In the years before the War of New Gondolin, a series of small battles and wars. The largest, and most devastating, was the Battle of the Fords of Moscow. The 2nd Shock Army of New Gondolin, led by Kinbokein Whittaker, was charged with clearing orc forces out of the Fords and the forests in the surrounding area. Little did he know that the Enemy was prepared. They had turned the forests into Fell Woods, and the Fords were watched always, by both orc and Half-Elf.
The Fords of Moscow were named after Lord Moscow of the Second House. He was the first Half-Elf to find the Fords, and to set up a watch there. Many attempts by the Enemy to take both sides of the Fords have resulted in very limited successes. But in the last great offensive of the Long Winter, Lord Moscow was killed by a Balrog, but managed to close the Fords, forcing the Enemy to halt their offensive. Many died that day, and now, the either side of the Fords have become strongholds.
“Kiieis, take the Guard and prepare for a landing on the left. You must make sure they are cut off. Varus, I want you’re legions to prepare for the charge over the Fords. You will move right after the bombardment ceases. Fasterd, lead the Caragors over the Bridge and crush the mounted crossbows. Once you all are done, the remaining legions will charge over the Fords and will aid you in the attack on the Pit. Hopefully, by the time this is over, we will have control of the Fords. Good luck and may the 12 give us strength!”
Using Alduins and Skorpions, a mass bombardment began. Hell rained down upon the Orc positions. The other side was silent, not a Orc emerged. The positions were practically unscathed, with only the weakest ones near the banks being destroyed. When the smoke cleared, the Orc host began to swarm out of their bunkers. Their commander, Balrogs or great Uruks, came from out of the Fell Forests, with a legion of orcs behind them. “Why fell devilry…. Kiieis, keep ALL the troops on this side. They are massing for an attack!” Whittaker said.
As the Enemy readied for their attack, a single soldier of New Gondolin prepared to face the enemy. He had crossed in the night, and had been trapped by some Orcs, led by a Man. Yet he would not give up easily. In the first days of the War, the 12th House of New Gondolin had been crushed, all of it’s people being slaughtered. One managed to escape. Dimitri the Blademaster, last Half-Elf of Gondolin. He stayed quiet, hiding in the wilderness and waging a guerilla war against the Enemy. “The Master wishes to speak to you, Half-Elf. Put down your sword and come with us.” The Orcs, wearing crude armor and wielding poorly made weapons, were ready to rip Dimitri apart. “What makes you think I shall come with you, Ogiim Swine? A few Orcs and your words, hm?” Dimitri says. He draws his blade and proceeds to slice the head off of a orc. “Do your worst.” The Orcs swarm forth, each with one goal in mind: Kill the Half-Elf. The first orcs suffer the same fate as their beheaded friend. The second wave stop a few feet away, using spears and halberds to attempt to pierce Dimitri’s armor. Dimitri grabs one as it lunges towards him and pushes it back, sending the wielder to the ground. Dimitri begins to hew the limbs off of the orcs, and soon the snow-covered ground was covered with dead orcs. The Man fell to his knees and begged for mercy, surprised. Dimitri doesn’t give him mercy, as the Man would find out.
Back at the Fords, the Orc host had begun to surge forward. New Gondolin’s forces had been drawn up in four lines, each 10 soldiers deep. When the first line fell, archers fired a volley over the retreating lines heads. The first line merged into the next line, which then pushed forward. Kiieis, Varus, and Whittaker entered the fray. They had recently returned from a war in Gondor, assisting them in fighting off a Orc host. Soon the attack lost steam, and the Half-Elves began to push forward. “Varus, lead the Guards to the Forges! The 7th Division has begun to attack it. Kiieis, take the 1st Legion and 3rd Legion and smash through the center! We must drive them out of the Motherland!” Whittaker cried. The Half-Elves surged forth, hacking and slashing through any that stood in their path. But as they crossed, Whittaker spotted something in the Fell Woods. Three Orc Hosts then arrived, each led by a large group of Balrogs. “Reform the lines! Open fire on the spineless bastards!” Whittaker cried. Kiieis led his Legions to a series of orc defenses which were located on a hill. “Make sure that this stands. If even ten orcs get through, we are doomed.”
Dimitri heard the sound of battle thanks to the deafening sound of the Alduins. “Always the damn Fords…” He says to himself. He begins to sprint down the Low Pass towards the battle. He cuts down any orcs he comes across. There are about 75 Orcs heading towards the pass, with a Balrog and his legion following them. Be wary, the Balrog seems to be of great power, perhaps the Guardian of the Fords. Says Viktor. Viktor was a Wraith, summoned by the Lords of the West to aid the last of the 12th House. As Dimitri travelled through the Pass, the 75 Orcs came across Dimitri. Viktor, we may need to brand these rats. They could prove… useful. Moments later, a great flash could be seen from the Pass. The Orcs then had a new Master, one that would avenge the 12th House. The Orcs turned around and began to advance towards the Guardian’s Legion, with Dimitri following behind them.
As the Orc Hosts charged from the Woods, the Half-Elves of the 7th House, known for their hatred of the orc and lust for war, began to sing in their low, deep voices. (This is basically my version of the Volga River Song, translated from the language of the Half-Elves to the language of Men. Sorry if it’s crap.))
Yo, heave ho.
Yo heave ho.
Once more, once more, finish it off!
Yo, heave ho.
Yo heave ho.
Once more, once more, finish it off!
Hew the ancient enemy of the West!
Death to those that aren’t from the West!
Ay-da, da, ay-da!
Ay-da, da, ay-da!
Revenge for those that have gone to rest!
Here we stand against the ancient foe!
Yo heave ho!
Yo heave ho!
Once more, once more, finish it off!
As we stand here on the Fords of Doom
To the West we sing our song!
Ay-da, da, ay-da!
Ay-da, da, ay-da!
To the West we sing our song!
Oh, you, Volga, great and old!
Terrible river deep and bold!
Ay-da, da, ay-da!
Ay-da, da, ay-da!
Volga, Volga, Mother River
Yo, heave ho!
Yo, heave ho!
Once more, once again, finish it off!
Yo, heave ho!
Yo, heave ho!
The other Half-Elves look at them in stunned silence. That song had not been uttered since the Fall of the 12th House, which meant that it had returned. Then, to the South, there was a great blast of fire.
Dimitri’s Orcs and the Legion cut each other to pieces. There, on the Fields of Kursk, stood the Guardian and the Blademaster. So the 12th House wasn’t completely destroyed… I missed someone… I believe you are here to end me… You are too late… In hours, the Fords shall fall… Then Novgorod… Then your precious New Gondolin… The Balrog says. A great axe and sword appear in his hands, each wreathed with fire. He brings them down upon Dimitri, who manages to stop the blow with his sword. The sword was made of iron from the heavens, and was forged by the last great smith of New Gondolin. Dimitri then took the offensive, using the power of Viktor and his skill with the blade to bring down the Balrog. Foolish creature… None can stand against the Shadow… Even the greatest Lord can be crushed in one fell swoop… The Guardian then died, with a sword drove into his chest many times to make sure. Dimitri then began to move towards the Fords, but even in death the Balrog still got his revenge. A great blast of fire seared Dimitri’s back and sent him flying.
Whittaker watched as the entire orc host turned and ran, only to get cut down by arrows and hacked to pieces by the hate-filled Half-Elves. But alas, the victory was pyrrhic. 10,000 Half-Elves fell, due to the lack of proper armor and weapons. The Alduins and Skorpins proved ineffective, and the day was only won due to the death of the Guardian. “Varus, Kiieis, go investigate that blast.” Whittaker order. He counted 201 dead by his blade. When the two commanders arrived at the blast, they found a Half-Elf, gravely wounded. Near him lay the Balrog. Save this one. He has slain the Guardian, and is the last of the 12th House. Says Viktor. Do not tell anyone of the Balrog. The Shadow has returned.
So ends the account Duurvin the Chronicler, Lord of the 3rd House, Warlord of Novgorod, Kin of the Blademaster.
Also, cheers to the people that read all of this.
The Fords of Moscow were named after Lord Moscow of the Second House. He was the first Half-Elf to find the Fords, and to set up a watch there. Many attempts by the Enemy to take both sides of the Fords have resulted in very limited successes. But in the last great offensive of the Long Winter, Lord Moscow was killed by a Balrog, but managed to close the Fords, forcing the Enemy to halt their offensive. Many died that day, and now, the either side of the Fords have become strongholds.
“Kiieis, take the Guard and prepare for a landing on the left. You must make sure they are cut off. Varus, I want you’re legions to prepare for the charge over the Fords. You will move right after the bombardment ceases. Fasterd, lead the Caragors over the Bridge and crush the mounted crossbows. Once you all are done, the remaining legions will charge over the Fords and will aid you in the attack on the Pit. Hopefully, by the time this is over, we will have control of the Fords. Good luck and may the 12 give us strength!”
Using Alduins and Skorpions, a mass bombardment began. Hell rained down upon the Orc positions. The other side was silent, not a Orc emerged. The positions were practically unscathed, with only the weakest ones near the banks being destroyed. When the smoke cleared, the Orc host began to swarm out of their bunkers. Their commander, Balrogs or great Uruks, came from out of the Fell Forests, with a legion of orcs behind them. “Why fell devilry…. Kiieis, keep ALL the troops on this side. They are massing for an attack!” Whittaker said.
As the Enemy readied for their attack, a single soldier of New Gondolin prepared to face the enemy. He had crossed in the night, and had been trapped by some Orcs, led by a Man. Yet he would not give up easily. In the first days of the War, the 12th House of New Gondolin had been crushed, all of it’s people being slaughtered. One managed to escape. Dimitri the Blademaster, last Half-Elf of Gondolin. He stayed quiet, hiding in the wilderness and waging a guerilla war against the Enemy. “The Master wishes to speak to you, Half-Elf. Put down your sword and come with us.” The Orcs, wearing crude armor and wielding poorly made weapons, were ready to rip Dimitri apart. “What makes you think I shall come with you, Ogiim Swine? A few Orcs and your words, hm?” Dimitri says. He draws his blade and proceeds to slice the head off of a orc. “Do your worst.” The Orcs swarm forth, each with one goal in mind: Kill the Half-Elf. The first orcs suffer the same fate as their beheaded friend. The second wave stop a few feet away, using spears and halberds to attempt to pierce Dimitri’s armor. Dimitri grabs one as it lunges towards him and pushes it back, sending the wielder to the ground. Dimitri begins to hew the limbs off of the orcs, and soon the snow-covered ground was covered with dead orcs. The Man fell to his knees and begged for mercy, surprised. Dimitri doesn’t give him mercy, as the Man would find out.
Back at the Fords, the Orc host had begun to surge forward. New Gondolin’s forces had been drawn up in four lines, each 10 soldiers deep. When the first line fell, archers fired a volley over the retreating lines heads. The first line merged into the next line, which then pushed forward. Kiieis, Varus, and Whittaker entered the fray. They had recently returned from a war in Gondor, assisting them in fighting off a Orc host. Soon the attack lost steam, and the Half-Elves began to push forward. “Varus, lead the Guards to the Forges! The 7th Division has begun to attack it. Kiieis, take the 1st Legion and 3rd Legion and smash through the center! We must drive them out of the Motherland!” Whittaker cried. The Half-Elves surged forth, hacking and slashing through any that stood in their path. But as they crossed, Whittaker spotted something in the Fell Woods. Three Orc Hosts then arrived, each led by a large group of Balrogs. “Reform the lines! Open fire on the spineless bastards!” Whittaker cried. Kiieis led his Legions to a series of orc defenses which were located on a hill. “Make sure that this stands. If even ten orcs get through, we are doomed.”
Dimitri heard the sound of battle thanks to the deafening sound of the Alduins. “Always the damn Fords…” He says to himself. He begins to sprint down the Low Pass towards the battle. He cuts down any orcs he comes across. There are about 75 Orcs heading towards the pass, with a Balrog and his legion following them. Be wary, the Balrog seems to be of great power, perhaps the Guardian of the Fords. Says Viktor. Viktor was a Wraith, summoned by the Lords of the West to aid the last of the 12th House. As Dimitri travelled through the Pass, the 75 Orcs came across Dimitri. Viktor, we may need to brand these rats. They could prove… useful. Moments later, a great flash could be seen from the Pass. The Orcs then had a new Master, one that would avenge the 12th House. The Orcs turned around and began to advance towards the Guardian’s Legion, with Dimitri following behind them.
As the Orc Hosts charged from the Woods, the Half-Elves of the 7th House, known for their hatred of the orc and lust for war, began to sing in their low, deep voices. (This is basically my version of the Volga River Song, translated from the language of the Half-Elves to the language of Men. Sorry if it’s crap.))
Yo, heave ho.
Yo heave ho.
Once more, once more, finish it off!
Yo, heave ho.
Yo heave ho.
Once more, once more, finish it off!
Hew the ancient enemy of the West!
Death to those that aren’t from the West!
Ay-da, da, ay-da!
Ay-da, da, ay-da!
Revenge for those that have gone to rest!
Here we stand against the ancient foe!
Yo heave ho!
Yo heave ho!
Once more, once more, finish it off!
As we stand here on the Fords of Doom
To the West we sing our song!
Ay-da, da, ay-da!
Ay-da, da, ay-da!
To the West we sing our song!
Oh, you, Volga, great and old!
Terrible river deep and bold!
Ay-da, da, ay-da!
Ay-da, da, ay-da!
Volga, Volga, Mother River
Yo, heave ho!
Yo, heave ho!
Once more, once again, finish it off!
Yo, heave ho!
Yo, heave ho!
The other Half-Elves look at them in stunned silence. That song had not been uttered since the Fall of the 12th House, which meant that it had returned. Then, to the South, there was a great blast of fire.
Dimitri’s Orcs and the Legion cut each other to pieces. There, on the Fields of Kursk, stood the Guardian and the Blademaster. So the 12th House wasn’t completely destroyed… I missed someone… I believe you are here to end me… You are too late… In hours, the Fords shall fall… Then Novgorod… Then your precious New Gondolin… The Balrog says. A great axe and sword appear in his hands, each wreathed with fire. He brings them down upon Dimitri, who manages to stop the blow with his sword. The sword was made of iron from the heavens, and was forged by the last great smith of New Gondolin. Dimitri then took the offensive, using the power of Viktor and his skill with the blade to bring down the Balrog. Foolish creature… None can stand against the Shadow… Even the greatest Lord can be crushed in one fell swoop… The Guardian then died, with a sword drove into his chest many times to make sure. Dimitri then began to move towards the Fords, but even in death the Balrog still got his revenge. A great blast of fire seared Dimitri’s back and sent him flying.
Whittaker watched as the entire orc host turned and ran, only to get cut down by arrows and hacked to pieces by the hate-filled Half-Elves. But alas, the victory was pyrrhic. 10,000 Half-Elves fell, due to the lack of proper armor and weapons. The Alduins and Skorpins proved ineffective, and the day was only won due to the death of the Guardian. “Varus, Kiieis, go investigate that blast.” Whittaker order. He counted 201 dead by his blade. When the two commanders arrived at the blast, they found a Half-Elf, gravely wounded. Near him lay the Balrog. Save this one. He has slain the Guardian, and is the last of the 12th House. Says Viktor. Do not tell anyone of the Balrog. The Shadow has returned.
So ends the account Duurvin the Chronicler, Lord of the 3rd House, Warlord of Novgorod, Kin of the Blademaster.
Also, cheers to the people that read all of this.
