FOTR/leave the Palantir

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Revision as of 13:04, 30 March 2014

On the way south, Sauruman activates his sleeper agent in king Theoden's court - Grima Wormtounge. With none of the three hunters there to stop him, Wormtounge assassinates Theoden and flees to join Sauruman and Gandalf. Gandalf has no way of knowing that Theoden is dead - Wormtounge only tells Sauruman, because he does not trust Gandalf. Sauruman, Wormtounge, Gandalf, and the massive Uruk-hai army continue the journey south towards the ships.

With the power of both of their rings, Sauruman and Gandalf easily turn the Southern Navy to their side. The Uruks board the ships, and they all begin the long journey to the Gray Havens. Along the journey, Gandalf continuously manipulates Wormtounge - essentially turning him against Sauruman, while slowly driving him mad. Along the way, Gandalf spends sleepless nights worrying about Frodo, confident that Aragorn has gotten him far away from the Shire by now. When the ships finally reach the Gray Havens, Gandalf has warned the elven forces and initiated a plan that should lead to Sauruman's death and the destruction of his army. Elrond and the entire military might of Rivendell has arrived.

Unfortunately, Gandalf under-estimated the fighting prowess of the Uruk-hai - once ashore, they devastate the ranks of elven soldiers defending the port city. The elven ships are destroyed, and Cirdan himself is killed - ending the life of one of the oldest beings in Middle-earth.

In spite of the chaos and death, Gandalf manages to push Wormtounge over the edge - and he kills Sauruman on command. Gandalf breaks Sauruman's staff, which releases the spell on the Navy. Gandalf convinces them to fire on the Uruks, which finishes off their vile army and saves the Gray Havens from utter destruction. With Cirdan and the ships gone, the elves of Middle-earth no longer have a means of passage to the undying lands - which means they are doomed to live forever in a Middle-earth that is becoming more and more hostile to them. Elrond and Galadriel blame Gandalf for this loss, and sever all ties with him. The elves of Rivendell, Mirkwoord, and Lothlorien join forces, donning black war paint and armor intended to intimidate their enemies. Now calling themselves the Dark Elves, they become hostile, war-hungry barbarians eager to die in battle. Without a hope to see the undying lands, their grace and nobility quickly fade.

Decision

What should Gandalf do?

• Gandalf travels on foot to the Shire, planning to make his way to Rivendell as needed

• Gandalf tracks Elrond unseen, since he is no longer consider a friend of the elves - in order to monitor how they react to the destruction of their only transport to the undying lands

• Gandalf re-boards the ships and heads for Minas Tirith, in hopes of helping to defend against pending attacks

• Gandalf stays in the Gray Havens, to help rebuild (and to try and redeem himself).

They use every weapon at their disposal - including eagles and ents. The Dark Elves and their allies form the most terrifying force that Middle-earth has ever seen, and they quickly and viciously purge the continent of the Sauron's forces. The most devasting battle is held in Rohan, when the Dark Elves and Rohirrim Calvary cornered and slaughtered half of Sauron soldiers (which were headed to Orthanc) in a single battle. This bloodthirsty force then arrived at Minas Tirith at the same time as the Southern Nave, and easily repelled Sauron's invading forces. Not satisfied to simpley defend the city,

Gandalf encourages the Southern Navy to sail south and east so they can join the defense of Minas Tirith, which is sure to be under attack soon. Gandalf then travels on foot from the still-smouldering Gray Havens to the Shire, just in case Frodo and the Ring never left.

Decision

What should Gandalf do?

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