3001, Third Age: Gandalf attends Bilbo's party this year. The plot begins a year after the party (3002). Gandalf and Aragorn are searching for Gollum, whom they believe could reveal to Sauron the where abouts of the ring. Unable to locate him, Aragorn will not capture him until 3018 (just before the war of the ring, where he then escapes mirkwood, and eventually begins to follow the Fellowship...), Gandalf moves to other business while Aragorn continues to be a ranger, tracking him throughout the years, and helping Gandalf by being his eyes and ears when Gandalf cannot be present. Their friendship becomes very strong during these times.

Shire: The hobbits in the shire are going about their lives, unaware of the evil that is in their land. Frodo keeps the ring secret, but it keeps him from aging and causes questioning in the shire.

The Galadhrim (the elves in Lothlorien): Galadriel and Celeborn rule the Golden Wood with grace and respect, keeping enemies at bay as the dark ages approach. Arwen is living in Lothlorien (she stays until 3009) Aragorn and Arwen became betrothed in 2980 in Lothlorien, but do not see each other but on very very rare occasions.

Rivendell (aka Imladris): Bilbo comes to Rivendell at Elrond's request in 3002. Eldrond rules over Rivendell, without his wife or his daughter around. He does however have his two twin sons, Elladan and Elohir. Eldron's chief advisor is a stoic elf name Erestor. Elrond has the gift of foresight, and with it he sees the possible destruction of Middle Earth.

Sauron has already decarled himself (in 2951), and darkness is growing all over Middle Earth. The White Council had already had it's very last meeting, but none yet know the depth of Saurman's lies about the ring, or his allegance.

Gondor: Denethor, Steward of Gondor is ruling the kingdom, in absense of the king (none but Aragorn, Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel, Celeborn, and Arwen know the truth about who (Aragorn...) is king).

Edoras: King Theoden's sister and brother in law have passed away this year, and he has just brought his niece and nephew (Eoywn and Eomer) to live with him in Edoras. They are still morning the loss of their parents, but appreciate all that their uncle has done for them.


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Important Dates


2063- Gandalf goes to Dol Guldur to investigate and Sauron flees to the East.

2460 - Sauron returns with increased strength to Dol Guldur

2463 - The White Council is formed

2850 - Gandalf returns to Dol Guldur and learns that the evil presence is Sauron.

2851 - The White Council meets. Gandalf reports that Sauron is at Dol Guldur and urges an attack, but Saruman overrules him.

2942 - Sauron returns to Mordor.

2944 - Gollum emerges from the Misty Mountains.

2951 - Sauron declares himself openly in Mordor and begins to rebuild Barad-dur. Gollum's trail is lost when he turns toward Mordor and Gandalf does not continue to pursue him. Aragorn learns his true name and ancestry from Elrond. He is given the shards of Narsil. Aragorn meets Arwen at Rivendell. He then embarks into the Wild on many adventures.

2953 - The White Council meets to discuss Sauron. Saruman convinces the Council that the One Ring is lost forever.

2956 - Gandalf meets Aragorn and they become friends and allies.

3001 - Gandalf attends Bilbo's Farewell Party and becomes suspicious about the nature of Bilbo's Ring. He seeks the help of Aragorn and together they begin to hunt for Gollum.

3009 - Gandalf and Aragorn renew the hunt for Gollum.

3018
February 1: Aragorn captures Gollum in the Dead Marshes.
March 21: Aragorn delivers Gollum to King Thranduil of Mirkwood to be held captive.
May 1: Gandalf meets Aragorn at Sarn Ford and tells him of Frodo's plan to leave the Shire in September.
July 10: Gandalf is imprisoned by Saruman in Isengard.
September 18: Gandalf is rescued from the pinnacle of Orthanc by Gwaihir.
September 29: Aragorn meets Frodo Baggins in Bree.
September 30: Aragorn leads the Hobbits out of Bree.
October 6: Five Ringwraiths attack the camp at Weathertop.
October 20: Frodo reaches the Ford of Bruinen pursued by the Nine Ringwraiths. Elrond commands the Bruinen to rise against them with Gandalf's assistance.
October 25: The Council of Elrond.
December 25: The Fellowship leaves Rivendell.

3019
January 13: The Fellowship enters Moria.
January 15: Gandalf faces the Balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dum and falls into the abyss; Aragorn leads the Fellowship to Lothlorien
January 17: The Fellowship are greeted by Galadriel and Celeborn.
February 14: Gandalf returns to life and lies on the peak in a trance.
February 16: The Fellowship leaves Lothlorien; Aragorn receives the Elessar.
February 17: Gwaihir carries Gandalf to Lothlorien.
February 26: The Breaking of the Fellowship. Aragorn decides to follow the Uruk-hai who captured Merry and Pippin.
March 1: Gandalf is reunited with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli in Fangorn. They set out for Edoras in Rohan.
March 2: Gandalf arrives at Edoras. He heals King Theoden and advises him to ride to war against Saruman.
March 4: Battle of Helm's Deep
March 5: Parley with Saruman. Gandalf casts Saruman out of the order of Wizards and breaks his staff. Later that night Pippin looks into the palantir and is confronted by Sauron. Gandalf sets out with Pippin to Minas Tirith.
March 15: Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Gandalf confronts the Lord of the Nazgul at the gates of Minas Tirith. He saves Faramir from his father's funeral pyre but Denethor dies.
March 25: Gandalf refuses Sauron's terms of surrender. The Host of the West fights until the Ring is destroyed and Sauron is defeated. Gandalf rides Gwaihir to rescue Frodo and Sam from the destruction of Mordor.
May 1: Aragorn is crowned King.
June 25: Aragorn finds the sapling of the White Tree.
Midsummer's Eve: Arwen arrives in Minas Tirith.
Midsummer's Day: Wedding of Aragorn and Arwen.

The Shire:
Sam
Frodo
Merry - Mercedes
Pippin - Katty
Rosie Cotton - Paige

Rivendell:
Elrond
Bilbo - Paige

Lothlorien:
Galadriel - Paige
Celeborn
Arwen - Jessica
Narelle (elf maiden) - Lois

Mirkwood:
Legolas
King Thranduil - Paige [TEMP]

Rohan:
King Theoden
Gamling
Eowyn

Roaming:
Gandalf - Paige [TEMP]
Aragorn - Paige
Gollum/Smeagol