"A weed grows, where sown it was not" - a Middle Earth AAR

[Sabratha]

INTRODUCTION:
This is an AAR based on the Middle Earth project mod found here: https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/index.php?threads/mod-middle-earth.1080159/

FORM TAKEN:
The AAR will come in a mostly epistolary fiction form, (thank or blame John Edward Williams for the inspiration), using a series of letters, orders, memories but perhaps also notes, songs or short poems written in-character by a number of personages from the game. I cherish the possibility to write as both canon and non-canon characters.

Author's comments will be left in green, in-world songs, poems etc will be in brown.

The story is told from multiple perspectives, to help the reader I will start each letter/book/quote with a faction roundel if applicable:

TOLKIEN CANON:
Please note that as with any ck2 game, some events that take place might perhaps strongly deviate from Tolkien's narrative. Weird stuff can (and probably will) happen. Moreover I will be introducing a small number of non-canon characters, who I trust will have an interesting impact on the game.

I thus offer apologies to Tolkien purists, with the caveat that after all, this is an ongoing ck2 game and not simply a retelling of the last chapters of the Silmarillion.

STARTING DATE AND OPENING SITUATION:
The game starts in the Third Age year of 1940 (ww2 date reference is purely coincidental).

Rhudaur and Cardolan have fallen. Arthedain stands alone against the power of Angmar, but a possibility of a further alliance with Gondor in the South is opening. The Wainriders are a potent force, but this is the twilight of their power, the Rohirrim have allready arrived in the Anduin valley. Sauron rests in Dol Guldur. Lorien is governed by Amroth. The dwarven hammers still ring in Khazad-dum.

Will Arthedain fall? Will the Ring be found? Will Rivendell and Lorien survive the onslaught of the Orcs? What of the men in Nurn, Khand and Rhun?

Ck2 is a game that plays itself as much as we play it. Who knows, maybe we can even find the Entwives?

 

[stnylan]

Interesting starting date. Will follow with interest.

 

[Arnulf Floyd]

Good to see a AAR using Middle-Earth Project mod. I subscribed because I like alternative histories of Arda

 

[Sabratha]

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Elmagil of Edhellond to Lady Nimrodel of Lórien​

2 Gwaeron, of the year 1940 of the Third Age (10280 IGY)​

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Dearest Nimrodel,​

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I now recall the misty winter morning many years ago at Amon Ninglorin where I helped my father keep watch against the goblin hordes retreating north to their dens. They joy of seeing them flee mixed with the fait traces of smoke coming from the funeral pyres of the Edain warriors down the river.​

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Furiel, the daughter of Ondoher the King of Gondor​

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Furiel has just married Arvedui - the heir to the throne of Arthedain. It was a grand wedding, more than worthy of the coming togeather of these mighty families.​

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The mood was more than joyous. I saw the proud youth of Arthedain singing merrily togeather with the squires and maid of Gondor at the reception. Once face however was clouded - that of Artamir, the heir to the throne of Gondor.​

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Artamir, the gloomy heir to the throne of Gondor.​

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I have to wonder, is Artamir jeleaous of the good fortune of his cousins? Or does he perhaps worry that once crowned King of Arthedain, Arvedui would go on to challenge him for the full control of both the Northern and Southern Dunedain kingdoms?​

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That mist truly be the source of his sorrows, as everything else seems to be going well for the lands of Gondor. The Eotheod have moved south, placing themselves between Gondor and the potential threat from Dol Guldur. The orcs in Mordor continue to fight and quarrel divided against one another. It is said that the Lords of Harad are too weak to contest the Dunedain and even the men of Nurn have recently risen against the orcs in their lands. The might of the Wainriders has diminished. Curunir had aptly called them "a tripod with a bad leg", ready to waiver and fall over at the next blow.​

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The black Numenoreans of Umbar are govered by Ar-Ardamin. He is said to be a temperate and honest and righteous man - truly deserving of his Numenorean ancestors. With him at the helm, perhaps an agreement can be reached and the seas remain peaceful in the south?​

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Ar-Ardamin, the surprisingly good-natured ruler of Umbar.​

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The atmosphere, here in warm Belfalas, seems to carry with it the same ambivalence of that winter morning. Seemingly, all who love Eru should rejoice at the news. Yet somehow I still feel the scent of the funeral pyres I remember from that misty winter morning so long ago. I wish that these feelings would all prove to be just groundless fears. But a shade still lingers in the halls of Gondor.​

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Scatha, the great worm of the northern Grey Mountains.​

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Please let me know how are things going on in the north, are you safe? Does the foe stirr in the depths of the Mirkwood? And what of the great worm Scatha that is said to plague Durin's Folk?​

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When you receive this letter, the snow will still cover the peaks of Caradhras, but in the glades of Lorien the Niphredil will bloom oblivious to the changes of the seasons. Oh how I wish it was the same here!​

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Please consider coming here with the next envoys to Gondor. With you here, Edhellond would shine like Doriath before the fall.​

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Nimrodel, who sadly seems too preoccupied with the King of Lorien to undertake any trips to Edhellond in the south​

 

[Sabratha]

Interesting starting date. Will follow with interest.

Good to see a AAR using Middle-Earth Project mod. I subscribed because I like alternative histories of Arda

Thank you both. I chose the date because I wanted something other than the kin-strife (which is a very interesting time in its own right, but a lot of players already have games going on in this period).
I have chosen Third Era 1940 (ingame year 10280) for several reasons:
- I wanted Angmar and Arthedain to be both active.
- I wanted the Eotheod to be already on the map.
- I want to see what will happen once Ondoher of Gondor dies. Arthedain and Gondor in this timeframe actually have a small chance to reunite, that is if Arthedain survives against Angmar.
- Last but not least, This era has some of the more interesting non-human characters (who would already be dead or gone by the War of the Ring) - Durin VI, Amroth, Nimrodel... not to mention the dragon Scatha.


I will try to move along for some time concentrating the AAR narrative on the main powers of the era. For now, I will try not to reveal which faction I am playing, nor who is the titular weed and where it grows.

As a last note, the "weed" comes from a real life Polish saying. One that grows "where sown it was not" means someone who arrives somewhere unexpectedly or where he is not wanted.

 

[stnylan]

Nice little overview.

 

[Sabratha]

EXCERPT FROM THE "LAMENT OF NURN":​

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The nations all turn away in contempt​

The kings of men left me to my chains​

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An orchard starved of water​

No rest has been afforded to us​

The wasteland echoes with our weeping​

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Covered with ashes, we fall with grief​

Knocked to the ground, we cry in pain​

Weak with sorrow, we wither stricken of hope​

Like a broken vessel, we lie in the dust​

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Had Eru created us only so that we could suffer? ​

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Master Tumen of Lest to Saruman the White
14 Narwain, of the year 1941 of the Third Age (10281 IGY)​

Peace be upon your house,
Peace be upon your lands,
Peace be upon your horses,

I have returned to the banks of the Sea of Rhun as soon as I could. In my heart I have said: "Let me die in the country I have so many times helped to save".

My chief, a boy barely 9 summers old, has attacked the mighty Khagan of the east. We will not see peace anytime soon, woe to our lands and herds! It seems every spear and axe has risen and fire spreads across the lands.

The words you spoke to me last Autumn could not have been more true. The tripod has indeed fallen over. The Wainrider confederacy is falling apart, the deceitful viper who calls himself Uturgur of Kas Rhun has risen against the Wainrider Khagan.

My spies have told me he alone would not be a match for the Khagan, who is indeed a mighty warrior. But others may follow and I have a strange feeling that thus Uturgur may be more than a simple chieftain. Some force beyond is driving him and others in the east to stir.

The caravans to Nurn have ceased as massive armies of men and orcs now rummage through that land. The Nurniags are in full rebellion against the orcs, following one who goes under the title of Sera Tumrakhi. More I do not know, as the lord of Khand likewise is staggering after blows that befallen him from both north and south. The lord of Haradwaith has attacked him trying to claim his lands, while the rebel men of Nurn have invaded Khand from the north.

I pray this letter reaches you, as I have heard rumors that the Eotheod and the Woodmen are fighting one another and that the war threatens your abode as well. I find it very hard to write to you asking for desperate help, knowing that you might even now be in danger yourself.

I now fear for the life of my wife, my liege and myself. It seems the suffering of the men of the East will never end.

I can write no more.

 

[stnylan]

So the question is, I suppose, how does one view Saruman at this time? Is he still faithful?

 

[Sabratha]

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Minohtar Anariónath to Elmagil of Edhellond ​

5 Uni, of the year 1942 of the Third Age (10282 IGY)​

Minohtar - the wise Loremaster of Gondor and nephew of the King.



Dearest friend and mentor,

Thank you for your last letter. So much has happened since, so much I have to tell you!

First and foremost I want to again offer my sincere thanks to you for all you have taught me when I was a small boy. Without the knowledge of Sindarin and the love of the lore of old, I would not be the man I am today.

When I became the Loremaster of Gondor at the age of only 17, the men of the court all wispered behind my back that this honor was bestowed upon me only because I happen to be the king's nephew. After just one year in my current position, their voices have all fallen silent.

Since resolving the riddle of the Caranthan gates, I have been quite flooded with letters from scholars from the whole realm and beyond. Loremaster Duranil of Arthedain keeps asking me for assistance in all sorts of matters, from the movements of the stars to the history of Perianost.

Before you ask - I want to reassure you that I do not know why the king of Arthedain decied to dissolve the thanedome of the Periannath. I have certainly not advised them to undertake any such measures!

Duranil, the clueless and incompetent loremaster of Arthedain.

Duranil is just one of many, recently I have even received mail from the King of Umbar who wanted advice on an old Numenorean text nobody at his court could decipher. Of course it turned out not to be a Numenorean text at all, rather a treaty on metalworking written in Quenya. Either nobody in Umbar is familiar with the language of the Noldor, or more likely the King has decided to test me and my knowledge. In that case he should not be dissapointed.

Even Saruman himself has recently wrote to me asking for help with the language of the Variags and some information about the forges of Eriador.

It would be both absurd and hilarious for some chieftain in the east to claim to be (of all things) the sister of Sauron. Thus, after much deliberation with my fellow scribes, we have unanimously interpreted the Variag title as "Saerau (prophet of) Tumrakhi" rather than "Sera (sister of)". Mystery solved.
I think we can be assured that the rebellion of men against the orcs in Nurn is little more than wishful thinking. What we are seeing is simple infighting between the various lackeys and minions of the Enemy himself. At least we can find solace knowing that the Enemy is without a doubt not in Mordor himself, otherwise his minions would surely behave in a more orderly manner.

As for the forges of Celebrimbor, I wrote to Sauruman the White saying that they must have surely been destroyed along with the abodes of the Noldor when the orcish hordes overran Eregion. Saruman should know so much himself. As wise as Saruman is, sometimes I do wonder what is the purpose of his inquiries into such matters. Without false modesty I should add that if anyone in Gondor is able to find out, it would be me. Perhaps I should draft a letter to Durin VI and ask him to let us know if any orcs or suspicious characters are seen roaming around teh ruins of Eriador?

For some reason everyone seems to be obsessed with the art of the linguists or blacksmiths these days! Just as if a mighty war with the Wainriders was not taking place.

Gondor's war against the Wainriders

The war itself on the other hand is going well. My uncle and all his sons rode out to battle on the fields of Dagorlad. I have asked for permission to join them, but have been strictly ordered to "keep to my dusty tomes". Fair enough I suppose.

Richara, the young friend of Minohtar.

My good friend Richara has married the prince of Dor-en-Ernil last month. Why would she marry that fat, crude boar is beyond me though. It it just because he happens to be the high prince of Belfalas, while I am just a scholar? Is not the house of Anarion bright enough for her? Am I not the grandson of Narmacil? You know how I feel about this matter and I believe I had already written more than enough.

I will gladly accept your invitation, unless my duties prevent me from doing so. I wish you and your wife all the best. It has been so long since elven children were born into these lands. Your happiness is my happiness.




AUTHOR's NOTES:
In Tolkien's lore, Minohtar was killed in the war against the Wainriders on the plains of Dagorlad. Curiously, such a war is just now taking place in the world of my game, but Minohtar is safe as he was nominated the loremaster. For good reasons too - he has Learning of 23, which is one of the highest among all mortals in the game. If he wasn't so envious and lazy, he'd be on the path to becoming a legendary character in his own right.

As for the ending of Minohar's letter to Elmagil - this references the fact that Elmagil's wife is expecting a child.

Also, I will now crop most of the images, unless they show some sort of grand strategic map situation.

So the question is, I suppose, how does one view Saruman at this time? Is he still faithful?

Well, that remains to be seen.

 

[Arnulf Floyd]

Another good and interesting chapter for this unique AAR. I not meet epistolary AARs until this, is a good thing to see as AARs which experimentating different literary genres and styles

 

[Sabratha]

Ar-Ardamin of Umbar to Khagan Akasas of Khand
29 Urui, of the year 1947 of the Third Age (10287 IGY)​

Ar-Ardamin of Umbar, who we saw mentioned before.

LETTER (excerpt):

(...) Thus with great sorrow I must decline any requests for military aid. An uprising of disgruntled nobles had broken out just one day after I received your letter. The situation is very grim and I will need every soldier here, as I am fighting for my life. I understand you are in a similar situation, but there is nothing I can do to help.

Ar-Ardamin does not lie, Umbar really is in trouble.

What I can offer you is a warning. My spies at the court of Pezarsan report that envoys from Nurn have recently arrived in secret. Make no mistake - the lords of Pezarsan and Nurn are conspiring to destroy you!

Lukiver 'the cruel' of Pezarsan, a shadowy and dangerous upstart.

Do not underestimate that Haradrim, he is far more than just a teenager chasing pretty slave girls. Lukiver justly deserves the nickname he carries. Deceitful, cruel, ambitious and insatable - he hungers for your lands and will stop at nothing to achieve his aims. The witch of the Lake will gladly aid him and will show you no more of her famed mercy than what she gave to the ocs in her lands. (...)

The troubled situation in Khand

 

[Sabratha]

A REPORT FROM: Agent "Zagar"
TO: Necromancer of Dol Guldur
DATE: 6 Narbeleth, of the year 1947 of the Third Age (10287 IGY)
OBJECT: Destabilisation of Gondor after the death of the king.​

The King of Gondor is dead.

1. I confirm - King Ondoher of Gondor, has been killed in a battle against the Wainriders. Just as it was foretold.​

2. Aldamir has survived. He took the throne as Aldamir II.​

3. He now holds the three Palantiri of the south. Diligent and patient, he will be a difficult foe.​

4. He is disliked by some in the court for the love he has for his young lowborn wife.​

5. His pride and paranoia are well known as well.​

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Thus:​

• I will at once start spreading vicious rumors about the King.
• I will do whatever possible to feed his paranoia and make him question the faithfulness of his dear wife.
• I have already put in motion a plot to have Queen poisoned.

NOTE FOR THE MESSENGER: Destroy this message at the first sign of trouble. Failure to do so will be met with displeasure of the Lord.​

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The new king and his wife.

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Word from the AUTHOR:
Well, if anyone was thinking that our good friend Sauron would keep out of the picture for the duration of this game - think again!

Fun facts:
- Ondoher in Tolkien's lore really did die in battle against the Wainriders roughly at this time.
- "Zagar" simply means blade in Adunaic. Spies don't need fancy nicknames.

I'm currently trying to highlight interesting things I see happening, as well as following the few characters like Nimrodel or Minohtar. Still, if anyone wants to hear more about any specific character or country - please let me know. I'd be happy to make this a more interactive AAR.

 

[stnylan]

I like how this is developing.

 

[Arnulf Floyd]

I like so much style and format of every chapter

 

[Sabratha]

Lady Nimrodel of Lórien to Elmagil of Edhellond
2 Urui, of the year 1949 of the Third Age (10289 IGY)​

Nimrodel, the addressee of the first letter in this AAR is not feeling bright and cheerful.

Dear Elmagil,​

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I am sorry for not writing to you for the past year. It has been a difficult time for all of us.​

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Here in the north, the shadow falls heavily on Imladris, Arthedain. We can see glimses even here. The goblins have came down from the mountains and attacked the Eotheod.​

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Indeed they have. Framsburg is beseiged.​

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The folk of Durin have slammed the doors of their fortresses shut, but deep down even they are afraid I think. A mighty dragon made its lair on Mont Gram.​

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The Cold Drake himself. Will the Witch-King of Angmar somehow bend him to his will?​

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I continue to think of my dead parents, brothers and sisters. How I miss them. Our Third Era, does not seem to have anything left for me to discover. Niether within itself, nor within myself. The days follow one after another like tides, stars almost seem to want to fall from the sky leaving a blank void.​

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I've been looked at through the prism of love, hate, self-interest, scorn... My songs are what I have left, though they are not mine alone anymore. Others have twisted them to become something they are not.​

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I'm sorry, this letter has already become too gloomy and bleak.​

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How have you been? How is little Elladan and Dirnael? You must be very careful how you raise them, least they become the next great Loremaster of Gondor like your previous ward!​

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The Edhellond twins. My how they have grown!​

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See? Even writing to you and thinking of the twins makes me feel better. Galadriel, Celeborn, Amroth and Lady Celebrian all send their best wishes as well. Please write soon!​

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:​

I hope you are enjoying the AAR so far, if there's a character you would like to hear about (or hear from), please let me know. Here is how the world as a whole looks at this time:​

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[stnylan]

Cirdan. I find him an absolutely fascinating character.

 

[Sabratha]

Loremaster Minohtar of Gondor to Círdan of Lindon
23 Hithui, of the year 1952 of the Third Age (10292 IGY)​

To the august Lord of the Falathrim,

I write to you in my capacity as the Loremaster with regards to a certain ancient tome concerning runes, namely the "Book of Earth Law". I wonder if you happen to perhaps have this book it in original Second Age Sindarin? If this is the case, then could I humbly ask you to send a copy for our royal library?

The Sindarin copy of this tome that I would normally use is in Fornost. I doubt the Witch-King would be willing to share it with me now.

I am of course aware of the copies held in Annuminas and Rivendell, however these are now both on the doorstep of the Enemy. As such, I would hate to bother the lords of these lands in their time of need with our scholarly pursuits. Moreover I am not certain if my messages would get through.

This is the reason I now turn to you. I hope you will forgive me for bothering you with such a trifling matter.

Minohtar.

Fornost has fallen to the Witch-King of Angmar

 

[Sabratha]

Círdan of the Grey Heavens to Elrond, Lord of Imladris
29 Ninui, of the year 1953 of the Third Age (10293 IGY)​

Círdan the shipwright, lord of Lindon and the Grey Heavens


Êl síla erin lû e-govaned vîn!

Thank you for your previous letter. I am afraid I have only ill news this time.

I have just received a very disturbing letter from Minohtar of Gondor, a copy of which you can find attached.

The surface meaning of the letter, with regards to the old rune tome, is of course irrelevant. The first underlying meaning - a warning of a possibly impending attack by angmar on Imladris and Annuminas is true, but fairly obvious and not news to eitehr you or me.

The most important, and the most distressing, are the other hidden meanings.

Firstly, this letter comes from a Gondor official and it references the threat we all face from Angmar. But at the same time, it mentions nothing of any possible reinforcements or relief forces from Gondor. I believe Minohtar is trying to tell us that there are no plans for Gondor to send out its army, even if the Witch king attacks Annuminas.

Secondly, why instead of writing this openly, does he hide these statements inside a message that is at first glance nothing but a scholarly request? Why is he not using the regular diplomatic couriers to send the message? Why is this sort of information now coming to us from the Loremaster, instead of from the Steward or the King himself?

I believe we must conclude that the court of Gondor now stands divided gainst itself. I imagine there are several factions that vie for power. Minohtar and the Queen are obviously in what I can dub the "Pro-Arthedain faction", which seeks to support Arthedain in its struggle against Angmar. He is also seeking support from us, his letter is itself an example of this.

There must also be some sort of "peace faction" or "anti-arthedain" faction that is opposed to assistance to Arthedain and your lands. At the very least the chancellor and the spymaster of Gondor must be a part of this faction, otherwise we would both receive news via the regular diplomatic channels.

There migth be other factions involved, but this is only a guess on my side. What is obvious though is that the King has either lost his grip on the helm, or he supports the "peace faction".

If possible, please try to get in contact with Queen Inge of Gondor. I know she holds you in high esteem and has much influence over her husband. She will listen to you and her voice will be what tips the scales.


It saddens my heart to see all of this. Still, we were the ones who chose to remain in Middle-Earth and at times like these we need to take action to counter the steps taken by the Enemy. In this case, this means meddling in the affairs of the men of Gondor.

Naturally, please share this information with Mithrandir, Thranduil, Celeborn and Galadriel.

There is much that needs to be done.

Novaer

 

[DeathLawlie]

Like always, men are quarreling while the Enemy is at their doorsteps...

 

[stnylan]

Fornost has fallen - that is not good.

And alas, Gondor has never really cared for what happened on the western side of the Misty Mtns.