Fornost Erain was a fortress of the ancient Kingdom of Arnor during the late Second Age as a fortress and military complex for the Arnorian military. It was almost as a small city with its expansive size, and housed hosts of soldiers and their families.

During the fall of Arnor and the division into Cardolan, Arthedain, and Rhudaur, it was within the realm of Arthedain. The Kingdom of Arthedain maintained the fortress of Fornost through countless wars against Angmar, and eventually the king moved the capital of Arthedain from Annúminas to Fornost.

The Witch King assailed Fornost Erain, and the armies of Arthedain were defeated, and were forced to abandon their fortress capital. The hosts of Gondor and Lindon eventually destroyed, Angmar, but it was too late, and Fornost was abandoned. The tribesmen of Eriador and peoples of Bree called the old fortress Deadman’s Dike, or commonly King’s Norbury, the name of Fornost in the common tongue. Fornost now lies in ruin and overrun with bands of orcs, trolls, wargs, and other evil spawn of old Angmar and the misty mountains.

The Dúnedain of the North seek to reclaim Fornost, but the struggle against the enemy will be immense, and the war will have to rage for years before it is retaken.