FOURTH AGE CHRONOLOGY

Introductory Notes
For some time now I have wanted to organise a chronology of the events that occurred in the Fourth Age of Middle Earth, up to the point that I start my Return of the Shadow campaign. My reasons for doing this were that when I first ran my campaign many years ago I was a bit vague on both when the campaign was actually occurring, what the political situation was like elsewhere , and what events had occurred previously. So I decided to look at what others had already done in regards to Fourth Age chronologies and I have used the events that I liked, some I have modified slightly. Only with a few events have I actually taken the date as given in a Reference, because I felt many of the events were flexible timewise. My reasons for choosing certain events and not others are because I have made a few assumptions about the Fourth Age as a whole:

What does the Dominion of Men mean in practice? I take this to mean declining birth rates of all non-human races. In practice in the fourth age there is very little change initially I think, but with the passage of years and with wars, plagues etc. taking their toll, this decline becomes more noticeable. An example is Rivendell, which I see as initially a centre of healing and learning in the early Fourth Age, but by the time of my campaign is a (secret) deserted ruin. A common theme with Tolkien is that the works of men initially flourish, then discontent sets in, then conflict and then decline. I have used this with the Reunited Kingdom (which is referred to as R.K. throughout, and 'the king' means the king of the Reunited Kingdom), where the R.K.grows and flourishes until it becomes an Empire at its height, then discontents start resulting in conflicts. I have used Martin Bakers The Tresco Manuscript as my central reference, as I like the attempt made by him and others at the Alternative Tolkien website to treat The Redbook of Westmarch as real (as Tolkien himself did). This means that for the line of High Kings of the Reunited Kingdom, they end with Arbeleth II and the invasion of 976. The reign of each High King is used to divide up the chronology, the names of which I have taken from the various references used. As a guide to how long the High Kings reigned, I noted from Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings that the average reign of the Kings of Gondor in the Third Age was just over 80 years, if not slain or died prematurely (the longest reign being King Tarondor I, who reigned for 162 years). Interestingly, as Tolkien noted that the kings became childless and did not relinquish their power willingly, their reigns actually diminished (and more bad things happened). I have tried to duplicate this process, in keeping with Tolkiens common theme .

The main enemy of the PC's in my campaign I have adapted to being behind many of the events that have occurred. The other key event for me is F.A. 1223 with the burning of the books in Annuminas, which I have decided makes a good time for the campaign to occur, as it allows enough time for the decline of the R.K. to be noticeable, and for enough 'bad' events to occur so that

population has declined, and the R.K. Is weakened sufficiently for the Enemy to decide to come into the open, and the burning of the book hall in Annuminas is not explained. Events in normal type could be remembered by PC's with a reasonable History skill roll, some events in bold are 'common knowledge' or legends. I have also included comments in italics for gamemasters, this is usually information that most PC's will not know.

References
The Main References used for this article are: Author unknown, The Story of the Fifth Age, on the website http://fifthage.aneue.com Author unknown, The Fourth Age timeline, on the website www.roleplaymarket.com Author unknown, Realms of Middle Earth in the Fourth Age, website not known Author unknown, Fourth Age timeline, for Middle Earth play-by-mail, on website www.meturn.com Baker, Martin, New Middle Earth timeline, on the website http://alt-tolkien.com Baker, Martin, The Tresco Manuscript, on the website http://alt-tolkien.com Blixt, Anders, The Queen of Shadow: A Fourth Age Campaign, in Other Hands, Issue 4, 1994. Marshall, Keith, The Ages of Elessar, in Lost Horizons, 1992. Martinez, Michael, Exploring Tolkien's Fourth Age, on the website www.suite101.com, Jan 7 2000. Rey Souto, Breogan, Discovering the Fourth Age, on the website http://alt-tolkien.com Tolkien, J.R.R., The New Shadow, in History of Middle Earth Vol. 12.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS Background events: The Army of Elessar enter into Mordor after the Fall of Sauron and destroy all the fortresses of the land. It is rumoured, however, that a Lieutenant of Sauron survived the destruction of Barad-dur and escaped the forces of Elessar. Elessars army were able to destroy most of the fortresses of Mordor, but some orcs and trolls managed to escape as some orc-holds were well hidden deep inside the mountains. Furthermore, the army did not find the town of Ostigurth and the fortress of Barad Sereg (located on the eastern side of the pass from Gorgoroth into Nurn) as the mountains collapsed around it, making it a hidden fortress (the army believed it to be

destroyed by the mountains). The rumours of a Lieutenant of Sauron surviving persisted for some time after (at least 50 years), but soon died down. These rumours are true, as the Mouth of Sauron survived the collapse (he fell into a ravine but survived through sorcery), to become the Enemy in my campaign. Celeborn resides in Rivendell with the sons of Elrond. After a few years Elladan becomes the ruler in Lorien, Elrohir in Rivendell. Celeborn later leaves Middle Earth at some time prior to the arrival in F.A.428 of the elves of Aman. In my view Celeborn actually provides news of the decline of his people and his concerns to the Valar in Aman, prompting the voyage undertaken by Inglaur Ingwiel back to Middle Earth. The Hooded Wanderer (Gandalf returning perhaps?, or another Maia), also is sent with Inglaur to act as the Valars emissary, but spends a long time travelling all over Middle Earth. The sons of Elrond spend many years in Middle Earth continuing their private war against orcs. Only after several hundred years at the height of the Great Peace (as I call it) do they decide to leave. The sons of Elrond also (see below) play a large role in helping men to settle former Elvish lands along with the Elennori. The second son of Feanor, Maglor returns from his wanderings across Middle Earth and is recognized by Elrond prior to Elronds departure, and Maglor then moves to Ost Helevorn in Lindon after Elronds departure. I liked the idea that Maglor survived (since according to Tolkien he wandered off, but on the other hand I have always wondered how did Maglors Lament become more widely known, unless he did return? I also thought that Maglor returning would give a focus (along with Glorfindel, who also stayed) for the few Noldor still in Middle Earth. A permanent mist/fog hangs over Cirith Gorgor, and the pass is still rumoured to be haunted. The Ruins of Barad-Dur haunted, especially by spiders and evil spirits. I cannot recall where I saw this idea but liked it straightaway. As to the reason for the mist, I will leave that up to each GM to decide I have my own views. The Barad-Dur ruins are in fact haunted by the disembodied spirit of Sauron, who is not destroyed, simply unable to reform into a single entity ever again. This means that bad things tend to happen to anyone brave enough to enter the ruins (in game terms dice rolls that would normally succeed do not, etc.). Fangorn Forest expands gradually down to the Gap of Rohan, as far as Dol Baran. In my view this is a natural progression of the Treegarth of Orthanc, so that the entire former Valley of Saruman becomes swallowed up by the forest, which indeed expands also to the western side of the Misty Mountains. A look at the map of the area shows that the valley really begins at Dol Baran, which is the hill that overlooks the Gap of Rohan on the North Western End, with Helms Deep overlooking the South Eastern end of the Gap. Thus a fortress is soon constructed on top of Dol Baran (and later an accompanying town at the foot), and becomes a highly strategic post. Orthanc itself thus becomes isolated and cut off due to the forest.

THE REUNITED KINGDOM FOURTH AGE 0 -976.

REIGN OF KING ELESSAR I (0 -120). Elessars reign can be viewed overall as one of recovery, scouring and laying down the seeds for later prosperity, as the scars of war had to be healed in many areas, and many areas still had to be conquered or at least quelled of resistance. King Elessar I offers land packages in Arnor as many areas are underpopulated. Rebuilding of Annuminas commences in the year 15. Emperor Dhiegas of Khand, King Esrotef of Amomag (the only Haradan nation that opposed Sauron) and King Elessar I sign the Frontier Agreement in the year 49. Umbar submits to the overlordship of King Elessar, although some Harad tribes continue to resist. Umbar only submitted unwillingly and there is always undercurrents of resistance in the city and surrounding areas. The Barrow Downs are scoured, forcing Tom Bombadil to move further into the Old Forest. Some particularly nasty barrow wights were not destroyed, just sealed into their tombs (awaiting later release by stupid PCs??) The Nurniags build a city on the shores of the Nurnen Sea near the SW tributary river, called Elessardil in honour of King Elessar. The Kingdom of Lithlad (subject to the R.K) is also established by the former slaves in Nurn, and is soon a densely populated farming area very proR.K. Lithlad is pro-R.K due to being given their freedom by Elessar, and also by becoming swiftly a prosperous area. This attitude gradually changes over time with the misrule and prejudice from Dunedain overlords (see below). A large town springs up outside the Hornburg due to the growing trade with the Dwarven city of Aglarond. Such towns are typical close to dwarven settlements, as dwarves did not grow much food or tend livestock themselves, so needed to trade with men for these things. Many such towns sprang up around this time as trade with Dwarven settlements flourished, and the already existing ones such as Dale and Esgaroth expanded. Gelydion of Lorien becomes the tutor to the children of King Elessar I and becomes known as Romendil. The Orthanc key & stone given to Aiwendil (Radagast), Elostirion key & stone given to Thucedro, Rhosgobel and Rivendell also become centres for learning and magic under Elvariel and Camthalion. The giving of these items was due to the increased isolation of Orthanc (being now surrounded by Fangorn forest) it was now suitable as a residence for Radagast, and similarly the Tower of Elostirion was not seen as being of use for the kingdom. The idea of utilizing isolated places such as these for learning was part of a general desire at this time to ensure that knowledge was not lost to later generations. REIGN OF ELDARION I (120 -227)

Eldarions reign can be seen as initially a continuation of Elessars reign of renewal and sowing the seeds of prosperity, and then later in the reign the results of long peace can be seen with increased prosperity and the rise in trade, even to distant lands. However, towards the end of Eldarions reign the first signs of dissatisfaction appear, as some men become disillusioned with peace and begin searching for something better, especially with the fear of death. I see this movement (treated in Tolkiens sequel The New Shadow) as the first stage in a gradual process of decay and decline, generally increasing from this point as more men share feelings of dissatisfaction and searching for something better. Minas Tirith is renamed Minas Mallor (Tower of the Rising Sun) by Eldarion I. A trade city called Sarn, founded at Sarn Ford. The City of Osgiliath rebuilt during Eldarion I's reign and becomes the new capital, with the Steward of Gondor in Minas Anor. The Parma Taratirion (Book of Visions) is compiled by Romendil for King Eldarion I in F.A 183, with copies at Annuminas, Dol Amroth & Minas Tirith. Rise in trade, and this results in the rise in importance of Khand and Relmether and its capital Relerindu. The New South Road is built with bridges and villages where the road crosses water or skirts around woods. The largest village at the approximate halfway point b/w Tharbad & the Gap of Rohan is run by Dunedain settlers not Dunlendings. The Greenway Road as it is called is patrolled due to continuing threats from Dunlendings. The Dunlendings are similar to the Haradrim, being a collection of clan tribes who continually resist any attempts to impose authority on them. Some Dunlending tribes continue to despise the Rohirrim. Dwarves colonize the Grey Mountains and trade flourishes with men. Dwarves found the town of Carnen on the Carnen river in the Iron Hills. Institutions formed include the Royal Guild of Philosophers, and the Guild of Magicians and Alchemists. Universities established in major cities. Centres of learning and magic also established at Minas Tirith, Annuminas and Szrel Kain. The Loremasters of the various centres of learning form the Council of Wise, and establish the Orders of Wizards, Magicians, Loremasters, etc. Ost-en-Ernil the city is founded in the Emyn Arnen in Ithilien. ELDARVIR I (227-258) The ending of peace is due to the expansion of trade. During Eldarvirs reign there is increasing dissatisfaction amongst several Easterling tribes over the increasing trade caravans travelling

through tribal lands, which eventually erupts into war. In a minor skirmish with some Asdriag horsemen Eldarvir is killed. Plains War b/w R.K & Easterling tribes over raiding of trade caravans, and King Eldarvir is killed in battle with some Easterling tribes.

ELDARVIR II (258 -376) The victory of the Reunited Kingdom over the Easterling tribes was only possible due to the superior cavalry of Rohan, who become the pre-eminent military force for many centuries. From this time there is a massive expansion in trade, and the goods, ships and forces of the Reunited Kingdom start to be seen as far south as the Mumakan and east to Relmether. Although many Dunedain nobles get richer and richer from the increased trade, there is also a growing desire for something better, hence this is also the period when exploration and long journeys begin, and other various searches for truth such as alchemy, magic etc. become more popular.

The Treaty of the Plains ends the Plains War, by which the R.K. is allowed to construct a road through the central plains area. High King Eldarvir II is renamed Romendacil II. Romendacil II divides the administration of the R.K. into two, with separate administrative, legislative and military establishments for the N. & S.kingdoms. The few Elves who still have contact with men become known as experts in lore and scholarly pursuits.

After the intermarriage of Rohans and R.K.s rulers (the son of King Romendacil II to the daughter of Rohans king), the Imperial Cavalry is founded and becomes responsible for policing much of the empire. The Marches of Haradwaith and Rhovanion are created as frontier patrolled areas.

ELEMMIR I (376 -460) The main event of High King Elemmirs reign is the Northern Scare, where rumours are put about at a Council held at Rhosgobel that Morgoth has returned to Middle Earth (to the Far North). The rumours eventually die down, but not before causing some trouble. (See the Farbanks Folios for more on running an adventure at this time). Otherwise the growth of trade and exploration from the previous reign continue.
Elemmir, High King of the R.K, is the first king to appoint his eldest son as the ruler over Arnor, and he establishes the tradition whereby the king spends the summer in the North, and the eldest son rules as Viceroy in Arnor the rest of the year.

FA 428 Elves from Aman under the Vanyar elf Inglaur Ingwiel arrive at Mithlond, and are met by King Elemmir and Maglor. These elves are called the Eldennori, and they work to recuperate lands abanadoned by elves by helping men to settle these lands. Maglor is named Lord of Lindon by both Inglaur Ingwiel and King Elemmir. In actual fact the Eldennoris main purpose is to establish contacts with all remaining elven communities throughout Middle Earth, and to help slow the fading of the elves. This also gives impetus to the growth of exploration and travelling around Middle Earth. In this movement another of Romendils works Travels through Endor is considered the preeminent text. Elves of the Avari construct a secret refuge on the peak of Mt. Luumentarma in the SW of the Rhun mountains. This refuge is part of a number of such refuges constructed around this period as a way of creating a network of contacts. Magic now learnt by common men. Although the standards for learning magic had been established years before by the Council of the Wise, only now does the learning of magic become more popular, as part of the general search for answers.

ELENDIL II (460-507) The growth of peaceful trade and exploration that characterized the previous two reigns is replaced by a more aggressive policy of conquest and exploitation of new areas under Elendil II, making use of the military might now built up on both land and sea over the previous years. This aggressive policy leads to the coalition against the R.K. of Umbar and various Haradrim, and the resultant Sail War.

The rule of the R.K. no longer benevolent, becomes exploitative. Growth of discontent everywhere. Umbar declares its independence from the R.K. This is because the exploitative policies of recent governors made the city population restless. A dispute over control of trade on the Harnen River (in Harondor) leads to The Sail War b/w R.K. and a Umbar/Haradrim coalition. Battle of Ethir Harnen during the Sail War. R.K. victorious over a large army of Umbar/Haradrim/Variag coalition, but King Elendil II slain. North Kingdom troops suffer the most loss during the battle, and contribute to a weakening of the North Kingdom.

ISILDUR II (507-512) The younger brother of Elendil II, he carried on the war against Umbar and was eventually victorious, although he also died prematurely during the siege of Umbar. By the end of the war the R.K. was unchallenged in military might, and Isildurs successor Anarion II reaped the benefits of the might of the R.K.

Umbar and coastal Harad south of Umbar conquered by the R.K., although King Isildur II is slain during the siege of Umbar. Commentaries of Romendil appears in around FA 512. The mystery of the tomes origins due partly to its appearance when many of the more important people were busy with the war down in Umbar.

ANARION II THE GREAT (507-630) The R.K. reaches the zenith of its power and influence during High King Anarion IIs reign, and in extent it stretches from the Blue Mountains in the West to the Rhun Sea in the East, and from Angmar in the North to Central Harad in the South. The Northern Capital is at Osgiliath, the Southern Capital at Umbar. With Anarion IIs rule the king is now called the High King, with his sons later ruling over the N. & S. kingdoms, but this is only in the last years of the reign. Prince of the Sands is the title given to the ruler of Umbar (under the High King at Osgiliath). Usually this is one of the High Kings sons. Title of Viceroy is given to the various governors of provinces. Ne w province formed from the former province of Dorwinion and the coastal areas around the Sea of Rhun. The former kingdom of Lithlad also becomes a province of the R.K.

ANARION III (630-636) Because his father did not choose to have children until very late in life (a growing fault with the Dunedain at this time), Anarion III succeeded to the throne young, and died childless. Anarion III, the last legitimate king of House Telcontar (founded by Elessar I) dies without an heir defending Cirith Ungol from orcs. A civil war of succession results which lasts for several years and serves to drain the kingdom of resources. At this time the takeover of the former independent Kingdom of Lithlad resulted in increasing orc raids in Mordor, culminating in the attack on Cirith Ungol.

BELEG II (636-675) Although Beleg II was the victor in the Civil War of Succession, his rule was never recognized fully by certain areas loyal to other contenders for the throne, so most of the first half of his reign was spent in legitimizing his reign and defeating rivals. He spent most of the second half of his reign trying to control (without success) his two sons, the eldest did not even observe the full mourning period before declaring himself the High King.

ARBELETH I (675 -692)

His reign was never certain due to problems with his younger brother Beleg, and he was murdered in suspicious circumstances. The death of the High King Beleg II sees the younger son (Beleg) declare war on the other (Arbeleth I), the R.K. is engulfed in civil war. Beleg loses the conflict (after several years), and is exiled to the Isles of the Dead that Live. I like this particular reference as I want to bring the Isles of the Dead that Live into my campaign. High King Arbeleth I & all his sons are murdered in suspicious circumstances. No proof is found that Beleg II is behind the murders, but his claim to the throne is not accepted by many provinces, so another civil war erupts. Many provinces declare independence.

REIGN OF BELEG II THE USURPER (692-700) Beleg IIs reign is not officially recognized in the records of the R.K., which is why he is not considered the eleventh High King. His reign was one of civil war, and Eldarion Arbelegs nephew became the focus of rebellion against him. The turning point of the civil war against Beleg is when mercenary troops under his control sack Osgiliath. ELDARION II (700 -783) The decline of the R.K. continues despite the attempts made during Eldarions reign to reverse the damage done in the previous reigns. He changed his name as a way of trying to hearken back to better times, in itself a comment on what was happening during his reign. Northern capital moved back to Annuminas as Osgiliath gradually becomes ruined again. The Current Viceroy names a new king at Minas Mallor despite Eldarion II still reigning. Eldarion puts down the rebellion after a few years . The rebellion itself is a comment on the growing separation b/w North & South, as King Eldarion II was seen as spending too much time in the North.

ELESSAR II (783-921) Although Elessar IIs reign is long, it is not peaceful as there are continuous problems in various areas, but worse is the growing decline both militarily and in other areas of the R.K. By the end of Elessar IIs reign the central court had become isolated from the outer areas, and many nobles were able to rule virtually autonomously. The Kingdom of Adunabar (Mordor, Itilien & the Emyn Muil) is founded after a rebellion by the younger brother of King Elessar II with the new kingdom using the Star of Earendil. This kingdom is a focus for any discontent with the R.K., and a secret Shadow Cult arises, and grows more influential in this area. The Kingdom of Adunabar includes the old Kingdom of Lithlad, and its capital is Elessardil, now renamed Adunabar.

ARBELETH II (921-977) THE LAST HIGH KING The problems that plagued Elessar IIs reign, continued and worsened under King Arbeleth II, but having grown up at court (no longer were the sons allowed to rule a province) he was completely unaware of any discontent with his rule. Helinon was simply another border noble who saw a chance for more power and seized it. The 13th King of the R.K is Arbeleth II. During his reign there is a growth of rivalries b/w border lords , and increasing corruption at Court, but Arbeleth does not notice the growing discontent with his rule, especially in the South which Arbeleth disregards. FA970 The current Viceroy of the S.Kingdom's son, named Helinon, declares his intention to become High King. FA 976 - A fleet from the South under Helinon invades the area formerly called Eriador, all lands are overrun (including the Shire) up to the Baranduin, and Dunland up to the Misty Mtns. Helinon has himself crowned High King, renamed Arbalad as the 'heir' to King Arbeleth II, but later in the year the Southern forces are finally defeated by King Arbeleth II in alliance with Rohan at the Battle of the Gap of Rohan, but the R.K. declines from this time, death also of the current High King Arbeleth II. Arbalad being defeated, he flees to Harad and founds a new realm there, his descendants constantly opposed to the later kings. A new king for Arnor is crowned at Annuminas. Arnor decides to be independent as the invasion of Eriador is blamed on the kingdom being too large, thus the R.K. is officially split into the old realms of Arnor & Gondor. The Battle at the Gap of Rohan sees Rohan suffer grievous losses, and the current king of Rohan declares the Ancient Agreement b/w the two nations to be finished.

B. THE KINGDOMS DIVIDED With the Reunited Kingdom having ended, times get tougher for the inhabitants of North Western Middle Earth, up to the point I run my campaign in 1220. There is also a general collapse of trade and contacts, especially between the North and South Kingdoms, and it is from this time that the decline in other non human races becomes more noticeable. Girdle of the Shire is created with the aid of Elven magic. This is due to the suffering experienced with the invasion. From this time the hobbits of the Shire also police their boundaries more, which shrink back to the original boundaries in order for the Girdle to be effective (thus no Westmarch anymore). As to the Girdles powers, I see it as an extension of what was already there at Perilussi (see ICEs The Shire). Rise of Lassi-lore (cards) in the North and Stone-lore (Rune-stones) in the South, common-folk versions of the Wisdom of Life as ways of dealing with increasingly harsher times. The Wisdom of Life is taught by the Wise to the upper classes, from the teachings of Romendil. A Fire-drake invades the north around Esgaroth.

Some of the Beornings found a colony in the Misty Mtns with the aid of the Great Eagles. This is because the Fire-drake had caused much devastation and loss of life amongst the Beornings, but the Great Eagles came to their aid in driving the Fire-drake away.

Red Death, a plague that kills over a quarter of the population, comes from Mordor. The main garrisons in Mordor are left unguarded due to the shortage of troops. Cirith Ungol is soon reoccupied by orcs, and travel into Nurn from Ithilien becomes increasingly hazardous. Elsewhere the plagues main impact is to create labour shortages everywhere and prices of many goods rise. There is a large variety of attempts to find cures, including magic. Alchemy etc. A female prophet goes around claiming to have cured people of the Red Death, and is a follower of the Vala Este. After her death a religious movement is founded by her followers, with temples founded to all the Valar, especially Este. The Brotherhood, a monastic society is founded during the Plague, and becomes popular as many people decide to renounce normal ways of living. The order of the Druids is also founded around the same time. Monks , druids and the growth of temples all represent the search for ways to combat the plague. Szrel-Kain sacked by Easterling tribes led by a charismatic new leader who welds the tribes into a nation. The victorious chieftain declares himself Emperor. This is intentionally meant to be similar to Genghis Khan, as I thought that so many centuries of being exposed to a more superior civilization must have influenced the Easterling tribes to centralize and be more amenable to a single ruler. Emperor ? and his Easterling warriors overrun all the lands up to the East Bank of the Anduin. War b/w Gondor and the new Easterling Empire, with Gondor only victorious with the aid of rebels in the newly conquered areas such as Dorwinion. Arnor refuses to send troops to the aid of Gondor, further deeping the distrust between the two kingdoms. In actual fact, Gondor only succeeded by recognizing Emperor ? legitimacy by giving him a Dunedain princess in marriage, and Emperor ? died before he could make further claims. Minas Kuru is a tower founded by wizards (Alatar?/ Pallando?) at the mouth of the Celduin river on the Rhun sea. I have not yet decided whether Alatar and/or Pallando come to the NW during this time. Dunlendings start raiding in Western Rohan again. A horse plague kills a large proportion of horses throughout Middle Earth. An Evil Magician builds a stronghold called Minas Orme in the Eastern Grey Mtns and calls himself ____ the Black, as against the Order of Wizards.

Rohan and Gondor become estranged. This actually dated back to the Battle of the Gap and the heavy Rohirrim losses, but subsequent events had increased the separation.

Rohan erects a defensive wall in the Gap of Rohan to guard against Dunland.

Rivendell becomes gradually abandoned and ruined, but remains hidden.

Jaegs Wall , a series of defensive forts, is built by Arnor to defend the Northern frontier from attacks. The Fortifications are unsuccessful, and Arnor is dissolved, with Arthedain reestablished. The main problem in the North is that there is just not enough population to enable the kingdom of Arnor to continue . Acharn Nel, a fortress at the foot of the Mountains of Shadow in Western Khand becomes a focus for evil, and the lord manages to influence the chief Haradrim tribe into declaring war with Gondor. Gondor becomes a republic. This is due to dissatisfaction with the recent kings of Gondor, who were seen (with some justification) as corrupt and self-serving, especially in regards of the conduct of the war with the Haradrim. Gondor conquers much of the Harad area, and many tribes are forced to submit. Slavery is made legal in Gondor. This critical decision was originally done to appease the victorious Harad tribes (who customarily sold their enemies as slaves), but also fitted with the Dunedains view of themselves as superior. Gondor declares war on Dunland, and Dunland becomes part of Gondor, with a massive expansion in the slavery trade. Cult of Morgoth is secretly re-established, with the preaching for the Dunedain all about reestablishing ancient power & might, whilst in the South priests preach resistance to the Dunedain and recovery of traditional Southron virtues. The Cult is most successful amongst discontented nobles and merchants. The Cult had in fact been in existence in Adunabar for much longer, but it now becomes more widespread. FA 1170 -1178 Rebel Harad tribes & discontented Dunedain nobles initiate a new Civil War. This Civil War is actually between two factions: pro-monarchists and anti-slavery, vs Republic and pro-slavery faction. Tarondor II is crowned King of Gondor and is successful, mainly because he reminds people of why kings are necessary.

FA 1190 The Long Winter the land is gripped by a very severe winter and there is much suffering and loss of life. King Tarondor sends aid to the North and re-establishes contact with Arthedain. FA 1200 - Orcs multiply again in Angmar, Mordor and the Misty Mtns and start attacking travelers. FA 1220 - Start of my campaign, the PCs enter the story FA 1223 the works of the Book Hall in Minas Mallor are taken to Dol Amroth, and the Book Hall of Annuminas is destroyed by fire. I interpret these events to mean that Annuminas is sacked, and something threatens the existence of Minas Mallor.