Rhovanion

Rhovanion, or Wilderland, was home to Thranduil's Wood-elves, the Dwarves of the Iron Hills, and various Northmen groups of the mountains, woods and plains. It was a rugged region untamed by any dominant civilization.

The Land

 * Type: Steppeland Plains; Mixed Forests
 * Area: 187.500 square miles.
 * Elevation: average. 930 feet. lowest point. Nindalf (S. "Heron Marshes") 380 feet. highest point. Erebor (S. "Lonely Mountain") 7,182 feet.
 * Climate: average annual preiipilalton: 20-40 inches. mean annual temperature. 45-55°F average low. Ninui-15°F average high. Urui75°F
 * Composition: Sedimentary layers, primarily limestone and chalk, made up most of the Rhovanion plains. In places, folding and erosion had produced downs, long ridges of exposed rock which cut across the prairie. A few sites revealed some igneous activity, particularly Erebor. which was made up of granite and basalt. Few topographic features of note otherwise disturbed the landscape, which undulated in gently rolling hills for mile after mile. If there was any mineralcwealth in the region, the Northmen did not exploit it. contented to import their metals from the Dwarves, the Dunedain, and the Men of the East.
 * Notes: The name Rhovanion usually referred to the entire region bordered by the Hithaeglir, the Ered Mithrin, the Anduin, the Ered Lithui, and the Sea of Rhun, encompassing Mirkwood and the Anduin Vales.Tall grasses predominated south of Mirkwood. while shorter ones were more common farther north. Some small copses of elm and maple grew where there was shelter from the winds, which exceeded 40 mph on a regular basis.

Rhovanion in TA 1650
Aivathiuda divided among six tribes, Gramas among four; land held by family groups.
 * Political Organization: Martial Lordship.
 * Rulers: Mahrcared, Reik of the Aivathiuda; Atagavia, Reik of the Waldandungs, Uirdiks, Reik of the Withras.
 * Administrative Organization: Clan-based, leaders usually hereditary, but sometimes elected by male warriors,
 * Population: 8,000 Aivathiuda, 3,000 Gramas.
 * Military: 800 Aivathiuda Cavalry.1.200 Aivathiudan Levy Cavalry.75 Grama Warriors.150 Grama Levy Warriors.
 * Products: Cram, horses, mercenaries.
 * Symbol: Aivathiuda: White Horse on a Green Field.Grama:A Golden Sheaf of Grain on an Amber Field.

The Northmen who inhabited the plains of Rhovanion east of Mirkwood formed two distinct groups.The seminomadic Aivathiuda were by far the largest, but their primitive existence followed their herds of horses and cattle diminished their stature in the eyes of the Gondorians and the more urban Northmen from Dale and Esgaroth. The Grama had adopted a more settled agricultural life, tilling their fields in Mirkwood's eastern Bight with crude implements. A collection of small towns and villages formed the core of Grama society, and regular trade had grown between the communities and with Gondor. The Aivathiuda, on the other hand, remained suspicious of outsiders, and their culture was still very much a warrior society. The Aivathiuda traded only with their Grama kinsfolk, for their differing lifestyles had not yet disturbed the bonds of kinship and common heritage. Gondor eagerly maintained ties with these Northmen for the sake of her cavalry. The horses raised on the Rhovanian plains surpassed any native to Middle-earth. Furthermore, Aivathiudan auxiliaries had won several key victories in the wars for Gondor's borders. The Grama acted as intermediaries in this exchange, and all parties involved benefited to their satisfaction. The Grama produced grain, but their methods were still too crude to produce an exportable surplus. Instead, they relied upon the bounty of their herds for goods to exchange with Gondor and Esgaroth, and to a lesser extent the Men of Dorwinion and the primitive folk who lived within Mirkwood. The Northmen regarded the forest with fear and awe. the home of the baneful magics of Elves and the Necromancer. To their horror, the wood appeared to be growing, engulfing several villages since the Great Plague. Trade with the South had brought many innovations to the Northmen. Steel items now complemented the ironones forged by Northman smiths. Improved agricultural techniques increase the Grama's yield each year, and the Thanes hoped to export grain to a hungry Gondorian nation within a decade. The sudden advancement had left both Grama and aivathiuda in shock. Their isolated and primitive existence was suddenly interrupted by pressures to trade on an international market. The Aivathiuda found their warlike attitudes obsolete among the merchants of distant lands, so they kept their distance from outsiders, occasionally offering to strike against the tribes of wandering Easterlings who had recently begun to move into Rhovanion in force. The Plague wrought untold devastation among the Northmen, who were first to receive its wrath. Many earlier advances made with the help of Gondor were lost, and contact with the Dúnedain diminished. The Northmen remained a loose collection of tribes, more loyal to their kinsfolk than to any broader concept of nationhood.Only once before had a man succeeded in uniting the scattered tribes. Four hundred years before the Plague, a Reik of the Waldandungs named Vidugavia united the Northmen in an alliance to aid Gondor defeat an army of Easterlings. His government, however, was based solely on his personal charisma, and his descendants failed to hold his coalition together. In T. A. 1640, the Waldungs were still the most powerful tribe, and each Thane hoped one day to reproduce the success of Vidugavia. Most of the Grama tribes owed allegiance to the Waldungs, which they confirmed each year with the offering of gifts of tribute and friendship. The Aivathiuda kept their distance from any thoughts of coalition. Though they recognized a Thane as a "first among equals," they proudly maintained their tradition of small, independent clans.

Characters
Ainur: Radagast Slyardach

Dwarves: Azaghal Balfor Bori Dain Ironfoot Fulla III Tindri

Elves: Arien Camthalion Huinen the Seer Itaril Lianna Legolas Ohtar Oropher Ringlin Tauriel Thranduil

Men:
 * Easterlings: Bôm Dasakun Gorovod Huz of Amov Kav Makow Meonid Ito Rof Paku
 * Northrons:Alfrith Aluiric Atagavia Athaulf Baduila Bain Bard the Bowman Bard II Beoraborn Beoraborn Beneoracer Beneoracer II Beorn Bork Bork II Bornbeneor Bornbeneor II Brand Brander Breaga Corwin Dorbeorn Durtheniel Eoder Eradan Ergweth Erland Fflewdur Fflam Fram Framson Girion Girion II Gisulf Gisulf II Grimbeorn Guntram Hugin Jarnsmid Jirfelien Koldana II Korsca Kynoden II Leofigild Mahrcared Marcatio II Meriag Montieff II Nurgan Odagavia Odoacer II Ottar Sarbor Svelte Swithwulf II Thuidimer Turkelin Uirdiks Ulfang Vagaig Wacho Waulfa Waulfa II

other: Lhachglin Orduclax

Orcs: Bolg Drurgandra Druzhag the Beastcaller Great goblin

Trolls: Skessa Wodurishak

Tribes
Halflings:
 * River-Folk (Stoors)

Men:
 * Northrons:
 * Bardings
 * Beornings
 * Aivathiuda
 * Gramuz
 * Lake-men
 * Mangeras
 * Woodmen
 * Easterlings
 * Asdriags
 * Balchoth
 * Sagath
 * Waagath

Orcs:
 * Orcs of the Ered Mithrin:Asharag, Lor-Uruk-Shab, Uruk-Erag
 * Orcs of Goblin-Gate:Uruk-Tarkhnarb
 * Orcs of Gundabad: Burzath, Huvorgha, Ilguz, Krach-Ul
 * Orcs of Dol Guldur:Blogrum-Hai Bûrzthrâng Durbúrz-stazg Dushmau Frûmhon Gorbakh Hîs-Urdan Hîshtgropor Maukglob Mirk-eaves orcs Mor-Hai Shirkag Taughâsh Ûngund Uruk-Harnak Uruk-Thang Uruk-Torg

settlements and points of interest
1650 TA: Achnod Iaun Aerdicsbern Aldburh Alduringard Althrith Amon Tamró Amon Thyryn Antharsbaurg Anvilmount Anwuning Ashkadurl Ashkandar Ashkirir Athrad Sirros Avar Tombs Azanulinbar-dum Bairalasbaurg Bar-en-Bairanax Barak-shathur Baraldrin's Gate Bat Dome Beacon Tower Bernfeld Beornan's Home Black Knob Brugath Traim Burh Afon Buhr Ailgra Burh Chep Burh Darni Burh Gram Burh Hleow Burh Marden Burh Marhling Burh Maridais Burh Sauthis Burh Scath Burh Seath Burh Shalca Burh Thaunyol Burh Thingstat Burh Thurasig Burh Tregarth Burh Waldmarh Burh Widu Burh Wraec Camlan's Refuge Caradsurga Caras Amarth Caras Gwindor Carrock Carvarad Casherd Cave of the Bulor-Ilg Ceber Fanuin Celebannon Celebost Cirith-Auris Cirith Gondmaeglom Cirith Himninond Cirith Mithlin Clanbyrst Cleofacot Cor Angaladh Cotstow Crundel Daedric's Gap Dain's Halls Dale Dallarandil Den Lóke Deneral Dolentir Dollantir Dor Lhingvar Dor Naurhach Drinbar Dundok Dungirith Durkandar Dying Glacier Dyn Odoric Eagduru Eithel Celebrin Eldrast Elrungagard Eorcan Erebor Ermanareiksbaurg Eryn Dolen Eryn Rhunen Esgaroth Far Bank Fenburg Feotlingegeard Flahoz-Blogrum Foldbold Forodim Forest Gate Forodrain Fradurag's Cave Framsburg Gadrauhtsbaurg Galgorin Gelebrin Goat Mountain Gobbleswell Gondmaeglom Grasgard the Grotto Gulch Hill Gundabad Haradruin Haudh-en-Aiganaur Haudh-en-Ohtarrin-Morin Hawrim-Taigh Hatherbold High Hill Iach Celduin Iath Iaur Ilanin Ilmaryen Ire-rock Kaerst Kala Dularkurth Kardavan Karfas Khurvasagh Killindrow Kirikhgathol Klainibrist Klyaxar's Lair Lag-auris Lag-dagur Lag-Hundur Lag-lhach Lag-orod Lag-thrugrim Lag-ulurikon Lair of Nimanaur Lar-Huil Lar-huz Lar-sagra Leodholt Leovidukas Lindil Londaroth Long Marish Long Peak Long-spring House Lugdûm Lughâsh Maedwe-dukas Mael Methelburg Maltir Meke Larnis Meonid's Watch Mere of Roots Mount Udunanca Nahald Kudan Norr-Dûm Old Forest Hold Ost-in-Geil Ost-in-Ery Othlebed Paidareiksbaurg Pardfan Pentstow Refugee Maethren Rhosgobel Rof's Wood-Cave Romenost Saidalburh Sairtheod Sant Annui Sarn Goriwing Sarn Lothduin Sarnen Thuringwath Seleburg Shab Arch Silver-pit Shirklunamat Silverplunge Skauril's lair Skepuholc Skessaholc Smalug Sorrowdrop Spider's Lair Stahnoholt Stath Thliuhande Steelfall Stillwalk Smial Stoor Harbor Strayhold Sunnagadal Surgax Ukog Taur Philinn Tel Belarin Tel Verenaer Thistledow Thollakar Thorontir Thranduil's Halls Thundercleft Thuringwathost Tir Anduin Tir Ethraid Tir Ingon Tir Nimmen Tir Nindor Tol Malbor Tower of the Wolf-friend Tumsarna Tuwurdrog Udrabax Ugulai Uldonavan Ulgarstat Urdubax Ursh lanna Uthrael Beoac Vargurat Vidus Viduwaed Voshatraum Waetan's Lodge Waldmarhbaurg Wanbuil Wangail Warfinger Wayhidstede Weld Wessun's Farm Whiterock Creek Widlingholt Wíthibord Wolf Flat Wood Mere Vrakiabaurg Zagh Kala

3019 TA: Aldburh Amon Gastal Amon Lhaw Amon Tamró Amon Thyryn Anvilmount Azanulinbar-dum Bandit Lair Barak-shathur Bat Dome Beorn´s House Black Knob Caras Amarth Carrock Cave of the Urdharkonur Caves of Ulund Celebannon Cirith-Auris Cirith Gondmaeglom Cirith Himninond Cirith Mithlin Cor Angaladh Crundel Daedric's Gap Dain´s Halls Dale Dancing Spire Deep Cleft Den Lóke Dolni Keep Dying Glacier Enesgaroth Eolburg Erebor Eryn Dolen Esgaroth Forest Gate Gladden Goat Mountain Gold Hill Gondmaeglom the Grotto Gulch Hill Gundabad Gyogorasag Sanctuary Haudh-en-Aiganaur Haudh-en-Ohtarrin-Morin Hoarwell Iach Celduin Irerock Isenholt Kravod Lindil Longpeak Lonsdale Lunn Doring Mack's Well Markway Mere of Roots Mount Udunanca Mountain Hall Old Ford Old Forest Hold Orlane Oropher's Rest Ost-in-gil Ovir Hollow Prin Pultavod Raiderhold Redhall Rhosgobel Rhovanost Riverrun Sarn Goriwing Sarnen Thuringwath Shab Arch Sorrowdrop Steel Fall Temple of Araw Thoronburg Thranduil's Halls Thunder-cleft Thunderdwelling Tower of the Wolf-friend Wadling Whiterock Creek Wind Throne Wolf Flat Woodland Hall Woodmen-Town Wood Mere Wormcove

Regions
It´s main regions include:

the Barding Reach: Aelinann Annen Carnen Forest Dale Lands Erebor Lang Marish Long Marshes Nan Annen Nan Carnen Nan Celduin Oak Savannah Vidu Marish

Plains of Rhovanion: Athorn Vale brown lands (Dor Firnen) Dor Rhûnen East central plain Hunshahadvuld Emyn Muil Gramavuld Horseman's Gap Talath Harroch

Ered Mithrin: Cirith Auris Cirith Feadin Cirith Himinand Cirith Mithlin Dragon-Gap Fells Gondmaeglom Grey Mountains Narrow Nan Lóke Sarth nia Linquelíe Talath Oiohelka Uthrael Beoge

the Iron Hills: Azanulinbar Nan Morsereg

Mirkwood: Aur Esgalbar Dol Guldur East Bight of Mirkwood eastern eaves of Mirkwood Eaves of Mirkwood Emynen Esgalbar Forest Gate Heart of Mirkwood (Angaladh) Emyn Guldur Emyn-i-Thang Girdle of Radagast High Hand Mere of Roots Mountains of Mirkwood Nan lanc Nan Taurduin Narrows of Mirkwood Nen Emyn Northern Mirkwood Old Avar Stream Realm of the Necromancer Southern Mirkwood (Taur-e-Ndaedelos) Tauraelin Thórlorien Western Mirkwood (Galdesgal) Woodland Realm Woodmere

Misty Mountains: Far Vales Foothill Forests Goblin Gate Great Pass Lone Fells Misty Mountain Foothills Mount Gundabad Northern Fells Old Pass Redhorn Fells

the Upper Anduin Vales: Anduin Deeps Carrock Ford Carrock Vale Eothéod Gladden fields Glennen Gobbleswell Gundalok Isle of Bears Langwell Nan Limlight Lorréna Nan Lothanduin Parth Celebrant Rónen-in-Anduin Sirros Undeeps

Roads:
 * Elf-road
 * Gladden Path
 * Lonely Mountain Road
 * Men-i-Araw
 * Men Burzum
 * Men Celduin
 * Men Dorwinion
 * Men-i-Erebor
 * Men-i-Mithrin
 * Men-i-Naugrim
 * Men Rhûnen
 * Men Rómen
 * Men Uruk
 * Mere Walk
 * Old Forest Road
 * Orc Road
 * Râd Angálaladh
 * Râd Annon
 * South-hill Footpath
 * Woodman Trail

Rivers:
 * Angren
 * Ardruiga (Aizadraka)
 * Athorn
 * Carnen
 * Celduin
 * Celebrant
 * Dínen
 * Donu
 * Emynen
 * Enchanted River
 * Fiskastaiga
 * Fola Szem
 * Forest River
 * Gladden River
 * Glorsiril
 * Greylin
 * Limlaith
 * Longwell
 * Marakai
 * Mardrill
 * Nimrodel
 * Sirros
 * Sorna
 * Uldona
 * Ulurikon
 * Warwater (Othnen)

Creatures
Animals: Andodaio Anduin Lizards Angusaiweli Ants Atenla Aurochs Badger Bass Bats Bears Beavers Beetles Bejabar Bees Bitterns Black bears Black boar Black Mink black squirrels Black Vulture Blackbird Blackflies Blue Otter Blue pigeon Bluebird Brown Bears Caru Cave-bears Chamber birds Char Chatmoig Chickadee Chipmunks Cliff buzzards Coireali Coots Crakes Crebain Crows Cuckoo Culcarnix Deer Dire wolves Dumbledores Dwarf Hummingbird Eagles Egil's Vipers Elk Ennerlings of Mirkwood Fell-beasts Fen boars Fenrais Fiara Finch Fishing Cat Fintonarki Fleas Freshwater Lamprey Frogs Galungol Garter Giant Eel Giant martens Giant rats Glutani Goats Golden Eagles Golodos Goose Gorcrows Grass Snake Great bears Great Elk Great Spiders Great Bats Great eagles great falcons of Mirkwood Great Lizards Great Serpents Great Swans Great vampire Bats Grebe Green headed Ducks Green Pheasant Green-winged crows Grey wolves Grosbeak Ground bees Gull Hedgehog Highland Lynx Hognose Hornets Horseflies Hounds Jatewoones Jay Kirinki Lake Trout Lark Leeches Loon Marmots Marsh Cat Marsh mastiffs Marsh ponies Mearas Merisc Tyka Mice Mirkwood Boars Mirkwood Crows Mole Moose Mosquitos Moths of Mirkwood Mountain goats Mountain lions Mountain Sheep Mules Muskrats Nethairin erdyr Neekerbreekers Nethraich Newt Nimfiara Northern bears Nuthatch Opossum Panfish Partridge Perch Peregrine Falcons Pickerel Pied Swans Pikes Pine Marten Pit vipers Plovr Pond Bats Praying Mantis Purple Emperors Quail Raccoons Rats Ravens of the north Red head Woodpecker Reindeer Ringneck River Mink Robin Rough leg Hawks Salamanders Salmon Sheep-hound Short-eared owls silkworms Skunks Slign Small Spiders Snow lions Sparrow Spotted Lions Squirrels Starling Stoat Storks Sturgeon Swallow Swift Thrushes Ticks Toads Turtles Undarlaif Vault shrikes War-wolves Wargs Weasle Wels White foxes White Wolves Wild boar Wild goats Wild horses Wild Kine Wild kine of Araw  Wildcats Wildhorses of Rhovanion Wolves Woodchucks Woodcock Woodmen Sheep Wren

Other: Awakened trees Cave Drakes Cold Drakes Fire-Drakes Ghosts Guardian Constructs Huorns Lesser Giants Mewlips Skeletons Swampstars Water drakes Werewolves Wights

Plants
Arlan Berterin Bursthelas Carefree mustard Chap Beech Dagnather Din fuinen Furry Oak Kelventari Lichen Gloriosa marshrush Milk-white Trumpet Mirenna Rewk Rose Trees Thurl Tulaxar