IC Story Thread: Ch.1,Ad.1 - A Sensitive Matter

Eldacar was of the House of Anarion, one of the main two descendant lines from the Kings of Numenor, they are the house that was given rule over Gondor when the Numenorians first came to Middle-earth.

The other main line of descendants of Numenor was the House of Isildur, whom ruled over Arnor in the North, but all were killed in the war with the Witch King.

Here is the Anarion familial line after Eldacar and the Kin-strife wars.

With your new connections, it is easy enough to get in touch with a Gondorian patrol, just perhaps not while on duty. And although Duinhir is a Dunedain, he isn't necessarily directly connected with the Rangers down here. Most Gondorians do not even know they're here. So finding them would take some doing, but they also might know a bit more about the activities of creatures of the Shadow in Osgiliath...

You're able to speak with a Gondor patrol lead, if you would like to start that conversation.

The patrol leader looks a bit surprised at a private citizen (or even a group of them) wanting to poke around near Osgiliath and across the river, but he recovers quickly enough, "Eh, that's very true.

And for that reason, I'd advise you against such a journey.

Though those creatures are not particularly active, nor brave, nor usually even present in any great number - they are there, and Gondor has, in all but official fact, ceded Ithilien - and with it the eastern half of Osgiliath - to the black hordes in Mordor.

If you had any troubles, there would be no one to know or send aid... You're essentially beyond our jurisdiction or ability to protect you.

We watch it only to ensure an army does not march across it."

He nods, "We watch the bridge at all hours and patrol the perimeter of the ruin of Osgiliath.

As for other crossings... not for many miles up or down river. And even then you will find it is only by ferry, either self-serviced , or tended if you're lucky and come upon it at the right time.

It is true, the Iant Sollen is the only intact bridge until Pelargir one hundred miles to the south, and Cair Andros fifty miles to the north."

"We don't use boats. We don't go across the river.

Sailing into Osgiliath itself would be far more exposed and I would think certain to draw attention, compared to crossing the bridge where you could at least try to use stealth.

If you've never see the Iant Sollen, it's a bridge, yes, but it's huge... wide enough for two carriages to pass abreast, while people walk all around AND lined with a row of buildings on each side - albeit, now ruined - for nearly it's entire length.

There's a reason it was the only bridge not ruined in the wars. It is no small or delicate thing.

You could make your own crossing outside the city I'm sure but again you'd be very exposed while approaching their perimeter. Those black hearted beasts tend to burn all things green and growing.

I always thought it was because they hated other things living, but now as I say it, it also makes for a handy defense..."

He nods, "We patrol only the perimeter, and only on the western half of the city.

But, yes, if you have a date when you anticipate making the venture, I could certainly make sure the patrols don't mistake you for orcs."