abstract
| - The ominous shadow of Cameth Brin (Hi. "Twisted Hill" Kh." Narukgindín") loomed above the oaks and elms of the Trollshaws in central Rhudaur. Until the Third Age, few men dared to come near this dreadful place; many would-be explorers feared the presence of evil spirits, while others were scared off by the unnatural appearance of the hill itself. Cameth Brin rose 830 feet above the only vale in the Trollshaws that might otherwise have been called fair. Its base was a steep yet natural hill, but from this foundation erupted a tortured outcropping of naked black granite that leaned impossibly far over the southern face. It looked as if a errant breeze would send the craggy top tumbling down upon the town and the valley below. However, the great overhang of rock had endured earthquake and glacier and many changes in the world. Even after the Dúnedain cleansed it of its ancient evil, few Hillmen would visit the area unless they had pressing need. At its height, the population was composed of Dúnadan lords, their servants of Eriadoran blood, and unfortunate Dunnish serfs who were little more than slaves. The relatively large proportion of High Men was the result of Cameth Brin's status as the political center of Rhudaur. Even after the power of the Dúnedain waned, and corrupt Hillmen became the masters, the government and garrison at the Twisted Hill retained some standards of Dúnadan culture. Elsewhere in central Rhudaur, the heritage of the High men was forgotten or discredited. Cameth Brin served as the seat of the Hillman King Broggha. The citadel included a tower and system of tunnels built by the Dúnedain of Arnor in the side of the Twisted Hill and was an almost impregnable stronghold. It was one of the few permanent settlements of the semi-migratory Hillmen and served as a base for attacks against Arthedain and Cardolan.
|