Fords of the Celduin

--Free Peoples of the Middle-earth!--

We have won our freedom from the oppression of the Dragon, have cleared from our lands the threat of the Goblins from the far mountains, and have proved that together we are mightier than our
foes.

I believe that our destiny is in our own hands, providing that we do not forget this lesson. Together we are strong. Before we came together, we were as frightened children, hiding in our homes from the shadows
of the wider world. But now we have a chance of something better, and all it takes is our courage to grasp it.

And so, Free Peoples of the North and South, gather up your courage and bring it to me. I have plans for the North such as you will scarce believe, but I need your strength to turn plan to deed. In return for playing your part in our rebirth, I will pay well in gold, land, and the satisfaction of knowing you lead your people from the shadows into a brighter future.

Make haste to Laketown. On the first day of each month my advisors and I will appoint tasks to the willing, and disperse rewards to those who bring their tasks to completion. And they shall be celebrated, for you shall be the heroes of our age.

--Bard, King of Dale--

Welcome to Fords of the Celduin a LotR game set beginning 5 years after the events in the Hobbit (2946 Third Age). Smaug has been slain by Bard of Laketown, and the Necromancer cast from Dol Guldur by the White Council. The lands of Rhovanion have been covered in darkness for many years and now the first rays of hope have shown through. But the lands still bear the markings of the evil which has long crept into this region. Bard, newly crowned King of Dale, has called for strong adventurers to come to his new kingdom and help in the reclamation of the land for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth.

Our game will begin in Woodmen Town, a small settlement in southwestern Mirkwood. Each of you find yourselves gathering in this town with the same general purpose (though your personal motivations may vary greatly), to travel to Dale and respond to the summons of the new king. Perhaps you travel on behalf of your homeland seeking ties to the new lord of Dale, or wish to gain fame, title, and fortune in a world of new possibilities, or perhaps your thirst for knowledge takes you to the frontier of all things exciting in Middle-earth. Whatever your calling, you will be travelling together as a group from Woodmen Town to Esgaroth as your first major journey together.