A Land to Call Their Own Discussion Thread

[piosenniel]

Alaklondewen invites you to play in her RPG:

A Land to Call Their Own

Historical Background:

In the year 1600 of the Third Age, the majority of the Hobbit population lived in the area in and around the town of Bree. A large Hobbit population had live there for approximately 300 years, and the area was beginning to become overpopulated. Two Fallohide brothers, Marcho and Blanco, led a group of settlers into the region west of the Baranduin River (later called the Brandywine River) and founded the land of the Shire.

Fictional Background:

A group of several hundred hobbits followed Marcho and Blanco. These settlers had a wide variety of motivations for leaving Bree. The Whitfoots, a wealthy Fallohide family, were enthusiastic about the possibility of future prosperity in the new land; however, the Chubbs, the poor, hardworking Harfoot family that worked for the Whitfoots, was reluctant to leave. The Chubbs felt they were pressured financially to follow their employers.

Basic Storyline:

The purpose of the story is to follow the difficult journey of these two hobbit families from Bree to Michel Delving where they will be a part of the colonization of the Shire. Many obstacles may be faced while the group is on the road. Wolves run wild in the area, and strange men inhabit small camps on either side of the Great East Road. Some of the hardships will cause the families to question their decision to come, while others just may bring them together.

This means we will know the story is over when the hobbits successfully reach the White Downs.

_______________________________________________

[piosenniel]

Starting Location for the game: Bree

Likely destination: The White Downs

[piosenniel]

TIMEFRAMES:

This game takes place in the Third Age at around year 1601.

The storyline itself or plot covers one month.

This game requires a time commitment of 9 weeks from me, the game owner and from the major players.

[piosenniel]

CHARACTERS NEEDED


Please note that the hobbits who are leaving Bree are very different from the hobbits during the War of the Ring and in the Fourth Age. These hobbits are more rugged individuals who are used to living among Men and having to fight to survive.


Note on playing hobbits: Tolkien gave us some personality and physical differences between the three strains of hobbits. This is from the Prologue of The Lord of Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

The Harfoots were browner of skin, smaller, and shorter, an they were beardless and bootless; their hands and feet were near and nimble; and they preferred highlands and hillsides…The Fallohides were fairer of skin and also of hair, and they were taller and slimmer than the others; they were lovers of trees and of woodlands.


The Harfoots had much to do with Dwarves in ancient times, and long lived in the foothills f the mountains. They moved westward early, and roamed over Eriador as far as Weathertop while the others were still in the Wilderland. They were the most normal and representative variety of Hobbit, and far the most numerous. They were the most inclined to settle in one place, and longest preserved their ancestral habit of living in tunnels and holes…


The Fallohides, the least numerous, were a northerly branch. They were more friendly with Elves than the other Hobbits were, and had more skill in language and song than in handicrafts; and of old they preferred hunting to tilling…they soon mingled with the other kinds that preceded them, but being somewhat bolder and more adventurous, they were often found as leaders or chieftains among clans of Harfoots or Stoors.

[piosenniel]

Please consider the above when creating your character descriptions.


~*~ CHARACTER LIST ~*~


Whitfoot Family - They would be Fallohides.


Parents

1.) Male

2.) Female

Children

1.) Boy or Girl

2.) Boy or Girl

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Chubb Family - They would be Harfoot.


Parents

1.) Male

2.) Female

Children

1.) Boy or Girl

2.) Boy or Girl

Elderly grandparent

1.) Male or Female


NOTE: Also, the families will need occupations. I will leave this up to you as players, but here is a suggestion. The Whitfoots should probably be some kind of owner of a business that has given them financial stability. The Chubbs probably work the Whitfoot’s land and are allowed to stay on it. This would give them the needed pressure to pick up and leave for the new land.

[piosenniel]

Character types which would not belong:


Any character types not listed above.

[piosenniel]

Alaklondewen’s Character


NAME: Marcho Bolger

AGE: 58

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Marcho carries a long knife that has a wide flat blade and a wooden handle wrapped in a worn than leather and is kept in a matching sheath that hangs loosely around Marcho’s waist. The hobbit also shoulders a small crossbow and several generic arrows that have come in handy on many hunts. A slingshot, Marcho keeps in the inside pocket of his vest so that it lays again his breast.

APPEARANCE: Marcho stands 4 feet 3 inches tall with a relatively slender build. His shaggy light brown hair frames his tan features. His twinkling blue eyes look out from under two bushy eyebrows and over high, consistently pink, cheek bones.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Marcho has an intense, serious demeanor, especially when caught in thought or while scouting. The hobbit is known for his quiet nature, but he has a wonderfully bright spirit once one took the time know him a little better. A modest hobbit, Marcho is not one to take credit even when it is due him. An example of this behavior is his little known talent of playing a wooden recorder his grandfather whittled. He can play quite well, but few know it because he does not want the extra attention.


HISTORY: Marcho is the eldest of five children. His brother, Blanco, and he have a close relationship and are both scouts. Marcho’s three younger sisters married respectable gentlehobbits and live happily in Bree.


At 35, Marcho married Estella Whitfoot, a daughter of a local Bree business owner. Through the years, Estella was a loving, supportive wife. Her sweet, outgoing demeanor provides the balance to his quiet seriousness.

Marcho has big dreams for himself and his family, and when he and his brother found the hill-covered land in the west, he knew this was his time. The crowdedness and restlessness of Bree and the surrounding area wore on his senses and he knew that if he didn’t take the chance of moving, he would face the possibility of becoming a miserable old hobbit.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Alaklondewen’s post – First for Game


The gusty wind ruffled the skirts, aprons, and coat-tails of the hobbit-folk gathering in the center of Bree where a meeting had been called for all the hobbits in and around the town that mid-morning. Groups of ladies stood huddled laughing and gossiping about what the subject of the meeting could possibly be. Merry children ran and played in the streets, while their fathers leaned against the surrounding trees, smoking long wooden pipes, and the discussing the politics of the day.

A short wooden podium had been erected overnight on the small stage in front of the community hall, behind which two middle-aged hobbits talked in hushed whispers with their backs to the crowd.

“Well, brother, spirits seem to be high and with the nice weather the folk should receive our proposition favorably,” the taller of the two spoke to the other who kept his eyebrows furrowed and eyes on the small paper he held in his hands.

“I hope you are right in your thinking, Blanco, but we must not let our heads reach the clouds.” The hobbit turned slightly and looked over his shoulder at the townspeople. Then after taking a deep breath, he continued, “I believe all are here who wish to be…let us begin.”

Blanco nodded in agreement with his brother and walked silently to the podium. He greeted the crowd, but the excited voices of hobbit-folk drowned out his initial attempt. Looking around the podium and his feet, Blanco coolly stepped to the side of the stage and reached a large stone roughly the size of his fist. As soon as he returned to the podium, he pounded the stone on the side of the structure producing a thunderous sound that promptly hushed the voices of the crowd. Raising his arms in greeting, the hobbit welcomed the hobbit-folk and thanked them for coming. “My name is Blanco Bolger. My brother, Marcho Bolger, and I come before you today to offer all of you an opportunity the likes of which will live on in the stories of our descendents.” Blanco paused and cleared his throat before continuing, letting his words sink in. The crowd appropriately responded with much murmuring. “I may be getting ahead of myself…please allow me to back up a moment. During the last several years, Bree has been a desirable place for many to live…too many. I know that most if not all of you feel the pressures of the growing population everyday. The available land for young families is becoming scarce, our streets are cluttered with the waste of too many, and there is ever the threat of war from the east.” Pausing again, Blanco watched the fathers nod, and a few “that’s true” and “he’s right” were tossed out. “How would feel if I told you we have a solution? We do. We will begin to settle the land to the west. We have lived among the Big People too long, and now we can have a land to call our own!” The crowd immediately began raising their voices with approval and opposition. Blanco raised his hands to the folk and called “please, please, wait” until they had quieted once more. “We understand many of you will have questions and comments, but if I may, I would like you to hold off for just a minute, while my brother gives you some information about the location…Marcho?” The hobbit stepped back to allow room for Marcho to come forward.

Marcho, the more serious and older of the two brothers, unfolded the small paper he’d been studying earlier and laid it flat on the podium. Speaking before others was not something this hobbit enjoyed, and he remained silent for the moment, gathering his thoughts before beginning. “Those of you who know my brother and I well will know that for the last several months we have been surveying the land beyond the Baranduin.” The hobbit paused, squinted at what was close to the noon sun, and wiped the nervous sweat from his forehead. “What we have found is a rich, uninhabited land. Approximately one hundred leagues west of the river, we will settle the hills of the White Downs. These hills will not only provide desirable living space, but will protect us from future threats.” Marcho glanced at his notes periodically as he spoke. “The White Hills are surrounded by lush lowlands that will provide land ideal for farming. Our settlement will be in a prime location for obtaining trade with the Men of Arnor and the Elves of Lindon. This factor will benefit our people immensely. We, as a unified people, can hardly afford to let this opportunity pass.”

Here, Marcho stepped back and Blanco came once more and stood beside his brother. “We have contacted King Argeleb II and received permission to enter the land and settle in all the land beyond the river Baranduin to the Far Downs. Our only obligations will be to keep the bridges and roads in good repair, aid the King’s messengers, and acknowledge his Lordship as our King. One week from today, we will leave the gates of our fair city and lead all those families who wish to be apart of this momentous occasion. This will truly be a day that will live on in the stories of our descendents.” Blanco waved his fist in the air as a sign of victory.

Marcho, always calm and rational, said, “We will now take any questions or concerns you may have. We will take our time and answer you in an orderly fashion. Please feel free to voice your opinions. This is an important day for all of us, and we want to be sure you have enough information to make a well-thought out decision." Marcho then announced to the Hobbits that all those who wanted to go along should meet back at the West Gate, all packed up to travel, in one week's time.

The brothers spent the next few hours in front of the townspeople answering questions and debating the need to make such a move. Many of the hobbits were passionate about their concerns, and some, who make it very clear they disagreed, stomped away from the meeting grumbling and calling out their complaints.

[piosenniel]

DEDICATED CHARACTERS:

Child of the 7th Age (Cami) will be playing several minor characters who will appear sporadically along the line of march from Bree to the Shire, posing a variety of threats to the safety and security of the hobbits. Child will also serve as a narrative voice to give reports on weather and road conditions and the general line of march when circumstances in the story warrant such description.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Child of the 7th Age’s post -- Place at the very end of all the first posts by the other posters

One week later.....

It was a bright and sunny day just one week after the meeting when Marcho had first addressed the hobbit community. Despite the earlier grumblings and hesitations, a considerable contingent of hobbits had shown up at sunrise in front of the West Gate; some were on foot, others astride ponies or seated in carts, but all carried their belongings with them.

Blanco paced up and down the line several times, warning families who were attempting to bring the entire contents of their household that they would need to be more selective, or risk falling behind with so heavy a load. At the last minute, several large dressers and tables were taken down from the backs of carts, and with many misgivings, relinquished to neighbors and friends who had decided not to make the trip.

A number of folk, both Big and Little, had turned out to see the travellers depart. The general air that prevailed was almost like a carnival, as children ran gaily about playing tag and friends shared baskets of cookies and cake with those leaving. Still, on the fringes of the gathering, things were not quite so happy. Older hobbits blinked back tears, sharing their goodbyes with friends and kin, uncertain whether they would ever see them again. And nearly all the adult hobbits, including the womenfolk, had bows thrown over their backs, swords buckled about their waists or small daggers tucked under belts. A few kept a heavy frying pan in close range on the seat of their wagon.

Cotton Woolthistle, the proprietor of the Prancing Pony, stood alongside the clearing and looked on in amazement. His distant ancestor Edmund Woolthistle had seen the Hobbits come to Bree some three hundred years before. Now, it seemed that over half of them would be leaving. Cotton sighed and shook his head. Big and Little Folk had lived peacefully together all that time, and he and many of his neighbors would be sorry to see the Little Folk go. The Hobbits had been good customers at the Pony for many a long year. He glanced up and was surprized to recognize two other families in the long line of those departing: the Whitefoots and the Chubbs. The Whitefoots had enjoyed dealings with Bree's finest merchant families, while the Chubbs were known to be good and sturdy workers. Cotton wished that he could persuade Marcho and Blanco to set aside this risky venture and remain inside the safety of Bree's dyke and hedge. But since they seemed determined to go, he saw little reason to try and persuade them otherwise at this late date.

[piosenniel]

It is a requirement that all potential game players will either have posted in one of the RPG Inns (preferably in The Green Dragon) or have played in an RPG on the Barrow Downs.

Please use this form for creating your character to post on the discussion thread.

Those who have not played before in a Barrow Downs' RPG will be given preference. Final preference, though, will be at the discretion of the Game Owner.
_______________________________________

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES/NO - Which one?

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?

List them, please:

Please note you may play in only 3 games at one time.


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES/NO – Which one?

_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME:

AGE:

RACE:

GENDER:

WEAPONS (No magical, super-hero, mithril weapons. Just good solid Middle-earth weapons and armor only that is appropriate to the race of the character and the time period.):

APPEARANCE:

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: (No half-Elven characters. No mixed-type characters. No super-heroes. No assassins. No one all powerful, martial arts proficient, or having any magical traits. Just regular characters with normal abilities for their races only):

HISTORY:

__________________________________


FIRST POSTS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE SAME TIME AS YOUR CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

All character descriptions not accompanied by a First Post will be returned to their writers.

Players will NOT be chosen because they submitted their character earlier than the other players. The Game Owner, Alaklondewen, will read each post and character bio and then make the choice for players accordingly

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

First Posts for this game:

Each of the posters should submit a first post with their profile. This should give their character 's reaction to Marcho's speech, postive or negative, and the whole idea of leaving Bree.

The second posts, which will only be written after the game thread opens, will occur one week later (game time) and will be the scene where the hobbits are physically leaving the city. Each poster should explain how he feels and what he sees as the line of hobbits says goodbye and marches out the West Gate.

[piosenniel]

~*~ CHARACTER'S NEEDED ~*~


Whitfoot Family - They would be Fallohides.


Parents

1.) Male

2.) Female

Children

1.) Boy or Girl

2.) Boy or Girl

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Chubb Family - They would be Harfoot.


Parents

1.) Male

2.) Female

Children

1.) Boy or Girl

2.) Boy or Girl

Elderly grandparent

1.) Male or Female


NOTE: Also, the families will need occupations. I will leave this up to you as players, but here is a suggestion. The Whitfoots should probably be some kind of owner of a business that has given them financial stability. The Chubbs probably work the Whitfoot’s land and are allowed to stay on it. This would give them the needed pressure to pick up and leave for the new land.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

References you need to fashion your Hobbit character:

Please note that the hobbits who are leaving Bree are very different from the hobbits during the War of the Ring and in the Fourth Age. These hobbits are more rugged individuals who are used to living among Men and having to fight to survive.

Note on playing hobbits: Tolkien gave us some personality and physical differences between the three strains of hobbits. This is from the Prologue of The Lord of Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

The Harfoots were browner of skin, smaller, and shorter, an they were beardless and bootless; their hands and feet were near and nimble; and they preferred highlands and hillsides…The Fallohides were fairer of skin and also of hair, and they were taller and slimmer than the others; they were lovers of trees and of woodlands.

The Harfoots had much to do with Dwarves in ancient times, and long lived in the foothills f the mountains. They moved westward early, and roamed over Eriador as far as Weathertop while the others were still in the Wilderland. They were the most normal and representative variety of Hobbit, and far the most numerous. They were the most inclined to settle in one place, and longest preserved their ancestral habit of living in tunnels and holes…

The Fallohides, the least numerous, were a northerly branch. They were more friendly with Elves than the other Hobbits were, and had more skill in language and song than in handicrafts; and of old they preferred hunting to tilling…they soon mingled with the other kinds that preceded them, but being somewhat bolder and more adventurous, they were often found as leaders or chieftains among clans of Harfoots or Stoors.

[piosenniel]

~*~ The Discussion Thread is now open to take on players. ~*~

Please read the proposal carefully, paying close attention to the directions that Alaklondewen has given about the Hobbits of that age.

Submit both your completed Character Description and your First Post of the game for your character, together, to this Discussion Thread.

Incomplete Character Descriptions or incomplete First Posts will be sent back to the writer, and may be resubmitted after they are complete.

Character descriptions without a completed First Post will be sent back to the writer. They may be resubmitted together when they are completed.

There are to be no 'SAVES' put on the Discussion Thread for the purpose of later placing a Character Description and First Post.

~*~ Pio

[Regin Hardhammer]

Alak,

Any chance I can join as the father in the Harfoot family? I couldn't fill in the names of the wife, kids, and grandfather/mother so I left those spots blank.

Is this alright? I'll be glad to change anything you'd like me to.

Regin Hardhammer

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

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – NO - Which one?

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? Zero

List them, please: n/a

Please note you may play in only 3 games at one time.


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES – Which one? Green Dragon as the dwarf Regin

_______________________________________

Profile - Adult Harfoot:

NAME: Harold Chubb

AGE: 61

RACE: Hobbit - Harfoot

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS :

Harold doesn't own a bow or sword. But he does have several farm tools that could double as weapons. These include a dagger he normally uses for cleaning fish and performing other farm chores, plus a scythe with a wooden handle and a sharp metal blade to harvest the grain. However, his greatest treasure is a slingshot he's had since childhood. He is a crack shot with it and can knock a crow off a fencepost from half a field away, something he's frequently had to do to keep his vegetables safe. Still, Harold doesn't see himself as a warrior. and it will be a big jump for him to start thinking that way.

APPEARANCE: Nut brown skin with dark brown eyes and shoulder length curly auburn hair. Hands tough with calluses from many years of hard work. About 3 feet, six inches tall.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES:

Harold is a prudent Hobbit and a hard worker. He knows a great deal about land, how to grow crops, and raise farm animals. His pride and joy is his cow Buttercup whom he plans to take on the trip, along with two goats, two chickens, and his pony Brandy who will pull the family's small cart. (The family will have quite a menagerie!) His practical instinct tells him that the eggs and milk could be valuable on the trail with so many small children coming too. Plus, his Fallohide neighbors are so wrapped up in grand dreams of adventure they might forget practical things like that.

Harold is proud of his reputation as a good farmer, and normally respects his master by going along with most of his suggestions. However, he now finds himself in the unusual position of questioning the Whitfoot's wisdom because he feels the trip might be too dangerous for his family. Normally a mild- mannered Hobbit, he will become very protective of his family if he feels they are threatened. For the first time in his life, by going on this journey, Harold won't be able to rely on old ways of doing things and will need to learn to think for himself. That won't be easy for him, but it could be interesting.

Harold can be shy and earnest with outsiders, but relaxes when among friends and family. He enjoys a good pipe and a funny story as much as the next Hobbit and has been known to pull a practical joke or two. However, Harold takes his role as head of the Chubb family very seriously -- in fact so seriously that sometimes he tries to make everyone's decisions for them, much to their frustration!

HISTORY:

Born in Bree, Harold has never known any other place. He grew up in a poor family. As a boy, he had dreams of going higher in life, but since his marriage to his wife and now that he has two children, he has settled down and become very obedient and cautious. This may change a bit during the trip. The Whitfoots may not feel totally comfortable with that change.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Regin Hardhammer's post

Harold Chubb sat in his oaken rocking chair stubbornly staring into the fire and feeling a little frightened. He was proud of his simple home, a snug two-room burrow in the village of Staddle that lay on the outskirts of Bree. The rooms were small but tidy, and at night the four of them would squeeze together in the family room, leaving the bedroom for the elderly ___________. Things were tight, but it was a warm and cozy place and he hated the thought of leaving it.

As he mulled over what Marcho and Blanco had said at the meeting, he wasn't sure what he should do. A prudent Hobbit, Harold saw little advantage in leaving Bree to go off on some wild adventure. The White Downs and the journey to get there seemed like an outlandish idea that could only lead to disaster.

All his life Harold had lived near Bree, working on a piece of land that was owned by the Whitfoots, a prominent Fallohide family. He had no real desire to leave. Sadly, however, there didn't seem to be much of a choice: if the Whitfoots left, he would have to go with them, for the Big Folk who bought the land had announced their intention to erect a large mill and stable that would leave no room for Harold and his beloved vegetable patch.

Yet the prospect of leaving everything behind did not make him happy. The place they were going probably didn't even have a good Inn like the Prancing Pony, where there was close comradeship and mugs of ale available for a modest penny or two. And what about the safety of his family? Would Grandfather/Grandmother_________ survive the hard journey? Who knows what hardships they might run into on the road?

With mounting apprehension, Harold realized he didn't even own a real weapon such as a sword or a bow. With the dangers of the wilderness soon approaching, he would need something to protect his family. He could not be a master swordsman or archer as some of the Fallohides were. But he did have some practical implements and tools that he used in everyday life: a sharp dagger for chores on the farm; a scythe for cutting grain, and, a fine slingshot used to disperse crows that had gathered too close to his crops. In the absence of proper weapons, perhaps he could use these to defend his wife and children.

With a sigh of resignation, Harold called out to his wife to make sure the young ones brought warm clothes, and reminded her to pack a bag of feed for the chickens. Then he went outside to recheck the wheels on his cart.

[piosenniel]

I have returned Crystal's Character Bio to her.

Sorry she couldn't play.

[piosenniel]

Alaklondewen -

ArwenBaggins has edited her submission and put it in under her own name now.

Please look below to find it.

~*~ Pio

[Kransha]

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? Yes, the Legacy of Traitors, still going

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? 1, The Legacy of Traitors RPG

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? Yes, the Green Dragon Inn

NAME: Kalimac Whitfoot

AGE: 49

RACE: Hobbit (Fallohide)

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Kalimac carries a short bow carved carefully from firm birch wood with his family name etched in intricate cursive into the wood itself. He has some general arrows picked up from different sources around Bree, which he uses for varying types of game that he hunts. He also bears a small crude knife for everyday use, which can be used additionally for emergency situations.

APPEARANCE: Kalimac is a relatively normal Fallohide, standing only at 3 feet, 4 inches, but he is still an imposing figure to many hobbits. He is lean and bears fair skin which has been darkened tan by time spent outdoors. His face is plump, round, and red-cheeked, though he can posses a certain sternness in his light green eyes if he so wishes. He has a head of curly mahogany hair and thick eyebrows. Kalimac is not particularly muscular, but he has strong arms and broad shoulders to make him look partially imposing. He wears only simple clothes, though he could afford more, the average bright colors a hobbit would be accustomed to sporting.

PERSONALITY: Kalimac is a merry and happy hobbit, but also stern and efficient when he needs to be. He has a head for numbers and stories, which not only allows him to have a considerable intellect, it also gives him an almost encyclopedic knowledge of things he sees, a kind of photographic memory, which came about from one of his most practiced hobbies of studying in times of boredom or depression. He enjoys telling stories and ballads to his children and anyone else, though he isn’t the best father in the department of discipline and has been known to falter when making important decisions. Kalimac has an adventurous attitude, and always pays heed to news of new horizons, ever hoping to find new pursuits and missions in life to fulfill. He is bold and friendly, like most Fallohides, but not rash. He has the self control and intelligence that allowed him primarily to succeed in Bree. He is also an over-average quality hunter and knows a great deal about horses.

HISTORY:
Kalimac Whitfoot was born to a modestly wealthy hobbit business owner, one of two children. He and his sister Estella where expected to find profitable occupations in Bree, and Kalimac did. He became the local stable-master of Bree and became prosperous as Bree turned into a meeting place and stopping point for travelers (who often had horses for his stable). His sister, Estella, married Marcho Bolger while Kalimac also married and fully settled in Bree, running his stable with the help of the less fortunate Chubb family, who he employed to do most of the menial labor around the stable and the Whitfoot’s property. Kalimac treats them with respect and as friends. To Kalimac’s great pleasure, he and his wife eventually sired two children and continued to prosper. Now he and his family live a happy and simple life in Bree. Kalimac, though, has long hoped for a new prospect to present itself so he and his kin might benefit even more, perhaps in some newer, bolder venture.

________________________________________


Kransha's post

The hobbit squinted as he peered over the numerous heads of other Bree-hobbits, removing the lengthy pipe from his mouth, blowing a delicate ring of smoke into the crowd, and tucking the pipe back into his vest pocket swiftly. His eyes stared intently and the two figures who were now taking places on the makeshift podium erected suddenly on the platform stage in front of Bree’s community hall. The roar of the Halfling crowd was overwhelming, but Kalimac Whitfoot let the cacophonous din glide past his ears like the subtle sound of the tide, for he did not need to hear all the petty conversations flowing like rivers around him. It had been impressed upon him that it would be in his and his family’s best interests to hear these two hobbits out and he planned to do so.

The unwieldy vortex of sound was finally harnessed by the first hobbit at the podium, who silenced the crowd with the boom of stone struck against the structure he stood at. Kalimac had already been silent, contemplating whatever the speaker might be going to say, and tried to ignore the startled yelps produced by the maneuver. He jumped slightly at the sound, but soon settled again and continued focusing upon the hobbit, who was now greeting the audience and beginning to speak. Now Kalimac recognized the voice and gait of the Halfling. It was Blanco Bolger, brother of Marcho Bolger, the hobbit who had married his sister Estella some years ago. In fact, Kalimac hadn’t seen either of the two hobbits in days and had been under the impression that they were on an excursion outside of Bree-land, possibly somewhere out west surveying, as the rumor went.

Blanco began with a simple and humble introduction, first stirring the gathered group to some unnoticed mumbling. He continued a moment later, brandishing an oratory flourish, immediately utilizing the element of suspense to hook the audience. A wave of inaudible murmurs rippled through the crowd momentarily, before Blanco Bolger continued. He finally began to draw near the point of his speech. He began to speak of growing population and land availability, local factors that Kalimac knew all too well. Blanco went on; swelling to a dramatic point, and another wave surged forth from the Bree-hobbits around the stage, all of them beginning to move towards the podium.

Kalimac kneaded the flesh on his chin knowingly, contemplating the facts and proposal as Blanco yielded the spotlight to Marcho, who stepped up and began to talk. Kalimac looked upward, musing silently, and his ears began to twitch ever so slightly, as they often did whenever he was having philosophical moments. He breathed deeply as his keen eyes flitted, looking from the stretching sky to the hobbit that stood just before him at the podium, still preaching to the eager listeners. He had been thinking of the very things that Marcho and Blanco were speaking of. He had a good, comfortable, well-off life in Bree, but there had to be more for the Whitfoots and all their Halfling brethren. He had been having daydreams on the subject and this seemed like the ideal coincidence to present itself.

‘His proposal is indeed interesting,’ thought the hobbit, ‘The hobbit is certainly right about the crisis here in Bree. Perhaps he is on to something. There would be much to gain from the open lands of Arthedain, new prospects and opportunities everywhere. The wells of fortune west of the Baranduin are practically made manifest for hobbits to settle. It is, in fact, precisely the resolution of what has burdened my dreams lately. It’s almost too perfect.’ Kalimac looked back on Marcho, listening further to how he and his sibling had organized the journey for colonization and needed only willing participants in the quest. ‘It would be no great upset if we were to follow this new way. We may have settled here, but relocating would not be an insurmountable hardship if managed correctly.’ His thoughts drifted momentarily to contemplating the Chubbs, the hobbit family in his employment. ‘They would not be so eager,’ He said inwardly, his brow furrowing, ‘Any relocation would not be as easy for them. But, after all, it is my decision. If they wish to remain in Bree, they can break the bonds of their employment to me whenever they desire. Then, for the most part, it is settled. The family will surely agree with me on the matter. If not, they can be convinced.’

A nervous smile crept across his features as he considered. He knew in his heart that his wife and children would not disapprove, since they generally bore his familiar adventurous nature. He hoped that the Chubbs would be willing to follow, though he knew as well that they were too dependant to abandon their employers. He would simply discuss the matter briefly and concisely with his family before setting off with Marcho and Blanco Bolger on this new quest for a hobbit home.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – NO

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?

List them, please:

I’m working as one of the planners for the proposed rpg “Bloodstained Elanor”.


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES
The Green Dragon Inn (the character Snaveling)

_______________________________________


NAME: Fordogrim Chubb (the elderly grandfather)

AGE: 113

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: None…unless you count a short temper and a stout cane.

APPEARANCE: Fordogrim is hale for his age, although his hands have been crabbed somewhat from the years he has spent working the land about his family’s hobbit hole. What’s left of his hair is snow white, but his eyes retain the clear deep brown of their youth. Fordogrim was always a stout hobbit and he has retained this build into his old age. His dark brown skin is lined but taut, except for a single deep wrinkle between his two bushy eyebrows, which lends to his face an air of deep disapproval (which is convenient, as Fordogrim seldom approves of anything new or anyone he has not known for at least thirty years).

His preference in clothes is for simple garments of sturdy homespun wool in earthy tones. While everything he wears has seen its fair share of use, he would rather be caught dead than be seen wearing something threadbare or “gone all natty at the edges” (unlike some hobbits he could mention). He is never seen out-of-doors without a waistcoat and jacket, and never anywhere without a waistcoat. For the last few years he has had to walk with a cane, which is made of a highly polished piece of twisted wood that used to be a root of the old chestnut tree that grows from the roof of his hobbit hole.


PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Fordogrim Chubb is an elderly hobbit who long ago decided that he knew pretty much everything that he needed to get by in the world, and so stopped learning anything new. He is not exactly close-minded; rather, he is happily confident in what he knows and honestly sees no need to question it. He does not speak often or at great length (for a hobbit) but when aroused – particularly if he feels that he is being “sassed” by some young hobbit lad or lass who should know better – he can become quite vociferous.

When left unchallenged and uncrossed, Fordogrim is a pleasant enough hobbit to be around. He has few friends, but those few are, as he says “chosen for their quality rather than their quantity”. Those who don’t know him think he is a crabbed old hobbit. Those who do know him think he is a crabbed old hobbit with a spirit like sunshine in June. What nobody knows about him is the deep, heart-wrenching pain that he still feels for the death of his beloved wife Primrose.

HISTORY: Fordogrim has lived in Bree for almost his entire life. The only interruption to his residence there came after he had a terrible falling out with his father when he refused to take over the family farm with his brothers. He wanted instead to have some land of his own. Not content to live in the crowded family hole the rest of his life, he fled for the Wild where he wandered for a time, looking for someplace to call his own and settle down.

He quickly found, however, that the world beyond Bree was a much wider and more dangerous place than he was comfortable with. He attempted to go into the brewing business with a family of Stoors far to the East of Bree. The business was a failure, however, and he was finally forced to return to his homeland. Too proud to rejoin his family, he approached the Whitfoots to see if he could take over the cultivation of some of their land in return for a share of his crop. They had reluctantly agreed to his proposal and he had seen to it that they never had cause to regret that. He was an excellent farmer and a hard worker, and he soon had brought a piece of relatively unprofitable land to flourishing life. Pleased with his work, the Whitfoots gave him more land to farm. It was not a fortune, but it gave him the money he needed to marry his childhood sweetheart Primrose Proudfoot.

He and Primrose had [?] children, [one of which is the father of the Chubb family; obviously, this part of his biography can only be fully developed in partnership with the player of that character]. Primrose lived just long enough to see their favourite son [the Chubb father] marry. Since then, Fordogrim’s life has not been as easy or as pleasant as he pretends to others. The loss of his wife was a terrible blow to him and he has yet fully to recover from it – in fact, he doubts that he ever will. A more quotidian source of unhappiness, both to himself and his family, is the fact that he makes no pretense to approve of his son’s choice of wife. [Again, the reasons for this disapproval will have to wait for the character description of “Mrs. Chubb”.] Six years ago, Fordogrim decided that it was time to take it easy. So after a lifetime spent working his fields, he turned control of the farm over to his son and retired to the comforts of the family hole’s best bedroom.

While it would never occur to Fordogrim that reading or writing were skills that he requires, he has in the last few years taken to writing letters to Primrose in his imagination, in which he chronicles his daily life and comments on the events of the day. He is a down-to-earth hobbit, and would be hard pressed to say where Primrose is or how she could be hearing these letters, but he is certain that somehow they are being delivered to her.

__________________________________


Fordim Hedgethistle's post

“What’s that he said?” Fordogrim asked the young hobbit who stood next to him, “The Brandywine River?”

“The Baranduin,” the hobbit lad replied. “It’s a big River hundreds and thousands of leagues away.”

“Eh, what’s that, what’s that?” Fordogrim scoffed. “It’s not that far off I’m sure, though it’s a goodly step. What’s he talking of that for?” The lad tried to fill him in on the details of Marcho’s speech, but the people about them hushed him into silence. Glowering at their temerity, Fordogrim turned his attention to the little stage to hear what young Master Bolger had to say. He could not believe his ears: had the young fellow gone completely mad? The more he heard of the proposal the less it made any sense to him. Rich land? Wasn’t the land hereabouts rich enough? For seventy years Fordogrim had cultivated the dark earth of Bree and for seventy years it had rewarded him with its bounty. As to the promise of trade, Fordogrim snorted loudly. Leave trade to the likes of the Whitfoots, he thought. What’s a hobbit got to worry about trading with Elves and Men from Faraway for? We’ve everything we need right here already.

As the Bolger boys continued their speeches, Fordogrim moved to an unoccupied bench at the side of the square and sat down slowly, sighing audibly as he took the weight off his right leg. It had been getting worse lately, what with the weather changing, but it was still bearable. Fordogrim knew that he would outlast his leg. Leaning his head back against the wall of the house behind him, he closed his eyes and thought about the letter that he had been composing to Primrose on the ride to town. It would need to be amended.

My Dearest Prim, he began in his mind,

I couldn’t find any decent seeds for the side-garden. Ferny had naught but pumpkins today, and Thistletoe was no better: lots of seeds, but the moisture’d got into them. The only thing they’ll grow is mouldy. I know how much you like sweet peas, but there’s still that stand of them in the kitchen garden, right where the scent can make it inside, so that will do for this year. Perhaps I can take a small clipping from that and plant it round the side garden? It would go nice with the marigolds when they come in full.

Still haven’t got round to fixing the barn door, but I will be sure to do it soon. When the rain starts to come on heavy again the wood’ll swell right up and we’ll have a back-breaker time trying to open it up. Must remember to talk to our son about that this afternoon.

And before you start to worry, don’t: I rode Stout into town this morning to save my leg. Better that than listen to our son’s wife nag at me about doing the walking myself. I’ll walk back halfway to give Stout a rest but then he’ll have to carry me up the hill himself. I feel bad a-asking it of him as he’s almost as old as myself, so far as ponies go that is. I know I keep saying I’m going to put him out to pasture once and for all, but each time I try he gives me such a look that I know he’d rather do his best with me than do what’s best by him.

You won’t believe what I heard in the town today. Masters Blanco and Marcho Bolger have gone completely cracked. Making speeches they are, about leading a lot of Bree folk away from here to some uninhabited waste miles from nowhere. There are a lot more folk than you’d think willing to listen to them too! Lucky for me, they’re so eager to hear this foolishness that there’s an empty bench in the square (for once) so I’m able to take a bit of rest and send you this letter.

I’m finding it hard to do much but think of you my dearest Prim, for it was just about this turn of season that you went away all those years ago. I’ve done my best by our boy since you went, but I can’t help but think that he missed of having his mother about. No-one knows better than you that I can be a cussedly hard-tempered hobbit, and I admit that more than once I’ve spoken hard words to the boy when you would have spoke softer and to better purpose. He misses you more than he lets on, I think – just the other week I caught him a-putting a nice posy of wildflowers on your grave and crying over it, just as he has since he was a young hobbit.

The crowd is breaking up, my love, and those wild-eyed Bolgers seem to be finished. I hope that you are well and happy. I miss you awfully.

Your husband,

Grim

Fordogrim tried to pull himself to his feet, but his leg gave way beneath him and he stumped down again. From out of nowhere appeared the young hobbit with whom he had been speaking earlier. The lad took Fordogrim’s elbow and tried to help him rise, but Fordogrim flared out at him, “What d’yer think yer doing!? When I need your help laddie I’ll ask you for it! Now if you please!” and he wrenched his arm free from the lad’s clasp. Staggering to his feet and hiding the discomfort that he felt, he walked off through the thinning crowd, tapping out his frustrated anger on the cobbles with his cane.

As he was leaving the square he saw his son and daughter-in-law amongst the crowd. He wondered what they had made of the speeches. And then a terrible idea occurred to him: what if they actually approved of the crazy plan? And then a horrific idea occurred to him: what if they agreed to go along with it? He shook his head to drive away all such nonsense and whistled for Stout.

[alaklondewen]

Hello, and welcome to my game! :) I have only a few minutes before class this morning, but I have read through the entries so far and I'm very pleased.

One thing that sticks out to me that could be changed is the ages of Crystal Heart and Kransha's characters. The only reason I see is that young Hobbits are not recognized as adults until they are 33, so for the Whitfoots to be established and wealthy...I would expect them to be at least in their 40's or 50's. Now don't be alarmed, these ages are not old...Remember Bilbo lived to 133, so these hobbits would be considered young or middle-aged.

One more thing, when I get home this afternoon, I will most like send each of you a private message once I have had a closer look at the posts. So, be on the look out. ;)

Thanks again...I'm looking forward to this very much. :)

~ Alaklondewen

[rutslegolas]

Character Description Form :

1.)Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrowdowns?-NO

2.)How many RPG's on the Barrowdowns are you currently involved in?- NONE

3.)Have you ever posted at the Green Dragon Inn or The White Horse Inn- Yes (character Harold Brandybuck) in the Green Dragon Inn.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NAME : Henry Chubb(child)

AGE: 19 years

RACE : Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: He has a short knife for his daily uses such as carving stuff,etc and also for emergency.

APPEARANCE: Henry seems too old for his age , he is strong lad with stout legs .He has brown of skin with a grim looking face .He has brown locks as his father too,and due to his poverty he only wears simple hobbit clothes.His appearance is the same as all hobbit children of his age.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: In personality Henry is grim looking hobbit ,most hobbit children even avoided him due his appearence ,but inside Henry is a loving and caring hobbit ,mostly loved by his father and mother and having a few but precious friends.His strengths are, that he is trustworthy friend.His weaknesses are that he cannot put his mind unto one thing at a time ,he is always busy with many things.And he loves going tramping with his father in the woods.

HISTORY:He was born in the Chubb family and as grim hobbit he had no or very few friends, mostly the family was close between themselves and had few friends,but Henry liked to play with the children of the Whitfoot family.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

rutslegolas' post

Henry and the others were playing about the stage erected for the speech of the two brothers, who were thinking of settling in land beyond the Baranduin river. Henry seemed interested by this whole affair and was listening to this whole speech very carefully. From their family talks he had the idea that their family was preparing to move to this new land. He wanted to know more about this land himself as he liked exploring. He asked his father, "Where are we going, father?".

"I do not know my son ,but i think .No better not make in conclusions,I do not my son not yet. ,"said his father. His father's voice sounded to him more grim than usual but he could not guess what was going on or whether they were going anywhere or not?but he knew that this was going to affect their families living and also his own life. His young hobbit brain could not think of such grim matters for a long time. He again started playing with his friends and his sister, as if nothing had happened that a day.

[Melisil]

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES - Which one?

Last Hope for Moria, The Legacy of Traitors

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?

Two

List them, please:

As above

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES – Which one?

The Green Dragon Inn

_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Alora Whitfoot

AGE: 7

RACE: Fallowhide Hobbit

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: None, unless you count her doll. :P

APPEARANCE: Alora is a small Hobbit still, she reaches 2’6 currently. She has long, curly, very light blonde hair and sky blue eyes. She is fairly dainty, and very pretty.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Alora is very bright for being only seven. She speaks her opinion quite openly. She is also very observant; she sees many things that the rest of the world seems to miss. She is much like an ordinary Hobbit child other then that. She spends most of her carefree time outside playing in a field, or playing with her friends. Alora is a very curious child and loves meeting other children around her age.

HISTORY: Alora has grown up so far in a comfortable sized home in Bree with her family. She has a good relationship with all her family, and has many friends. The thought of moving has never seriously occurred to her.

__________________________________
My note: I’m sorry that I had to use the mother in speech a couple times there, as you usually tend to disagree with that, but it was kind of unavoidable. Thank you anyway, and enjoy my post! Also, I know that she is very young, but I think it would be neat to add a different point of view into the game.

__________________________________

Melisil's post

The day started out wonderfully! Alora’s mother had let her, after breakfast of course, play out in their backyard field. Nearing mid-morning, she was told that there was going to be an important meeting and that she needed to come. Alora had smiled inwardly and outwardly at this idea, as she thought it would be grand, and she could play with her friends while they were there.

“My friends will be there too, right mother?” she had asked, as she put on her coat and shoes.

“I suppose they will be.” Came her mothers reply. Alora beamed.

Once they were there, Alora saw many of her friends, “Oh mummy! Can I go play? Please?” she begged.

“In a moment dear,” said her mum, “I want to see what’s going on first, Alora.”

Alora’s father and sibling had come with them too. The four found some seats around the middle of the large crowd they were now in. After a moment, two men came onto a platform where everyone was speaking. The first man spoke, Alora couldn’t see him over all the heads very clearly, but his words were strong. Every now and then, Alora saw her parents, and heard all the other grown up Hobbits cheering. It interested her for a moment, but then saw her friends.

“Mummy! Now can I go?” she pleaded.

“Yes, go play. But come find me when the men stop talking.”

Alora nodded, then ran off to her friends. She played tag, and hide-and-go-seek, and rolled in the grass, and all sorts of hobbit type games children her age played. After a while, and after the men had finished their speech, she ran breathless up to her mum. She asked, somewhat more sadly then you would have thought after she came up so fast, “Do we have to go now?”

“Yes sweetie, your father and I need to talk about something, and we’d prefer you be home so you can say what you think about our idea. Well, our idea, as well as Blanco and Marcho Bolgers idea.”

“Yes mother.” Alora replied, and home they went.

[Witch_Queen]

Character Description Form :

1.)Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrowdowns?-NO

2.)How many RPG's on the Barrowdowns are you currently involved in?- NONE

3.)Have you ever posted at the Green Dragon Inn or The White Horse Inn- Yes (Cree) in the Green Dragon Inn.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME: Sarah Chubb (Mother)

AGE: 61 years

RACE:Hobbit

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: Sarah doesn't use many weapons. Only the knives she uses to cook with and the occasional rolling pin. That is only when the going gets tough.

APPEARANCE: Sarah has red hair like her daughter. She wears a simple hobbit dress. A brown apron and keeps her hair pulled up away from her face. She always has a stern look on her face. It easy to tell that her past was hard on her.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Sarah is a hard-headed. She doesn't give up on something easily. She loves her husband and would do anything to make sure her children were happy and safe. Sarah is a great cook. The only thing that could be considered her weakness is the love she has for her family. Sometimes she can get mad but that is only when there is someone threatening her family and the happiness in her life.

HISTORY: Sarah was born to a normal family. She has two children and a husband. She was married at a "young age." She was barely out of her tweens when she met Mr. Chubb.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Witch_Queen's post

Sarah looked around as other hobbits struggled to get to center of the town. "Goodness what could this entire meeting be about?" Sarah worried about everything all the time. She knew she had no reason to worry. Yet that made her the hobbit she was. She had just finished getting dressed when her husband had told her that there was a meeting.

"Sarah!" She turned around to see her old childhood friend. "What do they have to tell us now. Perhaps they have decided that we should stay here and never leave. Oh how I would miss this place if I had to leave. Its been my home for so long." Sarah shared the concerns of her friend.

"Now Rose why would they want to make you leave or I? We have lived her for so long but getting out and seeing the world would be so much fun. After all I have gotten tired of see just dwarves and men. I want to see other places." Sarah pulled her jacket tightly together. The wind was blowing the few strands of her hair around. "We can't stay her forever." Rose looked at Sarah with disguse. She ignored the looked and focused on what was going on around her. She felt a tap on her shoulder as she turned to see her children and husband behind her.

"Did we miss anything?" She shook her head and then turned back to see what was going on. Sarah was ready to leave her home. She wanted to see everything around her. When will he decide that may, just maybe we should leave home and look for a new place to live. A place where I don' t have to worry about my children getting into fights with other children.

[piosenniel]

If you see a 'Last edited by piosenniel' on your post, it's just me setting your post up to be transferred to the RPG thread should your character be chosen by alaklondewen.

~*~ Pio :D

[ArwenBaggins]

Thank you Pio for posting my profile up the first time! I've squeaked in a few minutes before my Mom returns; here it is, edited a little bit:
_______________________________________________

1.)Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrowdowns?-YES, many

2.)How many RPG's on the Barrowdowns are you currently involved in?- NONE

3.)Have you ever posted at the Green Dragon Inn or The White Horse Inn- Yes, as Fëa
----------------------------------------

Whitfoot - child - male

Name: Crispin Penda Whitfoot

Age: 12 Mortal years... what would that be as a hobbit?

Race: Hobbit- Fallohide

Gender: Male

Weapons: Crispin carries a homemade slingshot of rough sycamore that he whittled himself one summer. He keeps it in the inside breast pocket of his vest so that he can grab it quickly when hunting.

Appearance: Standing 3 foot 5 inches, Crispin is fairly tall and thin for his age. Many have called him a "spittin' image" of his father, boasting the same chestnut hair that falls in waves to his shoulders and slender build. Narrow cheekbones and moderately pale skin complement his bright gray eyes.

Personality/Strengths/Weakness: Crispin likes to explore and have fun, but he is serious and intense deep down. He is quiet and likes to be left alone while hunting or exploring. He has a great memory and often recalls things from his childhood that have long since been forgotten. Crispin also sometimes gets to caught up in nature to pay attention to things. He is never trusted with secrets; they almost always slip out- either accidentally or purposely.

History: Crispin is the oldest of two children. ((According to Melisil's post)) He and his family are very close; he and his father often venture into the forest to scout and hunt for days on end. Since Marcho and Blanco found the uninhabited land in the west, Crispin has always been desirous and eager to explore the new land.
~*~

I too am sorry I used the father in dialogue. I guess it was just kind of neccisary.

~*~

ArwenBaggins’ post

A lock of mahogany hair would not stay in place on Crispin's head. Pulling it gingerly from his gray eyes, he flung it haphazardly behind his ear. Another gust immediately blew it back; huffing in frustration, he shook his head and approached a short wooden podium standing perfectly straight in front of the community hall. Another Fallohide like himself had been talking for a few minutes now, but he was not paying any attention.

"…We will begin to settle the land to the west. We have lived among the Big People too long, and now we can have a land to call our own!" Crispin did not hear if Blanco had said anything after that. Excitement erupted and exposed its self in his slightly pale cheeks, turning them a rose hue.

Pushing himself through the crowd of murmuring hobbits a little more, he found the middle-aged man he was looking for sitting in the dirt off to the left side of the podium. "D'you 'ere? Some new land to the west of here, west o' the Baranduin! Papa! Papa!" Crispin dropped to his bare knees in the dust next to his father.

The man pulled his pipe from his mouth and blew out a puff of smoke. "Crispin, let Master Bolger speak. I know you're excited about this new land, and I am as excited as you are. Just try listen to the rest of the speech, and we will get more information," The boy snorted slightly in anger and settled into a comfortable position on his bottom.

"But Papa, I don' wanna listen to Mister Bolger any longer! Bree's too crowded; all those Big Folk take up too much room. Why don't we go now and beat the rush? I'm sure the land's real rich an' the water's real clean- why, we could have a whole new farm that's a lot bigger than the one we have now! It'll be so ni-," He was stopped by his father, who stood and leaned against the tree. Crispin knew the battle was over- his father had won and there was nothing he could do about it.

Picking up a nearby stick, he started drawing in the dirt. After what seemed like an eternity to Crispin, the meeting was over and his family was heading back to their home. Only two words were said on the return journey, and his father made them: "We're going."

Much to the relief and enjoyment of his mother and sibling, along with Crispin and his father, the Whitfoot family was going to the new land.

[Child of the 7th Age]

This is Cami Goodchild (Child of the 7th Age) -- quasi narrator, quasi disaster specialist -- checking in to touch bases and say hello to everyone. I am looking foward to this game.

[ArwenBaggins]

H'lo again Cami! This is my first reuniting with you since my hiatus! My 900 posts may be gone, but I am here!

And...
I like everyone's characters so far! I have a feeling Crispin will like his sister Alora. ((If accepted, of course. :D))

[alaklondewen]

I cannot express how pleased I am with the characters so far. :)

ArwenBaggins and Melisil - I think you both did very well with incorporating the other characters' dialogues in your first posts, so don't worry about them.

Regin Hardhammer - I loved Harold's introspection and he asked some great questions toward the end that should leave the reader wondering the same things. Nice Job.

Crystal Heart - Please check your PMs. :)

Kransha - Good job on picking up on the Estella link. I will provide a small description of her soon, so she can become a carry-along that will link the families.

Fordim Hedgethistle - I'm still chuckling over Fordogrim. I can the party would have their hands full with him. Well done. :)

rutslegolas - Henry's presence could be very interesting, especially working his grimness into the conflicting feelings about going. Do you see him as being a little rebelious? Might he give a little trouble on the road? Also, I need you to rework your first post a bit. Henry is at the speech, but he should have no idea that his family is going yet. You should be able to do this rather easily. If you have any problems, feel free to PM me and we work on it.

Witch_Queen and Regin Hardhammer - We have a bit of a conflict here. I generally intended for the Chubbs to have feelings against going on the journey, however, if both of your characters were accepted, we would have a husband who was against it, and a wife ready to go. Now my first instinct was to ask Witch_Queen to change it, but I think if you both worked with it and made the dispute part of the plot...it could really work. However, if you would rather not play quarrelling partners, then I would rather you both be against going. I will let you decide, just let me know what's going on.

Melisil - I forgot about one minor detail. In the first paragraph of your first post, you've written that the meeting was held in the afternoon. Do you mind to change that to Mid-morning? Just so we're consistent.

Now, as Pio posted toward the top, I will not be making a final decision on characters just yet. I will leave it in the air for a couple of days just to be fair to anyone who has just seen the game.

Here are the characters applied for so far (This is mainly for my use):

Whitfoots

1. Kransha – Kalimac Whitfoot (father) 49
2. Crystal Heart – Erowen Whitfoot (mother)
3. Melisil - Alora Whitfoot (child) 7
4. ArwenBaggins - Crispin Whitfoot (child) 12



Chubbs

1. Regin Hardhammer – Harold Chubb (father) 46
2. Witch_Queen - Sarah Chubb (Mother) 45
3. rutslegolas - Henry Chubb (child) 19
4.
5. Fordim Hedgethistle - Fordogrim Chubb 113

The only slot not applied for is One Chubbs Child, however anyone may still apply for any of the positions.

Great job everyone!

Edited: Oh the horrors, I accidently left ArwenBaggins off the list.

[Memory of Trees]

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs?

NO

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?

Just the Green Dragon

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? –

YES, the Green Dragon.


CHARACTER PROFILE:

NAME: Mayflower (May) Chubb

AGE: 27 (14-15 comparatively to humans)

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: None, other than a small dagger she has never used. She has, however, been known to use her fists.

APPEARANCE: May is rather petite (even for a hobbit!), with long, curly, light-brown hair and blue eyes. Her nose, which is sprinkled ever so lightly with freckles, turns up a bit on the end, giving her a curious, almost comic look. A curvy mouth and ruddy cheeks add a pretty, childish air, and accent her sweet smile. She is unusually light-skinned for a Harfoot. Over all, May is a rather pretty girl.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Coming from a hard-working family, May is capable and strong. Yet she retains a dreamy, far-off air, which sometimes gets her into trouble when she is supposed to be working. May has a soft spot for animals, and is quick to pity any living creature in pain. She is friendly and polite, but not especially outgoing, particularly to people outside her own class. Years of trying to scratch a living on someone else’s land have created a bitter place in May, and she hates to be teased about her family’s poverty. She just cannot see why some people have so much, while others have so little; in other words, she is discontented with what she has. On her better side, she adores her family, and is fiercely loyal to them.

HISTORY: May is the oldest daughter of the Chubb family, and has lived on the Whitfoot farm all her life. She has very little schooling, but knows the alphabet and a few simple words.

At age six, she began to help her family in the fields. She is doing that still today. May also helps her mother around the house when she isn’t needed on the farm.

Last year May won a singing competition in which she was participating. She enjoys making up songs as well ‘socializing’ with her friends in her spare time.
_______________________________________________

Memory of Trees' post

May Chubb stood on tiptoe, craning her neck to see over the heads of several hundred very excited hobbits. It was mid-morning, and it seemed that every hobbit in the country had turned out for the event. The noise was deafening.

An exceptionally tall hobbit moved unintentionally in front of her, blocking her view of the podium entirely. Oh, I hate being short, May thought furiously.

As she moved to a different angle, she suddenly spotted a familiar curly head bobbing amongst the crowd. “Father! Over here!” she cried out, but her voice was lost in the hubbub, and she lost sight of him. Sighing dramatically, May settled down behind two gossipy old ladies. They were discussing the mysterious meeting about to take place.

“I just don’t understand it,” said the first woman. “Calling us all together like this, and them not even giving a clue what about!”

“There’s no sense in it at all!” agreed the second, who was wearing a red shawl with beads that clacked when she moved. Leaning in closer to her friend, she said in a low voice, “But you’ll never guess what I heard, just this morning. I can tell, it gave me quite a shock, Edda, darling. Well, I was sitting in my yard – you know, Henry keeps this old rickety chair right out in front of the house, and I was simply scandalized at first, I just knew the neighbors would have the news all over town, us having a great wooden chair right in the yard, and oh well, he likes it – but as I was saying, there I was, sitting in that chair, and suddenly I began to hear some voices, and they’re talking all deep and important, like so, and I thought that maybe I’d better listen in, you know. Well, the first one says, ‘…couldn’t be that!’ And the second voice growls, ‘I heard it myself, just this very morning. They’re trying to make us leave our beloved homes and go gallivanting all over the country!’” She ended triumphantly.

The first woman gasped. “You don’t think…”

“Oh, I couldn’t say.” May found this a bit hard to believe. The old lady continued ominously, “I’m just saying what I heard. But mark my words, Edda, no good will ever come of leaving our own lovely land.” Suddenly she giggled. “Oh, Edda, did you hear about that Rosie Burr…”

The two moved on to talk of other things, but May had stopped listening. The second woman’s words sent a thrill of excitement through her. Leaving Bree? So that was what this was all about!

But May had no more time to ponder, for a hush had fallen over the crowd. A young hobbit was rapping for order on the wooden podium. “My name is Blanco Bolger,” he said simply. “My brother, Marcho Bolger, and I come before you today to offer you and opportunity, the likes of which will live on in the stories of our descendents.” A murmur ran through the crowd. After pausing, Blanco continued, “I may be getting ahead of myself…”

“I’d say so!” May heard an old hobbit next to her mutter.

“…please allow me to back up a moment. During the last several years, Bree has been a desirable place to live for many… to many. I know that most if not all of you feel the pressures of the growing population every day. The available land for young families is becoming scarce, our streets are cluttered with the waste of too many, and there is ever the threat of war from the east.”

Several hobbits near May were nodding their heads in agreement. “It’s just too crowded around here!” She heard somebody cry out.

Blanco cleared his throat, and then went on. “How would you feel if I told you we had a solution? We do.” The silence was tangible. May swallowed hard, caught up in the feeling of excitement that seemed to surround the gathering. “We will begin to settle the west. We have lived among the Big People too long, and now we can have a land too call our own!”

The crowd stood in silent shock. Then, like a burst of deafening thunder, all the hobbits began voice their noisy opinions at once. Cries of, “What? We can’t leave our homes!” “He’s right, you know.” “It’s just nonsense, that’s what!” rang out among the crowd. May was rapturous. “A land to call our own!” she echoed, letting the sweet, cooling words seep deep into her brain. “To call our own,” she murmured again, pronouncing each word deliberately.

The call for order was given, and finally the roar died down enough for Blanco to be heard again. “We understand many of you will have questions and comments,” he called out. “But if I may, I would like you to hold off for just a minute, while my brother gives you some information about the location… Marcho?” He stepped away from the podium and allowed his brother to come forward.

Marcho was a serious-faced hobbit, with shaggy brown hair and a soft, commanding voice. May liked him at once, even if he was a Fallohide.

“Most of you who know my brother and I well know that for the last several months we have been surveying the land beyond the Baranduin,” he began, then stopped. He wiped his forehead with a large white handkerchief. Several hundred hobbit eyes glued to his face, waiting for the promised information, and he clearly wasn’t enjoying it. “What we have found is a rich, uninhabited land. Approximately one hundred leagues west of the river, we will settle the hills of the White Downs. These hills will not only provide desirable living space, but will protect us from future threats.” Marcho’s voice grew in strength and clarity as he went on. “The White Hills are surrounded by lush lowlands that will provide land ideal for farming. Our settlement will be in a prime location for obtaining trade with the Men of Arnor and the Elves of Lindon. This factor will benefit our people immensely. We, as a unified people, can hardly afford to let this opportunity pass.”

Looking utterly relieved, Marcho let his brother take over from there. His younger brother went on to explain about trade and government; things that seem of great importance to adults, but are seldom of interest to twenty-seven year old hobbit girls.

“We will now take any questions or concerns you may have,” concluded Marcho when his brother was finished. “We will take our time and answer you in an orderly fashion. Please feel free to voice your opinions. This is an important day for all of us, and we want to be sure you have enough information to make a well-thought out decision." Marcho then announced to the Hobbits that all those who wanted to go along should meet back at the West Gate, all packed up to travel, in one week's time.

One week! She mused excitedly. May had reached the age where time begins to come into perspective, and realized how very short a time one week was. It doesn’t matter anyway, she thought. My parents would never agree to this.

This she knew, yet still wondered. What would it be like get out of this place? To leave those rich, conceited Whitfoots, and never have to work in their fields one more day, it was like a dream. And then, to have land of your own! To till, and plant, and water, knowing that it was all yours; this was May’s fantasy.

“May! Mayflower Chubb!” May spun around to see Bella Rolland emerge out of the crowd. She and Bella had been friends since the time they were both little hobbits. “There you are!” cried Bella. “I’ve been looking all over for you. Faldo wouldn’t let me come until I finished planting the rest of the peas. I absolutely detest green peas…”

May’s thoughts were broken off by her friend’s lively chatter. As they wandered away from the crowd, she couldn’t help think, maybe someday…

_______________________________________________


I'm not normally this long-winded. :) I have it all worked out in a second post how Mayflower actually comes to be on this journey. Pick me, please?

[SonOfBombadil]

I'm writing up a first post for the Whitfoot father, I'll try and have it in soon!

[Crystal Heart]

To Whom It May Concern:

Please disregard the post by my screen name Crystal Heart. At this moment in time I am very busy in life and in a game on this fine web site. I am also not very knowledgeable about hobbits and therefore I do not believe that I could add anything of greatness to this game. I wish all of you good luck and thank you pio and alak for taking the time to talk with me and help me with this process. I apologize for the time that I have wasted on your behalf and I also apologize for the wasted space.

Sincerely,

Crystal Heart

[Melisil]

I've edited my post now so instead of the gathering/meeting/thing being after lunch, it is now, in my post, mid-morning.

Also, I've only just thought of this now, Alora is 7 in human years.

[alaklondewen]

I am sorry to be losing Crystal, but I do understand.

Memory of Trees - Great post! I loved the way you incorporated the gossiping women. I also like her fiery spirit. Don't worry, when it comes to the second post...all the Chubbs will be going...happy or not. ;)

Melisil - Thank you very much.

Alright, here is an updated applied for character list:

Whitfoots

1. Kransha – Kalimac Whitfoot (father) 49
2.
3. Melisil - Alora Whitfoot (child) 7
4. ArwenBaggins - Crispin Whitfoot (child) 12



Chubbs

1. Regin Hardhammer – Harold Chubb (father) 46
2. Witch_Queen - Sarah Chubb (Mother) 45
3. rutslegolas - Henry Chubb (child) 19
4. Memory of Trees - May Chubb (child) 27
5. Fordim Hedgethistle - Fordogrim Chubb 113

Now the only unapplied for slot is The Whitfoot Mother.

[SonOfBombadil]

I don't think that I'll actually make a post for this game, I'll be too busy to post frequently, sorry!

[alaklondewen]

Here is the character bio of Estella, Marcho's wife. She will be a carry-along character that will provide a link between the families and Marcho. Feel free to use her when needed, just be sure she is not being used in more than one place at a time.

NAME: Estella (Whitfoot) Bolger

AGE: 56

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: Estella keeps a small paring knife in the pocket of her apron to use in the garden. On the trip she will have a few saucepans and a large skillet that might do the trick if need arises.

APPEARANCE: Standing 3’6”, Estella surprised her family by exceeding her younger brother’s height. Her figure is slightly round, yet not plump. Her light brown curls fall almost to her waist, however it is hard to tell because she pulls it up and off of her neck, complaining its weight is too hot yet swearing never to cut it. Her bright green eyes twinkle at the slightest thing. Her lips are thin, but when she smiles they create the perfect frame to a most infectious grin. Most of Estella’s simple dresses are handmade with small floral patterns, over which she often wears her blue linen apron.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Estella is a light hearted optimist. She works hard to see the best in every person and situation, which has been important since she is often without her husband for days, weeks, or occasionally months (as with his last endeavor) at a time. Estella provides the right balance to Marcho’s serious, quiet demeanor. She admires her husband very much and looks up to him ready to be his best friend and biggest supporter.

HISTORY: Being the oldest of two, Estella often took care of her brother when they were small children, and as they grew into adults, she still cares for and is protective of him.

After marrying Marcho Bolger, at 33, Estella found herself spending more and more time alone, while Marcho hunted and surveyed areas outside of Bree. Occasionally she could be talked into going with him on short trips, but she enjoyed being in the stableness of home. She’s never regretted her marriage or Marcho’s work because she knows she is loved and she wants to see Marcho’s dreams become a reality.

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

I will also provide a more simplified description of a few other carry-alongs that may be needed on the journey, since there are at least 200 more hobbits on the road besides our beloved families.

Ponto Bracegirdle - A young Bree merchant who hopes to gain business by losing his competition and having new trade with Elves and Men. Newly married to the young Belba Banks.

Ruby Hornblower and her two small children are leaving Bree after her husband was killed in a farming accident. She is being pressured by the Big Folk to sell her land, and she is finally giving in.

Fredigar Headstrong is a local deputy in Bree, who hopes he can organize the new law once they arrive at the White Downs. This hobbit is known for being rash in his decisions.

Ferdibrand Boffin, his wife, Peony, and their eight children are leaving their small house in town in hopes of finding land large enough for their still growing family.

These characters will come in handy on road, so you may also feel free to use them as you wish. :)

[alaklondewen]

First things first...here is the semi-final character list. These slots are officially full:

The Whitfoot Family

Father - Kalimac played by Kransha.
Son - Crispin played by ArwenBaggins
Daughter - Alora played by Melisil

The Chubb Family

Father - Harold played by Regin Hardhammer
Mother - Sarah played by Witch_Queen
Daughter - Mayflower played by Memory of Trees
Son - Henry played by rutslegolas
Grandfather - Fordogrim played by Fordim Hedgethistle

CHARACTER STILL NEEDED

The Whitfoot mother

As soon as the last character is taken, we will begin our journey. :)

Regin Hardhammer and Witch_Queen, we have a small conflict in ages. Both of the Chubb children are a little older, and I would like to keep them that way for reasons that will be clearer down the road. Would you both mind raising your characters' ages? For May to be 27, your characters should be at least 60. If there is a problem, and you think it would change your characters' personalities or anything else, pm me and we'll discuss it.

Everyone
Regin also brought up an interesting question with me. In Memory of Tree's first post, May is thinking of the Chubb's freedom from working for the Whitfoots and having land of their own. Let's keep the thought of the Chubbs having their own land with May only. I still want the Chubbs to be against going, but with May's feistiness, the idea may be brought out on the road...not before. Let's have our characters believe everything will carry on as usual once they get to the new land.

Here is why. The events that will occurr while the group is on the road, are intended to push the conflict in ideas between the families. I can't see the conflict, if all of the characters are excited to go (with the exception of Fordogrim who I'm sure will give us trouble the entire way ;)).

I am very excited to be working with all of you, and as I said above, as soon as we have our Whitfoot mother we will be on the road.

[rutslegolas]

well i think i should PM you but as this is a dissucusion thread so i
ask what role does cami -child of the seventh age play in this RPG?

and yes at last i have become a wight with a 100 posts.

[alaklondewen]

While we are on the road, Child is our worst nightmare. I have planned several "disasters" along the trip and Child will either set the stage for the disaster, or play a role that is needed for a particular disaster. When you see Child, get ready.

[Arestevana]

Mrs. Elsa Whitfoot would like to join the game, if that is alright. :)
_____________________________

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES: The Summons, Breelanders All

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?
none

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES The Green Dragon Inn

_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Elsa Whitfoot (the Whitfoot mother)

AGE: 48

RACE: Hobbit (Fallohide)

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: Elsa is not familiar with most types of weaponry, but like all hobbits she can throw a stone with painful accuracy. She can also be quite formidable with a broom. ;)

APPEARANCE: Elsa has fair skin and a comfortable, slightly plump build. She has curly hair of a pale golden color which she keeps cut to shoulder length. Her eyes are light blue. Elsa is 3 feet, 3 inches in height.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Elsa has a cheerful disposition and is not at all afraid to speak out. She is very protective of her children, and can become almost ferocious if they are threatened. Elsa can also be very ambitious and is often thoroughly stubborn. She loves to garden and cook, and is quite proficient at both. She is intelligent, but can read and write only a little.

HISTORY: Elsa was born in Bree and has lived there her whole life. She married Kalimac Whitfoot the year she came of age, before which she was Elsa Headstrong. Fredigar Headstrong, a deputy of Bree, is a cousin to Elsa, but her parents discouraged friendship between them, disapproving of Fredigar's upbringing. Elsa grew up in a prosperous family. Her parents had great ambitions for their children, and though she is a little more laid back than they were, Elsa has similar ambitions for her own children, Alora and Crispin.

___________________________________

Arestevana's post

The day was warm and sunshine spilled through the open window of the house. Elsa Whitfoot smiled contentedly as she scrubbed the breakfast dishes. The kitchen door was propped open; the delightful breeze well worth the extra sweeping it would take to clear the wooden floor of leaves. Through the open door, Elsa could hear her daughter Alora playing in the field behind the house.

As she finished drying the last of the dishes, Elsa glanced at the clock on the mantle piece. She knew there was an meeting in the town square, presumably of great importance. She called for Alora, shaking her head fondly as the little girl ran in, laughing. Elsa caught her daughter’s arm and ran a brush through the girl’s hair. When she had brushed most of the grass out, she dusted off Alora’s skirt and tugged her pinafore to make it lay straight. Elsa handed a light coat to her daughter.

“My friends will be there too, right mother?” Alora asked, shrugging into the garment and pulling on her town shoes.

“I suppose they will be.” Elsa replied, grinning at her daughter’s delighted smile.

They left quickly, Elsa pulling the door shut behind them. Her husband Kalimac and their son Crispin were waiting at the end of the lane. Elsa spent a moment trying to secure her son’s hair, but gave up at his annoyed protests. The family walked together to the town’s center. Marcho and Blanco Bolger were speaking to a large crowd of hobbits. They spoke of a new land, providing safety and opportunities for the hobbit-folk. Elsa listened closely, intrigued.

The speech had been going on for some while when Alora caught sight of her friends and begged to be allowed to leave. Elsa consented distractedly, telling her daughter to return when the speech was over. The little girl ran off. Elsa continued to listen to the speakers, watching her husband to see his reaction. She could see Kalimac thinking over the proposal. She found herself hoping that he agreed with the brothers. The thought of moving to a new land was exciting, and she cheered loudly with many others when Marcho finished speaking.

When the speech ended, Alora appeared almost immediately, asking sadly if they had to leave. Elsa glanced at her husband, who was watching the Bolger brothers thoughtfully. She turned back to Alora.
“Yes sweetie, your father and I need to talk about something, and we’d prefer you be home so you can say what you think about our idea. Well, our idea, as well as Blanco and Marcho Bolgers idea.”
Alora sighed, but agreed without complaint, and the family headed home.

[alaklondewen]

Welcome, Arestevana, Elsa is accepted! :) Please check your PM's if you haven't already.

We now have a full cast of players, so I will get the first posts in order and get them to Pio ASAP.

Once the game is open you may post in any order. Your second posts should have your characters at the gate, packed and ready to go. You may want to say goodbye to friends and family, and start on our way.

Here is a map of the area we will be travelling through. Keep a close eye on it. I will continually let you know where we are in relation to the map, so be conscious of the surroundings, such as the Old Forest, waterways, and hills.

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

[Arestevana]

Thanks, Alaklondewen.

I've edited my character profile; I hope I've fixed the problem. If not, I'll try again. ;)

[alaklondewen]

That's perfect Arestevana, thank you. :)

Regin Hardhammer - Can you please fill in the blanks on your first post with Fordogrim's name? Thanks.

** PIO's EDIT: Regin - I inserted the name and moved your post to the game. :)

[ArwenBaggins]

Welcome, Welcome everyone! I believe I will enjoy playing with you!

~Fëa

[Kransha]

Yes, indeed, this should be very enjoyable

Alright then, I must now familiarize myself completely with the other characters in close relation to mine and start trimming a second post.

[piosenniel]

The game is now open for play:

Please remember to:

REMOVE YOUR SIGNATURES FOR EVERY POST TO THE GAME

Have Fun!

Child (Cami) will moderate this game.

~*~ Pio

[piosenniel]

Moving this forward:

Here is a map of the area we will be travelling through. Keep a close eye on it. I will continually let you know where we are in relation to the map, so be conscious of the surroundings, such as the Old Forest, waterways, and hills.


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

[ArwenBaggins]

And let the game begin!

I must start crafting a second post as well.

*EDIT* Now my second post is up. :D

~Fëa

[alaklondewen]

Great post, Fëa. :)

I have Marcho's post up, and I have sent Estella to check on Fordogrim before they go.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Hello Alak.

I'm confused -- you say that you've sent Estella to check on Fordogrim, but in the rpg post Estella says she's going to check on "father".

Estella is Kalimac Whitfoot's sister (isn't she?) Fordogrim is a Chubb (isn't he!?!?) and therefore the father of Harold??:confused:

[alaklondewen]

I'm sorry Fordim, that is my error in thinking. At the last moment I was thinking about her checking on her family and you are certainly right about Fordogrim, so disregard the above post.

[Melisil]

Alora's second post is now up! Oh, I look forward to this!

[Regin Hardhammer]

Thanks Piosenniel for editing the name.

Also, I edited my profile so I'm now 61.

I'm busy tonight and tomorrow morning, but will then start work on my second post.....

[Kransha]

Kalimac's second post is now up.

[rutslegolas]

henry's second post is up.

[alaklondewen]

Great posts, everyone. :) We are finally on our way!

I want to bring something up for discussion...the relationships between the Whitfoot and Chubb children. It's rare that an RPG will have such an age difference between the children, so we don't have prior experience with this particular situation.

With the Whitfoots, we have Alora, who at 7 is a very small child, and Crispin, who is still pretty young at 12. The Chubb children are quite a bit older. May is a young women, and Henry, it seems is more of a teenager (or almost a tween).

It seems to me that a close relationship between the children, in a play on the same level way, would be inappropriate. Try to think about a 15 year old who has a 9 year old best friend. The two would be in completely different life stages.

However, I think we can work with a relationship between the families, where Henry and May could maybe look after them while at camp (maybe ordered to by parents, causing attitudes on both sides), but I can't see them "playing" together.

I also question the use of the word "play" regarding Henry and May. What is it that hobbits of these older ages play?

Give me some feedback. I want to know what the rest of you think.

[ArwenBaggins]

I just wanted to make it clear that Crispin is 12 in MORTAL years, not HOBBIT. I know 33 is when a hobbit becomes "of age", but I don't know about how they age other than that.

Oh, and Alak, check your PM's.

Thanks,
Fëa

[Child of the 7th Age]

This is Cami, your friendly neighborhood mod and also your "disaster" specialist in this game......

Arwen, Alak, --

A possible way of looking at hobbit ages.....

My guess is that hobbit and human children were actually not too different in terms of how they grew up, even though hobbits did not actually "come of age" till 33. Therefore, Arwen's character could be twelve-years old in both mortal and human terms.

I am basing this on the one and only source we have from Tolkien that discusses hobbit children at length. This is the unpublished Epilogue to the LotR, which is part of HoMe. This delightful story runs 7-8 pages and describes an evening that Sam spent with his children when they found out that King Elessar and Arwen were coming to meet with them at the Brandywine Bridge.

According to Christopher Tolkien, Sam's children were Elanor 15, Frodo 13, Rose 11, Merry 9, and Pippin 7. (These are the only ones who figure in the story -- little Goldilocks, Ham, and Daisie were in bed and the others not yet born.) In this story, Elanor acts like a typical 15 year-old, Frodo a typical 13 year-old, Rose an 11 year-old, etc. They all act just like their ages, not younger or older.

My guess is that Tolkien thought hobbit and human kids developed at the same rate. Only hobbits let their offspring have a longer time to settle down. They weren't "forced" into jobs and such at a young age, but were allowed to be youthful and carefree a little longer. (A nice dream....if only we could follow it too!)

By that standard, the Whitfoot children would be real "kids" (7 and 12). May at 27 would be similar to Pippin, and 19-year old Henry would be in-between, like a teenager. So the four of them wouldn't naturally all "play" together, any more than regular kids that age would. Henry and May would be more like "youth" or "young hobbits" than "children"...

Either way you go is fine, but I do think we need to reach some agreement. I also noticed that Fordim described Henry and May as "children" in his letter. I would say they are "young hobbits". But then, when you're as old as Fordim, anyone under fifty must look like a child!!

It would make sense to have one of the Whitfoot parents approach the Chubbs (parents or kids) and ask that Henry and May keep an eye on their children when they make camp. After all, the Whitfoot's were used to having the Chubbs work for them. This seems like a logical thing to happen. It would bring the four characters together, let them fight, learn to get along, etc. And I have a feeling that initially none of the kids would like it, not those doing the "babysitting" or those who were being looked after....

But does anyone else have other ideas on the question of hobbit age, or how to bring these four characters together?? These are just ideas, not written in stone.....

Cami

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

Alak -

You must have a "unique" RPG. This is the first time I have ever done a response that looks like a lengthy "Books post" in the middle of an RPG discussion thread!

[Kransha]

On the subject of that, I can have Kalimac approach one of the Chubbs about that (considering his own semi-lack of confidence as a parent). I don't know the other characters in depth, but I would assume, from reading the Character Bio's, that Elsa Whitfoot might be too overprotective to allow someone else to keep an eye on her children (Arestevana, don't hesitate to tell me if I'm wrong).

About hobbit ages: I am not learned enough to talk of human-hobbit equivalents, but some combinations would make for great character interaction. Like relationships between the oldest and youngest of the children. Age-based friendships or rivalries are always interesting. More later, when I have time to think.

So, we technically have the 7 stages of man (hobbit) going on here (ever seen Shakespeare's As You Like It?). We have semi-toddler, semi-teenager, youth, older youth, and upwards of that. Good diversity going on that can be used to our Role-Playing advantage.

[ArwenBaggins]

Thank you Child. That clarifies everything for me.

Crispin would be willing to 'hang out' or be watched by Henry, because he loves meeting new people and having adventures. And you never know what might happen if Crispin gets a little too adventurous!

~Fëa

[Arestevana]

Elsa's second post is now up!

Kransha, you're quite right about Elsa. It would good if Kalimac was the one who talked to the Chubbs. I don't think Elsa would approve of her children being watched over by a couple of tweens. ;)

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

My sense of hobbit and human ages/development has always been the same as Child's -- it you're a 25 year old human, you're a 25 year old hobbit. Hobbits just seem to take the time they need to really 'grow up' -- unlike humans ("a hasty folk").

And, yes, to Fordogrim pretty much everyone on this trip is a "child"!!

F.H.

[Kransha]

Ok, just for updating purposes, I'll put up a post with Kalimac approaching the Chubbs after everyone has up their second posts and it has become apparent that Kalimac doesn't really have the time or patience to spend every waking moment keeping his children from harm or other nasty things.

Perhaps the 'baby-sitting' thing should be brought up after the first disaster, or after one of the children's antics start to get out of hand. Kalimac will need time to realize that he needs some help from the Chubbs' offspring to tend his own.

[alaklondewen]

Kransha - Don't rush it. A good time for Kalimac to approach the Chubbs may be our first campsite.

Great posts, Kransha, Fordim, and Arestevana.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Well my second post is up. I'm still a bit teary eyed... sniff sniff. Witch Queen - I hope you don't mind sitting next to a pair of chickens! It will be a great game. Yeah!!

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Great post my son! (But who are you calling "Old One"?:p )

One thing that I have to ask you to amend, however -- you have Fordogrim riding in the cart with the family: nothing personal, but he is going to ride his pony Stout on this journey. But don't worry, he'll be sure to keep close enough to the cart to tell you all what to do when you need to hear it.

[rutslegolas]

i think henry is in his tweens and may is a teenager
so i think they could play cards or something if they existed at that time?


could anyone suggest something or i believe they could play with the other children ??

[Witch_Queen]

A pair of chickens? Well as long as they don't try to hurt me we'll be fine. Its ok Regin. Sarah will get use to the chickens. If she doesn't then she's not as prepared as we had thought. But she will get use to it. Just don't add the chickens actual clucking into the post. that will drive me crazy. Anyways my second post is up. Its going to be very interesting.... I think?

[Melisil]

I've always thought that Hobbits and Humans aged the same.. so ya.

The Chubb two could play cards, or just talk, or something like that I'm guessing as well.

[alaklondewen]

Regin and Witch_Queen - Very nice posts. :)

rutslegolas - I'm not going to make a fuss over the use of the word "play" regarding Henry and May. It is just that "play", to me, lends itself to the idea of children's activities. Sibling activities that might be more age appropriate could be playing cards (card games, if not exactly like our modern games, have been around since just before 1000 AD), a form of chess, fishing, or exploring. However, I do think the "close relationship" between Henry and Crispin would be innappropriate, even in our time. I don't think you have wrongful intentions regarding the two, but I do think that such a relationship would be frowned upon. I have a hard time seeing Sarah comfortable with it (Witch_Queen, correct me if I'm wrong). With that said, I am going to ask you to change your entry regarding Crispin. You may name another hobbit that is his friend that is not played, if that is what you would like to do.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

I agree that "playing together" is probably a bit of a stretch for a 12 year old and 19 year old -- but a 19 year old could easily take on the role of adoptive 'big brother'. It's not exactly a peer relationship, but it is a friendly relationship that's devoid of the kind of strict hierarchy of a parent-child bond.

As to May and Alora -- I don't know; a 27 year old woman might quite like doing some 'baby-sitting' for a 7 year old girl.

Just my two cents' worth.

"Young whippersnappers."

[Child of the 7th Age]

With posters concentrated in just two families (plus Marcho), we will probably make heavier use of carry-alongs than in most other games. I think Alak's idea of a carry-along child/young person is a good one. Fortunately, she's given us the Boffin family who have eight children, so there's plenty of choices here.

Let's just go ahead and fill in the names and ages of those children. Then anyone can use them as needed. I'll take a stab at it. If anyone has strong preferences for other names or ages, let me know.

Also, I will periodically drag this list forward with us on the discussion thread. That way, you won't have to look very far to find the names and characters you'll need.

It's even possible this list will grow slightly (not too much) once things get going.

**********************************************
Alak's "Approved" Carry-alongs

Ponto Bracegirdle - A young Bree merchant who hopes to gain business by losing his competition and having new trade with Elves and Men. Newly married to the young Belba Banks.

Ruby Hornblower and her two small children are leaving Bree after her husband was killed in a farming accident. She is being pressured by the Big Folk to sell her land, and she is finally giving in.

Fredigar Headstrong is a local deputy in Bree, who hopes he can organize the new law once they arrive at the White Downs. This hobbit is known for being rash in his decisions.

Ferdibrand Boffin, his wife, Peony, and their eight children are leaving their small house in town in hopes of finding land large enough for their still growing family.

Boffin children:


Lilac, girl, 20
Bolco, boy, 19
Nick, boy, 13
Daisy, girl, 12
Rose, girl, 9
Hob, 7
Opal, 6
Edmund, 3


And perhaps another on the way??? Since Rose Gamgee gave birth to her last child when she was all of fifty-eight, that means Peony would be about 53 and could still have a few more babies to go!

Does this look right and give us the ages we need?

[ArwenBaggins]

Great posts Everyone! I really look forward to this.

Rutslegolas:
I believe that Crispin and Henry may have a brother/brother relationship, but not really a 'friend' relationship.

Alak ,
Check your PM's. I've got some ideas for the plot.

~Fëa

[Kransha]

Alright, everyone has second posts up? Either way, good posts all.

Something I must confirm is Kalimac's relationship with his children. Now, I've already mentioned that he's not the ideal father, but I would like to know how Crispin and Alora feel about their relationships with both parents, and perhaps Henry and May's relationships with theirs. Knowing that makes it a lot easier for the 'parents' to know what there dealing with (for some reason, I'm picturing a rebellious teenage hobbit wearing chains and a nose ring...not a pretty mental picture).

[Regin Hardhammer]

I edited my post so that Fordogrim is riding on his own pony. I kept the part about the " Old One." Gosh Fordogrim, why do you have to be so stubborn! :D Anyway you're on your own pony now.

[Melisil]

Originally posted by Kransha
Something I must confirm is Kalimac's relationship with his children.

I'll post the relationships I've got a good idea about for Alora:

Mum- Alora loves her dearly, and has a very close relationship with her.

Dad- She loves her dad also, very much. She loves it when he plays with her, yet when/if he is silent for a while, she gets to be slightly intimidated of him.(for fear of another word.. also, if this is not quite Kalimac's character, please tell me!)

Crispin- He's her big brother! Alora looks up to him, and likes hanging around with him, with the exception of when she doesn't. :p

I was thinking that she would be playing mostly with Hob and Opal Boffin from their family. They have a good friend relationship. Every so often Alora and Hob tag along with Rose, as is so often seen among younger siblings!

My thought was that May would be liking baby sitting Alora (yes? no?). I'm not sure, but Alora would probably like it alot.

Fordogrim Chubb-- a side note: please do not be offended if Alora finds Fordogrim to be rather funny at times!!

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Fordogrim Chubb-- a side note: please do not be offended if Alora finds Fordogrim to be rather funny at times!!

"Dern kids!"

:D

[Memory of Trees]

Second post!


I envision May as mid- to late teens, and she will act accordingly. I've decided not to change May's age, so I'm sorry if it's a little off. Just keep in mind that she's still a teenager.

I do object to May's 'playing' Henry. Although they have a very good relationship, she's a bit too old to play with him, I think.

To May's mum and da - Please, I am not trying to portray you in a bad light! I merely want to tell this story from May's point of view, and right now she's angry at her parents. Forgive me if I took liberties with your characters, but I am still very new at this. I'm not sure how much is too much when it comes to other people's characters. You can yell at me.:)

Melisil - As to whether she would object to babysitting, it all depends in how you approach May. If she is ordered to watch Alora, then May will do it, and hate every second of it. However, if Alora were to make friends with May herself, then she would be glad to help out. She shouldn't be hard to win over. Another option is that May is commanded to watch Alora, and eventually the little girl makes friends with her. That works too.

[alaklondewen]

I agree that "playing together" is probably a bit of a stretch for a 12 year old and 19 year old -- but a 19 year old could easily take on the role of adoptive 'big brother'. It's not exactly a peer relationship, but it is a friendly relationship that's devoid of the kind of strict hierarchy of a parent-child bond.

I completely agree with this statement by Fordim. There doesn't have to be a complete lack of relationship, just not a peer one.

Nice post, Memory of Trees. :)

Now that all second posts are up, it's a free for all. I will post tomorrow as it's getting late here. Anyone who wants to post in the meantime might post on the surroundings or even a midday meal?

[Child of the 7th Age]

I wanted to say what a good job everyone is doing. I am really enjoying reading the posts! I know many of you haven't played here before and I'm genuinely impressed with the quality of the writing and interaction.

Alak - You are being such a diligent founder that you managed to get in your response before I could even slip you a pm. :)

There was just one problem I wanted to address. One of my jobs as Shire Mod is to make sure that we follow the rules in the Red Book of Westmarch.

Memory of Trees - You wrote an extremely lively and fun post. However, your initial instincts were right - you crossed over the line a bit. I'm going to use your post to show what can be a problem. Please don't feel badly about this. My experience has been that the very best writers sometimes have trouble in this way because they are overflowing with interesting ideas and are itching to write! We have a lot of strong writers on this game and I think a discussion like this may be helpful for all of us.

One of the hardest things in a game is to know how and when you can talk or act for another poster. You have to play with someone a long time, before you can be completely comfortable you're representing them accurately. Even then, there are mistakes. (Just ask me -- I'm an expert on such mistakes!) Here is the guideline from the Redbook:

Godding: Depicting someone else's character in a way they would not act. On those rare occasions that you speak for another character, be very careful to do it in a way that does not misrepresent them or do anything significant without the permission of the person who owns that character.

In general, don't speak for anyone other than your own character in an extended discussion unless that poster has given you prior permission. An occasional, neutral comment is alright but nothing more than that. This is especially true when the discussion involves any disagreement. For example, May could get up on top of the table and rant and rave at her parents as long as she wants to! What she can't do is respond back for them in any way. They have to do that for themselves. Otherwise, it's too easy to misrepresent a character that's not your own.

For example, Henry Chubb has been staunchly opposed to leaving Bree in both his posts, yet here he responds in a very different way when asked about whether the family should go....“It’s not a half-bad idea, with it getting so crowded ‘round here,”

It's even tricky describing the actions of another character. Fighting and such are definitely out, but even little things can be tricky. I noticed that Regin had his father sitting in the wagon in his last post. Normally that would be fine, but Fordim responded and asked him to edit, since his character was on a pony. Witch_Queen said she didn't mind sitting next to clucking chickens....! But if she had, Regin would have had to edit that too. That kind of description and interaction is common in a game. If you see a problem with how someone uses your character, politely ask them to edit on the discussion thread or in a pm.

I hope this helps. The main thing is to be a bit cautious when you write and willing to edit if another poster asks you to do that. Memory of Trees -- please revise your last post to comply with the guidelines --- as great and high spirited as it is!

If anyone has questions about this, contact me on the thread or by pm.

[rutslegolas]

hi everyone great posts.

i have edited my posts that henry and may play cards
and the friend was bolco one of the boffin children

ya it seems a good idea that henry should look after crispin at their first camp?

[Witch_Queen]

Sarah's mean? No! Memory of Trees Sarah isn't a bad hobbit. She's just a little over protective. Now I know how my own mother felt. May sounds like she gets alot of her attitude from her mother. Funny really? Oh well its good from here any ways. Just please and I repeat please don't make Sarah sound like she's a bad person. I thought Regin had the children riding in the cart? whats up with May walking? Just let me know what is going on now.
Sarah is setting with the chickens *snicker* and I know about Henry, he's fine, but May is what i'm worried about.

alaklondewen (correct me if I'm wrong) but wasn't May riding in the cart with her mother and brother? Oh well I could be wrong. Like I said let me know.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Hey Memory -- great post! I think that May and Fordogrim are going to get along famously!;)

One thing (and I'm sorry as this seems to be turning into a "correct Memory of Trees" thread, but this one is my fault since I didn't tell anybody that. . .)

You have May referring to Fordogrim as Grandfather Grim -- I have been using "Grim" as his sign off in the letters, but that is going to be his 'private' (and 'secret') name between he and Primrose: nobody else even knows that she used to call him that!

But who knows, if the relationship between May and Fordogrim gets even closer, perhaps he'll let her in on the name. . .

Thought just occured to me: perhaps Grandpa Fordo??

[Regin Hardhammer]

Memory of Trees -

That's a lively post! Please do rant and rave at your father as much as you want.

However, I would appreciate it if you'd take out the part where you have Regin speak (like Child said). Regin hates and loathes leaving Bree and he would never say a single good word about it to his daughter or anyone else.

The big difference between Harold and May is that May sees the Whitfoots and their greediness about the land as the source of the Chubb's problems. Harold hasn't gotten that far yet, but just give him a little time!

Regin

p.s. My last post does say that you're in the cart. But feel free to feel so huffed at me that you get out of the cart to walk!

[alaklondewen]

ArwenBaggins - Please check your PMs. ;)

rutslegolas - Thank you for humoring me and editing the post.

Regin Hardhammer and Witch_Queen, we have a small conflict in ages. Both of the Chubb children are a little older, and I would like to keep them that way for reasons that will be clearer down the road. Would you both mind raising your characters' ages? For May to be 27, your characters should be at least 60. If there is a problem, and you think it would change your characters' personalities or anything else, pm me and we'll discuss it.

Witch_Queen - I've noticed that you still have not done this. I thought maybe you just didn't catch it, or forgot, so I brought it forward.

Everyone - I am putting a SAVE on the game thread for Marcho. I planned on getting the post up today, but I have Real Life issue that is pulling me away for the rest of the day. I will get it up first thing tomorrow.

I will have Marcho stopping for a break, and most likely entertaining the idea of leaving the crotchety old hobbit behind. ;) Not seriously, of course. So, the hobbits will be breaking for the next few posts.

Have fun, and I'll let Child know I'm not here, if you need her.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Watch who you're calling crotchety, or you'll be feeling the business end of a certain sturdy cane! :eek:

[ArwenBaggins]

*bets on Fordim* FIGHT FIGHT! :p

I think I'm going to put up another post for Crispin. While he's all up and excited about exploring like they are, he's a little upset he didn't do anything to try and get Iris to come with him. Maybe he likes Iris as much as she likes him... ? :eek: :)

~Fëa

[Kransha]

Oooh controversy....(not really)

Soon enough I'll put up a post with general characters interaction and Kalimac thinking about making the offer to the Chubbs. That's being typed up, but may be altered by future posts by 'family members.' If there is any on-the-road interaction, I'll respond to that first. Like Kalimac discussing the move with his wife, possibly explaining his decision to Alora, or just mulling about what to do with Crispin.

Another question: How exactly do the Chubb children feel about the Whitfoots as a family. Would one of them (my money's one May) be a aggressively reluctant or irritated at being offered any such job?

[Witch_Queen]

Just a quick question for all the other Chubbs:
Do you find Sarah to be evil or something?
It just seems it. The only one I have noticed that doesn't have a dislike for her is Henry and Harold.

alaklondewen I edited Sarah's age. I think her age a little better. Sorry didn't catch it earlier.

Ok back to the drawing board.

[alaklondewen]

I have filled in my SAVE, and Marcho and Estella are breaking with the Whitfoots.

Thanks Witch_Queen for changing Sarah's age. :)

I'm looking forward to the next few post...keep up the good work, everyone!

[Bêthberry]

Forgive late congratulations about starting your game, Alak. I have little time online to spare and so I could not join but I shall try to keep up with reading it.

Bethberry

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Poor Witch_Queen!!:(

For what it's worth, I think Sarah is lovely -- Fordogrim, on the other hand, will need a bit more convincing. . .he doesn't hate her, but he does, perhaps, resent her somewhat for 'coming between' he and his son. Harold is a lot like his mother Primrose, so after her death, Harold is all that Fordogrim has to remember his wife by. Sarah is NOTHING like Prim, which so far as Fordogrim is concerned, is a bad thing.

Needless to say, he has never said any of this aloud -- I rather doubt he's even been able to articulate it to himself yet. All he knows is he blames Sarah for what's "wrong" with the family, and all Sarah knows is that Fordogrim has never been overly fond of her.

He is ALWAYS civil, if gruff, with her (although given the strains of the journey, that might soon change. . .)

Hint: he respects strength of character and strong convictions; so if Sarah wants to confront him at some point, well, he can take care of himself. . .

[Regin Hardhammer]

I seem to be the one who is in the "middle" between these two women: a wife on one side and a mother on the other. And even though Prim is technically dead, she is pretty alive and active in this game. :D

Any chance I could get clarification on what my mom was like? I don't want to be thinking about her in a way that wouldn't be true to character. Just what was she like?

Did Grandpa dislike my "sweet Sarah" from the very beginning, or did that come about after a little spell of time when he saw Harold paying "too much attention" to his wife?

It almost sounds like I am on the hot seat in the middle here!

Regin

[Witch_Queen]

I feel sorry for Harold already?

Its ok Regin the way I see it is that Harold is so blind by his love for Sarah that he can't see that going on this "trip" is almost ripping his family apart. Oh how I do feel sorry for him. Any ways... I think it will take some time for Sarah to see the mistake she has made in wanting to leave to start out with. Pat the hobbit. Never mind that.

Ok I find nothing wrong with Harold being like his mother. I find it sweet that he is like is mother. It would be seriously. But I believe I will end up having Sarah confront Grandpa Chubb about his dislike for her later. It will be ok I think. Is being in the middle always a bad thing? Well never mind it is when the people are fighting but this time it isn't. I don't think he hated Sarah from the beginning. But that is just a thought. I'll be jumping now.

[alaklondewen]

Forgive late congratulations about starting your game, Alak. I have little time online to spare and so I could not join but I shall try to keep up with reading it.

Bethberry, thank you so much. I hope you will enjoy the adventure as much as we will.

Melisil - Please check your PMs. :)

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Man! I have to develop two characters now??;)

Good questions Regin. As to what Prim was like -- I honestly hadn't really put any thought into it. As I have announced that she is like Harold, I will leave it to you to decide what she was like, insofar as her character will be defined by his character.

My sense of her, though, is that she was sweet tempered, quiet, thoughtful, and -- given that she loved and lived with Fordogrim -- had the patience of a (extremely patient) saint!

As to Fordogrim's attitude toward Sarah: I'm afraid that he has probably never been too fond of her, but that this has become worse over the years.

And Witch_Queen: 'ray for Sarah standing up for herself (eventually -- we don't want to rush this: it's a long way to the White Downs).

[ArwenBaggins]

Forgive late congratulations about starting your game, Alak. I have little time online to spare and so I could not join but I shall try to keep up with reading it.


Bethberry:
Thank you!

Everyone:
Crispin's post is up! His feelings about Iris have been revealed! :D

[rutslegolas]

my post is up about me and bolco.

[Witch_Queen]

Fordim: Perhaps over the journey Grandpa Chubb could loose some of his hate towards Sarah. Its just a thought I could be wrong. It would be good I think if I had Sarah realize the pain she is being. Just let me know. You could almost say that Sarah is stubborn.

Regin: It will be fine. I'm beginning to understand that Grandpa doesn't like Sarah because she is so different from Prim. At least that is how it sounds. I think by the end everything will have smoothed over.

Ok well Sarah's post is up. Don't be surprised if she is talking to the chickens. She's not going crazy she just needed someone to talk to. After all chickens can't go around telling what they are told. All they do is Cluck!

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Oh dear, poor Sarah. . .of all the people to catch her in converse with the chickens!

The Family Chubb seems to be a rather fragmentary (and disappearing!) lot at the moment. Henry has gone off to eat with a friend, but May and Harold seem to have disappeared entirely from the cart. Hmmm. . .

If either Memory or Regin wish for me to amend my post to include their presence at the cart I am more than happy to do so. Otherwise, please let me and Witch_Queen know where you are!

For what it's worth, I think a nice little family Luncheon would be a good idea right about now. I bet that Sarah would be VERY happy to have someone else in the cart with her other than her father-in-law. . .:D

[alaklondewen]

I agree, Poor Sarah...that Fordogrim can be a real stinker! The posts are great, and I am very pleased at how this is coming so far.

Kransha - I moved Kalimac to a lunching location, if that's alright. If you would like him somewhere else, I will be happy to edit.

This will be a short break, so be prepared for a quick moving. I don't think Marcho will let them sit for long.

[Witch_Queen]

YES! Sarah would enjoy someone else there besides the old fart. Plus she's going to get tired of talking to the chicken. It can be boring after a while let me tell you. I know from experience.... NOT Really!

I wish I knew where Sarah's husband and daughter was. It would make everything better. Just let me know. Sarah can't go around talking to chickens for forever.

[Memory of Trees]

Oh my goodness! I really messed up, didn't I? I am terribly sorry, you guys. With help from Cami, I have drastically edited my post, although I must say, it doesn't sound quite as nice as the original one did. :D

While I'm here, I might as well ask...

Can you guys give me pointers on dialogue? I'm sort of a dialogue addict, and my writing falls to peices without it. What if I want to carry a conversation on with someone? Do I have to do it line by line? I know I should just summarize, but all mine sound awful that way.

I'm terribly sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused you. I'll try to do better next time.

memory

[ArwenBaggins]

Check your PM's please

~*~ Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

[Regin Hardhammer]

Fordo, Sarah,

I'm on the way! I've put up a save.

Regin

[Kransha]

Kal (as I've decided to abbreviate) is now lunching with Marcho and both families. Now, I have a 'reply' post ready, but, if you don't mind, I think I'll wait until Child of the 7th Age has filled that save (don't think I didn't see that, HAHA!). I suppose it'll be easier to know what we're all dealing with in terms of the first journey surprise. What did it say, now? Something about and uninvited guest....hmmm....(darnit, I'm just too precise, I noticed that immediately and I've ruined all the fun of being surprised by it)

[Melisil]

to everyone: a sorry in advance, for I am in 3 rpgs right now. I may not post very often, but I will at every chance I get! again sorry for that..

[alaklondewen]

Memory of Trees - Frankly, I don't think you need to depend on dialogue as much as you may think you do. I've reread your edited post, and I think it is a stronger post without the added conversation. Of course, dialogue is important as our characters are bound to communicate with one another. If you come to a post where you want to interact with another character, read through the character's bio and the author's prior posts. I know it takes a little time, but I do this constantly. This way you are less likely to make mistakes with the other characters. You will become more comfortable with the boundaries as you write more. I hope this helps some. Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions. :)

I will give a little time for reaction to the "uninvited guest" and then I will have Marcho get us back on the road. Should be interesting...:p

[Regin Hardhammer]

I filled in my post. Witch Queen, I hope you like topaz.

[rutslegolas]

regin do you think that henry should be around the family or with bolco(his friend)???

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Something I've been meaning to ask: what time of year is this story set in? I had assumed it to be spring, in order to give the settler hobbits the summer to build shelters and grow crops against winter, but the (wonderfully well-written) vixen has been feasting on "berries, grass and apples" which would seem to indicate that we are actually at the end of summer (with the berries and grasses) or even early fall (apples)!!

Believe it or not, but this is actually quite important for me to know when writing for Fordogrim. . .for reasons that will become clear (I hope) when (or if) he reaches the White Downs.

And one more thing. Regin has Harold lamenting that he will once again be handing money and rent over to the Whitfoots once the hobbits resettle -- but is that how a settlement would be? I had rather assumed that just like the North American west, the land is there "for the taking" (without, of course, and Native American/Middle-Earthians for the hobbits to steal it from!), in which case the Chubbs can just set up shop on their own, with their own land. . .right? or not?

[rutslegolas]

i would also like to know alak whether henry has a dislike towards his grandfaher??? because he hates sarah his mother???

[Witch_Queen]

Regin it's beautiful. Don't worry ruts I think the entire fued between Grandpa and Sarah is almost over. Though I like the fact that Grandpa is now seeing what his daughter-in-law is like.

I find it sweet... OK! OH I dislike that vixen stealing the only chicken I had left. The other two chickens already have names. Don't ask me what they are but I think they have names. Grandpa Chubb is brave I have to say that, but I'm glad May is going to "smooth" eveything over between her and Sarah. Now lets just hope Grandpa doesn't hold grudges.

Fordogrim I almost wanted to laugh when the old geyser fell down. Its funny I have to hand it to you. Hopefully he won't have anything against Sarah beign conserned about him falling.

[alaklondewen]

First of all, great posts! :) If any of you have small children, you will understand when I say "That sneaky fox tried to swipe our stuff!" Thanks, Child, for the appearance of the little vixen...I hope her little ones enjoy that chicken.

rutslegolas - I, personally, don't see a reason why Henry would dislike his grandfather, unless you feel Henry should feel that way. Many families have issues between in-laws, and it seems the Chubbs are one of those families. Just remember Fordogrim is still his grandfather, and there can be a special relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren.

Fordim - I have meant for the journey to take place in mid to late spring. The weather should be getting increasingly warmer, and it would allow more time for the hobbits to settle before winter approaches. I think we should keep it this way.

With regards to the dealing out of land...I want both families to assume things will stay the same between them. Otherwise, the Chubbs would be eager to go, with the exception of Fordogrim. We need the conflict between the families to be this way. However as the game progresses and the hobbits come closer to their new home, revelations made be made and things may work out for the Chubbs afterall. Until then, assume the Chubbs will be working the Whitfoot's land as usual.

Regin - What a sweet, tender-hearted hobbit that Harold is! Very nice. :)

Oh, and I hope Grandpa Fordo didn't break a hip. Can you imagine having to haul him around the rest of the trip? ;)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Let's see.....

Will it work if I edit out the apples, and leave the berries and grass for the fox to eat? Presumably we wouldn't get apples till the fall, but the others would grow in the spring.

I'll go ahead and do that. But if anyone has other suggestions/information here, let me know.

Cami

[alaklondewen]

Thanks, Child.

Memory of Trees - Nice post, however, it's Grandpa Fordo, not Forgo. ;)

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Hey, I don't know -- I kind of like Grandpa Forgo (sounds like a contraction of FordoGrim). And it would make sense that Mayflower had a 'special' name for Fordogrim, if they are indeed somewhat closer to one another.

[ArwenBaggins]

Everyone:
Just so you know, I will be gone this weekend and Monday. Feel free to carry Crispin and his love for Iris along. :D

~Fëa

[alaklondewen]

In my post, Marcho is discussing the route with several male hobbits. I only named Fredigar and Ponto, but if Kransha and Regin want Kalimac and Harold to be there it will work. It might be interesting for the fathers to hear someone call the forest "unnatural"...planting little seeds of curiosity. :) You might have either or both of them telling their wives about what Fred said, and the children overhear.

[alaklondewen]

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

I want to bring this map forward. If you look at the area around Bree, the group is travelling northwest at the moment. They are still in the first cluster of hills just outside of Bree. I'm estimating that they've traveled around 5 or 6 miles.

[Memory of Trees]

Did I really write Forgo? Sorry! But if you really don't mind, Fordim Hedgethistle, I like the idea of May having a special name for her grandpa. Since they are so close in temperament, I'd like them to be especially close. We'll just pretend that May made the name up when she was little. I'll have to stick that in somewhere...

Hey rutslegolas - I have a question about Henry's age. From his profile, I imagined him to be older (mid-teens, maybe), but in your posts he appears to act younger than that. The only reason I need to know is that I'm not sure how May should think of him; more of a friend, or just a little brother. :)

[alaklondewen]

I think it's pretty obvious the group is going to be dealing with the Old Forest at their first camp. I need volunteers to help Marcho gather wood for a large communal fire. If you are interested let me know ahead of time as I will be putting in my post who is going into the forest with Marcho. Anyone who wants to come may.

Just a thought, this might be a good time for Kalimac and Elsa to ask for help with the kids. It could also be fun if after May and Henry are ordered to babysit they take Crispin and Alora into the forest for a bit of exploring.

If there are any other ideas, let me know. :) We are a ways away still, so there is still planning time.

~*~*~*~

Just bringing this forward:

Approved Carry-Alongs

Ponto Bracegirdle - A young Bree merchant who hopes to gain business by losing his competition and having new trade with Elves and Men. Newly married to the young Belba Banks.

Ruby Hornblower and her two small children are leaving Bree after her husband was killed in a farming accident. She is being pressured by the Big Folk to sell her land, and she is finally giving in.

Fredigar Headstrong is a local deputy in Bree, who hopes he can organize the new law once they arrive at the White Downs. This hobbit is known for being rash in his decisions.

Ferdibrand Boffin, his wife, Peony, and their eight children are leaving their small house in town in hopes of finding land large enough for their still growing family.

Boffin children:

Lilac, girl, 20

Bolco, boy, 19

Nick, boy, 13

Daisy, girl, 12

Rose, girl, 9

Hob, 7

Opal, 6

Edmund, 3

[Kransha]

Kalimac may volunteer, but I'm not sure.

On the subject of baby-sitting, Kal just posed the question to Elsa. Regardless of her response, he'll still probably bring up the issue with the Chubbs. He'll approach Harold at the camp when Henry and May are near enough to hear and then, well, you get the idea.

I wonder how Kalimac and Elsa will react to that 'bit of exploring' you mentioned. I know Kalimac won't be too happy about it if he finds out.

[Arestevana]

I have put up a post for Elsa responding to the babysitting question. She agrees, but not very happily. ;)

It could also be fun if after May and Henry are ordered to babysit they take Crispin and Alora into the forest for a bit of exploring. Ooh, I do feel sorry for them if this is the case. :eek: Elsa shant be pleased.:D

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Hmmm. . .May and Henry leading those younguns into the forest?! Fordogrim may have to trail after them, just to keep an eye on their shenanigans. . .;)

[ArwenBaggins]

He he. Sneaked in a bit of time. Bad me. :D

Crispin would very much enjoy exploring. Let's hope they don't get lost! :)

[Kransha]

Alright, now I have a response for Elsa's response. Obviously both Elsa and Kal are a little nervous about this whole thing, but Kalimac is willing enough to try it out and Elsa agreed. Brings to mind wondering about how Alora and Crispin are going to feel about being handled like babies, bandied about to be watched by kids just slightly older than them. There's that controversy thing again. Mmm-hmm

[Regin Hardhammer]

I have filled in my save near the bottom of the first page of the thread where Harold gives his reaction about the missing chicken.

Seems like he has a very different view than Kalimac. A single missing chicken represents a lot more to the Harfoot family than it does to the wealthier Whitfoots.

Ahem.....but this incident will not make Harold think more kindly of anyone who tries to take away what he has earned through his hard labors! (That includes the family from which he used to "rent" his land!)

[alaklondewen]

Great posts!

Arestevana, I'm not sure whether it is a good thing or not, but I completely relate to Elsa's concern for her children. I think you've captured that well.

The more I think about it, the more I think it would be more realistic for the "kids" to go exploring during the daylight (Only if the kids want to explore, of course ;)). What if they overhear the ones who go to get firewood talking about this weird feeling in there, or something like that, and they get curious and decide to check it out. Then the next day, while the band stops for a midday break, the kids slip away (and a certain old hobbit who follows?). This could be a really fun scene, especially when Elsa realizes her babies are gone.

Feedback, please. :)

[Arestevana]

Thank you, Alaklondewen.

I agree; this scene could be really fun if it is played out. I must admit that I'm hoping the children run off. It does seem cruel that I should wish such a thing on my own character, though. :rolleyes: And Elsa was coping so well... *sigh*:D

[Melisil]

Everybody: I'm am terribly sorry! But I will not be posting at all during Spring break.:( Again, sorry all!

You can use Alora for odds 'n ends if you would like till the week is over.

Alak: please check your pms.

[alaklondewen]

Okay, my fellow gamers, we need to get the action rolling, so I need to know whether any characters will be joining Marcho in the forest. I need to know beforehand so I can set the scene, so please let me know ASAP.

One thing to keep in mind as we deal with the forest during their first night is that they will be traveling next to the forest (going around it) for the next three game-time days.

Fordim - Great post. I'm glad you worked with Fredigar and allowed May to hear of the forest. Poor Fordo, even if he is a rascal, I still feel sorry for his being hurt. :(

[Kransha]

I believe Kalimac will volunteer.

If Harold does as well, this will give Kal a good oppurtunity to ask him about the baby-sitting thing and other conversation. I assume that Harold and Kalimac are not exactly friends, but they have known each other for some time so they will be comfortable speaking.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Fordogrim will be following the 'kiddies' into the forest when they go in after the grown-ups -- I rather suspect he will NOT be pleased at being left behind by the scouts (in fact, if you wish to have Fordogrim give his opinion to Marcho about going into the forest, then feel free to do so).

[Regin Hardhammer]

Kransha, Alak,

Regin would like to volunteer to go into the forest, and he will certainly relish the opportunity to talk about his children babysitting for the Whitfoot's son and daughter.

Harold knows Kalimac quite well, but as the man from whom he gets his land to farm, rather than a friend.

Regin

[alaklondewen]

Great, the fathers and Marcho leaving Fordogrim behind. Very nice.

You know Regin's last comment about the relationship between the two families is right in line with something I was thinking about ealier in the car. It's interesting how two people being in the same relationship with one another can have completely different perceptions of the relationships. In Kransha's character description of Kalimac, he says that Kal feels very friendly toward the Chubbs, but we see a very different perception coming from Harold. This is completely normal. I'm sure Kal doesn't see himself or his family as some sort of dictators or tightwads, but because he has an authority over the Chubb family, they tend to feel this way about them. I think this kind of incongruence happens all too often in the real world, otherwise, there would be no broken hearts.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how this works itself out. :)

[Witch_Queen]

I think Sarah would like to go into the forest. It gives her a chance to get away from all the chickens. She can't stop talking to them no matter how hard she tries.

Just let me know.

[alaklondewen]

Ooh, I'm glad a woman is coming...spices it up a bit. ;)

I'm going to put us at our first campsite tomorrow, late afternoon EST, so if you want to get a post in before then please do so. Just remember that if you use a SAVE, it must be filled within 24 hours.

[ArwenBaggins]

Everyone:
I'm really bad. Sneaking in more minutes at Academic Team while I'm supposed to be researching.

I think Crispin is going to try to go into the forest with his father, but will be turned down. How's that sound?

~Fëa

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Memory -- just wanted to say what a nice post! It really opens up that somewhat more tender side to Fordogrim that I was sure was there somewhere.

BTW -- what is that in Liv Tyler's mouth anyway???????

[Melisil]

Ok, I may accually get some time to post during this week! Not much though, I'm afraid.

Alak- check your pms..

[ArwenBaggins]

Another post for Crispin is up. I think one of the Boffin girls has her eye on Crispin! Boy, he's a ladies man. :D

~Fëa

[alaklondewen]

They are finally getting to stop and rest. Those not going into the forest might think about getting water from a small stream across the way.

Child - Please check your PMs.

Witch_Queen - I used Sarah for some comic relief, let me know if you dislike it and I will edit. :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

I am bringing this forward on the discussion thread so we will have easy access:

Just bringing this forward:

Approved Carry-Alongs

Ponto Bracegirdle - A young Bree merchant who hopes to gain business by losing his competition and having new trade with Elves and Men. Newly married to the young Belba Banks.

Ruby Hornblower and her two small children are leaving Bree after her husband was killed in a farming accident. She is being pressured by the Big Folk to sell her land, and she is finally giving in.

Fredigar Headstrong is a local deputy in Bree, who hopes he can organize the new law once they arrive at the White Downs. This hobbit is known for being rash in his decisions.

Ferdibrand Boffin, his wife, Peony, and their eight children are leaving their small house in town in hopes of finding land large enough for their still growing family.

Boffin children:

Lilac, girl, 20

Bolco, boy, 19

Nick, boy, 13

Daisy, girl, 12

Rose, girl, 9

Hob, 7

Opal, 6

Edmund, 3

[Witch_Queen]

Alak: I love it. The fact that Sarah appears to be braver than a man cracks me up. I couldn't have done it better. No need for any editing its good with me. It only makes Sarah seem more stubborn and hard-headed. At least Sarah isn't taking a chicken along with her!

Regin: Check your pms.

[Child of the 7th Age]

The descriptive post is up, along with a bit of the history that made this piece of real estate rather grim.

Regin - Thanks for letting me use your character as we discussed.

Alak - check your pms....

[Witch_Queen]

I will be absent for the next 4 days. I hate it that it comes at this time. I will be away from the computer. Feel free to use Sarah in anyway that is true to her character. Just don't make her seem mean and evil.

I am deeply sorry.

[Regin Hardhammer]

My response to Kalimac is up.

Witch_queen,

We'll look forward to your return. I included Sarah in the post as you suggested.

Regin

[alaklondewen]

Great posts! :)

Poor Harold, the trees seem to have it out for him.

Fordim, I'm glad we're getting to see a softer side of Fordogrim, even if the characters don't see it.

Witch_Queen - I hope everything goes well, and we'll certainly be glad when you're back.

I'm quite pleased with the quality of writing on the game thus far, and we're keeping with the schedule, which is also a plus. Keep up the great posts!

[Witch_Queen]

Just a quick Question: Since when did May marry Harold. NO seriously Regin you may want to check your last post. It seemed very disturbing since it seems that Sarah's daughter has married Sarah's husband.

Scarry really. Well now i'm gone for the next four days. I will miss you all. Like I said use Sarah in any way as long as it is true to her character.

Regin: just please change the name May to Sarah so that I won't get sick.

I'm gone now! Blessed Be!

[Regin Hardhammer]

Whoa! That is a BIG typo. I'm really sorry, and have corrected it.

My apologies to both Witch_Queen and Memory of Trees.

Regin

[Memory of Trees]

I think it's a strawberry...

[ArwenBaggins]

I am sorry to say my posts may dwindle few days. My time at the computer is limited, for I have many exams to study for and articles/stories to write before the end of the semester. I will check in on the DT every day, but I might only get one or two posts in. PLEASE carry Crispin along, and keep him to character. :D

Sorry again,
Fëa

[Regin Hardhammer]

Poor Harold, the Hobbit can't walk two inches without tripping on a tree root. Man, he must have really bad luck, or be really clumsy, or both.

[alaklondewen]

Oh dear, it seems the forest has separated Sarah from the group. Kalimac and/or Harold must find her. :P

Everyone - We have a few people who are currently unable to post or only able to post infrequently. It is critical that those of us who are still here make up for them. Those of you, still at the camp can get water for the group or be unpacking the camping supplies. We just need to keep things moving. Regin and Kransha, I would say Sarah should be pretty easy to find...maybe a one post each kind of thing, and then we'll get her out of the forest and move things along from there.

~ Alaklondewen, your friendly neighborhood game founder. :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Alak,

There's a minor problem. Regin asked Kalimac a question about babysitting to which he needs a reply, i.e, the request for money for the kids. The game can't really go forward until he gets an answer.

So this is what I'm going to do.... I'll save a space for Kransha right after Regin's post, and put yours forward one space. That way the game could go forward and Kransha can later fill in his reply. He'll put it on the discussion thread and I can paste it up.

I also sent Kransha a reminder pm....

Hope this will help.

Cami

[alaklondewen]

Thanks, Child, that works really well. I appreciate your help. :)

[Kransha]

Sorry about not posting that crucial reply. I've been impossibly busy, but fear not! The reply (though, short) will be up within the hour.

[Kransha]

As requested by Child, here's the game post for Kal's reply


"You, see, it's only fair that my lad and lass should get paid for their work. It will be hours of toil for them that will take them away from other useful things. Sarah and I agree that the responsibility would do them good, but only if they are given a fair wage for their time and their services."

Harold said all this with perfect and unwavering (at least the illusion of unwavering) confidence. Kalimac, even though he knew better, let his jaw drop and hang for more than a minute as he realized that, for the first time he knew of, Harold Chubb had actually insisted that he do something. He was practically floored. He shouldn’t need to pay a couple of tweens who’s family was in his employment! It was outrageous, maddening, and utterly confusing. Kalimac came to the irritating realization that he hadn’t even considered the fact that Harold might want his children paid.

But, as much as he hated to say it, he really had his heart set on having the Chubb children watch his own. He’d told Elsa that he would get the job done and it would be a stinging embarrassment if he refused to accept their services just because they asked for a few of the many coins in his deep pockets. It had to be done, even if it bit at Kalimac Whitfoot’s pride.

“I…I…I suppose you’re right.” He said at last, his words a little slurred in his bewilderment, “I will indeed pay your children if they are responsible and dutiful in their new line of work.”

He almost instinctively patted his vest pocket that contained most of his immediate funds. He didn’t mind parting with it, but he almost felt as if he was throwing it away. ‘Nonsense!’ he thought, ‘They want to be paid and I will pay them fairly and justly. Let it not be said that Kalimac Whitfoot is some money-hoarding miser, for it has just been proven that that is not the case. It's probably better to pay them. They’ll put more effort into it if they have a monetary reward to look forward to.’

[Child of the 7th Age]

Kransha -

:D I've added it to the game.

Cami

[ArwenBaggins]

The girl sighed a bit and said under her breath but just loud enough for Crispin to hear: "Um... I... sure... I... like... um... you... Crispin," She bit her lip and winced as if she had been struck by a terrifying blow.

Dang, Crispin sure is popular! First Iris, and now Miss Daisy Boffin! :D

~Fëa

[Regin Hardhammer]

Sarah has been found!

Actually, Sarah doesn't think she was ever lost! But at least husband and wife managed to locate each other.

Witch_queen,

Once you return, please eyeball the post and make sure nothing about your character needs changing.

Regin

[alaklondewen]

Great response, yesterday. I am pleased with the posts.

Fordim - Would you like us to find Fordogrim in the forest, or do you have other plans?

Regin - I think I sent you a PM. I got an unexpected message, so let me know if you got it. If not, I will resend.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Alak,

Yes, I received it. Please eyeball the post and check your pms. :smokin:

Regin

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

I didn't have any plans for Fordogrim specifically -- it was really just an 'atmosphere' piece. I think it might be a nice way to tie up the adventure if the scouting party were to find him and Fredigar on their way out (but be warned, Fordogrim might have a thing or two to say to poor old Marcho. . . ;) )

[alaklondewen]

Fordim - I wouldn't have it any other way. ;)

I had to change my time on my SAVE. I expected it to be ready by this evening, but other things took longer than I thought, so...it will be up before 5 pm EST tomorrow. Sorry, for any inconveniences.

~ Alak

[Witch_Queen]

I'M BACK Oh well I'm glad you changed it Regin.
Regin: The post is fine with me. I like the fact that Sarah got lost. Well not really lost just bored with the conversation. She can't seem to stay away from mushrooms. Oh well it makes her a hobbit. I can atleast say that I like the post. Thanks for including Sarah in a way that is interesting.

I will wait until after Alak has posted before I post for Sarah. It will be fun to see what happens to her next. First she begins to talk to the chickens. Second her roasted chicken is taken. Third she is seen as braver than a man. Last but not least Sarah gets lost. I love it already!

[alaklondewen]

Welcome back, Witch_Queen.

I have filled in my SAVE. I hope Kransha, Regin, and Fordim will find everything satisfactory. If not let me know, and I'll edit.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Love it -- in particular the "no good hobbit" line. I wonder whom Fordim is talking about, however. . .?

Will do my best to find out sometime soon -- for the moment, real life beckons.

[ArwenBaggins]

Everyone :
I'm really trying to get another post up. But I'm being a renactor at a Renaissance faire soon, so things are very hectic.

~Fëa

[Regin Hardhammer]

Looks fine Alak. How much longer are we staying camped?

Fordim, At first, when I heard you complaining to me about a " no good hobbit"I thought it was Marchol. But it could also be Sarah for getting lost....Just a thought.

[alaklondewen]

Looks fine Alak. How much longer are we staying camped?

I think the quicker we can out of there the better. I thought I might leave it open for Harold to tell the kids about their new duties. After that is done, anyone can bring us to the next day and get us back on the road.

Of course, a good showdown between Fordogrim and Marcho would be nice, maybe Marcho gets to bed early and Fordogrim gets him in the morning? Whatever Fordim thinks, but we do need to get going. We have a lot of road to cover and 7 weeks to do it.

[Regin Hardhammer]

I have a new save up that I plan to fill tomorrow afternoon or evening. I will tell May and Henry about their new job.

Fordim- MMmmmmm Harold loves mushroom pie! :D

[Witch_Queen]

OK Fordogrim. Sarah will make a mushroom pie. But she will also get up bright and early the next morning to fix the Chubb's some breakfast. After all we don't want Grandpa mad at Sarah any more than he already is. I think a nice breakfast would be good in the morning. That is if it is fine with the others.

Anyone against Sarah getting up and fixing something for breakfast let me know. I will wait until the save's are filled in before Sarah has anything to say about the forest. (which is quite funny but we won't go there.) Like I said let me know. I think a good breakfast will get everything started on a better note.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Fordogrim's rant is up -- what a grouch!! :eek:

[alaklondewen]

Fordim - Great post! :D

No one needs to wait for the SAVEs to continue posting...the SAVEs are a way to save a spot for a character so that the others don't have to wait. With that said, Witch_Queen or anyone else may bring us to the next day. I will unable to do so as I have two papers due on Thursday. Don't worry though, I'm still here and keeping an eye ("both eyes as long as they can be spared") on the game.

[Melisil]

MMmmmmm Harold loves mushroom pie! :D

there's such a thing as mushroom pie?? 0.o oh well..

I will try to post for Alora really soon everybody!

[Memory of Trees]

Hey guys! I know I haven't posted in forever , but my computor computor's been all kooky. I'm also really busy with a school project. However, another bit of the story should be up by tomorrow.

I last left poor May standing in the middle of the road, crying her eyes out. My original plan was to have her fall behind, and get lost somewhere along the road. I have this post all written out - but I know that Sarah just got lost, so you might think that's kind of boring and repetitive. Anyway, I figured that no one would notice that she was missing until they came out of the forest (big duh, I know), and probably Harold would be the first to realize when he tries to find Henry and May to tell them about the babysitting job. A little while of rather relaxed search would follow, before growing to a frenzied search party hunt. May would probably be found later that night wandering somewhere in the edge of the woods, or some such place.

A little bit of delicious reconciliation might be in order at that time, seeing as May has had all that time alone to think. :D

Tell me what you think!

[alaklondewen]

Memory - I like the idea of giving May some time alone to think that may lead to reconciliation, but I don't think it would be a good idea to lose her at this stage of the game. We're falling a little behind, and we need to get the travelers back on the road. Remember they are only on their first night, and the trip will be a month long! Keep your idea for bit, and maybe we can use it down the road.

If anyone has big ideas like this for their characters, please post them here or send me a PM (if you want to keep it a secret) before acting them out. That way I can plan for them timewise.

Thanks
~Alak

[Regin Hardhammer]

Harold's Post is up. He tells the family about the kids' new job and warns the kids to be responsible. If anyone has any problems let me know so that I can edit it. It's so fun sounding like my parents. :)

[alaklondewen]

Nice posts, Regin and Witch_Queen.

I have moved us to the next day, and mentioned Sarah's mushroom pie being made the night before, and she is currently making the breakfast. So I don't think anything is being left out.

Rutslegolas - Please check your PMs.

[ArwenBaggins]

Alak:

Remember to keep me updated about the 'special plot'. :D I'm ready when you are.

~Fëa

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Not really on topic, but, well, you did ask if there were such a think Melisil ;) :

Mushroom Pie

Ingredients:

8 1/3 ounces flour
4 ounces butter
1/4 cup water
12 ounces mushrooms
5 ounces abalone mushrooms
3 1/2 ounces fresh mushrooms

Seasoning:
45 c.c fresh cream
1/2 ounces butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Blend the flour and melted butter together, adding some water to make the pastry.

2. Slice or dice the mushrooms. Put butter ( about 1/2 ounces ) in a pan. Add the mushrooms. Cook and stir. (As fresh mushrooms seep water after cooking, add some flour.) Add salt, pepper and fresh cream to make filling.

3. Place the pastry on a baking pan. Poke holes evenly with a fork. Spread the filling and bake at 200 C until the crust
turns yellow-brown and well cooked.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Oh Memory -- I just had to say what a wonderful post that was! I love what you do with Fordogrim. And it's a gorgeous lead-in to the kiddies heading into the forest.

Bravo! :)

[Kransha]

Hullo all...

Dreadfully sorry about sort of neglecting the RPG and Discussion Thread. I realize I should've at least posted a save for Kal telling his kids about the baby-sitting. Thank you, ArwenBaggins, for taking that intiative. I will have an RPG post up tomorrow, most likely. I've just been swamped lately. That will all end this weekend.

[alaklondewen]

Memory - I agree...beautiful post, and check your PMs. :)

Kransha - Thanks for checking in. I hope everything works out for the best.

Fordim - Thanks for the recipe! I just may give it a try...mmm.

Everyone - I have bit of an announcement. I think Rutslegolas may be having some serious computer problems, so we are going to carry Henry Chubb. Anyone can use him, as long as he's in character, and I will do any and all posts that need to be written in his sole point of view. If you have any questions about how to work with him or how something will be carried out, post them here or send me a PM and we'll work it out.

Thanks, everyone! Keep up the great work. :)

~ Alak

[Kransha]

Ok, I have a Kal post up. Kalimac is irritated by Crispin, and thus decided to vent be declaring his authority to May and Henry! Also, more money for them (heavens, those two are going to be so rich by the end of this RPG). Well, if my post somehow doesn't agree with something, just say so.

[ArwenBaggins]

Kransha:

Wonderful posts about how Kal feels about his very angry son! There's gonna have to be some struggling on Henry/May's part to get Crispin to cooroperate.... :D Maybe an adventure?

~Fëa

[Regin Hardhammer]

I won't be able to post till Sunday, but I plan to do it then.

I did have a question....does Kalimac's wife know he is paying the kids? If not, I could casually thank her for that, which may be a bit of a surprise for her! I'm not sure whether she will like that.

Arestavana, Kransha.....let me know if I should do this.

Otherwise, I'm having trouble getting a hook in the storyline at this point. Does anyone have a suggestion?

Regin

[alaklondewen]

Kransha - I really enjoyed your post...great job! :)

Regin - If the Elsa scene doesn't work, you sould always bring Henry and May in for breakfast and away from the generous Mr. Whitfoot.

~*~*~

I used Henry to tie the actions of May and Kal, so Kransha and Memory, please let me know if anything needs to be changed. I didn't move the action very far, because I don't feel comfortable manipulating both characters without know your intentions, but I felt like Henry needed to respond to May and react to Kal.

I suppose after the Chubbs have their well-made breakfast, I will bring Marcho back with lumber and set the travelers back on the road.

[Kransha]

Well, thank you all for that.

On the subject of Elsa's knowing about the payment: I was actual careful not to have Kal mention that to her, since he was probably nervous about telling her, since it was obvious that she didn't fully agree with the idea anyway. The plan of having the knowledge sprung upon her would certainly create a lot of tension.

I find that, to have more fun RPing, it is always best to have a lot of tension when something horrible is about to happen. I know nothing of Child's disaster plans, but...well, you get the idea, don't you?

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Regin -- on the matter of the hook you seek; I've been feeling that the Chubbs are a bit of a scattered clan myself at the moment (we've each got our own nice little individual stories going with some interconnectedess but no 'family narrative'). Might I suggest to all Chubb-characters that we indulge in a huge, knock-down, drag 'em-out family fight?!?!

There's enough tension in the family that something like that would be entirely appropriate at this point I think. And what with the looming crisis of the children getting lost in the Forest, there should be ample opportunity for recrimination and accusation among the adults.

The general 'theme' of the fight should probably be the debate between those who like the idea of the journey (Sarah and Henry?) versus those who do not (May and Fordogrim?) with poor old Harold stuck in the middle, trying to remain loyal to everyone. With something like this we'd have plenty to react and respond to for days.

F.H.

[Kransha]

Even though I shouldn't be commenting, considering I'm not a member of the venerable Chubb clan, but I must say I do like the idea that Fordim just proposed. You see I have something just mildly similar to that in mind, involving my character.

As I mentioned before, the best RPing tension comes about in the light or wake of some disaster. Either during or after the children's 'Woodland Adventure,' I think Kalimac will be sufficiently annoyed to the level that he might get reall, really mad at something or someone. He has a lot to deal with: His rebellious son (heh, reminds me of me, actually), his bargain with the Chubbs, his wife's knowledge of the bargain wholly, and a bunch of other nagging things.

[alaklondewen]

I've just looked back over Rutslegolas' posts to get a sense of what he wanted Henry to feel about the trip, and it seems pretty clear that the boy is against leaving Bree and even leaves feeling angry about it. With that said, I do believe that if the whole family seemed to gang up on his mother, he would definitely defend her. I can always set him up as a 'Mama's boy' if need be.

What if the "fight" takes place while they are on the road, and they cause a huge scene that actually stops the caravan. We could take off on this to have the kids take off and decide to go into the forest.

What do you think?

[Regin Hardhammer]

I go away for a day and look what happens! Everyone is fighting... :D

Actually, a fight is a good idea, with the Whitfoot children sneaking off to the woods while everyone else squabbles.

Will each of the families be fighting among its own members, or just the Chubbs? It might make more sense to have a dragout argument between all the Chubbs, and the Whitfoot husband and wife..... Two separate fights, I mean, but going on at the same time. What do you think?

Alak....would you mind if Harold came to his wife's defense, after May and Henry and Grandpa start to attack her? Given the relationship I've depicted, e.g., presenting a gift to Sarah and such, I think Harold would try to shield his wife if the others "gang up" on her, even though he's still uncertain about leaving Bree.

Regin

[alaklondewen]

Regin, I think I would be more comfortable with Harold coming to her defense. Henry may remain relatively quiet however, as is his nature. I'm not sure he would attack his mother verbally, so he may be the one that is stuck in the middle, unsure of who to support and finding himself in a very awkward position. Should be fun to write!

[Regin Hardhammer]

Sounds good to me!

So, as I understand it, we will have both families going at it in two separate arguments: the Whitfoot husband and wife, and all the members of the Chubb family. This gives the Whitfoot kids a time and reason to sneak off into the woods. They are tired of all the yelling, and no one is watching them.

Hey, Kalimac can't get too mad at May and Henry since he's also been distracted from watching the kids by his own argument! Maybe the Whitfoot family can initially get angry at the Chubbs when they first discover the children are lost, but then everyone pitches in together to find them?????

I am going to put a save up on the thread that will get filled in by late tonight. Harold will go over and thank Elsa for Kalimac's promise of money and the fact that he's already given the children an advance. Elsa will say nothing but just stare back at him. As far as I know, Kalimac hasn't bothered to tell his wife anything about the pay.... So this could be used as a reason for husband and wife to start squabbling. Conversely, if you don't want to use it as a reason to argue, Elsa could just respond sweetly......

Please let me know if anyone has further feelings on this. I will edit if needed.

How should the argument in the Chubb family start? Maybe Grandpa blowing up at all of us, or May and Sarah having an argument, with Sarah saying May should be happy about the trip now that she's earning money, and Sarah being less than pleased? Any ideas on this?

[alaklondewen]

I know I've said this before, but we've got to get them on the road. The arguments and the disappearances can still take place (I do like the ideas), but we've been writing for three weeks now, and we're still not past the first campsite. So...if you want to get something in before they leave please do so today, or put up a SAVE because I am going to have Marcho lead them out tomorrow. Everything can happen while they are on the road, or when they stop to rest.

Thanks!

~ Alak

[Regin Hardhammer]

That should work fine, since I have the save up. If someone wants to pick up on the argument on the road, that would certainly work. If not, we haven't lost anything, and I've given my polite regards to the Whitfoots.

Regin

[Arestevana]

Regin- feel free to include Elsa's response when you fill your save; staring blankly is good. :) After a bit of road time, she and Kalimac are going to have a little chat.

[piosenniel]

Just checking in to remind the players that this game was started on March 6th and was scheduled to run 9 weeks.

Halfway point for the game should be around April 7th.

End date should be the weekend of May 8th - 9th.

~*~ Pio

[ArwenBaggins]

Ack! Must go! Must go! We're still on our first night/second day right? :eek:

[Child of the 7th Age]

Alak,

Please check your pms.

Everyone,

We do need to push forward to the action as Alak suggested. But don't panic. Folk are posting regularly and we will definitely have the option of narrative time condense posts along the trail. We don't have to act out every moment of the trip.

As the disaster specialist waiting in the wings, I am looking forward to your speedy arrival at your next campsite. I love making things miserable for folk. :eek:

Child

[alaklondewen]

I have put up a SAVE in which I will do a general narrative of the day's journey. I am going to post on the argument once they have arrived (you'll see what I mean when it's up). What I'm going to do is change the nature of the argument slightly. Instead of the two families arguing separately, we are going to focus it in on the money situation. Elsa is angry that Kal didn't tell her; Kal is angry Harold told his wife; Sarah and Fordo aren't going to stand back and let the Whitfoots jump on Harold. You get it.

While the adults are arguing, Henry and May can slip into the forest with Crispin and Alora, allowing us to work in all of our plans without spreading it out too long.

My post will be up late this afternoon, EST.

Memory - Please check your PMs.

Thanks to Pio for posting our game dates here...it's good to have a reminder once in a while.

Let's get this game rolling!

~ Alak

[Regin Hardhammer]

I put my post up this morning. Arestevana if you have any problems with what Elsa does please tell me. By the way, are we going to start the arguing at the 2nd camp site? How will we start the Chubb argument?

[alaklondewen]

Regin, I will do a narrative of the argument in my post, then the adults involved will simply add a post with each of the adults yelling or corning someone. This argument will take place at the next campsite and will involve all of the adults. The Chubbs will have plenty of time during the month (game time) to argue and fuss between themselves about being on the journey. It may prove to be more effective if they fight after they've been on the road a couple of weeks.

[alaklondewen]

I've filled in the SAVE, and all of our adults are now causing a scene at camp. I'm going to ask that each of the adults contributes one post on his/her involvement, at the same time the children can post about their being tired of watching their parents and they slip off into the forest.

Let me show you where the group is now. We are still following the road northwest between the Old Forest and the North Downs. The travelers have stopped just below the (camp) at the northeast corner of the forest. The group will turn that corner the following day and make their way practically due west into the Shire. I would like to be to the river by April 7, which I think is pretty reasonable.

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

If anyone has any questions, please let me know. :)

~ Alak

[Kransha]

Ok, I will wait for an Elsa post, bringing up the matter with Kal. Then, in my post soon-coming, I'll have Kal generally defend himself, then dash off and appropriate Harold to make his story more light. Ready when Arestvana has posted....and waiting....and waiting.

[alaklondewen]

Kransha, there is no need to wait. All of these things have already happened, so you can jump in and tell what Kal is thinking or saying anytime you're ready. :)

[ArwenBaggins]

I'm going to wait to put up another post after Memory & Kransha have posted. Crispin is waiting to sneak off into the woods.... :D

[Memory of Trees]

hey, did i miss something, or did rustlegolas quit the RPG?

[alaklondewen]

I think maybe rutlegolas has had some serious computer problems and hasn't been able to be here. I have taken over Henry's character, and anyone can carry him, so if you have plans or ideas let me know. :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Memory of Trees,

We know from an earlier post on another thread that Rutslegalos was having computer problems. He has not posted on the Downs in two weeks.

We have written him a number of notes, but haven't received an answer. Alak will play Henry at this juncture, until we get some word from him and find out what happened.

Cami, Shire Mod

[ArwenBaggins]

Alak:
Could you put up a quick post in Henry's character trying to get Crispin and Alora away from camp? I could then have Crispin in the woods exploring... yadada.

Thanks,
Fëa

[alaklondewen]

Fëa, that's no problem at all. I have class today, so I'll get it up as soon as I get home. I will go ahead and put a SAVE up, so others can go ahead and post.

I hope everyone has a great day, today!

~ Alak

[ArwenBaggins]

Okay! Have fun in class while I'm sleeping all day 'cause it's SPRING BREAK!

Sorry. :p Couldn't resist.

~Fëa

[Arestevana]

Regin: I have no problem at all with Elsa's reply.

Going to put up a post for Elsa... (Kalimac, beware!) :D

Edit: Post up!

[Kransha]

Ok, my SAVE is up. It will actually be filled before 8 EST tonight, I'm sure. I have some free time, but I need to work on many things anway. Soon, though.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Kransha and I have apparently cross-posted -- and it looks like there's not going to be a nice 'mesh': I'll leave my post as is for know. Kransha: let me know if you want me to change it. Otherwise, perhaps you would be willing to move your Save to after my post?????

[Kransha]

Oh, Fordim, I think I should delete my post an move the Save. Kalimac getting struck in the nose with a cane should be 'interesting.' My post will react to both Elsa and Fordogrim's "attack."

[Kransha]

Sorry to double post, but my Save is filled. I just couldn't wait a moment longer.

Well, as the post says, it starts out peaceful enough. Now that the post is up, I'm beginning to wonder if its too violent. I hope Fordogrim is a resilient hobbit. Hopefully, someone will be able to keep Kal from gouging ol' Fordo's eyes out.

[Witch_Queen]

ok Sarah's post is up and lets just say she isn't happy with Kal. attacking Grandpa. Oh well let me know what you think. If there is anything I need to change let me know.

[alaklondewen]

My goodness what a scene! Kransha, don't change a thing...I love it. You have all produce absolutely fantastic posts. If Harold doesn't stop the physical attack between Kal and Fordo, Marcho and Estella will step in pull everyone apart. In fact they may step in anyway after Regin posts (I'll let Regin decide whether Harold stops Kal and Fordo). That would be a great time for Child to come in with our additional drama. :p I love it when the plot thickens.

Great posts again, everyone. I'm really proud of all of you in this game. Keep it up!

~ Alak

[Melisil]

I've posted for Alora! (after how long?) She's frightened at the sight of her parents in such a rage, but thankfully she got distracted!

I love the 'argument' posts everyone! And I can't wait for Cami's post to thiken the plot!

Melisil :smokin:

[Regin Hardhammer]

My post about the argument is up. I hope Marcho comes soon, since Harold is ready to pummel Kalimac into the ground!

Regin

[ArwenBaggins]

I've finally put up another post for Crispin. Looks like Alora's afraid of the woods.... :)

~Fëa

[alaklondewen]

I've changed my mind about rushing Marcho and Estella into the mix. They will most certainly be a part of the scene to come, but I believe something else will stop the fight faster than Marcho could. ;) Also, I think Witch_Queen's post and her shouting to the point everything was silent, could have stopped her husband. Thus I will wait until Child has posted to post myself for Marcho. When she posts, we may need to glance through the posts after it to make sure they are consistent.

Keep it up...everyone is posting very well. :)

~ Alak

[Child of the 7th Age]

Anyone for some visitors?

My first post is up in the save space and I have reserved another.....

Will fill that one in tonight or tomorrow.

Cami

[rutslegolas]

i am soo soory for vanishing

but my grandmother passed away and so i could not inform you guys.

but now i am back and will read ans catch up on all the new posts

[Child of the 7th Age]

Rutslegalos,

I am sorry to hear that. Alak or I will be in touch with you to bring you up to speed.

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

Everyone,

My post is up....

You need to let me know how you prefer to structure the attack scenes.

Do you want the wolves to surround the children so the young Hobbits have to use their wits to find a temporary hiding place? Perhaps a tree, a cave, whatever..... Then the parents go out and locate their kids and battle off the wolves.

Or do you want the attack by the parents to be the first thing....they find the kids cowering in the open and the wolves ready to spring?

Alak -- I'm off to work for three hours but will send a pm as soon as I get back.

[alaklondewen]

I've filled in my SAVE.

Rutslegolas - I'm terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Welcome back. I need to go for now, but I will be sending you a PM either this evening or in the morning.

My goodness our settlers just have one drama after another! I will let others comment on this as well, but I like the idea of the wolves surrounding the kids and ready to pounce when the adults find them. I think that would be really exciting.

[Kransha]

My Save is also filled...

Kal has discovered the absence of the children after 'smoothing his ruffled feathers,' The incident left him very irritated and I doubt he'll ever look at the Chubbs the same way again, but for now he's trying to be spirited.

About those pesky wolves, I go with what alak said. Kal is actually good with a bow and arrow, so he might get the chance to get a preverbial slice of the action!

[Arestevana]

I've put up I save which I hope to have filled as early on Saturday as possible. I'll make sure that it fits in with the posts after it; sorry if this delay causes any inconvenience.

[ArwenBaggins]

I put up a SAVE yesterday, but I decided to delete it. I'm gonna put up my intended post after Arestevana puts up one showing Crispin's mother's feelings and the like.

Thanks,
Fëa

[alaklondewen]

Approved Carry-Alongs

Ponto Bracegirdle - A young Bree merchant who hopes to gain business by losing his competition and having new trade with Elves and Men. Newly married to the young Belba Banks.

Ruby Hornblower and her two small children are leaving Bree after her husband was killed in a farming accident. She is being pressured by the Big Folk to sell her land, and she is finally giving in.

Fredigar Headstrong is a local deputy in Bree, who hopes he can organize the new law once they arrive at the White Downs. This hobbit is known for being rash in his decisions.

Ferdibrand Boffin, his wife, Peony, and their eight children are leaving their small house in town in hopes of finding land large enough for their still growing family.

Boffin children:

Lilac, girl, 20

Bolco, boy, 19

Nick, boy, 13

Daisy, girl, 12

Rose, girl, 9

Hob, 7

Opal, 6

Edmund, 3

~*~*~*~

All of the adult males in this list will be following Marcho into the forest, so if you need them...use them. :)

[Memory of Trees]

ack! my computer crashed. terribly sorry.

[Ngole Yaviemiel]

Do you think it would be alright if I joined this RPG? I really want to get involved, and there are no really 'new' ones... If yes.. what is the purpose of it, and what has happened?

Thanks bunches... :D

[alaklondewen]

Ngole,

I'm sorry, but this game is closed to new players right now. However, if you really want to get involved, I highly recommend The Green Dragon Inn, Part 10 (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=10341). Anyone can participate there, and it's a great way to start Roleplaying at the Barrow Downs. Good Luck in your search.

~ Alak

[Ngole Yaviemiel]

Dern. Ok, I understand. The RPG site I came from was very strict in how many per RPG, so I know...
I am already currently envolved in The Green Dragon Inn, but I was just looking for more action. :)
Thanks anyway!!!!!! ;)

[alaklondewen]

What surprises are in store for our exploring hobbit lads and lasses? I'm glad I'm not in the path of those hungry beasts. I would like to see some posts from the youngsters about the forest and hearing the wolves.

Melisil - Please check your PMs.

Before it is too late, I woud like to wish Piosenniel, one of our beloved Shire moderators, a happy birthday. I hope your day has been wonderfully fulfulling. :)

~ Alak

[Arestevana]

:) I've filled my save! Sorry for the wait.

[Kransha]

I've posted for Kalimac, just so ye knows.

How exactly is the 'little escapade' going to occur? Will there be a little scuffle with the wolves, or will they run off as soon as the adults come into the area?

[alaklondewen]

Kransha and everyone else, be prepared for battle. Those wolves are hungry and aren't afraid of you...they will most likely attack, so carry your weapons and look to using them.

[ArwenBaggins]

I'm putting in a SAVE to be filled by late tomorrow at the latest about Crispin hearing the wolves.

My birthday is in three days! Yay! I also want to wish Child happy birthday a little early in case I forget. :)

~Fëa

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Gracious! So many birthdays at the moment. Happy Birthdays Pio, Child and ArwenBaggins! May the hair on your toes never fall out, and may you receive few mathoms (but if you do, I'm sure you all know what to do with them ;) )

At any rate:

Kransha: I'm a bit confused by the current action -- has Kalimac 'headed off' Fordogrim and Harold to prevent them from charging into the woods alone, and make them wait for the full adult party? Or is he joining them? Either is fine with me (but I can't speak for Regin).

To all: my original intent for this action is to have Fordogrim racing off just ahead of the rest of the adults, thus making him a pesky nuisance rather than much of a help. Should I continue in this vein or have Fordogrim join the 'main party'? Or is everyone just rushing into the woods pell-mell at the moment (might be funny to have this happen -- with poor old Marcho having to rush along behind and try to restore some kind of order :D ).

For my money, I don't think that the parents (and grandparent!) of the children are going to be happy waiting for even a moment to organise: they know their kids are in danger, they can tell from the howls where the wolves are -- instinct's gonna kick in!

[ArwenBaggins]

Off topic, I know, but I feel so loved! Thank you Fordim!

I have started my post for the wolf encounter. It may not be very long, however, for I am busy for the next few days. Fear not, however, I AM still here!

~Fëa

[Kransha]

Fordim - Actually, that can be interpreted as whatever you prefer. He technically 'rounding on' Fordo, or cutting him off, but I should think a hobbit of Fordogrim Chubb's caliber would have any problem charging right past Kalimac. He is stating that he won't let the Chubbs head the 'rescue party' since he feels they've caused enought trouble already (in his eyes, at least). as said, interpret however you will. Kal's not saying "You stay here," he's just saying, "You're not the leader, don't start getting the idea that you are, bla bla bla etc."

On another note: I think that the party ought to be somewhat organized heading into the woods, but Fordim's right about instinct kickin' in and evryone sort of going off to doing their own thing to save the kids. I may be wrong, though...

[Memory of Trees]

Yay! My big ol' post is up. I know I'm a little off on my timing, but I thought a lot of crucial character development would be lost if I didn't take each individual event and give May's reaction. My next post should include her reaction to being lost and hearing the wolves. She should take it rather well, actually. :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Memory of Trees & Alak,

Just wanted to say that I can cut and paste any post on the discussion or game thread, and slot it in at any point on the game.

This can be helpful in situations where someone posts later about something that happens earlier in the story. Just let me know what box you want it in -- give the date and time -- and I'll be happy to do that.

It's certainly possible to "split" a post as well. Leave some of it where it is, and paste up some in an earlier box. Just let me know if that is needed....

There will be a heading at the top of the post showing the name of the poster who's written this. We use this device a lot in many games....

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

To all game players...

For the next day or so, could you make sure to keep a copy of your post on your own computer (or in printed form) in addition to the one you actually put in the game. We had one or two posts disappear and then reappear again today (!) so just want to make sure in case we run into any computer glitches.

The Downs does keep a back-up that we've used to reconstruct problem threads, but it wouldn't include the posts from the same day.

Everything does seem to be fine now, but just in case.....

Cami

[Regin Hardhammer]

Harold's post is up. I wonder if there are any OTHER children stuck in the forest besides for the Chubbs and Whitfoots? Hmmm.... :)

[ArwenBaggins]

My save spot is filled in. The wolves are getting closer..... ::)

~Fëa

[alaklondewen]

Nice posts, everyone. I have filled in my SAVE, and I will let you have time to read before I post a short bio here. Memory - check that ending, please, to be sure it's okay.

By the way, this new character should be known and recognized by all the hobbits in the convoy. He is well-known, not well-liked, but well-known. :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Alak,

The first section of Memory's last post in now in box #71. The second section is in #79.

Please eyeball to be sure this is right. If you need any other shifts, let me know.

Cami