 | |
| The Court of Ardor in Southern Middle Earth | |
|---|---|
| Publication Information | |
| Author | Terry K. Amthor |
| Publisher | Iron Crown Enterprises |
| Released | 1982 |
| Format | Softcover |
| Pages | 52 |
| ISBN | Unknown |
| ICE stock no. | 2500 |
The Court of Ardor is a module (in the Campaign-series) for Middle-earth Role Playing, 1st Edition.
Cover/Jacket Text
Experience the ancient swamp ruins & island citadels held by dark elven lords and their fierce minions.
Ardor contains:
- A 16" x 20" full-color double-sided detachable mapsheet
- 4 B & W maps
- 8 major floor plans
INTRODUCTION
Within this book is held the tale of the history of the land known as the Mûmakan and an organization of Evil known as the Court of Ardor. Also told is the story of the preparations of the Court for a cataclysm which, if it were to occur, would have dire repercussions not only for the lands of the Mûmakan, but all of Middle-earth.
Long ago in the dim past of Endor Elven lords came to this southerly area, to a land swathed in warm mists and overgrown with wild yet beautiful trees and vines, and inhabited by all manner of creatures. It was vastly different from the forests and plains to the North, yet the Elves loved it and named it Ardor (S: 'Exalted Land'). Many centuries passed, and the Immortal Children of Eru lived in peace, until the Shadow fell upon the land and many of the strong were seduced by the clever words of servants of the Black Enemy: Morgoth. Power and wisdom were promised, if they would but perform this one task. Naive were these Elves in the Elder days, and they made oaths lightly, little knowing how heavily this would weigh upon them in the millennia to come. Eagerly they took council and formed a Court of sorts; a hierarchy of lords and ladies to effect this mission for their master. And a Darkness of spirit fell upon the land: a harbinger of the true dark which was to follow should their scheme come to fruition.
Ages passed, and men, the younger Children, came and settled in Ardor, giving it a name in their own tongues - Mûmakan, after the huge beasts which roam the region. But Ardor still it was to the Court, and Ardor it would be again, when the eternal night fell upon all of Middle-earth.
Background
Amthor drew from his own game campaign for the module. According to series editor Pete Fenlon, the module was produced during a period in which he was absent. While rumours suggested that Tolkien Enterprises objected to the module, Fenlon clarified that the resistance was purely editorial on his part. He characterized Ardor as a “renegade” and "rather bizarre" project that deviated significantly from the established tone. A first attempt to address the module happened in Shadow in the South.[1] The loss of the license meant that no full revision ever happened.
Inspiration from the Chronicles of Amber series has been noted by reviewers, especially concerning the antagonistic Court of Ardor and their use of a magical tarot deck.[2][3]
References
- ↑ . "Mapping Middle-earth: An Interview with Pete Fenlon". Other Hands 12
- ↑ . "The Court of Ardor (1983)". Vintage RPG
- ↑ . "The Court of Ardor". Akratic Wizardry