II. Rise of the Mormegil Archives -

Episode 100: Mormegil: Full Cast Reunion

Webmaster — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 10:00:58 +0000

This one is part interview and part acknowledgement. Listen as players and DM talk about what this campaign has meant to them. There are only a few spoilers for Trials of the Valar…

The post Episode 100: Mormegil: Full Cast Reunion appeared first on .

Episode 99: Forty Years of David Day

Webmaster — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 10:00:06 +0000

Join me as I chat with Canadian author, David Day. We talk about his four decades of writing books for Tolkien fans, his love of poetry, his days as a lumberjack, his interactions with members of Monty Python, his friendships with Alan Lee and John Howe, and his misunderstanding with the Tolkien Society.

The post Episode 99: Forty Years of David Day appeared first on .

Episode 98: Ne’er Rest, Oh King’s Men

Webmaster — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 10:00:20 +0000

In this, the last session of Rise of the Mormegil, the heroes bind the shadow maiar, Gwarthaur. They enter Tirion just before the Caves of the Forgotten open upon Túna and the fallen sons of Númenor come forth. There is no rest for the wicked or the good, it seems…

The post Episode 98: Ne’er Rest, Oh King’s Men appeared first on .

Episode 97: Agarwaen, Hill of Úmarth, Part 2

Webmaster — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 10:00:13 +0000

During this 2nd part of the fight, both Burin and Raiken are able to attack again. Glaurung and Túrin fall in battle, and Okrin begins the ritual to bind Gwarthaur.

The post Episode 97: Agarwaen, Hill of Úmarth, Part 2 appeared first on .

Episode 96: Agarwaen, Hill of Úmarth, Part 1

Webmaster — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:00:35 +0000

In this episode we pick up where our in-person sessions left off. The group continues fighting Finduilas, Turin, Glaurung, and Gwarthaur. Turin escapes the Force Cage, Glaurung gets a vital part of his anatomy cut off, Burin is charmed, and Okrin turns into an ape. Fun is had.

The post Episode 96: Agarwaen, Hill of Úmarth, Part 1 appeared first on .

Episode 95: Finishing with Feredir

Webmaster — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 10:00:57 +0000

Marco comes back to chat with us about the changes Feredir has gone through. He laments the loss of Anguirel, and discusses this continuation of the Túrin Turambar story. He hints at an explosive ending to part two, Rise of the Mormegil.

The post Episode 95: Finishing with Feredir appeared first on .

Episode 94: The Pass of Light, Part 3 (in-person session)

Webmaster — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 10:00:58 +0000

The last of the in-person session. Apologies for the poor sound quality. The heroes will start the next session against the remaining enemies: Finduilas, Glaurung, and Túrin Turambar (he and Gwarthaur are still stuck in the magic box).

The post Episode 94: The Pass of Light, Part 3 (in-person session) appeared first on .

Episode 93: The Pass of Light, Part 2 (in-person session)

Webmaster — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 10:00:17 +0000

While still fighting the undead associates of Túrin Turambar (aka The Man in Black, aka The Shadow, aka Gwarthaur). Túrin shows up riding his nemesis in life, Glaurung the Deceiver. While engaged in mortal combat, Feredir and Túrin clash the sister swords of Angirel and Anglachel (Gurthang) together. This causes a grand explosion that breaks both blades.

The post Episode 93: The Pass of Light, Part 2 (in-person session) appeared first on .

Episode 92: The Pass of Light, Part 1 (in-person session)

Webmaster — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 10:00:06 +0000

The group arrives at the Calacirya (The Pass of Light). From there they march up the Hill of Túna toward the great Noldor city of Tirion. Before they arrive, they encounter some long passed associates of Túrin: Finduilas of Nargothrond, Beleg Cúthalion of Doriath, and Mîm the Petty-dwarf. They don’t look happy about being brought back to life, for ill-purpose.

The post Episode 92: The Pass of Light, Part 1 (in-person session) appeared first on .

Episode 91: Wayfinding with Mark Fonstad

Webmaster — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 10:00:02 +0000

In this episode, we talk to a professor of Geography at the University of Oregon, Mark Fonstad. He happens to be the son of Karen Wynn Fonstad, the cartographer responsible for the Atlas of Middle Earth. We discuss Karen’s path into map making and how the idea for the Atlas came about. Mark gives background behind one of the most useful Middle Earth resources in existence.

Resources:

Robert Fosters- Complete Guide to Middle Earth
Anne McCaffrey- Dragonriders of Pern
Stephen Donaldson- The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant
Ursula K. Le Guin- Earthsea
Frank Herbert- Dune

TSR’s- Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms

J.R.R. Tolkien Collection, Marquette University
https://www.marquette.edu/library/archives/tolkien.php

The post Episode 91: Wayfinding with Mark Fonstad appeared first on .

Episode 90: The Silmaril of Maedhros

Webmaster — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 10:00:40 +0000

Inside the Workshop of Aulë the group discovers Túrin Turambar, having been possessed by Gwarthaur, just finishing a ritual from the Golden Book. In his hands are the reforged sword, Gurthang, and the newly found silmaril of Maedhros.

The post Episode 90: The Silmaril of Maedhros appeared first on .

Episode 89: The Workshop of Aulë

Webmaster — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000

The group arrives on the western shores of Eldamar, near the base of the Pelori Mountains. There they see the entrance to the Workshop of Aulë. Before entering the sky turns to black, and the dead creatures on the beach come to life.

The post Episode 89: The Workshop of Aulë appeared first on .

Episode 88: Ossë’s Friend, Uin

Webmaster — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 10:00:44 +0000

The sea battle concludes as the heroes try to decide what to do with the regent and his men. They also find out who Ossë has been waiting to see- the huge whale, Uin.

The post Episode 88: Ossë’s Friend, Uin appeared first on .

Episode 87: Sea Battle in Southern Eldamar

Webmaster — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 10:00:30 +0000

There were some technical difficulties when recording. Therefore, this episode picks up after the 1st half of a sea battle between the Fellowship of Light and the ambushing Teleri from Avallónë- those loyal to the Regent, Escalwathon. In this episode, you learn the true name of the shadow maiar causing all the trouble- Gwarthaur, and you get to see the Mor-lómin’s true form.

The post Episode 87: Sea Battle in Southern Eldamar appeared first on .

Episode 86: Raiken & Tentacle Monsters

Webmaster — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 10:00:45 +0000

In this interview with Josh, we learn about Raiken’s character development through part two of the trilogy. We discuss the difficulty as players and game masters in creating memorable and creative moments. And for the first time in 86 episodes, the interviewer becomes the interviewee.

The post Episode 86: Raiken & Tentacle Monsters appeared first on .

Episode 85: Burin Part Deux: It’s All About the Dex

Webmaster — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 10:00:29 +0000

Join Spriggz and the game master as they discuss Rise of the Mormegil. Get inside the mind of the original barbarian from the Bastards. Learn about what motivated Burin throughout the campaign, and why this may be the last solo Spriggz interview.

The post Episode 85: Burin Part Deux: It’s All About the Dex appeared first on .

Episode 84: Nost-na-Lothion: Riddles & Drinking

Webmaster — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 10:00:43 +0000

Mor-lomin wins riddle competition and is forever called Loremaster in Alqualondë. Tesoro reclaims his title at the drinking competition. Later, the group asks Olwë many questions. They ask him about how to curse Túrin from the possession of the shadow maiar, who he calls Gwarthaur. He also tells them that the silmaril of Maedhros has been found in a nearby “Workshop of Aulë.

The post Episode 84: Nost-na-Lothion: Riddles & Drinking appeared first on .

Episode 83: Nost-na-Lothion: Melee

Webmaster — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 10:00:07 +0000

A few of the Fellowship of Light enter the Birth of Flowers melee competition in Alqualondë. Only Feredir comes away standing. This time, the champion takes away the wine of the Eldar. Where Limpë had granted Eriol unnaturally long life, it grants Feredir relief of his lycanthropy.

The post Episode 83: Nost-na-Lothion: Melee appeared first on .

Episode 82: Nost-na-Lothion: Archery and Performance

Webmaster — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 10:00:49 +0000

To kick off the Birth of Flowers celebration, the elves hold an Archery and Performance contest, which Tesoro and Okrin both delight in. They also announce that Limpë will be the prize for the melee competition.

The post Episode 82: Nost-na-Lothion: Archery and Performance appeared first on .

Episode 81: Alqualondë: Among the Teleri

Webmaster — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 10:00:14 +0000

Fresh off their adventure at the Stone of the Hapless, the group sails for Alqualondë. There they meet the King of the Teleri, Olwë. The king welcomes the group to Alqualondë for the Birth of Flowers celebration, called Nost-na-Lothion by the Eldar.

The post Episode 81: Alqualondë: Among the Teleri appeared first on .

Episode 80: Interview with Michael Drout, Part 2

Webmaster — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 10:00:33 +0000

In this, the second part of Dr. Drout’s interview, we discuss how Tolkien reversed the epistemic regime by telling the story from the point of view of the least knowledgeable character. We discuss the inevitable chapter 2, Treatise of Tedium, that most of the time plague fantasy and science fiction writers (but not Tolkien). And finally, we play a game with Professor Drout. We discuss whether aspects of our D&D game would work within the lore of Middle Earth.

The post Episode 80: Interview with Michael Drout, Part 2 appeared first on .

Episode 79: Interview with Michael Drout, Part 1

Webmaster — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:00:37 +0000

In this episode we talk to Professor Michael Drout from Wheaton College. We learn why so many scholars think it is important to talk about how to read Tolkien. We discuss how Tolkien created an “impression of depth” through his vast size and intricate detail in his writings. And we learn about Dr. Drout’s first time meeting Tom Shippey.

The Tolkien Society
https://www.tolkiensociety.org

Modern Scholars
https://audiobookstore.com/audiobook-series/the-modern-scholar-series/

Authors and Academics:
Tom Shippey (The Road to Middle Earth)
Roman Jakobson
Gabriel García Márquez
Angela Carter
Ursula Le Guin (Earthsea)
Michael Swanwick
Laini Taylor (Daughter of Smoke & Bone)
Frank Herbert (Dune)
Douglas Caine (Constructing Arda)
Snorri Sturluson
Jacob Grimm
Douglas Anderson (Annotated Hobbit)
Verlyn Flieger, Patrick Connor, David Bratman (The Tolkien Society)
Dimitra Fimi

Mallorn (Tolkien Society)
https://www.tolkiensociety.org/society/publications/mallorn/

Mythlore
https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/

International Society of Anglo-Saxonists Conference:
http://isasweb.net

The post Episode 79: Interview with Michael Drout, Part 1 appeared first on .

Episode 78: Túrin Turambar, The Man in Black

Webmaster — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 10:00:45 +0000

Discover the crypt where Túrin Turambar and Morwen Eledhwen are buried. Discover Sador’s dagger, Hathadol. Meet Túrin’s former caretaker, Nellas. Back at the Tower of Pearl, they discover that Huor is now in the Halls of Mandos. The group now realizes that the Man in Black is the possessed hero, Túrin Turambar. Idril recommends seeking out Olwë in Alqualondë for council.

The post Episode 78: Túrin Turambar, The Man in Black appeared first on .

Episode 77: Exploring Talbor, The Stone of the Hapless, Part 2

Webmaster — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 10:00:40 +0000

Discover the creatures awakened by the shadow maiar in the catacombs of Tol Morwen. The group continues onward toward the crypts of Túrin Turambar and Morwen Eledhwen.

The post Episode 77: Exploring Talbor, The Stone of the Hapless, Part 2 appeared first on .

Episode 76: Exploring Talbor, The Stone of the Hapless, Part 1

Webmaster — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 10:00:28 +0000

Appearing in the catacombs of Tol Morwen, burial place of both Túrin and his mother, the group is split up. Experience the traps first-hand as the group attempts to navigate this shrine belonging to the woodmen of Brethil.

The post Episode 76: Exploring Talbor, The Stone of the Hapless, Part 1 appeared first on .

Episode 75: The Sleeper in the Tower of Pearl

Webmaster — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 10:00:47 +0000

Tuor and Idril allow the group access to the mystical fountain in the Tower of Pearl. According to Ossë, this fountain is one of the only things near Eressëa that can transport the group to the Stone of the Hapless, burial place of Túrin Turambar. Anguirel, Feredir’s sword, has been seeking this place since the Battle of the Grey Havens.

The post Episode 75: The Sleeper in the Tower of Pearl appeared first on .

Episode 74: The Digital Philologist, James Tauber

Webmaster — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 10:00:03 +0000

The Digital Philologist, James Tauber, explains to us the history of philology, how it has evolved, and the benefits of using technology to study the classics (including Tolkien). Come listen to this Renaissance man as he talks to us about why the love of wisdom and the love of words are so important.

The post Episode 74: The Digital Philologist, James Tauber appeared first on .

Episode 73: Battle at the Tower of Pearl

Webmaster — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Having just barely made it to the walls of the Tower of Pearl, the group finds it seemingly devoid of assistance. What ensues is a gruesome battle of allies. The “super-hero” werewolf is finally put to rest before Idril and Tuor come out to greet the group.

The post Episode 73: Battle at the Tower of Pearl appeared first on .

Episode 72: Wolf in the Enchanted Isles

Webmaster — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 10:00:39 +0000

For an episode where little is achieved, this is quite a fun session. The group spends a comical hour trying to figure out how to escape the newly transformed Feredir. The great wolf, Taurmyrnoth, has his last little bit of revenge as Feredir chases his friends on toward the Tower of Pearl.

The post Episode 72: Wolf in the Enchanted Isles appeared first on .

Episode 71: The Shadowy Seas, Part 2

Webmaster — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 09:00:26 +0000

The fellowship finishes the battle against the sea creature. They end up on the Enchanted Isles just as the sun sets to reveal a full moon. Growling noises begin to come from Feredir.

The post Episode 71: The Shadowy Seas, Part 2 appeared first on .

Episode 70: The Shadowy Seas, Part 1

Webmaster — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 09:00:14 +0000

You learn that Ossë is quite eccentric. He has been dropping fish into the water in Tavrobel while “waiting for a friend.” From Tavrobel, the group heads into the Shadowy Seas. They quickly discover the dangers of traveling after the Man in Black, even by sea.

The post Episode 70: The Shadowy Seas, Part 1 appeared first on .

Episode 69: Fiona Jallings Teaches Sindarin

Webmaster — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 09:00:53 +0000

The brilliant creator of Realelvish.net talks with us about her site, her book, her classes, and the Sindarin language. We also talk about the Parma Eldalamberon journal, the Vinyar Tengwar journal, and the cultural rules elves use for naming things and people. Lastly, she breaks down some of elvish words we used in the campaign.

Sites Mentioned:
https://realelvish.net
http://www.eldalamberon.com
http://www.elvish.org/
https://folk.uib.no/hnohf/
https://www.fanfiction.net

Sindarin Words Discussed:
Talcrist = Foot Cleaver (instead of Hathadol)
Gwarthauron = Dirty Abominable One (instead of Gwarthaur)
Chiras Dellais Thrui = Finding of Wicked Secrets (instead of Rhû Limbdoll, Battle of)
Celebwing Thrui = Wicked Silver Waves (instead of Drû Celebross, Battle of)
Gwaith Calad = Fellowship of Light (instead of Nos Glanadur)
Morveloth = Mighty Night (instead of Taurmyrnoth)

The post Episode 69: Fiona Jallings Teaches Sindarin appeared first on .

Episode 68: Írimë Comes to Tavrobel

Webmaster — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 09:00:58 +0000

Gilfanon tells the group about the next part of the Prophecy of Mandos. He explains that if the group wishes to go to Talbor, the only way to do so is via the Tower of Pearl. The party meets up with their old friend Írimë in Tavrobel, and there they acquire a ship from their new sea captain, the maiar Ossë.

The post Episode 68: Írimë Comes to Tavrobel appeared first on .

Episode 67: House of the Hundred Chimneys, Part 2

Webmaster — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 09:00:31 +0000

The group finds the source of the Evil Breath- the “voyager” Eriol himself. He has clearly been corrupted by the Man in Black, and has recently plagued the lower levels of the House of the Hundred Chimneys.

The post Episode 67: House of the Hundred Chimneys, Part 2 appeared first on .

Episode 66: House of the Hundred Chimneys, Part 1

Webmaster — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 09:00:50 +0000

The group encounters more Evil Breath and some Shadow Hounds in the lower levels of the House of the Hundred Chimneys. Burin falls into a pit during the first moments of their battle with the source of the Evil Breath.

The post Episode 66: House of the Hundred Chimneys, Part 1 appeared first on .

Episode 65: The Evil Breath & Gilfanon

Webmaster — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 09:00:17 +0000

The party comes to the House of the Hundred Chimneys and discovers the Evil Breath has come to Eressëa. Gilfanon asks them for their help eliminating the source of the Evil Breath in the lower levels in exchange for information.

The post Episode 65: The Evil Breath & Gilfanon appeared first on .

Episode 64: Talking Quenya with Paul Strack

Webmaster — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 09:01:09 +0000

Join us for this language focused discussion with community expert, Paul Strack. We talk to him about the evolution of Tolkien’s languages, the nature of Quenya, and we dissect some of the Quenya words from the campaign.

Quenya Words Discussed:
Minyasercë = First Blood (instead of Ennayór)
Corondur Servant of the mound (instead of Ezellendur)
Morlumbë or Morhala = Dark Shadow (instead of Mor-lómin)

Tolkien Language Conference:
http://www.omentielva.com

Where to find Paul:
https://eldamo.org
https://realelvish.net

The post Episode 64: Talking Quenya with Paul Strack appeared first on .

Episode 63: Kortirion Among the Trees

Webmaster — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 09:01:50 +0000

Seeking Meril-i-Turinqi – the Lady of the Isle – the party arrives at Kortirion and discovers the Man in Black has already been there (and left his mark). After a grand battle, Meril tells the group that the Parma Kuluina (the Golden Book) has been stolen. They learn that the Man in Black was trying to forge a weapon there, and they learn the first part of the Second Prophecy of Mandos.

The post Episode 63: Kortirion Among the Trees appeared first on .

Episode 62: Seeking the Lady of the Isle

Webmaster — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 09:01:00 +0000

The group fights for their lives against an awakening evil in the forests outside of Kortirion. Okrin hopes to reach the “ancient city on a leaguered hill” before the Man in Black can defile its towers, its libraries, or its caretaker – Meril-i-Turinqi – the Lady of the Isle.

The post Episode 62: Seeking the Lady of the Isle appeared first on .

Episode 61: The Cottage of Lost Play

Webmaster — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 09:01:06 +0000

In this episode the characters chat with Littleheart, the Gong Warden, and the couple – Lindo and Vairë. There they learn about the Man in Black and that the library of Kortirion will have information about Talbor (the word Feredir’s sword keeps whispering). Enroute to Kortirion, they encounter a problem…

The post Episode 61: The Cottage of Lost Play appeared first on .

Episode 60: Okrin Laid Bare

Webmaster — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 09:01:06 +0000

The last of the new character chats. The DM also talks about the nature of the podcast, possible fan interviews, and reads a passage about Feredir when he was a child. End this episode with the characters’ first impression of the Cottage of Lost Play.

The post Episode 60: Okrin Laid Bare appeared first on .

Episode 59: The Deep and Dark of Mor-lómin

Webmaster — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 09:01:03 +0000

Trying to keep these double entendres titles going for the player interviews is difficult, but well worth it. In this interview, we learn about Jon the player behind Mor-lómin. We learn that there is something truly horrifying hidden behind his dark elven-looking exterior. And we learn that this podcast is probably better named, “The Second Prophecy of Mandos” or “The Dagor Dagorath.”

The post Episode 59: The Deep and Dark of Mor-lómin appeared first on .

Episode 58: Ezellendur, Servant of the Mounds

Webmaster — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 09:01:48 +0000

It wouldn’t be a Middle Earth story without an elf in the fellowship. With Angolan having been dubbed the curator of artifacts at Elostirion, the party needed to fill their elven quota. Ezellendur was their man. Learn how he joined the party, why he has a bone to pick with the shadow, and who the player is behind the elf.

The post Episode 58: Ezellendur, Servant of the Mounds appeared first on .

Episode 57: The Blight of Alalminórë, Through the Land of Elms

Webmaster — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 12:47:17 +0000

Making their way from Avallónë, the group sees the effect the shadow has had on the land. They encounter evil and undeath along their route to The Cottage of Lost Play.

The post Episode 57: The Blight of Alalminórë, Through the Land of Elms appeared first on .

Episode 56: Escape the Tower of Avallónë, Part 2

Webmaster — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 17:31:11 +0000

Forgive the length of this one. The characters finally escape the tower and spend the last 10 minutes of the episode discussing the Man in Black (the shadow) and their role having released this evil upon the world.

The post Episode 56: Escape the Tower of Avallónë, Part 2 appeared first on .

Episode 55: Escape the Tower of Avallónë, Part 1

Webmaster — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 18:43:16 +0000

Raiken, Burin, Tesoro, and the newcomer- Ezellendur- are promptly arrested when they arrive in Avallónë. At the heart of the city is the Tower of Avallónë, where the recently stolen Master Palantír used to reside. It is also the home of the city prison, where the characters meet Okrin and someone who looks like Raiken. The party reunites and is broken out of prison by a mysterious man that calls himself Mor-lómin.

The post Episode 55: Escape the Tower of Avallónë, Part 1 appeared first on .

Episode 54: Meet the Characters… Again

Webmaster — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 10:01:27 +0000

Rejoin the players for their first session together in part 2 of this trilogy. Learn how the campaign has changed, and meet the new characters.

The post Episode 54: Meet the Characters… Again appeared first on .

Episode 53: The Tolkien Professor Interview, Part 3

Webmaster — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 10:01:43 +0000

In the final installment of Dr. Olsen’s interview, we discuss the nature of the Ainur, the sentimentality of the dwarves, Stephen Colbert, and Corey’s recent delve into rap music.

The post Episode 53: The Tolkien Professor Interview, Part 3 appeared first on .

Episode 52: The Tolkien Professor Interview, Part 2

Webmaster — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 10:01:58 +0000

In the second part of the interview, we discuss the man and the work of J.R.R. Tolkien. Professor Olsen then weighs in about elements of Taradon’s Wager.

The post Episode 52: The Tolkien Professor Interview, Part 2 appeared first on .

Episode 51: The Tolkien Professor Interview, Part 1

Webmaster — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 10:01:04 +0000

Join us as we chat with Dr. Corey Olsen about his first experiences playing Dungeons & Dragons, about his double major in English and Astrophysics, and about the genesis of The Tolkien Professor.

The post Episode 51: The Tolkien Professor Interview, Part 1 appeared first on .