Bloodstained Elanor Planning/Discussion Thread

[Firefoot]

I have a post up... I have gotten the Mirkwood Elves all together, and if there is something that I should edit for someone else's character, just let me know.

EDIT: I just added some more to my post; it didn't sound complete.

[Orofaniel]

What do you think? And would Koran and Ehan be accompanying them with Herding's southrons? I think Herding would probably seize the chance to possibly put Koran more in the way of danger, thus making his chances at Lorien smaller - what do you think, Orofaniel?
Definitely, Aman. ;-) That evil twit would like to see Koran in danger. :eek:

So, will Ehan, Koran and Thrakmazh go "together?"

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Yes! I got a post up, its a bit of an insight into Lomarandil's thoughts, but the bit at the end shouldn't be taken seriously. As I said, he's quick to anger, quick to forgive...

[Durelin]

It is now Day 3!

This means that the envoy is to be captured today. I'm leaving it up to you ambassadors, orcs, and southrons to do this as you wish. I want to give you as much freedom as I can...but if you need any instruction or if there are any matters that need clearing up, just let me know.

And please know that I am very flexible as to how you decide to do this.

Also, Calenvasa has no orders, so if any scouts (Hama and Firefoot) post, you can go ahead and get us moving.

Firefoot and Hama - I loved both of your posts. Your characters are very interesting...large parts of that mess of a scout troop! We'll see if they can all pull together when the need arises...

-Durelin :D

[piosenniel]

Bringing this forward:

OUTLINE OF THE GAME:

Army prepares to march from Dol Guldur (day 1)
Mirkwood scouts discover army (day 1), and, as it begins to march toward Lorien, they decide to follow (day 2 – 3)
Lorien envoy is on their way to the Woodmen (days 1 – 3), a good ways outside Lorien on day 1
Envoy crosses path of army (the two are heading in opposite directions, and it is hard to avoid a large army), and are captured (day 3)
Small force breaks off to take the captives back to Dol Guldur (day 3)
Mirkwood scouts, following, are able to ambush (night day 3) this force and rescue the captives
The scouts learn of the plans: a special force will attack from another direction and assault Caras Galadon (day 4)
The elven party races back to Lorien from the north at the greatest possible speed – the trolls slow the baddies down (days 4 – 7)
When they arrive (night day 9), the battle is about to begin:
When the army reaches the Anduin around mid-day on the 9th day, they stop to put up the floating bridges. They plan to begin the attack soon after dawn the next day. The Mirkwood scouts + Lorien envoy reach the borders of Lorien a little before dusk, and reach Caras Galadon soon after dusk. A council of war then follows during the night.
The plan of the special force is foiled, and the entire army retreats (day 11)

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

TIMEFRAMES:

Time Periods (for a basic idea of the order of things):

Mikwood scout party scouts out and follows army (days 1 – 3)
Envoy captured – a party splits off to take captives back to Dol Guldur (day 3)
Envoy rescued – Plans of evil forces made clear (night of day 3 – day 4)
Race back to Lorien (days 4 – 7)
Defenders warned/inner defenders rescued from surprise attack (night of day 7 – day 8)
Lorien front lines hold off main force (day 9)
Enemy held – Retreat (day 11)

[Arry]

Grom and company are on their way to take a few requisite whacks at the mighty Elves of Lorien. :)

Lead on, O Fearless Captains! They're right behind you . . .

[Firefoot]

Durelin - I put up a post last night, but since your post on the discussion thread was not yet there I did not start them moving. I will probably edit it later on (within 10 hrs) to start them moving.

[Orofaniel]

Um..I just wrote a post about Herding's night. Therefore I was wondering if we could just continue now; meaning that Firefoot doesn't necessarily edit his/her post.

If not, I can just edit my post and continue it. The army wakes up, starts to move. etc etc.

Cheers,
Oro

BTW: Fellow Captains and soldiers - Do we have any plans for the capturing of the envoy? Should we make one? Or should we all just follow the flow? :rolleyes:

[Arry]

I moved my post to follow Orofaniel's. The army should now be on the move as the little orc band is running to take their place in the advance on the Elven envoy.

Just let me know if I need to move the post again.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

For what it's worth, I think that the plan suggested by (I believe it was) Aman, makes the most sense: send in an advance wave of orcs to distract the Elves with fierce combat while the rest of the orcs take their time to encircle the Envoy and press in, in a more orderly manner.

(This strategy has the added advantage that it will give Ambarturion the chance to wipe out a lot of orcs before he is taken. . . :smokin: )

[Firefoot]

Oro - I am a her. :)

Also, that would be fine, I won't edit my post if that's okay with everyone else. Hama - I guess that means that you could do the part about the Mirkwood Elves getting moving.

[Amanaduial the archer]

My post and that of the ever eloquent Arry have now securely introduced the group to set out to capture the elves - I hope my numbers (forty/fifty orcs and fifteen Haradrim) seem alright to everyone?

As this is now done, I suggest we try to get them away from the camp and to the elves in the next few posts, so the battle can begin - sound alright with everyone? Durelin?

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Hmmm. . . 50 to 60 light infantry, eh? *Ambarturion whets his sword* That seems about right.

Aman, do you wish to post anything for Coromswyth before the battle begins, or shall I put up another post bringing the envoy to morning? I will put in a save that I can either fill in or delete, depending on what you wish to do.

[Amanaduial the archer]

No, I didn't intend to make another post for Coromswyth before morning, if that is alright with you, Fordim?

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Aman

Sounds fine to me -- I just wanted to know if you wished to post for the envoy before I went ahead. With your blessings then, I shall bring us to morning.

BTW -- Saw your pic on the (re)new(ed) picture page. Pretty much as I'd imagined you, but please do tell me that the pic is at least a couple of years old: you look so young.

[Amanaduial the archer]

*Ears perk up* Renewed picture page? Hmm...'scuse me a moment...

If it is the one I suspect it will be, then yes, it is a few years old - it was taken was I was 12 maybe, or 13 - certainly, yes, it is several years old. :p :smokin:

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

All right, that is now the third time I've moved my post down, as everyone's been cross-posting and I want my post to come at a point that makes sense. . .

but this is just getting crazy. I'm just going to leave 'er where she is for now and see what happens with you all!

[Kransha]

Firstly, apologies, Fordim, that may have been my fault, as I accidentally thought that I'd posted before Aylwen, which would make no sense, since my post takes place 'on the road' so to speak, and in her's, the men of the South are still preparing for departure. Of course, I was mistaken, (old eyes are, in the words of this generation 'T3H 3V1L'). So, I have a post up...obviously. Thrakmazh is being himself, wants a piece of the elves (literally...yes, I'm lookin' at you, Fordim), and basically as evil as he wants to be. I controlled Urkrash more than intended, so tell me if anything is wrong. Can't wait for our little elf/orc/man battle, as I fear those dastardly elves shall put up quite a fight.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

"Who are you lookin' at? Hey? Who are you lookin' at? Who the **** are you lookin' at?

"Are you lookin' at me? Are you lookin' at me? I don't see nobody else here so you must be lookin' at me."

(Apologies -- and my profoundest regrets for your deprivation -- to any and all who do not recognise the above.)

[Orofaniel]

I started it :( . Sorry Fordim.

Although I think it looks pretty neat now. :) 'tis a good read folks. :smokin:

[Arry]

We've breached the hill's foot and the Orcs are moving upward. There's a small undercut at the hill's base that would hide much of the movement were a small force to break off and make for the back way up the hill, while the grunts draw the Elves attention and fire

[Amanaduial the archer]

Orcs, Southrons, Fordim, tell me what you think of the post. If there are any desperate corrections you think should be made, let me know.

:)

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Orcs, Southrons, Fordim, tell me what you think of the post. If there are any desperate corrections you think should be made, let me know.

:)

Brilliant, darling, brilliant! Fabulous!

[Kransha]

Just as notification and possible clarification (no monosyllabic words here), my SAVE is now filled. Make of it what you will...

*takes deep, evil breath and prepares self*

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

My save (from earlier today, at about ten till five) has also been filled. Ehan mocks the lady Elf and her capture. :D

-Aylwen

[Firefoot]

I have filled my save as well, just to let everyone know. Thorvel's tensions with the rest of the troop have been cleared up, for now anyway.

[Durelin]

I have filled in my save and have posted...I am praying that they fit in at least relatively well. It is sad, when the game owner herself is unsure of what she is doing... ;)

Now that the prisoners are captured (and skillfully done, on both sides!)...I like this plan: The prisoners are brought back to the army camp, and there, Herding may do whatever he wishes with them...and then send them back to Dol Guldur as prizes. How does this sound?

The question arises: who will be a part of the party that 'escorts' the prisoners back to the fortress. If Arry might be willing to let Snikdul and Gromwakh be a part of this troop, I think they would be a nice addition. I know Calenvasa would most likely be able to show mercy, if they tell him what he wants to know.

The escort will also need a leader, but I don’t want to waste any of our Captains, so perhaps a carry along/secondary Captain would be best…Unless, of course, someone wants to die or simply escape in the chaos... If anyone would like to take up a small role for a time, until the scouts kill you…please let me know. If not, I would of course not mind taking it up. Or, if anyone would like theri character to be a part of the escorting party, just let me know.

Pio – Is a brief bio needed for the secondary role? Thanks.

And I’d like to give everyone a great round of applause…marvelous posts!

-Durelin :D

[Kransha]

If my character weren't so evil, I'd feel some very (veryveryveryveryvery) mild pity for him. Everyone's out to get him now, or at least something of his. Elves, orcs, Southrons and everyone else. Well, all part of the on-the-job hazards of being a megalomaniacal villain....Hmmm, I think I'm going to put that on my business cards.

-I do have a suggestion. If the escort troop is to be made up of orcs, perhaps Thrakmazh (or Koran/Herding, if said escort is one of Southrons) could simply appoint a lieutenant to do the job. If such were the case, he might single out Snikdul or Gromwakh to do the job, or Urkrash, or whomever. Anyone could, of course, simply be part of such a unit, but Grom and Snik were part of the initial few orcs who survived the battle: there were 20-40 to begin with, and I'm assuming that many were slain. Thus, all survivors might warrant some merit from Thrakmazh. But, my ideas are but here and there, so make what decision you want.

P.S. Great posts Fordim and Aman: Having good protagonists really makes being an antagonist more fun. And, also, brilliant stuff by everyone else. Is it just me, or is this game going very well?

[Durelin]

Your suggestions may be here and there, but I listen to them! And, hearing that suggestion...what I want to do is go with your suggestion. :D I overlooked the simple solution, as always.

As long as Arry and everyone else is alright with this, either Grom or Snik will lead the escort.

-Durelin :D

[Orofaniel]

I put up a save before I saw Kransha's post.

However, is it alright if Herding gathers the two other captains. They probably want to torture the captivities first ;) ...then Herding can propose that the Orc Captain finds two/one decent soldier(s) that will lead the captivities back to Dol Goldur who will be the characters you mentioned.

[Arry]

Sorry - but I prefer that Grom and Snik not lead the escort back to Dol Guldur . . . they would rather brain themselves with their cudgels or fall on their rusty swords.

I can, would be happy to in fact, invent a short bio for an Uruk lieutenant if you wish . . . and Grom and Snik can accompany him as his right and left hand men . . . so to speak . . .

[Orofaniel]

Seems that I cross posted with you Arry.

Could we still have the tings I propsed? And just make up another character as Arry (and others) said?

[Arry]

The Uruk Lieutenant

Name: Gâshronk

Age: unknown

Race: Uruk

Appearance/Personality: Taller and broader than Snikdul and Gromwakh; but not as tall as his hero – Thrakmazh. Well muscled, snaggle-toothed, and wears a topknot of bristly black hair on his otherwise bald skull. Prides himself on the great, ragged gash where his left eye used to be – with his one eye, a watery brown orb, he feels half-way to accomplishing his goal of becoming just like Thrakmazh. And in secret, well hidden dreams and thoughts, he looks to one day supplanting the Uruk Captain.

He is not quite the thinker his hero is, but he can be every bit as cruel. He would love the opportunity to head his own little unit of Orcs whom he looks down upon as beings just a step below cockroaches.

All that is needed now is for his role model to choose him for duty!

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

I’ve left him rather vague and am not wed to him as a well-defined character. You may use him as you will, and attribute whatever is needed to him to get him chosen for the job.

Will this do?

[Orofaniel]

Arry- That seems fine by me. :)

Is it okay for me to use him in my post, Durelin?


EDIT:

Okay, I just filled my save. The elves are being held in one of the tents. Not treated too nicely... :rolleyes: Um, some of them are a bit injured, but it's not much. They're just exhausted.

However, I didn't go as far as Thrakmazh choosing an Orc to lead them back to Dol Guldur as I wasn't sure if Durelin thought Arry's character was "accepted".

Anyway, Kransha- Couldn't you just follow up my post when all is cleared; whether Arry's character is going to be used or not?

BTW: If anyone wants me to edit anything, let me know. :)

[Kransha]

1. No, Oro, no edits are required. Great post, as usual. The tension between the three captains is a great factor to be added into the storyline. And an ever-present plot device, which I just used to put in 'yet another' plot twist. As long as everything is okay with Durelin, yes?

2. I posted, appointing Gashronk the leader of the escort party. My post also contains a conversation between Herding and Thrakmazh in his tent, on the subject of...umm...well, you'll see. Oro, tell me if I ought to edit anything. At some points, I was unsure if I was making Herding a little TOO hostile. Will edit if needed.

3. For further, and further, and further clarification, Thrakmazh just upped his evil plans a notch, conspiring with Herding, who may or may not care. A little later, before the elves depart, he might have one last go at them, giving Ambarturion another chance to swear vengeance, and Coromswyth another chance to spit in his face (you see? No love for the orcs). But, that won't be tonight.

[Alatariel Telemnar]

Filled in my last save. Most likely will either post another save soon or post again soon. It's moving quite fast..

[Orofaniel]

well, you'll see. Oro, tell me if I ought to edit anything. At some points, I was unsure if I was making Herding a little TOO hostile. Will edit if needed.
No, no edits. It was brilliant. :) Herding is perfect, just as I expected his character to be in such a position. :) Brilliant. And the tension..woha..it has developed - I love it. ;)

I'll follow up your post as soon as possible. A save will do for now, I'm afraid.

[Firefoot]

I put up a save for the Thorvel and the other Mirkwood Elves to get them caught up with the Orcs, etc. It should be filled within a couple hours.

Edit - my save has been filled. If Durelin or Hama want me to change anything about their characters, just let me know.

[Arry]

Do you want Gâshronk the Uruk and his little band of Orcs to start moving the 3 captured elves toward Dol Guldur now? Or . . .?

Will do so when it seems best to you.

[Durelin]

Arry, your Gâshronk is absolutely perfect! Thank you for supplying him for our needs! Sorry for the delay...he is most certainly "accepted"!

Looking good everyone...looking very good. Yes, we are moving quickly, and I need to get myself moving just as quickly.

-Durelin :D

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Coromswyth and Ambarturion have just figured out what the Enemy's plan is -- which might be too soon for the plot, Durelin, so if it is, let me know and I will edit and send apologies.

On the other hand, all they have is a theory -- the Mirkwood Elves have no reason to believe this theory if (and when) they hear it. . .

Great game so far, everyone!

[Durelin]

Fordim - That is exactly what I thought should happen, and when it did was not at all a big concern. :)

Yes, a theory, for some to believe and some not to. :D

[Arry]

Fordim and Amanaduial

Would you like to throw the Elves in the wagon yourselves :eek: . . . or leave that to a post from Grom and company? :)

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Well, I just posted and wouldn't have much to add to what's there other than "The foul orcs threw them unceremoniously into a wagon and began the journey to Dol Guldur."

Perhaps Aman would like to get us on our way?

[Durelin]

Well, I basically got you lot on your way, I hope no one minds... And I threw in a little encouragement for you prisoners...hope no one minds that little addition, either. Any of the Lorien elves can be the one who sees.

Okay, here's a run down...

The scouts are planning to head off the orcs escorting the prisoners back to Dol Guldur.

Meanwhile...the army moves slowly toward Lorien.

More meanwhile...the prisoners are treated poorly, but find hope...

As the orc escort is moving slowly, I expect that the rescue will occur shortly. But I don't think we're ready for it quite yet... :D

Is everything actually going alright?

:eek:

-Durelin :D

[Kransha]

One question, Durelin: Is the prisoner wagon still in close proximity to the army's camp? If so, Thrakmazh still has some parting words for the prisoners, and might try to wave down the wagon before they depart in earnest. If it is already too far, I might try to conspire a post below yours, so that it might not seem out of place. Suggestions? Opinions?

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Kransha -- I have a save up in which Ambarturion will reply to Grom's proposal. If you would like, it could include a 'flashback' to Thrak's parting words(?).

If you want to do this, just PM your post to me and I will insert it into my post.

(BTW -- I still think it should be "Crapulent Corpse" ;) :p )

[Kransha]

I will do exactly that, if Durelin does not believe the first suggestion fitting. Whatever seems best. It would merely include a last conversation, mostly one-sided (Thrakmazh likes to hear the sound of his own voice as you may have guessed) between my orc and Ambarturion, so as to keep their tension up. Revenge is always nice, but when somebody wants revenge on Thrakmazh, he gives them a bloody good reason.

(P.S. I might go with 'Crapulent Cadaver.' How does that suit you? ;) )

[Durelin]

Kransha - I do not think a 'flashback' would be out of place at all. The scouts are trying to get ahead of the orc escort, and so there is no problem in them starting off before the pisoner wagon.

[piosenniel]

Kransha

If you wish - place a post here, on the Discussion Thread, and I'll insert it at the end of Arry's post #82.

~*~ Pio

[Arry]

I'd also be happy to move my last post forward, if needed.

[Kransha]

Fear not, pio to the proverbial rescue. Many thanks, O mod most kind. I'll have that post shortly (working on it as we speak). No need for anyone to move or edit posts, for all is taken care of (I say only in assumption). Expect my post on this thread in under an hour and a half.

[Kransha]

Ok, here ya go. This has Thrakmazh catching up with the leaving wagon, so place it where it seems appropriate. No need to post it right away, though. If either Arry, Fordim, or Aman would like anything changed, say so now...Point out corrections as they come, or are needed.

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

Kransha's post --- POST PLACED ~*~ Pio

It was a more complicated task then Thrákmazh had thought it would be to locate the elves. Before he’d given the order, they’d already been loaded, bound and hapless, onto a vehicle meant to bear them to the hill on which sat Dol Guldur. Thrákmazh, though, was not done with them. In truth, he had hoped for another night to ‘spend’ with them, but that was surely not to be. He had hoped too that Herding, the foolish Southron, would side with him and let him keep the elf a prisoner for the sake of troop morale, but that was not to be either. He could only hope that old Herding would consider his other offer with more thought-out care over the course of the day. Now, he dashed headlong through the winding paths created in the camp, trying to locate the road that the wagon and prisoner escort had departed on. At last he found it, seeing the wagon bumping along, jostled by the rough, unruly terrain, down towards the deeper forest, past grove and plain, headed for Dol Guldur. Mindlessly, not thinking or knowing why, he barreled after it swiftly, raising his voice to catch them as they continued on.

“Wait! Hold!” He roared, flagging down the vehicle, those who dragged it through deep dirt, and those surrounding it, who looked glumly back at their commander but managed to feebly snap to attention…or most of them, at least. The wagon swiveled and lolled from side to side as if its wheels could barely hold it. The harnessed orcs who bore it turned, dragging the wagon to one side as Gâshronk, the lead orc, bounded to the back of the escort, with a miniature escort of his own, and gave a mixture of a bow and a salute to his captain, Thrákmazh, who waved him off dutifully and turned, catching his breath as it was removed from him, and strode toward the wagon back, where the elf-containing cages sat. He easily singled out the one who’d threatened him who was conveniently awakened now, as the others were not. He had not, before, had great opportunity to overview the captive elf and now, as he and his kindred were taken from the army’s camp, he saw the elf truly for the first time. As he headed around to the cages, the elf took notice of his presence, but barely so. His face was that of rock and stone, immobile, it did not shift in fear, surprise, or rage. Thrakmazh, though, ignored this.

“I wished to thank you, elf,” he said, a grim smile of evil satisfaction on his twisted, one-eyed face, “for your sword.” As if to illustrate some unsaid fact, he swung the blade rather majestically through the air, ignoring the ironic beam of light the reflected off it from the hanging sun above and found its way to his squinting eye. He looked back, twirling the weapon in a mocking fashion, and feigned a look of philosophical thought. “I wonder now, how many orcs have been slain by it?” The elf did not fully return his grinning gaze, but replied calmly all the same. “More than you could count, orc, and it shall yet slay one more.”

Again, an unheard of anger arose in Thrákmazh, a madness he did not understand. How was it that the threats, useless and worthless, of this one elf, had so incensed him, angered him so. Roaring furiously, he smashed the hilt and blade of the tapered, gleaming weapon of ivory white against the cold gray bars of the elf’s cage, rattling it, but, too much like the other elf slain recently, he did not flinch. Thrákmazh, passionate and enraged in his cause, continued. “Many threats have been made to me by your kind, but all cut down before they are fulfilled. You may be the only wretched elf ever to make such a promise and escape my blade. Yes, you will die in more horrible a way than ever I could conceive, but I still would rather see you slain now. Thank whatever you hold dear that it was not I who was given the task of ending your too-long life.”

As before, the elf said nothing, but remained, courting death, unable to defend himself in any way. Thrákmazh was beyond outrage, but calmed himself as best he could and, taking a deep, exaggerated breath, took a step back from the wagon. He looked back, his one eye hidden by a dense shadow permeating the air above his head like a following cloud, crouched at his heels and waiting for summons. He glared, but soon relaxed his gaze and gait, beginning to pace before the elf’s prison. “Who was the lad,” he said after a great pause, “the one I killed; your son, brother, student, cousin? I would not have expected such oaths from an elf who had no good reason for wanting my death. Many things, elf and man and orc, want my death. But Thrákmazh the Mighty still lives, and stands before you.” He turned now, stopping his movement, looking to the silent, emotionless being, swinging the elf’s blade again with an overly elegant flourish. “No creature who wished for life has ever sworn to slay me, for it is only a wish for death, foolishness and idiocy. I have killed more living things that any man would bother to count, but I remember every face, so nothing has ever eluded the arc of my sword. Every single face still lies in me, retained by the duties of memory, and now the face of that young elf dwells there too. Think of it, elf; whether or not you are dead before the night is out, you will still have escaped me, and that is a great task.”

The elf gave no visible reaction, but spoke quietly. “You have not yet escaped me, spawn of darkness.”

“What, no gratitude?” Thrákmazh’s voice was that of anger, but he gracelessly mixed that with cruel sarcasm, “No grace and polite conversation? I suppose that what I’ve heard of elves is all a lie. You just seem more civil, more advanced in the ways of war and life, but you are not if you could not save yourselves or do better than petty oaths and insults.” No movement, no sound from the elf, none at all, to Thrákmazh’s further displeasure. How he wished to ram his own sword through those obstructing bars and skewer the fool where he lay, but duty would not let him. Grumbling, he turned away. “But, alas, I cannot continue this conversation. I have many things to do here, many things, and none, thankfully, involve you. So, go your merry way, or not-so-merry, as it is, and enjoy the hospitality of Dol Guldur. Again, I thank you for your sword. Surely many have fallen beneath it, but it will serve me just as aptly as it has served you.” He waved off Gâshronk, signaling that he should continue. Painfully slowly, the wagon began to bounce along the stony earth as Thrákmazh stood, brooding quietly, upon the road.

Soon enough, the wagon had been ferried almost out of sight, about to disappear into the distance. His back turned to it, Thrákmazh’s one eye sought solace in the pure white of the Elvish blade, but it stung him, and his hand burnt as he held it, but he could not let it go. Some lurking feeling, latched onto him, clung to the majestic blade, but in the niches of his small brain, a voice screamed at him to release it, plunge it into the earth and leave it, but he could not. He breathed harder, looking down on it and tracing its subtle edge. The elf who’d lived to swear revenge was somewhere in the blade he held…Thrákmazh was, as never he had been before, unsettled. This elf would not die at Dol Guldur, no indeed. It didn’t make sense to the orc, but, as the symbols blazoned into his rusty blade, the knowledge was imprinted upon his mind. Trying to salvage his own bewilderment, he spun, looking after the wagon, and held up the blade, yelling towards it gruffly.

“Farewell, O elf without a name, and may your death be slow and painful.”

This brought him no satisfaction as the wagon disappeared from view. Disturbed deeply, pained, and with a palm burning with searing pain, Thrakmazh turned and hurried back towards the camp, trying to leave the prisoners, the elves, and his nameless foe behind, praying never to see any of them as long as he lived…which was something that the uruk captain, Thrákmazh the Mighty, One-Eye, Captain of Dol Guldur and the orcs of Mirkwood, had never even considered thinking.

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

P.S. Kudos to anyone who recognizes the line I inadvertantly stole from Henry V.

P.P.S. It's feels sooooooo good to be bad.

[Amanaduial the archer]

A slightly long post made, but nonetheless, a post :) Apologies for it's lateness.

Pio - if you find any objection to the content of the post (mainly the first half, I suppose), please contact me and I shall change it accordingly - I think it is maybe on the border of any rules, I don't think I have broken them, but if you think so do contact me. Thankyou. :)

[piosenniel]

I am moving a few posts since they seem horridly out of sync . . .

Arry's will be at the end since his is when the Orcs are well on the way back to Dol Guldur.

Please do leave any back posts here on the discussion thread and tell me where you want them placed and I will do so. Or check the game thread more often and leave a SAVE for yourself.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Firefoot]

I have a post that I would request be put into the general save.

~~~~

Firefoot's post ---- POSTED ON THE RPG ~*~ Pio

Thorvel blinked in surprise at Calenvása’s answer. He didn’t know? Thorvel tried to puzzle that out. Surely there had to have been some reason, though the words sounded honest enough. The Elves had been cruelly thrown into the wagon. The Orcs had been preparing to move. And yet they had still waited for the Captain to give the command, but he hadn’t. The question was why. Targil looked equally confused. Thorvel didn’t say anything; the important thing was that they were moving now, and further argument was one thing they did not need. Unfortunately, they had been unable to get a head start on the Orcs, which meant that they would have to move through the forest for a longer time, impeding on their swiftness and silence.

Thorvel paid careful attention to the ground beneath his feet, in order not to snap a twig or crackle a leaf. Either mistake could be fatal so close to the small band of Orcs, even though he doubted they would hear such a small sound. They had not gone far when a shout from a harsh Orkish voice was clearly heard over all the other sounds: “Farewell, O elf without a name, and may your death be slow and painful.” Thorvel smiled grimly. It seemed that one of the Elves at least had put up some kind of fight to elicit such a comment.

Slowly the Elves gained ground, until they had moved almost beyond sight of the Orcs. Thorvel walked moved more freely then, and ventured to speak, though softly. For once, they were all close enough for each of the Elves to hear him.

“How far do we go then, before we stop to lay plans and prepare to attack the Orcs? I daresay they shan’t get very much farther before they must stop for the night.”

Calenvása matched his quiet tone, glancing back at the Orcs to judge their speed and location. “They aren’t moving very quickly. I suppose we will need to start looking for likely locations when we get to that point, based on how far the Orcs have moved by sunset.”

Thorvel pressed further, not satisfied with the vague answer. “Then do you have any plans for an ambush? Or do we have yet to work those out?” The Captain looked over at him. “We will have to see how the Orc camp is laid out first, and decide exactly what to do then.” Thorvel grunted. It seemed he wasn’t going to get much information out of Calenvása right now. The Captain seemed to be thinking, and Thorvel figured that Calenvása would talk when he was ready, and not before. Remembering the Captain’s early admittance that he hadn’t known why they didn’t move, Thorvel supposed that it was possible that Calenvása didn’t have any clear plans yet. As long as you come up with something before tonight...

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

I have filled in my save. It's a bit uneven, but there was so much to reply to!

BTW -- Do you all remember the discussion we had WAAAY back in the thread about the need for theme music? I believe the winner was the Battle from Gladiator. . .? Well, I've been humming it pretty non-stop since the Lorien Elves encountered the orcs. . . :D

EDIT: My apologies in advance, but I will probably be able to post only sporadically over the next week or so, as my town has been placed under a state of emergency after we got quite a bit of flooding. I have about 5 ft of water in my basement, and one of our trees came down, but everyone is safe.

At any rate, I will be back -- if sodden!

[Durelin]

Fordim - No problem at all, of course, and I hope everything dries out! :D

The battle from Gladiator? A theme from an academy award winning movie...for an academy award winning RPG? :p I certainly think I've got a group of academy award material writers helping me out!

Thank you, Pio, for working out the post situation...I am terribly sorry for causing so many problems! But now the orc escort with their wagon is on its way...

Now Calenvasa just needs to take charge, or let someone else...

I am afraid I will be on my own absence, popping in sporadically just as Fordim will be forced to do. I am going on a vacation for five days, am leaving tomorrow, but will have access to a computer. I will post as often as I can.

-Durelin :D

[Kransha]

Academy award winning indeed!

Just for *added* clarification, Thrakmazh is sewing the seeds of dissent, now by approaching Koran and Ehan with some 'information.' Aman and/or Aylwen, I left that scenario open, while making obvious what Thrakmazh is about to say. Feel free to pick it up...yes...alright...

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hrm - Kransha, I'm not really sure how to carry that on. I don't suppose Koran saying "Yes?" will make a particularly thrilling post...;)

[Kransha]

Hrm - Kransha, I'm not really sure how to carry that on. I don't suppose Koran saying "Yes?" will make a particularly thrilling post...;)

Ummm...yes to what? Thrakmazh had not yet said anything, and what he is 'going' to say is detailed almost in its entirety in my post, so the conversation is waiting. I think I must've done something to be unclear, did I? (and you people probably thought all my clarification was unnecessary. Proved ye wrong, I 'ave)

Excuse me if this post makes no contextual sense. I'm a little...umm...out-of-it at the moment, and am suffering from the gnawing paranoia that I have no idea what I'm saying, and yet, this seems to make sense...or at least the illusion of sense...You see? There I go again.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Apologies Kransha - I wasn't sure whether you wanted me to put that in my post or make it yourself, as it is your character's plan. Sorry - I'll post now :)

[Amanaduial the archer]

I have editted my post from the save - Kransha, is this in line with what you wanted? :)

[Kransha]

I have editted my post from the save - Kransha, is this in line with what you wanted? :)

Precisely. I really love the part at the end, the last paragraph. The tension is growing, amongst both the sides of light and dark (I'm not good at melodrama, can you tell?). Speaking of tension, and the eve of battle, in which that will all come to its crux, when is that? I mean the 'battle.' I assume, as soon as the little mini-epic of the escape/release of the Elvish prisoners is over, there will be a number of days in which more tension grows (and trolls become problematic, apparemtly), but about how many 'real-world' days might there be? I'm sure there is no exact date, and I could make assumptions...but...Let's just say I'm very eager for my villain to get his just desserts...

[Alatariel Telemnar]

really... need... to post.. *headdesk, headdesk, rubs red forehead*

[Amanaduial the archer]

Durelin - a reminder from what I told you before the game started: I will be absent from this Friday until next Saturday and unable to post. Sorry.

[Durelin]

A thousand apologies!

The much-awaited end of my vacation has come. Unfortunately, while on vacation, I had far less access to a computer than was expected...which you most likely noticed. Now I just need to get these scouts moving...

Aman - thanks for the reminder!

-Durelin

[piosenniel]

Bringing this forward:

OUTLINE OF THE GAME:

Army prepares to march from Dol Guldur (day 1)
Mirkwood scouts discover army (day 1), and, as it begins to march toward Lorien, they decide to follow (day 2 – 3)
Lorien envoy is on their way to the Woodmen (days 1 – 3), a good ways outside Lorien on day 1
Envoy crosses path of army (the two are heading in opposite directions, and it is hard to avoid a large army), and are captured (day 3)
Small force breaks off to take the captives back to Dol Guldur (day 3)
Mirkwood scouts, following, are able to ambush (night day 3) this force and rescue the captives
The scouts learn of the plans: a special force will attack from another direction and assault Caras Galadon (day 4)
The elven party races back to Lorien from the north at the greatest possible speed – the trolls slow the baddies down (days 4 – 7)
When they arrive (night day 9), the battle is about to begin:
When the army reaches the Anduin around mid-day on the 9th day, they stop to put up the floating bridges. They plan to begin the attack soon after dawn the next day. The Mirkwood scouts + Lorien envoy reach the borders of Lorien a little before dusk, and reach Caras Galadon soon after dusk. A council of war then follows during the night.
The plan of the special force is foiled, and the entire army retreats (day 11)

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

TIMEFRAMES:

Time Periods (for a basic idea of the order of things):

Mikwood scout party scouts out and follows army (days 1 – 3)
Envoy captured – a party splits off to take captives back to Dol Guldur (day 3)
Envoy rescued – Plans of evil forces made clear (night of day 3 – day 4)
Race back to Lorien (days 4 – 7)
Defenders warned/inner defenders rescued from surprise attack (night of day 7 – day 8)
Lorien front lines hold off main force (day 9)
Enemy held – Retreat (day 11)

[Arry]

I moved us on toward night of the 3rd day. I hope that is alright.

Will move my post if needed - just let me know.

[Amanaduial the archer]

If none of the Mirkwood elves have posted by this evening, I will post the start of the rescue of the Lorien Envoy - it will be the last chance I have to post before leaving, probably.

- Aman

[Durelin]

First of all, I hope to have a post up before this evening.

Alright...here's the plan!

The Mirkwood scouts will position themselves to wait until dawn, when the orc escort moves, to attack in an ambush. They will give the prisoners some sort of sign before the attack.

Will this work for everyone?

And where are my Mirkwood scouts? I will not berate anyone for not posting recently, for that would, sadly, be dreadfully hypocritical. But I have not seen a post from Hama in quite a while...

Thanks for hanging in here everyone...

*applause*

-Durelin

[Firefoot]

I'm here... I've been around. Sorry I haven't posted for a while - I'll have one up soon.

[Durelin]

No problem, Firefoot. :D

I've filled in my save, and gotten the scouts planning. I will set up a save in case any scouts can't post to wrap up the night and its plotting before dawn comes... ;)

So, if anyone thinks we need to move onto to the next morning (and we do, very soon), go ahead and post when you see fit.

Well, the ambush plan is certainly in need of work, but I have done some thinking...and, well...this is the best I can come up with!

How about this...

The scouts take up residence in a new foresty patch just before dawn, nearer to the orc camp. Once the orcs begin their march for the day, they will come near to the elves' hide out, for it has been calculated that it is in their path. The scouts somehow make it known that there is some kind of presence in amongst the trees and brush, and the orcs decide, feeling strong in number and rather cocky as they are in posession of elven prisoners, to discover what this presence is.

The scouts are aware, of course, that this is a risky plan, but they take the risk and are rewarded with the luck that the prisoners have been somehow freed (wink wink, nudge nudge). And, of course, the elves have the advantage of speed and stealth.

How the orcs wish to investigate this is up to them, and different things can happen depending on what they decide. And I guess we will get to that soon enough...

I hope that made sense, and I hope it will work...that's just a basic idea, and if anyone can come up with changes and additions...please do!

-Durelin :D

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Durelin, I'm sorry, I'll try to have a post up by tomorrow...for now I'll put up a save and sleep on ideas on how to write it...

I thought I had posted an explanation but apparently now...I went up to Scotland on Monday and only arrived back aobut three hours ago...

[Alatariel Telemnar]

I'm also sorry.. I really need to post.. will try to work up something.. soon.

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Hey everyone,

I have already PMed Durelin about this, but I thought I'd post it on the discussion thread so everyone knew. I will be on vacation and unable to post basically from tomorrow, Tuesday July 27 until Tuesday August 3.

Do what you will with Ehan, so long as he doesn't die (yet)...I think he'll be fine...

-Aylwen

[Arry]

I hope no one minds - I've moved us ahead to just before dawn of the Elves' rescue day.

If needed - I will be happy to move my post.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

I got my save up...if there are any problems, just shout, but I quite like how it went...

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Hama and Durelin: If my new post needs editing let me know. I wasn't sure if Lomarandil was supposed to be captured or not, but went ahead with that anyway, as that is what appeared to be going on at the end of Hama's post. Please tell me if I got that wrong.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Wait...it could actually be more interesting of Lomarandil got captured...I'll edit my post to show that...maybe he sees Thorvel as the orcs are dragging him away...

[Durelin]

Hama and Fordim - Sounds fine to me...though that takes out a quarter of the scout troop! We just better be lucky and find the prisoners have somehow, mysteriously been released... ;)

Well, that's one way for the orcs to begin to be curious about what's hiding in the few nearby trees.

-Durelin :D

[Kransha]

Durelin, all, my save is filled.

It's pretty basic, just alot of orcish philosophizing. Also, my post revealed some hitherto unknown information about Thrakmazh's past, more concise information not covered in his History, which documents when he was around. Poor Thrakmazh is slipping into madness now (I blame Fordim ;) ). He's still got all his scheming at the ready. I find myself wondering now if Koran and Herding really ARE going to kill each other on the eve of battle. That would definately be a very welcome turn of events for Thrakmazh.

[Arry]

I did fill in my post, #98. The Elf, Lomarandil, has been dragged into camp, bound, and thrown into the wagon with the rest of the Elves.

Captain Gâshronk has taken the cloak pin and the gold necklace with the ruby from the Lomarandil.

I'll put up another SAVE and have the Orcs go off to have a look/see for any other Elves.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Mind if get both of them back somehow Arry? Lomarandil is going to be reeeeaaaally angry when he finds out that the captain took it...its a memento of his dead wife...the cloak pin he'll probably get back too, but that isnt as important ;)

[Arry]

Perhaps Lomarandil can come out of his swoon when the other Elves come to rescue the prisoners in the wagon.

Feel free to kill the good Captain Gâshronk at that point and take back your Elf's necklace and pin - he's such a pretentious fool - he'll have taken them out and be wearing them by then.

[Firefoot]

I have put up a save for Thorvel to rescue the Elves. Upon doing so, Fordim, what would Ambarturion likely want to do? Hopefully not go after those Orcs, or we will have a bit of an argument already... ;) I'm supposing Arry will probably leave one or two orcs with the wagon, so I'm guessing they might take those weapons, correct?

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Firefoot: I am proud to say that I have already given the escape some thought. In your post, could you have Thorvel come into the camp and attack the orcs guarding the cart? I will then put in a post in which Ambarturion frees himself and the other prisoners. He will then very much want to attack the remaining orcs and wipe them all out, I'm afraid. . .

[Firefoot]

Okay, sounds good to me.

[Arry]

Please note there are no guards at the camp at the moment. They've all gone haring off to see about some prizes for themselves.

Only the good Captain is left, sitting on a sunny rock, secure in his knowledge that the Elves are well bound. Please let Lomarandil do him in and get his necklace and pin back.

Only Gromwakh and Snikdul are present - hiding in the bushes a little distance away - and they are not about to fight over the release of the Elves.

[Firefoot]

Hold on a minute. I hardly think Thorvel would wander into the camp with a living Orc still around. I understand why you would want Lómarandil to kill Gâshronk, but I don't see how that would work. For one thing, Lómarandil isn't armed any longer, and he also isn't in good shape... so how is he going to go about killing Gâshronk? It seems to make more sense that Thorvel would kill the Orc and then let Lómarandil take his things back. Tell me what you think. If someone can come up with a reasonable way to let Lomarandil kill Gashronk let me know.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

If you distract Gashronk, Lomarandil will be standing, and able to fight...if you shoot Gashronk, but not kill him, I'll finish the job with my hands...

[Firefoot]

Gâshronk is alive but unconscious... over to you, Fordim and Hama. One request, and that would be that sometime Thorvel retrieves his arrow during one of your posts. I didn't do it in mine because if he went over there and found the Orc still living he would have killed him, and we wouldn't want that. ;)

[Durelin]

Hmmm...I have little idea as to what's going on. Well, I suppose that's my own fault. This is exactly what I want everyone doing.

I'll put up another SAVE and have the Orcs go off to have a look/see for any other Elves.

They will not be attacking, though, correct? Would Calenvasa and Targil run into them in their hiding place? Or would the Orcs simply look on while the two elves rush in to the camp after Thorvel?

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

OK, my save is filled in and I hope that it makes sense. (My apologies for having created this rather chaotic situation with the inadvertent capture of Lomarandil and for having created a log-jam with my unfilled save today :( )

My sense of the situation is as follows:

Coromswyth is in the cart with Lomarandil, Thorvel is still there as well (what will he do?). The only living orc around the cart is the wounded Gashronk.

The rest of the orcs are running into the trees looking for Calenvasa and Targil. Ambarturion and Megilaes are in pursuit of the orcs.

I hope this is right. . . If it is not, I am, as always, happy to edit.

To bed!

[Firefoot]

I have put up another save (will it ever end? :rolleyes: ;) ) Thorvel will probably end up chasing after Ambarturion and Megilaes.

Durelin - my idea of what is going on with Calenvása and Targil is that they were to try and keep the rest of the Orcs away from camp. The Orcs, presumably, are looking for more Elvish captives, so perhaps leading the Orcs deeper into the forest with arrows or something? Help is on the way... This is how I take the situation to be going anyhow.

[Arry]

Durelin

Answering your post 343: The Orcs have gone off looking for Elves - somewhere in the vicinity of where Lomarandil was found and dragged in. It doesn't mean they'll find any Elves - since they only have a general idea of the location.

Gromwakh and Snikdul are choosing to remain hidden until the situation sorts itself out, and they can figure out how many of their little group is left and what they should do.

[piosenniel]

Bringing this forward:

OUTLINE OF THE GAME:

Army prepares to march from Dol Guldur (day 1) DONE
Mirkwood scouts discover army (day 1), and, as it begins to march toward Lorien, they decide to follow (day 2 – 3) DONE
Lorien envoy is on their way to the Woodmen (days 1 – 3), a good ways outside Lorien on day 1 DONE
Envoy crosses path of army (the two are heading in opposite directions, and it is hard to avoid a large army), and are captured (day 3) DONE
Small force breaks off to take the captives back to Dol Guldur (day 3) DONE
Mirkwood scouts, following, are able to ambush (night day 3) this force and rescue the captives DONE



The scouts learn of the plans: a special force will attack from another direction and assault Caras Galadon (day 4)
The elven party races back to Lorien from the north at the greatest possible speed – the trolls slow the baddies down (days 4 – 7)
When they arrive (night day 9), the battle is about to begin:
When the army reaches the Anduin around mid-day on the 9th day, they stop to put up the floating bridges. They plan to begin the attack soon after dawn the next day. The Mirkwood scouts + Lorien envoy reach the borders of Lorien a little before dusk, and reach Caras Galadon soon after dusk. A council of war then follows during the night.
The plan of the special force is foiled, and the entire army retreats (day 11)

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

TIMEFRAMES:

Time Periods (for a basic idea of the order of things):

Mikwood scout party scouts out and follows army (days 1 – 3) - DONE
Envoy captured – a party splits off to take captives back to Dol Guldur (day 3) - DONE
Envoy rescued – Plans of evil forces made clear (night of day 3 – day 4) - almost DONE


Race back to Lorien (days 4 – 7)
Defenders warned/inner defenders rescued from surprise attack (night of day 7 – day 8)
Lorien front lines hold off main force (day 9)
Enemy held – Retreat (day 11)

[Amanaduial the archer]

I'm back!

I await the fill of the Saves already placed on the board - when you have filled them, would it be possible to put some notification on the discussion board? Thanks :)

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

My save will be filled by tomorrow...sorry about the delay...

[piosenniel]

A friendly reminder:

The Game opened on 06/16 and was scheduled to run for 12 weeks.

End date for the game is 09/08 - so, there are @ 4 1/2 weeks left for play. How are you doing with respect to this?

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

Also: SAVES are to be filled in within a 24 hour period.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio, Game moderator

[Arry]

My SAVE has been filled.

[Firefoot]

Okay, I've waited for a while, but I will fill my save by tonight whether Hama has filled his yet or not.

[Durelin]

Pio - I think we are doing fairly well. What we definitely need to do is get all those saves filled in and move on. If we can get all the rescuing done and make acquaintances in the next few days, hopefully we will be left with 4 weeks for the race back and battling.

By Friday, it would be nice if at least all the prisoners were rescued and the orcs taken care of. Then the plans can be discussed, quickly.

Sometime around the end next week, we need the army to reach the River (mid-day of the 9th day), and the scouts to be nearing Lorien, to actually enter Lorien in the evening, reaching Caras Galadon late in the night.

And though it has proved to be a bit of a pain, I love the situation that developed for the rescue of the prisoners. If I sounded annoyed earlier, it was simply my frustration with myself showing, and I am really very thankful that I have such a great group of very skilled and creative RPers.

Aman - Welcome back! And yes, a wise move to wait for the chaos to die down. :D

-Durelin

[piosenniel]

When gamers do not fill in their SAVES within the 24 hour period - then it is up to them to write their SAVE posts with respect to the posts that follow them.

Games should not be held up for SAVES.

Hama's post will have to deal with whatever is written after his.

~*~ Piosenniel, Game Moderator

[Firefoot]

My save is filled. Thorvel has had contact with all of the Elves, and I left most of their reactions rather vague. The rest is up to all of you!

[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Hey everyone,

I'm back and reading through the threads to catch up, hopefully to get a post up soon.

-Aylwen :smokin:

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Phew...so sorry about that, but after nearly a week, my save HAS finally been filled. I won't go into long excuses of why it wasn't filled before, but suffice to say that i wasn't near the computer long enough to write it out...

I'm back though, and hopefully i'll be more punctual in future :p

[Arry]

The Orcs have decided to stage an attack on the Elves.

There are 12 in the attacking group - 6 coming from one side, six from the other.

This leaves 5 Orcs unaccounted for.

The number of Orcs including the Captain was 21 - there are 4 of them dead at present.

[Kransha]

Just as notification:

I will be gone, on holiday/vacation/excursions/what-have-you, beginning today and ending Monday next, when I will return for a night and then go on another several day excursion. I'll probably be able to post if needed on Monday night or Tuesday morning, but otherwise, I'll be temporarily absent without BD access. I'm sure everyone will be able to survive without me for a little while (who am I kidding, you'll all probably wither and die without my brilliance to warm your souls, but I digress).

Farewell, auf weiderschen, au revoir, and all that...

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

I have completed the battle with the orcs as it did not seem like there was a lot of 'action' amongst the Elf-writers at the moment! If anyone objects to what I've done in the post, as always, let me know.

The one thing that may raise some hackles (or at least eyebrows) is that I have turned the tables on the orcs a bit by having Arry's duo being captured by the Elves. If this is bad of me, let me know and (once again) I shall edit.

I was thinking that it wouldn't be too hard to have a scenario where the Elves let the orcs go (?) or they escape (?). Perhaps I should have consulted first, but I am on vacation at the moment, and while I am not away I will be having limited BD time for the next week and a half.

[Arry]

If you don't mind editing - I am planning on having my two characters die in this skirmish. I'll have the post up within the hour.

It was only as he stalked off that he suddenly remembered where he had seen the orc before – it was the same monster that had dared offer him an alliance when he had been captured.

Perhaps you can use 2 other of the Orcs to get the needed information.

Edit - The SAVE is now filled. The two Orcs are dead.

--- Arry

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Oh dear, what a sudden and sad end to Gromwahk and Snikdul -- I really loved those guys. . .well, reading about them anyway. :(

I have edited my post accordingly. The two captured orcs are now just nameless monsters. I would suggest questioning them, getting the information we need, and then dispatching them -- Ambarturion would be happy to do the honours. . . :smokin:

[Durelin]

Fordim - Thank you for moving us along, as I failed to do so. No, you should not have waited to consult with me, or anyone, as we need to keep moving, and I am definitely failing in my commitment to this game. I have had summer schoolwork to do, with summer drawing to a close, but that is an insignificant excuse.

Arry - Thank you for all the time and energy you commited to this game. I enjoyed your writing and your characters immensely, and it is a sad end! :(

Soon we'll be making our way to Lorien...

-Durelin :D

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hroom. I hope my post is alright: I have used several characters to some extent - Firefoot, Arvedui, do you mind the way in which I have used your characters? Any objections and do of course say so and I will edit.

Durelin, a note, or a reminder, or maybe both: on Sunday I am going away for a week and will not be back until late Sunday night. I won't have internet access all week. Sorry! :(

[Firefoot]

Aman - looks good to me.

[Orofaniel]

:rolleyes:My save is now filled (first post on page 4). Sorry for the long wait. :)

If it needs editing, please tell me.;)

Thanks,
Orofaniel

[Firefoot]

Just to get myself straightened out, I want to make sure I understand what's happening here. Basically we get Lómarandil set and question the remaining Orc, and then we're off, right?

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Sorry about my lack of postin ,i'll try and have a post up by tomorrow, but ive just be sooooo busy recently...

[The Perky Ent]

Amanduial: Remember me? I was with this game, but I couldn't manage with bad things going on in my life? Anyways, I just stopped by to say that Arvedui is officially retired from the downs. Arvedui is a friend of mine, and has quit the downs in order to pursue her career as a writer. I just wanted to mention this, so you don't keep asking questions to a non-existant person. Y'all have fun! It looks like it's a good game! I wish life wasn't stupid, then I'd be in this! Oh well...just wanted to give the heads up!



-Perky

[Durelin]

Perky Ent - Thanks for letting us know, though I had given up on Arvedui some time ago....quit writing in the Downs to become a writer? That's too bad...

Aman - No problem at all. Thanks for posting as much as you have been. You will be missed!

Firefoot - Basically, yes. I'll get us questioning the orcs. Perhaps we might get a good fight between Calenvasa and Ambarturion.... Did I say fight? Sorry, I meant argument... ;)

Hama - Get a post up whenever you can. Hopefully that will be soon.

-Durelin

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Durelin: I do realise that Ambarturion has proposed a plan that is not in keeping with your plot for the game, but rest assured this is only for dramatic purposes! When Calenvasa insists that the Elves go with some (more sensible) plan, he will relent in the face of the overwhelming resistance from everyone else to his ideas. In the end, I rather suspect that it will be Coromswyth who convinces him.

That having been said, I hope that Ambarturion is going to get one more crack at Thrakhmaz!!!

heh heh heh *sharpens blade*

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Got a post up, that stuff completely singed the poison as it hadnt had a chance to spread...and I'd rather like Lomarandil to fight in the main battle.

[piosenniel]

Hama

Please note your previous post has been edited to remove the word, "bastards".

The Barrow-Wight prefers that there be no swearing in the RPG's. You may, of course, come up with some other more suitable phrase and substitute it in - e.g., 'spawn of Mordor', etc.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Duly noted, Pio...

[Kransha]

That having been said, I hope that Ambarturion is going to get one more crack at Thrakhmaz!!!

heh heh heh *sharpens blade*

Indeed? Well, as long as Thrakmazh survives the little tiff that's going to occur on battle's eve, he'll be ready for that slightly 'more fair' rematch (luckily for me, the bad guys get to cheat and need no explanation). I'll be a-waiting on the battlefield, but don't think you can win without some major inconveniences...and possibly the loss of your characters arms and/or legs and/or head...

As a formality, I'm going to have a post up today, I think. Or early tomorrow, or later tomorrow (or early on Monday, or later on Monday). It'll contain Thrakmazh mentally accepting Herding's offer, rousing the orc army, and sending them all out. I assume that it's about time that the armies get moving and thosr irksome trolls start slowing everything down. Am I correct in my assumption, Durelin?

[Durelin]

Fordim - “'To your ending, but to one that might be worthy of a song and would win for you such renown in the memory of those who dwell in Lorien as to make it a worthwhile conclusion.'” Dramatic effect indeed! I love it. :D

Hama - Glad to see you back with a post. Though it is a little far-fetched, we have been carrying your character along recently, and so it was not of your consent that Lomarandil be wounded in such a way. If you wish for him to recover now rather than when we reach Lorien, that is fine with me.

Kransha - You are absolutely correct. Sorry for the lack of intstruction from me on what the army is doing besides marching around all the time...

w00t! Slothful trolls to the rescue! :D

-Durelin

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Basically the stuff was a form of silver nitrate...if you've ever had warts and stuff like that and removed them yourself you'll probably know that it was fairly accurate to what it actually does ;)...

[piosenniel]

Just a notice:

This game was opened for play on 6/16 and scheduled to run for 12 weeks.

The end date for the game is 09/08. There are now 2 weeks left for play.

Please start moving toward the finish of the game.

Thanks!

Pio, Game Moderator

[Amanaduial the archer]

She returns!

I do apologise for my extended AWOL! :( My computer, like just about everything else in my house, broke - I am living. In. The. Dark Ages. I kid you not.

Anyway, the reason I haven't been here for the past week is because the computer blew a fuse in a lightning storm a week and a half ago (when I was on holiday), and promptly died, taking the wireless connection to my laptop with it. Apologies! I shall attempt to catch up on the game as quickly as possible. Thankyou for bearing with me.

[piosenniel]

Hi!

1 week left for the finish of the game.

~*~ Pio

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

In response to Pio's PM. . .how about the Elves run across the special forces unit on the way back to Lorien, they are forced to fight, they do a wonderful job against the baddies but are beginning to lose when help unlooked for comes in the form of an army of Lorien Elves, sent by the Lady who is already aware of the danger having see it 'from afar'????

This would allow us to start posting on the final battle right away.

[Kransha]

Alright, obviously there is onle 1 week left in the game (or a little more). I should be fully available for this week. I do suggest that we should skip to the next important day. Remember, on Battle's Eve, Thrakmazh and Herding are still going to try and overthrow Cenbryt, so that should been done before the actual battle. What day should we fast-forward to, then? It is just my personal opinion that we don't really have time to post for each of the three-four 'racing' days.

Opinions? Suggestions? Comments?

[Firefoot]

My thoughts were that we could scan over the next few days with a general post and bring them to the eve of battle or something. Fordim's idea could work, since that would get us to the end quicker.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Map of Arda (http://randkl.com/baradaeglos/ardamap.html)

For the sake of the game's very title, I think it would be more fitting for the battle to be carried out on Lorien turf - and also, it would allow some old feuds to be faced (Fordim, didn't you say Ambarturion would like one last shot at Thrakmazh? ;)). But if you look on the map, just so we're all on the same ground here: say the main force is crossing the Anduin, say, four squares South of the word 'Galadhon', and the special force is sneaking in, say, at the brown square (guessing this is the bridge - I am using this map because I have mislaid my LotR). Where would you suggest the forces meet?

A thought: if we come to the point where the forces are splitting- Koran and his group have just been dismissed to head North and cross, while the main force is struggling to get those pesky trolls across. The trolls are wading across, stuck in the water and very bad tempered, and the smaller group of Easterlings are not far away from the main force - when the elves strike the special force in a lightning attack. They are caught relatively unaware, the elves having been subtle, and the easterlings distracted by the chaos in the Anduin, and battle ensues. The elves have managed to pick up a few more of the other scouts from around the Mirkwood borders, but their numbers are still small.

Herding maybe holds back on the main force, saying they need to get the trolls across, ignore the small force, it is a small sacrifice etc - while secretly thinking this is a very clean way to kill off Koran - when the second force of elves arrives, from Lorien, archers taking out one of the trolls and some orcs from the trees across the Anduin. The rest attack, and so a full scale battle ensues - giving everyone a fair chance to have a good brawl and hold their own against whomsoever they wish to fight - and some debts can be repaid.

Does this work? It is only a bit more than an elaboration, I suppose, but just so's we're on the same track and all. :)

[Amanaduial the archer]

Ok, to keep things moving here, because I need to make a post anyway, and because three people have said the same sort of plan works, I shall post the start of the landslide, so to speak - I shall make a post from Koran's point of view, about trying to cross the Anduin, and the special force splitting off. I will give an inkling of the elves, but not bring them in, in case anyone objects to the current plan as it lies.

[Kransha]

Aman, Durelin: Some important points I'd like to bring forward.

1. Aman, could you NOT post the splitting yet? As of now, Herding and Thrakmazh are still planning to overthrow Koran on the eve of battle, when the armies are still together. This may be a complete failure, but it's still going to be attempted.

2. An idea I had, which may not work, but I'll say it anyways. Since Herding and Thrak want to take down Koran on the eve before the split, or before the battle, perhaps that could still occur, but be, say, interrupted by scouts, or an Elven party, or Even the group from Lorien and Mirkwood scouts? This way, Koran could escape with ease and the plan would be considered a failure.

3. I do not really know how this coup is going to work, but it is planned, and Herding and Thrak aren't about to drop it at random. Herding wants to kill Koran in person, and Thrakmazh would very much like to see them both dead. Even if it presents complexities, I would very much like to see this vendetta concluded somehow.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hmm - Kransha, I'm not sure how we can work this... Ok, they want to take him out the night before: what, would Herding be causing a mutiny among his men, or trying to kill him that night, in his sleep maybe? The second would probably be better. But how would it be interrupted by elves? I don't think we can have the Lorien-Mirkwood group arriving quite yet - say they'll arrive the next day, so as to have the proposed battle work, if that's ok? But who else could really interrupt - maybe just one of the men, Ehan maybe? They wouldn't necessarily see Herding's face, as he would be cloaked, but he could scarper quickly - the attempt would fail and Koran and Ehan would have no proof of who it was. What do you think?

As you said, they won't want to drop it - so maybe they use a backup plan of starting some sort of mutiny among the special force Southrons, and Herding plans to sneak away from the main army and give the signal for it to start, so that he can be there to kill Koran when he is caught off-guard.

Or, when the Mirkwood elves attack the special force:

Herding maybe holds back on the main force, saying they need to get the trolls across, ignore the small force, it is a small sacrifice etc - while secretly thinking this is a very clean way to kill off Koran - when the second force of elves arrives, from Lorien, archers taking out one of the trolls and some orcs from the trees across the Anduin. The rest attack... ...and at this stage the vengeful Herding can take his chances in desperation to attack Koran himself, in a last desperate attempt.

What do you think, yes, no, maybe?

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

This is all getting very complicated! I say, rather than doing two things one after another (attempted murder of Koran; confrontation with the Lorien/Mirkwood Elves) let's do them at the same time.

My suggestion:

1) baddy-army splits immediately: Thrak and Herding decide to look for their chance to kill Koran in the imminent battle.

2) Lorien/Mirkwood Elves run into the special forces (with Thrak, Herding and Koran) at a northern ford -- yipes! fight fight fight

The genius :D of this plan is that it lets us jump right into a single scene (Elves fighting baddies) in which everything gets sorted round: Herding and Koran settle matters in the chaos of battle, Elves and Orcs duke it out. This has the added advantage of perhaps allowing a certain female Elf to help out a certain Easterling Captain. . .

3) Just when things look hopeless, the Lorien army arrives, destroys the special forces, then heads down to take out the main baddy-army. How did Lorien know of the impending attacks. . .? Hmmm. . .scouting parties found Caranbaith's body and knew that something was amiss!

You may all applaud me now.

[Kransha]

EDIT: Cross-posted with Fordim. I like his idea. I'm not deleting this stuff, though, just in case (this IS getting confusing. I should just shut up).

Also, it seems convenient, considering the *ahem* little matter of Coromswyth and Koran. I find that plausible meeting an interesting plan. Ordered chaos can work, if properly done. When the battle begins, everyone seperates into their own Mono-a-Mono Battles, the way they were originally dictated. Ambarturion owes Thrak a good beheading for what he did to Caranbaith, and Thrak certainly deserves a little compensation, since Ambarturion's sword drove him utterly insane.

The rest is all secondary information, for emergency purposes.

Here is the original plan agreed to by Herding and Thrak. In retrospect, it may not work as planned.

“…On battle’s eve,” he continued, droning, “when we are camped near Lorien, we must strike, you and I, together. There will be some manner of signal we share, one of your choosing. The orcs under my command will gladly attack the Southrons of Cenbryt’s, and your will surely follow you to the same end. All at once, we cut off the power of our foe. He will be surrounded and only a few of his men will remain loyal. If we offer them the spoils of war…and the option to live, many will surely come to our side. Then, we take Cenbryt and the remaining ‘rebels’ captive (most unfortunately, we could not kill them all right away, for the Eye would look upon that as unnecessary action). Then, after we have proved they were traitorous to the troops, they will corroborate the necessity to slay them…Then; you can have your way with Koran Cenbryt.”

Some ideas on how to have this plan 'fail.' (I'm writing everything in bloody lists now!)

1. Koran's men actually put up a fight, Thrak and Herding (or just one) realizaes that the plan won't work, and decide it would be better to try to kill Koran (and, in Thrak's case, Herding too) during the battle.

2. The plan works, but Koran somehow gets out of the predicament and forces Thrak and/or Herding to go through with the original plan. This could work in a number of ways.

3. Confusion and/or the presence of an Elven scouting party force the plan to be delaid or fail.

4. Now, I don't know what Oro has planned for Herding. Thrakmazh has an arch-nemesis, in the form of Ambarturion, who he will face once more, but I dunno about Herding. If Oro has special plans, I know them not. Maybe the ideal way to get this settled would be to have Koran and Herding duke it out, unless either of you disagree.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Your genius, master Fordim, is surpassed only by your modesty :D

No, joking, nice plan - it runs along the same sort of lines as the previous one, but has the added advantage of Thrak and Herding going with Koran - say they were doing it simply because of miscalculations with numbers or something etc etc - anyway, they wangle their way into going with the special forces, with the intent of getting rid of him themselves (maybe they could plan this the night before - that is where I am putting my post).

Whichever you wish, Kransha - the previous-night attack gives an edge of desperation, but it does make things longer, and as we are pressed for time may not therefore be as good. But either will work, so.

This has the added advantage of perhaps allowing a certain female Elf to help out a certain Easterling Captain. . .
*cough* Who could, eh.. *cough* who could you possibly mean? *shifty eyes* ;)

[Kransha]

Just because my other post is WAY too cluttered up with useless excrement, I'm just going to make one more concise post, right here, and be done with it. So the other folks don't have to try and extract my vague meaning from my other no sequitorial catechism (can you tell I love big words...and parentheses?)

I agree with Fordim.

Durelin, just give the word.

Edited: Because I don't think Fordim is a dimp, as my typo implied.

[Amanaduial the archer]

...and if only you hadn't made that typo! :smokin: :D

Ok, I've made a post - basically it's just laying out where we stand with the army the night before. Is this alright with everyone?

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

All right, I have got the Elves to the Anduin and posed them with a question. I think the answer is rather obvious, however. . .

If the Elves head south to the nearer ford, then they will find that the orcs and Easterlings are already there, and we can get fighting. I've laid out the geography of that ford a bit as well so that the question of the Lorien 'cavalry' can be resolved. The ford is so close to Lorien, that if our party of Elves can hold off the orcs and Easterlings long enough, the sentries in Lorien will hear the sounds of battle and come investigating. We can then have one of the sentries head back for re-enforcements while our party (and, say, a dozen or so Lorien sentries) hold off the baddies.

How does this sound?

[Orofaniel]

I'm terribly sorry for not replying until now. :(

4. Now, I don't know what Oro has planned for Herding. Thrakmazh has an arch-nemesis, in the form of Ambarturion, who he will face once more, but I dunno about Herding. If Oro has special plans, I know them not. Maybe the ideal way to get this settled would be to have Koran and Herding duke it out, unless either of you disagree.

I hadn't planned anything spesific, so I'm just greatful for all your wonderful suggestions, and as far as I can see we're going for Fordim's suggestion? (I'm a lil' bit confused, one might say.)

Kransha- Are you going to kill Herding? Or do you intend to pick up a fight with him duing the battle? Heh.

[Kransha]

I'm terribly sorry for not replying until now. :(



I hadn't planned anything spesific, so I'm just greatful for all your wonderful suggestions, and as far as I can see we're going for Fordim's suggestion? (I'm a lil' bit confused, one might say.)

Kransha- Are you going to kill Herding? Or do you intend to pick up a fight with him duing the battle? Heh.

Pardon, I was not very clear. What I meant to say was: Doi you (Oro/Herding) want to have a nice one-on-one with Koran (Aman). Thrak's pre-occupied by a certain vengeful Elf. I just wanted to make sure that the armies of Dol Guldur weren't seperated before Koran and Herding finally 'settled their differences.' With Fordim's plan, this all works out. During the battle, you can do what you want. Mind you, Thrak will be busy.

In conclusion: The overthrow will BEGIN, but be INTERRUPTED by the forces of good, thus negating Thrak and Herding's plan to kill Koran directly. I figured Herding would still want Koran dead, and thus would try to find and challenge him in the fray.

This all may come out sounding a bit garbled. You'll have to excuse me, I'm a bit under the weather. I will still post, though, and hopefully soon. I suppose I'll post about Thrak finally goin' over the edge and telling Herding that the time has come to spring the trap on Koran and his men...

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I shall be away from home and the internet until Monday night or Tuesday morning.

As I won't be back until very close to the end of the game, please carry along Ambarturion and Megilaes as you all join battle. Feel free to wound either or both of them, if you wish, but please nothing major! :)

Kransha: could you perhaps get the final battle between Ambarturion and Thrakhmaz underway? And if it's OK with you, I will finish it (heh heh) when I return to the Downs either late Monday night (the 6th) or early Tuesday morning (the 7th).

Have a good weekend everyone.

[Kransha]

Kransha: could you perhaps get the final battle between Ambarturion and Thrakhmaz underway? And if it's OK with you, I will finish it (heh heh) when I return to the Downs either late Monday night (the 6th) or early Tuesday morning (the 7th).

I'd love to...*cackles in a most foul and villainous fashion*

[Amanaduial the archer]

Mistress Durelin, elves, and assorted baddies, ;)

I will be without internet access until Sunday afternoon (possibly I will have a snippet on Saturday, late evening, but it is unlikely), and I leave in about an hour - I will be traipsing around various universities with my sister in an attempt to find one she likes...*sigh*

Apologies for departing at this stage, but I will return soon!

[Durelin]

Okey dokey, the next post from any of the good guys should bring us into contact with the orcs. If there isn't one from the good guys by tomorrow, I will just edit my post to include that. I would have gone ahead and taken us that far ahead, but I got side-tracked with the Lorien defender debut. :p

A thousand apologies again for my lack of presence as a game owner. *mutters something about AP courses* :rolleyes: Really, there's no excuse. I hope I may make up for things by seeing this game to a strong finish.

-Durelin

[Kransha]

Post = up. It's long...and complicated...but I do hope it's worth the read.

The coup is about to begin. Orofaniel, the ball's in your court now. Get us goin'.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Oro, your PM box is full - please clear some space so I can send you a PM about the matter of Herding and my characters!

EDIT: I have brought in the elves - Let the battle begin!

[Orofaniel]

Sorry Aman. It's emptied now. :)

I've put up a save in the meantime.

**

I'm afraid I won't be much online this week. :( But if you could set up saves for me, it ould be great. :)

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

The battle between Thrak and Ambarturion is over. . .I hope satisfactorily to all involved.

I hope that there will still be time for final posts to wrap up the game! I don't want to leave Ambarturion just sitting there with no hand!!

[Kransha]

Ah, at last the villain gets his just desserts. Fordim, (as usual) great post, and that's an understatement. I'm Thrakmazh could kick the bucket with your literary flourish aiding him into the afterlife.

As my character is...erm...dead, this will be my last post. I am going to add a paragraph to my RPG Thread post after Oro has posted, which will contain the now-unfortunately-deceased Thrakmazh contemplated Herding's words and the miserable failure of his wonderful plan. But, that's still irrelevant, since he's dead, and I have a tendency to repeat my self. But, he had a good, or should I say bad, run, and even though he snuffed it in the end, it's reassuring to know that he could still get ahead in life...Get it? Anyone?

Just so you all know, I think this RPG has gone really well, one of my favorites (but I'm biased). I'm going to miss looking at it everytime I have a free moment (also biased in terms of severe exaggeration).

So long, farewell, auf weiderschen, and all that...

[piosenniel]

The game will be ending tonught, 09/08 - midnight, Pacific Time, U.S.

Please get your final posts on board.

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator

[Orofaniel]

Hi.

1. My save is filled.

2. Another post is up. The battle between Koran and Herding has begun. Aman, would you like to end it? :) If you want to carry it through what we've been discussion it would be great...If you have another twist it's fine too. :)

If Herding is to be killed, would it be possible to set up a save for me, just beaneath your post? I'll post it on the discussion thread tomorrow morning, and then your or Pio could paste it for me.

Thanks for a great game people. It's been a pleasure.

See you all again soon in another RPG maybe? :rolleyes:


Thanks,
Orofaniel

[Amanaduial the archer]

Muahahaha, twists galore, just call me M. Night Shyamalan...;)

No, I have restricted us to one twist, and one twist only, lol. Oro, I have posted a save for you - if you would like me to edit my post, say so :)

[piosenniel]

The game is now closed to posting.

Please place any last communications or requests for edits here on the Discussion Thread.

I'll move both the game and this thread to Elvenhome in 2 days.

~*~ Pio

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

I appologise for my missing the game ending, I hope it's possible to include my final post...Lomarandil's death in the game, If I PM it to you tonight, Pio?

[piosenniel]

Do not PM me the post - place it on the Discussion Thread as I have requested.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Acknowledged

The End of Lomarandil --- POST PLACED ON GAME -- PIO

Lomarandil stood slowly up from Thorvel's side. Anger coursed through his blood in an unstoppable rage as he looked at Thorvel's body. A lump rose in his throat, and tears began to trickle down his cheeks. Drawing his two razor sharp nine inch knives, he ran screaming at the orc force. Anger cloduing his judgement. Calenvasa saw this and cired out to him to stop, but Lomarandil didn't hear. He spun again and again, twirled his knives with awesome precision, killing every orc that came withing three feet of him.

Slowly he weakened though. His attacks slowed, and an easterling managed to penetrate his defences and stab him in the abdomen. lomarandil ripped the knife out and pushed it into the eaterling's throat, but the pain was too great. Slowly, almost poetically, he fell to his knees. Another easterling came up behind him. Lomarandil heard the swish of the blade, he felt it pieces his lung and exit through his chest. He cired out hatred for them.

The Easterling captain just laughed, and pulled his sword out. Lomarandil fell onto his hands, blood slowly pooling around him. As he tried to push himself to his feet he felt a hand grab hold of his hair and jerk it upwards. He was face to face with the easterling, lomarandil saw his arm raise, then he closed his eyes. He felt the pain in his neck only for a moment when it was severed. His mind raced away as soon as he died. Searching for Thorvel. "Lomarandil, over here." he heard Thorvel's voice say and he turned smiling, finding himself in a far green country, under a swift sunrise...

[Orofaniel]

Great ending for the Captains, Aman!:D

Here is my very last post for this RPG. POSTED TO GAME -- PIO
**********


Herding
It was like a sore throat.

Within minutes he felt the heated blood flowing from his throat. His hand reached the wound.;There was blood all over it. He couldn’t feel much, except for the heath. Slowly, however, the pain increased and he admitted to himself that this was nothing like a sore throat. He knew that this wound would kill him. It was Koran who had hit him in the throat with his sword, just in the moment where Herding thought it was all over; Herding had seen Koran on his knees, believing it was him who was going to die. But he had been wrong, Herding knew that now.

It was not Koran's life that would end this evening, it was his own. He couldn’t understand it, nor would he accept it. He fought bravely against what was coming, but he soon felt death embracing his body and mind; It was about to stop functioning. He felt his legs fail beneath him as he stumbled. He knelt on the ground, Koran still looking at him.

Without the courage to speak, nor listen to the rest of the battles on the battle field, he closed his eyes. It happened so slowly, but yet too quickly. It shouldn't have ended this way, was all Herding could think of. Victory and revenge had been close at hand, but now he had lost it all. Koran had defeated him.

With that thought, he cursed Koran's name one last time before he, unwillingly, rested upon the ground and died. Herding Gratnas had been defeated for the very last time.

*****

Once again, thanks for a wonderful game!

Cheers,
Oro

[Amanaduial the archer]

Pio, could you edit that Oro's post in please? Oro - excellent end to Herding. Ha, good won over evil!...oh wait, Koran's a Southron as well...;)

Thank you all for the brilliant game - despite the rush at the end, it was consistently a very enjoyable game with some marvellous characters (Ehan, Gromwakh and Snikdul will always be remembered especially in this corner :D). Durelin, along with the others who thought up the game especially, I take my hat off to youse all - brilliant.

Thanks.

[Kransha]

One last question. Pio, or anyone in a position to do so, could you remove the little sentance in bold from my last post. I do not believe it can be filled with relevant information before the RPG thread is moved to Elvenhome. Thanks in advance.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Kransha - Sentence in bold removed.

Child

[Alatariel Telemnar]

I can't believe I missed the ending! Bloody hurricanes. *kicks Frances* We were out of power for a bit (okay, more than a bit) so... yes, I kind of... was not here. And I wish I had written a post before the hurricanes came. The discussion thread was s'posed to close today, I think, but is it still possible to get in a last post? *doubts that*

[piosenniel]

I'm still waiting for Durelin's last post for the game.

I'll leave this thread open until tomorrow, noon, Pacific Time - get your post on here by then - I'll place it for you - then the game is definitely heading to Elvenhome.

(glad you survived the weather!!)

~*~ Pio

[Alatariel Telemnar]

(thank'ee! but it wasn't that bad up here... just a tree branch or two fell... so all is fine, for now. :) )

Finished my last post. I hope it fits... I might have mis-read something. I do that a lot.

Well, I better hurry up and post this before I back out and end up re-writing the whole thing..

-----

An elf made eye contact with Urkrásh, methodically choosing his next victim. Urkrásh then charged at the elf, who dodged the orc-blade. Urkrásh's failed attack was counteracted with a graceful hit. Blind with rage, he charged again. All the thoughts of his previous battle, hatred of elves and trees, and duty to serve the Eye, were thrust into his attempt, his last attempt. An attempt that had failed once more. The experienced elf blocked the second attack and thrust his own sword into Urkrásh's side in one smooth motion, too fast for Urkrásh to do anything.

He clenched at his side, his hands and arms soon covered with blood. Falling to his knees and then over on his side, everything went black. All the orc could hear was a faint cry, ‘Southrons, rally to me!’ He acknowledged that the battle had been lost. But in the very back of his mind, he heard a voice. ‘No loyalty, no devotion, no sense of purpose at all. They probably have no aspirations, no hopes, and I don’t blame ‘em. They’ll never get anywhere, not the way they conduct themselves. You and I, on the other hand, orcs like us are different. And, Urkrásh, if you serve with loyalty and show your mettle for the cause, you’d get somewhere, and any of that lot might too if they did so.’ For a moment, he wondered if he had gotten anywhere. If there was more he could have done.

Those thoughts soon died, as Urkrásh did himself. One body of many uruks and some orcs scattered across the battlefield. Never to be remembered, except as one fighting for evil. One who had been killed by an elf that might live on to tell the story of his victory to his friends. One who had been defeated for the side of good.

[piosenniel]

Alatariel

I tacked yours onto Aylwen's, #148; it went well there.

~*~ Pio

[Durelin]

Here's my post...finally.

___________

Helkaur

The defense of Lorien had marched out upon the army, and their stand broke their enemies, with the unseen aid of the scouts of Mirkwood, and the lost ambassadors of Lorien. The enemy had faltered when the key part of their plan was unsuccessful. Orcs and Men, servants to a cruel master, would not stand long when their attack was met by a defense that was meant to be frail and without a backbone, without the elfin magic that any cruel heart would find impossible to stand against. Their leaders had faltered, knowing that the plan to rid their Master of the great defender of a stronghold of good in this Middle-earth that he would rule. Instead, the Lady Galadriel would depart on a grey ship, into the West, along with the rest of her kind, the last of her kind, the Ringbearers.

This victory reached their hearts even more than any former ones against the forces of Sauron. The defenders of Lorien had never answered such a call as this. Scouts had discovered the body of one of their kindred, a member of the envoy sent to the Woodmen of Mirkwood. Taking this as evidence that the envoy had not reached its destination, Lorien realized it was alone. And alone, Lorien was not slow to answer the call to war.

Helkaur watched his enemies flee from him and his comrades for the second time that day, these survivors of a much smaller number than those who had fled upon the routing of the main force. He cried out with the joy that filled his heart, and thought of his return to his wife, when he would get to see Moraniel smile. He stood among so many dead, and could not help but let his happiness fade, though he did so almost begrudgingly. But he felt his heart grow no heavier, because life was his focus right now. He focused particularly, and almost selfishly, the fact that he lived. He shut his eyes, wishing that that would also shut out the sounds that surrounded him: words of grief, songs of sorrow, and the final whispers of a dying soul manifested in the air, and through those who mourned the dead around him. He wished to get away from them, wished to return to his home and who would greet him there. And so he ran.

They had met the army from Dol Guldur only a few miles from the beginnings of the woods. Lorien had much to thank the Anduin for, it seemed. Without such an obstacle, they would not have had time to make such a stand as they had. Nor, most likely, would the mysterious Ambarturion – a great servant to the Lord Celeborn and the Lady Galadriel, who was practically a legendary name to Helkaur – and his companions would not have come in time to ruin the key part to the attack. Time was not something an elf often considered, and it could be frightening, perhaps, how much time could mean. It could have been the undoing of the Lord and Lady of Lorien, thought it had never touched their land.

Soon Helkaur was making his way along familiar paths under familiar boughs, hastened by some need that was even greater than that which had driven him to march in defense of his land. But when he was still nearly a half mile away from the home he so desired to return to for the last time, he was stopped by a young elf woman. She greeted him kindly, and it was only after he returned her greeting that he recognized her. And then he was forced to recall the dead that still lay upon that field he had left behind, as her husband was among them. That elf was not racing home to show his wife that he was alive, and it hurt Helkaur to look into the elf woman’s eyes. He was afraid that she would ask him of her husband, and he did not know what he would say. He certainly did not know how to comfort her, when she would begin to weep in her grief and shock… But she did not ask of her husband.

“Where do you run to, soldier of Lorien?”

“To my home, my lady,” he answered rather curtly, perhaps finding a reason to be annoyed with her for not even asking of her husband, of who she loved.

“Are you not standing within your home?”

Helkaur glanced around him, but his eyes snapped back to the young elf woman as she began to laugh. She laughed surprisingly loudly for one who spoke so softly, though she quieted quickly. “What did you fight for?”

“For Lorien.”

“Not your home?”

“The home of my people.”

The female elf smiled. “And you do not return to your people. Much of your people lie dead outside these woods, others mourn their deaths, outside of these woods.” For a moment, he was afraid she was referring to her husband, but their was no sorrow in her voice, nor did any show in her eyes. So Helkaur spoke boldly.

“I return to my wife, glad that she does not need to mourn me.”

“Then your home is gone.”

“Gone?” Fear was starting to creep up his throat, choking him, while simultaneously growing in sickness in his stomach. His voice was disgustingly empty, void of emotion. His tongue was dry. She spoke without any feeling, as well, and so very quietly. “You answered one call, she answered another.” Fear seized him, and he was frozen. His eyes revealed all that went on inside him, but it seemed she chose simply to ignore what she inevitably saw. Anger rose in him as warm tears stained his face, suppressing the fear and allowing him to speak. “You speak words that make my heart tremble with fear, and you say them as if they were trivial things that should already be known to me. Tell me girl, why do you speak of ‘calls’?”

“Melian has taken the road to the Towers, and then will take the ship across the sea, into the West. It was the call of the gull that she heard.”

He did not want to remain in this girl’s presence. What she said angered him, and he feared that she spoke truth, feared as he never had, never actually fearing his own death. And so he ran again, away from the frightful young elf woman, coming at last to his home in the trees. He climbed up the ancient wonder, the mallorn, and entered his home. He found no one to greet him on the return he had not believed he would make.

~

The End of a Day

A soft murmur of voices was the only sound on the battlefield, sounding a beautiful sorrow amidst a field of death. The immediate celebration as the orcs fled the field had faded when they began taking care of the dead, searching through the bodies, finding familiar faces. A soft chant for all of the dead, a sweet song for those they recognized. All their hearts mourned as one, though their voices were all their own. The gentleness of the air was not broken by any sound. The carrion fowl did not dare come near elves as they mourned their dead.

Calenvása walked through the battlefield, seeing every pale, lifeless face as a familiar one. Only in their eyes did the dead still seem to live, and he looked in to so many eyes that day. He felt that if he looked close enough, he could see their souls taking flight, flying home, free from the confinement of their bodies that had walked on Eä until this day. It was astounding what could occur in one day, how many lives could come to an end in one day, how much a being could see in one day. And there were so many days in the life of an immortal…

Suddenly something made Calenvása look up, and he saw Targil standing before him. The Captain was shocked at what he saw on the elf’s face, in his eyes. His face was hardly recognizable, and there were tears running down it. It was not his face itself, Calenvása soon realized, but how it was set. And it was his eyes. The elf was a perfect model of grief, and it aged him. Targil had wisdom in his eyes, eyes that had seen so much in one day of the immortal life.

The elf led his Captain to the body of Lómarandil, and then to the body of Thorvel. He spoke of Thorvel and Lómarandil’s deaths, and how he had been nearby. He spoke of it as something long passed, an event that was lost somewhere in the long history of his life, the exact time it had occurred no longer known. His eyes would even grow distance as he recalled the moments, particularly when he came to when Thorvel had spoken. The dying elf had asked for forgiveness from Lómarandil, and gave his respect to his Captain. With forgiveness given, Lómarandil died with him. Calenvása considered it strange that Throvel would remember him as he died, but he decided he would consider it once more, later. For now, tears ran down his face, and the sorrow left him silent.

Then someone spoke from behind him. Slightly startled, Targil and Calenvása turned quickly to see who spoke. Neither recognized him, but that did not seem to matter. Tears were in his eyes, as well, and there was a look about him that made Targil’s grief seem slight. In his hands were two blossoms of the elanor flower, their beauty glowing in the Captain’s tear filled eyes. He held them out as he spoke softly, “These are for your comrades. They died for Lorien, though their home was in Mirkwood.”

Calenvása was shocked, and simply bowed, murmuring his thanks. It seemed more than enough to the strange elf. He almost smiled, but Calenvása watched the grief overcome him once more. The Lorien elf stepped forward, and kneeled upon the ground. Targil and his Captain watched as the Lorien elf placed the flowers upon the body of Thorvel. The still moist blood soon soaked into its delicate white petals. “Where does your other companion lie?”

“What is your name?” Calenvása asked. “Helkaur,” he strange Lorien elf answered. Then, though the body of Lómarandil lay right next to Thorvel’s, the Mirkwood Captain gestured out across the battlefield in all directions. “Helkaur, our other companions lie here.”

______________

Thank you, Pio, and everyone who participated in this game, for your patience.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

I sincerely hope that there is still time to sneak in this final post (somewhere before Durelin's obviously -- Pio, I leave it to you).

Thanks all fora great game, esp Aman for the great chance to character-build with you once again, Durelin for a fascinating game and, of course, Kransha for the incredible villain!

@^@^@^@^@^@^@^@^

The tide of battle passed over Ambarturion where he lay, and like a rock that resists all waters Megilaes remained with him. The student carried the master into a copse of trees where they could hide from the orcs and Easterlings, but the cover was little necessary when the Elves of the Golden Wood marched forth and put their enemies to flight. There was great slaughter that day, and the waters and fields of the Vale of Anduin ran red and black with the mingling bloods of orc and Elf.

As they watched the battle falter and then fail, and the army of Elves return victorious and yet saddened to the eaves of the Golden Wood, Megilaes and Ambarturion spoke of the days to come.

“I will pass into the West,” the younger Elf said. “With the death of my brother I will never find peace in this Middle-Earth. Perhaps those who live beyond the Sea will give me the comfort I need to forget him.”

“No,” Ambaturion replied softly, “they cannot bring comfort for all losses, or heal all wounds, but they will welcome you for the deeds that you have performed, and will help you take the bitterness from your memories of your brother and teach you how to sing the name of Caranbaith with joy.”

“I hope that this is so, my master. At the very least, I will be happy that our ways will not be parted.”

Ambarturion looked out upon the darkening field and said quietly, “What do you mean by that?”

“Only that I will now be able to join you on the Western Road, my Master. Long have you desired to follow that path, and surely now,” he pointed gently at the ragged stump where Ambarturion’s hand had been cloven off, “you will journey thence for healing?”

Ambarturion looked into the approaching night a long time before answering. “I do not think, Megilaes, that it is my doom to follow that Road. So long have I been seeking it, that I fear I have paid no heed to that which is worthwhile in this world. I feel I must remain here some time and see it for what it is, now that the veil of despair and contempt has been lifted from my eyes. I have thought for so long that I was wise and all knowing of the ways of this world – but I have seen so little of it beyond the eaves of the Golden Wood, and what I have seen I have looked down upon and spurned.” He paused for a time. “No,” he began again, as though answering one in a debate, “I will remain in this place until I am ready to depart upon the straight road. Perhaps such a day will never come, and it will be my doom to remain here and dwindle into a rustic and quaint figure of the woods, little more than a bedtime story for the peoples who will come after and hardly believe the tales of our deeds. If that is what has been laid for me, then I am content.”

And then Megilaes wept bitter tears, for he saw that his master was in earnest, and he sought to return the sword of Gondolin to Ambarturion. But the elder Elf refused it, giving it to his student and bidding him carry it with him into the West. “I know not if such things as this are held in honour there. But if they are, then give it to those who dwell beyond the Sea, and tell them that with it, Megilaes of Lorien avenged the murder of his brother Caranbaith. Tell them, that a champion has come to his deserved rest.”

“My Master,” Megilaes cried out, “I fear that this will be the most bitter parting of all. For I doubt that your way will bring you to the West if you do not follow it now. Where will you find a Road in a land that is growing dark? And where will you find a home in a world that no longer needs us?”

“I know not, Megilaes, for such wisdom is not given to me. I am ancient and mighty, but I do not possess the wisdom of the Noldor.”

“What then will keep you in the long years ahead?”

Ambarturion turned his eyes upon the setting sun and smiled. “Hope,” he said.

[Firefoot]

There have been some powerful parting posts that you all have written. I would like to thank everyone for a great RPG to play in as my first. See you all around!

[piosenniel]

~*~ To Elvenhome ~*~