The Dark Tower of Barad-dur (Throne Room)

[alcorad]

"...wall upon wall, battlement upon battlement, black, immeasurably strong, mountain of iron, gate of steel, tower of adamant... Barad-Dur, fortress of Sauron



~Excerpt from The Return of the King~

The first building of Barad-Dur when Sauron came to Mordor took six hundred years to complete. The Last Alliance beseiged Barad-Dur in II 3434, and the Tower was taken and destroyed by the forces of Elendil and Gil-Galad who both perished in the seige, in II 3434. Though Barad-Dur was destroyed, its foundations were left in place.

For much of the Third Age, Sauron's stronghold was not in Mordor, wich was ruled in his stead by the Nazgul. In III 2941, the White Council sent their forces to drive him from Mirkwood, and he withdrew to Mordor once again. There, he began the rebuilding of the Dark Tower. Barad-Dur was constructed through much of the personal power of Sauron as through stone and mortar; when the One Ring was destroyed in Orodruin, this power was lost and the Tower destroyed.

[alcorad]

The sun shown brightly upon the land of Mordor for it had been some time since Sauron's spirit passed into the void. Even upon the once ashen plain of Gorgoroth there began to grow the subtle sprouts of new life. Green. Something Mordor had not seen for quite some time. As Arien steered the sun from the depths of the Seas and into the skies, it smiled warmly upon the once barren land. The Valar were pleased and Yavanna in especial was most joyous for her fruits had taken root in a place that had before seemed so very unlikely. A thin layer of grass covered the lands of old Gorgoroth and shined brightly green in the sun, the light shimmering upon their waxy surface. A gentle breeze passed through the Ephel Duath and gently caressed the land with its nurturing hand. Birds were singing. The sky was bright and blue. Mordor had finely come to a state of utmost peace.

As the last the sun finally steered high over Mount Mindolluin in the West, the faint beating of hooves sounded ominously in the distance. A horse and rider were coming perhaps or maybe some stray mare had wandered from Khand's borders onto Mordorian soil. The famed Fell Steeds surely wouldn’t roam about in such a lush environment. Their cohesive pallets were most accustomed to thickets and Morgul Loam. If they had not died altogether, it was most likely that they had passed into subterranean hiding. Yes it was true that most of Sauron's servants had fled into the mountains but even there they met their doom. Those who lingered close to the surface were rumored to have slaughtered each other in order to stay alive or to have killed themselves in their mindless misery at the absence of their master's call. Such was the case of the Olog-hai in especial for although they were cunning and strong of mind, it was the call of the master that they heeded and the call of their master alone. Without it they were empty shells with no purpose to live and in facing such a dilemma, many of them committed mass suicide.

Even though the minions of Sauron were blood-thirsty monsters, one must shed a sorrowful eye upon their feeble existence for it was not their own doings that made them so cruel and heartless but the vile sorceries of their master and his master before him. The races of the orc and troll traced back many ages and found their root in the noble existence of the elves. Surely the elves and the orcs are not alike in their nature. It was a higher power along with bitterness and hate that changed the orcs and the trolls.

Though many killed themselves some kept themselves alive in waiting for a new master. An example of these is the Legion of Terror. The remnants of a strong blood line of pure Black Uruks who were the last remnants of the armies that fought in the War of the Last Alliance and the Downfall of Barad-dur. These were Sauron's most loyal minions and even though the situation was bleak, they remained and they waited, anticipating the return of their master. In their absence they moved their networks deep below the surface of the world and they bred the orc rabble into monstrous, fierce beings. Where once the orcs were bred in masses without heed for care, now they were nourished with dark meets and sorceries of the Legion of Terror's design. The only alternative if Sauron was not to return was to take matters into their own hands and reclaim the lands of Mordor as their own to finish what Melkor and Sauron began.

And so the horse and rider pressed onward, their features slowly escaping the silhouette of dark mountain walls behind them and pressing itself onto the horizon where its outline became apparent. Both the rider and his steed were large in stature and black. While the rider wore a black riding cloak, his horse was black in color and armored upon his thighs and back like the heavy cavalry of old. Nay. Not like the heavy cavalry. Like the steeds of the Nazgul and the Elite Dark Numenoreans who had long passed into darkness. This was indeed a Fell Steed of the Black Plain.

Faster and faster it made its ascent to the very threshold of the Ghash road, its hoof beats changing from the subtle pounding of earth to the shrill clang of iron and steel. And so at length the rider came unto the shadow of Barad-dur's foundations, his cloak billowing fiercely in the rising winds. The weather took a turn for the worse as if the very land itself was recognizing some long awaited dark power.

The birds ceased to sing and the although a great wind had taken dominance over the green plains of Gorgoroth, it was now dry and arid as if its life and natural wonder had been drained from it so that it was naught more than a driving force to torment the smaller things of the world. The faint trace of roaming dark clouds became apparent as the light of the sun faltered for but a moment. Onlookers from Minas Ithil and Cirith Ungol turned a wary gaze to the sky only to see the baleful choking of sunlight.

The horse came to a halt as it reached the ruined doors of Barad-dur and from its nose spouted tongues of fire and from beneath its blinders echoed the eerie light of one possessed the radiant glow of a flame however dark. This was truly a steed worthy of the epitome of evil. Slowly did the rider dismount his horse and with caution, bringing the heel of his boot down before him as to gather his bearings after the long ride. He followed in suite with the second foot and composed his posture, tall and foreboding and only lengthened by the heel of his boots. The rider held his head low, the hood of his riding cloak casting a dark shadow over his features and veiling his identity, rather any spies might know it or not. Slowly he scanned his surroundings and turned on his heel toward the ruined dark tower.

Although the majority of the tower was composed of Sauron's powers, the base of naturally constructed of mortar and stone. It was a hollow ring of architecture, characterized by ruined walls and a dark chasm that reached deep into the earth. Perhaps an ancient dungeon or barracks for the high orc warriors and men of darkness that guarded the tower in days past. The rider entered the ring and walked about the edge of the cliffs that spanned around the chasm, running a gaunt finger along the inscriptions upon the wall. His hand paused as it came upon a ridge in the stonework, and he pushed his fingers into the crease, tugging a shard from the wall. With a long claw-like fingernail he inscribed a strange rune onto the shard and placed it carefully back into its place, holding it firm to the indentation as if part of a puzzle. A strange crimson aura took hold of the ruins and immediately the earth began to shake. Mount Doom which had lain dormant since the destruction of the Ring spat forth pillars of fire onto the plains and scorched the green earth with cruel contempt for its life. Molten magma filled the crags and encircled the base of Barad-dur, spanning under the Ghash Road and alongside it. A funnel of darkness sprang forth the mouth of Orodruin and slowly grew, small at first be accumulating like a plague across the vicinity of the newly ordained Dark Land. Thunder sounded like drums and lightning smote the earth. A dark shadow sprang tall and menacing. Where once had stood ruins now stood the tower of Barad-dur, complete and tall as if it had never been destroyed at all but merely veiled by some deceptive illusion. The fires of industry began to grow upon the battlements, making a beacon for the lost forces that had retreated into the mountains. The light of torches and the faint movement of shadows were becoming visible in the distance. The long forgotten servants had heeded the call of the Dark Emissary.

The Rider now stood atop the tower in the very throne room where once Sauron had commanded his legions on high with an iron fist and sent many to their doom. The ominous figure drew back his hood and allowed his long black hair to fall down his back, frazzled by the ride and close containment within his cloak. He was gaunt of face and stature but tall and lean. His face was characterized by high cheekbones and cold statuesque beauty like a mannish king of old. His eyes were crimson and his teeth were white sharp, in especial two canines that protruded menacingly from his upper lip. "And so the Lord Alcorad takes the throne of Mordor as well as dominion over the master forge." he said cryptically as he walked out onto a dark veranda adjacent to his throne. "And with that, a new reign of terror shall begin."

[Theatana]

A few days later Theatana was escorted into Barad-Dur by thre Uruks. She ignored them and walked towards Alcorad. "I've heard of you from Angmar, Lord Alcorad, tell me, would Mordor still allie with Angmar as it has in the past?" She asked, her teeth gleemed showing to sharp canines but it was the only thing thing that "seemed" to give off anything demonic about her. Though her attitude was not the best either.

[Reikarta]

Reikarta entered the throne room looking at the people in the room. He was wearing ragy cholthes, he looked like he had jsut came back from a fight. In fact he was just traveling and he ran into a couple of wolves. They weren't hard to beat, he was just 'teamed up on.' He shouted out, not knowing knowing where the ruler. "I seek the leader of this realm." He grined slightly.

((sorry so short, kinda busy))

[alcorad]

The flames that danced vivaciously atop their holders cast a revealing light upon the newcomers and revealed their appearance to the lord of the dark throne. With a skeptical glance he turned his attention to the two large menacing guards, elites of the Legion of Terror, who stood at either side of the gate. Since Alcorad’s arrival he had successfully mustered the remaining forces of Mordor which was far more than he could have ever dreamed. It seemed to him that Sauron had kept many a legion of his forces in reserves far to the east as distant as the western borders of the Eastern Desolation, and now Alcorad had full sway over the once silent Mordor. It was alive as it was in days of old, the orcs and trolls being swayed to the wills of the Orc Shamans that annotated Alcorad’s arrival as the coming of the third dark herald of Middle Earth, the one that would set their uneasy thoughts of defeat to rest and lead them anew to a victory in their campaigns and in their wars for if he could not then who? Surely the vagabonds of ages past could not be bested by any others save the new lord for they in their own right were mighty and omnipotent, Morgoth in especial.

"So many visitors after so short a time.” came the cynical icy voice from the accumulation of shadows that lingered about the throne. "One of Angmar and another of a near land not far from mine own perhaps? Or maybe the second is merely a wonderer with fell intent who believes that they may fulfill their darkest of goals within the watch of Mordor and aid of its legions. How do, newcomers all. Long have I awaited your arrivals ever since you came upon the very doors of Barad-dur. Still doth the eye of the tower see far and know far for there is little that escapes my gaze. Perhaps the watch of Mordor may exceed even further with the help of the twain who stand before me, am I not mistaken? Firstly to you, Queen of Angmar, speak to me your name and your dealings and to you, traveler from afar, speak to me your origination as well as the latter for I should expect nothing less than a full revelation of your intentions."

Alcorad's dark eyes narrowed upon the two as he pondered their thoughts and their intentions for it would not be farfetched for leaders of other forsaken realms to come before him in searching for his power and numbers. Few could be granted Alcorad's full trust so easily if any at all for despite his well-seeming appearance, he had his own agenda to fulfill, one that wouldn't be tampered with by petty bonds of friendship and morality.

[Theatana]

Theatana could feel him in her mind and immediately closed him out. "I am Theatana, Queen of Angmar a s you stated." She replied smoothly. "If I had not the intentions as thee I would not waste time here." She stated very plainly. There were only two games she liked to play, torturing people and seducing certain men, mainly rulers. However playing games as he was she did not enjoy. So she stood there, arms cross, her gaze upon him intently.

[alcorad]

Alcorad frowned at her, observing her in contempt, but soon his frown turned into a grin and then into a derisive laugh. "So cross, Theatana? Why don't you calm down and relax a bit. Let us speak of our motives and of our initial goal." A snap echoed through the shadows and two guards of Barad-dur brought forth two stools and placed them before the throne. They crudely gestured for the two to sit and scuttled back into their hiding places. After a second snap from the shadows, two goblets of dark wine were brought into the light and crudely shoved into the twain's hand by some unseen force. "Do my accommodations suit you nicely?" he asked dexterously.

[Theatana]

"Well enough." She nodded and sat. She took a seat and then looked to him. "Tell me, why do you asked questions when you pry into ones eyes? No trust?" She smirked. She knew he didn't completely trust her and the same went for but if she were to get anywhere in her plans she needed him. She knew he was strong and perhaps intime they could find a way to work together. But first, she had to make sure he was completely capable.

[alcorad]

Alcorad furrowed a brow as he eyed the woman before him. "Trust? Trust is a crutch Theatana. Trust is something that only hinders and weakens. Those without trust for one another may not get far but trust may also be a folly investment. I learned many lessons in my life and that was one of them. Perhaps you shall find trust to benefit you but it never benefited me." His eyes opened wide, his crimson eyes boring into Theatana's though his were veiled by darkness and unseen by his audience. His thoughts and his dealings were clouded but were it naught for any mental defenses, his guests' minds were open for all to see. Their facial features were illuminated by the various torches and they were moved into the center of a large hall. Any gesture that they made would be seen by him even if it were behind them for the eyes of his black uruks shared his gaze or rather the red orb encrested upon their breastplate did. Within his shadows Alcorad found comfort even in his lack of fear. What did he have to worry of the witch and the wanderer? Surely neither of them would ever best him. He was quite comfortable as he was.

"Let us move unto more pressing matters such as the military status of Angmar and the current conditions of Carn Dum. Of old the land of Angmar was a province of Mordor in some aspects, manned by the Witch King. The Nazgul have long passed from this world as have their Fell Beasts that they once rode upon to deliver terror and despair to the Gondorians but perhaps that can be changed. I shall not elude to the future further but I shall give my own status in Mordor. Our numbers tally roughly to... sixty-thousand." A devious grin crossed Alcorad's face for he had only spoken of half of the force and thirty-thousand less. He did not wish to give them the numbers of his full force for if any assult was rallied to him he would hope that they would design it so that it would meet the requirements of such a large army. But if any host less than seventy-thousand would arise, he would easily dispatch them. Of course such trivial matters were far from the top of his priorities but it was still an aspect of the game nevertheless. "And your own?" he asked Theatana.

[Theatana]

Theatana knew he was hiding something but did not pursue. "Sadly, I admit maybe forty thousand. When I arrived it was in a pitiful state. Angmar has taken more time than expected, there just aren't enough men who learn things quick anymore." She sighed and took another sip of the wine.

[alcorad]

Alcorad smirked and lowered his head. "As it would be expected. At the defeat of Angmar the Witch King's reign was put to an end and the armies were forced to disperse. By now the once small empire of men is now probably a scattered land filled with cheifdoms and tribes. One question has always puzzled me though. After the Witch King was thrown down from Carn Dum what became of his spectral abominations? surely they didn't just... dissapear. Perhaps you would have some insight into this considering the fact that you rule that region. Please share your findings. We are all ears."

[Theatana]

((Wat do I put?))

[alcorad]

(i asked a question, now you answer silly. )

[Morgan]

((I don't kno the friggin history!!!!))

[alcorad]

(Make something up.... lol)