Dark Sorcery Month!

Dhe nathlof hi / Greetings Ring-bearers,

Dol Guldur, the Hill of Dark Sorcery, was established by Sauron upon his return to Middle-earth and stood for thousands of years. Built upon ancestral Silvan lands, the surrounding area became inhabited by shadow and darkness. This area was called Mirkwood in the language of Men. Sauron utilized Dol Guldur as a stronghold during his time as The Necromancer.

Sauron gathered his strength and his forces of all sorts including Nazgûl and Easterlings in Dol Guldur during which numerous assaults were carried out in the surrounding areas and territories. It wasn’t until an assault led by Galadriel herself finally tore down the fortress of shadow and erased its presence from the land.

From a gameplay perspective, the Dol Guldur serve Sauron as soldiers for his captains, the Nazgûl. The fanatical Dol Guldur imbues their attacks with their own lifes’ essence, sacrificing Health for increased Damage and effects with their abilities. This faction is led specifically by The Black Beast, a heavily armored Nazgûl juggernaut who is not likely to release his hold on his servants even in their deaths. The dark magic that prevents the Dol Guldur from dying further empowers The Black Beast, making for an incredibly destructive squad unlike any other.

“It is said that their lords were men of Númenor who had fallen into dark wickedness; to them the Enemy had given rings of power, and he had devoured them: living ghosts they were become, terrible and evil… Nine Lords there were, and after the return of their Master, which they aided and prepared in secret, they grew strong again. Then the Nine Riders issued forth from the gates of horror, and we could not withstand them. Do not approach their citadel. You will be espied. It is a place of sleepless malice, full of lidless eyes. Do not go that way!” - The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers.

One of the Nine Nazgûl, The Black Beast was once a mortal Man. Though initially gifted with long life, they were corrupted by that same Ring of Power. The Black Beast exists to serve the Dark Lord Sauron, and seek out The One Ring, while leading the Balchoth forces. The Black Beast hides their shapeless form in a black hood and cloak, and strikes terror and dread in the hearts of anyone unfortunate enough to encounter them.

“In the wide lands of Rhovanion, between Mirkwood and the River Running, a fierce people now dwelt, wholly under the shadow of Dol Guldur. Often they made raids through the forest, until the vale of Anduin south of the Gladden was largely deserted. These Balchoth were constantly increased by others of like kind that came in from the east, whereas the people of Calenardhon had dwindled.” - The Return of the King, Appendix A.

The Easterlings were various nations and groups of Men who served and fought for Sauron. One of these groups was the Balchoth, noted in history for attacking the realm of Gondor. The Balchoth were a fierce group who dwelled near Mirkwood and often raided the surrounding areas. During this time, they took their orders from Sauron, in the form of The Necromancer, who no doubt empowered them with his dark power.

We meet Rehka, a bow wielding warrior, along with Charu, a fighter who supports her own. Both have been imbued with the dark power of life drain… a gift from The Necromancer.

Keep an eye out for the character kit articles for The Black Beast, Rehka and Charu, along with their Adventure details, coming soon to The Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earth™!

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