Rhudaur: Third Kingdom of Arnor

Easternmost of the three sections of Arnor, Rhudaur (S.“Troll-shaw”; Hi.“Red Sky”) was the wildest, most rugged, and least populated region in the North Kingdom. It was a culturally diverse and politically volatile territory with a relatively small Dúnadan population. Hillmen (Hi. “Noi Trevan”) and later, migrating Dunmen, formed the majority of its populace. Settled by Dúnadan adventurers well after the rest of Arnor was tamed, Rhudaur was never fully subdued; the destruction of the kingdom three hundred years ago was regretted by few of the common citizens, and the evil ones who took advantage of the dividing of Arnor saw it as the first of many victories. Those dreams have been frustrated so far, but Rhudaur remains the tormented ghost of a nation.Travelers who take the Great East Road to Rivendell and beyond must keep both weapons and wits about them. To the south of the road, in the Angle, the last impoverished remnant of the ancient rulers still maintain some semblance of order; but to the north, in the Trollshaws and the Coldfells beyond, the puppets of Angmar rule, and a man's sword is the only law that counts. In the Trollshaws themselves, the Hillmen must decide if they will trade you horn and hides for goods, or simply rob you and sell you to the slave-merchants. In the far north, around the ancient Rhudauran capital of Cameth Brin, Orcs, Hillmen, mercenaries, and brigands walk the roads and streets freely, and the King in the tower on the Twisted Hill cares little about who is murdered and how. Spies from all sides in the wars can be found here; information and honor are bartered as freely as any other commodity, cheaper than most, in fact. In Rhudaur, opportunities come with their own dangers, and anyone with nerve and skill can become a hero. One need only pick the side that most needs a hero, or that will pay the most for one.