Friday, October 26, 2018

Nen Harn
Battle of Five Armies & The Third Age of Middle-Earth
The current year for our Middle-Earth campaign is set during the year of 2946 of the Third Age.
Inspired By J.R.R. Tolkien

Nen Harn, which translates from the Sindarin language to "Helmet Lake", is a significant inland body of water located in the remote northeastern corner of the broader Bree-land region. It is one of the largest lakes in Eriador, though less famous than others found further east. The lake is nestled among green, rolling hills and acts as a natural boundary between the Eastern Bree-fields and the North Downs. The area is peaceful in appearance but largely abandoned by civilized peoples, with a quiet and somewhat isolated atmosphere.

The lake's water is a vital source for the surrounding geography. The water flows westward, draining from the main lake basin through a series of small waterfalls into a deep trench before eventually connecting with the lower reaches of the Brandywine River. This outflow creates a natural, deep ravine that serves as a physical cut-off point, separating the northern lands from the rest of the Bree-fields and requiring travelers to find bridges, such as the one at Trestlebridge, to cross the chasm downstream.

The geography of Nen Harn itself features five distinct islands scattered across its surface. The most prominent of these islands holds the ruined remains of some ancient stone structure, possibly a temple or watchtower from an age long past. These ruins add a layer of historical mystery to the landscape but also provide shelter for the area's current, wilder inhabitants, as no permanent human settlements have existed around the lake for a long time.

Despite the lack of permanent residents, the ecosystem around Nen Harn is quite active. The lake and its surrounding forests are thriving habitats for various types of wildlife. While one might spot peaceful creatures like foxes or field hares, the area is also known for more aggressive and dangerous animals. The waters are particularly known for a population of aggressive "snapper" turtles that pose a threat to those who venture too close to the shore.

The general environment around the lake includes light forests and tall grasses that cover the surrounding hills. The scenery can be quite beautiful, especially during the day with a clear sky, but the atmosphere quickly changes to one of eerie isolation during the evening or night. The natural beauty is constantly juxtaposed with the latent dangers posed by the wildlife and the complete lack of modern safety or community infrastructure.

Nen Harn remains an off-the-beaten-path location that many travelers might miss entirely. It functions as a minor questing hub in some adaptations of the region, where a few hunters may set up a temporary camp near the ruins to deal with the local overpopulation of boars, bears, and other predatory animals. The region's defining characteristic is a blend of peaceful, remote natural beauty and untamed wilderness, where ancient history and modern dangers quietly coexist.

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