremely destructive, power hungry, and very intelligent. They are less content to feed on docile herd animals alone. Their hoards are also larger and more valuable — the truest indication of their greater abilities.

Ando-Anca

One of the most powerful Cold-drakes to survive the First Age, Ando-anca, like Scatha, is a son of Glaurung. For a Cold-drake of his age, his size is relatively small — he is only forty five feet long. He lives in a series of caves beneath Mount Udun-anca, north of the Withered Heath. His normal diet is based essentially on the Losrandir, but Trolls are a particular favorite — he loves a good fight.

Following Scatha’s death at the hands of Fram of the Eotheod, Ando-anca became, by default, the most powerful drake of the region. His principle rival is Itangast, a Fire-drake. They have skirmished several times over the years, but as both are so evenly matched neither has been able to gain the upper hand. Ando-anca forever plots the defeat of his most hated foe.

The Dwarven activity in the mountains south of the Withered Heath also interests Ando-anca. He patiently waits for the right opportunity to strike, realizing that the longer he waits the more wealth the Dwarves will uncover. Occasionally he will venture forth to test the Dwarves, attacking the small bands that travel to and from their mines. His cautious attitude has led him not to under-estimate the Dwarves — he well remembers his father’s defeat in the First Age at the Dagor Aglareb (S. « Glorious Battle »).

Ando-anca is a prime example of the Dragon’s unusual metabolism ; for days on end he may gorge himself on a hunting and feeding orgy, then return to his lair to hibernate for short periods of time (between two weeks to two months).

Ando-Anca

Level : 49 ; 53 after T.A. 2589.

Race : Cold-drake (of the brood of Glaurung)

Home : The caves beneath Mount Udun-Anca, later Norr-dum.

Hits : 540 ; 570

AT(DB): Pl/20(40); Pl/20(50)

HBi : 150 ; 170

HCl : 120 ; 130

HBa : 115 ; 120

HHo : 90 ; I00

MM : 20

Power Points : (4x49)=196 ; (4x53)=212

Spell Lists (pre 2589)

Spirit Mastery (30), Calm Spirits (30), Detection Mastery (30), Lore (25), Lore (Chan. RM) (20), Item Lore (25), Matter Disruption (20), Telekinesis (20), Symbolic Ways (20), Liquid Manip (20).

Spell Lists (post 2589)

Spirit Mastery (50), Calm Spirits (50), Detection Mastery (50), Lore (30), Item Lore (30), Lore (Chan, RM) (30), Matter Disruption (25), Telekinesis (25), Symbolic Ways (20), Liquid Manip (20).

Angurth

Angurth is a large and particularly vicious winged Fire-drake who delights in physical contests and challenges, and the display of his own power. Apart from Smaug, Angurth has the hottest breath of his ilk. His visage is marred by the loss of one of his horns, the result of a mating duel with Throkmaw, and he has vowed revenge for this disfigurement. He waits for the time when he can repay Throkmaw in kind.

Known for his extremely strong jaws and his brutal combat methods, Angurth is not one to toy with foes. Instead he prefers to demolish his opponents, ruthlessly destroying any resistance.

In T.A. 2578 he stormed the gates of Long Peak and took the Dwarven hold, but the Dwarves proved stouter foes than he had anticipated. One group stubbornly resisted his might long enough for most of the colony to escape ; Angurth was wounded, but prevailed in the end. Furious, he seeks to do further injury to the Dwarves, and thereby increase his treasure.

Angurth

Level : 36 ; 40 after T.A. 2578.

Race : Fire-drake, winged

Home : The Ered Mithrin ; later the Dwarven ruins of Long Peak

Hits : 471 ; 500

AT(DB): Ch/16(60); Pl/20(60)

HBi : I 10 ; 150

HCl : 125 ; 130

HBa : 115 ; 115

HHo : 45 ; 45

MM : 20

Breath Weapon : +60 Firebolt, +100 Fireball.

Power Points : (4x36)=144 ; (4x40)=160

Spell Lists (All known to twentieth level)

Calm Spirits, Detection Mastery, Item Lore, Lore.

Bairanax

Bairanax lives in a group of caves surrounding Ovir Hollow, in the south-west of the Ered Mithrin. From here he ranges over the highland vales in search of his favorite prey : bear. He will seldom eat animals of any other kind. Bairanax’s peculiar fixation with bears stems from the hatred he has for the species. Fleeing Angband, the young Cold-drake was nearly killed by a North bear. His hatred of bears has drawn him to the attention of the Beornings. As a result of his efforts to exterminate every living bear, the Beornings consider him to be a very personal enemy of religious significance. Many Beornings have been killed in their attempts to slay him. Bairanax delights in this activity and does all he can to cultivate their hatred. He is a cunning adversary who will use every conceivable advantage in combat.

Recently Bairanax slew a group of rash young Beornings, and then subsequently many of their elders. One Beijabar, the Chieftain, managed to escape the slaughter. Bairanax, in pursuing him, passed through Lomaw’s territory, which led to a savage fight between the two Drakes. Bairanax, wounded, was forced to retreat. The Bear-hunter, incensed at the turn of events is determined to exact a terrible toll upon the remaining Beornings of the Narrows. He hates Lomaw bitterly, but is smart enough to realize that he cannot beat him in a straight fight.

Bairanax

Level : 34

Race : Cold-drake, winged

Home : Ovir Hollow in the south-western Ered Mithrin

AT(DB): Ch/16(50)

HBi : 140

HCl : 120

HIV : I00

HHo : 70

MM : 20

Power Points : (4x34)= 136

Spell Lists (All known to twenty-fifth level)

Calm Spirits, Detection Mastery, Item Lore, Lore, Spirit Mastery.

Daelomin

Known in the First Age as the Ghost-wing of the Ered Engrin, Daelomin is a winged Cold-drake possessing a beautiful coat of glistening black scales. Her beauty has attracted considerable attention from aggressive males, and there have been several ferocious duels fought over her. But any would-be suitor then has to prove himself worthy against Daelomin herself, and many have been found wanting.

Daelomin is a highly mystical and enchanted Drake. A noted spell caster, she prefers subtle tactics to displays of outright force, but if pressed she will react violently. Her mental powers are extraordinary, and she enjoys reducing pugnacious foes to helpless victims. Her favorite tactic is to cause her foes to turn on each other, something she is usually successful at.

The male Drakes of the Ered Mithrin are hesitant about approaching her, knowing of her reputation. It is lucky for them that they do not approach, for Daelomin despises weakness. She lives at the summit of a peak called the Dancing Spire. This oddly shaped mountain is located halfway between Anvilmount and Mount Gondmaeglom in the northern Grey Mountains.

Daelomin

Level : 33

Race : Cold Drake, winged

Home : The Dancing Spire in the northern Ered Mithrin.

AT(DB): Ch/16(45)

HBi : 100

HCl : 120

HBa : 110

HHo : 70

MM : 20

Power Points : (6x33)= 198

Spell Lists

Calm Spirits (30), Detection Mastery (30), Item Lore (25), Lore (25), Mind Erosion (30), Mind Subversion (30), Mind Death (30), Mind Domination (30), Mind Disease (30), Confusing Ways (30), Illusions (30), Solid Alteration (30), Telekinesis (30), Liquid Alteration (20).

Hyarleuca

The son of Scatha, Hyarleuca is a young Drake only three hundred years old (c. T.A. 2000). As subtle as a sledgehammer, he is reputedly as stupid — something he rakes umbrage to. Violent and moody, he will often go into a killing frenzy, the slaughter lasting many days. Astoundingly lazy, he will often leave his kills half-eaten, taking only the sweetest meat. He is known for destroying villages on a whim, without even pausing to loot them.

Often he will join his father on raids, and together they evoke destruction and terror on a wide scale. They are particularly fond of attacking the Wains of Rhûn bound for Angmar. Routing the Orcs and killing the guards, they sack the trains of all value much to the chagrin of the Angmarin.

Hyarleuca lives ten miles north of the Men Rhûnen, not far from Gondmaeglom. He spends much of his time roaming the Narrows and the empty lands to the east between the Grey Mountains and the Iron Hills.

Hyarleuca

Level : 28

Race : Cold-drake (of the line of Glaurung)

Home : Hill-cave in the southern Grey Mountains

AT(DB): RL/12(60)

HBi : 90

HCl : 100

HBa : 85

HHo : 75

MM : 30

Spell Lists (All known to tenth level)

Calm Spirits, Detection Mastery, Item Lore, Lore

Itangast

One of the deadliest Drakes of the Withered Heath, Itangast is one of the few strong enough to hold his own territory in the Heath itself. His lair is situated in the center of Gold Hill, in the middle of a dry lake in the south-eastern part of the Heath.

Itangast has a fierce beauty about him, his delicate blue-tipped black scales and his long silvery horns give him a disarmingly haunting guise. Nearly one hundred feet long, Itangast is a commanding presence. He is a daunting opponent, and many of the Dragons fear to take the battle to him. Others, like Ando-anca and Throkmaw, are bitter rivals.

His name aptly describes him, for in the tongues of the Northmen of Rhovanion Itangast means « Guest-eater. »

Itangast

Level : 55

Race : Fire-drake

Home : Gold Hill in the Withered Heath

AT(DB): Pl/20(60)

HBi : 160

HCl : 110

HBa : 135

HHo : 80

MM : 20

Breath Weapon : +50 Fireball, +90 Firebolt

Power Points : (5x55)=275

Spell Lists

Calm Spirits (50), Detection Mastery (50), Item Lore (50), Lore (50), Spirit Mastery (50), Fire Law (50), Light Law (30), Lore (Channeling) (30), Earth Law (30), Dispelling Ways (30).

Khuzadrepa

This sable beast is a ruthless monster, and a powerful sorcerer. Khuzadrepa (Kh. « Dwarf-slayer ») is the most formidable spell caster of the Withered Heath, although he lacks little in physical strength. Like many other Dragons he delights in displays of his own prowess, ruthlessly slaying the strong and the weak alike. He guards his territory jealously, sallying forth to defend it against the incursions of any other Drakes. Agburanar had the misfortune to cross his path, and has the scars to prove it.

The Dwarven mining activity alerted Khuzadrepa to their presence. Sensing a chance for more wealth he left his modest lair in the Withered Heath and flew to Thundercleft in T.A. 2563 to investigate. The Dwarves were taken by surprise, as Khuzadrepa unleashed his vile spells against them with terrible effect. Few survived his furious assault, which was swift and deadly. The sack of the city complete, he looted the ruins and piled the wealth of the Dwarves into a mound in the hall of Durin.

Not content with Thundercleft’s treasure, Khuzadrepa seeks more, roaming his territory in the south-east of the Ered Mithrin chain.

Khuzadrepa

Level : 37 ; 42 after T.A. 2563.

Race : Cold-drake, winged

Home : The Withered Heath, later Thundercleft

Hits : 460 ; 490

HBi : 130 ; 140

HCl : 100 ; 110

HBa : 160

HHo : 65 ; 75

MM : 10

Power Points : (7x37)=259 ; (7x42)=294

Spell Lists (pre 2563)

Soul Destruction (30), Gas Destruction (30), Solid Destruction (30), Fluid Destruction (30), Mind Destruction (30), Flesh Destruction (30), Calm Spirits (30), Detection Mastery (30), Item Lore (30), Lore (30), Spirit Mastery (30), Matter Disruption (25), Light Law (25), Darkness (20), Ice Law (20), Essence Hand (20), Curses (20), Dispelling Ways (20), Lesser Illusions (20), Dark Channels (20), Living Change (20).

Spell Lists (post 2563)

Soul Destruction (30), Gas Destruction (30), Solid Destruction (30), Fluid Destruction (30), Mind Destruction (30), Flesh Destruction (30), Calm Spirits (30), Detection Mastery (30), Item Lore (30), Lore (30), Spirit Mastery (30), Matter Disruption (25), Light Law (25), Darkness (25), Ice Law (25), Essence Hand (25), Curses (25), Dispelling Ways (20), Lesser Illusions (20), Dark Channels (20), Living Change (20).

Leucaruth

A bad-tempered, perpetually angry Fire-drake, Leucaruth is known for her unwavering hatred towards Dwarves. Her anger is legendary. Leucaruth’s lair is a huge multi-storied cavern complex called, appropriately, Ire-rock. Ire-rock is located ten miles north of the Withered Heath, near the high plateau called Wolf Flat.

Leucaruth, however, is rarely at her lair, for she is constantly hunting. Nothing delights her more than the hunt, the chase and the kill. She is a rash fighter, one whose hatred and anger often blinds her judgement. Still, many a daring move on her part has turned defeat into victory.

A stormy union with Throkmaw (see below) in the early years of the Third Age produced only one stunted Worm, later known as Turukulon (see ICE’s Dunland and the southern Misty Mountains). Leucaruth nearly killed the young Drake, who later fled the Ered Mithrin.

She often attacks large bands of Dwarves or Orcs. and of late has been pondering the idea of an attempt upon one of the Dwarven strongholds.

Leucaruth

Level : 34

Race : Fire-drake

Home : Ire-rock, above Wolf Flat, northern Ered Mithrin

AT(DB): Ch/16(50)

HBi : 125

HC1 135

HBa : 100

HHo : 70

MM : 20

Breath Weapon : +50 Fireball, +90 Firebolt

Power Points : (2x34)=68

Spell Lists (All known to twentieth level)

Calm Spirits, Detection Mastery, Item Lore, Lore, Spirit Mastery, Dispelling Ways, Fire Law.

Lomaw

Unlike many Ice-drakes, Lomaw does not have the typical white scales. Instead they are tinted a smokey grey color. It is perhaps for this reason that he is so far south from his kin, most of whom reside near the icy shores to the north. With his grey-white scales Lomaw blends in well among the snowfields of the Grey Mountains.

An agile Drake, he can move with astounding speed over the glaciers and ice flows .that surround his lair, often surprising foes with his dexterity. Like Nimanaur he also has a “false breath weapon”; by ingesting ice or snow and spewing it forth he is capable of freezing foes within six hundred feet.

Lomaw is something of a recluse and rarely ventures far from his territory. His lair is situated just south of the Dying Glacier, which emanates from a cleft near Gondmaeglom. He dislikes the environment of the Withered Heath and is reluctant to venture forth onto it. Few Dragons will cross him, for in his element he is a deadly adversary.

Lomaw

Level : 35

Race : Ice-drake

Home : An ice cave, south of the Dying Glacier, west of the Withered Heath

AT(DB): Pl/20(50)

HBi : 120

HCl : 125

HBa : 90

HHo : 60

MM : 30

Breath Weapon : +40 Iceball, +100 Icebolt

Power Points : (4x35)=140

Spell Lists (All known to twentieth level)

Calm Spirits, Detection Mastery, Item Lore, Spirit Mastery.

Scatha

The eldest surviving son of Glaurung, Scatha is the dominant Cold-drake of the region. He is large, even for an old Drake, being nearly ninety feet long. Despite his bulk, Scatha is exceedingly agile, his stout red frame capable of considerable speed. Scatha the Worm was the first Dragon to become active again in recent times (c-1620).

An aggressive and greedy Drake who suffers no rivals, he lusted for treasure. In T.A-1635 he came to Mount Gondmaeglom and the Dwarven hold of Silverplunge. He passed through the doors and routed the Dwarves ; not a single Dwarf escaped. Not content with his new-found wealth, he actively seeks more- He roams the Men Rhûnen (S. « Eastern Way ») hunting for caravans to raid and strongholds to sack. Scatha will eat virtually anything, but his main preferences arc : Losrandir, Goats, Orcs, and especially Giants.

No other Dragon of the Heath has dared to face Scatha in combat, such is his power. Scatha is content that this should be so, and has little to do with his lesser brethren —save his son, Hyarleuca, who accompanies him on raids into the Beorning lands.

Scatha

Level : 52

Race : Cold-drake (of the first brood of Glaurung)

Home : The ruins of Silverplunge in Mount Gondmaeglom

AT(DB): Pl/20(65)

HBi : 150

HCl : 140

HBa : 120

HHo : 110

MM : 30

Power Points : (5x52)=260

Spell Lists (All known to fiftieth level)

Calm Spirits, Detection Mastery, Item Lore, Lore, Spirit Mastery, Curses, Black Channels, Dispelling Ways, Earth Law.

Smaug

The most powerful Dragon to survive the First Age, the mightiest son of Ancalagon has, surprisingly, had little impact upon the Dragons of the Withered Heath. Smaug is a relative newcomer to the region, coming from the Barl Synac c. T.A. 2570. He settled in Anvilmount, in the northern Ered Mithrin. Anvilmount was once a Adan holy site in the First Age, but Smaug defiled the tombs and took the wealth for himself.

Smaug is a huge winged Fire-drake, ninety feet long with a wingspan of one hundred and fifty feet. Drakes of his size have not been seen since the War of Great Wrath. His glittering red scales have a golden undertone which reflect light, giving him the appearance of a Golden Dragon.

Although he could easily dominate the other Dragons, he sees no point. He despises the self-importance of each of the Drakes, and cares little for their petty squabbles. He waits, biding his time for the day when he can gain large wealth. The Dwarven colonies of the Ered Mithrin do not interest him overly, as it is gold he lusts for.

Smaug ventures from his lair occasionally to feed, his diet for the most part being Losrandir and Caru. Despite the fact that he steers clear of the Heath, the other Dragons realize that this is not a weakness, and none will cross him — save Throkmaw, who does not fear him. Smaug tolerates him out of a sense of detached amusement.

Smaug’s general apathy can be traced to the fact that he is not fully “awake”, but news of gold and wealth will soon arouse him.

Smaug

Level : 60 ; 66 after T.A. 2770.

Race : Fire-drake, winged (of the line of Ancalagon)

Home : The Bart Synac ; later Anvilmount ; late Erebor

Hits : 600 ; 636

AT(DB): Pl/20(70); Pl/20(75)

HBi : 110 ; 125

HC1 120 ; 130

HBa : 140 ; 150

HHO : 95 ; 95

MM : 30

Breath Weapon : +60 Fireball, +120 Firebolt

Power Points : (6x60)=360 ; (6x66)=396

Spell Lists

Calm Spirits (50), Light Law (50), Detection Mastery (50), Essence Hand (30), Fire Law (50), Matter Disruption (30), Item Lore (50), Darkness (30), Lore (Channeling) (50), Anticipations(30), Lore (50), Controlling Songs (20), Wind Law (50), Mind Subversion (20), Spirit Mastery (50).

Throkmaw

Throkmaw the Black, like Smaug, is a descendant of Ancalagon. Because of this, perhaps, he does not fear his elder brother. He is aware of Smaug’s greater strength, but feels that his guile will see him through to victory in any future confrontation. Throkmaw is a vain Drake, full of pride. His status among the other Dragons is as important to him as his treasure hoard.

1t is natural then that he has several bitter foes —Angurth and Itangast in particular, for it is they who he defeated during brutal mating duels to claim Leucaruth. Itangast has since avenged himself and Throkmaw is currently licking his wounds, plotting Itangast’s downfall. Throkmaw has gained some respect from the other Dragons for daring the wrath of Smaug, though if Smaug knew of this he would probably laugh. Throkmaw, always a rare visitor to the Withered Heath, (even less so since his defeat by Itangast) prefers the northern mountains and the waste beyond.

His lair is located beneath a huge rock formation called the Shab Arch, in the northern foothills of the range. It is quite close to the Dark-ice castle, and occasionally some Ice-orcs fail to make it home. Throkmaw has made no move against them in the form of an all-out assault because he feels that they may be useful one day. In addition to this, of course, is the daunting strength of the Ice-orc’s keep.

Throkmaw’s favorite prey are the Snow Trolls of the north, and he will scour the Northern Wastes in search of them. If they prove too hard to find he will settle for Lossoth, Losrandir or Cam. On no circumstance will he eat Dwarves, having nearly choked on one once. This, of course, explains why he is indifferent to the Dwarven settlements and the wealth therein.

Throkmaw

Level : 46

Race : Fire-drake, winged (of the brood of Ancalagon)

Home : Shab Arch in the northern Ered Mithrin

AT(DB): Ch/16(60)

HBi : 110

HC1 120

HBa : 125

HHo : 90

MM : 20

Breath Weapon : +50 Fireball, +100 Fire Bolt

Power Points : (4x46)=184

Spell Lists

Calm Spirits (30), Light Law (20), Detection Mastery (30), Mind Attack (20),
Item Lore (30), Matter Disruption (20), Lore (30), Controlling Songs (20), Spirit Mastery (30), Dark Channels (20).

Uruial

Uruial was a red Fire-drake, wounded during the great battle that ended the First Age. Struck by a Noldor archer, Uruial took a shaft midrift. While the wound did not prove immediately fatal, it was nonetheless mortal.

Fleeing the battle, Uruial was the last Drake to seek the safety of the Grey Mountains. He did not “hibernate” as did the other Dragons ; his wound troubled him and would not heal. He wandered the icy wastes of the north, seeking an end to his pain. During this time, in the early years of the Second Age, while the other Dragons slept, he gathered the treasures of his valuable hoard. He looted the ruined Dragon-lairs of the Blue Mountains, and even dared the depths of Angband itself.

These priceless treasures he took back to his lair, Steel Fall. Still, he could not rid himself of the pain in his side. Throughout the Second Age he sporadically wandered the mountains, only occasionally leaving his lair.

With the onset of the Third Age, Uruial’s wound began to trouble him still further, and it became such that he could no longer leave his lair. Eventually he died (c. T.A. 400). But such was the fierceness of his spirit to protect his hoard that his spirit did not depart from the chamber of his lair. Uruial remains there still, guarding his treasure ; he is now tied to the chamber, unable to leave it (see section 7.4).

Uruial

Level : 40

Race : Fire-drake (undead)

Home : Steel Fall in the Western-central Ered Mithrin

AT(DB): Ch/16(60)

HBi : 120

HCI : 120

HBa : 100

MM : 0

Breath Weapon : +50 Fire Ball ; +90 Fire Bolt.

Uruial’s Special Powers

Undead, drains 5 pts Co/round (25’R).
Can only be harmed by magic weapons.
Casts a 25^th level Fear spell : those who fail RR’s by 01–50 flee in panic for 3–30 rounds, by 51–80 they are paralyzed by fear (stunned 2–20 rounds), by 76–00 they die of fright, and by 101+ they collapse in a gibbering heap and shriek pitifully for –10 rounds before dying.

4.42 The Lesser Drakes

These Dragons are the lesser inhabitants of the Withered Heath. Generally they have less strength and intelligence, but each Dragon is still far more powerful than the lesser breeds (such as the Cave-drakes). For one reason or another they lack the character, the desire or the ability to dominate the Heath as their brethren do.

Agburanar

Agburanar resides in a large cavern complex known as the Caves of Ulund- These caves are found high up in a spur of the northern fork of the Fred Mithrin- He is a reclusive beast who prefers Goat, Bear or Losrandir meat to more challenging prey. Although he slew the Dwarf-lord Fain (a renegade of Barin’s folk) and later a band of Ice-orcs who challenged him for Fain’s wealth, Agburanar is rarely active.

Culgor

The younger brother of Haurnfile, Culgor is dominated by his sister. Her enmity stems from an incident in the First Age when Culgor stole her hoard, before fleeing the Blue Mountains. Although she later regained her wealth, Haurnfile has never let Culgor forget his cowardly act. His scales are a beautiful pattern of red/gold. a fact which further makes Haurnfile jealous. Culgor lives in a small series of caves at the summit of Bat Dome. An inquisitive creature, he is also the fastest Dragon, on land, of the Withered Heath.

Dynca

A much scarred and battered Drake, Dynca is a survivor of the Great Battle. His visage is marred by the scars of Eagle’s talons — he is missing one eye and both of his horns- His lair is located at Sorrowdrop, and from there he hunts in the Northern Wastes. Dynca is a compassionate, relatively passive and forgiving Cold-drake, but this is a loose term when applied to a Dragon — as any intruder to his lair will soon realize.

Haurnfile

A short-tempered Cold-drake with red-grey scales, Haurnfile holds an unwavering hatred against her brother Culgor. She has resolved to make his life a misery, because he stole her hoard (see above). She resides in the Under-deeps below Bat Dome, south-west of the Withered Heath. Her diet consists largely of Goats and Sheep, but she is not adverse to supplementing it with the odd Dwarf or hapless adventurer.

Klyaxar

A relatively young Drake (700 years old c-1640), Klyaxar is the son of Ando-anca. He is something of a nomad. a rarity among Dragons. During the summer months he roams the Northern Wastes, tormenting the Lossoth peoples. He has little or no contact with the other Drakes, and is content to feed on Losrandir or Cam. His lair is in the northern foothills and is well hidden at the back of a narrow defile–

Nimanaur

Nimanaur is one of two Ice-drakes living in the Grey Mountains. His scales arc pure-white. making him almost invisible on the snowfields, glaciers and ice flows. He lives in an ice-cave on the north-western edge of the Withered Heath. He feeds exclusively on Losrandir, and has a “false breath weapon” of sorts. By ingesting water, snow or ice, he can spew it forth as a controlled water or ice bolt.

Ruingurth

The eldest living son of Ancalagon, this reddish-brown Fire-drake also fought in the War of the Wrath. Extremely old. Ruingurth is a slow, sleepy creature virtually in perpetual hibernation. He is fatalistic and will not stir unless struck. During one of his more active periods he occupied the deserted Goat Mountain, and the deserted Dwarven colony of Silverpit. Despite his seemingly uncaring attitude to the things happening around him, when aroused and angry Ruingurth will use his Fire-breath with devastating results.

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