A Land to Call Their Own Discussion Thread

[alaklondewen]

Child - It looks great...thank you so much.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Alak,

This is the leader of the wolfpack asking for clarification. Please eyeball Fordim and Kransha's comments above on the discussion thread.

I also am not certain how the Hobbits are going into the woods. Is there an organized group with Marcho in the lead, or perhaps chasing them from the rear? :p

Or are the parents rushing in willy-nilly in all directions?

This information would help me in how I set up my attack and/or describe the scene. I wasn't sure from reading the story, so can someone help me here?

Child

P.S. An imporant note to everyone..... When it comes down to the 'battle', please don't kill off the poor wolves. You can wound them mightily or send them packing with their tales between their legs. You never know but we might need or meet them again at a later point in the story.....

I will also try to refrain from muching on the Hobbits, although I understand they are quite tasty.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Like I said above, I don't think that the parents are going to want to take time to organise anything much beyond a quick "let's all stay together!". As I read the situation, at the moment Fordogrim, Harold and Kalimac are racing into the woods just ahead of the rest -- which makes sense as these three are mounted and the rest seem to be on foot. Perhaps these three could reach the scene of the wolf attack first, cause the wolves to back off from the children for a moment, and then become the centre of their attack. Things could get pretty desperate for them before Marcho arrives with a more orderly group of hobbits to save the day (I hope. . . :eek: )

[alaklondewen]

Fordim is on the right track. I was going to suggest something very similar to this. Marcho will be calling after them, thinking they are fools to be running in there on their own, but he will stay long enough to organize enough hobbits to do damage. In fact, I'll post this this afternoon when I'm home from class, so we can have some order and the reader is not confused.

One question, is Elsa riding with her husband, or is she running behind on foot? And where is Sarah in all of this?

[Arestevana]

Elsa's not with Kalimac at the moment; he wanted her to stay behind. I do believe she is running along behind on her little furry feet. :D If you'd prefer, though, I could have her fetch the Whitfoot's other pony and ride. I will make sure to clarify this in my next post, whichever is decided.

[ArwenBaggins]

Now another hobbit in the forest! What will Crispin do?

He's getting frantic, hope his parents and the Chubbs come soon! :)

My birthday is tomorrow! YAY!
~Fëa

[Witch_Queen]

Alak: I hate to say it but I have limited compie access now since i'm out for spring break. Sarah is with everyone else. Just let me know what is going on some time.

I am sorry about not being around lately.


Witchie

[alaklondewen]

Sorry, I wanted to post this afternoon, but real life sometimes has a mind of its own. I will definitely put Marcho's post up tomorrow.

Witch_Queen and Arestevana, what if Marcho sees the women running by and physically stops them and demands they go back to their wagons. Then the women might join forces and follow the men anyway. Anyway, that would let the reader in on what exactly the women are doing without three separate posts about the same thing. If you want to come in afterward (I understand it might be a problem for Witch_Queen), you could tell of the women working their way toward the front of the part (similar to Eowyn?). What do you think?

[piosenniel]

If you see an edited by piosenniel . . . on your RPG post, it's just me removing your signature.

[Arestevana]

Alak: I like that idea. If it's alright with Witch_Queen as well, I think it would be fun to play out. :)

[alaklondewen]

The ball is now in the hands of the fathers (and grandfather) and wolves. I would love to see posts on the women following, too. :)

Before I forget this again, here is a short description of Adelard Proudfoot, who will prove to be another obstacle for the children to overcome and hopefully provide some comic relief.

Adelard Proudfoot, a 23 year-old, Fallohide lad is the only child of Adagrim and Mirabella Proudfoot. His father, a local politician, is very wealthy and very busy, so Addey (as most hobbits call him) has grown up with anything he’s ever wanted thrown at him to keep him occupied and contented. The young hobbit is far from content and takes his callous attitude on all those around him. “Everything in Middle Earth has a price,” he always says and truly believes his money, or rather his father’s money, is enough that all of the other “poor, wretched” hobbits should be grateful he glances in their direction. As a result of this egotistical outlook, Addey has not a single friend, but he keeps around those he forces to meet his needs or those who hope to gain something from the relationship. The hobbit is known for being blunt, hateful, and rude without showing the least bit of remorse. Addey feels the world owes him, and everything is there for his taking.

Adelard has been watching the Chubbs and sees them having fun (chasing one another at camp that morning), and he thinks that since they're poor they will have to do things for him. I'm really hoping May will give him a hard time. Be prepared for him to be completely disrespectful (probably to the adults too) and mean. He's a snot nosed brat. He will squeeze himself into a lot of things the kids do. He's never known true friendship, so maybe through the course of this trip, he will learn a lesson or two. We shall see.

[Witch_Queen]

Sounds good to me.


Well now back to my break. I hate it when I have limited compie access.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

I've got Fordogrim, Harold and Kalimac well and truly into it now, and I've also adavnced the plot somewhat. Regin and Kransha let me know if I need to change anything.

Alak and Child -- hope I've not gone too far in describing action with the wolves. As with above: let me know if I should change anything.

Assuming that all is well with the post, however: I hope that Marcho and his small army gets there soon, as things look to get a bit sticky for our heroes!

[Kransha]

Alright, all is well. I'm just ever-so-slightly confused, because I thought the children weren't surrounded yet, but either way, the adults can still get to the wolves.

I have posted, and my post really doesn't have too much of Fordo or Harold in it. But, I hope Child is alright with poor, nervous Kalimac accidentally loosing an arrow at one of the wolves. It missed, luckily for them, but what will happen in result?....OOh, the cliffhanger! *Beethoven's 5th can clearly be heard*

[Child of the 7th Age]

The wolf pack is on the loose....

Regin, thanks for the loan of Harold and his pony as we discussed. Now, we will see what Regin and the others do.

My suggestion.....the three Hobbits (and their wives) have to fight for their lives and manage to get in a lick or two, but don't drive any wolves off till the full contingent of Hobbits enters the grove.

Marcho....hey, there comes that pony racing out of the woods without Harold on his back!

Kids.....All I can say is good luck. Too bad your parents are occupied with other things. It is totally up to you what you do, but if I were in your situation I would quickly go back and reread The Hobbit! (At least as a temporary measure.....) Or you can come up with another idea, but it had better be fast....

Cami

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

OK -- got a bit ahead of myself there. I've edited my previous post to have the three adults come across the wolves only, then the leader runs off after the children.

Glad you don't mind the howling Kransha -- figured you wouldn't. . . :p

[Arestevana]

I've put up a post with Elsa and Sarah in the forest. Witch_Queen, if there's anything you'd like me to change involving Sarah, let me know! :)

[alaklondewen]

A lot of action today, and I'm very pleased. I can't hardly wait to see what will happen next. I will put up a save for both Adelard and Marcho that I will fill in within 24 hours. Great job, everyone!

[Memory of Trees]

just want to let everyone know that i might not be able to post for a while - spring break. be back as soon as i can.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Alak and everyone - My save is filled in.

Kransha - I've used your character to get Harold out of a jam. Please let me know if I should edit in any way. I wanted to use this incident to have Harold pay a visit to Kalimac after the action is done. He will apologize for his earlier actions and say thanks for Kalimac's brave deed.

Alak, Kransha, and everyone,

I was wondering if we could use Harold's apology as a way to open discussion of the "land" issue. Harold could explain to Kalimac that the thing underneath that's bothering him is how much he loves the land, how it's the center of his life, yet he's never had a piece to call his own. Harold could say he knows it isn't Kalimac's fault -- that's just the way things are. He'd like things to change, but he doubts that will happen in his life. But sometimes it gets to him. Marcho could even be standing near and overhear some of their conversation. Then Kalimac and Marcho can go off on their own and begin thinking about what Harold has said, and wonder if other Harfoot Hobbits feel the same way.

What do you think?

Regin

[ArwenBaggins]

Everyone:
I know I haven't posted on the RP for a while. I'm making a post for Crispin hearing (and trying to fight, but failing miserbly) the wolves. I'm going to wait for Alak to put up her post and then I'll post mine. Child may have to edit it in somewhere.

Just so you know that I didn't vanish. :)
~Fëa

[Child of the 7th Age]

Arwen,

I'll be glad to help. Just let me know where to slot it in.

Child

[alaklondewen]

I have filled in the SAVE with Adelard's attack, but I will get Marcho's heroic rescue in in the morning. This will at least give the children something with which to work. I hope Memory and Child will find their characters were used to their satisfaction, if not, I will gladly edit.

Child - Would you mind moving Melisil's last post for Alora to the bottom of post #96? I think it will fit in a little better there.

Everyone - I will be permanently taking over the part of Henry Chubb, so if anyone had prior plot arrangements made with Rutslegolas, please let me know.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

I have filled in Fordogrim's SAVE -- chalk one up for the old guy! :D

[Child of the 7th Age]

Melisil's post has been moved; the use of the wolves is fine.... :)

“Me and my Stout have handled one of these monsters! Let’s deal with these last two curs and send them back to the mother as whelped them!”

I applaud Fordo's lucky whack, but think his bravado may be a bit optomistic here. I doubt that three small hobbits with limited experience with weapons could injure all three wolves or drive them away and escape totally unscathed.

There are two possible ways of bringing an end to this part of the fight ...

1. Marcho could dispatch several hobbits to aid the adults in their fight and succeed in driving the beasts away, or.

2. The injured Grog could give a bloodcurdling howl as he's driven away from the grove where the children are, thus commanding the others in the pack to break off their attack and follow.

Alak -- You could write this into your own post or I'll be glad to do it...whatever works best. Please let me know.

Child

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

I think that the idea of Marcho saving the day is a good one. Fordogrim is really just putting on a brave face: he's wise enough to know that without help soon, they're all in a lot of trouble!

What's more, I think if it were "that crack-brain" Marcho who saves them, it would really stick in Fordo's craw. . .

BTW -- I don't think we need to discount that third wolf so quickly; she's down for the moment (and presumably in a lot of pain) but she's still very much in the fight!! (Fordogrim does tend to get ahead of himself from time to time. . . ;) )

[ArwenBaggins]

Alas, Everyone, I will probably not be on this weekend. Being Catholic and it Good Friday, we're going out and then CAMPING! Yay! :)

I'll work on a post and TRY to PM it to ya Child.

Sorry,
Fëa

[Child of the 7th Age]

Arwen,

I'll be looking for it...

*******************


I've also had problems getting my post up. Got into a huge traffic jam and spent two hours trying to get home! I'll try again this weekend.

Since it's a holiday weekend, things may be slow.

Cami

[ArwenBaggins]

I've PM'd you. It might not have gone through though. Computer froze. :confused: PM me if it didn't.

Thanks,
Fëa

[alaklondewen]

Marcho has saved the day. Child, I figured if the wolves saw around 70 hobbits running madly toward them with weapons raised, they would take off. Let me know if you would like me to add or change anything.

Onward we go! As soon as there are a couple of reunion posts (I especially look forward to Elsa's reaction to seeing her babies), I will take us back on the road and to the river we go.

[Arestevana]

Alak: A minor question: When (if at all) did Elsa and Sarah arrive? Were they just behind Marcho and Co., or just ahead, or are they still wandering?

[alaklondewen]

Arestevana - I would say that either the women are right behind them or they just have not found them yet. I will let you decide. :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

ArwenBaggins has sent me a new post for Crispin, which I slotted in at the bottom of post #94 at her request.

Many thanks Arwen, and sorry for my delay!

Cami

[Witch_Queen]

Poor Sarah didn't get to hit anything with her rolling pin.

As you can tell I'm back. Boy I missed not being here. Seriously if i have to miss anymore days I'm going to go crazy.

Oh Arestevana I'm glad that Elsa and Sarah has gotten over the fight. I can't wait to see what the others say about the children wandering off.

Just a thought but is it ok if Sarah some what blames herself for the children wandering off. I mean after all if it wasn't for the adults fighting none of this would have happened. So you could almost say its the Chubbs and Whitfoots that are to blame. Perhaps the adults could blame each other. Just let me know.

[ArwenBaggins]

Thank you Cami for putting it up!

I will have another post for ya'll (yeah, I'm a Hillbilly. ;))) soon. :)

~Fëa

[Regin Hardhammer]

My new post is up. Gee I am so glad I found my children! I love them so much. :)

[Angel_Queen]

I will post for Sarah tomorrow morning. I didn't have enough time today

[Arestevana]

My post for Elsa is up. I anyone has a problem with my mention of their characters, (Namely, anyone in the Whitfoot clan) I'll be happy to edit. :)

[alaklondewen]

Nice post, everyone. :) I'm going to leave today open for any camp scenes or addition reunion posts (I will get one of these ready for Henry as well), and then I'm going to let Marcho take us a couple of days down the road. This will bring us to the river, which is a huge landmark. These posts should be sentimental, on Marcho's behalf anyway, this will mark year one for the Shire. Very exciting!

After we hit the river we will be able to time condense more frequently to get us to the White Downs. Keep an eye out for Child...she's trouble! ;)

Here you can see how close we are to the river, what the area looks like, and what is to come:

Bree and Shire Map (http://www.shirepost.com/ShireMapLarge.html)

[piosenniel]

Fordim's post:

But there’s even more. Right in the middle of all this there was a whole pack of wolves that attacked us, and the children were gone into the Forest and there was such a panic and a cry as you’ve never heard. Well, I don’t need to tell you that Harold and I were off at once to save Henry and May, and who came with us but that fool of a Whitfoot Kalimac. You see, his children are so unruly, and his wife such a delicate mother, that our Henry and May are the ones who take care of the Whitfoot little ones now – so they were all off together in the woods with those demons!

Too funny! For a moment there at the end, I thought those demons being referred to might include the unruly Whitfoot children!

~*~ Pio :D

[ArwenBaggins]

I'll be starting a river post, but it won't be up until Alak posts. :)

Also, Everyone, I will be gone until Friday afternoon. Gotta field trip tomorrow and a track meet to go to. See ya then!

~Fëa

[Child of the 7th Age]

Who me, trouble???? :p I wish I had one of those smilies with a halo!

In any event, Alak please check your pms.

Cami

[alaklondewen]

Fordim - I want to publicly applaud a wonderful post. I'm glad we, as readers, have gotten to experience another well-written letter to Prim. Great work.

I am working on a general post for Marcho to bring us to the river. I will suggest that everyone waits for that post before constructing river posts, because....well, you'll see. ;) Anyhoo, let's keep going. I'm looking forward to Regin's post, and I will be sure Marcho overhears the apology and such.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Alak, Kransha,

A red-faced Harold has apologized. If you want something different about your characters, let me know.

I pushed the post forward so it will come after May's reunion with her dad. That seemed to make more sense.

Regin

[Kransha]

Alright, Regin, I will put up a response post tomorrow (waiting for other SAVES to be filled). Forgive my minor absence, but I've been, as they say, swamped.

[alaklondewen]

I put a general SAVE before my last post for anyone who might need it. If you do, either place your post here or PM me and I will get it on the thread.

New drama...let's see our heroes in action! Alora must be saved, so we need some swimmers. Have fun!

[Kransha]

My save is up, and it is indeed a long one. I used a bit of Marcho in there, so tell me if I need to change anything, alak. Other than that, I will wait for one or two posts before adding a post about Kal's response to Alora's unfortunate incident in the Baranduin.

[Memory of Trees]

Alak - What are you going to do with Adelard? I have an idea. His arm is supposed to be broken, so he should be laid up for a while. Since May's on a guilt trip about it, she could be the one who nurses Adelard back to health (And please understand, this doens't mean she actually likes Addey :) ). Or that could even be her punishment for taking the Whitfoots into the forest. Either way, she's going to resent it, even if she does feel guilty. It would be a wonderful opportunity for both May and Adelard to improve some major character flaws, but, of course, this only works if you keep posting for Adelard. Tell me what you think!

[alaklondewen]

Memory - I think that is a fantastic idea. I can see the two of them bumping heads along the way...could be interesting, and definitely fun to write. I will let you begin...maybe I could have Adelard throw a fit in my SAVE and that could prompt the punishment. What do you think?

[ArwenBaggins]

Everyone:
I've put up a SAVE for Crispin saving Alora. I'll fill it as soon as I can.

Who's planning on actually getting her out of the water? I need to know, because if no one wants to, I'll have Crispin do it.

~Fëa

[alaklondewen]

This is just an idea, but what if Crispin got Alora close to the shore and was pulled in by a certain old hobbit's cane? It might be another way to pull the families together. Just a thought...

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Sounds like a good idea to me! Whoever writes the post should feel free to have the cane accompanied by some sound advice about being careful around water though. . . :D

[ArwenBaggins]

Sounds good! Thanks Alak and Fordim!

~Fëa

[Memory of Trees]

alak - that sounds fantastic!

[Regin Hardhammer]

I just filled in Harold's post that responds to his dad.

Hey, I've got a clever father! He's just managed to give the "Brandywine" river its name in Westron, which I will cooperatively pass along to my pub buddies. That is, if we ever get somewhere the Hobbits can build a new pub!

-Regin

[Witch_Queen]

I'll post for Sarah later today. I don' t have time right now but she will be coming into the picture some time soon. I'm not sure what she's going to be doing.

Fordo: Would Sarah and Grandpa have any reason to argue right now?

harold is so nice to his father. Now i know why Sarah loves him so much.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Well Witch_Queen, Fordogrim is always spoiling for a fight, and while his opinion of Sarah is improving, he still thinks that she's not the right hobbit for his Harold. . .

Feel free to get in there and swinging with the old guy -- he is spoiling for a fight after all!

[alaklondewen]

I've filled in the SAVE on post #115. Adelard has thrown his fit. Memory - I say let's bring the story forward, and let the reader know through reflection that May is now taking care of him. I'm sure whatever compassion she was feeling toward him he has stomped with his hatefulness. Let me know if anything needs work.

I hope we will hear from the Whitfoots regarding Alora's near death experience. If no one posts tomorrow, I will put up another general save and we'll keep going. Still more exciting things to come!

Nice posts Fordim and Regin. :)

[ArwenBaggins]

Well, Crispin sure is mad about 'being helped in the rescuing'. Maybe I'll put up a post with him confronting the old hobbit.

Off topic, but am I the only one that's gonna make a new character for the 'Last Ride of the Heir' RPG?

~Fëa

[alaklondewen]

First of all, we have 17 days to finish this game. The settlers have just crossed the river, so they have a little over a hundred miles to cover. Anyone can move time along, unless a specific event is occurring that requires multiple posts from players. So, don't feel like you must wait for me. I still have a couple of big obstacles planned, so we can't waste much time. With that said, I've put up (and will put up whenever needed) a General SAVE. These saves will allow us to keep the action moving so that we can finish the game on time, and it will allow those who are busy and are unable to post immediately a place to keep up.

If you want to utilize a SAVE, just place the post here or PM Child or I and we will get it on the game thread immediately. Be sure to let us know the post number where you would like the post inserted.

If anyone has questions or thoughts, please ask or comment. I really value all of your opinions, because you're the ones making this a fun game. :)

~ Alak

[Arestevana]

Alak- I’ve written up a post for Elsa. Could you or Cami put it in that save?

~ ~ ~
Elsa Whitfoot

When she saw both of her children in the river, Elsa’s first thought was to panic. She had too little attention to spare to register surprise when the unoccupied part of her mind realized that this emotion did not immediately take hold. She kept her head long enough to progress to a second, more logical thought. They can't swim. I can’t swim. Then terror set in, and she began fighting her way out of the crowd, trying to reach a point on the bank where she could reach the children.

When she reached the shore, Elsa found her children safe and out of the water, pulled to safety by Mr. Chubb’s cane. She arrived in time to hear a short lecture about safety near a river. When Fordogrim concluded his lecture, Elsa felt inclined to pick up where he had let off. Then she saw her children laying on the river bank, drenched and shivering, and hurried forward to hug them both. Kalimac came up as well, and soon both were comforting the children and trying to dry them off with several towels proffered by families with wagons parked nearby.

Having concluded that her children were all right, Elsa began to relax slightly. She was shaking, having realized how close she had come, once again, to losing both her children. They seemed to have recovered somewhat, and were slightly drier, she noted, but their clothes were thoroughly drenched and very muddy. Elsa led them back to the wagon and found them dry clothes, absently removing a piece of hay from Crispin’s vest pocket as she handed him a fresh shirt. She gave it little thought, her mind occupied. Twice! That’s twice we could have lost them, now. Is this the price of our new land; such constant danger to our children? The new land was a sweet dream, but it will never be worth that much. Perhaps we should go home.

[alaklondewen]

Arestevana, your post in now up. I liked they way you presented Elsa's thoughts running and changing in her mind. Well done.

I had also filled my SAVE earlier, and let me bring this forward once again:

Bree and Shire Map (http://www.shirepost.com/ShireMapLarge.html)

The group is camping just before the area that will become the Whitfurrows. They will riding along next to the river for the next two days.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Half of my post is up with the rest to be filled in hopefully later tonight....

Regin, thanks for the use of Harold.

Sarah and Fordim .... If you want me to change anything, let me know. Or, if you prefer, I can avoid using your characters at all. But this will give you both a latch on the story line, once the action occurs.....

Child

[Child of the 7th Age]

What have we here? An unknown assailant disappearing into the night without anyone seeing him. Only the Harfoot belongings have been taken, and Crispen has the bad luck to be glimpsed by Adelard on a perfectly innocent errand.... (Or at least that's what Crispin will say. :D )

This does not look good!

Actually, you can "blame" Alak for this distressing situation. This clever subplot of the disappearing thief was part of her original game proposal and I am only setting up the narrative in the story so you folk can play this out.

If anyone wants me to tweek their character, just tell me and I'll try to comply. If you don't want me to use your character at all, let me know and I'll substitute another one instead into the story. Hopefully, though you can use this as a latch for your own posts.

[Witch_Queen]

Child: I love it. Sarah doesn't seem like the mean hobbit everyone else puts her out to be. Don't change a thing.

Fordo: We can continue our "arguement" after the new disaster ends. That is if you want to. Sarah doesn't like the fact that Fordo doesn't think she is right for Harold. It almost makes me want to cry. But I won't or else I'll have to build a bridge over the river of tears and then push someone off.

I'll post for Sarah later. Lets see what everyone else has to say.

[Kransha]

I'll have a little thinking post up for Kal soon.

alak, do you mind if I take us into morning, as it were, with my post?

[alaklondewen]

Kransha - Please do. :)

I forgot to mention this earlier. Witch_Queen, I've asked Child to move your post back a few to the end of Regin's post #119. Hope that okay with you...I just think it fits a little better there.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Witch_Queen: Oh, I very much want Fordogrim to continue his fight with Sarah -- I'm sure there will be plenty they have to say to each other.

[Child of the 7th Age]

I just finished moving Witch Queen's post to #119.

Fordim -

I know you address the above in your latest post (which I liked a lot). I wasn't sure if you wanted to say something directly to her, or not, in the earlier time frame.

If so, just put your post on the discussion thread and I will slot it into #119, immediately after the post for Sarah.

Cami

P.S. I hope this befuddled message makes sense...

[Witch_Queen]

That is fine with me. Fordo did Prim like Sarah? I was just wanting to know. It seems like Prim didn't have a problem with her. Let me know.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Harold's post is up. Now which one of you rascals stole my precious Sarah's necklace? :D I am so mad. Grrrrr..... :mad: I can't believe someone would swipe it.

[alaklondewen]

Silly, Regin. ;)

I put up a shorter than usual post to pass the ball to Fordim. I didn't want to go much further, because that would entail unnecessary manipulation of both Harold and Fordogrim.

Once Adelard overhears that some items are missing, he will immediately accuse Crispin of being the thief. Poor lad.

Great posting everyone. :)

[ArwenBaggins]

I'm so hated... ;)

The whole party will have to work together in seeing that Crispin is really innocent!

Blessed Be,
Fëa

[Regin Hardhammer]

My save is filled in....

-Regin

[piosenniel]

~*~ On May 1st through May 3rd, the Green Dragon Inn thread will be closed to posting. ~*~

A special thread (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=10646) will be opened in the Shire to celebrate the 4th Birthday of the Barrow-Downs' site.

We're hoping you will all come to the party and enjoy yourselves there. :D

[alaklondewen]

Thanks, Pio. :) I'm know several of you were not here last year, but we had an excellent time at the last birthday party. I suggest attending...they are a riot.

Now to business...I'm sorry I'm not able to fill my SAVE tonight as I planned. I have a paper due Thursday and it's taking a bit of time. I should be able to get it posted tomorrow afternoon however, since the post is started, just not finished.

I will not be here on Thursday. It's my daughter's birthday, so celebrations all day. She will get my full attention, so I will be unable to post. But I will have a four day weekend following, so we will get this show on the road. The end date is still set for May 8! It doesn't seem like it's been 9 weeks.

Goodnight,

~ Alak

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Fordogrim's reply to Harold and Sarah is up -- Alak I don't know what you intend for your post, but I wonder if it might not make more sense to have it after Fordo's?

Hope you have fun at your daughter's birthday!! :D

[alaklondewen]

Thanks, Fordim...I'm going a little overboard with preparations, but she's only little once.

I have posted the arrest of young Crispin Whitfoot. Arwen and Kransha, please check the post closely and let me know whether you would like anything changed. I tried to use your characters through Fredigar's eyes, but if I've overstepped let me know.

Now that this is up, it would be really easy for everyone to keep posting on the present situation. However, we must keep them on the road. Can someone accomplish this this evening or tomorrow? Anyone could post about thinking about what just happened that morning while riding down the road, or Crispin could tell us what is happening to him and how he is feeling (scared, angry, etc.) being trapped in Fredigar's wagon.

We're down to 11 days to wrap up. That's not very long.

I'll check in later this evening in case anyone has questions, then I'll see you all on Friday. :)

[Kransha]

Ooh, party. I smell food.

alak, all is well. I admit that I've been a little absent of this thread, as mentioned in last post, but that's all coming to a close, even though only 11 days remain. I've placed up a save which will be filled (undoubtedly) within 3 hours. It should contain a lot of tempermental ranting from poor, confused Kal.

[Arestevana]

I have a save up as well, to be filled within 24 hours.

[Kransha]

Ok, my post is up. I admit I controlled Adelard and Fredigar a bit, so tell me, alak, if there is something you'd like me to change. I believe, for the second time, Kal has gone over the edge somewhat. I think someone should get ahold of him before ol' Kal decides to strange the life from poor, helpless, and gossipy Adelard.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Harold's post is up. I have alerted Marcho to the fact that Crispin is arrested. I suggested that we try to catch the theif. Maybe Marcho can suggest a plan to apprehend the culpit soon? Anyway Harold doesn't think that Crispin would ever steal. He's just not that kind of a Hobbit. ;)

[alaklondewen]

We are now a week farther down the road. Regin and Kransha, I have put on the ball in your hands, please take it and run.

We now have One Week. We can do this. We need to set up the thief and catch him, then we can get them to the White Downs. We need at least a day or so for last posts, and I will write up an epilogue to wrap things up. Everyone up for the challenge? I hope so. ;)

I have finals this week, which means I won't be in class, so I should have added time to focus on the game to ensure we make it on time.

[Memory of Trees]

You guys, I am SO sorry!!! My internet konked out again - this time for good, I think. So I have to use my dad's office computer, which, as he is on there almost all the time, means my internet access is extremely limited. I will post as often as possible.

Alak ~ I'm going to edit my last post to include a flashback of May and Adelard, and then post like crazy as often as I can. I wanted for both May and Addy to slowly change, and maybe - just maybe - come to like each other.

I didn't realize how limited our time is.

So here's what's going on: if you don't mind, I will do the May-Adelard interaction almost entirely by myself, in flashbacks from May's perspective. You can illustrate Addy's character changes by the way he interacts with May and the other characters. Since time will be moving forward faster than usual, we're going to have to make this pretty drastic.

Another thing - I still have to resolve the conflict between May and her parents. And I'll finally be ready to talk to Fordo. And stop hating the Whitfoots.

Be ready to be flooded with tears, everyone.

:(I hope this works.

[alaklondewen]

Memory, I hope everything works out. Please use Adelard however you want. I think his character would be hard to mess up.

The same goes with Fredigar. He is still considered a carry along, so use him as you need to. Just be sure read others' posts so he's not more than one place at a time.

I'm placing a SAVE up also...I didn't feel very well today, so I'll post in the morning.

~ Alak -- Forgive me for my dangling modifiers.

[Witch_Queen]

Sarah's post is up.
Fordogrim: Read my post and make sure that I didn't make Grandpa look like a grouch. Let me know if you wish for me to change it. I will.

Sarah is having a few doubts about the journey now that it is almost over. Poor Sarah all she wants is her necklace back. Please could someone just return it. She would like that very much... Thank you. (Ok you don't have to return it, but it would be nice if she could figure out where it is.)

Its hard to think that our journey is almost over. It has been fun being in a game with everyone. Perhaps in the future there will be another game with all of us in it. I will hate when it is over. Don't forget Regin that Sarah loves Henry no matter what. (LOL)

[alaklondewen]

My SAVE is filled, and the plan has been laid down. We will really have to work as a team to get this finished, but I know we can...we all work very well together.

Kransha - Check your PMs.

We are down to the wire...5 days.

[ArwenBaggins]

Plan looks good! PLEEEEEAAAASSSEEEE save Crispin! He's really in need of a good proving Fredigar wrong. ;)

As long as we hustle, I think- no, know!- we can do this.

~Fëa

[Kransha]

G'day...

I know I should've PMed this, but I have a request. Regin would you do me the favor of including Kalimac's response ( a reluctant 'yes') in your post for Harold? I believe you could easily cover that and move us along since we only have 5 days, and if I had to post a respose for Kal it would be up early day after tomorrow, whereas yours will be up tomorrow and leave more leway.

Ooh, so very close. How fun this has been and has yet to be.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Kransha,

I agree. OK, I sealed the agreement between the three of us (Harold, Kalimac, Marcho) and mentioned Fordo as well. Hope that is alright, but I figure we could get straight to the scenes with the kids. Can we assume the kids accept their role, and go straight into those scenes?

If edits are required let me know.

~Regin

[alaklondewen]

Nice post, Regin. I agree we need to move directly into the scene. Now I can do a lot with Henry, but I hope Melisil and Memory will be around to help too. Fordim, I hope you'll bring Fordogrim into this...let me know what part he'll play. Will he be in the set up? I do hope he will at least take guard.

Since we have so little time, I will end this scene late Wednesday evening (tomorrow). If some of you still need to (or want to) get in on the action, I will insert a general SAVE so you may post the post here or PM either Child or myself and we'll get the post on the game thread.

Okay, that gives us the thief on Wednesday night (or sooner), then we will be bumping along through the White Downs on late Thursday or early Friday. On Thursday, we'll need reactions and something will have to be done to Garlin...let's keep that fun, so if anyone has an idea...nothing is in stone for him at this point. Okay, we arrive in the future Michel Delving on Friday, so that will be the time for final posts until late Saturday (I think Pio gives us until midnight). I will post an epilogue late Saturday. If you want something specific stated about your character, please send me a PM. Otherwise the post will be about the families as a whole (Chubbs getting land, Whitfoot continuing their prosperous business) and about the Shire and its progress.

Again, as we proceed, I will keep us moving at a good pace. I hope everyone can keep up in the next few days, but if at any time you would like something inserted in a previous time slot, we can do that, so don't hestitate to ask.

This is so exciting...

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

My apologies to all on many fronts. First, I am sorry that it has been a while since I posted. Second, I am sorry for the length of my last post. Third, I am sorry to have worked through so much with so many characters all at once. Fourth, and finally, I am sorry to plunk such a 'weighty' post right into the middle of the current scene.

But in my defense, I am going to be totally unavailable from tomorrow morning on, so today really was the very last chance I was going to have to post and I didn't want to be an old hindrance on the game as we get so close to the end.

Let me just say how very very VERY much I've enjoyed this thread, and I look forward to RPGing with all of you again very soon!

[piosenniel]

Lovely game post, Fordim!

~*~ Pio

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

*Fordim blushes, and then ducks his head, fearing the wrath of Alak*

Hmmmmm (says he, wondering aloud) -- is it canonical or not to state that Hobbits go to the West????? ;)

[ArwenBaggins]

Bravo Fordim! *claps and stands* Bravo!

Wonderful, WONDERFUL post! It was very emotional and... sad, but also joyous in a sense. I'm glad that old goat has finally taken a liking to Sara and become a pleasing person. I'm sure he's very happy. :)

R.I.P Fordo!
~Fëa

[Regin Hardhammer]

Two great posts, but Harold has a problem.... Just like life, this was kind of unexpected for both Harold and Regin.

There's no way I can have Harold go through with the action without realizing what has happened to his father. Otherwise all the sadness would come at the end after we'd captured the thief, and that would pour rain down on an otherwise happy moment.

So I'm going to have Harold find his dad fallen in the woods before we start out and do a post where he mentally comes to terms with that before resolving to do his duty.

This isn't going to be an easy post to write; it will be up in the next 24 hours.

[Kransha]

Oh, by Eru, excellent post, Fordim. That came very close to bringing real, tangible tears to my eyes, which is quite an achievement since I pride myself on having a heart of stainless steel mithril. I can't imagine how poor Kal is going to react, never having had that heart to heart talk with Fordo about the whole can-a-nose incident.

Well, I have a post up. Hopefully hapless Harold won't be driven mad by Fordim's addition coupled with Kalimac's seeming madness, or just ill-timed kindness. Here's hoping that Garlin Woolthistle can't take advantage of the situation *laughs nervously* Hopefully Kal's 'gift' will help the Chubb family...and maybe another little surprise later on, to get everything back on the road to a nice, fluffy, happy ending.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

My especial apologies to you Regin -- I do realise the difficult writing spot that I've put you in: but, my son, I'm sure you can handle it.

As I said, I shall be unable to participate for the next few days, but I should be able to look in from time to time. Give that Garlin what he deserves!

[Regin Hardhammer]

Sniff....my post is up. Whoever goes forward with the action, you're welcome to carry me along in your next post as long as I don't get killed.

~Regin

[Child of the 7th Age]

Alak,

The thief has struck. Do with him what you will!

Cami

Later edit: Having second thoughts

Upon seeing Alak's save, perhaps I gave a little too much latitude here!

.....Garlin's humiliating punishment

I can't imagine what you've got up your sleeve!

[alaklondewen]

Child, he's going to get what's coming to him. ;)

I hoped to get to that this morning, but I have a final very shortly and an awards banquet tonight. I will in late and will try to post again. In the meantime, Crispin needs releasing. Anyone can do this (even Crispin).

I will write the scene of Garlin's punishment which will occur on the following game day.

Have fun, and Regin and Kransha, Let me know if anything needs changing as I used both of your characters.

[ArwenBaggins]

Yay! I'm free!!!!! ;)

I'll work up a post about how Crispin reacts *after* he's been released- the player the writes the Garlin punishment post can also do the Crispin releasing if they wish.

It's been fun!
~Fëa

[alaklondewen]

I finished my final early and had just enough time to write and post Garlin's punishment.

Regin, I only mentioned your presence briefly, and I didn't involved your family by name in the ritual because I am not sure how you wanted to handle Fordogrim's death in the situation. Let me know if you want me to add anything else about the Chubbs. I also didn't mention Marcho's knowing of Fordogrim, because of the same reason. I'll let you decide who knows and how you want that handled.

Anyway, Onward onward we go. 2 days! Next stop...the White Downs!

[Witch_Queen]

Only one day left. Almost makes me want to cry. Seriously! Sarah already misses the old goat. Well I will post for Sarah today and lets see what she has to say about the thief being caught. Hopefully she will get her necklace back.

Well it has been so fun playing with everyone. I hope that we can stay in touch. Sarah will always be remembered in my book as the hobbit that talked to the chickens.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Alak,

I will use my school computer to do a short post today to tie up Fordo's death. I'll post it on the discussion thread, and ask you (or Child) to paste it inside your box....

Hope that's ok. It will go before your last paragraph. Then the last sentence could be revised to say....When the ritual and funeral were over (or whatever the wording was).

Hope that's ok.

`Regin

[alaklondewen]

Regin, that's no problem at all. I was wondering how you wanted to do the funeral, and whether Fordogrim would be coming with us or not. It's interesting to think of our Fordogrim as being the first hobbit burried in the Shire. We're writing history. :)

[ArwenBaggins]

I'm writing up a short post for Crispin now. I'll have to PM it to you Alak or Child when it's done, because I'm going to my dad's house this weekend with unlimited PC access. :(

Well, it's been great everyone! I lurved playing with all of you, and I hope we can roleplay again sometime!

~Fëa

[Regin Hardhammer]

Alak,

Could you put this above the last sentence, and just change that to read, "After the funeral"? May, I used your character. Let me know if it's a problem. I thought May might have said that.

************************************************** **



Regin had been glad to see the necklace returned and the thief captured, but he didn't have the heart to stay longer than that. Before Marcho dealt out a just punishment to the thief, Harold went to tell Sarah and the children what had happened to their Grandpa. Together, the family walked slowly up the hill to say their final goodbyes.

Arriving at the grove, they gathered round the spot where Grandpa lay. After burying her head on her mother's shoulder, May looked up with a sad smile on her face, "It's the first time I've ever seen Grandpa not have a word to say to any of us. I shall miss him. He was as honest as they come. He said what he meant. There was no fooling around or hiding the truth." Everyone nodded. Then they sat quietly, talking and comforting each other.

News of Fordo's death spread quickly through the camp. Families made their way to the grove to pay their respects to Fordo and the Chubbs, first stopping to drop off gifts of food at the family's wagon.

Harold picked out the spot where his father would lie so that the rocks could be gathered there. It was just on the other side of the hill, and under the shade of a friendly beech. The site looked out over a rolling field. Just the sort of place for good farming. Harold reflected. My father would have liked it. Then he and Henry, along with the sturdiest Hobbits, scoured the nearby countryside to find the stones and boulders they would need to construct the barrow.

Fordo's body was laid gently in the tomb and Marcho got up to speak. He talked solemnly about Fordo: how he hadn't wanted to leave Bree, but when his family made the decision to move he came with them and did the best be could. How he'd worked hard for his family so many years, and how terribly he missed his good, sweet Prim. And now husband and wife were together again.

Then Harold got up to talk, "Marcho tells me all the land you can see around us is part of the King's grant. Today there aren't very many of us. But maybe someday, there'll be more. There may even be families living and farming on this very spot where we stand. I don't want to lose my father. Sarah and I, and the children all grieve his loss. But I think my father would agree. It's better that the first death in this new land should be an older Hobbit gently passing on rather than having a young lad bludgeoned to death in battle or skirmishing with a no-good thief."

"May our lives in the Shire be as peaceful as the end Grandpa had, and may we never forget the sacrifices that he made to help get us here. Sleep Father. Stay close to my mother, dear Prim, wherever she is. You and she are still part of our family, only separated for a while. And whether we're here or in Michel Delving, that will never change."

With that , the Hobbits made their way down the hillside to their bedrolls. Only Harold remained behind for a few moments, sitting peacefully beside the barrow.....

[alaklondewen]

Regin, you're post is lovely. Thank you for writing that up. I've inserted it as requested.

[alaklondewen]

They have arrived! Our dear characters have set their eyes on their new home.

Please please please put final posts up before tomorrow night. Again if you want anything specific said about your character in the epilogue, PM me so I can write it up.

This has been so much fun. I've been blessed to have such a great team. Now let's go out with a bang!

Edit - Melisil, your PM box is full, so I can't message you. :(

[Arestevana]

I've just put up a last post for Elsa. If anyone has any objections to my mention of your character, I'm glad to edit.
It was wonderful gaming with all of you!

[ArwenBaggins]

Alak:
I'm writing the final post now. I'll have it up here for you to paste in- place unknown as of yet- before 5:00pm EST tonight.

Everyone:
It's been wonderful playing with all of you! I hope we can keep in touch and do another roleplay together sometime soon. :)

~Fëa
--Crispin Whitfoot--

[Kransha]

I'm not going to put up a Save, but my final Kal post will be up in 3 hours.

This was quite an enjoyable RPG, I'm glad I joined and I had a great time RPing with y'all.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Checking in from a (great) distance ;) but I wanted to say, again, how much I enjoyed the thread.

Also, I'm putting together a proposal for Pio and Child for a game and I was hoping that some of you would be interested. In the roughest form it will begin in the dungeons of the Tower of Cirith Ungol after all the orcs there have killed each other in the wake of Sam and Frodo's escape. We will be playing prisoners/slaves who escape together and must somehow find a way out of Mordor. Nazgul, orcs, a wounded Shelob, dangerous mountain paths, Minas Ithil, no food, no water, no weapons, no clothes -- it should be fun!

At any rate, if anyone's interested, PM me and I'll send more details. (It may take a few days for me to get back to you, though, as I will be away from computers again until Monday earliest).

P.S. Fordogrim Lives

[alaklondewen]

Excellent post, Arestevana. :)

Fordim, shameless plugging...love it. Sounds like a *very* interesting game where character development could have a big role. Good luck with it.

[ArwenBaggins]

Everyone:
My final post for Crispin is up. Looks like Crispin and Daisy finally 'got together'!!!!! :)

Well, I'll be checking in to the thread to see the rest of the posts and the epilouge... what exactly are you putting in it, anyway? I think maybe you should say that Crispin and Daisy were very happy together for a very long time. :p

Again, great gaming!
~Fëa

[Kransha]

My last post for Kal, and quite possibly for the Whitfoot family is up! If you read it before, GO BACK AND READ IT AGAIN (j/k), because I edited it. It now contains a little flash forward, mimicing one Kal had before.

Everyone: Heavens, (for Fordogrim at least, hehe, couldn't resist) this has been incredibly fun. I realized, this is the first RPG I have completed, and I loved it. This was great, and I hope we will all RP again, together soon enough. As mentioned by Pio in another thread, there is another grand-scale RPG coming up soon (which I, o unhappy one, have been following avidly in creation) and I look forward to the possibility of many of you being involved.

Fordim: Eyeing that proposal there, and, of course, silently hoping that it begins soon, though I know my thoughts can't really effect that. Great Fordim posts, by the way, and I can't wait to sink my orcy teeth into the other RPG's you're going to get started.

In all honesty, this shall be my final post in A Land to Call Their Own.
Farewell, auf weiderschen, au revoir, strasvitye, aloha, so long, bon voyage!

Yours sincerely,
Kransha

[ArwenBaggins]

In all honesty, this shall be my final post in A Land to Call Their Own.
Farewell, auf weiderschen, au revoir, strasvitye, aloha, so long, bon voyage!

Yours sincerely,
Kransha

Hehehe... me too. I'm too lazy to post it myself. But we can't forget Namaarië!

Sincerely,
Fëa

[alaklondewen]

Kransha, that was beautiful. You've almost left me without the need to do an epilogue. Well done, my friend.

I'm a little saddened that our game is almost done, but we have been blessed by this experience we have shared. We will be able to look back over this game and laugh at the many comical scenes and cry at the heart-felt moments that brought, not only our characters, but us as their creators together.

I know this is the first game for many of you, and I sincerely hope you have obtained the experience needed for you to go on and write further at the Downs. I am sure that many of our paths will cross again, and I look forward to those meetings.

The final game post will be up shortly...

[Regin Hardhammer]

Whoopie! My final post is up. Harold gets his farm. Yahoo!

I've really enjoyed working with everyone on this RPG. It's my first one, but I hope there will be others. I'm also starting to work on a proposal set in the Ice Bay of Forochel during the Fourth Age, involving the lost Palantirs. Hope some of you will join in, once I get that approved.

I just want to say a special thanks to Alak. You're a great game founder! :D

~Regin

[alaklondewen]

Thank you for your kind words, Regin.

Wow, what can I? I've been contemplating my need for an epilogue. I expected that there would still be loose ends that needed tying to end the game, but the last few posts have been exceptional and have provided closure for the both families and I think the game as well.

I want to especially thank Child. She has put a lot of work into this game and has spent considerable time guiding me, not only during the game, but before when I had an inkling of an idea. Thanks, Child.

I believe the time has come...the curtain falls on our dear, faithful hobbits.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Just ducking in under the wire to express my thanks. Everybody pulled their weight on this one, and Alak did a great job as a founder!

Congrats on a story well done.

Cami/Child

[piosenniel]

:) Yes! A game well played - all of you! :)

~*~

Alak

The Game Thread is now closed.

I'll leave the Discussion Thread open for last minute thoughts/farewells/etc until after I return from work @ midnight of today.

Then I'll send both the Game and the Discussion Thread to Elvenhome.

~*~ Pio

[piosenniel]

~*~ To Elvenhome ~*~