Woodmen Town

The oldest settlement of the Woodmen was founded by the folk of Balthi long ago. He brought the Lamp out of the darkness, and the light of the Lamp has ever protected Woodmen-town and its inhabitants.

1. Great Hall: Also known as the House of Balthi or the Hall of the Lamp, for the Lamp hangs from the roof of this building. On special feast-days or times of need, the Lamp is brought out and hung from a carved pole so that its light may be clearly seen for miles around.

2. Palisade: A wall of stakes to block attackers. The Woodmen have fought many different foes and learned the best way to deal with each of them. The wooden walls hold back Orcs and raiders. Dog packs watch for wolves that might slip through gaps in the palisade. Specially grown thorns prevent Spiders from crawling over the top. Children gather bunches of fragrant herbs that are then burnt to drive away the stench of noisome vapours and evil spirits. The wall is as strong as any wall can be in Mirkwood.

3. Market Green: Woodmen-town stands midway between Rhosgobel and Woodland Hall, so it is where the Woodmen come to trade and talk. The Market Green is a low grassy mound used for both markets and councils of war.

4. Docks: The Dusky River runs close to the edge of the town. The Woodmen use small, sturdy boats made from dug-out tree trunks to navigate the river. Larger rafts carry cargos up to Woodland Hall or down to the villages along the Black Tarn.

5. Guest Houses: As many folk from the other settlements visit Woodmen-town, they maintain these guest-houses. Normally, guests stay in the Great Hall, but there is not always space there. The original guest- houses were once inhabited by residents of Woodmen- town, but many people abandoned this settlement when the shadow returned to Mirkwood.

6. Kennels: The folk of Woodmen-town were the first to tame the hounds of Mirkwood, who are — it is said — descended from the hound-companion of Beren, a great hero of Men in the First Age.

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