|
|
|
Dol Guldur |
|
|
Description
Partially carved by Khazad miners into the extinct volcanic cone known as Amon Lanc and the Naked Hill, Dol Guldur dominates the landscape for tens of leagues. For nearly 2000 years Dol Guldur was the most feared of all places outside of Mordor--clouds hung over its summit, and evil beasts/creatures spread outward from it into Mirkwood, as The Eye (posing as the Necromancer) regained and consolidated his power. Just one half century ago the Dark Lord left Dol Guldur behind, entrusting it to his Nazgul servants.
Territory
The orcs of Dol Guldur range throughout southern Mirkwood, especially in the central portions of the forest. The western forest is dangerous, due to the presence of the great Bears and skin-changing Beornings, and the northern areas around the Old Forest Road are the territory of the wolf-riders of Sarn Goriwing and the trolls that live nearby.
Occupants
Dol Guldur is occupied primarily by orcs, orcs of all stripes and breeds. Its Orc Pits are one of the three main centers of orc breeding, nearly equivalent in size to the Orc Pits of Gorgoroth and those of Minas Morgul. Dol Guldur is ruled by Khamul, the Second Nazgul, and others of his ilk.
INSIGNIA: A leering orc skull with jutting fangs, wreathed in yellow flame. The insignia is worn by the orcs on black surcoats and borne on great black flags.
History
Dol Guldur was first occupied by Sauron early in the Third Age, after the spirit of Sauron fled from defeat at the hands of the Great Alliance. His influence and power grew slowly, as evil creatures slowly came to serve the Necromancer of Dol Guldur. Eventually, his power attracted the attention of the White Council, and on more than one occasion the Wizard Gandalf infiltrated Dol Guldur to learn its secrets. Finally, the White Council attacked, and drove Sauron from Dol Guldur. It was but a temporary respite, for Sauron and his Nazgul soon enough re-entered Dol Guldur. Sauron occupied Dol Guldur until he was ready to return to Barad-dur, long under repair since its fall at the end of the Second Age. When he returned to Barad-dur, he left Dol Guldur in the charge of several of the Nazgul, who have commanded it ever since.
Like most of the fortresses of orcs, Dol Guldur was home to a great orkish clan which grew in power and influence among its troops over the years. With the Vorazg's Decree of 3011, the tribes and clans were outlawed, that of Dol Guldur along with the rest. And although it is forbidden even to discuss the old tribes, rumors still circulate for those with the ears to hear: and some say that there remain orcs loyal to the tribe of Ashjaki, meeting and plotting in secret societies in the shadows of Dol Guldur.
