• Billy Goatsfoot (Hobbit thief)
• Raddish Smallfold (Hobbit Ambassador)
• Lochan McAthlor (Northman Ranger)
• Arekhel (Silvan Elf Wanderer)
• Sealvach (Elf Gambler)
• Gwalchmai McGwalhdad (Northman Merc.)
• Relg - "of the Fist" (Easterling Merc.)
• Heladil (Silvan Elf Scout)
• Boldor son of Odri (Dwarf Soldier)
• Froin son of Dain (Dwarf Engineer)
• Valdo MacNeithin (Northman Gaurd-captain)
• Ongas (Easterling Hunter)
• Meraina (Northwoman Rogue)
• Coru (Easterling Merc.)
• Tewo 'Onsul (Dwarven Loremaster)

Billy Goatsfoot Esq. 

[Player:- Steve Randall] 

A Harfoot Hobbit fisherman from the marshlands central to the great River Anduin. Always prone to accidents and bad luck, the grumbling Hobbit has thrown in his former job and after a topsy-turvy time travelling with a musical band, has turned to relieving well-to-do persons of their unwanted clutter. Somewhat despondent at his current fate, Billy is a good-natured soul and will never fail to help out one more unfortunate than himself. Still afraid of his hauntingly bad luck, Billy is a pessimist but hopes that at some point in the near future he will find his ordained career and come to be well respected once more in Hobbit society.  
So far Billy's luck had been ephemeral at best. Finding himself at the center of attention shortly after fleeing the attack on Buhr Criocha, the Hobbit has found out that an old Torc that he came into possession of recently is in fact Dwarven in origin and is highly sort after, apparently by those in league with the Szreldor. After having been shot in the belly accidentally during a scuffle in Buhr Tallanmoor, Billy is becoming more outspoken in his views as events occur.  

Raddish Smallfold. 

[Player:- Fabrizio Smiroldo] 

Originally a Fallohide Hobbit farmer from the fields bordering the Anduin, Raddish is currently ambassador for his people to the northern mannish clans. His mission is to prepare trade links between his people and the Northmen of the land beyond the great forest. His ability with languages, with diplomacy in general and his unusual height (for a Hobbit) all helped in his being chosen and he is very proud to be representing the Hobbits of Rushy-on-the-Wold in this way. Luck however, has neither been on this poor Hobbit's side recently and he has found trouble with the current lord of Buhr Criochâ; Marhdricks. An oppinionated bigot (or Boggit in the Hobbit tongue), Marhdricks has found the ambassador "amusing, if slightly irritating after a while" and has taken to calling the poor hobbit - "my little Joker-friend". Raddish has joined up with the other Hobbit Billy since Buhr Criocha and the two have become fast friends. Forced to flee the village with a motley crew of individuals, Raddish has found events fairly bowling him along and as yet he feels as if his hairy feet haven't quite touched ground for many a day. Still, the intrigue of events surrounding Billy's torc and the rescue of the prisoners from the Szreldor warband are proving exciting enough for the Ambassador and as yet Raddish is happy to follow the group's lead.  

Lochan MacAthlor. 

[Player:- Darren Parkin] 

A young Northman Ranger of 25, Lochan seems experienced beyond his years. Perhaps this is due to having been taught by his reknowned father, - Athlor (a bounty hunter for the Northron Lords). Athlor was the champion of Caen-Laedair (Ar. "Headstrong One") who came to the attention of the other Lords, after he single-handedly tracked and took over a bandit lair that had preyed and then destroyed one of his chief's trade caravans. Given part of the rescued goods as his "gaell" (Ar. "winning-price"), he bought his freedom and became a hunter of others' enemies. Lochan has been taught many useful skills but Athlor, ever a hard man, has now thrown out his son to prove his worth in the eyes of his ageing father or else he will not be welcome under his families roof; Ever is the way of the Northrons. His route has so far taken him to the border settlement of Buhr Criochâ where Lochan has currently been assigned by the Watch-commander - Raigorn, for duty with a band of local militia under Valdo MacNeithin, escorting a deceased merchant to DionaDail (Dale). Why a merchant should get this special treatment is anybodies guess. 
After discovering that the merchant mentioned is very much alive and prisoner of a band of renegade Goblins, Lochan joins in a retaliatory attack that soon forces him to realise that the man he is trying to rescue is none other than the hopeful paramour of his own love, Beriwen, the Watch Commander's daughter. When Beriwen and mother are captured by the Szreldor in the raid, Lochan swears to Raigorn that he will hunt down and return both women to Buhr Criocha and thus he ends up leading the remaining militia men of the village in the chase that has them crossing to the very borders of the Northman realm.  

Arekhel. 

[Player:- Claire Morgan-Davies] 

A Wanderer from some distant Silvan Elf community, Arekhel is an enigma for most, if not all the inhabitants of Buhr Criocha. She has caused quite some gossip since she arrived for her strange looks and downright odd behaviour. A loner who keeps herself to herself and rarely speaks with anyone, the women of the town would die for some rumours concerning her obviously shameful past. Prone to long walks around the environs of the border settlement and occasionally violent mood swings (as noticed by Galgwen - the Tavern-keepers wife), most wonder why she remains here at all rather than joining the Silvan Elf community known to inhabit the great Greenwood to the southwest. The older women of Buhr Criocha are convinced however that Arekhel must be waiting for some important person to arrive, a lover perhaps and each day he does not show must be a torment for her soul. Recently however, she has become more animated with the arrival of a traveling herbalist from Buhr Lusraig suggesting that the Elf must have some secret knowledge of wild plants but all likely avenues of gossip have quickly dried when it was found out that the herbalist was apparently dumb. 
Arekhel is another soul swept up by the events occuring across the region. Being forced to use her skills of healing upon the injured after the Szreldor raid, she considers the northern settlements far to dangerous to stay in and so heads south conveniently protected by the strength of the militia force sent after the escaping Szreldor warband. After strange events upon the trail and within a collapsed tower, the Elven woman has found new fears to assail her and has stayed close to the company as they turned east towards the Iron Hills, home of the Dwarves. Her skills have been sorely tested of late however as enemies have attacked the group from all sides and Arekhel's temper is all but frayed. At times, morose, demanding or surly, she is one woman that most males would prefer to keep well away from. 

Sealvach. 

[Player:- Olivier Decome] 

A travelling gambler known to the locals only by his nickname Sealvach (Ar. "Lucky"). He wears a wide brimmed hat and a headband of rolled red cloth above a leather coat that goes partway to conceal a leaf-headed broadsword that is usually slung across his back. Obviously a man of fair martial skills, Saelvach has caused a mutter of stern comment from Raigorn the Watch-commander but no-one has challenged the mans' prowess, worried that perhaps he is a Duellist and seeks to wager the survival of opponents in challenged combat. So far, most of the militia have left the gambling man alone as his skill at cards seems most uncanny but with his pale visage and good looks he nevertheless causes quite a stir where-ever he goes in the village. Rumours suggest that perhaps he is just here rather early for the summer festival as he also sports a large bow but Sealvach is unconcerned by all the speculation, more intent is he to make money out of the pockets of passing merchants. 
Since being temporarily forced to go along with the company he was in the process of 'fleecing', Sealvach's fortunes have taken many turns. Coming upon one of the dark legacies of Morgoth, a Wraith, in an abandoned tower, Sealvach was the only one able to overcome his fear of the creature and defied it with the name of Elbereth upon his lips. Now whether this singular event has had some knock-on effect to steer thew Gambler's recent course is unknown but in the past few days Sealvach has become quite introspective, turning often to a rare set of Tarot cards that he had acquired when suffering indecision. Coming across the same creature once more in the village of Buhr Tallanmoor and defeating it once again, Sealvach perhaps believes that forces beyond his understanding are stirring around the company and he must choose his actions wisely from now on or great ill could befall. 

Gwalchmai. 

[Player:- Rob Barrett] 

A sellsword from the borderlands near the R. Carnen in the south, Gwalchmai is another of the loners that seem to congregate on the borders of society at certain times of the year, looking for hire. A relatively sad individual who seems too young in experience of life to deal with whatever personal event haunts him. According to the local gossip in Buhr Criocha - Galgwen, he drinks heavily to heal some emotional wound and once or twice has been "overheard" to mention a woman's name - Liiva. Clothing himself in thick furs of bear and wolf-pelt against the harsh north winds, Gwalchmai is perhaps the most Barbarian looking of the outsiders residing in Buhr Criôcha although he is a pleasant enough companion on the road. Joining the militia under Raigorn McGarht, Gwalchmai has come to be with the company heading after the Szreldor, although luck has not been on the warrior's side recently and were it not for the timely aid of the Elven woman Arekhel, Gwalchmai would have some serious wounds to show for it. 
Since that time, Gwalchmai has continued in his chosen roll and played a great part recently in the ambush in Buhr Tallanmoor. Turning the tables on his attackers, Gwalchmai single-handedly took control of the defense of the militia in the street and although unable to aid Froin until too late, saved the lives of at least two or three of the militia men. Something is troubling the young warrior however for his actions show barely controlled fury and strike genuine fear into the hearts of those prisoners captured from the Thug's attack. 

Relg. 

[Player:- Hannes Kleindienst] 

A Gargath warrior from the more southerly regions near the Inland Sea, Relg seems content to follow his personal, somewhat twisted idea of revenge by following the Szreldor warbands that pass north and west round the most easterly extreme of the Iron Hills and murdering them where possible. Known to the Dwarves of Luspardanrod as "The Fist that Strikes Deep" he is little more than a faint rumour to the Northrons of the border country. It is only recently that Relg has had cause to pass so far west in his chase, the furthest either he or his remaining warriors have ever come and it may well prove his last as his band has been reduced to only three by his dogged narrowmindedness. Nevertheless, if he does survive for a bit longer, he may be the only one able to make a guess as to why the three border settlements of the Northmen have been systematically attacked with such effectiveness in the past few weeks. 
In the past few days Relg has played a strong hand in the leadership of the company, with no great surprise. Unable to demand action from those not of his culture however, the Warseeker has had to make do with suggestions, delivered in just the same way as if he was bellowing at raw recruits. In these strange times, he has found an unlikely commonality with the Elven woman Arekhel after she has made strange claims concerning his future. This has troubled the down-to-earth thinking of this Easterling and Relg has had good cause to ponder much that he finds happening around him. Unable to put the pieces together as yet, Relg is nevertheless keen to hunt down the Szreldor and learn more of the enemies plans. 

Heladil. 

[Player:- Juan Ruano] 

A Silvan Elf of high standing, Heladil is unusual in his being away from his beloved forest realm. Few know of his secretive mission in the lands of Men but it must be important enough to warrant his presence for such a length of time in one place. Recently he has been seen during the evenings upon a low hill to the northeast, staring at the heavens and the scattered lights of the firmament and the most superstitious amongst the locals have remarked upon the sudden lack of blackcrows in the village and just three days ago, that fount of local gossip, Galgwen of the Frosty Mug Tavern, claimed that a large white owl was seen flitting amongst the old beams in the stable barn. The locals have been so stirred by these strange and fearful portents of doom and death that a committee went to demand action from the Lord, Marhdricks. Not surprisingly, the man disbelieved all their nonesense and ushered them hurriedly from the council chamber but the locals were still fearful, convinced that the white owl would bring some evil to befall the people of Buhr Criocha. So much were they agitated by the words of one or two village elders afterward however that a mob arrived just last night at the Tavern to destroy the creature but they were horrified to discover that the owl flew from the barn, as they entered, directly into the window of the Elf. The mob was dumbstruck and Galgwen screamed, fainting with fright at the thought of what Heladil's secret mission might have to do with the town. Heladil is meanwhile resting from a leg injury and is presently unconcerned by the commotion he has indirectly caused, unaware perhaps of the superstitions of these simple country people. 
Heladil has kept much to himself since fleeing Buhr Criocha with the others. Some have speculated as to why the tall Elf has chosen even to come with the group but so far he is not speaking. Finding a rare companionship with the singular Sealvach, the two Elves have worked much as a team in persuing the renegade merchant named Megrin. Heladil has unluckily been wounded by a well laid trap in the wilds west of the current village but perhaps he will soon have his opportunity for revenge for his quarry is even now lying, an injured prisoner upon a table in the tavern commonroom. 

Boldor 

[Player:- Chris Weber] 

Boldor is the son of Odri of the house of Durin in the Iron Hills. Short for a Dwarf but tough, and in his case gruff and bad tempered on most days, Boldor has a bad drinking habit which he uses to great effect by deadening the pain inflicted in the many taverns of the northern mannish settlements he frequents. This inebriation must be for a reason but when he is frequently in a mildly dangerous mood, no-one risks prodding him to explain. He perhaps gives a bad impression to the local people of Dwarf-kind but they have to nevertheless admit that when sober, the old Dwarf is friendly to the local children, giving them pigsback rides upon occasion and can be very useful for physical labour; the blacksmith, Lorgran would certainly vouch for this. He appears to have few possessions except for an old Dwarven war mattock but must have small amounts of coinage somewhere as he is hardly ever short for his nightly drinking. Perhaps the other stranger, the Hobbit knows more as the two seemed to find companionship when they shared the village's jail cell a week ago. At this time of year, the biting cold more rapidly sobers the Dwarf than a few hours in jail and it has been noticed by a few that Boldor can be quite intelligent when kept at a distance from the local rot-gut ales. 
Boldor has been recently wondering if Great Mahal has not looked away from him for good, for the grizzled warrior has been more than unlucky since leaving Buhr Criocha. A Goblin was able to break through his defenses to drive a spear into him during the fight in the Watchtower and although he is mostly healed, the shame of the attack is still on his mind. If Froin was able to talk he would know doubt tell Boldor that his single-handed capture of Ranal this night more than makes up for his earlier failure but Boldor is unconvinced. He still aims to prove himself tougher in combat than all others in the company and cannot wait for the final confrontation with the Easterling warband fleeing even now for the borderlands. 

Froin 

[Player:- Antonio Moreno] 

Froin, son of Dain must be a noble Dwarf of some kind from the Iron Hills. and is well respected throughout Buhr Criocha for this reason. An Engineer of many years, he is apparently moving through the most northern mannish settlements to draw up plans for repairing and updating the buildings and outer defenses of each. The Northmen Lords must have made some trade deal with the Dwarves of Luspardanrod for their services and if it means better quality of housing is in the wind, then the local people will go out of their way to make the Dwarf-Lord comfortable. They are slightly surprised however at Froin's lack of interest in his fellow Dwarf, Boldor. There appears no motive for this but who knows what goes on in a Dwarf's mind? At least he seems to spend a fair amount of time with the only other Dwarf currently present in Buhr Criocha, an aged Dwarf named Tewo. 
Since discovering Billy's torc, Froin has become very interested in the item and has correctly deduced that it is ancient and indeed Dwarven in origin. Without the full resources of his people in the Iron Hills or at least the skills of his friend Tewo however, the Engineer can say little more about it. It is certainly an intriguing item that seems highly sought after by Megrin and his secret cohorts. Sadly, Froin has suffered badly from the ambush planned for the company in Buhr Tallanmoor and has suffered a broken jaw. He was lucky to escape the attack with his life! For now, Froin is relaxing as the healing skills of Fabur, the Dwarven Ironsmith residing in the village work their gentle wonders on his damaged bones. 

Valdo MacNeithin 

[Player:- GM] 

Despite some sort of dark past, the current Gaurd-captain - Valdo, seems good at his job and a figure to inspire the younger members of the community of Buhr Criocha. Strictly regimented in his views of right and wrong, Valdo serves well as the right-hand of Raigorn MacGarht and second in command of the local militia. His social standing is high in the community but rumours hint at his lack of enthusiasm for serving the portly Lord Marhdricks though he is first to debase himself before one of superior rank. Currently, Valdo has the attention of the local gossips for his gambling. Known in the village for his skills at dice, the Gaurd-captain has inneviteably run across the man known as Sealvach and has so far lost every game to the outsider. A man of honour but of pride also, the locals are waiting to see how Valdo will react to the winning streak of the other man. Will he challenge the man for suspected cheating? Well, for the present it is an open case as Raigorn has cleverly separated the protagonists by ordering the Gaurd-captain to take some militia-men as an escort to DionaDail ("Dale") accompanying the coffin of a respected merchant who apparently died in the troubles of a nearby settlement. Perhaps Valdo will use the opportunity to think over the danger of challenging Sealvach over the issue or perhaps the other man will take the opportunity to leave town quietly to avoid any confrontation or test of his other unproved skills! 
After successfully leading a patrol of militia men, supported by the company, against a band of Goblins and their Uruk leader holed up in an apparently abandoned watchtower, Valdo has managed to capture the man named Urmahd, wanted in connection with the Szreldor raid on Buhr Criocha and most likely a spy. It was he that by using the cover of a respected merchant, was able to circumvent the normal defenses of the village and let the Easterlings invade. Faced with a difficult choice, Valdo has chosen to return to the village with the prisoner and his confiscated wealth, leaving some of the militia under the leadership of his able-bodied Ranger, Lochan McAthlor to chase the Szreldor. With a swift message to Diona Dail, Valdo has managed to support Lochan's men with a company of soldiers from that town under command of his old friend Dane Harmal. Valdo hopes to turn over Urmahd to the Watch Commander Raigorn before riding with all available men towards Buhr Tallanmoor and the rescue of those people of the village captured in the Szreldor raid. He prays for their sakes that they will not be too late. 

Ongas 

[Player:- Richard Gentile] 
             <To be uploaded soon> 

Meraina 

[Player:- Jim Higgins] 

Another Northwoman traveller from a town so far away to the south that the local people have trouble pronouncing it, Meraina has a noticeable accent when she makes her enquiries of other travellers happening to pause in Buhr Criocha. From what people can gather on the foreigner woman, she appears to be searching for either a man named Amthach or a man named Gavlin, or perhaps they are alternate names for the same individual. Either way, she has had little luck so far but does not seem despondent as she is often seen wandering the streets of the village, smelling the air and smiling to herself. Some would think her a little mad but others have noted her quick and steely gaze and know that little would pass by her notice. She seems amiable enough however and polite so the women of the village have accepted her presence and leave her be. 
Meraina has not fitted in well with the rest of the motley group, keeping her own company at most times and speaking rarely. Certainly in keeping with her apparent character, she has however drawn attention to herself from the others, being viewed as an outsider, possibly with motives that lie contrary to the will of the group. The current talk of trwaitors working within the company has not helped but so far the southern woman has done nothing to spark off those fears. She has however been more concerned with the presence of certain other individuals in Buhr Tallanmoor but for now, she is saying nothing. 
 

Coru. 

[Player:- Martin Matre] 

 
 

Coru is known as "The Hawk" by his Gargath brethren. One of the last remaining warriors of Relg's warband, Coru acts as the eyes and ears of the group and is famed for his skills in tracking across the vast grassy plains of his eastern homelands. Young by Easterling standards, Coru is still highly regarded by his leader and awaits an opportunity to prove himself worthy and as skilled in the arts of warfare as any other. Coru's mother told the young boy from a very early age that one day Kher'Res would return, and he was brought up to believe and be warned of this fact. There had been many pretenders in the past, and most likely there would be more. But she also said this: "When the great warrior Kher'Res returns, you will know that it is him. You will feel a great urge to fight by his side, and you will see in his eyes that he is the true leader of all the Eastern tribes, and unite them against our enemies." This, she said, are the words told by the elders of the Brogath tribe for generations.Coru awaits the glory that might be his, fightingat the side of this fabled leader. He knows that at present his place is beside Relg of the Fist, the man that showed strength and mercy when all others had turned against him. Coru bears a blade taken from the hoard of Brogruhk, Uruk leader of the Goblins of the Twisted Finger.  In the few short days that Coru has been with the group, he has proved his worth as a Scout and even drawn comment from the taciturn Elf Heladil. Coru has supported his leaders actions in all matters and proven a worthy foe in most engagements. Since the ambush in Buhr Tallanmoor however, Coru has been greatly troubled by an unknown assailant who as yet has not been identified. Although not physically attacked himself, Coru nevertheless feals that he has already lost a battle of sorts with this individual and is apprehensive of the mindpower that was brought to bear upon him in the garden so recently. Coru is starting to understand that there are other ways to defeat your enemies, not just by wielding a sword.

 

Tewo 'Onsul. 

[Player:- GM] 

Tewo is a LoreMaster and Teller of Tales. Most often his legends refer to some element involving the legacy of the Northern Khazad, but Tewo is an old and highly knowledgeable individual. According to Froin, he is a pleasant enough chap who delights in nothing more than a pint of Meaded-Ale by a log fire and an apreciative audience, not necessarily Dwarven.