My entry into CCCVII… ***** The fortress Morgoroth was built on the ruins of a human castle, Gladden’s Hall, which served as a guard post for the mine entrance. After Mount Harad erupted, the humans fled and Lord Nyurnen moved in. Through a powerful act of sorcery, he molded the flowing lava from Mount Harad into imposing protection for his lair. Where no one would go, Nyurnen would call home. He rebuilt the castle for his own purposes and constructed the tower as a show of power for any would-be intruders. He brought in mercenary orcs to work in the mines and man the defenses. His concubine and bodyguard, Preciosa, served as his most trusted advisor and was the only human allowed inside the black gate. The recent decision to kidnap Queen Emyn and Princess Avari had been her idea, and the impending rescue attempt is intended to show King Valacar how powerful Lord Nyurnen has become. ***** Not visible, but coming up in future photo sets, are the working drawbridge with subterranean gears, plus interiors for the troll cave, the tower/mine and the wizards chamber. ***** I found it very hard to try to capture this MOC is only three pictures. They warned us in the contest rules, but I couldn’t help myself. Chaulk this one up to experience.