The First Age

[Lord Manafirogh]

The host of the alliance prepared for a long time. They took almost 4 months to prepare all their forces.
Feanor was to be in charge of the host of Himring which was 50.000 strong. Some came from Caranthirs people and Amrod and Amras sent a host of 10.000 but were ordered to stay and watch over himring and their lands with the remaining people.
Fingolfin was in charge of the host of Eithel Sirion who woulc march out last of all hosts for all the host were to gather before the gates of Eithel Sirion where Feanor and Fingolfin would come out and march to Angband with a host of 40.000 stong for he wished to keep 20.000 back to defend if all went bad.
Thingol once again sent Beleg in charge of his host and he sent 50.000 of his army, They had grow even mightier for Feanor had taught them much of crafting armour and weapons. And they had became beautiful to look upon. Beleg had asked for a strong weapon and Thingol gave him Gurthang to have for this war and if he proved his might he may keep it.
From Nargothrond came Finarfin and his son Finrod. They had a host of 35.000. 5.000 of those rode on horses.
Hador was of old age but he wished still to come with Fingolfin for the last time in battle for he was not the type of King that would sit and die on his bed. He wished to die fighting for his people if he had to. However he was not in charge of the host of Dor-lomin, his son Galdor the tall who had now grown in full structure and had a young son called Hurin would be in charge of a host of 60.000 strong men, still they left 40,000 back. With him would come Fingon with a host of 20.000 strong.

[Turgon_Turambar]

With his spies abroud and the capture of Moria Morgoth sat upon his throne and was pleased. His spies reported of the great armies mustering in the south but he had long before began to gather his forces. For his Orcs their numbers were too great to be counted but his shock troop uruk-hai, he had 100,000 of them all armed in black steel and bore wide sheilds and long spears.

Sauron also brought his armies through angbands eastern gates and with him came 50,000 battle hardened Uruk-hai and 25,000 savage easterlings with their great mumakils. But also Sauron brought a gift. The forging in the deeps of Barad-dur had been shown and he brought with him a mighty gate of mithril.

This was fixed upon the gate of Angband behind the stone and black steel of the first gate. All along the walls Orcs laboured to fortify their great fortress. Glaurung and his hosts of dragons brooded near to the flames of thangorodrim and the Iron mountains. Battle was coming.

[Lord Manafirogh]

The elven bows were masterful. They were the length of the archer and half of the bow was the size of the archers arm for full stretch and maximum power. The long bows were made to give the longest possible range while still remaining powerful enough to kill the enemy with one arrow. The bows were decorated by elvish writing and leaf. They were a basic design and wonderfully worked on. The bow was long there for the arrow had to be long also. The arrows had white feathers from swans for the elves loved birds. Each arrow was a work of great beuty and once fired it never missed it target and could take out the enemy in one shot.
The archers carried two long white knifes. Attached by rawhide straps to their bow holster and quiver suspension systems were two leather scabbards, each containing a long knife. The swords were 2 feet long with an 8 inch handle, inlaid with the iconic Elven vine scroll and curved in a S shape but more open.
The atchers wore similar armour to those of swordsmen and spearmen. (described later)
Their helms were high structured and silver. They shone in the sun like glass. The elven helmets had both full cheek guard and nose guard and still remained open faced giving exellent all around visibility. The curved blade on the top was decorated and sharp in form of a G upside down. This curved at the top was designed to misdirect enemy blows. The helmet also bore the insignia of their Lords

[Turgon_Turambar]

As his Orcs laboured upon his walls and his slaves forged in the burning smithies Morgoth wished for a guard upon his gates that none could pass, an unsleeping menace, allways watchful.

So he looked upon his minions and saw among the whelps of Draugluin the great wolf of Sauron he found Carcharoth 'the red maw' and in him Morgoth set a fell spirit of hatred and flames of hell and an even devouring hunger. Morgoth fed him by his own hand of living flesh and he became huge and terrible. And he was set before Angband as a sleepless watcher and none could pass without his knowing.

[Lord Manafirogh]

The elven sword masters had an unusual and unique sword to suit their fighting style.
Their sword was recurved shape of that if an elongated “S” and just a little over 5 feet. The handle represented half of the total length of the sword and its leather-wrapped hilt was etched in gold with a leaf pattern that stretched from pommel to guard. The reason for the long handle was so the sword could be wielded both handed and give maximum power. One hand placed behind the guard one behind the pommel. The widely spaced grip was developed by elves to give them maximum rotation in the battle.
When attacking, the Elf would put the wide blade into an acutely angled trajectory; has the foe came within range the elf would extend the lower hand slightly to increase the distance that the sword tip had to travel before bringing the weight of the whole arm through that was the nearest the blade and slashing across the body of the enemy. Has the blade passed across the foe the elf would quickly complete the downward sweep, rotate the grip and bring the sword around ready for another upon the unfortunate victim.

The elven armour was beautiful and matched even those of the dwarves. Some warriors wore mail vest under their plane armour. Most armour was silver and golden and when the sun shone upon them they could blind the enemy.
The elven battle outfit begun with a silk or soft wool shirt; over this went a hauberk made of extremely fine links of mail, a mail so strong only the dwarves could match them. It was long sleeved, ending at the wrists, over which leather gloves were worn. The outfit was designed to protect most vital parts of the body and was well designed to handle many heavy blows from the enemy.
Swords elves bore shields but not all for some had heavy armour and could not carry a shield for they wielded the sword to handed. Those who had normal swords (not the 5 feet ones curved) carried a shield. Spear elves also carried shields and to them it was vital for they held it up will attacking to protect themselves. Some shields were silver like mirrors especially designed to blind the enemy if the sun was on the opposite side and strike him down. All though the shields were large they were relatively light for the work of the elves was marvellous on metal. The shield was a shape of a leaf and decorated with a twining tracery reminiscent of tengwar., the elvish writing system, across its surface. It tapered to a point at each end. The shields edges were also razor sharp so they could be used has offensive as well has defensive, in case the elf dropped his sword the shield could be used to defend and attack with its sharp ends. There was a unusual handgrip that extended from top to bottom so the shield could be held by two hands to use it has an offensive weapon. There were two circular cut outs to allow a spear to be placed within the shield.
The spears of the elves were more of a glaive then a spear. They used the 8 foot spear like a handled sword rather then just thrusting. They slashed at their opponenet from a distance aswell has thrust it at them with its point.

[Lord Manafirogh]

The men of Dor-Lomin wore their own armour and marvellous shields and also had great bows. The men of dor-lomin were great in stracture, all were around 6 feet tall and broad. There the carried large shields. The surface of the shield had slight curves to deflect attacks and was made of layers of strong wood and metal covering it so it could handle great blows. The normal blades were just over three feet in length and basic designed but terrible to face. Their bows were equally great and matched the elves but the elves had beauty. Their helmets were different designs, more square to those of the elves. Their helmet had neck protection and large plated cheek protection with a chin cover, and two wings on both sides. Their bows were equally affective but different decoration and some simpler design. The spears of the men of Dor-Lomin were long a terrible. The spear stood at nine feet high and 2 feet blade. Mainly made out of oak and metal. The blade was raser sharp and deadly to the foes.

[Lord Manafirogh]

Time for the final gathering had come and the host of men and elves made ready for war. The host of Fingolfin needed not to travel for all host would gather there first and make camps outside Eithel Sirion. Fingolfin had ready with him 40,000 strong from Eithel Sirion.
First came the host of Himring with a host of 50,000 and they were grim for their Lord had been captured by Morgoth. They had a burning flame in their eyes. They were filled with anger and knew the time was now for revenge. Many riders they had and they were heavily armoured and some knights had long spears and could strike from a long range.
Then came Finarfin and his son Finrod with a host of 35,000. They had a glittering shine in their eyes and Finarfin cursed Morgoth and had promised revenge for his sons long ago. Their host was great indeed they were proud people and their swords were sharp and ready. They had a large host of spear elves, their spears were long with an unusual curve more of a glaive then a spear. They used the 8 foot spear like a long handled sword.
Then came the host of Beleg, 50,000 strong. Mightiest in armour but not the might of the Noldor in fighting skills. Their armour was beautiful and they shone from afar like a golden sea for their armour was mainly golden.
Last came the men of Dor-Lomin. They brought with them a large host of 60.000. Tall and mighty people they were indeed. Stronger in structure then any other race of men. Tall and grim they were, their spears were long and frightening, their shields huge and in shape of a rectangle Their helms were silver along with some shields. They carried the banners of their proud kingdom. Their lord was Galdor the Tall and with Galdor came Fingon son of Fingolfin, for this two races worked and traded together many things.
When all arrived at Eithel Sirion, huge camps were made stretching out far and wide. Scouts and elves watched the surrounding for any ambush by morgoth. When all was settled the Captains discussed their tactics at the halls of the great fortress Eithel sirion.
Finally they agreed on a formation and plan to march and challenge Morgoth to come out and battle at the fields of Ard-Galen.

[Turgon_Turambar]

Morgoth saw the almighty gathering in the south and all the lands there were aflame with war against him but he was heart was so black that his desire to destroy them overcame everything else. He sent great fumes and black smokes from Thangorodrim to accept the challenge of the south.

So he made ready an Army of Orcs seeming great yet only but a small part of his main host and the captains were under strict orders to lure them out into the open were the superior weight of numbers could be used to his advantage. These Orcs were in din-raiment and showed no naked steel so made it well nigh over half the ard-galen before they were sighted. Then they looked upon the hosts arrayed before them and they were afraid for the sun glinted from their armour and it looked like they were ablaze in a white fire. So the Orcs blew their horns for parley and messengers of Feanor came forth. But even before they had spoken a single word the Orcs captain unleashed an arrow into one of the messengers breast and slayed him, the other three were leapt upon and savaged by many Orcs. This kindled a fire in the hosts of Feanor and they leapt forth although against the wil of many saying to beware of the guile of Morgoth and that this was only a trap. But they were unlistened to and they charged out with all the glory and rage that was in them and the fourth battle began.

[Lord Manafirogh]

The lords prepared their host and siege weapons of great power and brilliant design.
Fingolfin who dressed all in white, his armour specially made in white silver and he shone like a white star in the dark star. Rangil he took with him and a great shield baring his banner. He was focused on his task and his eyes still had the light of Valinor.
Feanor wore golden/orange armour of high worth and was thought to have the best armour and a sword matching even Gurthang “Iron of death”. Feanor was like a burning flame.
Feanor rode on his horse and on his right rode Fingolfin and on his left Finarfin.
The formation was well thought. First came the elves of Nagrathrond with their long spears used like swords which would prove deadly in battle. They slotted their spears inside their shields (described on the last 2 posts). Then archers from Eithel Sirion and Himring with great bows and bright golden helms came. They bore no shields but were carefully armoured. Then came swords men, when the archers had finished their attack and the enemy drew near the swords men steped forward and defended the archers while they got one with their task, using deadly accuracy and a volley like a brown cloud to take out many foes. This continued until the archers were at the back line. But even then they could defend themselves for they had two long knifes which were quick and powerfull enough to kill the enemy with one slice. The host of Feanor (from Himring) and Fingolfin were placed in the middle. On their left stood the mighty men of Galdor (Fingon had left him to join his fathers host). On the right stood the host of Beleg. The cavalry was placed at the back and high commanders rode at the front holding their banners.
The largest host of men and elves ever been gathered soon would reached the big fields of Ard-Galen and soon Morgoth would be able to see the shining army of the Eldar and Edain. (this should have been before the last post)

[Lord Manafirogh]

So marched the greatest army ever gathered in Beleriand and they sent scouts up ahead patrolling the area carefully and at the slightest problem they would blow their horns.
The army was a shining cloud in the vast fields of Ard-Galen.
Feanor was grim and his eyes burned red hot. Fingolfin on the other hand was more relaxed but the light of valinor had not left his face. The march went on and the alliance was well into Ard-Galen now.
Word had come to the dwarves after the battle of Khazad-Dum regarding the march to Angband and Durin had to make a decision whether he wished to join the host of men and elves and complete the alliance. Durin of course hadn’t forgotten the slaying of his beloved son Dain so the decision was easy……

[Lord Manafirogh]

Morgoth was sick of sitting in his huge throne and his anger and malice over took him. He prepared a fairly large host of orcs to stop the advance of the alliance. Morgoth sent a loyal captain named Bolg. He was 6 feet tall and huge in size. He was less intelligent then Azog but he promised to fight till his death for morgoth. With Bolg came 100000 orcs with them came 250000 warg riders. This army was but a small part of the enemy. The alliance knew morgoth was up to something but had no choice but to deal with this army. However the alliance was not stupid and they need not but 70000 elves and men to kill this army so the remaining army would be sent has a huge wall around the enemy. The battle took place at Ard-galen so armys in groups of Fingon took 30000 elves with him some on foot and some on horses. This was sent to guard Tol Sirion so the enemy did not come from behind. Another army of 30000 was taken to guard near the Fen of Serech and this was Galdors host. At the sound of the a blowing horn three times in succession te host would leave their guard and aid at ard-galen or any
other place. There was also many scouts around those places so news would travel fast. All was guarded and scouts were sent in many places.
Now the remaining host of 175000 lead by Feanor, Fingolfin, Beleg, Finrod and Finarfin remaind their position.(at ard-galen). This was the plan long made in the halls of Eithel Sirion. The largest host lead by those captains would face the army of Bolg and make it a swift victory. So the host of Morgoth lead by Bolg came in range of sight of the alliance but the alliance hasted not but were surprised that morgoth had brought such a small army. Figolfin perceived morgoth was up to something however feanor laughed and prepared to fight.

[Turgon_Turambar]

Like Azog, Bolg was a fell Orc and had won reknown throughout Angband. He was made captain of the 100,000 strong force made to test the alliance strenght. Even though the attack was no doubt doomed Bolg was a hideos warrior and would bite the heads off his enemies in battle like a savage troll. To battle he took a great iron meat cleaver and held it with both hands. Upon the 2 foot grip there were hundreds of small noches, each representing somebodies life that he had taken. For armour he wore black plate and tight mail. He wore no helm for is face was terrible to look upon hence the name Bolg the terrible.

It would be a grim meeting for any that came before him.

[Galdor the tall]

The death of the warrior Dain the young was a horrific loss to the dwarves and Durin and Aazghal were mourning for months untill they saw hope in takin back what belonged to them khazad dum the father of all realms in middle earth. Dain did not return from the battle of khazad dum, but nogrod needed a new king which was to be thror hammerhand high captain of nogrod and reknown for his great skill with bow and arrow he was the best archer and champion of the dwarfs of nogrod. But many dwarfs died to protect the father of realms and it was a great loss as mithril was found in no place else than khazad dum. Now belegost was preparing for war and to march to ard galen and fight by the side of the elfs once again, the love was growin stronger between the 2 races in middle earth, especially between Azaghal and the white lady of gondolin as she would walk in the realm of azaghals father, her love was going to the king of belegost. High captain of belegost and the twelve knights of of belegost were riding to war with 30,000 strong Azaghal would remain behind with the army of nogrod and march with thror to take back the realm of khazad dum. Belefost had twelve knights the most reknown were kili, thorin, thrain, Balin the wise and fili the large he was said to be the size of a easterling, the rest of the knights were not mentioned in the wars of the dwarfs. Now the gates of belegost opened ones again for war 30,000 all clad in mithril now marched to war with the high captain thorin the great

[Lord Manafirogh]

Before the first war against the hos of Bolg The Terrible a dozens of horns sounded. They were not usually horns from elves. Then Fingon at the fens of Serech met the host of the dwarves whos armour shone like white starts upon the dark sky. They were grim and wore their masks. Their Lord Thorin spoke with Fingon and Fingon told them of what had befallen so far. The dwarves were welcomed with open arms and the men and elves were proud to fight amongst dwarves. The alliance was no completed and the army of the allies prepared for war.
The first battle started with Bolgs host against that of Feanor and his host heavly outnumbered the orcs for the first time. Feanor was shocked that Morgoth sent such an army. Feanor was offended by this so he would mock Bolg.
First Bolg prepared his warg riders and they would charge down the alliance with huge force. However the alliance was well prepared and sent forth the spear men of Galdor the tall. The riders came forth and the spear men of Galdor held their spears up until at the last moment they would point the straight and slay many of the dreaded wolves of angband. The horn sounded an the dreaded creatures of morgoth made evil noise.
The host of Bolg was 100000 strong while feanor and the other lords and princes of the alliance had 175000 men, elves and soon be joined by 30000 dwarves. And yet 60000 elves and men remained with Fingon at Tol Sirion and The fen of Serech.
The elves had a cunning formation. In the first line they had their spear men with shields, defending the archers who stood back and would carry out many volleys. Behind those archers were more spear men and swords elves and men. So in this way the archers of the elves and men could be defended by letting the swords men stepping forward while they kept shooting with their long bows. On the right side of Feanor stood the host of Fingolfin from eithel sirion and on his left stood Finarfin with the elves of Nargarthrond and men were upon all hosts. So the army was mixed.
The warg riders of angband came forth. They made ready to charge down in the middle of the host. So this was where Feanor was, with his disciplined elves of himring and spear men of Dor-Lomin. (bearing in mind the formation was the same with the archers). Has soon Has Feanor saw the warg riders prepare he ordered the men of Galdor to make ready their spears. With a huge cry that shook the ground Bolg Ordered the charge of the Wargs which would soon be fallow by orcs.

[Lord Manafirogh]

So the warg riders came riding fast down on the wide fields of ard-galen. He ground shook beneath them and they were horrific but scared not the huge host of the alliance for they knew they were well protected. The riders drew closer and closer. Then a shout came “GIVE THEM A VOLLEY”. Then a huge cloud of arrows smote down many riders. Some wargs were shot down and some lost the rider but the warg went on. This attack was devastating. The bows of the elves had the power to kill an orc with one shot. So many fell even before they could reach their enemy. Thrice the volley came down upon the enemy like a cloud of heavy rain. Thrice the formation of the riders was ruined but they kept going and many remained. Many thousands riders broke formation and many fell.
Then they were but a few seconds from clashing head on with the alliance. The riders were fallowed by the 75000 orcs and some had arrows, spears and many evil tools. The idea was to send the warg riders first to brake the formation of the alliance then soon reinforce the riders with their own infantry.
The rawring riders were now but a few meters away from the alliance when another shout was heard. “HOLD…. HOLD…….. NOW!” The orcs knew not what this ment but soon found out. The front line of the alliance picked up their spears laid before them and held them pointing towards the riders. The spears were long and terrible. Wargs rode straight into their sharp blades and many fell. The archers kept shooting only now at the orcs behind the warg riders, so many orcs fell behind the dreaded wolves of Angband. The battle raged on and the warg riders were reduced from 25000 to a mere 10000. Many elves were wounded but fewer casualties. Now came another planed move from the alliance. While the warg riders were kept busy by the spear men and archers the horse riders from himring and other places gathered at the back line and they made their way to the far end of the left flank. They were but 20.000 on horses but they would prove deadly. They came to the far flank and rode upwards. Then they rode ever north. Some able to see the towers of angband. However they did not ride far. The same thing did the riders of Fingolfin but on the right flank and they were 10.000 strong. The riders of the alliance slamed on the flanks of the enemy while they also engaged in the centre. The orcs were surrounded. Many were slain by the riders for they were no match for them. When the riders were done destroying the flanks they regrouped and retreated for they were a valuable part of the army.
While the battle raged on mainly in the centre of the formation, the orcs now clashed to Fingolfins host on the right flank. Fingolfin had prepared his swords men in the front line while archers at the back shot down many orcs before they reached the alliance. The orcs clashed head on with the elves with a huge cry and the battle raged on, and the orcs had already lost many. From 25000 warg riders barely 5000 remained and from 75000 orcs 25000 were slain. The elves had themselves lost but 15000, 1000 of those were riders. So While bolg had still 55000 remaining the alliance had 160000. Many of them hadn’t even fought yet. Plus the army of the dwarves which was making their way to the battle. Not forgetting fingon’s and Galdors host waiting for a signal.

[Turgon_Turambar]

It was not in Morgoths design for Bolgs host to be victorious over Feanors army. Although he wished to cause damages and weaken them before the next stage of his plans were fully wrought.

His Orcs were being assaulted on three fronts but they held together as Bolgs mighty voice thundered across the battle field and his orcs swarmed to him and with a great charge he broke the cavalry attacking his flank and he led his remaining host which was by now only 40,000 and fled with great haste away north closely persued by remnants of Fingolfins cavalry who were shot with poison dart and spear. Many more orcs fell before they were in sight of Thangorodrim and Bolg called the halt. There in the northern reaches of Ard-galen the Orcs had constructed great hill forts, three there were. Ang-Barad the tower of iron, Carak-barad the tower of the fang and the Sereg-Barad the tower of blood. Bolgs Orcs flooded into them and there turned their watches south to see if their bait had been taken.

[Lord Manafirogh]

The alliance was puzzled by this move, they did not understand why Bolg would flee so soon with still so many able to fight. However when the enemy flee Fingolfin took charge and shouted “MOVE NOT FORTH, FOR IT’S A TRAP OR A BATE, lets not rush”
So all remained back. Now Feanor ordered to call for the signal to bring Galdor and Fingon to come to the fields. So a swift messenger was sent and when he was near enough he sounded his trumpet three times and forth came Galdor and along side him Fingon with 60000 men and elves. Soon they joined the large host. Also soon the dwarves would arrive but their number was not certain.
The elves healed the wounded and made few camps to rest while the area was patrolled.

[Lord Manafirogh]

Feanor urged the alliance to march on and show morgoth the strength of their army.
Meanwhile Thorondor had seen what had happened and told all he knew and saw to Turgon son of Fingolfin. Thorondor also sent 2 of his birds to aman and tell mandus what was about to happen. The children of Illuvatar were about to march against their dark enemy. The messengers of Thorondor were sent at the first sighting of the alliance at the gates of Eithel Sirion.
Feanor ordered a final preparation before the army marched on. Not every one agreed with him but he was high king of the Noldor. Before they marched messengers were sent telling of all deeds and they should be aware and prepare in case everything went wrong and all was doomed. Messengers were sent to the sons of Feanor and all high pronces and lords of Beleriand. The final call came “MARCH!” and the great army of the alliance marched on like a silver and golden river, long and wide.

[Turgon_Turambar]

Morgoth had long been sending spies deep into Beleriand and many tidings were brought to him. He knew the the eagles sent by Turgon would not easily reach Aman and he was not troubled by that. But the great March of Feanor and all the host drew his gaze and so he prepared the final destruction of his enemies.

[Turgon_Turambar]

The three Orcs towers were now manned with roughly 10,000 to each fortress. Bolg manned the tower of blood and stood upon the highest balcony and looked down at Feanors hosts marching beneath the dying sun but his black heart never quailed and turned his gaze North to the smouldering fires of Thangorodrim and the Mou tains of Iron. His Orcs in the Courtyards prepared the walls or the certain onslaught of Feanor.