Rauta-lehmä

Rauta-lehmä is a tribe of Earth-kin that dwells in and around the war-camp of Kar Lak in the North Downs. The tribe inhabits the harsh lands near Nan Amlug East and is known among other Earth-kin for its fierce nature and its presence close to territories influenced by dark powers.

Like other Earth-kin, the Rauta-lehmä are large, ogre-like beings with great physical strength and endurance. Their culture preserves ancient traditions and relics from a distant past, including leather pouches once carried by many of their kind. The tribe inhabits the fortified camp of Kar Lak, a hillside surrounded by the rugged terrain of the North Downs. The proximity of the camp to hostile lands and dark influences has shaped the tribe's reputation among neighbouring peoples.

Among the Earth-kin, certain individuals once carried pouches containing seeds entrusted to them as a sacred charge. These seeds were meant to be preserved and protected until the proper time came for them to be planted again in lands free from shadow. Over time, much of this tradition was forgotten by many Earth-kin tribes. However, one member of the Rauta-lehmä, Trotsiv, continued to guard such a pouch long after others had forgotten its purpose.

Trotsiv of the Rauta-lehmä left his people and travelled to a pond in the south-eastern reaches of Nan Amlug East. There he remained, faithfully protecting the pouch he carried. According to the Ent Rhothlas, Trotsiv eventually became part of the earth itself, never returning to his kin. The pouch he carried contained ancient seeds that survived long years of corruption. When the artifact was later recovered and cleansed, the seeds were preserved and ultimately entrusted to Elrond in Rivendell, ensuring that the ancient duty of the Earth-kin would endure.