Editing Tîrninel (section)

== <big>Thoronrúth</big> ==

'''Thoronrúth'''; ''The Banner of the Eagle's Wrath'' : More simply known as 'The Eagle's Banner' and by some called 'The Eagle's Doom' it was a battle standard made by the Noldor in the Lands of Aman during the days just after the destruction of the Two Trees.  The women of the House of Fathorîn, these being his wife, his daughters, his sister and the three wives of his three brothers, cut their hair and with it and Noldorian magics they wove a battle standard to fire the hearts of those who followed it into war.  

It shimmered with light and magic, glimmering brightly a field of pure white.  The center figure was a great eagle with black wings and flames coming from it's mouth.  The eagle being the symbol of the house, and a symbol of how fierce would the hunt for Melkor now named Morgoth be.  The flames symbolized the fires of courage that would be brought to bolster the spirit of those who were to fight under the banner.  And yet it did not remain white.

At The Kinslaying of Alqualondë the banner turned blood red and the Doom of the Eagle came into being.  Yes, those who followed the Eagle Banner would be free from fear caused by Melkor, they would be victorious against great odds, they would fight fiercely.  But the one who carried Thoronrúth into battle would pay a heavy price.  More correctly, someone he loved would pay the price.  Those who carried the Eagle's Banner would be certain to survive the battle, but the light of their life would be extinguished.  Sorrow and pain would come to the ones they loved.  The one who carried Thoronrúth would have to carry the weight of those deaths to the end of their days.  

Thoronrúth has been carried in many battles.  Through the War of the Silmarils, and in battles of the First Age and even at the fall of Gondolin.  It was kept hidden in Lothlórien by Tîrninel of the House of Fathorîn until the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.  Fathorîn, who first carried it at the Kinslaying, begged his niece to return the Eagle's Banner to his hand and let him attempt to atone for the many lives lost to the Eagle's Doom.  She consented.

It is said at the Siege of Barad Dur the Eagle Banner again shone with brilliant white.  Always Thoronrúth had brought heart and courage to those who followed it in battle, but this time the glorious light smote the servants of the enemy like a weapon, blinding them and causing them to gnash their teeth in anguish.  Then came Sauron himself, who slew the High King's Guard with his mace and scattered them.  But his own servants had been driven back by the Eagle Banner, and alone Sauron faced Gil-Galad, Elendil and their sons.

''I've got to add more.  1500+ years of it kicking around and ignored by Tîrninel seems excessive, even for long lived elves.  Maybe the King's of Gondor had it for a time but again tainted it by carrying it into evil purpose and then it got lost.  Gives some more context for why it's in human lands as well as could make for interesting role play.  What really happened to her uncle's body?  How did the men of Gondor get it?  How did they lose it?  Has it turned red again or is it still white?''

''The Kinstrife in Gondor seems a good cause for it's misuse.  Rumors of it being almost anywhere could follow.  I'm only assuming the main game action is in the North.  Either Tîrninel has already been to Minas Tirith and not found it, or had some guidance that Thoronrúth is in the realm of Arnor.  Or it was never in Gondor but instead held by the Kings of Arnor and when the three sons of Eärendur fell into civil war in 861 things got ugly and so on.  Anyways, it's late and I'm rambling...''

'''In Game Mechanics'''

Totally in the care of the GM.  Short of participating in some great battle on an epic scale, it should not come into play.  Carried by a single person, it means nothing.  Thoronrúth should basically grant a bonus to morale and protection from magical sources of fear.  Possibly when facing foes of great power, like a Nazgul or something, it might drive them back or strip away some of their strength.  But mostly it just prevents servants of The Enemy from using fear on those who follow the Eagle Banner.  The Eagle's Doom is totally a GM device.  Someone close to the heart of the person carrying Thoronrúth should die.  His wife, son, daughter, father, mother, or maybe all.