The Windfells

As players come down from the hills of Fordirith, they will find themselves in a windswept valley, replete with new flowers and trees. On the eastern side of the valley rise the foothills of the Misty Mountains, and on the western side, bluffs leading towards the distant lands of Minhiriath. The North-South Road, which becomes the Greenway in Bree-land, passes through this land, leading north and west into the bluffs. The Windfells serve as grazing lands for the Uch-lûth, one of two clans of Dunlendings derogatorily known as the Algraig – or Outliers – to the inhabitants of southern Dunland.

Themes and Threats of the Windfells

Players will eventually find themselves at the encampment of a well-familiar Ranger, Saeradan of Bree-land, and his companions Andreg and Amlan, hidden in the shadow of Amon Mîn, the ruins of a great Gondorian watchtower now claimed by the Draig-lûth to watch the North-South Road.

Amon Mîn

The goal of Saeradan and his companions is not only to maintain the secrecy of the Grey Company – at the very least of their identity, if not their passage – but also to seek provisions for the continuing southward journey. This seemingly menial task quickly uncovers a terrible mystery involving creatures of Dunlending legend and folklore. The ox and goatherds of the Uch-lûth live in fear of these creatures, looking to the mysterious crone known as the Old Woman of the Mountain for wisdom and protection.

Besides the Draig-lûth, ordinary wolves, and crebain, players will encounter several new creatures in the Windfells, complete with new art and abilities. These creatures are all derived from Welsh folklore to mix in with the overall atmosphere of Enedwaith.

Cuthraul

The Cuthraul (derived from the Welsh Cythraul) are fell spirits which appear at night, spreading terror among the hunters and herdsmen of the Uch-lûth. Unlike other fell spirits in The Lord of the Rings Online^TM, these creatures fall into the category of Ancient Evil, rather than Dead . . . a theme which will quickly become apparent in Enedwaith. However, never fear: the Reputation vendors of the Grey Company will offer you special Westernesse damage scrolls for your Legendary Items which will improve your capabilities against them!

Cuthraul

Druggavar

The Druggavar, derived from the Gwyllion of Welsh myth, are perhaps one of the strangest monsters to arrive in Middle-earth. Taking the physical form of demonic goats, these fell spirits haunt the herds of the Uch-lûth at night, bringing terror to the superstitious Men of Enedwaith. Like the Cuthraul, the Druggavar are Ancient Evil masters of terror, complete with new and terrifying (for goats) art and skills.

Druggavar

Cun Annun

The fabled hounds of the underworld complete the triumvirate of Ancient Evil in the Windfells. The Cun Annun nightly attack the ox-herds of the Uch-lûth, slaughtering the livestock and livelihood of the Algraig clansmen. These creatures are very close in appearance to the Cwn Annwn of Welsh legend, stark white with glowing red eyes. The Cun Annun have both fear and wounding skills.

The Old Woman of the Mountain

In the mountains above Gavar Cadlus dwells the Old Woman of the Mountain, a mysterious goirach, witch-woman of the Dunlendings. The Algraig folk fear and revere her, for she has knowledge of the evil beasts which haunt the night. Where her allegiances lie or what knowledge she may impart to those who seek her remains to be seen….

The Old Woman of the Mountain

There are rumours as well that a great boar of the lineage of the Boar of Everholt dwells in this valley, though it has never been seen.

The entire story of the Windfells leads up to a capstone instance quest beyond Gwyllion’s Gate.