Dunland History Summary

Dunland in Tolkien's Works

Dunland is an independent realm, composed of the descendants of a people kin to the Folk of Haleth. At the start of the second age the ancestors of the Dunlendings lived in the wide lands of Enedwaith between the Misty Mountains and the Sea. These lands were originally entirely forested, but the great woods were depleted by Númenorean shipbuilders stationed at Tharbad. The folk of Enedwaith both marvelled at and feared the great mariner race, and kept to themselves at first. Only when the tree-felling activity of the Númenoreans became devastating did the ancestors of the Dunlendings strike back, targeting the Númenoreans' wood-stores. In the fighting that followed, the people of Enedwaith were driven eastwards and southwards.

The Dunlendings have maintained their own traditions and language throughout. Very rarely have they been concerned by those who nominally claimed rulership over the land, whether it be the Dark Lord of the East or the men of Gondor. So as Gondor dwindled, the Dunlending folk took advantage of opportunities to regain some control over their own sovereignty, and expanded their territory eastwards into the fertile plains of Calenardhon, now known as Rohan.

500 years ago, the great families of western Gondor began to fail. Over the centuries previous to this, the Dunlendings had begun to settle across the Isen, and in time it was they who held the defensive places of the province of Calenardhon. When Gondor was invaded by enemies from both East and South, the local fort holders had no interest in defending Gondor from these hordes, and so the invasion was successful until the Forgoil came riding to Gondor's aid. As a result of this Gondor allowed the Forgoil thieves to settle in Calenardhon and take it for their own.

The Gondorians, concerned more with the land than the rightful landholders, supported the Forgoil in their efforts to force the Dunlendings back across the Isen River. However, the landholders along the western border still did commerce, and eventually a great landholder of both bloods sought to unite the power of the two lands, offering his son to be wed to the daughter of the Forgoil King Helm. King Helm first insulted the landowner, Freca, publicly and then, pretending towards interest in a private talk on the matter, instead waylaid and slaughtered the unarmed lord, striking him down without warning. Freca's son Wulf and his followers fled west, only to rightfully conquer the land years later. Holding Edoras, King Wulf sought to begin his reign over the Forgoil, but this was not to be and once again the Dunlending were swept west of the Isen. Since that time the Forgoil have continued to persecute the Dunlendings, and the Dunlendings have never ceased in their efforts to regain the Stolen Lands. It may be that the balance of power is changing at last, for in recent times the fortress of Isengard has come into that hands of Saruman the wizard, who seems sympathetic to the Dunlending cause.

Tolkien's Timeline

Second Age

First Millennium

Enedwaith and Minihiriath, the 'Middle Lands' between the sea and the Misty Mountains, are inhabited by a folk who were 'as later historians recognized the kin of the Folk of Haleth'. At the time of the first Númenorean explorations, these lands were occupied by vast and almost continuous forests, except in the central region of the Great Fens.

c. 750-800

Tar-Aldarion is the first Númenorean king to begin felling the great forests to provide timber for his ships. The native people of the 'Middle Lands' are at first in awe of the Númenoreans, and do not become hostile until the tree-felling has become devastating. They then attack and ambush the Númenoreans, who in turn become more ruthless in their fellings. The people of Minihiriath flee to the cape of Eryn Vorn; those of Enedwaith to the eastern mountains where afterwards was Dunland.

1693-1701

The war against Sauron. When Sauron begins a war in Eriador, the exiled peoples of Enedwaith and Minihiriath, bitter against the Númenorean conquistadors, give him their support. Sauron is defeated, but by the time the war is over most of the old forests have been destroyed.

Third Age

1636-7

The Great Plague. The Dunlendings suffer less than most, since they dwell apart and have few dealings with other men.

1975-2050

The days of the Kings in Gondor come to an end and the Dunlendings cease to be subjects of Gondor; the royal road becomes unkempt and the bridge at Tharbad ruinous.

2063-2460

The people of the old Gondorian province of Calenardhon dwindle; the Dunlendings drift 'steadily and unchecked' over the Isen into the empty lands.

2510

Cirion the Steward of Gondor gives Eorl the Young and his people possession of Calenardhon, later known as Rohan, referred to by Eorl's people as 'the Mark'.

2545-70

Reign of Brego in Rohan. He drives the Dunlendings from the Wold.

2570-2645

Reign of Aldor 'the Old' in Rohan. He roots out the last of the Dunlendish people who lingered east of the Isen, and even raids their lands in Enedwaith in reprisal.

2699-2718

After the death of Aldor, the Dunlendings again begin to filter into northern Westfold, making settlements in the mountain glens west and east of Isengard and even in the southern eaves of Fangorn. Also, the command of the Gondorian fortress of Isengard passes into the hands of a family of the people, who are of mixed blood. During Deor's reign the Dunlendings become openly hostile, raiding the herds and studs of the Rohirrim in Westfold. Deor overcomes the Dunlendings, but finds Isengard held against him. He sends to Gondor for help, but they are unable to aid him. The Dunlendings remain in occupation of Isengard until after the Long Winter (2758-9), when they are starved out and capitulate to Fréaláf.

2741-59

Reign of Helm Hammerhand in Rohan.

2754

When Freca, a landowner of mixed blood whose lands lie on either side of the Adorn, asks for the hand of Helm's daughter for his son, Helm mocks him. Freca flies into a rage and reviles Helm. Helm takes Freca outside and without warning strikes him such a blow that he dies soon after. Freca's son and kin are proclaimed enemies of Rohan, and flee (probably to Dunland).

2758-9

Rohan is attacked from the east. The Dunlendings, led by Wulf son of Freca, seize their chance, and come over the Isen and down from Isengard. With them are 'enemies of Gondor' who landed at the mouths of Lefnui and Isen, probably the Corsairs of Umbar. Helm is driven back to Helms Deep, where he holds out for many months but eventually dies during the Long Winter. After winter breaks, Helm's nephew Fréaláf comes down out of Dunharrow and slays Wulf in Meduseld, regaining the royal fortress of Edoras. There are great floods during the spring of 2759; also, Gondor finally sends help to Rohan, and by year's end the Dunlendings are driven out even from Isengard.

2864-2903

Reign of Folcwine in Rohan. He 'reconquers' the West-March, the lands between the Isen and Adorn, which the Dunlendings had long occupied.

2912

Great floods devastate Enedwaith and Minihiriath. The town of Tharbad is ruined.

3019

War of the Ring. Saruman incites the Dunlendings to unite with his own Orcish forces against Rohan. During the First Battle of the Fords of Isen, Saruman's forces are victorious and Theodred, heir to the King of Rohan, is slain. There is a second battle at the fords; again the Rohirrim are defeated, and their forces are driven back to Helm's Deep. The Battle of the Hornburg then takes place. The Rohirrim and their allies defeat Saruman's forces, largely due to the help of Gandalf the Grey and the Ents. No Orcs are left alive, but many Dunlending hillmen surrender. The Rohirrim are merciful; the Dunlendings must labor to repair the evil in which they have joined, but afterwards are allowed to go back to their own land, provided they take an oath never again to pass the Fords of Isen in arms.

The IC History of Dunland

Dunland's History 3000-3008

3000

Creation of the Unified Dunland

The unified kingdom of Dunland was established under Anuas Corwyn of the Wulf, assisted by the chieftains of the other clans: Donovan of the Stag and Hakuna of the Bear. Also instrumental was Mairin the Dove, Ard-Ceile of the Kiern Clan. Having been friends in childhood and as adults, this union was the natural course. Beforehand, Dunland had been filled with warring clans and a bloody history. The unification established the first known peace and allowed the people to prosper and align to defeat the greater enemy, the Forgoil.

3005

Ceann Hakuna becomes Ard-Righ

After the disappearance of Anuas Corwyn, Hakuna Mac Mathain - the Ceann of the Bear clan - took control of Dunland as Anuas. After some time in power, he changed the title to Ard-Righ to gain more power. He reigned for some three years before he himself disappeared after his wife died, to wander in the Highlands of Caerdh.

3008

Robert Mac Mathain becomes Ard-Righ

After Hakuna Mac Mathain left his position as Ard-Righ, and left for Caerdh, the Fian-Cadvirdoc Robert Mac Mathain immediately assumed the role of Ceann de Bear. The next few months saw a Dunland without an Ard-Righ, for the first time since its unification, but that would not last long. The Stag clan was still small, and displaced from Dunland proper in Tharbad. The Ceann de Wulf, Freoborn, was newly instated himself as well. Thus, through tradition, it only seemed natural for Robert Mac Mathain to take the role of Ard-Righ, and he did so. The man's reign was short as well, lasting little under a year, before he himself disappeared.

The Clans Vie for Power

With Robert MacMathain gone there was once again a rift in power throughout Dunland. The newly appointed Fian-Cadvirdoc, Dominick the Younger, took advantage of the newly vacated seat of Ceann de Bear. He himself, within a short two months, proclaimed himself Ceann with little resistance. Dominick the Younger would not stop there, attempting to further promote the tradition of the Bear Ard-Righ line. However, another Ceann had visions of becoming the Ard-Righ. Freoborn, Ceann de Wulf, also sought support from the populace.

Dunland's History 3009-3011

3009

Civil War: The Younger War

Tensions began to build as the two Ceanni attempted to create their power, which eventually brought on more than simple harsh words or looks. For the first time since the unification of Dunland a Clan feud took place. It started simply, rumoured to be a simple drunken fight, which progressed into weaponry being used to settle the issue. Civil war broke out in Dunland, Wulf and Bear pitting themselves against one another, while Stag remained neutral.

The Battle of Redvyrne Keep

Almost immediately organized warfare began. Two forces met near the border of Caerdh and Redvyrne, the Bear led by Dominick the Younger, and Wulf led by Freoborn. The respective Ceanni marched across the field and entered into a long parlay - many thought the pair would end this peacefully. They were sadly mistaken. Each Ceann returned to their respective warriors and signaled an assault on the other. The battle was short-lived, the Bear warriors driving Wulf back into retreat quickly. As the day dragged on, Wulf was forced to take refuge in the ancient Redvyrne Keep. Elsewhere, there were smaller skirmishes for the next few days, but Freoborn himself called an end to the conflict by surrendering on February 12, 3009.

Dominick the Younger becomes Ard-Righ

In the aftermath of the Younger War there was once again an Ard-Righ. Dominick, at the age of 22, and with no further resistance, took the most coveted position in Dunland. The other Ceanni agreed that Dominick would lead the Dunlendings, and that all Clans would bow their head to his rule. Feelings die hard however, even those that have not been fueled for a long period of time. During the entirety of Dominick the Younger's rule there were hostilities between Bear and Wulf, though the new-found power of the Ard-Righ seemed to stay any bloodshed. Under a tradition that the Dunlendings could not break, Dominick would only serve as Ard-Righ for a short period of time, just over four months. Some say he went mad, claiming to actually be Kiern, while others contend there were more devious actions against the High-King. Whichever the reason, Dominick left Kierkgard Dun, heading into the wilderness without word.

Dunland's First Arcidelle

After the Younger War people looked to something else, something more than politics, something divine. Kiern become the focus of attention, not Ceanni or Fianna bickering for power. The Ceoltoiri gained much support during the months after the civil war, and with support came those that choose to lead the life of a priest. Near mid-March, the Ard-Righ proclaimed to have a vision, one that was sent from Kiern himself. The vision stated that the Dunlending god intended to take a bride, the Arcidelle would be shown to all his people. On March 18 of the year 3009 the priesthood proclaimed the first Arcidelle. Larynn was her name, given the title 'The Dove' because of her purity and devoted strength. She soon became a symbol for peace between the clans, and helped dampen the feelings of aggression still left by the Younger War.

The Plague of the Bear

The summer months of 3009 brought much sorrow to the Dunlending people. The Ard-Righ, Dominick, fled from Dunland proper sometime during the end of May, leaving Dunland without a ruler once again. The Ceanni had little time to ascend to the newly vacated throne, as within a few weeks time a great sickness fell over the land. Many Dunlendings died from June until late September when the plague died with its originator. Rumour had it that the sickness had come somewhere from the north, and was carried by a great animal. The animal was given a shape, that shape was of a bear. The Fian-Cadvirdoc Asher, of the Stag Clan, was given the task to hunt down the beast and destroy it. Leading a small company of trackers, warriors, and even priests, Asher made his way north. The party was gone for two months, and by the time they returned the plague had faded from existence. Fian-Cadvirdoc Asher was proclaimed a hero and his return caused much joy throughout the wounded Dunlending people.

Rohan's Defeat: Emergence of the Lord-Hunter

To the south, Rohan stirred. After a series of failed Dunlending raids, Rohan counterattacked by attempting to send several Rohirrim disguised into Dunland proper in order to cause uprisings and sedition amongst the populous. Their attempts were disastrous. Seeing this, the Rohirrim began to remove its spies, but they were too late. Dunlendings began finding these spies and destroying them, in fact, it is rumoured that some were unfairly accused. When Rohan attempted to move into the Gap of Rohan to assist the fleeing Rohirrim spies, they suffered another loss at the hands of Dunland. This time it was in combat. A Dunlending force led by a man simply known as Tet'Nak rode down the fleeing Rohirrim and defeated them on the field of battle. Rohan's loss was significant as several of their war captains were killed. In Dunland, this resulted in Tet'Nak receiving much praise, and soon after he became known as the Lord-Hunter.

Clan Stag: Asher becomes Ceann

By year's end the leadership of Dunland was faltering even further. Not only was there no Ard-Righ, but the place of Bear Ceann was vacant as well. The leadership structure was about to change once more. Donovan, Ceann de Stag, proclaimed his departure from his long held seat. The Stag Clan was growing in power, its ties to the past and its previous minor role in Dunlending society forgotten. The renowned hero Asher, former Fian-Cadvirdoc under Donovan, took control in his stead. When the year ended, Donovan and his wife, Searonett, had long vanished to live in secrecy. Asher was Ceann, and clan Stag had made a name for itself as a force to be dealt with.

3010

Rebellion of the Arrow

The change of the year brought new proclamations from Dunland's spiritual leader, Arcidelle Larynn. With no Ard-Righ, Larynn had control of the newly formed nation. This was protested by many, not trusting any other besides Ard-Righ or Ceanni to lead, and the peasant folk began to revolt. Secretly small groups began to band together, and soon consolidated their forces to protest this new rule. Bloody battles began to occur, Dunlendings dying, both rebels and legitimate forces. The end was marked with the Battle of Forthunn. Two nobles destroyed the last remaining rebels, Argyle MacDuff and Draig MacWulf Mor, from Stag and Wulf clans respectively. All was not well, however, as in Kierkgard Dun the Arcidelle was found murdered. Alongside her dead body was the noted leader of the rebellion Wulfhere, whom seemed to have fallen to a self-inflicted wound.

Beware the Iron Gates!

Dunland's recent past, rebellion, disease, and lack of leadership could have all attributed to it. The Thieves Quarter, as it was called, had been in Kierkgard Dun for decades, but it was considered only a place where the poor and rabble of society made their home. Surely, never had it been considered a 'force'. Yet, around this time, it became just that. It began to rain terror upon the populace of Kierkgard Dun, and Dunland. This shown by the assassination of Ceann Asher's trusted Fian, Wallace. A man of ill temper, and questionable practices, he was killed along the roadside leading to Kierkgard Dun. A letter, attached with a dagger to the man's chest, read, 'Beware the Iron Gates.' There began the legend and rumour of the darkest place within all of Dunland.

3011

The Witch-Hunt

The rise of the Thieves Quarter brought many Dunlendings to new heights of suspicion. Foreigners and other outcasts were treated harshly at this time, and many were falsely accused. One such figure was called Caermin, self-proclaimed Dunlending, living under the confines of Isengard. Many did not receive him kindly, but others accepted the man. It did not take long for the man to raise the ire of the person known as Tet'Nak, however. It was rumoured that there was a bounty placed upon Caermin's head, as Tet'Nak was known as a man of low morals, but vested interest in Dunland's future. Over the early months of 3011, Tet'Nak sought out Caermin, and on February 8th Caermin was beheaded by the bounty hunter. The Lord-Hunter, Tet'Nak, returned to Dunland. Upon his arrival, he was given a hero's welcome by his Clan, Clan Stag, and particularly Fian Giric dan Marsanta, an up and coming noble under Ceann Asher.

Isengard's Alliance

Rohan, in the south, became active again. Patrolling the Gap of Rohan often, the Dunlendings sought to destroy the Rohan incursion into the disputed territory. The Dunlendings, seriously outmatched in training and armaments, lost several decisive battles. The time came for an alliance however, one with neighbouring Isengard, which was populated by many people of Dunlending stock. This alliance was procured by an unlikely person - the gravedigger of Kierkgard Dun, a man known as Vardaen, brought metal weapons and armour for the Dunlendings to use. This led to the Dunlendings being able to push the patrols back into Rohan, and the previously outmatched Dunlendings subsequently won several other battles.

Dunland's History 3011-3022

A Time of Change

Following the Younger War many felt Dunland would return to the relative peace it had known since the unification. A High King now sat upon the throne, and leadership seemed stable throughout the clans. Yet in less than a year every major leader in Dunland would be replaced.

First to be replaced was Freoborn of the Wulf. Never able to recover from the shame of his defeat at the hands of Dominick, the Wulf Chieftain went into self-imposed exile. His replacement was a hunter named Praxis. The news of Freoborn's disappearance was still fresh on everyone's mind when another leader vacated his position. Dominick the Younger felt constrained by the position of High King and longed for the days of his youth in Caerdh; amidst rumors of madness the High King departed Kierkgard late one evening and was never seen again. Robert Mathain would claim the position of Bear Chieftain in Dominick's absence, but first the throne would remain empty for almost a year. Stag Chieftain Asher Solace chose to step down as Chieftain and dedicate his life to the priesthood. A young smith named Giric Marasanta replaced him as leader of the Stag.

Kierkgard Under Siege

As the new Chieftains were settling into their positions, tragedy struck. While Praxis and Robert Mathain discussed ways to heal the hurts caused by the Younger War, a force of Orcs descended upon Caerdh. The sheer number of the horde was beyond anything in recent history, and after tearing through Caerdh the Orcs set siege to the Holy City itself, trapping the Wulf and Bear inside. Giric and the Stag militia, accompanied by a large band of dwarven warriors, eventually relieved the siege. The orcs, caught between the forces of Wulf, Bear, Stag and Dwarf, were dealt with without mercy.

Madness and Heresy

The throne of Dunland remained empty, but many saw a new High King in Giric. Giric had no desire for the throne, but the pressure from the clans was great and he agreed to take the position after much persuasion. The Fall Festival was set as the date of his coronation. However, at the festival a figure believed to be Kiern himself descended upon Dunland and named an unknown Bear, Sivern Cambuel, as High King. Giric was the first to pledge support to the new King.

After Sivern's coronation a rise of heretics in Laeg would keep the Stag busy for sometime. The fighting would eventually result in the destruction of the Stag stronghold of Fort MacDuff and the death of several nobles. When the fighting finally ended, Giric had learned the name of the heretic leader, a Stag noble named Tet'Nak. Giric confronted Tet'Nak outside the walls of Kierkgard Dun, and through treachery Tet'Nak managed to slay the Stag Chieftain. The Stag responded immediately. Giric's replacement, Aphron Shamrick, exiled Tet'Nak from the Stag and pt a price upon his head. Tet'Nak sought and received protection from Praxis and the Wulf.

Angry over the Wulf harboring Tet'Nak, war was declared between Stag and Wulf. Only the intervention of the Bear kept the two clans from destroying each other. Robert Mathain was named as the man to investigate the claims of heresy and murder levied against Tet'Nak. In his investigation he learned a darker truth, that the High King Sivern had gone completely mad. The Champion Nireryn had hid the King away and ruled in Sivern's name. Rather than face the punishment for these crimes, Nireryn took his own life.

With Nireryn dead and Sivern's madness revealed, Robert Mathain once again took up the position of High King. His proved to be a short reign, however. Finding Tet'Nak innocent of the charges of murder and heresy, Mathain named Tet'Nak Champion of Dunland - yet Giric was a folk hero, and Dunland would not let his killer go unpunished. Incited by Aphron, the people of Kierkgard rose up against Tet'Nak and Mathain. The resulting riots would see Kierkgard destroyed, Tet'Nak dead and Mathain forever gone from Dunland.

New King and Priestess

Jearak Baerknaught was to take Robert Mathain's place as Bear Chieftain. In a bold move, Aphron and a female Wulf Noble named Kaile stormed Kierkgard Dun, removing any they believed loyal to Mathain or Tet'Nak. Afterwards the two claimed the titles of High King and High Priestess.

Dunland's History 3023-3026

3023

Spring

A coalition of the clans led by Vardaen (the Boar leader and servant of Saruman, recently proclaimed Kiern's Champion by the Ard-Ceile Kaile) confronted the Ard-Righ Arphon, who was found to have been embezzling Temple gold. After Arphon's death Vardaen claimed the empty throne, an unpopular move. After an attack on Vardaen, the Ard-Ceile called for a council of Ceanni. Vardaen's claim to the throne was not supported by any of the clans, and in the end the position of Ard-Righ was left vacant until a more acceptable claimant could be found.

Summer

Bandits raided the town of Forthunn, leaving destruction in their wake. The Stag Ceann Racilion and the Bear Ceann Diarmait marched north with their forces towards Tharbad, along with a contingent from Wulf. The bandits were eventually driven from Tharbad by a combined force from all three clans. Yet the victory was a bitter one, for only days later the Bear Ceann Diarmait was assassinated by one of his own Laochi; the Stag Ceann Racilion also suffered injury. Even with the threat from Tharbad was removed, the roads were not safe, for on several occasions those that some call goblin and others orc harried travellers on the road.

Autumn

The Wulf Fian Searlas, whose father was from Bear and mother from Wulf, proclaimed himself Ceann de Bear. The powerful Macmathain family opposed him, and for several months there was civil war in Caerdh. Eventually Searlas was victorious. At this time also the Champion Vardaen's loyal men left Dunland, heading east to some unknown destination.

3024

Spring

The Stag Ceann Racilion died early in the year of a festering wound - an event all the more tragic for the fact that the wound was self-inflicted, an accident with his knife they say. The Fian Traek became Ceann de Stag in his stead. A series of Orcish raids in Caerdh forced the squabbling clans to rally. After a couple of months of skirmishing the Morians were driven back; the Stag returned to Forthunn, while the Bear and Wulf withdrew southwards as a single unit, through Caerdh. An incident between the Wulf Coyrlagh Rhyessa and the Bear Laoch Anatha, during which the man was injured in a rather sensitive place, led to rising tension between Bear and Wulf, but this tension stopped short of civil war, when it became apparent that Anatha was clearly deranged. The Bear Laoch was later killed by the Wulf hunter, Landrus, in self-defense.

Summer

Summer saw much rebuilding in Kierkgard: the Bear Fian Kedrik announced his intent to build a new tavern in the city, to replace the Leaping Stag which had burned down two years previous, and soon afterwards word went about that the Bear were building a new keep within Kierkgard - the priesthood having repealed their ban on clan keeps within the Holy City. Some months later, the other clans followed suit.

Autumn

The Ard-Ceile Kaile returned after a mysterious absence, but almost immediately seemed to go into seclusion in the Temple. Another newcomer to Dunland at this time was the mercenary Racollum, brother of the Bear Fian Kedrik. The Stag Chief Traek began to move his troops to his borders between the Bear clan, pressuring the Bear Chief Searlas with threats of invasion.

Winter

Near to year's end, the Bear Ceann Searlas arranged a meeting of the Ceanni and called upon the clans to elect him as Ard-Righ. He had the backing of the Wulf Coyrlagh Rhyessa, acting head of her clan in her Ceann's absence, and of the church. Stag alone dissented, with the Stag Ceann Traek storming from the hall after Searlas threatened to attack the relatively unprotected Stag town of Forthunn if Traek did not withdraw his troops from the Caerdh border. When a contingent of Dierthairi (priesthood warriors) tried to stop him, Traek struck them down before fleeing Kierkgard. The Stag Fian Corran declared himself 'Protector of Forthunn' and Traek a madman, placed Forthunn under temporary martial law and returned to Kierkgard to form an alliance with Searlas. Four days later, Searlas was married to the Wulf healer Korrina and crowned as Ard-Righ in a single ceremony. As part of the process, Searlas chose to leave his old clan and passed the Bear Ceannship to Kedrik.

3025

Spring

The Maister Deirthair Asher proclaimed Traek a heretic, banished him from Kierkgard, and sent out a force to bring the fugitive to justice. Northward the trail led, to the ruined city of Tharbad. Yet when the combined forces of Asher and the Stag Fian Corran arrived, they found not only Traek but the Ard-Ceile Kaile. After heated discussion Kaile, revealed as bandit queen and proclaimed the 'False Dove' attacked Asher, who struck her down swiftly and coldly. Meanwhile the Stag contingent fought amongst themselves, and Traek and Corran met in single combat. Traek was defeated, yet allowed to live, stripped of his title. Later Traek and Asher met in Forthunn, and Traek agreed to come to Kierkgard to stand trial.

In Kierkgard, the Bear Ceann Kedrik challenged Searlas and the two fought. Both were badly wounded, Kedrik's leg shattered and Searlas with a broken collarbone. Kedrik was the victor, but pledged his loyalty to Searlas. Yet only a fortnight later, Searlas was dead, apparently of his wounds.

A series of murders took place that shocked Kierkgard. The victims were all tavern wenches or women known to trade their favours, the murderer marking his prey with a five-pointed star. The clans imposed curfews on their womanfolk, but to little avail. Only when the Wulf Coyrlagh Rhyessa herself was attacked and badly beaten, yet managed to drive off her assailant, did the identity of the killer become known. When the murderer returned to finish off his victim he was revealed as a rogue Bear Fian, Rourshach. The villain was captured and later executed - some say with Corran's own dagger, symbolic revenge, as Corran's own love Illyra was among the women killed.

At last Traek the Heretic was brought to trial. However, proceedings were interrupted by the Bear Ceann Kedrik, who accused the priesthood of corruption and demanded that it be purified of Kaile's influences, calling on his brother Racollum and a contingent of Laochi as backup. After a heated discussion, mired by threats and counterthreats, the Maistir Caidith Bran gave into the demands, agreeing that the absent Asher would cleanse the temple of past sins and order a new trial. Until such time, Traek was to be held at the Hall of Ceanni, guarded by members of each clan: Stag, Wulf, Bear and Kiern.

This period also saw two new Ceanns rise to power: Corran proclaimed himself Ceann de Stag, while Kedrik relinquished the Bear Ceannship to his brother Racollum, citing his injured leg as the reason. Racollum forced the Bear Fianna to support him, executing two dissenters, and brought in mercenaries from the north to bolster Caerdh's Laochi; he also ordered the building of several outposts along the edge of the Misty Mountains.

More sinister, though none yet realized it, was the beginning of the cult of the Hill Father, at its head the enigmatic Wulf hunter turned preacher Terren. He denounced Kierkgard for its wickedness, and called on the people to repent.

Summer

The Hill Father cult continued to grow, spreading their message that all are equal in the Father's sight, and those who stand between the people and their Father should be punished. An initial flare-up between Path Brotherhood, as the cultists became known, and Priesthood left the Hall of the Ceanni in ashes and the ex-Stag Ceann Traek, still held prisoner there after all these months, vanished.

In yet another surprise shift of power, Racollum handed the Bear Ceannship back to Kedrik, though remaining as Fian-Cadviroc (General). Only a few months later, Racollum was killed by the leader of the Path Brothers, Terren, after an argument.

The Wulf, meanwhile, spent the summer skirmishing against the Rohirrim. In one of these skirmishes several Dunlendings were taken prisoner by the Forgoil, though Dunland's valiant fighters seized some hostages in return. Eventually there was an exchange of prisoners, and the captive Dunlendings, who included the Ard-Righ's widow Korrina, were released.

Autumn/Winter

The annual autumn festival highlighted the conflict between old and new. By week's end the clashes between Priesthood and Path Brothers turned to violence. A mob seethed forward to burn the Temple, and many of the priests perished within it; the conflagration raged out of control and destroyed the whole city of Kierkgard.

3026

Spring

A sudden increase in Orcish raids along Dunland's borders led to a plea for help from the beleaguered Hawk clan. Forces from all the clans have mustered at Mathain Keep to attack the hated intruders, and eventually the Orcs were driven back, but at great cost. The Chieftain of Stag Corran, General of Crebain Seigmund and young leader of the Watch Raconal were among those slain. Dunland's misfortune continued, for a fatal sickness began to spread amongst the wounded, the fever known as the Grinning Death. Whether it was some devilry of the Orcs, or a sign of Kiern's wrath none knew, but as the clans' warriors returned to their keeps, the sickness spread to all parts of Dunland save Redvyrne (the Chieftain of Wulf had closed his borders). Mathain Keep was one of the worst hit places. Eventually the plague burned itself out, while the healers found new ways to treat the symptoms and increase victims' chances of survival.

Summer

Both Bear and Stag chose new leaders. In Caerdh, noble Banedil Alden publicly proclaimed himself Chieftain of Bear - but the smith Stilicon later challenged the claim. A regent was appointed until the two men could vie for the Chieftainship in unarmed combat. In the end, the fight was won by Stilicon but he chose to declare Banedil the new Chieftain. In Laeg, events were rather less dramatic: Broc Ironcrow was selected by the Stag nobles as their new Chieftain, in a 35 to 32 victory over the other candidate, Corriana Greggor. The line of Crebain chief Raub Ceallach was assured when his lady, the Wulf healer Korrina, gave birth to twins.

Autumn

Trouble started brewing in central Dunland when the mason Barseg, acting on behalf of Iolair Keep, made a public speech in Kierkgard hinting that the Great Clans had abandoned the place and offering to rebuild elsewhere for those who gave their support to Iolair. Naturally this brought the wrath of Stag and Wulf (though oddly not Bear) down on his head. Iolair found itself beseiged, with Stag roadblocks to the north and a Wulf encampment to the south; after a couple of weeks an agreement with the Stag was reached. However the Wulf encampment remained and later, after Iolair's chief troublemaker had placed himself in their hands, the Wulf annexed the Keep for their own, setting the smith Sigmar Wallace up as 'Regent Lord of Iolair'. Attacks on the Bear smith Stilicon and the Wulf advisor Rhyessa were rumoured to be linked, and the matter was investigated by their respective clans, though the attacker's identity never came to light. Another Orcish incursion in the north was repelled, this time by the Guardians, a religious sect. The autumn festival provided a welcome respite from the growing tension, with the bardic circle being of especial note.

Winter

At the end of November the annual Council of Clans was held, with the Iolair issue once again provoking dissent - the Stag Chieftain stormed out, while general mistrust between Bear and Wulf prevented any agreement being reached. At this point the Stag Chieftain, Broc Ironcrow, applied his own rather brutal solution to the Iolair problem, marching on the place with 500 men bearing torches and tar-barrels. By night's end Sigmar Wallace was dead and Iolair's east range in flames. After a couple of tense weeks, the Stag withdrew to Laeg and by month's end it seemed that they and Wulf had reached some agreement. A much happier occasion was the marriage of Bear Chieftain Banedil Alden-Guyger to Corona, formerly of the Wulf. The ceremony was a quiet one, performed by their friend the Stag bard Elrabin.

Dunland's History 3027-3030

3027

Spring

The year started quietly, with no sign of hostilities between Stag and Wulf. As the weather warmed up, Wulf resumed rebuilding of the quarter within Kierkgard that they considered theirs. The former master mason of Iolair, Barseg, was quietly released from Wulf custody in mid-February. At the end of March the Guardians, a religious sect headed by the ex-Stag Cortheon Jarrett, declared themselves 'the law' in Kierkgard - this statement met with no protest. The early months of 3027 also saw an unusual number of foreigners in Dunland, the most notable being the Gondorian woman Aearwen who eventually joined the Hawk as a healer.

Rumour had it that during the rebuilding of Kierkgard Wulf's ring, a silver ring said to bring its owner luck, had been found. Was this the ring that the young thief Cecilia tried and failed to sell in the market? The one that the Bear Chieftain's wife Corona lost in Creatrach? The one that by a set of mysterious and rather convoluted circumstances found its way for a second time into the hands of the Wulf bard Aylean, and was returned by her to the Wulf advisor Rhyessa for safekeeping? Perhaps.

A chance meeting in Forthunn between the Hawk leader I'racil and the Stag Chieftain Broc yielded some surprising results - the Hawk clan, heretofore a subclan of Bear, would now join the Stag, and I'racil was gifted with the title of 'Noble of Stag', while Broc in turn became a 'Noble of Hawk'. This news was ill-received by the Bear, who began mustering their army despite rumours of unrest within Caerdh.

Early on a mid-June morning, the Stag Chieftain Broc Ironcrow was found dead in a pool of his own blood - his throat had apparently been slit while he slept. There was no indication of the perpetrator, for many folk had been in Forthunn at the time: the Hawk caravan that included I'racil, Aearwen, the Wulf bard Aylean and until recently the clanless mason Barseg; the Bear Chieftain and his wife, who had made a precipitous departure on the very night of the murder; some even whisper that the Wulf Chieftain had been seen moving north ...

Summer

Battle of the Pass

The bloodshed that seemed inevitable after Hawk's switch of allegiance finally occurred - the Hawk caravan returning to Mathain Keep found their way blocked by Stag and Bear armies at a standoff. The impasse was broken when a single arrow flew from the darkness to embed itself in a Hawk warrior's throat, and a bloody battle ensued. The carnage came to an end when one man, the Stag bard Elrabin, dared to step between the blades of I'racil and Banedil and push them aside, and begged his old friends to cease their hostilities. Eventually it was agreed that the two sides would meet on neutral ground to discuss terms of peace.

The Path of Blood

High summer saw the arrival of a band of strangers in Dunland, led by the exiled preacher Terren. His message, to turn blades and faces southward on a Path of Blood, a long-promised war of revenge against the forgoil to reclaim the Stolen Lands from the Riders, captured the hearts of many including the Bear Chieftain Banedil and acting Stag leader Cortheon. They, together with the Hawk leader I'racil and many common Dunlending men and women, marched south under Terren's banner, after arranging for a mixed force of Bear, Stag and Hawk to fortify Mathain against any possible attacks. The army halted briefly at Iolair Keep, and obtained the consent of the Wulf Chieftain Praxis to march through his lands - after this many Wulf also joined the cause.

At the end of August the followers of the Path had their first confrontation on Forgoil soil, when a band of Forgoil archers harried the Dunlendings as they marched. Many Forgoil arrows found their mark, yet in the end the stubborn determination of Terren, who marched on despite an arrow in his leg, and the perseverance of the Wulf hunter Devlan, whom Terren christened 'True-Eye' after he had struck the Forgoil leader with three successive shots, foiled alas by the man's mailcoat, won through. The Dunlendings pushed on into Rohan following the Path that Terren had now watered with his own blood. Several weeks of raiding ensued - farms burned, men and women killed or injured on both sides - but after Terren and his companions obtained horses and rode east alone, leaving no word for the rest of the army, the Dunlendings' impetus failed. The Chieftains and their followers withdrew, taking with them livestock, goods and even a few Forgoil captives, whose fate must surely have been a harsh one.

Autumn

A group of Beorning travellers passed through Dunland, and discovered that their welcome was less than warm - for many of them were blonde. Indeed the Stag hunter Karsten kidnapped one of the Beorning women, claiming he'd traded for her. Fortunately the difficulties were smoothed out, the captive returned to her people, Beorning honey traded and the Beornings hurried southwards beyond Dunland's borders.

3028

Winter

Despite the onset of winter, a number of Dunlendings (among them the Chieftain of Wulf!) chose to head up to Bree to trade. For some the trade was more successful than others - cloth and furs were sold easily enough, but those trying to persuade the Breefolk to buy weapons had rather more difficulty. The Dunlendings spent a couple of months in Bree, precipitating several minor incidents but no major ones, before returning to their homeland.

Spring

With the Stag clan still leaderless, two from opposing factions chose to make bids: the Guardian's Herald Cortheon Jarrett and the noble Corriana Greggor. The two engaged in a public debate that ended in deadlock, the end result being that neither claimant took the position of Chieftain.

Spring/Summer

This year saw the onset of two further building projects overseen by the mason Barseg - a monument commissioned by Wulf to replace the temple, and a lodging-house built by the Bear clan. The site of the latter at the Gate of the old Temple raised a few eyebrows, but the building was completed without any opposition. Work on the Wulf project halted briefly when discovery of some old bones and several unlucky incidents prompted fears of a curse, but over time these fears calmed and work restarted ... perhaps Kiern did indeed answer the workers' prayers?

Summer

Early summer saw folk from all clans gathering in Crebain Keep, with the hope of assailing the Forgoil. Alas that was not to be ... the Crebain leader Korrina was reluctant to start war, and the lack of action caused the more hot-headed to seek other targets. Some injudicious name-calling saw the Bear smith Stilicon banned from the Keep; the rest of his clan withdrew soon after.

In high summer, Crebain saw its first stranger - a tall, dark-haired man or seeming man, radiant of features and uncannily fair. Some believed the stranger to be Kiern incarnate; others feared that he was a demon and favoured welcoming him with the sword; however in the end wisdom prevailed and he was allowed to pass. Was this the same stranger seen later with a companion and attacked by Stilicon and his sister Thelia? The same stranger that caused the Stag hunter Karsten to collapse with a mere glance? Perhaps.

In September a new threat assailed Crebain lands - Orcs. The creatures first made their presence known when they attacked a scouting party: the newly-promoted Crebain Marshall Devlan was taken captive and none of the rest of the party escaped uninjured. Devlan was later rescued by a group led by the Wulf bard Aylean and the Guardian Cortheon, and weeks of skirmishing followed before the Orcs eventually left, a couple of minor defeats perhaps prompting them to seek easier prey elsewhere. In the Forgoil lands, those of Dunland sincerely hope ...

Autumn

While the Wulf were engaged in fighting Orcs in the south, a raid on Redvyrne farms took place. The raiders were never named, but it was no secret in Creatrach that just after the raids the Bear smith Stilicon was temporarily keeping sheep in his smithy, while the mercenary Marja had a quantity of grain to sell.

Perhaps this may have contributed to the tension at the Council of Clans. The meeting started well, but things began to deteriorate when the Bear refused to acknowledge Wulf's ownership of Iolair, and the Council ended with Stag and Wulf forming a new alliance, leaving Bear both isolated and angered. By year's end Bear had closed its borders and recalled all clan members to Caerdh - fears of conflict were high.

Autumn

A new Stag Chieftain was chosen by the clan at the Autumn festival - the merchant Phelan Usheen. He was backed by Cortheon Jarrett and was unanimously elected to the post, for the other contender Corriana Greggor was mysteriously absent. Phelan's first act as Chieftain was to leave Kierkgard to search for Corriana; clearly the absence of his rival concerned him.

3029

Winter/Spring

The reason for the disappearance of Corriana Greggor, the unsuccessful candidate for the Stag Chieftainship, was discovered - both the woman and her guards had been brutally murdered. The only evidence, rumour said, was a dagger hilted with red leather and stamped with the Bear mark. Not long after, Wulf horse-herders were also found murdered and their beasts stolen, and later there was a raid on a farm near the Old Village. Bear's leaders were informed, but denied any involvement in the killings, a claim seemingly accepted as truth by the other clans. Although all three clans sent parties to investigate the source of the raids and murders, no perpetrator was ever found.

Winter/Spring

After the controversial Council of Clans in 3028, Bear shut its borders to all outsiders, save for official messengers under escort. The Bear militia was raised, and the winter spent in training men and patrolling the borders. Wulf too increased its patrols at the Caerdh border in response to the recent raids - some whisper that although Bear's border was officially closed, there was unofficial exchange of information between the two groups. Eventually Wulf-held Iolair was reopened to Bear travellers; soon afterwards the leaders of both clans came to an agreement regarding ownership of the Keep that satisfied both parties.

Relations between Wulf and Stag, meanwhile, were far more pleasant, and representatives of the two clans negotiated various trade deals and agreements regarding manpower.

Spring

Politics were set aside when news leaked that an Orcish army was marching on Mathain, the Hawk Keep. Stag mustered their army and the Chieftain Phelan himself fought alongside the renowned Watch commander Cortheon, Wulf sent troops under the leadership of the Marshall Devlan and the healer and Lady Crebain Korrina, and even Bear were represented - a contingent of militia led by the stonemason Barseg lent their aid to hold the borders. Several battles ensued, with Dunlendings winning some skirmishes, but losing others; eventually the Orc horde, foiled so they say by the smooth walls of Mathain, turned tail and fled. A few speculated that the filthy beasts might have started fighting amongst themselves - for most, it was enough that they were gone and life could return to normal.

Spring

In a shock move the Stag Chieftain Phelan, fresh from his victory over the Orcs, made peace with his adversary Banedil in what was thought to be a very lucrative agreement for Bear. Mathain would be returned to Bear ownership, and with it the Hawk subclan, who would hold the Keep in trust for Bear as they had done in the past. Those Hawk who would prefer to continue as a subclan of Stag would be given lands of their own on the Caerdh-Laeg border and unimpeded access to Mathain at all times. Stag would continue to maintain their own garrison at Mathain to assist in repelling Orcs.

Summer

Some wondered if Phelan's generous dealings with Banedil showed the man to be a little unhinged. Alas their fears were to be confirmed, for in high summer the Stag Chieftain disappeared - on a quest, so they say, for an Eagle, for several reliable witnesses had seen those mighty birds swooping down on Dunland's flocks. He was never seen again.

The Stag Watch Commander Cortheon organized a group to go in search of their missing Chieftain, and spent some time scouring Dunland's northlands for clues. Eventually the searchers returned with news that they had found Phelan's body, a grievous blow to many in the clan. Phelan left behind his woman, Ajia, who was already heavy with child, and his brother Bryan, a quiet man best known for his smithwork. Summer/autumn: A final journey

A trio of Hawk led by the long-absent Shaneon arrived at Mathain, bearing a body identified as that of I'racil, the former leader of the proud and primitive Hawk clan. While his own people mourned their loss, some among the Bear perhaps rejoiced in the death of a so-called `traitor'. However, the Hawk were given permission to bury the body of their fallen leader in their ancestral home if they so wished.

Summer/Autumn

Banedil lost no time in securing Bear's claim on Mathain, sending first the smith Stilicon and his sister Thelia as envoys, then later the mason Barseg, who led a contingent of militia north and claimed the post of Bear's garrison commander. In an exercise reputedly designed to foster cooperation between the clans Barseg led a mixed group that included not only Bear, Stag and Hawk but also the Wulf Marshall Devlan northwards on a long-range patrol. The party returned with two members Orc-scathed, but brought back the news that they had found ruins, ruins that might have long-term potential ...

Autumn/winter

Harvest-time came and went, and with so many Dunlendings north on various errands, Kierkgard was unwontedly quiet. However, when the absentees returned and a Clan Council was announced, local traders seized the opportunity for a full Festival - in honour of Midwinter. The festival was opened beneath Freca's proud effigy with the kindling of flame to be carried back to every hearth, and a fortnight of song and story, eating and drinking, contests and times of quiet reflection followed.

3030

Not yet written ...