Wilderness, Weathertop, and Wild Things Discussion Thread

[piosenniel]

Nuranar and Envinyatar invite you to play in their game:

Wilderness, Weathertop, and Wild Things

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Historical Background:

The War of the Ring ended in III 3019 (Year 3019 of the Third Age by the Stewards’ Reckoning Calendar), or 1419 S.R. (by the Shire Reckoning Calendar), when Barad-dûr fell and Sauron passed from Middle-earth.

In III 3021 T.A. (1421S.R.) Frodo and Bilbo and the Keepers of the three remaining Rings of Power leave from the Grey Havens to go over the Sea to the West. This was the end of the Third Age.

For this game it is now the Fourth Age: IV 20 (1441 S.R.) – twenty years since the War of the Ring ended. Samwise Gamgee is Mayor of the Shire now for the third time. Merry (Meriadoc Brandybuck) has become Master of Buckland, and Pippin (Peregrin Took) is Thain of the Shire. Just five years previously (IV 15 – 1436 S.R.), King Elessar had visited the Hills of Evendim, just north of the Shire, and had greeted his old friends at the Brandywine Bridge.

[piosenniel]

You will need to be familiar with the concept of the hidden fastness of the Rangers. Please read these:

Look HERE (http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/tolkien/64660).

“Tolkien actually made a note, now filed among his papers at Marquette University, which stated that Aragorn's people lived in the Angle, between the Bruinen and Mitheithel rivers. The Mitheithel river, as it turns out, does lie about 100 leagues (or 300 miles) east of the Shire.” (From the Article above)

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Hidden Fastness (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=2455&highlight=Rangers+Hidden+Fastness)

The Rangers 'hidden fastness' and #'s – Barrow Downs – by Lindil – Post 13

“I recently came across a quote of David Salo who says that a scrap of writing at Marquette [where all of JRRT's manuscripts [or a lot re: LotR anyway] are kept , and it said that the rangers 'hidden fastness' was in the Angle of the Mitheithel and the Loudwater.” (From the Article above)

[piosenniel]

Here is a map for your use:


MAP (http://perso.wanadoo.fr/hugo1900/MAP-OF-MIDDLE-EARTH-VERSION-7.html)

[piosenniel]

Basic Storyline:

In Year 20 of the Fourth Age Aragorn, King Elessar of Gondor, begins to receive reports of strange things near Weathertop: travelers gone missing, flocks decimated, rumors of fell beasts and strange creatures haunting the woods. Many of the Rangers had fallen in the War of the Ring and many others have gone south to serve their king; thus the northern realm has been largely deprived of its protection. Until now this had mattered little because of the relative peace. Fearing for the safety of the northern realm and especially for the ancient settlement of the Dúnedain at the angle of the Bruinen and Mitheithel rivers, the King sends one Ranger and two Elves to investigate the truth of these reports and to take action, if necessary.

They travel west through Rohan and up the North-South Road to the Inn of the Prancing Pony in Bree, where they must gather together a company to investigate. After collecting supplies, the party mounts a scouting mission to Weathertop, where they are ambushed by several trolls and orcs. Three people are seriously injured, but the orcs have encircled their position and are closing in from the west. The company’s only hope is Rivendell, but the way is long and passes through the Trollshaws. They must fight both orcs and trolls to bring their injured companions to Rivendell to be healed.

[piosenniel]

Starting Location: Gap of Rohan – just after purchasing the horses; then onto The Inn of the Prancing Pony in Bree

Likely Destination: Rivendell

[piosenniel]

Timeframes:

1.)This game takes place during the summer of Year 20 of the Fourth Age.

2.) The Story will take about a month to complete.

3.) This Game will require commitment of 6 weeks for the players and the owners.

~*~

RPG END DATE: 10/21 - 6 WEEKS

EXTENDED 2 WEEKS - TO 11/04

[piosenniel]

CHARACTERS NEEDED:

Main Characters:

2 Dunedain, Rangers of the North - males only (We will meet these two at the Prancing Pony Inn in Bree – they can have the latest news of the stirrings in the countryside; they were the ones who sent the message alerting Elessar.)

NOTE: First Posts for Rangers – Can be about traveling to Bree/arriving at The Prancing Pony from the North Downs (about 100 miles north of Bree and Weathertop where they have heard a number of stories of attacks on farms and travelers in the area – vague stories of Orcs and wolves and bigger things . . .) They arrive at The Prancing Pony just before Envinyatar’s and Nuranar’s party gets there.

1.) Ranger of the North needed – male


2.) Ranger of the North needed - male
~*~

2 Men:

1.) Concerned farmer from Bree needed

NOTE: First Post for Bree farmer - can be about coming into the Inn in Bree and hearing about one of your relative’s farm (lives a way up north in the North Downs) having a good deal of their sheep taken and a few other tales from other patrons in the Inn. He can come into the Prancing Pony while the two Rangers are there – so he will be there before Envinyatar’s and Nuranar’s party arrives.


2.) Man of Rohan needed

Gives them additional news of happenings in the northwest, and decides to travel with them. NOTE: First Post for Man of Rohan – See Nuranar’s 4th Post for the Game for your lead in – you can offer the group your services and ask to go with them.
~*~

2 Elves from Rivendell - male and female They will meet up with Nuranar’s, Envinyatar’s, and the man from Rohan’s characters at a small Inn at Tharbad – where the Greyflood River meets the North South Road (also called The Greenway) and travel from there to Bree. They can bring us news from the Angle, which is near Rivendell, about any increased activity the Rangers in that area have noticed, e.g. an increase of Troll activity.)

NOTE: First Posts for Elves – You have just arrived at the small Inn at Tharbad – The Trade Inn. It might be nice to have a cool drink, discuss your journey briefly, then note the imminent arrival of a Ranger, two Elves, and a man from the Riddermark just down the dusty path.

1.) Elf from Rivendell needed - male


2.) Elf from Rivendell needed – female
~*~

Secondary Characters:

NOTE: First Posts for the ‘bad guys’ – For now – just give us your Character Descriptions. We will PM you a little behind the scenes plot the Orcs have cooked up with the others – Envinyatar will play the part of the Man from Bree who is in cahoots with the Orcs. He’ll send you a little lead in post for your plotting to begin.

1.) 1 Orc chieftain from The Misty Mountains who controls a troop of Orcs (the writer will play this group of Orcs.)


2.) 1 Second in command to the Orc chieftain needed (will also play the group of Orcs)


3.) Fen Sheperdspurse - Man from Bree (a Bill Ferny Type) who is a spy for the Orc chieftain – Envinyatar will play this character


4.) 2 Trolls (writers for these will play their own characters, and one other troll they can invent to carry along with them, for which they don’t need full Character Bios)


1.) Troll needed


2.) Troll needed

[piosenniel]

Envinyatar’s Characters

1.) NAME: Veryadan

AGE: 70

RACE: Men – Northern Dúnedain

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Long-sword, yew longbow, hunting knife; short iron mail shirt, plain iron helm, plain boiled leather vambraces

APPEARANCE: 6’1”(1.5m); 175 lbs(79kg); well muscled, lean; Black hair with some silvered streaks; grey eyes; tanned. Dresses for working in: dark grey leggings and tunic; brown leather belt with a brass buckle; soft leather, well worn, knee high boots; grey cloak flecked with black and dark green. For more formal occasions: black tunic, breeches, and boots, black cloak with a small, old silver brooch with six-pointed star engraved on it.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: A reserved man with a dry sense of humor. Careful in his consideration of problems, he prefers to assess them from all sides. If need be he can make any necessary quick decisions as needed.

Considered a fair man, who expects others to accept the consequences of their actions. He is a realist, and not a romantic. So said, he does lack a certain sense of compassion for those who rail against what life has dealt them.

Avocation: Cartographer – has been to the library in Rivendell many times to check on old references in the maps there. Always carries, when working, a tubular, leather map-case, containing small maps of the various areas he has surveyed and blank paper, pen and quill for sketching new areas.

HISTORY: Born 2969 TA, he is 38 years younger than his King, Aragorn Elessar. Grew up in the Dunedain’s hidden fastness in the Angle. Has two younger sisters, Almiel and Núneth, who are married, with children. They and their families live in Minas Tirith. He is unmarried.

Descended through his father from Estelmo, the squire to Elendur, Isildur’s oldest son. As far back as his family history is remembered, all the males have served as Rangers under the command of the Chieftains. Veryadan’s father served under Arathorn II and his son, Aragorn II. In like manner, Veryadan has served under the command of Aragorn as Chieftain and now as High King.

~*~

Envinyatar’s post - Verydan – 1ST FOR GAME

Veryadan lay on the cot in his sparsely furnished room in the Guard’s Quarters. His cape was thrown over the straight-backed chair at his small desk, mocking him with its memories of the times he had hidden beneath its folds to escape the notice of the enemy. He sighed, turning to his side, his head now elevated on his right hand. One of his larger maps was pinned to the wall, and he traced with his gaze the route he had once taken from Calenhad over the Ered Nimrais to Ethring. There had been reports of increasing numbers of Orcs in the mountainous regions, and he had gone to investigate . . . and eliminate, as he could. Now that had been an interesting foray . . .

He caught himself . . . You are starting to sound like some of the old warriors! Drifting off into dreams of the olden, ‘better’, days! He laughed out loud, startling a sparrow who had come to rest on his window ledge, in hopes of a few crumbs.

‘I beg your pardon, Master Sparrow!’ he said grinning and shaking his head at the discomfited bird. The olden days were only a few short years past, he reminded himself, and I have not reached my dotage yet!’ The bird, appeased by the offer of a small wedge of seedcake, resumed his perch on the window ledge with one wary eye on the now up and pacing Man.

He had been chafing under the duties and expectations of life at court. True, Aragorn . . . No! King Elessar, he reminded himself for the thousandth time . . . had requested the presence of the company of Men who had fought with him, but now there were no foes to fight save the few mice he had seen scurrying to hide behind the arras in the great dining hall or the occasional flying bug that found its way through the open window in his room. And no dark plans to disentangle and avert save for those of his two darling sisters, whose sole purpose it seemed of late was to thrust ‘eligible’ females in his path, at every turn. He had been firm with them, saying he enjoyed their company and the company of their children, and indeed he was all a child could ask for as an uncle. But, that was as far as his desires in that area had gone. In time, perhaps, he thought to himself, when I have had my fill of wandering . . .

^*^

Later that day, seated at his desk, at work on the legend for his newest map, that of the lands just west of the Eastern Sea, in particular Dorwinion, he was annoyed at the discrete knock at his door that broke his concentration and thought to send the offender away with a curt dismissal. A few words heard dimly through the thin door and the sound of a familiar laughed stayed him.

With a grin, he threw open door, and thrust out his ink-stained hand to clasp the arm of the man who stood there, craning his neck beyond him for the source of the familiar laughter . . .

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2.) NAME: Fen Shepherdspurse

AGE: 50

RACE: Man (of Breeland)

GENDER: male

WEAPONS: A twisted yew walking stick with a big knot at the upper end. An oak handled knife with a much sharpened five inch blade, worn in a old leather sheath at his belt. A sling with a pouch of sharp stones also hangs on his belt. A set of pick-locks secreted in the top of his boot.

APPEARANCE: Tall, thin, and twisted looking – much like his walking stick. Spends much of his time hunched over, hiding in shadows. Thinning sandy hair, sallow complexion, a jagged, ill-healed scar on his left cheek gotten in a fight with local farmer and his boys. Dirty appearing – from his scuffed, run down at the heels boots to his raggedy brown stained breeches to his tunic to his once white tunic, now bearing the history of many scrapes, scuffles, and nefarious deeds.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Always on the lookout for an easy takings. Would cheat his own dear mother, save for the fact she is more crafty and wicked than he. A cowardly sneakthief and rumor monger. The sort who likes to ally himself with those who can protect him. But if cornered is a nasty, no holds barred fighter.

HISTORY: Born and raised in Breeland on a hardscrabble little farm, just outside The Chetwood Forest, near the Midgewater Marshes. At age 29, took up with other ruffians and brigands seeking to take advantage of the fear and terror spread by the lengthening shadow from the East. Most of his comrades of those times are now dead, and those few that remain, including Fen, are left to the scorn of their fellow countrymen and whatever ‘odd’ jobs they can pick up for a hot meal and a hay-pile to sleep in . . . that, and of course, the occasional bit of nefarious pursuits to line their pockets with what coin they can.

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Envinyatar’s post – Fen Sheperdspurse

‘Well, look what just slunk in, would ya.’ Matty Thistleseed nudged his companion at the Pony’s bar, his chin rising just slightly in the direction of the sallow fellow who’d come in through the door. His head ducked quickly back toward his drink and he wrapped his cloak tighter about him as the newcomer’s greasy haired head swiveled toward him.

Fen Sheperdspurse grinned at the man’s discomfort. Or rather his lips twisted into a gruesome imitation of grin – a sort of ghastly rictus caught halfway between a snarl and a sneer. Others of the present inhabitants of the common room looked at him coldly as he passed their tables, on the way to far corner booth. Many of them muttered imprecations at his presence, their hands clutching at their purses in fear they would disappear if Fen’s shadow slid over them in passing. And well they might fear, save for the fact that Fen was feeling flush today, his purse replete with a jumble of silver and copper coins he’d just last night “come into”.

Seated at last in the dim corner booth, Fen thunked his yew would stick twice on the floor to catch a passing server’s attention. One bony finger pushed a silver penny to the edge of the table, his ragged, dirty fingernail tapping insistently on it. The server came close enough to snatch the penny, stepping back quickly to avoid the touch of Fen’s hand. ‘A pint of ale, boy. And one of new baked loaves with a wedge of Archet cheddar.’ He fixed the server with a knowing leer. ‘And none of that with the moldy rind just peeled off. I’m onto your tricks, you hear!’

Fen drew back into the shadows as he waited for his drink and meal. His eyes slid about the room taking in the ‘usuals’ and the more interesting newcomers. A pair of Rangers occupied a table across the room from him. They both sat facing toward the room, their gaze darting here and there as they spoke quietly to each other. Why were they here, he wondered. Seeking someone? Seeking news?

One of the men’s eyes narrowed as he spied the dim figure in the far corner, causing Fen to shift further back into the dark protection of the booth. His hand sought his coin pouch and stuffed it far into the pocket of his breeches. The coins clinked as he did so, and fear sprang up that perhaps the Ranger had heard them. He preferred not to have to explain how they’d come into his possession.

‘Plenty more where those come from,’ his new “acquaintance” had told him.

Fen smirked at the thought of his present employer coming into the Inn for a pint. ‘Serve those goody-goody’s right,’ he snorted.

From out the window, a familiar face intruded upon his thoughts – there was that henpecked Andas Loudewater just coming up the path to the Inn . . . and in the distance behind him was a curious group. He could but barely make them out if he squinted against the lowering sun. Another Ranger, it looked . . . and a man riding near him. And there, much to his disgust, rode four Elves on their fine horses. Fen spit on the ground, his brow beetled, as he calculated just how much he might get for such a horse, should it go ‘missing’ . . .

[piosenniel]

Nuranar’s Characters

1.) NAME: Tarondo, ‘lofty stone’

AGE: 521

RACE: Sylvan Elf - born in Mirkwood

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Tarondo’s preferred weapon is the hand-and-a-half sword that belonged to his father. Very tall and unexpectedly quick on his feet, he is a dangerous swordfighter. Even by the standards of Men, however, he is no more than a competent archer and does not carry his own bow. An ordinary hunting knife is his only other weapon.

APPEARANCE: Tarondo is 6’6” and seems taller, for although broad-shouldered, he is lean rather than powerful in build. He has dark hair and merry grey eyes, and his tanned face is usually animated. He is left-handed, but discovered long ago the usefulness of being able to use both hands. Now he is nearly as dexterous with his right as with his left. Tarondo usually wears a faded green tunic of heavy linen and well-fitting trousers tucked into soft boots. These boots, laced to the knee (similar to Apache moccasins), he makes for himself and his sister. Over his tunic he wears a worn deerskin jerkin, a sword belt, and vambraces.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Tarondo is a cheerful, good-natured young Elf, curious and eager to discover for himself everything in Middle-earth. Although born under the trees, he yearns more for the open lands. He is a good hunter and tracker, having learned much from the northern Rangers. He and his sister are traveling companions and seem to “liven things up” wherever they go with their merry, bantering ways. At the same time Tarondo is very keenly aware of his surroundings; vigilance is for him instinctive. He is not suspicious, but careful. His constant wariness prevents him from ever truly relaxing. He does enjoys company and can be genuinely open around people – but only to a point. At times his sister’s friendly sincerity both aggravates and angers him. He is always ready to check her when she grows heedless, and in his anxiety he can be harsh.

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

2.) NAME: Luinien, ‘blue maiden’

AGE: 476

RACE: Sylvan Elf - born in Mirkwood

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: Luinien usually carries a sword-hilted dirk at her side. It is a light and effective weapon which she uses as a sword at need. She is an excellent archer, although her bow is quite ordinary, if a tad large for her stature. Nevertheless she keeps herself in training and is both careful and precise with it. She carries it and her belt quiver when traveling (and hunting), but rarely at other times. She also has a small, single-edged throwing knife. It is nearly always with her, and she rarely troubles to conceal it.

APPEARANCE: Luinien is shorter than most Elven women, standing about 5’8.” Trim and well-proportioned, she is not overly slender and has the lissom strength of an archer. Her hip-length hair is true black, glossy and glinting bluely. She usually wears it in two braids, sometimes pinned up out of the way. Her eyes are grey and her skin fair, although slightly tanned and rosy-cheeked from her outdoors life. She usually wears a fine woolen gown of golden brown, its full skirt falling only to her lower calf and split for riding astride. Beneath it she wears ordinary trousers and high moccasins made by her brother. A deep blue silken sash is wound about her waist, and over it the belt from which hangs her dirk. She wears gloves for both riding and shooting, and has a heavy knee-length cloak for cold weather.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Luinien is always laughing. She likes people, enjoys meeting them and getting to know them. She also likes exploring the wide spaces of Middle-earth with her brother Tarondo, although her love for the land is not equal to his. She has been in tough spots before and is no mean opponent. However, Luinien lacks his highly developed instinct for danger; although sensitive to atmosphere and quick to act at need, she tends to be relaxed, even careless. Sometimes she resents Tarondo’s comparative reserve and the restraint he places on her. Nonetheless she trusts his judgment implicitly, for she knows his ability to size up situations and make the best decision. Knowing that he will never order her except when the need is sharp, she responds with instant obedience when he does – although she doesn’t forget and lets him know her displeasure later.

~*~

COMBINED HISTORY:

Tarondo and Luinien’s father was killed at the Battle of Five Armies. A year later they traveled with their grieving mother to the Grey Havens, where she tried to convince them to leave with her. However, their journey had filled Tarondo with the desire to see and explore all the wide lands. Luinien loved her mother dearly, but she was also caught by his enthusiasm. Unwilling to compel her children, their mother gave her blessing and sailed alone.

The brother and sister roamed over Eregion together. When tired of wandering, Luinien joined the Elves of Rivendell, or sometimes the remnant of the Dunedain in their settlement. At these times Tarondo went farther afield, sometimes alone, sometimes with the Rangers. When war threatened they went back to Mirkwood to aid in its defense, and afterward were among the Elves brought to dwell in Ithilien. Since then, they have assisted the men of Gondor in eradicating the scattered servants of the Enemy from that land.

The bond between brother and sister has been strengthened and tested through the challenges of their lives. Their closeness, born of labor and danger and sacrifice, renders them a formidable team to oppose. However, they remain joyful and merry, loving to sing and play games. Mislead by their bantering veneer, light and teasing, the undiscerning usually dismiss them as inexperienced youngsters.


~*~

Nuranar’s post ---- 2ND FOR GAME

Two Elves stood in the narrow corridor. “Why – how – how dare you!” the young female protested to her laughing companion. “Tarondo, you – I never—”

“There you are, Veryadan!” Tarondo interrupted his sister, catching sight of him as the door opened. “We were just discussing the last time we had seen you. Wasn’t it when Luinien fell off her horse into the creek?” the Elf continued, a rascally twinkle in his eye
.
Grinning, Veryadan stepped forward. “Was that how it was? I seem to remember seeing quite a splash…”

“Oh – you two suit each other!” Luinien turned and stormed dramatically down the corridor, her sky-blue gown trailing grandly. At the corner she stopped. “Come along, children,” she teased, a smile breaking through. “We mustn’t keep the King waiting!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“It pleases me to hear you are settled in Ithilien, at least for a time,” Veryadan said as they strode up the street. “But why does the King want to see us?”

“Because he wants to, that’s why,” answered Tarondo. “As for why—ow!” he broke off, stubbing his toe on an uneven step.

“Serves you right,” Luinien said unsympathetically, then turned to the still-perplexed Ranger. “Surely you have heard stories of the violence up north, along the Great East Road past Bree. Rumors of travelers who are never heard from again, entire flocks and herds vanishing, even several outlying farmsteads destroyed.”

“I have heard,” Veryadan nodded. “The merchants are growing apprehensive about traveling anywhere near there, even as far west as Lake Evendim.”

“I fear that some threat has re-arisen in the absence of the Rangers,” Tarondo resumed, frowning. “It may even threaten the settlement at the Angle. We think the King will send us north to discover what is truly happening.”

“So what do you think we will find?” the Elf-maid questioned pertly, after a short silence. “A dragon or two, perhaps? I think we’re about due for another one to show up.”

Tarondo narrowed his eyes at her flippancy. “Petty bandits, more likely, or some others of the Enemy’s servants, out for themselves. Perhaps even orcs,” he concluded heavily.

“Now that would be fun,” Veryadan said, a new note of interest in his voice. Tarondo looked at him curiously, but no one spoke again until they reached the White Tower.

[piosenniel]

Envinyatar’s post – 3RD FOR GAME

Envinyatar’s post – The King’s request

Elessar was busy with his Minister of Trade when they arrived at the hall. A serving man ushered them into a small, sparsely appointed waiting room and after a while yet another brought in a tray with a small ewer of chilled wine and three cups. Veryadan poured them each a drink, then paced about the room. ‘It’s been twenty years since the War ended,’ he said, fingering the thin and somewhat frayed about the edge tapestry that hung on one wall – some scene of old, one of the stewards, he thought. ‘Twenty years,’ he continued, ‘and this place still looks like the spare quarters we kept as Rangers.’ He nodded at the plain, uncushioned wood chairs. ‘And look at those! You’d think that . . .’

‘I like to keep my visitors just a little on the uncomfortable side.’

Veryadan and the Elves turned from their perusal of the room to see the familiar figure leaning casually against the door frame, watching them. His grey eyes glinted with amusement that they had been caught critiquing the appointments of the room.

Elessar motioned for them to follow him to his private office on the second floor and bade them enter. The door was shut securely behind them by the guard behind them. And once they were comfortable in their chairs he sat on the edge of his desk looking at each of them. ‘I’ve had an increasing number of unsettling reports come in over the past few months,’ he began, ‘of an escalation of attacks on livestock and travelers in Eriador. At first they seemed random – the last dregs of whatever ruffians escaped our notice. But now they seem to happen with a greater frequency and on a greater scale. And sightings of strange creatures, fell creatures, are being reported. I’m especially concerned because most of out troops of Rangers have been withdrawn from that region since it showed signs of settling in peacefully into the Kingdom. There are few left there to stand between any remnants of shadow that might remain.’ He paused for a moment, considering his next words. ‘I also fear that eventually, with Rivendell’s folk for the most part gone West, whoever is behind this malicious actions may take it into his head to overrun the Rangers’ hidden fastness in the Angle. There are still a number of families there – but not enough men to protect them should a concerted attack come.’

‘What would you have us do?’ asked Veryadan, leaning forward, his brow furrowed at what the King had said.

‘I want you three to travel north to Breeland to find out what is happening around the area of Weathertop. Take what action you can against the ones who are the troublemakers, taking care to keep yourselves and what companions you might bring with you as safe as possible. I’d rather have you back here with a report for me, than for you to go haring off after some wicked foe who will easily overpower you.’ Elessar picked up a rolled vellum writ and handed it to Tarondor. It was a writ directing them to be allowed to search out where they wished for the source of the problem and to enlist those whom they needed to assist them.

‘And when would you wish us to start for Amon Sul?’ asked Luinien.

‘Today . . . if I could make that happen. But since that will not be possible, just see my Minister of the Treasury this afternoon for funds. I’ve already spoken with him, and he should have them ready by midafternoon at the latest. And the quartermaster for the City guards will also await your visit – he’s put together supplies for you at my request. Tomorrow, at dawn, breakfast will await you in the Guards’ quarters, and then you should be on your way.’ The guard at the door rapped lightly and opening it announced that there was someone to see the King on some pressing matter.

Elessar stood and bid the three farewell, dismissing them with his hope that their mission would prove fruitful. They bowed and took their leave of him saying they would see it through as he wished . . .

[piosenniel]

Nuranar’s post --------------- 4TH FOR GAME

Traffic along the road from Minas Tirith through Rohan had increased greatly in the twenty years since the king’s return. The three riders, traveling quickly but not with haste, passed numerous people on foot, farmers with wagons, and men driving flocks and herds to market. Periodically they came upon small merchant caravans of heavy wains, and once a patrol of Riders swept around them.

After several days, the travelers stopped in a small village for fresh supplies, thinking to save their waybread and dried meat for the less-settled lands beyond the Gap. Tarondo found himself delegated to procure bread – “As fresh as possible, and make sure it’s wrapped up well!” – while Veryadan and Luinien went to the market for fruits and early vegetables.

He wandered aimlessly about the square for several minutes, oblivious to the stares of villagers not yet accustomed to the sight of an Elf. Finally, by dint of following his nose, he discovered a small bakery in a street just off the square.

“Good day to you, sir!” he greeted the baker, shrouded in a large apron and liberally sprinkled with flour. He had been a large man, though now stooped with age, but out of his wrinkled face gazed clear grey eyes. “May I buy half a dozen loaves? And my sister would like them to be ‘wrapped up well’ – whatever that may mean,” he confessed with a grin.

“Certainly, sir.” The old man moved swiftly, swathing the hot bread in clean cloths and packing them into the saddlebags Tarondo had brought. “Whither are you bound?” he asked, glancing keenly at his customer.

“Oh, for the northlands, far away from here,” Tarondo said carelessly. It was his habit not to give away too much information – just in case. Yet they still needed to find good men to join their mission. “I have come from Mundburg. My companions and I have been sent on an errand by the King Elessar.”

“Then I wish you a safe journey and success on your errand,” the baker said, handing him his bags. “And any friend of the King will always be welcome here!”

Tarondo thanked him warmly and left the shop. He was gazing into the market, searching for his sister and the Ranger, when he felt a firm hand on his shoulder.

“Sir, I heard what you said to Aldor. May I speak to you about it?”

[piosenniel]

AGAIN - CHARACTERS NEEDED:

Main Characters:

2 Dunedain, Rangers of the North - males only (We will meet these two at the Prancing Pony Inn in Bree – they can have the latest news of the stirrings in the countryside; they were the ones who sent the message alerting Elessar.)

NOTE: First Posts for Rangers – Can be about traveling to Bree/arriving at The Prancing Pony from the North Downs (about 100 miles north of Bree and Weathertop where they have heard a number of stories of attacks on farms and travelers in the area – vague stories of Orcs and wolves and bigger things . . .) They arrive at The Prancing Pony just before Envinyatar’s and Nuranar’s party gets there

1.) 1 Ranger of the North needed – male


2.) 1 Ranger of the North needed - male
~*~

2 Men:

1.) 1 Concerned farmer from Bree needed

NOTE: First Post for Bree farmer - can be about coming into the Inn in Bree and hearing about one of your relative’s farm (lives a way up north in the North Downs) having a good deal of their sheep taken and a few other tales from other patrons in the Inn. He can come into the Prancing Pony while the two Rangers are there – so he will be there when Envinyatar’s and Nuranar’s party arrives.


2.) 1 Man of Rohan needed

Gives them additional news of happenings in the northwest, and decides to travel with them. NOTE: First Post for Man of Rohan – See Nuranar’s 4th Post for the Game for your lead in – you can offer the group your services and ask to go with them.
~*~

2 Elves from Rivendell - male and female They will meet up with Nuranar’s, Envinyatar’s, and the man from Rohan’s characters at a small Inn at Tharbad – where the Greyflood River meets the North South Road (also called The Greenway) and travel from there to Bree. They can bring us news from the Angle, which is near Rivendell, about any increased activity the Rangers in that area have noticed, e.g. an increase of Troll activity.)

NOTE: First Posts for Elves – You have just arrived at the small Inn at Tharbad – The Trade Inn. It might be nice to have a cool drink, discuss your journey briefly, then note the imminent arrival of a Ranger, two Elves, and a man from the Riddermark just down the dusty path.

1.) 1 Elf from Rivendell needed – male


2.) 1 Elf from Rivendell needed – female

About Elves in Shire RPG's:

Please use this description from Tolkien when crafting an Elf:

Return of the King – Appendix F: Tolkien’s description for the Quendi (The Speakers) – the name given to the Elves by themselves after they first awoke in Middle-earth.

“They were a race high and beautiful, the older Children of the world, and among them the Eldar were as Kings, who now are gone: the People of the Great Journey, the People of the Stars. They were tall, fair of skin and grey-eyed, though their locks were dark, save in the golden house of Finrod; and their voices had more melodies than any mortal voice that is now heard . . .”

Please use this as a guideline for describing your Elven character’s appearance.

~*~

Secondary Characters:

NOTE: First Posts for the ‘bad guys’ – For now – just give us your Character Descriptions. We will PM you a little behind the scenes plot the Orcs have cooked up with the others – Envinyatar will play the part of the Man from Bree who is in cahoots with the Orcs. He’ll send you a little lead in post for your plotting to begin.

1.) 1 Orc chieftain from The Misty Mountains who controls a troop of Orcs (the writer will play this group of Orcs.)


2.) 1 Second in command to the Orc chieftain needed (will also play the group of Orcs)


3.) Fen Sheperdspurse - Man from Bree (a Bill Ferny Type) who is a spy for the Orc chieftain – Envinyatar will play this character


4.) 2 Trolls (writers for these will play their own characters, and one other troll they can invent to carry along with them, for which they don’t need full Character Bios)


1.) Troll needed


2.) Troll needed

[piosenniel]

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

1.) It is a requirement that all potential game players in the Shire will have posted in The Green Dragon Inn or have played to completion an RPG on the Barrow Downs.

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

Character Description Form:

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

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

List them, please:

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES/NO
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME:

AGE:

RACE:

GENDER:

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

APPEARANCE:

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

HISTORY:

__________________________________


First post:


----------

Note about First Posts for your Characters

** Except for the Secondary Character players **

All other players are required to submit a First Post WITH your Character Description. Please re-read the “Characters Needed” list for suggestions about your First Post.

Your Character Bios will be returned to you if not accompanied by the First Post.

[piosenniel]

The Discussion Thread is now open to take on players.

Please read the proposal carefully and create a needed character, with First Post, as designated, to submit for consideration.

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator

[Meneltarmacil]

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs?
Yes (Resettling the Lost Kingdom, The Hills of Evendim)

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

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn
Yes
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Thoronmir

AGE: 71

RACE: Human (Northern Dunedain)

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Longsword, long knife, shortbow and quiver with 20 arrows, boiled leather breastplate and vambraces

APPEARANCE: About 6'2" tall, has dark hair with a hint of red that is beginning to show signs of gray, wears a dark green cloak, has a scruffy look, rides a tall brown horse.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: He is quite good at fighting, although he usually prefers a peaceful solution to a conflict. However, if he has no choice but combat, he usually winds up winning. He cares deeply for those under his protection and does not want to see any harm come to them. His best weapon is the sword.

HISTORY: He grew up in the Hills of Evendim along with his friends. He participated in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields and the Battle of the Morannon in T.A. 3019, when almost all of his friends were slain. After returning to Evendim, he helped to stop two incursions of evil men into the region, taking the leadership of the Dunedain of Evendim in F.A, 12. He has since helped in the rebuilding of the Kingdom of Arnor and the restoration of Annuminas.
__________________________________


Meneltarmacil’s post

Thoronmir mounted his horse and resumed the journey toward Bree. It had been about a week since he and his companion had left Evendim to meet the emissaries from King Elessar, and he hoped that they would be able to help with the problems he had been experiencing. Things hadn’t been going well at all for the last few months. Reports came in to Annuminas day after day about mysterious disappearances of livestock from farms near the Weather Hills and the surrounding regions, and lately people were reportedly disappearing as well. Thoronmir had sent out a few rangers to scout out the area, but none of them had come back after weeks of waiting. Thoronmir was glad indeed to hear that his message to Gondor had been received and that people were on their way to help. Due to the important nature of the problem and the need for it to be discussed and find a working solution as quickly as possible, Thoronmir felt it necessary that he should go to Bree himself instead of sending an emissary and that he and his companion should make the journey on horseback instead of walking, as time was more important than secrecy here. He had seen enough death at the Pelennor Fields; he did not want any more coming here.

Thoronmir and his companion rode eastward until they had reached the southwestern part of the North Downs. From there they would continue to ride east until they met the Greenway and then turn southward toward Bree. They passed through a gap in the hills, a narrow passage that was wide enough for two, maybe three horses to walk side by side. Thoronmir’s horse stopped suddenly in the middle of the passage, tossed back his head, and snorted.

“What is it?” Thoronmir asked. “Is something wrong?” Suddenly, he too heard the sound. He listened intently. There were footsteps of five, maybe six individuals somewhere up ahead and a little higher up.

“Thoronmir?” his companion asked.

“We’re not alone…” the older ranger said.

__________________________________________________ _______________

[Envinyatar]

Welcome, Meneltarmacil and all others looking at this proposal!

Both Nuranar and I will be looking at your submission and will get back to you shortly.

Looking forward to playing this game!

- E -

[Dragon Elf odin Ragnorock]

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs?
Yes- The Resistance

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

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn
Yes

For your character please include:

Name: Menecar

Age: 49

RACE: Human (Northern Dunedain)

Gender: Male

Weapons: Longbow, 40 arrows, 2 long knives, 10 throwing knives, a leather breastplate and a shoulder armguard

Appearance: A tall man about 6’3”, long dark hair down to his chin, brown eyes, and he wears a green cloak and rides his horse Agamenon.

Personality/ Strengths/ Weaknesses: He is one of the nicest people you would ever meet and a best friend to most of his allies, but if you are his enemy then just to put it simply you’re a “Dead Man Walking”. His strengths are that he is a very adaptable warrior and a great marksman. The only thin that is better than him at marksmanship is an elf. His only weakness is that he is not a good close range fighter.

History: Menecar grew up in the hills of Evendim along with his friends and family. He was about 20 when the war of the ring started. He thought that he was a little to under skilled to fight in the battle of Pelennor fields so he stayed back as a hunter where he sharpened his marksmanship. Very soon he was one of the best hunter his village had, and that is when he had decided to become a ranger. He was an apprentice to Thoronmir for about ten years. When the teacher decided that he was good enough to be out on his own, but he never left his teacher. They became hunting buddies and best friends. Until Thoronmir had to go to rebuild the kingdom of Arnor. Then they when their separate ways, and Menecar has led a full and peaceful life hunting and providing for his village.

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Dragon Elf odin Ragnorock's post

After a semi peaceful night Menecar woke up to the sound of birds chirping and a great day for traveling with his companion. It was a peaceful day has begun with the sun shining through the trees. They had a half a days travel by Horse to Bree left to go.

“Do you think that there will be people waiting for us to arrive at the Prancing Pony?” asked Menecar’s companion.

“I think there would be I don’t think that King Elessar would let two Rangers do this alone,” said Menecar.

Suddenly Menecar heard the sound of leaves moving in the woods. He stoped to listen, and to see if he heard the sound again. Sure enough there it was again, but it sounded louder as if the thing or things were getting closer. He looks over at his companion to see if he heared the same sound. But he dose not look like he has. Menecar rode over to him and says:

“Do you not hear the sound of leaves?”

“the sound is drawing closer.” said Menecar


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[Saurreg]

Character Description Form:

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

Roll Out the Barrows

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

None

List them, please:

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Andas Loudewater (The “concerned” farmer from Bree)

AGE: 42

RACE: Lesser Men

GENDER: Male

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

Double-edged dagger that measures thirteen inches long from top of the pommel to the blade tip. The blade is nine inches long and made of low quality steel, constant oiling and sharpening keeps it in good condition. The hilt is four inches long and made of brass. Dirt-stained linen strips are wounded around the grip of the hilt. A badly discolored leather sheath houses the blade.

APPEARANCE:

5’9” (around 176m) tall and about 155 pounds (around 70 kg) in weight. Has the physique and stamina of a middle-aged man who engages in routine farming activities. Light frame with a lightly hunched back. Spots a messy crop of dark brown hair and long graying sideburns, hair worn above shoulder length. Unhealthy pale complexion that betrays traces of blemishes and discolorations easily. Thin elongated poke-marked face with noticeably high cheekbones, beaky nose with pronounced ridge and pair of dull brown eyes. Thin lips and sharp angular jaw-line. Has receding hairline, signs of premature balding. (reads like a “have you seen him?” notice, no?)

Wearing a loose-fitting oak brown cotton tunic, baggy trousers of the same color and a maroon-brown cope with long sleeves.

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

Boring, likes no disruptions or unusual happenings to intrude onto his routine life. Timid, cares little for adventures or any out-of-the-blue experiences. Likes no surprises. Prefers normal non-hazardous activities, thank you. Boring, yes, just boring.

Nifty with his hands and just enough street smarts to go around. Not overtly xenophobic over out-of-towners but rather, suspiciously observant. Can be pretty sarcastic and rude when displeasured…

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES (After Mid-life crisis): The new Andas Loudewater is quite different from the old. with the onset of MLC, his temperament is more mercurial and he is subjected to extreme variations of moodswings. He feels like a man reborn with a second chance to make things "right"

From time to time, the old Loudewater may resurface. But on the whole, he is far more spontaneous and more of a go-getter.

HISTORY:

Hailing from a line of independent Bree land owners, Loudewater has been a farmer and livestock breeder for all his life. Married for over 24 years without children, Loudewater has made it his lifelong mission to tend to his legumes, cabbages and fowls to the best of his capacity (he takes pride in his profession) and to dodge what incidents he can (refer to personality or rather, lack of personality section)

Life has been adequate and so far rewarding for this simple farmer with simple tastes. But recent events are starting to worry him… Not any more.

Introducing mid-life crisis.
__________________________________

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Saurreg's post

The pain. It’s long deathly fingers puncture the skin, slithers through the ribcage and seizes your heart. Strong fingers close so tightly that your blood vessels start to burst and your body begins to convulse. A cold chill caresses your spine, numbs your senses and send you into shock. Darkness covers your eyes…

Andas signed aloud to himself as he continues his best to read yesterday’s edition of the village routine orders in the dimly illuminated room; community fees going up next month. The poor weather did little to comfort his mind. Helga’s loud shrill voice continued booming from the back of the kitchen, she was ranting about his spectacular inability to perform the easiest of household chores now,

“And how many times do I have to tell you? Reds don’t go into the wash tub with the whites! Now look what you’ve done! Another braccae spoilt! What’s wrong with you? Can’t you…”

The pain. It picks you up and smothers you in a deadly embrace. It plucks the soul from the very core of your being with cruel fingers, pops it into a black bottomless maw and chews. It bites and sucks the juice that is your personality, your aspirations, your hopes and relishes it. Once done, it spits out what remains of your incorporeal form and rub it into the dirt with a heavy suffocating foot…

Helga was done with nitpicking Andas’ poor housekeeping skills and was now relating to him the events that occurred during the morning’s trip to the market. Andas squirmed uncomfortably in the overstuffed armchair and tried to read, dull brown eyes darting left from right; another sheep missing, Old Grant defaulting on insurance. Still, nothing could dull the formidable voice box of Helga’s,

“Rosy Parker was at the fishmonger’s today and Gregory was with her. Oh, he was such a dear thing! Carrying her heavy baskets and buying those expensive white flowers from that Monty lad to surprise and such…

Now how come you don’t do those things for me?!”

The pain. Helga was pain. Helga was pain personified. And nothing could stop Helga, not even hail nor brimstone could deny the awe-inspiring phenomenon that was Helga ****ed…

It was now or never. Andas knew his moment had come.

“IS THAT YOU PRAND?!” He shouted aloud suddenly to no one in particular,
\
“WHAT’S THAT?! YOU WANT TO TALK TO ME?! YOU WANT ME TO COME OUT?! IT’S IMPORTANT?!”

Every word forcefully enunciated.

The disembodied voice of Helga’s queried,

“Why are you shouting Andas? Did you say Prand is here? Why don’t you invite him in?”

A turning point has been reached and the wheels in Andas’ head turned faster,

“WHAT’S THAT PRAND?! YOU CAN’T COME IN BECAUSE YOUR SHOES ARE ALL MUDDY?!”

Meet Helga the cleanliness freak.

“OK PRAND! OK! I’M COMING OUT NOW! HERE I GO!”

With surprisingly quick reflexes, Andas pulled his body off the armchair, sprinted across the room and grabbed his belt and cope from the coats hanger.

“I’m going out to see what Prand wants, dear! Could take a while! Don’t wait up for me! Love yah, bye bye!”

Before Helga could reply, Andas swung open the front door leapt out and slammed it shut. Liberation never felt better.

It was dusk and ominous dark clouds were already forming overhead in the north. Andas was hungry and from the looks of it, he also needed a roof overhead soon too. And he knew just where to go in situations like this.

Adjusting his belt and getting into his cope, Andas Loudewater stepped onto the gravel skewed dirt path and marched briskly over to The Prancing Pony…

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[Envinyatar]

Welcome, Dragon Elf (I hope you don't mind my shortening your name! It was either that or DEoR. :) ) and Saurreg. Happy to have your submissions to the game.

As I said above - both Nuranar and I will look over your submissions and let you know if there are any changes needed.

- E -

[rutslegolas]

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES-Which one?
- A Land to call their Own

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

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Aidwain Longleaf

AGE: 450

RACE: Elf ( Rivendell)

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS - He carries a long bow made out of the trees found in the valley of Rivendell and also a quiver of arrows,He also carries a short knife as in the fashion of all elves and a short dagger hidden in his boots


APPEARANCE: He is a tall 6'6 elf ,lean and does not seem to be strong but which he is as his opponents seem to find out too late,he has blonde shoulder length hair,and cool and calm grey eyes , he wears as all elves do green tunic and well fitted trousers tucked into boots which are rather heavy most unusual in elves,he wears no armor lest it interfere with his aim while drawing his mighty bow.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Aidwain is a good natured elf but not at all merry as you would expect of elves ,he is always very grim and serious ,not liking company but prefered to be let alone ,but he always is good friend in need when you need him ,always helping others but never laughing.He is very keen eyed and adapts to any surroundings preety well using them for winning an upper hand in battle,but he has a short temper which sometimes makes him more enemies than friends.


HISTORY: Aidwain was born as well as raised up in Rivendell,he has been roaming the lands with the armies of Elrond ever since he could wield a bow, a grim and battle hardened warrior .
__________________________________

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rutslegolas post

Aidwain had travelled with his friend from Rivendell for days, after the war he had travelled a lot less so he wished to roam about the land where his forefathers so long lived. At last after wandering in the wilderness for so long they had come to Tharbad.

They stepped in a good inn called the Trade Inn to rest for the day.
" Hey, there you, can me and my friend have drink of cool water ?" called Aidwain to the Barman.

" A drink of cool water my lords and lamb stew would go down good I suppose?" called out the Barman.

"Yes very well," said Aidwain. " I haven't had anything proper to eat since that Inn we stooped at, and that was 15 days ago," Aidwain said to his companion.
But she only nodded in apprehension and said," The number of orcs and trolls has certainly gone up since the end of war near the Angle hasn't it Aidwain ?"

The Barman had arrived with their food and drink, so Aidwain could not reply. But he did notice the arrival of a Ranger, two Elves, and a man from the Riddermark just down the dusty path towards the Inn, and he wondered what would such unusual companions would be up to in this land......

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[piosenniel]

rutslegolas

Sorry, I should have put this onto the proposal form:

About Elves in Shire RPG's:

Please use this description from Tolkien when crafting an Elf:

Return of the King – Appendix F: Tolkien’s description for the Quendi (The Speakers) – the name given to the Elves by themselves after they first awoke in Middle-earth.

“They were a race high and beautiful, the older Children of the world, and among them the Eldar were as Kings, who now are gone: the People of the Great Journey, the People of the Stars. They were tall, fair of skin and grey-eyed, though their locks were dark, save in the golden house of Finrod; and their voices had more melodies than any mortal voice that is now heard . . .”

Please use this as a guideline for describing your Elven character’s appearance.

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You will need to change your character's eye color to grey or if you wish, the Shire RPG's will accept a grey blue color.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator

[rutslegolas]

thanks piosenniel ,i will do it at once.

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EDIT: Thanks! ~*~ Pio

[Esgallhugwen]

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES- Which one? The Hills of Evendim, Breelander's All, Search For Rhûn.

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

List them, please:

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Silrûth

AGE: 701

RACE: Rivendell Elf

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: Long bow, quiver of golden feathered arrows, well forged short sword, two throwing daggers hidden in her boots.

APPEARANCE: Silrûth stands at exactly 6 feet, with long golden hair and sharp quick grey eyes. A scar from an orc attack runs under her chin but is barely noticible except when she cranes her head upward. She wears a light green tunic trimmed in gold and dark leggings (she finds dresses to hinder her movement in the wildernes) with high light weight boots where she keeps her two throwing daggers.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Silrûth is calm and collected and has a kind if shy disposition. She is extemely adept with the bow and short sword that she carries with her, and she is a force to be reckoned with when angry. Her strength lies in her grace and her skill but her emotions can get the best of her if not checked.

HISTORY: She was born and raised in Rivendell, being the only child in her family she was taught the bow and the sword by her Father though her Mother outspokenly disapproved, thinking it was too dangerous and that a daughter should have other duties. When the War of the Ring came upon her people she fought with the passion of her race. But now little of her people have stayed going into the West forever. She lingers in Imladris, though she wanders here and there looking to aid Man in destroying the remnants of Orcs and other foul creatures that still plague Middle- Earth.

__________________________________

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Esgallhugwen's post

Silrûth rode along on her silver white mare, content, beside her companion. It was days after they left Imladris on horse and now she could see that they neared their destination.

They came to the Trade Inn at Tharbad for a brief rest, she was sitting down when her male counterpart called to the barman, " Hey, there you, can me and my friend have a drink of cool water ?".

"A drink of cool water and lamb stew for the lord and lady would go down good I suppose?" the barman called back, then scurried off to fetch the order. Her companion waved him on and turned to her saying, " I haven't had anything proper to eat since that Inn we stopped at, and that was 15 days ago".

Silrûth only shook her golden head, "The number of Orcs and Trolls has most certainly gone up since the end of the War near the Angle hasn't it Aidwain ?" the mere thought of those foul creatures made her body tense and she sneered in disgust. Aidwain was about to reply when the barman came bustling up with the food and drink, he closed his mouth and sat across from Silrûth.

At that moment he turned his head in curiosity and Silrûth followed his gaze. Out of the window they could both see four companions leading their horses up the path to the Inn, a Ranger, a man of Rohan and two Elves.

She took two spoonfuls of stew and a sip of water, waiting for the four to enter the Inn. She felt they would meet very soon.

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[Envinyatar]

Welcome rutslegolas and Esgallhugwen!

As I mentioned before, both Nuranar and I will be looking over your submissions and getting back to you on them as needed. Thanks for trying out for the game!

- E -

[Sarin Mithrilanger]

EDIT BY PIO -

NOTE: THIS CHARACTER NOT IN PLAY

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Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES- The Land of Darkness.

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

List them, please: The Land of Darkness.

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES.
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Zurt

AGE: 40 ( Not sure on Troll ages)

RACE: Troll

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Club, and short sword.

APPEARANCE: Bald with eyes sunken underneath a massive brow. His face is marked with scars and his teeth are jagged. He wears crude leather armor and torn pants with massive black boots.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: He is easily tempered and likes to boss others around. He wants to be the leader of whoever he travels with. He does not scare easily but he isn't very bright. (To troll standards) He prefers brawn to brains.

HISTORY: Zurt has spent most of his time praying on animals and anyone foolish enough to stray near Weathertop. He has made a small stash of food and gems in a smal cave he made in the side of Weathertop. This stash is very small.
__________________________________

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Sarin Mithrilanger's post

Zurt was sitting by a small fire with another troll eating roast mutton, when he heard a rustling in the brush. Upon inspection in was just a rabbit.

Not even enough for a mouthful, he thought. He slumped back down wishing that something would happen.

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[Nuranar]

I am so excited to be getting this game off the ground. It's been in the works for over two years! I apologize for not posting sooner - my schedule went haywire just slightly, and I wasn't able to get online at the opportune moment. ;) Many thanks to Envinyatar for keeping on top of the discussion! *bows*

I've read everyone's bios and posts with great enjoyment. I've been consulting with Envinyatar, so here goes:

Meneltarmacil: I like Thoronmir very much. I like the way you're reusing a character from previous RPGs; he already has a genuine history. And he fits very well into the storyline; he is the natural person to have sent the message to the king. Excellent!

Dragon Elf (Or do you prefer to be called something else?): Good character! I like how you've integrated Menecar into the community of the Rangers. Please see your PMs.

Saurreg: Very imaginative! I must confess, I hadn't expected a Bree man like Loudewater - but I like it! He's different. I look forward to writing with him. Oh, and please see your PMs.

rutslegolas: Good job! Your bio for Aidwain gives me a very clear idea of what he's like. And thanks for editing so quickly when Pio asked you to. I find writing for an Elf, as opposed to a Man, is a bit more difficult. (I spent a lot of time working out my characters, as Envinyatar can tell you!) Good luck!

Esgallhugwen: 6 feet tall? Excellent! Silrûth is a very Tolkien Elf. I like how she's experienced and capable without being brash, and she's got a genuine weakness written in. Please see your PMs, too.

Sarin Mithrilanger (What a great name!): Yay! A troll is come! Thanks for giving it a shot. Don't worry about your first post at this point. Envinyatar will be in contact with you, either right away or as soon as you have a few more cohorts.

So here's our status:

01.) 1 Ranger of the North – Meneltarmacil (Thoronmir) - APPROVED

02.) 1 Ranger of the North – Dragon Elf (Menecar) - APPROVED

03.) 1 Concerned farmer from Bree – Saurreg (Andas Loudewater) - APPROVED

04.) ** 1 Man of Rohan ** - STILL NEEDED

05.) 1 male Rivendell Elf – rutslegolas (Aidwain) - APPROVED

06.) 1 female Rivendell Elf – Esgallhugwen (Silrûth) - APPROVED

07.) ** 1 Orc chieftain ** - STILL NEEDED

08.) ** 1 Second in command Orc ** - STILL NEEDED

09.) Troll - Sarin Mithrilanger (Zurt) - APPROVED

10.) ** 1 Troll ** - STILL NEEDED


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ok, now a few notes:

Riding Instead of Walking

You Men and Elves need to have horses. Envinyatar's character and mine have ridden from Minas Tirith, and they will not be leaving their horses in Bree merely to have the exercise of walking to Rivendell. :p If you remember, not even Strider and the hobbits willingly covered this land on foot (altho' perhaps it was better they did). And Aragorn had a horse that was brought to him when the Rangers joined him in Rohan.

Now, who knows what will happen once we get on the road, but for now, please be prepared to join this little expedition with a mount of some kind.


Writing in Past Tense Only

This is just a personal thing, but I'd like to request that you write your posts in past tense instead of present. It probably doesn't bother most of you, but it's extremely distracting for me, besides interrupting the flow of the story. It's not a huge thing, but I'd appreciate it a LOT if you could write in past tense. Thanks so much!

Using Other Characters

One of the most challenging things I've found in writing in RPGs is knowing how much to write other people's characters. Just think about it: If you were writing this story all by yourself, wouldn't you write what all (or most) the characters do and think, instead of just sticking to one? But since we're writing this together, we need to be careful.

So: Please do use other characters in your posts - a little bit. Describe what's going on, what they're doing; have conversations and interaction. But when you do, be careful that you keep the other character consistent with their writer's bio. (I highly encourage you to print them out for reference.) Do not do drastic or unexpected things with or to another character.

Use your PMs! Feel free to coordinate interactioon. Ask permission to use a character if you're not sure. Ask someone to change how they've used your character if you're not happy with it. And don't take things personally - we're all trying our best here. :)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

That's it for now! Sorry for the length of this. I promise I won't take so long to post again - that's why I had to write so much in one post. Thanks so much for your hard work, and I hope to get this game off the ground soon!

Carry on!

Nuranar

[Alaksoron]

Character Description Form: the man of Rohan

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? only the Green Dragon and the White Horse Inns

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? does the White Horse inn in Rohan count? That's the only one.

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – yes
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Osric Falkur

AGE: 42

RACE: Men (Rohirrrim)

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: He carries a long sword and a yew short bow. He also has a dozen throwing knives hidden about his person.

APPEARANCE: He is slender and lithely muscled, with shoulder-length sandy blonde or light-brown hair and a well trimmed beard. He dresses for the most part when traveling in quiet earth tones, though when he gets the chance he may wear one of his many fancy embroided coats. He wears a light mail shirt under his cloak.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: He is objective to a fault, though he has a taste for flamboyant clothing. He is a highly skilled blademaster, quite an effficient marksman with his bow, a talented equestrian, suprisingly swift of foot, and possessed of an inordinate sinewy strength, but his greatest asset by far is his sharp wit. He considers himself something of an intellectual and at times may come across as a bit imperious. He will not hesitate to tell his opinion if asked, though he has the prudence to hold his tongue when neccesary.

HISTORY:He is a former soldier, so he is proficient with most weapons. As his father was a shepherd, he retired from the army and is now a shepherd himself. He instructs the boys in his vilage how to use a sword and is an officer of the provincial militia. He was once married, but his wife contracted a rare disease and died of it. At heart he is still grieving for her.
__________________________________

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

Alaksoron's post

"I heard what you said to Aldor. Could I talk to you about it?"

The Elf turned on his heel smoothly. "Certainly" was his cautious reply.

"What manner of errand might you be running for King Elessar?" Tarondo opened his mouth, but the Rohirrim man cut him off. "No, don't bother answering. My name is Osric Falkur, and I was a soldier of Rohan. I am greatly indebted to your King, indeed with my very life, and would be more than happy to assist in your errand for the King, if my services could be of use." He spoke of King Elessar with a touch of reverence.

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

[Nuranar]

Alaksoron, thanks so much for your interest in the game. If you would, please rewrite your first post as was requested above under Characters Needed:

1 Man of Rohan needed

Gives them additional news of happenings in the northwest, and decides to travel with them. NOTE: First Post for Man of Rohan – See Nuranar’s 4th Post for the Game for your lead in – you can offer the group your services and ask to go with them.

The man of Rohan joins Envinyatar's Ranger and my two Elves in Rohan, not in the inn at Tharbad. That is where the two Rivendell Elves join. I provided a very clear pick-up in my 4th game post. The man of Rohan has heard Tarondo speaking to the baker, Aldor, of their errand from the king.

Just continue the scene from there. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me. Thanks!

~ Nuranar

[Alaksoron]

Thank you, Nuranar, for the help. I was'nt clear on that.

I'll get that fixed for you right away, and thank you. Hope you liked my character, this'll be my first RPG.

[Alaksoron]

THIS IS MY REVISED FIRST POST FOR THE GAME, AS NURANAR REQUESTED

"I heard what you said to Aldor. Could I talk to you about it?"

The Elf turned on his heel smoothly, regarding the dark haired, muscular Rohirrim man facing him. My name is Osric Falkur." he said extending his hand. He did not wait for the Elf to take it before continuing. "What manner of errand might you be on for the King?"

[Envinyatar]

Welcome to the game, Sarin Mithrilanger!

Alaksoron, welcome also & thanks for your edit - we just need to give Nuranar time to read it.

Looking forward to playing with all of you.

- E -

[Sarin Mithrilanger]

Thank you for accepting me. I'm sorry about my first post and description. I'm not sure about the ages of trolls and I wasn't quite sure how to write my first post since I'm playing a baddie. Thank You!

[rutslegolas]

thanks for accepting me too,and i need to know a lot more about elves ,but i suppose i will pm you on that.
Thanks again.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Query: when is this game slated to begin? I am currently in two other games, but I would dearly love to write the part of a troll!

[Envinyatar]

Fordim Hedgethistle -

When are your games ending?

- E -

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

The first of the two closes in two weeks on September 8th. If the Troll is a secondary character, might he be appearing in the game a little later, and thus after the 8th of Sept, even if the game starts before then??? Mightn't this then be a form of loophole in the only two games at once rule???

*Fordim looks toward Pio with what he hopes is an adorable puppy-dog expression*

[Nuranar]

Fordim, I'd love to have you on board! I'm not sure - yet - when the trolls will appear, but they definitely are secondary characters and probably not too time-intensive. If it were up to me alone, you'd be a go, but you're right - the final decision is Pio's. *awaits the judgment with bated breath*

rutslegolas, I've gotten your PM and will be responding later tomorrow morning. (I won't have a chance until then.)

Sarin - no apology needed! I know, when you're filling out a form, it's hard to leave something blank. No worries. Envinyatar will be PMing you when we get a couple of Orcs (and pending Fordim's admittance).

Envinyatar, re: your pm - sounds terrific, just keep me posted.

Alaksoron - I have indeed seen your new first post. Thanks for your prompt response! You are on board. Oh, and I'll be PM-ing you tomorrow, too.

Is it time to beat the bushes for some bad guys? :p

~ Nuranar

[Saurreg]

Mayhaps sweet piosenniel is allegic to dogs and is a cat-lover? Mayhaps not. I dunno.

*Shrugs*

*Saurreg looks toward Pio with what he hopes is an adorable but rather mangy-looking tubby cat expression*

Don't worry Fordim, I've got your back covered! With your wit and my political incorrectness, we'll rule this forum! Or we'll just be two darn ugly things out there in the field...

I like Sarin's Zurt. Dunno why but he (Zurt, not Sarin) reminds of Pratchett's Discworldian trolls. I wonder if he has a brain made of fused silica (silicon dioxide), hmmm...

6 ft amazon elf, what's there not to like!

I apologise for my incompetence, dear Nuranar. Your bubbling enthusiasm and warm personality was so infectious that I thought I'd go do my part and get us some baddies. But the only things I got was a wacked out bamboo stick and a very dead-looking bougenvilla in my hands. Looks like I still have alot to learn when it comes to beat the bush. Sighz...

And speaking of learning, I would like all to know that despite being very very much oooolder than most of you (if not all), Uncle Sauggy's command of the English language is still verrryyyy baadddd. No, he is not sttttuuuupid (I hope) nor dyslexic. But he does hail from a far far away land where his mother tongue is Chinese. English is a foreign tongue that he is still learning.

Gasp! Horror!

So do be patient, and give hints/tips/commandments whenever you think dear old Sauggy needs them. Sauggy won't get embarressed, Sauggy won't get mad. He'll just mumble to himself, hold grudges and wait for that particular moment when you f***up during posting and come back to haunt you! :D J/K

Enough rant, I'm gone.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Greetings Saurreg.

Singapore, eh? I lived in Singapore for a year when I was a teenager (many moons ago) and have many fond memories of it still. I imagine that is has changed quite a bit in the decades since -- *sigh*.

I have it on good authority, by the by, that Pio is enamoured of dogs (in particular, of pugs. . .)

[piosenniel]

Just a small reminder - please don't use the Discussion Thread as a place to chat.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator

[Alaksoron]

Piosenniel,

Just so I'm clear on this, does the White Horse count as a RPG? I was just wondering.

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

Answer to Query: None of the Inns count as RPG's.

~*~ Pio :)

[Esgallhugwen]

Thank You *bows low* for accepting me! I can't wait to get this game going. I'm going to make those corrections very soon! ;)

Edit: I made the changes, hope its good. ;)

[piosenniel]

Fordim -

Nuranar and Envinyatar have agreed to wait the 2 weeks for your game to end.

Go ahead, please and put your Troll bio on the Discussion Thread.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Nuranar]

Pio, Alaksoron has been accepted to the game. -- EDIT: Noted! ~*~ Pio :D

Dragon Elf, please check your PM's!

Meneltarmacil, have you heard from Dragon Elf?

[Kransha]

Well, I, like Fordim, will be free of obligation by September 8 (my schedule opens with Fordim's game ending). I don't know if any of the baddies remaining are 'secondary' characters, but, if so, I'd be more than willing to play a part, perhaps the second in command. If this is a major part and requires 'full-time employment,' then it's probably not manageable but, that's up to y'all and pio.

[piosenniel]

Kransha

These are the games with end-dates you’re in:

Farmer in the Dale - 08/31/04
Bloodstained Elanor - 09/08/04
Land of Darkness - 09/20/04

The first two will have ended by the time I open this game – so go ahead and place your bio (no post needed at present) for the: Second in command to the Orc chieftain.

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

I believe this is a secondary character - correct, Nerindel?

Would you be able to post once a week to this game?

~*~ Pio

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Here's the bio for my troll. In addition to Arrald I've come up with a carry-along brother named Dym. In an earlier post it says that a carry along is OK for this role. If there's been a change, I am happy to stick with Arrald alone.

Greetings Krashsa *Fordim waves*

Oh! I neglected to copy and paste the information about me and my RPing, so I hope this suffices:

I have RPed in three games: "A Land to Call Their Own", "Bloodstained Elanor", and "Land of Darkness." I'm currently in the latter two, but "Elanor" will be wrapping up by 8 Sept, and "Land" by 20 Sept. I have posted to the Green Dragon.


NAME: Arrald

AGE: He’s not too sure. Pretty old though. Certainly older than his brother Dym. At least, he thinks he’s older than Dym, but if he is older than his brother, then wouldn’t he be able to remember some time in his life when Dym wasn’t around? There was that time Dym was away in the south fighting in the big troubles, and so there is at least one time in his life that Arrald remembers Dym not being around, but that probably doesn’t count because he can remember when Dym went away.

RACE: Arrald loves races! He can outrun any other troll. One time, he and his brother Dym decided to race to the mountains, and Arrald is sure that he would have won. But they got lost halfway and had to find their way back to the starting line to start again so that they’d know that they’d started in the same place. But when they were just about to start again they found some sheep so they tore out the shepherd’s legs and had a good laugh watching him try to crawl away as they ate the sheep.

GENDER: Male. He thinks. It’s been a while since he checked.

WEAPONS: Arrald likes to boast that his fiercest weapon in his finely honed intellect. But when that fails him he has a really big log that he can hit things with until they stop moving. It has the fringe benefit of tenderising them a bit as well.

APPEARANCE: Very tall and broad, with an exceptionally large head marked by a huge flat nose that spreads across half his face, and a low brow beneath which peep two black eyes. His tough skin is scarred from his many battles with Men and Elves, and there are two fingers missing from his left hand. He can’t really remember how he lost them, but it has something to do with a party of Dwarves. Arrald is entirely hairless, and is clad in a simple leather jerkin that comes to his knees and is bound about his waist by an immense belt. His huge hands with their ragged talons hang below his crooked knees.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Arrald is considered to be a rather intelligent troll. At least, that’s what he thinks, and there are few who would dare tell him different, for his temper is as quick as his club is heavy. His favourite food is raw goat, and his favourite pastime is tearing the legs off hapless folk and watching them trying to walk. He hates all of those meddlesome beings who are always trying to clear the forests and plough the fields so that they can set up their blasted communities. He likes the long empty miles of the north and relishes with glee the days that he can spend with nothing but his own thoughts for company. One of his fondest memories is the week he spent contemplating a small stone atop a larger stone; he had watched it day and night, wondering if it was going to fall. He longs for the chance to do something like this again, but the busybodies coming up from the south and building roads and farms are making that more and more difficult. The only comfort he finds in the current state of the world is in the fact that these folk and their flocks are more tender and tasty morsels than many he’s had in a long span of years.

HISTORY: Arrald has lived in the north all his life with his brother Dym. He recalls no mother or father. When he tries to remember the first thing he can remember after all the things that he’s forgotten, he does faintly recall a vast fortress in a very cold land, where he seems to remember having spent a very long time. He may have fought in a war of some sort back then, but trying to work it out makes his head hurt, so he doesn’t do it very often. For a very long time now he and Dym have made their own way in the world, living off what game they can find and taking the occasional morsel when it comes their way along the Road. During the troubles, his brother Dym went away to the south to do some fighting, but Arrald was content to stay where he was comfortable. There had been some ruckus around the cursed Elf-House down by the River, but he had kept well clear of it. When the troubles had ended it had been nice for a while, what with the fearsome Men who had harried he and his brother suddenly disappearing. But lately, things have got worse with more and more Men coming up the Road from the south and setting up shop on the lands that Arrald has come to regard as his own after many long years spent wandering through them.

[Kransha]

*waves back at Fordim...ominously*

Alright, here's the second-in-command orc. I might whip up some mini-bios for lesser lieutenants of his, since I seem to be also writing the parts of a group of orcs. I assume that any necessary information will be given when needed, so, suffice to say, here is the bio for Bâzzog, my stupidest character yet. This should be fun (considering I've never played a character quite like this). Beware the amount of parentheses.

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? Yes, Land of Darkness The Legacy of Traitors, A Land To Call Their Own, Bloodstained Elanor, Farmer in the Dale

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? Three, technically, Land of Darkness, Farmer in the Dale, and Bloodstained Elanor

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

NAME: Bâzzog [the Atrocious]

AGE: Unknown. As far as he knows, Bâzzog has been around for at least a century, but he doesn’t care to remember beyond that. Other orcs think he was bred in the First Age by the will of Morgoth, but he contests this doggedly, for a reason which, perhaps, is unknown to even him. He is estimated to be between 20 and 500 years old, according to collected accounts.

RACE: Orc, but the troop he commands seems to think otherwise. He is technically a Mountain Orc, but the fact doesn't bother him.

GENDER: Male, and proud of it.

WEAPONS: This orc is a veritable arsenal of weaponry, which is a matter of pride to him. His weapon of choice is a great mace which is essentially a cylinder of rusty iron with countless multidirectional spikes welded onto it, leaving only some room at one end for a hilt. The massive weapon is two handed, is almost four feet in length (longer than most Shire-folk are tall), and is bound to his back with strips of ox-hide appropriated from raided fields of livestock. At either hip he has what looks to be a long, angular, meat cleaver. Bâzzog claims to be ambidextrous, so the visage of him with two weapons is considered a most fearful sight. In addition to all this, Bâzzog has two broad knives in cloth sheaths, one strapped to his lower left arm and the other to his lower right leg. Also, just in case, he sharpens his teeth with a stolen nail file and is ready to use them if necessary. Of course, if worse came to worse, he could always used his gargantuan fists and strength.

APPEARANCE: Bâzzog is a great, galumphing brute of an orc. His gait is boorish but still proud and he carries himself as regally as he can (most of the time). His form is extremely muscular, his arms bulky and oversized, seemingly too big for his body. His skin is rough and leathery, as darkly colored as dull obsidian. His face is long and drawn like a snout with a bulbous nose, a pair of low-set, beady, greenish eyes, a mouth of teeth that are more reminiscent of elephantine tusks, jutting out at all angles, and a sagging Neanderthal brow all framed by some grizzled, seemingly misplaced strands of hair, raven like that of the elves but tainted into a more sickly color. Bâzzog’s shoulders are high and his oversized arms often dangle limp at his sides as he drags his great weight around like an ape. He is tall in comparison to men and orcs, a most imposing figure in width and breadth alike. He is often clad in no more than tattered, multicolored rags with a hauberk of chain mail over his chest, wrought-iron plates of metal bound to his upper arms and legs, and a disheveled, studded tunic three sizes two small, which he stole of a fellow from Staddle.

PERSONALITY: Bâzzog is, for all intents and purposes, an oaf and a fool, as well as a braggart, a fool, a brute, and holds many more distasteful titles, many pinned on him by those who serve beneath him. Bâzzog is not bright or remotely intelligent. He knows only the basics of Westron, often slipping into the Black Speech of Mordor, and his heavy accent doesn’t help his crude attempts at oratory. He never bothered to learn anything he wasn’t sure he’d need to know, and thus is uneducated in most matters. He is a boor, dull and witless, who does not concern himself with policy or tact. Some Trolls are even more intelligent than he, a rare low feat, even among the ranks of sniveling orcs. But, Bâzzog’s capabilities are unquestioned (for fear of painful death) since the orc lieutenant is unrivalled in strength among most orcs throughout Eriador. Bazzog is also arrogant, proud, and bombastic. He gets too jovial when drunk and too stern when sober, or the other way ‘round at night. His attitude is mostly sour, but he is mostly too simple to reflect any aspect of personality and can go for hours or days without saying (or thinking) anything.

HISTORY: Of his history, Bâzzog knows very little, and, just as he does about everything else, he doesn’t care. He knows that he was around for a while, but how long that while was is a mystery to him. His only recollection of the 29th century of the Third Age is bashing things. He remembers primarily clan wars between his cohorts and his foes, which was basically the same as all other wars he’d ever been involved in, except that he’d been crushing the skulls of his own kind and accidentally killed one of his clan’s chieftain (he was never too good at telling things apart. In fact, he once mistook a very large tree for a dragon). He participated in many inter-orc raids and skirmishes that occured along the west side of the Misty Mountains between his kind, the Mountain Orcs, and strayed orcs from the north who'd fled the Witch-King's desolated fortress of Carn Dûm. Despite a number of bizarre ‘accidents’ Bâzzog was again and again given leeway to wreak havoc on the orcs’ opposition, gaining more power by unfortunately mistaking several more members of the Misty Mountain orc hierarchy for loathsome Elves. He was given several commands of his own by powerful and venerable uruks in Gundabad and surrounding orc settlements, often loosing all his troops before resolving campaigns, but his losses seemed only to shed more of the limelight on him. He spent most of his leisure time raiding while he set up a lucrative conscription service at Mount Gundabad to enlist aid, run by his more intelligent cousin, Gráthborg.

At the time of the Battle of Five Armies Bâzzog was still in the Misty Mountains, taking orc companies on foraging and raiding expeditions. He was single-handedly responsible for a number of mannish settlements on the fringes of Bree-land (including Combe, Staddle, and Archet, three of Bree-lands four major towns) being burned, much to his credit, but still managed to lose all his mustered loot when a band of villainous warg-riding goblins happened to be pillaging the same settlement as he and his loyal men (who all duly routed when attacked). Bâzzog returned to the Mountains after more looting and gathering of some mementos only to find that some unfortunate incident had occurred there, which he never took the time to learn anything about. As the organization in Gundabad deteriorated, Bâzzog ventured westward, rather than north, south, or east where his raiding forays often took him, and found a final command, the one that he currently holds over an orcish company. The fear of him was great enough to 'earn' him a command position over a relatively small orcish host.

[Nuranar]

Thank you, Dragon Elf, for responding. :)

Fordim, that's the cleverest-written bio I've ever seen! You had me laughing out loud. Arrald and Dym, eh? That's splendid.

Kransha, I'm sorry for not acknowledging you sooner. Somehow I missed seeing your earlier post. Excellent bio!

All of the bad guys, both orcs and trolls, are secondary characters. Envinyatar will PM the appropriate players as soon as we have an orc chieftain, which will be very soon. We hope. ;)

~ Nuranar

[piosenniel]

:eek: ** BADDIE STILL NEEDED ** :eek:

NOTE: No First Post required - just Character Description


** 1 Orc chieftain from The Misty Mountains who controls a troop of Orcs (the writer will play this group of Orcs.) **

[Saurreg]

Query.

I assume that Nuranar and Envinyatar have worked out the plot of the RPG and will be directing all posts along a linear storyline so that it will work out to what they planned for.

If all the villains of the RPG are taken up by individual writers, does it mean that they will have to correspond routinely with the game creators and post according to the two's directions? Or is this all a spontaneous, post-of-the-moment, we'll take it from there RPG?

I have participated in an online RPG before (different place, different forum) and sad to say the game master was quite a control freak. Things got so unpleasant that all six participants in that thread chose to kill off their characters midway through the game rather than continue.

[Envinyatar]

Actually, it's more of a "we have a nebulous idea of what the 'baddies' are doing" but within that elastic framework, there is room for the bad guys to plot together on their own and throw a few curveballs at the good guys.

Once all the characters are on board I'll send all of the bad guys the original general idea we had for them - then you can all begin plotting the specifics - keeping me in the loop, of course, since I'm playing the mannish fellow in cahoots with you all.

Sound ok?

We need also to remember that we're looking at an 8 week playing time for the game - which really isn't very long. So the owners will keep the storyline moving along as we can to meet the deadline

- E -

[Saurreg]

Thanks Envinyatar.

Nice to know there'll be adults keeping us on the right path, but not clamping our hands in tight vices. Free-reign posting with adult supervision. I like that.

I will PM you and Nuranar soon and we can discuss why (Nuranar has given me good ideas) and how (that's the problem now) a concerned farmer from Bree meets up with the investigators.

[Kransha]

Thanks Envinyatar.

Nice to know there'll be adults keeping us on the right path, but not clamping our hands in tight vices. Free-reign posting with adult supervision. I like that.

I will PM you and Nuranar soon and we can discuss why (Nuranar has given me good ideas) and how (that's the problem now) a concerned farmer from Bree meets up with the investigators.

One must remember, Saurreg, that it's not always adult supervision (unless you count pio and Child of the 7th Age). There is no age requirement for Game Owners, and I have known some very good underage ones. Don't think of it as 'adult supervision,' think of it as 'someone making sure you don't do stupid things.' That's the bluntest I can put it...I think...*contemplates bluntness*

Envinyatar, Nuranar, is there a back-up plan in case the #1 Orc Chieftain character isn't taken up by any writer?

[Nuranar]

Very well put, Envinyatar. Many thanks!

As far as adults go... Well, in this context, I'd say that being "adult" is certainly more a behavior thing than an age thing. Come to think of it, that applies in any context. But yes, the idea is to have someone "in charge" so we don't meander all over the map of Middle-earth for the next 8 months. ;)

Think of it as much as a game "facilitator" as an "owner." But it's like a chain of command, or military rank: The authority is there, to back up in case suggestions and hints don't work. The hope is that no one'll need to "pull rank," but if there's a need, the authority's there. :)

Not that being "in charge" means one necessarily has all the answers. Back up plan? Um, Envinyatar?

Keep in mind, though, we're not starting until September 8. That's what, a week and a half to go? This thread has been open scarcely that long, and see how many people have signed on!

Don't give up the ship. :D Carry on!

Nuranar

[Sarin Mithrilanger]

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES. THE LAND OF DARKNESS.

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

List them, please: THE LAND OF DARKNESS.

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES.
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Ugwakh the Slobberer

AGE: 300

RACE: Orc

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: 1 Great Sword (pulled off a human victim), one shortbow, 1 orc scimitar

APPEARANCE: His dark skinned face is marked by a self-inflicted cut on his forehead. the cut resembles a lidless eye.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: He is quick tempered and has no problem cutting down an unruley underling. His troops know to follow orders without speaking and will follow his orders even until death, because to fail him is to recieve a gift worse than death. He rarely makes alaborate strategic plans due to his "brawn over brains" mentality.

HISTORY: He has served Sauron well and has seen the benefits and downfalls. He has served in His army his entire life. (Or as much as he can remember.) During the Battle of the Five armies he was in Mordor, and led a successful campaign in capturing slaves for Him.

[piosenniel]

Please Note:

Sarin Mithrilanger would like to drop the troll character and pick up the Orc Chieftain. If you will accept this - I can find someone to pick up the Troll character.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Envinyatar]

That's fine with me, if it's alright with Nuranar.

- E -

[Nuranar]

It's great with me. Thanks, Sarin! :)

[rutslegolas]

Actually I have a query.

The storyline goes that 3 members of the fellowship will be injured.

so are Nuranar and Envinyatar going to decide who gets injured or will it be the bad guys decision or our own gamers decision??

[Primrose Bolger]

I would like to be considered for the available Troll character. And if you don't mind, I've brought along an additional Troll brother.

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

Character Description Form:

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


2.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES
_______________________________________


NAME: Grimm

AGE: 127

RACE: Hill Troll (http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/h/hilltrolls.html)

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Iron-headed Hammer on a long stout handle

APPEARANCE:

Bald all over. Eyes black and small in a large CroMagnon face with scaly, no hair overhanging ledges for eye brows. A few inches taller than the average Dunadan; massively muscled. Picture TV wrestler minus the spandex – on second thought, picture TV wrestler minus the spandex but with a ragged, rough leather kilt of sorts and appropriate troll undies covering the necessary parts. Skin is a bit dark-greyish, basalt colored, and is made up of overlapping scales – giving the overall picture of a rather large lizard of some sort.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES:

Quick to anger and ready for a fight at the drop of a hat, hanky, or ripe apple. Territorial. Not given to quick thinking or deep thinking of the 'phillysophikul' sort at all. Often easily gulled into cooperation by those with an ounce more brains if it means getting to swing his hammer about and bash skulls. But said brainy leaders need be careful not to cross this hyper-reactive fellow. He has the small cunning brain of a greedy thief and the brawn to back whatever plan he devises.

HISTORY:

One of number of Hill Trolls that advanced upon the Captains of the West from the Morannon. He and his brother, Broga the Basher, fled north and west after the fall of their last leader and now find themselves scavenging the area bounded by Carn Dum, The Ettenmoors, and The North Downs. Pickings were few right after the war – a wandering sheep or so, the stray lone traveler, and even the odd goblin here and there. But now with the advent of the King’s Peace, business has picked up . . .

--------

NAME: Broga the Basher

AGE: 122

RACE: Hill Troll

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Thick oak club

APPEARANCE: Looks much like his brother, except that he did get the hair, black and scraggly, in the family. Wears a number of wolf skins crudely sewn together and held up by a fetching strap across one shoulder, rather like THIS (http://leperigourdin.free.fr/images/cromagnon.gif) .

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Much like his brother. Though, amazingly, Grimm has a tad more reasoning skills than Broga. And so we find little brother always at the ready to follow Grimm’s lead and back him up quite capably with fists and club.

HISTORY: (See Grimm’s)

[Envinyatar]

rutslegolas

The players can volunteer to have their characters injured when the time comes.

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

Primrose

You Troll characters look good to me! Let's see what Nuranar has to say.

- E -

[rutslegolas]

thanks Envinyatar , eagerly waiting to start the RPG.

[Nuranar]

rutslegolas, Envinyatar's right - we'll figure it out when the time comes. It may be a matter of just volunteering, or we may see the way our personality dynamics have worked out. It will make more sense for one character to be wounded than another; it may also make a better story. We'll see. :) The point remains, though, that this isn't tightly scripted.

Primrose! Sorry for the delay. Your troll is great! (As is the description - you had me giggling here in the computer lab.) Grimm and Broga will fit in very well indeed. Now our quota is filled! Envinyatar, may I trouble you to PM the baddies?

Remember, we are scheduled to open on September 8, next Wednesday. (Or will it be Thursday, to make sure the other game closes?) Be ready. ;)

Carry on!

Nuranar

[Envinyatar]

I'll be PM'ing the baddies in a few days - Nuranar and I are still working on a last minute revision.

- E -

[piosenniel]

Nuranar/Envinyatar

Please look at the First Posts for the above characters (Your first 4 posts are HERE (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=11063) on the RPG Thread already).

Leave a list here on the Discusiion thread, by Player Name, of how you would like the rest of the posts arranged.

Once that is done, I'll transfer the posts, and the game can open when Kransha and Fordim have finished with the "Bloodstained Elanor RPG".

Thanks!

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator

[Envinyatar]

Sorry about this - but I am reading the two posts for the Rangers who are heading to Bree/The Prancing Pony:

Thoronmir (Meneltarmacil) has already stated in his post that he hears a noise, and calls his companion's attention to it.

Dragon Elf

Can you revise your post so that your character Menecar responds to Ranger Thoronmir's observation that: "We're not alone . . ."

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

Or have I completely misunderstood, and the both of you are traveling by yourselves with another Ranger companion accompanying you?

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

You could revise in this manner -

Dragon Elf odin Ragnorock's post

After a semi peaceful night Menecar woke up to the sound of birds chirping and a great day for traveling with his companion. It was a peaceful day has begun with the sun shining through the trees. They had a half a days travel by horse to Bree left to go.

“Do you think that there will be people waiting for us to arrive at the Prancing Pony?” asked Menecar’s companion.

“I think there would be. I don’t think that King Elessar would let two Rangers do this alone,” said Menecar.

Suddenly Menecar heard the sound of leaves moving in the woods. He stopped to listen, and to see if he heard the sound again. Sure enough there it was again, but it sounded louder as if the thing or things were getting closer. He looks over at his companion to see if he heard the same sound. He does indeed look as if he has. Menecar rode over to him and says, “Did you hear the sound of leaves?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“The sound,” whispers Menecar “is drawing closer.”

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

One last question for both Dragon Elf and Meneltarmacil:

What is the source for your sound? Is it something that will delay your arrival at the Inn?

[Meneltarmacil]

I have two things to say here:

First, my computer at home won't let me log on to the site (it accepts my username and password, but kicks me off whenever I try to go to a different part of the site) so I am currently on one of the computers at my library. I don't know how often I'll be able to post. Don't kick me off the RPG though, I think I'll either be able to work out a way to get to the library a couple times a week or have my computer fixed by the time the game begins.

Second, the noise. That was going to be an ambush by a group of orcs that Menecar and I would fight off before arriving at the Inn, but if that doesn't work, I'll just make it some kind of animal.

[Nuranar]

There's a couple things I'd like to address before we get going.

1. Everyone please check the discussion and game threads at least once a day if possible. As Envinyatar said earlier, this is only an 8-week game and we'll need to keep things going. If you don't check in for three days, say, things could really have moved fast, and your character will not be participating.

2. Primary characters, please post on the story thread at least twice a week. That's only a minimum; depending on how the story's going, you may have opportunity (or need!) to post more often than that. You baddies may not need to post so often; we'll see how the planning goes on that.

3. Everyone please give advance notice on this discussion thread when you won't be able to check in: if you're out of town, or if your computer's being a pain.
If we know you'll be camping, say, for three days at the end of September, we can "carry" your character along: include him/her in what we're writing. But if we don't know you're gone, it's very uncertain and can hold the game up.

4. Please write descriptive posts! I believe the minimum, per Shire rules, is two paragraphs of two sentences each. (Pio?) But that is the absolute minimum. This isn't TV: If you don't write what your character looks like, what the scene looks like, what things sound like, taste like, feel like, no one's going to know all that stuff. That's what good writing does: It creates a scene in the reader's mind.

I probably should have put this up earlier; I apologize. If anyone's going to have difficulties with anything, please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks!

~ Nuranar

[Nuranar]

It looks like we cross-posted slightly, Meneltarmacil. Thanks for the heads-up! Please check your PM's.

Alaksoron

Dragon Elf

Saurreg

Please check your PM's. :)

~ Nuranar

[Meneltarmacil]

Well, I did manage to get the other computer in my house working, although it is infested with pop-ups and junk and moves a lot slower than it should, it does at least let me post on the Downs... I think. So I will be able to check on the RPG and post until I find out what the problem is.

[Alaksoron]

I went back and edited my character bio as Nuranar requested, extending the descriptions and taking the oppurtunity to change a few things. I invite all commmited game players to go back and read what I have changed, so you know what kind of character will be your companion (good guys) and your opponent (baddies).

[Meneltarmacil]

Oh, forgot one thing: Yes, Dragon Elf and I were referring to each other's characters in our posts. So no, we don't have any unnamed companions.

[Nuranar]

Excellent work, Alaksoron. I have a very clear picture of Osric now.

Thank you, Meneltarmacil. Would you be able to resolve the orc fight? Then bring the Rangers to the Pony? Please see Envinyatar's post for Fen Shepherdspurse, at the beginning of this thread. In it he shows the Rangers in the Prancing Pony, waiting for the others to arrive.

~ Nuranar

[piosenniel]

Final List: Please note Kransha and Sarin Mithrilanger have exchanged Orc roles.

~*~ Pio

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

Character/Player: Character Name List

Ranger of the North - Envinyatar: Veryadan
Ranger of the North – Meneltarmacil: Thoronmir
Ranger of the North – Dragon Elf: Menecar

~*~

Rivendell Elves - Nuranar: Tarondo, male; Luinien, female
Rivendell Elf, male – rutslegolas: Aidwain Longleaf
Rivendell Elf, female – Esgallhugwen: Silrûth

~*~

Farmer from Bree – Saurreg: Andas Loudewater
Man of Rohan - Alaksoron: Osric Falkur

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

Orc chieftain from The Misty Mountains - Kransha: Bâzzog the Atrocious
Second in command to the Orc chieftain - Sarin Mithrilanger: Ugwakh the Slobberer

~*~

Trolls - Primrose Bolger: Grimm; Broga the Basher
Trolls - Fordim Hedgethistle: Arrald; Dym

~*~

Bad Man from Bree-land - Envinyatar: Fen Sheperdspurse

[Meneltarmacil]

I'll do the fight with the orcs and the rest of the trip to Bree, and will be at the Inn by the end of that post.

I'll be out of town starting tomorrow morning and won't be back until about 1:00 on Monday, so I won't be able to respond to anything until then.

Hmm, only about 10 posts until I'm a Ghost Prince of Cardolan...

[Nuranar]

Thanks for the update, Pio. :)

That'll be perfect, Meneltarmacil. And thanks for letting us know you'll be gone. Enjoy yourself!

~ Nuranar

[Nuranar]

The below post comes after Alaksoron's and before those of the two Elves - rutslegolas and Esgallhugwen. Alaksoron, if you have any comments/problems with how I've handled your character, just let me know.


Tarondo did not answer at once, evaluating what he saw. The man was carrying a bow, and a sword hung at his side. Both weapons showed much use. Osric’s voice was low but clear, and his eyes gazed back steadily at the Elf, with just a hint of challenge. He had made his offer and would not beg.

“The services of the Rohirrim will always be valued by the King,” Tarondo said at length. “Come, I will introduce you to my companions, and you shall tell us about yourself.”

They joined Veryadan and Luinien, who were surprised to see Tarondo with a companion but pleased to learn of his volunteering. After a brief council Osric Falkur’s assistance was accepted. After Osric gathered what he needed, the four rode on together.

All through the long, lonely lands past the Gap of Rohan Osric demonstrated himself to be a brave and skillful soldier. The details of their errand intrigued him, and he spent many hours discussing all the possibilities of what they would find, and how they would need to respond to all of them. Tarondo listened with interest (and maybe a hidden smile) but rarely participated, while Luinien was as eager to theorize as the man himself. She had not entirely given up hope of seeing a dragon.

In due course they crossed the Greyflood at Tharbad, where they intended to stay the night at The Trade Inn. This would be their first good chance of hearing recent news. As they dismounted and walked up the path to the inn, Veryadan was not without hope that some of the Rangers would be waiting for them.


Oh, Alaksoron, I noticed one tiny thing as I was writing this post. In your revised profile you say that Osric has black hair. Tolkien indicated that the Rohirrim, as a people, are fair-haired. I hate to ask it again, but you've been so willing in the past - would you please change that? If you really want him to have dark hair, we might be able to work it; but I can't see that he'd still be a full-blooded man of Rohan. Thank you so much!

Carry on,

Nuranar

[Alaksoron]

Nuranar, don't worry, I have no problem with the way you handled my character. And yes, I will fix the colour of Osric's hair. I feel that one should not join an RPG unless they are willing to mold their character to fit where needed. After all, we're all in this together, right?

[piosenniel]

Dragon Elf odin Ragnorock

Please look at Envinyatar's post #67 above:

He asked if you would revise your First Post and gave you an example of how it might be done:

Dragon Elf odin Ragnorock's post --- REVISED

After a semi peaceful night Menecar woke up to the sound of birds chirping and a great day for traveling with his companion. It was a peaceful day has begun with the sun shining through the trees. They had a half a days travel by horse to Bree left to go.

“Do you think that there will be people waiting for us to arrive at the Prancing Pony?” asked Menecar’s companion.

“I think there would be. I don’t think that King Elessar would let two Rangers do this alone,” said Menecar.

Suddenly Menecar heard the sound of leaves moving in the woods. He stopped to listen, and to see if he heard the sound again. Sure enough there it was again, but it sounded louder as if the thing or things were getting closer. He looks over at his companion to see if he heard the same sound. He does indeed look as if he has. Menecar rode over to him and says, “Did you hear the sound of leaves?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“The sound,” whispers Menecar “is drawing closer.”

Is this OK with you? Or can you go back to your original post and make the changes that are necessary so that your post and Menltarmacil's fit together better. (Meneltarmacil's post will come first on the game thread - yours needs to pick up on his from what he's said in it.)

Thanks!

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator

[Envinyatar]

Nuranar

Is this the order of posts to open the game?

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

Alaksoron

Nuranar – arrival at The Trade Inn, Tharbad

rutslegolas

Esgallhugwen

Envinyatar – arrival at The Prancing Pony of the 4 Elves, Man from Rohan, and Veryadan (see following post)

Meneltarmacil – first post

Dragon Elf

Meneltarmacil – post getting the Rangers to the Prancing Pony

Envinyatar – Fen Shepherdspurse

Saurreg

[Envinyatar]

Here is my post that will bring Veryadan, the man from Rohan, Nuranar's, Egallhugwen's, and rustlegolas' characters to The Prancing Pony, where the action for the game will begin:

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

Envinyatar’s post

Arrival at the Trade Inn . . .

‘How the old place has changed,’ thought Veryadan as his eyes swept the little Inn which stood on the western bank of the Greyflood. In its prime it had been a welcome gateway for those wishing to travel quickly through the Shire, to pick up the Great East Road in the West Farthing, and from there west to the Emyn Beraid and the River Lune’s Grey Havens. Now the Shire had been closed to all outlanders by edict of the High King these many years, its Bounds fiercely guarded by the Shiriffs and their men. Only the traffic of men and the scarce Elven party bound for the north stopped now to refresh themselves.

The Inn had suffered, it seemed, from the shrinking commerce. The wood gone a little greyer; the railed front porch sunk under the weight of the many feet that had crossed into the welcome comfort of the common room; the wooden shingles gone quite mossy and some just gone. The image of an old man nearing his dotage crossed the Ranger’s mind as his horse trod down the ill-kept path. ‘We’ve both put on the years, old friend,’ he remarked to himself, his gloved hand coming up to tuck a bit of stray silver-streaked hair behind his ear. ‘Though of the two of us, I think I’ve fared the best.’

A familiar figure had come out onto the porch and was even now hailing them with a wave of his dish towel. There, hair gone greyer and girth wider, stood Haldon Rushy, mouth drawn up in a great grin, eyes sparkling even at this distance. ‘Tis a grand day, indeed! Four more patrons for the Missus to cook for and four more tongues to share the news of the road!’ He hurried as fast as his stout legs would carry him toward the approaching horses. ‘Here you!’ he called to his sons. ‘See to these good folks’ mounts!’ ‘And you!’ he exclaimed, taking the Ranger’s hand in his own ham-fisted grasp. ‘I’ve a small cask of the nut brown ale just finished off and ready for tapping.’

He peeked around Veryadan and nodded his head at the man and the two Elves who were just dismounting. ‘Now isn’t this a day for the Fair Folk,’ he whispered to the Ranger. ‘There’s two more what’s just come to my little establishment.’ he nodded toward the door with his chin. ‘There, in the common room . . . and isn’t my old gal happy to be feeding them!’ He tapped the side of his nose with his great stub of a finger. They’ve come all the way from Rivendell . . . I’ve yet to find out why, though . . .’

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

The company of six rides north . . .

The late night of talking with the two Elves from Rivendell had paled into the next day’s dawn. Silrûth and Aidwain were bringing news westward from Rivendell. The old fastness of the Rangers in the Angle had brought troublesome news to Imladris – something was stirring up the trolls in that area. Patrols had been increased there, and several of the brutish giants had been driven off by the Rangers, with one Troll killed who had chosen to try his strength against them. The two Elves spoke of traveling southwest down the River Mitheithel, the Hoarwell as it was known to men, arriving finally at the Greyflood’s ford where stood the Inn. What small patrols of Rangers they happened upon, they brought news of the Troll activity, urging them to be on the lookout for similar problems in the areas they patrolled. And from many they picked up news of assaults and ill happenings to the north. They would go north from the inn to speak with others of the Rangers and gather what information the could before returning to Imladris.

Veryadan’s face was grim as he heard the news they brought. ‘Travel with us, if you will,’ he had offered Silrûth and Aidwain. ‘We are also bound north, at the behest of the King. He has had some reports of the disquiet in that area, though I do not think he knows the extent to which this ripple of shadow has spread.’ Tarondo nodded at the invitation as Envinyatar continued. ‘Two extra sets of eyes and blades would be welcome. And you need not fear that we might slow you down. We will head up the Greenway to Bree at first light.’

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

At the sign of The Prancing Pony

And so it was the four companions found themselves now swelled to six with the addition of the party from Rivendell. Four days hard riding with only short, cold camp stops along the way brought them to Andrath, the narrow passageway between the Barrow-downs and the South Downs, through which the Greenway passed, heading north. A day and a half further and the six found themselves passing in through the West Gate, the welcoming archway and windows of the The Prancing Pony now well within their sights . . .

[Nuranar]

That's correct, Envinyatar. Thanks! (And great post.)

Nuranar

Is this the order of posts to open the game?

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

Alaksoron

Nuranar – arrival at The Trade Inn, Tharbad

rutslegolas

Esgallhugwen

Envinyatar – arrival at The Prancing Pony of the 4 Elves, Man from Rohan, and Veryadan (see following post)

Meneltarmacil – first post

Dragon Elf

Meneltarmacil – post getting the Rangers to the Prancing Pony

Envinyatar – Fen Shepherdspurse

Saurreg

[Saurreg]

Just a quick reminder, my first post under the character bio would go anywhere before Envinyatar's Fen Shepherdspurse post. The second will be immediately after as stated in the list order.

[Nuranar]

my first post under the character bio would go anywhere before Envinyatar's Fen Shepherdspurse post. The second will be immediately after as stated in the list order.

Saurreg, would you please put Loudewater's second post up on this thread? Pio needs to be able to move all the first posts to the story thread.

[piosenniel]

I'm a little confused - is this now the order for posts:

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

Alaksoron

Nuranar – arrival at The Trade Inn, Tharbad

rutslegolas

Esgallhugwen

Envinyatar – arrival at The Prancing Pony of the 4 Elves, Man from Rohan, and Veryadan (see following post)

Meneltarmacil – first post

Dragon Elf - HAS HE REVISED HIS POST?

Meneltarmacil – getting the Rangers to the Prancing Pony - NEEDED

Saurreg - original first post from character bio

Envinyatar – Fen Shepherdspurse

Saurreg - arrival at the Inn/post on board

[Nuranar]

Pio, as far as I know that's correct. Saurreg had indicated to me earlier that he would take two posts for Loudewater. I think the one that's up right now, on the first page under his bio, is the first; the second I haven't seen yet.

[Saurreg]

Sorry! Sorry! Here's my second post that will be immediately after Envinyatar's.
================================================== ======

Saurreg's post

Andas Loudewater had just reached the front porch of the most popular drinking hole in the whole of Bree when large raindrops started to fall, creating tiny little craters on the much used dirt road. Dark clouds rumbled precariously overhead, blocking out whatever light the setting sun could offer and enveloped the entire evening sky in black velvet from horizon to horizon and as far as the eye could see. Loudewater frowned to himself and sighed deeply as he pulled the hood of the cope off his head, this night would offer nothing but heavy down pour and his creaky joints would pay the dear price.

Damned rheumatism, damned age. What I wouldn’t give to be twenty years younger again.

The grease caked windows of the establishment were illuminated weakly by lit lamps and a sonorous burble could be felt through vibes that shook the loose floorboards of the porch - it was the sing-a-long, happy hour had begun.

The Breeland farmer took a deep breath and readied himself mentally as would an athlete before the race. After a momentary pause, he swung open the door of the Prancing Pony and confronted destiny head on. Rising to the occasion, destiny sprung forward like an uncoiled spring and smashed into Loudewater’s face. The farmer staggered but recovered himself quickly enough; years of patronizing the Prancing Pony had somewhat dwindled the potency its overwhelmingly pungent whiff on him but for the uninitiated, the whole affair of simply entering the tavern could be an insurmountable ordeal. Butterbur had never believed in the concept of proper workplace hygiene and many a newcomers had paid the price. More than often regulars like Loudewater and even old Butterbur himself had heckled at unfamiliar faces contorting in agony followed by the whizzing (they always whiz) and the occasional nausea.

It was all good “clean” harmless fun really. But incidents do happen, those that make simpletons like the good folks of Bree go “hmmm”

Once, an elven wayfarer (dainty and disturbingly pretty in a girly way) tried to enter the Prancing Pony (don’t ask why) and results were somewhat horrific… (For the faerie that is).

Suffice say, that incident was significant enough for Butterbur to go “hmmm” and the next day after the tragic affair, Loudewater saw for the first and only time Butterbur scrubbing the floorboards and opening up the windows to air the place. It was a momentous event that Loudewater rated up there with the likes of the return of the king.

******

Loudewater stepped through the doorway and entered the main serving hall of the tavern. The hospitable warmth radiating from the fireplace felt most comfortable and he permitted himself a wane smile of self-satisfaction. If there was any place he would want to be when a raging storm came along, it would be here.

The Prancing Pony was already packed to the walls when Loudewater entered. Breelanders of different walks of life and trades have already packed the benches and tables and were all bellowing in drunken unison with lusty voices, throats were well lubricated by free-flowing pints and cheap wine. It was “Roll out the Barrels!” a popular hit penned by the famous Susan Delgado and Loudewater found himself almost subconsciously humming along to the tunes of the ever popular folksong.

No one writes such great works anymore, he reflected sadly.

Loudewater’s head swerved upon his scrawny neck as he scrutinized the crowded room looking for some unoccupied spot for himself and perhaps a friend or two to interact with. Amidst the mass of swaying and rocking heads, and raised arms clenching tankards and goblets of spilling beverage, Loudewater’s dull eyes caught sight of an appendage belonging to a familiar face waving frantically in the air. Loudewater grinned at the familiar face, waved back and made his way through to the bar.

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

[Envinyatar]

Dragon Elf odin Ragnorock

If you have revised your First Post – please put a note on the Discussion Thread that you have done so.

And please write your posts using a Word program with spell and grammar check. That will take care of the most of the misspelled words and missed capitals. Then cut and paste them to the Game or Discussion Thread.

- E -

[Alaksoron]

Just exactly what day is this game supposed to start? My apologies, I know people have asked you that before, but I'm just a little confused.

Question number two: who will serve as leader of the group, Veryadan (Evinyatar) or Tarondo (Nuranar)?

[Envinyatar]

The RPG can't start until a game that both Kransha and Fordim are in has closed (the Shire's rule about players in a game not being in more than 2 Shire games at a time). I believe it's scheduled to end tomorrow, so this game can start on Thursday.

As to who is leader of the group - I think that will be the three characters - Veryadan, Tarondo, and Luinien will share the leadership, as the King has sent all three of them on this errand.

Other thoughts, Nuranar?

- E -

[piosenniel]

NOTE:

We still need the 2 posts listed below in bold caps:

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

Order of posts:

Alaksoron

Nuranar – arrival at The Trade Inn, Tharbad

rutslegolas

Esgallhugwen

Envinyatar – arrival at The Prancing Pony of the 4 Elves, Man from Rohan, and Veryadan (see following post)

Meneltarmacil – first post

Dragon Elf - HAS HE REVISED HIS POST?

Meneltarmacil – getting the Rangers to the Prancing Pony - NEEDED

Saurreg - original first post from character bio

Envinyatar – Fen Shepherdspurse

Saurreg - arrival at the Inn/post on board

[Meneltarmacil]

"Did you hear the sound of leaves?" asked Menecar.

"Yes, indeed," Thoronmir responded.

"The sound," whispered Menecar, "is drawing closer."

Thoronmir drew his sword as Menecar pulled out his bow. They continued to ride forward through the gap in the hills. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, an orc leaped from the top of a nearby ledge, knocking him off his horse. The orc took a wickedly sharp knife and tried to stab Thoronmir, but fell dead before he could. Looking behind him, Thoronmir saw that Menecar had shot his would-be killer.

"Thank you," Thoronmir said as he got back on his horse.

"You're welcome," replied Menecar.

Several more orcs apppeared both in front of and behind them. Thoronmir rode over the ones in front while Menecar took out their pursuers with his bow. More orcs came, but by then the Rangers were already out of sight.

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

Thoronmir and Menecar arrived at Bree in the late afternoon. They rode up to the Prancing Pony Inn and went inside.

"Good afternoon," said the inkeeper. "Thorgil, isn't it?"

"Thoronmir," said the ranger. He never gets my name right no matter how many times I try to tell him. "And this is Menecar. We'll need a room for the night and stabling for our horses." They paid the necessary amount of money and then walked into the common room to await the arrival of the messangers from Gondor. Thoronmir and Menecar both ordered some ale, then sat down at a nearby table.

"How many orcs do you think there were?" Thoronmir asked.

"I only heard about five or six from a distance," Menecar replied, "but there were about twenty trying to kill us."

"That's what I thought as well. The ones we heard were probably just a scouting party," Thoronmir continued. "I didn't expect to find that many orcs in the area we were in. We'll have to mention this to the messenger when he arrives." He looked over at Menecar, who clearly wasn't listening, but was instead looking at a corner of the room. "Are you alright?" the older ranger asked.

"That man," said Menecar, pointing at a rather mean-looking fellow, "has been watching us ever since he got here."

[Nuranar]

Thank you, Saurreg, for the post. Please see your PM's - at least, see your PM's a few minutes after the time on this. :p

Envinyatar, Dragon Elf edited his first post, back on page 1, on Sunday. It's almost identical to what you suggested:

After a semi peaceful night Menecar woke up to the sound of birds chirping and a great day for traveling with his companion. It was a peaceful day has begun with the sun shining through the trees. They had a half a days travel by Horse to Bree left to go.

“Do you think that there will be people waiting for us to arrive at the Prancing Pony?” asked Menecar’s companion.

“I think there would be I don’t think that King Elessar would let two Rangers do this alone,” said Menecar.

Suddenly Menecar heard the sound of leaves moving in the woods. He stoped to listen, and to see if he heard the sound again. Sure enough there it was again, but it sounded louder as if the thing or things were getting closer. He looks over at his companion to see if he heared the same sound. But he dose not look like he has. Menecar rode over to him and says:

“Do you not hear the sound of leaves?”

“the sound is drawing closer.” said Menecar

Good work, Meneltarmacil!

Dragon Elf, thanks for the update. Would you please correct your present tense verbs to past tense verbs, as we have discussed? And please see your PM's as well.

Everyone, as Envinyatar said, please type out your posts in a word editing program that will catch most spelling and capitalization errors. Also, I'm posting again what I put up on the second page:

1. Everyone please check the discussion and game threads at least once a day.

2. Primary characters, please post on the story thread at least twice a week. That's only a minimum. You baddies may not need to post so often.

3. Everyone please give advance notice on this discussion thread when you won't be able to check in - if you're going on vacation or you're having computer problems.

4. Please write descriptive posts! I believe the minimum, per Shire rules, is two paragraphs of two sentences each. (Pio?) But that is the absolute minimum. This isn't TV: If you don't write what your character looks like, what the scene looks like, what things sound like, taste like, feel like, no one's going to know all that stuff. That's what good writing does: It creates a scene in the reader's mind.


I'm not going to keep putting this up on every page, but I didn't get any feedback at all and wanted to make sure everyone saw it.

Now, Envinyatar, about this leadership thing:

As a rule I'm all for an established chain of command, even when it's only two people working together. One hopes that there would be no disagreement, but it's a nightmare if they do and neither one has the authority. It can be disastrous if they're on a serious mission - as we most definitely are here.

Take Tarondo and Luinien for example. They're an excellent team, having lived, worked, traveled, planned, and fought together for years. They already have the close affinity of blood, and Elven blood at that. But Tarondo is the one "in charge." Both of them recognize that, albeit silently. (This isn't a male-female thing, let me add. He is the elder sibling, which gives him a natural primacy. More importantly, Tarondo is better qualified to lead, for he has the foresight and clear, planning head of a leader, in addition to greater experience. Not that Luinien could not lead, of course.)

The result of having this order is subtle. If they never disagree Tarondo will never have to "pull rank," and there will therefore be no need for someone in charge. But then again, it might come up. Both know that if it came down to the wire, Tarondo would be the one giving the orders. That silent understanding between them is part of what makes them such a team. Each can rely upon the other in their specific roles. Additionally, there's no strain of trying to make sure each has his "equal share" in the decision-making. They're equal in importance and contributions, but with different roles.

All this is a long-winded way of saying that I'd very much prefer to have one definite leader, and that means it's either Veryadan or Tarondo. From a story point of view, it might be more logical for Veryadan to lead; as a Ranger, these are his "stomping grounds" and the people of the Angle are his people. On the other hand, as you say the King did not specify who was in command, and I have good reasons for Tarondo taking the lead instead.

From a real life point of view, if Veryadan takes the lead that may require you to commit more time to the game than you ought. If I recall correctly, back in July I think you stipulated that you wouldn't be able to take the lead in the running the game. If that's still the case the game may be slowed down; or it may not, depending on how we manage it.

I could keep going for a long time, but please let me know what you think. If you'd like to keep a 2- or 3-member leadership, just say so. And I apologize for this becoming an issue so late in the day. Alaksoron, thanks for bringing it up!

One last thing, Envinyatar - have you PM'd the baddies with their plot? Would you keep me in the loop on those developments? Thanks! :)

Carry on!

Nuranar

[Envinyatar]

Thanks for defining the relationship between Tarondo and Luinien. I would prefer that Tarondo take the lead as I do have time constraints.

I am PM'ing the Orcs and Trolls shortly after this is posted with the short note we had already agreed upon.

- E -

[Nuranar]

Will do, Envinyatar. Do you want me to come up with some reasoning for Tarondo being the leader and try to imply it in my future posts, or would you rather have the king just put him in charge?

Oh, and thanks for sending the PM. :)

~ Nuranar

[Alaksoron]

I will be leaving Thursday (I'm going hiking in the mountains : )) but I will be back Monday. I hate to ask you to delay the game, since you already have done so for Fordim and Kransha, but if thats not possible perhaps Nuranar could sort of include my character till I get back, like he did such a beautiful job of already.

[piosenniel]

The game is now open for play! :D

Please remove your signature from EVERY post to the game thread - including "Saves".

Thanks - and have fun!

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator :)

[Primrose Bolger]

Arrald and Dym

I've left a lead in for you louts to come visiting . . . :D

[rutslegolas]

My second post is up :)

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Arrald and Dim have met up with Grimm and Broga, so the ugliness is now near intolerable.

I have introduced a minor adventure for the baddies so that we have something to do until the arrival of the good-guys. A little dust-up with some farmers should be relatively quick to do -- perhaps in the aftermath of the attack, the goodies can come out to investigate and be attacked by the baddies? Just an idea.

A Note On Trolls (mine at least): I do know that the plan for the trolls is that they are having their treasure stolen by the orcs, but my read of trolls is that they don't really care for treasure at all (being too stupid for that). As my post reflects, they think that the real gain of the attacks is the meat not the gold. So they are being taken advantage of by the orcs, but they don't know or care -- I mean, what use does a troll have for gold? If this is out of step with the rest of the baddies let me know now so I can change direction.

[Saurreg]

Envinyatar - thank you for editing your post to suit my second one. Appreciate it.

[Nuranar]

Thanks to everyone who's posted! I had one of those days yesterday (of course, it would have been the day the game opened :rolleyes: ) and am still not feeling just terrific, but I hope to have a post up later this afternoon. Note: We will not get down to business about our mission in the common room; after we eat we will move to a private room.

Alaksoron, we'll be carrying Osric just fine. Thanks for letting us know when you'll be gone.

A request: Please try to fill in "Saves" within 24 hours. If that'll be a problem, please PM me and let me know. (Kransha, this is not directed at you. Actually, thank you for reminding me to put the notice up!) :)

Fordim (and all baddies), please see your PMs.

Carry on!

Nuranar

[Meneltarmacil]

Dragon Elf and I have recently come up with some interesting ideas for the game.

First, a few proposed strategies for outsmarting the bad guys:

1. (This assumes they'll be waiting to ambush us at Weathertop when we get there) When we reach Weathertop, I figure the hill will look deserted, and will remain deserted as we climb the path to the top. As soon as we reach the top and have let our guard down, they'll attack from all sides and try to kill us all. Or they may think so. In reality, only about four people will be there when the bad guys attack. The rest will have climbed up in secret a few minutes after the first four started and will come up behind the bad guys and attack, having anticipated their strategy. If they don't use an ambush strategy, this will probably require less strategy and more brute force, but I figure they'll do something like this.

2. (I like this one better because the first idea seems too tailored to a specific strategy) Three people (probably those best at close-range fighting) will walk past the hill disguised as ordinary travelers. This will cause the bad guys to run out and try to maul them, taking them for easy prey. The good guys will wait until the bad guys are out in the open, then draw their weapons and attack. At the same time, other good guys hiding somewhere out of sight will shoot them from afar. They should set this up beforehand so that when the "travelers" ride past Weathertop, the others will have the bad guys surrounded. If the area around Weathertop is too wide-open to have any good hiding spots, the alternative would be to buy a large wagon with horses to pull it in Bree, then hide the ambushers in there.

Second: Dragon Elf suggested adding a sub-plot to this. His character would find an injured wolf somewhere early on and heal it. The wolf would then be grateful to Menecar and the rest of the party afterward and would show up to help out now and then.

Third: As for people getting injured, I volunteer Thoronmir for a severe injury (but not one that couldn't be completely healed upon reaching Rivendell). I'll have him get hurt somewhere in the Trollshaws after crossing the Last Bridge. (The Stone Trolls would be a good spot)

Just a few ideas that I think might work well. Feel free to accept/reject them as you see fit.

[Nuranar]

All right, I've just posted. First, a couple continuity things I noticed as I was skimming around the thread:

Saurreg: When the travelers enter the Prancing Pony, there are four Elves and two men: Veryadan and Osric Falkur, of Rohan. (That is Alaksoron's character.)

rutslegolas: Esgallhugwen's first post says that she and her companion arrived at Tharbad on horseback. If you could just modify yours to include that, you won't need to worry about finding good riding horses (as opposed to farm horses :D ) at a roadside inn.

In my post I moved the action forward a little bit, "getting down to business." In doing so I had to use just about everyone's character, particularly Thoronmir, Meneltarmacil. (It was either use characters or put on a two-man show starring only Tarondo and Luinien.) If any of you have a problem with how I've portrayed your character, please let me know, either here or by PM. This is a standing request that goes for any post I make. They are your characters, not mine, and although sometimes I'll need to use them, I want to keep them as you've created them.

As I wrote this I had to come up with "the plan" that our, um, for lack of a better word, allies have for now:

1. All that the King's messengers knew when they arrived at Tharbad was the rumors of violence that had filtered down to Gondor.

2. At Tharbad they learned a little more from Aidwain and Silrûth. Now they're getting the most recent information from Thoronmir and Menecar.

3. The next steps are essentially police work: They study the incidents, gather information from witnesses, and try to find patterns. Specifically, as the game develops over the next week they need to get clues that indicate trolls are the villains. Plus they need to discover what general area the malefactors are operating in.

4. The "allies" begin scouting around for themselves, hoping to track the trolls and find out the truth. Their goal is to discover for certain who is the problem, and then to handle it themselves if possible, and if not to alert the King and have him take care of it.

It's in these scouting expeditions that I anticipate the allies will run into their own problems. (Where's the evil smiley when you need it?!)

Meneltarmacil, I appreciate the thought you and Dragon Elf have put into this. Let me talk to Envinyatar about it, ok? :) Also, since you're obviously in communication with Dragon Elf, please tell him to check his PM's immediately. I sent him an important one on Tuesday, and he still hasn't seen it.

Good work, everyone! Carry on,

Nuranar

[Kransha]

Oho, Meneltarmacil, remember that you do not yet know the villains' strategy. Do not think that we shall fall into trite predictability. We orcs/trolls/etceteras are smarter than we look. *resumes maniacal laughter*

Alright, I've posted, and will make some points about said post.

I have introduced three named orcs, all of whom are completely expendable. When I say completely, I mean, don't kill them off right away, but if you feel like kicking orc posterior and you'd rather not be annihilating nameless pawns, feel free to pick off one of these three individuales importantes during combat. Mind you, the third is a more powerful warrior, and not quite as easy to get out of the picture. If anyone has to get it soon, it ought to be #1 or #2.

Búbkûr: Chief Lieutenant: Strong, thug-persona, bombastic, imbecilic.
Gráthgrob: Chief Negotiator and Vizier: Smart, logical, weak, pompous.
Kransha (dreadfully sorry for the self-insert, but I had to use this name for something): Chief Scout and Archer: Fast, silent, and an excellent marksman (Beware!).

And, for your convenience, here's an Index of Black Speech Words, since I used so many BS (convenient acronym, no?) words in my post. Mind y'all, Bazzog often slips into the Black Speech (also called Orkish, or the Black Tongue of Mordor) often, sometimes with just a word, and sometimes for oration. Since not much Black Speech is documented in Tolkien's works, I might take some liberties, but all BS used in this first speech is straight from the pages of the books.

Pushdug: Dung-filth
Bagronk: Cess-pool
Sha: Contemptuous interjection
Ash-bûbhosh: Great one
Glob: Fool

[Saurreg]

Nuranar - Post edited as pointed out. Have included the Rohirrim in Loudewater's observation.

Baddies - OUTSTANDING! Especially you Kransha!

[Saurreg]

I apologise for my extra long posts. But as I have discussed with Nuranar, it's going to take quite a work to get our simple farmer to leave the safety of Bree for the adventure. I'll try my best ot limit the write up without compromising storyline.

Fellow RPGers, please forgive me!

[Envinyatar]

Nuranar or Pio

I've moved post #22 ahead - can one of you delete the original post by Nuranar?

- E -

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

EDIT: Post #22 has been deleted ~*~ Pio

[Dragon Elf odin Ragnorock]

sorry that I have not been posting buut my sedule has been very bad i thought that I could work it out but it looks like i can oly post on satuday and sunday but i also might need to be carried by Meneltarmacil. I will ask him about that tomwrrow.

[rutslegolas]

Nuranar: post edited as you requested.

My third post is up but I have used a lot of matter from the previous posts .
where is Esgallhugwen,have you contacted her Nuranar??

[Saurreg]

It's too soon for another Loudewater rant, so I won't make a SAVE just after rutslegolas' last post. But I'll do so a post or two down. Hopefully you'll all still be in the tavern.

[Meneltarmacil]

I shall be happy to carry Dragon Elf's character along, and I'll call him every now and then if I need his input.

By the way, it seemed like either Loudewater or Shepherdspurse recognized me from somewhere. Where exactly would that be?

[Envinyatar]

It wasn't Fen - he only knows your character is a nasty, nosy Ranger! :p ;)

Loudewater commented he thought he'd seen someone who looked like your character - long ago in his childhood . . . but didn't say he knew that for sure, did he?

[Saurreg]

Yup. I was simply putting a little musing in mind to play - how did ordinary folks like Breelanders take to the extremely long-lived Dunadäin.

And the first thing that came to my mind was, "Haven't I seen you before?" :D

[Nuranar]

In case you haven't figured it out, this is not a quest-and-battle RPG. There are two phases to it: (1) Fact-finding mission gone wrong and (2) Escape to Rivendell. Envinyatar and I have been working on an outline for the action. So far, here is what we've got:

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

1. Ranger and 2 Elves commissioned by the King – DONE

2. Joined by a man in Rohan – DONE

3. Information gathered from 2 Elves at Tharbad – DONE

4. Information gathered from 2 Rangers who have been patrolling the Breeland area – DONE

5. Information from the Breelanders. We will make a general announcement in the Inn the next day saying we’re interested in any stories people might have to tell of the ‘happenings’ around Bree and its outlying communities. These “happenings” could include anything from the unexplained to murder: lost livestock, travelers who say they’ve ‘been followed,’ etc.

6. The company breaks into smaller scouting groups to check out the stories. Veryadan has added these stories to his map, and the companions start to see that the attacks are beginning to happen in the outlying communities to the NORTHEAST of Bree now – the unknown perpetrators have moved their focus.

7. One group will be led by Fen to the Whittleworth farm. All the groups will rendezvous on Weathertop in 2 days to compare notes. The first group to arrive will be set upon by orcs.

8. The attack; a battle is fought; three companions are wounded – one severely.

9. The company is saved by the arrival of the other scouting groups.

10. The Orcs and trolls cut off the escape back to Bree and the company must flee toward Rivendell.

* The escape to Rivendell is still in the planning stages.

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

Please use this as a guide as you write your posts. Please do NOT add any extra "plot twists" without consulting with me and/or Envinyatar. And remember, the baddies are doing their own plotting behind the scenes. ;)

Carry on!

Nuranar

[Esgallhugwen]

I'm finally back! Must...check....R...P...G...
I am sorry for my disappearance, work is killing me. Anyway not to wory I'm here now *laughs evilly*

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

All right, I've posted the attack of the trolls on the farmhouse. Primrose, I think I left you a big fuzzy area to post about the attack yourself, but if I've done too much in the post, let me know so I can edit. Also, it will be up to you to settle the whole issue of the plunder and taking it to the orcs, etc.

[Saurreg]

I will be updating Loudewater's bio very soon.

Nuranar and I agreed on midlife crisis. But from the looks of it, it appears our not-so-gentle farmer is on the brink of a total mental breakdown. :D

I did not know that the investigators would be staying in town for a few days. I'll see what I can come up with.

[Primrose Bolger]

Fordim

My save is filled.

Lucky Arrald and Dim are now in posession of 2 leather bags of gold - a generous gift from their friends . . . :)

[Envinyatar]

Kransha/Gráthgrob

I thought I'd bring Fen to see Gráthgrob - to give a heads-up report on the appearance of a Ranger and four Elves in the Pony and their 'secret' meeting with two other Rangers.

Can you do a little bragging about the Whittleworth farm venture and the loot you got - then send Fen back to get more info on what's going on?

[Nuranar]

I have posted, very briefly I'm afraid, but the evening is finished. (Unless someone has a good reason for extending it.) I need to leave right now, but I'll check back in later today.

If anyone wants to try his hand at at Butterbur conversation, go ahead! :D

~ Nuranar

[Meneltarmacil]

I will be out of town on a church retreat from tomorrow afternoon until fairly late on Sunday, so I will not be able to post during that time. Just wanted to let you know.

[Nuranar]

Alaksoron, I just saw your post. Are you going to have an interaction between Osric and Loudewater? That would be fine with me. Since you left the scene hanging, though, you might want to contact Saurreg to coordinate things. If not, would you go ahead and resolve the situation? It's as if someone hit the PAUSE button on a movie, and I have no idea what is supposed to come next. :D Thanks!

Meneltarmacil, thanks for the notice.

~ Nuranar

[Saurreg]

Nope. Me thinks the man of Rohan must be thinking,

"Yea Gods! These men of Bree! Softies! They laugh, drink fight and cry all on the same night! Sheesh!"

Next Loudewater post will be in the morning at daybreak when Envinyatar or Nuranar moves the time forward.

And I would luurrveee to see the interaction between Faulker and Loudewater. Something tells me sparks will fly. :D

[Nuranar]

Sarin Mithrilanger has had some issues come up and will not be on the Barrow-Downs for some time. Kransha, your first post in writing for the Orcs was so excellent; do you think you can take care of Ugwakh?
My school schedule this fall is a little peculiar, so I want to offer a little explanation: I have 4 to 5 class sessions a day Monday-Thursday. I have breaks during those days, but not long enough to write much of a post. However, Friday-Sunday I have very little going on, as a rule. I just want to assure you that I don't regularly disappear the first half of every week.

Now for some planning.5. Information from the Breelanders. We will make a general announcement in the Inn the next day saying we’re interested in any stories people might have to tell of the ‘happenings’ around Bree and its outlying communities. These “happenings” could include anything from the unexplained to murder: lost livestock, travelers who say they’ve ‘been followed,’ etc.

In my last post, I had Thoronmir volunteer to speak to Butterbur about what's been going on. The landlord of an inn like the Prancing Pony knows probably more news of the surrounding country than anyone else, so he's the logical place to start. Being the talkative cove that he is, the rest of the Bree people will learn that the travelers are seeking information.

To fit in with the next step of the plan, we will need 3 different "crime scenes" to investigate. One will be the Whittleworth farm, which our worthy Trolls obliterated so effectively while our King's messengers were consulting at the Pony. Fen Shepherdspurse will volunteer information about this one in his own time, so please, don't anyone jump the gun and beat him to it. So we need to learn from Butterbur and/or other Bree people about 2 other sites. Of course there will be more, but these will be probably the most recent; our goal in investigating them is to see who's responsible.

Therefore, in your next posts, please discuss these matters with the natives and invent specific stories about what's been happening. This phase can take either one or two full days, so you don't have to limit yourself to one beer's worth conversation in the common room.

Remember, we have no reason to think Trolls or Orcs or anything non-human is behind this. If you need to speculate, it's most likely to be evil men, brigands left over from the War and the Scouring of the Shire living in the Wild. However, I can easily imagine that the Breeland peasants have come up with any amount of wild "ghost stories" and things of that ilk to explain what's been happening.

6. The company breaks into smaller scouting groups to check out the stories. Veryadan has added these stories to his map, and the companions start to see that the attacks are beginning to happen in the outlying communities to the NORTHEAST of Bree now – the unknown perpetrators have moved their focus.

7. One group will be led by Fen to the Whittleworth farm. All the groups will rendezvous on Weathertop in 2 days to compare notes. The first group to arrive will be set upon by orcs.

8. The attack; a battle is fought; three companions are wounded – one severely.

9. The company is saved by the arrival of the other scouting groups.

When we have enough information, either Envinyatar or I will post and bring the group together to share information and plot sites on the map. Then we will decide which ones to investigate and divide into 3 groups: 2 groups of 3, and 1 group of 2. The group of 2 will be led by Fen to the Whittleworth farm. One of the groups of 3 will be the first to arrive at Weathertop.

I need to know if any of you want to volunteer your character for an injury. Meneltarmacil has already volunteered Thoronmir to get hurt later along the road to Rivendell (although you can change that if you like, of course). I just need to know what preferences you have before I decide how to divide us up. Otherwise, I'll just make assignments. ;)

We've made a good, swift start on this; keep up the good work! Carry on!

~ Nuranar

[Envinyatar]

Kransha

Go ahead and use Fen in your post as needed.

All he's going to tell the Orcs is that there seems to be some sort of hush hush meeting between rangers down from the north and a ranger and Elves from the south.

If you can have your character direct him back to Bree to find out more - he'll volunteer to spill what he knows about the Whittleworth farm and pump what more info he can from the inauspicious party.

A few coins to grease his palm would of course be appreciated. :)

- E -

[Envinyatar]

I've left a SAVE for anyone needing to do a post for the evening or night. Just put it on the Discussion Thread and we can transfer it to the game.

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

My last post has moved us on to morning. Thoronmir and Osric have joined Veryadan for breakfast (I wasn't sure who was going to speak with the Innkeeper). There's an opportunity for one of your characters to go speak with the Innkeeper, if you wish . . .

[Dragon Elf odin Ragnorock]

Hey can I plese have the saved space for the evning/night post because i dont get to post that offen so i need all the help i can get

[Nuranar]

Dragon Elf, just write an evening post and put it here on the discussion. Envinyatar can copy it to his save.

Please read the story posts carefully. You have Menecar asking, "Why talk to the inkeeper?" But in my post on 09-16-04 I made it clear. I also made it clear in my discussion post just above: "The landlord of an inn like the Prancing Pony knows probably more news of the surrounding country than anyone else, so he's the logical place to start." Thoronmir's talking to the landlord to get information.

I also said: "We have no reason to think Trolls or Orcs or anything non-human is behind this." Menecar should not be assuming Orcs are involved at all. Nor do we know that these are organized raids. That's why we're asking questions.

As writers, we know the whole plot. But our characters don't. We need to be very careful to show how they discover everything.

Please fix those as soon as possible. Thank you!

~ Nuranar

[Nuranar]

rutslegolas,

Have you been reading the discussion posts? Once again, I said, "We have no reason to think Trolls or Orcs or anything non-human is behind this." Aidwain should not be thinking about trolls. Please fix that in your post as soon as possible.

~ Nuranar

[Saurreg]

My save will not be affecting other characters. So please post on if you want to, don't let it stop you. I will fill it up ASAP, hopefully by today.

[rutslegolas]

I edited my post .

[Saurreg]

I have updated my save as well as my character's bio. will post new attire/equipment inofrmation when he gets on the road.

Envinyatar-Does my chronogical interpretation of when Sheperdspurse reentered the Prancing pony agree with you? Tell me if not and I'll make an edit.

Meneltarmacil What about you? Do you want my character to notice yours striking a conversation with Butterbur?

[Kransha]

Hello all (and/or none). Sorry about not filling that Save in so long. Just for convenience's sake, I deleted it, and am going to post the post when it is complete. The post will simply be Grathgrob's meeting with Fen. Then, Fen can return to the Pony with his new supply of information. If anyone requires me to edit, when my post goes up tonight, just say so. The post will be on the RPG Thread by 9:00 EST.

[Envinyatar]

Kransha

It might be best if you put the post here on the discussion thread, and I can have Pio post it with a previous post. Time has moved ahead at the Inn - and Fen is already there, and has been seen coming in by Saurreg's character.

What do you think?

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

Saurreg

Your edited post looks fine to me.

- E -

[Kransha]

Here's that post for pio. If any editing needs to be done, tell me before it has been placed on the RPG Thread.

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

A dull, pointless tune, whistled badly by orcish lips, rent the calm air. Búbkûr was not a good whistler, not at any rate, and his butchery of the same old uruk folk tune he’d heard circulating around the campfire was appalling. He didn’t even like the melody, as he’d made clear earlier, but the silence of the area disconcerted him greatly, filling him with the urge to be at least half as noisy as he usually was. He didn’t like all the nature, which was a given in a forested, hilly land. He especially didn’t like the trees. He’d lived his whole life in a place without trees, or bushes, or leaves, or roots, or any filth that accompanied trees. Any tree was like a thorn in his side. But, he especially hated those leafless, crooked ones. Those were the worst trees, and since Búbkûr didn’t like trees, he especially didn’t like the least likable trees, as they were not likable (which made perfect sense to him, somewhat). There were a lot of those in Bree-land, mostly in the dense, derelict forests. Thankfully, there were not that many of those trees in the area where Búbkûr was at the moment.

Where he was was at a familiar locale, between Bâzzog’s section of camp and that of Ugwakh, his second. He had come from Ugwakh’s section, having acted as an annoyed messenger who brought word of plans and schemes that he did not fully understand. He felt left out of the loop, regardless of who he spoke to, and it made him mad. Ugwakh’s dull, gruff attitude hadn’t helped. The parley broke into quick and steady argument, common for hostile orc-kind. Búbkûr was content to have left the wretched glob of an orc to his own wretched devices. His course back to Bâzzog was abandoned as he sought unheard of tranquility to ponder his situation. He felt better, not in the company of Bâzzog, Ugwakh, or the smart-mouth Gráthgrob. But, his feeling was overthrown when clip-clopping noise broke his ‘concentration’ and a trio of those crooked, horrid trees appeared just as he crested a small lump of a dirt mound. To the most crooked, most hateful tree was tied a horse, with its rider walking beside it. It took an irritatingly long time for Búbkûr to recognize the fellow and realize that he had wandered to an appointed place of meeting with said man.

“Yer Fen Sheperdsnurse, roight?” He said, enthusiastically, as he approached the man. He remembered that the 'negotiator' between the orcs an the Breelanders was actually old Grathgrob, and that's probably who this creature was expecting. It didn't matter, since, as they said in Bree sometimes, "Beggars can't be choosers." When it comes to orcs, everyone's a beggar, and nobody bothers risking their lives making choices. Choices are a bad thing, in uruk company. Finishing his exclamation, Búbkûr looked over the man, who looked dissapointed about the recipient of his soon-to-be-delivered message. He also looked like several other things, but Búbkûr was never any good at conjuring appropriate adjectives.

Fen coughed pointedly. “That’s Sheperdspurse, orc.” He corrected, his raspy voice grating on Búbkûr’s easily stricken nerves. Waving his clawed hand dismissively, the uruk nodded. “Yeah, sure it is. Whaddaya want?” He was obviously impatient, and in a sour mood. Even though he never considered challenging Bâzzog, he was often tempted when the superior orc treated him so dishonorably. Growling in his bracken-clotted throat, the orc’s hook hand scratched idly at the small of his back, drawing blood inadvertently. Though Fen’s eyes were drawn to the strange activity, the man of Bree managed to remain focused and continue speaking. Búbkûr’s gaze, though, unavoidably continued to sway, looking at that crooked tree behind the man; that tree he so disliked. Disliking the tree made him feel more confident, and he almost blocked out the sound of Fen Sheperdspurse.

“I come bringing ill news, orc,” Fen drawled on, “and you’d do best to pass it on to your captain.” Búbkûr looked up; one brow rising so that one of his two beady eyes became swollen and bulbous, which was probably the best look of inquiry the foul creature could muster. The orc whipped his hook hand back out and brandished it in a menacing fashion at the Breelander. “Yer bringin’ illness?” he said, skeptical and confused, “I don’t wanna get sick, ya know!” His two eyes were now bulging from their sockets, to Fen’s dismay. The Breelander probably would’ve been irritated by the orc’s stupidity if that same orc hadn’t been waving a rusty metal hook several inches in front of his nose. Hurriedly, Fen attempted to calm Búbkûr promptly, gesturing with his arms to settle the bewildered fiend.

“Bad news,” he stated swiftly, “I bring bad news.”

Astutely, Búbkûr settled down, speaking dimly as if nothing had happened. He needed no second measure of reassurance. His hook returned to its fleshy scratching post. “Oh…yeah, fine.” He muttered, looking away without a care or aim. “What is it?...The bad news, I mean.” Fen nodded, as if in understanding and, wrapping his narrow fingers around his staff again. Like a foul orator preparing for rhetoric, he contemplated. With a reserved gesture that plainly meant “Get to the point,” from Búbkûr, Fen began again, saying “There’s been some sort of clandestine meeting in the Prancing Pony” and pausing afterward to see the orc’s reaction (or lack thereof). After Búbkûr bobbed his head dimly, Fen went on. “Four northern Rangers and four Elves and a fifth ranger, all whispering like they’re talking about some dark secret. I thought Bâzzog would want to know.”

“Sure he would.” Búbkûr snapped, frustrated, not fully comprehending the situation, “Ya say four tarks meetin’ with four Elves?” Rolling his eyes as the orc looked away, Fen replied: “Yes, and another Ranger with the Elves.” Búbkûr’s lower, bulbous lip wound up over his upper jaw, enveloping it, and he scratched his hairy chin. “I’ve got it.” He said at last, a spark in his bugging eyes, “After we spend all the gold from last noight, we’ll get right on doin’ somethin’ about them tarks.” Fen’s own eyes illuminated evilly all of a sudden at the last statement. Stuttering in anticipation, the man ventured a query.

“Last night, you say?”

“Yeah.” Búbkûr tried to look intelligent as he nodded, still unaware of the wound he was tearing in his back, “Them stupid trolls got a grand haul from the Whittleworth Farm just outside o’ Staddle. Thems trolls get stupider by the day, I reckon.” He laughed, good-naturedly, but the laugh he elicited from Fen was forced (though Búbkûr was too busy developing the cognitions of a proper guffaw to notice). “Indeed.” Fen murmured, as soon as his ‘surfeit of raucous laughter’ had concluded, “So, what of the Rangers and Elves?” Búbkûr noticed Fen’s uneasiness, but ignored it in true orc fashion, considering. His feeble strivings toward philosophy were miserable, especially when he tried to look philosophical. “Pump ‘em fer information, ya know?” He growled sinisterly, “Ya can tell ‘em about the farm, that’s old news. Just so long as ya get some good news next time ya come.” He brandished his hook hand with ominous intent again, his eyes narrowing. “I won’t be quite so pleasant if’n ya bring ill news again.”

It didn’t take long for Fen Sheperdspurse to turn on his heels, leap onto the malnourished horse he had bound to that nearby, crooked and hunched over tree, and gallop off briskly into the distance, towards Bree. Chuckling merrily to himself, and thinking himself quite intelligent, Búbkûr galumphed back towards Bâzzog’s camp, slicing through half the trunk of that crooked tree, shaking it to its very roots. He really hated that tree.

[Nuranar]

I spent exactly 12 hours on campus today and my brain is just a wee bit fried, but here's a few notes:

rutslegolas, thanks for editing, and thanks, too, for replying on the discussion when you did.

Saurreg, thanks for filling your save and for updating your bio. I for one refer to the bios fairly often, when I need to incorporate other characters in my posts. Besides, Loudewater is intricate enough that I appreciate it more than usual.

Envinyatar and Kransha, Kransha's post may fit best into Envinyatar's save dated 09-18-04. That way it's more closely linked to Fen's departure from the Inn a few posts before. I assume the meeting itself took place during the wee small hours of the night, so chronologically speaking it ought to be before Envinyatar's post that moves us into the morning.

Alaksoron? Esgallhugwen? If either of you would like to move us forward in the day, or make more progress with the information-gathering, I wouldn't take it amiss. ;)

~ Nuranar

[piosenniel]

Hmmm . . . I transferred Kransha's post. However, his and Envinyatar's posts were completely at odds with each other.

Since Envinyatar was online - I asked him to delete his post of early yesterday afternoon and rewrite. He will do so.

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator

[Envinyatar]

Fen has offered to tell of the horrid happenings at the Whittleworth farm . . . would someone like to 'interview' him - do some lead in questions, then I'll answer for him.

[rutslegolas]

Nuranar have you contacted Esgallhugwen ?

And when are we going to move the story ahead ,after the announcements we are going to split inot scouting groups and meet at Amun Sul in 2 days right??

[Nuranar]

Hmmm . . . I transferred Kransha's post. However, his and Envinyatar's posts were completely at odds with each other.

Like I said, 12 hours on campus has a brain-frying tendency. Now that I think of it, of course they conflicted. I just didn't see it. My apologies! :)

Envinyatar, I'll lead in to the interview if no one else does... Unfortunately, today is a bit busy and tomorrow morning isn't much better. Anyone else feel free to do it, but I will as soon as I can.

rutslegolas, we still have very little information; that's the whole purpose of this part of the plan. Plus I allowed 1 or 2 days for that, and as far as I can tell we're still on the morning of the first. So... all in good time.

Everyone, please don't think that having a plan means Envinyatar and I are the only ones who can move the story forward. I would like to see you taking initiative and advancing the time frame yourselves.

~ Nuranar

[Esgallhugwen]

Ahhhh! *pant pant* I'm here and as of right now I'm posting, I could be the one to ask "interview" Fen, perhaps then I'll get the needed bat upside the head to do my duty for this RP. I mean not that I have no reason to post, quite the contrary, but this would merely give me extra incentive. And perhaps Fen could feel degraded or insulted that one of the company of female persausion is the one asking the questions.

Just an idea, if someone else is better suited for the job than by all means go to it! ;)

[Envinyatar]

Esgallhugwen

I've put up a SAVE and Fen will dole out enough information to draw the interest of the Elf :)

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

Other Rangers and Elves

Go ahead and write about someone in the Inn you've talked to or someone in the town square (wherever you'ld like to meet them) - make up the story of what's happened - you can make it as grisly as you wish. Just remember no one knows who is doing this. The trolls and orcs have not been seen by anyone still alive to tell about it. :eek:

[Esgallhugwen]

Ah, Excellent! *rubs hands together* :D

Thank ye kindly,
Esgallhugwen

[Nuranar]

I've put up a save myself. I hope to post tonight, but if not I will tomorrow afternoon.

If my save is in the way of your interaction, Fen, excuse me, Envinyatar (funny how I identify players with characters!) and Esgallhugwen I will move it. I'll work to integrate it into mine, either way.

~ Nuranar

[Nuranar]

I have posted after your last, Envinyatar, and deleted my save. I have to go to class now, but I may add to the post around suppertime.

On another note, completely off topic, but I'm just bubbling over with this: This afternoon I get my Fightin' Texas Aggie RING! WHOOP! :D

[Saurreg]

I have no idea what a Texas Aggie ring is. No idea whatsoever.

Anyway seeing there's no action, I'll be moving my character along really soon. Most probably he will leave the village before the investigators. I'll just have to think of some events to keep him preoccupied.

Envinyatar/Nuranar - please PM me a list of do's and dont's for a simple farmer travelling through the wilderness so that i won't mess up the storyline.

[Envinyatar]

Esgallhugwen

I've left a lead-in for you to talk about your 'interview' with Fen and to bring him over to the table to show us where his 'incident' took place.

[Esgallhugwen]

Very good, very good. I'll get right on it! ;)

[Nuranar]

Saurreg, I will send you a message in a couple of hours.

Esgallhugwen, thanks for your post. Meneltarmacil, Dragon Elf, and Alaksoron, all of you haven't posted for the last 1 to 2 weeks. Please post ASAP.

Thanks for your hard work, Envinyatar - you've really kept things from stagnating entirely.

Everyone, please try to either post more often or write longer posts. (2 or 3 paragraphs is a minimum only!) Remember, an RPG is a group effort.

Carry on!

Nuranar

P.S. About the Aggie ring: My university is Texas A&M University. We are known as Aggies (think agriculture). The Aggie ring is the school ring. But we can't even order it until we have 95 credit hours, so most people don't receive it until they are nearly graduating. It's a super BIG DEAL. So you can imagine why I was a bit excited last week. ;)

[Nuranar]

That was fast work, Meneltarmacil! Good job!

Envinyatar, the trend in the latest posts seems to be that a lot of people are suspicious of Fen. Is that how you'd like it? Or should we be a wee bit more trusting, to make his betrayal more unexpected?

~ Nuranar

[Meneltarmacil]

I've been speaking with Dragon Elf some more, and we came up with a good plan for my injury at the Stone Trolls. I'd just need the approval of a couple other characters (notably Kransha) before it would be official.

Saurreg PMed me earlier about if I could get injured while saving Andas Loudewater, so I decided to work around that. When we've reached the Stone Trolls, we'll get attacked by orcs, and Kransha (the orc Kransha named after himself) will be among them. We'll be fighting as usual, and I'll see him aim an arrow at Loudewater. I'll run up, push him aside, and take the blow myself, leaving only Menecar standing between Kransha and Loudewater. (Dragon Elf said he wanted to take on Kransha, so that's why this situation would develop.) My right arm would be crippled, and the arrow will most likely be poisoned.

Only a suggestion at this point, though.

[Nuranar]

Meneltarmacil and Saurreg:

The Stone Trolls (the three trolls turned to stone in The Hobbit) are on the far side of the Hoarwell and the Last Bridge. That is, according to The Fellowship, a good 6-7 days' journey on foot from Weathertop.

So this fight and injury is to take place after we are ambushed on Weathertop, correct?

If so, I don't have a problem with it. Just keep in mind that events and circumstances might change considerably before we get to that point in the story. ;)

Saurreg, I would like to know your plans for meeting up with us. That is the critical point right now.

Alaksoron, please see your PM's.

I will post tomorrow afternoon, bringing an end to our inquiries in Bree.

According to the outline I posted above (09-13-2004), 2 or 3 of King Elessar's Messengers (KEM) will be led by Fen to the Whittleworth farm, and then ambushed when they reach Weathertop. They will be rescued by the other two groups. In the battle, 3 KEM will be wounded: 2 moderately, 1 severely.

EVERYONE: I need to know if anyone is wanting to or does not want to be injured. So far,

Andas Loudewater will be joining the KEM somewhere around this battle.
Thoronmir will be wounded later along the journey.
Tarondo will not be wounded. (Because he's the leader and I say so. :D )

That leaves Aidwain, Silrûth, Luinien, Osric, and Veryadan. Menecar cannot be severely wounded, although he just might be one of the moderately wounded. Envinyatar has already said that Veryadan may be among the wounded.

So: Dragon Elf, Esgallhugwen, Alaksoron, and rutslegolas: Please post ASAP your preference. If you do not post, I will assume your character can be wounded.

Any questions, comments, or complaints are welcome, as always. :)

Carry on!

Nuranar

[Kransha]

I've been speaking with Dragon Elf some more, and we came up with a good plan for my injury at the Stone Trolls. I'd just need the approval of a couple other characters (notably Kransha) before it would be official.

Saurreg PMed me earlier about if I could get injured while saving Andas Loudewater, so I decided to work around that. When we've reached the Stone Trolls, we'll get attacked by orcs, and Kransha (the orc Kransha named after himself) will be among them. We'll be fighting as usual, and I'll see him aim an arrow at Loudewater. I'll run up, push him aside, and take the blow myself, leaving only Menecar standing between Kransha and Loudewater. (Dragon Elf said he wanted to take on Kransha, so that's why this situation would develop.) My right arm would be crippled, and the arrow will most likely be poisoned.

Only a suggestion at this point, though.

This is all fine, just so everyone knows, as long as I get to have a say in it. If you need any information regarding Kransha, just PM, or what have you.

*feels very insufficient because of incredible shortness of post*

[Meneltarmacil]

Thanks, Kransha! :)

I already know that Dragon Elf does NOT want Menecar to be wounded, so please don't try anything bad there. And I'm sorry he didn't post this himself, but his schedule is rather busy and he doesn't have a lot of time to make posts except on weekends.

[rutslegolas]

Well really i do not want to be injured,but if no one else wants to be ,I will be ready.

[Envinyatar]

Alaksoron

I'm a little unclear about what your character, Osric, is doing. Do you plan at some time to interview one of the Breelanders who has a story to relate about the attacks? Get some sort of fix on where one of our search groups should be going?

It will be fine with me if you write about the 'incident' your group will be going to investigate.

- E -

[Envinyatar]

Alright - Fen has agreed to go and show the massacre at the Whittleworth farm to the companions.

What we need now is this:

Thoronmir and/or Menecar - can you please do a scene where you either interview or talk about someone you've interviewed about an incident (make up the details any way you wish). It should happen somewhere not too far from Weather top and how you think that this incident could provide some clues.

Then we need one more incident for the third group to investigate - so Osric and/or Aidwain can you do something similar.

I'd like us to have these in place by the middle of next week, so that we can inspect the 3 places we've been referred to, then move on to the meeting at Weathertop.

- E -

[rutslegolas]

Osric would you please write the third incident ,I am afraid I am not too good at conversations :(

[Nuranar]

rutslegolas, in your post would you please have Aidwain go out the next morning instead of that night? It's already dark, and the market and shops in Bree would certainly be closed at that time.

Alaksoron, please check and reply to your PM's.

Nuranar

[rutslegolas]

Sure thing. Soory forgot it was night !!

[Alaksoron]

Nuranar, I am quite sure I do not want Osric to be seriously wounded. Forgive me if that is selfish. I am willing to have him wounded, however. Would a slash acros the left knuckles, severely impairing the use of that hand, and an arrow in the calf, thus causing him to limp, qualify as moderate? I would like for Osric to still be able to fight, even if he is not so dextrous. I can dramatize the difficulties he has using his hand if you like, as well.

Also, might I ask if there is a pre-ordained plan for getting Loudewater to join the party? If not, I would like to talk to you, Saurreg, about it.

[rutslegolas]

Nuranar,if Alaksoron ( Osric ) does not wish to be injured ,Aidwain can be injured I have no problems .

[Meneltarmacil]

Sorry I haven't posted at all this week, but I've had tons and tons of homework the whole time. I will make up for it this weekend though. Again, sorry I didn't post like you asked me. :(

[Saurreg]

Also, might I ask if there is a pre-ordained plan for getting Loudewater to join the party? If not, I would like to talk to you, Saurreg, about it.

Prattle on Alaksoron. I'm at all ears. :)

[Nuranar]

Saurreg and Alaksoron: Whatever you cook up between you, please keep me informed. :)

Meneltarmacil: I understand about the homework - believe me! I spent 4 hours in the computer lab today, and the assignment still isn't finished. If at all possible, though, please just post on the discussion. If things pile up for a couple days, let us know you can't post. That way the rest of us know to pick up the slack and keep going.
By the way, please tell Dragon Elf to check his PM's. I've just sent him one, but he hasn't seen the one I sent 5 days ago. Please tell him it's important to check those.

Alaksoron: In your last post, Osric has an Elven sword with a Sindarin name, which he translates for Aidwain (who already speaks it). It is so extraordinary for Osric to have this that it must be explained. The Rohirrim had virtually no contact with the Elves at any time, and they have their own separate language. Even the Common Tongue is only a second language for them. Please explain (1) how Osric got this sword and (2) why he knows Sindarin. (By the way, where did you find the translation for "Azar"?)

Also, Osric sounds a bit cocky about his ability as a swordsman. Especially, the way he speaks about Tarondo - an Elf - is almost insulting, and he's talking to another Elf. Elves are very very rarely seen by the Rohirrim, and Osric's casual attitude is very unusual to me. Frankly, he sounds quite disrespectful.
Are you intending Osric to be that sort of character? Because if so, I want to discuss how we're going to work that out in the rest of the story. Tarondo's a nice guy, but he's not going to stand for cockiness in this team.
If you're not meaning for Osric to be like that, would you please reword what he says? He can talk about being a blademaster without being boastful.

rutslegolas: Thanks for your willingness for Aidwain to be wounded. Is it all right if he's the one seriously wounded?

Oh, Alaksoron again: That's fine if you don't want Osric to be wounded - much. It's not a selfishness thing; it's just a preference. No problem.

That got me thinking, though. Everyone, if you need to, go back and re-read the plan for this RPG. We've got a long, tough road ahead of us to Rivendell. There are very few of us, only 9 when we pick up Andas Loudewater, and we're going up against 4 trolls and a whole troop of Orcs. The odds are pretty bad! The skirmish at Weathertop is only the very first step. We'll be fighting our way through for the next 150 miles.

So I'd like everyone to consider at least 1 injury of some kind, and quite possibly more. As Alaksoron talked about, there's a lot of variety in seriousness. What he suggested (slash across the knuckles and arrow in the calf) is from light to moderate. For our purposes, the seriousness of an injury is how incapacitating it is. Keep in mind that even small cuts may become infected and become serious. Be thinking about what your character can sustain.

I was going to fill my save tonight, but I'm too tired to be creative. Now that the business is out of the way, I'm going to recharge. I'll post in the morning. Sorry for the delay, but don't let me stop you! ;)

Carry on!

Nuranar

[rutslegolas]

Well ,I would;nt like to be seriously wounded but if nobody is ready I can be the one.

[Nuranar]

I have finally edited in my post. So sorry for the delays! I unexpectedly went home this morning, so I wrote my post in a notebook while riding in the car. Then we've been doing all sorts of crazy things with our 5 (!!) home computers. What with home networking and DSL connections, it's a miracle I'm on at all!

Anyway, we now have marching orders. Carry on!

Nuranar

[Saurreg]

Not much activity here...

This weekend, come hell or high waters, I'll be making two posts. The first will regarding my character's departure from Bree and the second will bring him pass the wrecked remains of the terrorised homestead and the road further east.

[Nuranar]

Saurreg, that will be all right. In order to keep things in the right order, would you please put up two Saves? We have now left Bree, so I'd advise one Save right now before game time is moved ahead a day or two.

rutslegolas, Esgallhugwen, and Meneltarmacil, thank you for your posts. Good work! Meneltarmacil, have you talked to Dragon Elf like I asked in my post below?

We are now already on the road outside of Bree. Fen, Tarondo, and Silrûth will shortly turn off the road to investigate the Whittleworths. Then Envinyatar, Osric and Aidwain will leave the road. Luinien, Thoronmir, and Menecar have the longest journey - they travel past Weathertop, so it'll take some time to get to their spot.

Envinyatar, would you like to post for Fen? Chronologically, we need to do the Whittleworth bit first. I just may be able to do that tonight. By the way, Fen is on foot in rutslegolas's post and on a grey pony in Esgallhugwen's. What's your preference?

Alaksoron, please respond to what I asked below (post dated 10-09-04).

Nuranar

[Envinyatar]

I've put up a save for Fen - do you want me to get us to the Whittleworth farm.

I'll take care of the walk/ride problem in my post.

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

I'll put up a general SAVE in case anyone wants to use it

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

I also have a SAVE up for Veryadan in which I will get our group to what we are supposed to be inspecting.

[piosenniel]

The end date for this game is scheduled for 10/21 - I'm willing to extend it for 2 weeks to November 4th.

Draagon Elf - Your character, which should be in play in this part of the game, has not been on board in the game since 9/18 - almost a month. You have passed the 2 week w/o posting limit.

Nuranar can now decide to either have your character taken over or he can be killed.

~*~ Piosenniel, Game Moderator

[Nuranar]

Envinyatar, if you get us to Whittleworth I'll take over from there.

Pio, thank you for the extra time. Right now, I'm planning on carrying Menecar along (as Luinien in this phase I can do that) and then probably killing him on the way to Rivendell. Realistically, we ought to lose someone anyway.

[Esgallhugwen]

If you'd like to hear my preference, I put put Fen on a grey pony because I thought it to be more sensible, considering the rest of the company are on horses, you wouldn't want Fen to be jogging behind, suffering from an impending heart attack or such.

Just my thoughts take it or leave it. ;)

[Meneltarmacil]

About Menecar...

I'll try to get Dragon Elf to do some more posts, as he seems rather interested in this RPG and would not want Menecar to die... however, he gets really busy during the week and often forgets stuff, so I'm not sure I can do much...

[Nuranar]

I understand, Meneltarmacil. But he knew the requirements going into this, and even with the special allowances made for him, he has not been on board. He still hasn't checked his PMs for well over a week, and hasn't posted for nearly a month. I can't tell you how very sorry I am, but we're waaaay behind schedule as it is. I can't hold it up for him any more. I'm sorry.

Nuranar

[Saurreg]

Envinyatar, I'll take that save from your hands if you don't mind.

[Envinyatar]

Saurreg

If you want something put in the SAVE, just leave it on the discussion thread and call my attention to it. :) Either Pio or I can place it for you.

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

Nuranar & Esgallhugwen

It's morning - Fen and the 2 Elves are on a little rise above the Whittleworth Farm. The crows and ravens are protesting our presence.

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

rutslegolas & Alaksoron

rutslegolas, I had your character find a camp for us a little way away from the Marshes.

Can either you or Alaksoron get us going the next morning on the hunt for clues about what/who did in the shepherd, his dog, and stole the flock?

Mangled skeleton remains would be a good touch - footprints - whatever you can dream up. Please do leave room for all of us to find some clues and talk about them.

[rutslegolas]

Thanks Envinyatar ,I have found a place to make camp ,and also found some footprints for you ( Veryadan ) to deduce some conclusions.

[Saurreg]

Here's my post that will set up my character's departure. please fill it in your save Envinyatar, thank you.

==========================

Andas Loudewater was humming an old melody to himself as he approached the farmstead riding upon his latest acquisition – a brown little pack mule. He had sauntered upon the live animal market at the town square on the way home and suddenly decided to take a look. It wasn’t long till he set his eyes on the said crossbred and fell for it’s dark black liquid eyes that seemed to convey ”Buy me Andas, buy me! I’m worth your entire month’s earning and more!” This was what the farmer did, much to the delighted surprise of the mule owner who knew that the value of the animal was far less than the amount of guineas he was receiving. But Loudewater did not mind, not one bit. He wanted an animal from the market square (which incidentally could have been a pair of sleepy salamanders further down the stalls) that day and he was pretty sure that he would not be leaving town without a buy. Besides what was money to him anyway?

Andas Loudewater was a new man. He was a happy man who wanted to go on a trip. He was also a new man who named his animals.

Meet “Killer”, Loudewater’s steed extraordinaire.

The mid-morning was blazing as the farmer arrived at his destination. He got off the mule, gave it an affectionate pat between the long furry ears before marching briskly into the cottage. He stepped onto the porch, swung the door open with aplomb and promptly hollered,

“HONEY I’M HOME!”

His enthusiastic introduction was greeted initially by the silence of the main room, but the inevitable was ensured. And it came from the solar,

“ANDAS LOUDEWATER! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! WHY WEREN’T YOU HOME LAST NIGHT?!”

The joy. It tickles your heart and keeps your body warm, like the gentle embrace of a loved one. The joy, it is a key that unlocks the door and let the bright rays of the sun in. Nourishing all with indescribable delight and hope.

“I WAS OUT DRINKING! I SLEPT IN TOWN!” Replied the farmer as he headed up the stairs towards the bedroom in brisk light steps.

He entered the bedroom, pulled his muddied boots and stripped off his soiled garments, tossing them carelessly onto the floorboards. He then reached for a large wicker case, flipped open the top and pulled out a white linen shirt, another brown tunic and a pair of trousers and put them on.

The now-familiar disembodied voice boomed,

“AND WHO SAID YOU COULD SPEND THE NIGHT OUTSIDE?! THERE WERE CHORES TO BE DONE THIS MORNING ANDAS! YOU HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES!”

The joy, it was louder than rolling thunder yet softer than a lover’s whisper. It was the uncontrollable laughter of innocent children at play but also the measured tones of a sagely storyteller.

Loudewater ignored the outburst and continued to put on his clothes. He took a sniff at the new tunic and decided that it needed further smoking.

There was the sound of a furry of steps and Helga appeared before the doorway of the bedroom, eyes blazing with unbraided anger. But that soon gave way to shock as she espied the guilty pair of boots and the crumbled heap of clothes.

“My… My floor,” She stammered without taking her beady little eyes off the obnoxious footwear, “Andas, what… what have you done to my nice clean floor?”

“Oh those! I was changing and I had to take them off. You can’t expect me to take off my trousers with those oversized things on could jah?” Loudewater replied nonchalantly as he struggled to buckle his leather belt.

He then picked up the offensive pair of scalawags, put them on again and headed out the door, sidestepping his wife who was still in a mystified state of disbelieving. Heading down the flight of stairs, he entered the kitchen and proceeded to raid the cupboard.

“Andas! How dare you! You… you…”

Helga was threatening her husband as she entered the kitchen but stopped mid sentence when she saw what he was doing. Loudewater was whistling to himself as he wrapped a large piece of dried spiced beef in fine muslin, he had already consigned a loaf of rye bread and generous wedge of aged cheddar to a similar fate. Beside them stood a large wooden flask filled with cheap ale.

“I love the smell of spiced beef in the morning,” he drawled teasingly to his wife, eyes sparkling with mischief, “it smells… it smells like success!”

The deed done, he then reached for a large sheepskin fanny pack and stuffed the mummified foodstuff into it. A couple of wind-dried (but still good) apples plucked from the tree in the backcourt were tossed in for a good measure. Loudewater then buckled the large bulging pouch onto his belt and grabbed the flask by its shoulder strap.

“Well, all packed and done. Time to go!” He proclaimed as he headed back towards the main hall, not even giving Helga the briefest of glances.

“Go? Go where?”

“Why, a trip of course! I’m heading east on the main road.”

“But why Andas? You can’t just go! You’ve got chores. The sheepfold needs fixing and the roof leaked last night, you have to thatch it!”

“That can wait dear. It won’t rain anytime now and you’ll just have to keep an eye out for ‘em sheep from time to time. But for now, TRIP!”

Andas affixed the sheath of his trusty old dagger onto the straining leather belt and grabbed the cope by the hood before opening the front door.

“But what about last month’s earnings from those wool shavings and the cabbages? Are you still holding on to the money purse? And what about me?” Inquired Helga, nonplussed and voice quivering. The fire had died in her eyes and was replaced by the dullness of doubt and fear.

“Not to worry dear,” Replied Loudewater confidently as he beckoned Helga to join him at the door which, she did so hesitantly, “I have invested it in this fine animal that will earn us great dividends in the near future! Helga, meet Killer!”

Loudewater pointed at the little brown mule which had somehow found its way into the garden vegetable garden and was helping himself to young immature greens. Killer took in Mrs. Loudewater with his dark liquid globes and whined appreciatively (at least that was what Loudewater thought). Helga just stood solidified, lower jaw hanging by their hinges.

“Well, gotta to go now, ‘tis a good day for riding.”

Loudewater stepped off the porch, went to Killer and led him out of the patch by the reins. As he led the mule onto the dirt road, the farmer cocked his head and deliberated.

He turned around and gazed at Helga with eyes that momentarily shone with compassion, love and surprise instead of the maniacal glint the dominated the entire morning. His voice wavier wavered and choked with emotion as he said,

“By God woman, you look… beautiful. By God…”

Loudewater stared at Helga for a while before turning towards Killer, mounting him and delivering the twin taps to its sides with the back of his heels that sent the animal trotting down the road, head bobbing up and down.

Loudewater’s thoughts were still on Helga. Mouthing over and over again,

“By God... by God…”

[piosenniel]

Saurreg

Post placed on game.

~*~ Pio

[Envinyatar]

Thanks, Pio!

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rutslegolas and Alaksoron

I've got us bedded down for the night. The three of us have had a brief look at some of the footprints.

Can one of you get us up and going the next morning? We should go a little further forth along the marshes and find evidence of the killed shepherd and his dog.

Let's get some speculation going on how an entire flock of sheep could be carried off. Say we not a number of sheep hoofprints around the drying mud, then they just seem to disappear into thin air . . .

Be creative - we don't know for certain that there are trolls about . . .

[Nuranar]

Esgallhugwen, I've completed most of the investigations at Whittleworth. Please do whatever else investigating you want, and then get us back to the road sometime the next day. I've left some pretty strong indications that something very big and powerful is doing the destruction. I haven't yet said "troll," but you can, at your discretion.
Here's some indications for your post, if you want to use them: Tarondo's searching around for footprints. If you want, him can discover indications leading off in a general NE direction. They'll be a couple of days old; he can tell from how dead and wilted the crushed vegetation is. We can follow the tracks for a bit, but it's late afternoon already. Plus as the tracks lead further from the road (and incidentally toward the Marshes) we need to get back to the road. Remember, we're a long way from Weathertop where we need to rendezvous. We can't spend too long following the trail. Although that's a shame, because then we could find the culprits! You can work that in, if you like. I'd like us to be on the road by Monday morning (real time) so if that's a problem, let me know.

Envinyatar, if you want Fen to disappear or something in that interval, just specify, or beat Esgallhugwen to it.

Good work, rutslegolas and Saurreg! Your cooperation with Envinyatar is excellent, rutslegolas. And Saurreg, I liked your post - Andas has come a long way, hasn't he?

Envinyatar, rutslegolas, and Alaksoron, I'd like your group to be on the road by Monday morning as well, if possible.

Alaksoron, thank you for posting. You got a chuckle out of me. :) However, Envinyatar asked that one of you move the group along to the next morning. You did not do that. ALSO you have STILL not replied to my questions from last Saturday. Alaksoron, you are a good writer. But in order to be a good RPGer, you need to cooperate. And right now you are not cooperating. I'm sorry to have to speak so, but honestly, I'm getting very frustrated. I'm asking you to reply to all questions and to cooperate with moving the story along.

Meneltarmacil, Thoronmir, Menecar, and Luinien have a long way to travel before they reach their investigation site. Chronologically we shouldn't reach it until the other two groups have moved on, which should be by Monday. A short post made "along the way" would not be a bad idea, if you have a chance.

I would like Veryadan's group to arrive at Weathertop and be ambushed on Tuesday the 19th. Everyone's investigations need to be done by then, so please write those final posts!

Carry on,
Nuranar

[Saurreg]

Saurreg to Alaksoron, Saurreg to Alaksoron. Come in Alaksoron.

You still haven't told me how you'll like my character to meet up with the investigators. If you've grown cool to the idea, I'll be up to my own devices which, simply means I'll have the farmer ride on non-stop, impervious to his surroundingsl and finally getting himself stupidly ambushed by the villains near Weathertop. :D

Edit: Woohoo I'm a Wight! Go me! Erm... what's a Wight? Naval architect?

[rutslegolas]

I have got to do some pending homework on Sunday,but I will be writing my post on Monday for sure.

Till then Alaksoron or Envinyatar could you get us going ??

[Kransha]

'Ello, 'ello.

Bazzog/Grathgrob/Bubkur/Kransha/Ugwakh reporting for duty.

Would it be possible for a list to be compiled of all the goodies who plan to be wounded by, fight with, or do damage to my own characters. I will be fine with anything that is done, but I would like to know who is doing it and what it will be. As far as I know, my orc character, Kransha, will be wounding Meneltarmacil's character at a battle at the Stone Trolls' location, and then face off again Saurreg's. But, I know next to nothing about what is supposed to occur at Weathertop in several days. Anything I should know...that I don't know already?

Thanks, in advance.

[Envinyatar]

rutslegolas

Please see my post #80 on the game.

We spent the day looking about the area of the marshes and are now heading back toward our camp, discussing as we go, what we've found.

Veryadan has asked Aidwain if he could make any sense out of the footprints they saw. We've agreed there are Trolls and Orcs - but can Aidwain make a guess at the number of Trolls involved in killing the shepherd and his dog?

Perhaps his particularly sharp Elven eyes were able to distinguish four different sets of those large footprints. :)

There are too many footprints of the Orcs about and they are too smudged to make a guess on them. But they add their weight to the idea that behind the Troll attacks there are the cunning brains of Orcs.

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Nuranar

Can you please handle the question of who will be injured at the initial encounter on Weathertop?

Thanks!

Day after tomorrow - real time - I will get our group to the top of Weathertop. OUr investigations will be done. We will arrive there first, planning to meet the other two groups when they arrive and share our information.

[Primrose Bolger]

oooh . . . 3 saves from the spawn of shadow contingent! :cool:

We are a restless lot! :D

[rutslegolas]

Ok Envinyatar I have my post up

But where is Osric you seem to say he goes alone to investigate??

[Nuranar]

At Weathertop[

Veryadan will be seriously wounded. Several others will be at least slightly injured in some way. The baddies can indicate this is their posts and we will respond; we can also have our own characters be injured without the baddies writing about it.

Please keep in mind the kind of fighting we'll be doing: Much less fencing than a knock-down drag-out brawl. Plus whoever goes up against a Troll is more likely to get things broken than to be stabbed. You'll want to stay away from the orcs' blades/knives/axes/whatever, if possible. Most of your characters should be experienced enough to protect themselves. Things WILL happen, though.

Esgallhugwen,

I have put up a SAVE for your post. Please put it up on the discussion, and then either I or Pio (whoever gets to it first) can fit it into the save. Thanks!

Nuranar

[Saurreg]

I have filled my old save and created a new one. If anyone spots anything amiss in my post, let me know and I'll change it.

[Envinyatar]

rutslegolas

I don't know where Osric is, to be quite truthful.

I'm going to leave a SAVE for Osric - Alaksoron, you can place a post on the discussion thread concerning whatever your character might have found. Either I or Pio will place it for you.

I'm going to do a post in a few moments that takes our little group to the southern foot of Weathertop. We will camp just across the road in a little sheltered clearing - avoiding the winds that sweep over the hill top.

Go ahead and do a post yourself if you get a chance. You can have us discuss what the others might have found or take us on a small rabbit hunt for food for the evening meal (I've left a lead-in for that, if you want to pick up on it) - whatever you think best.

Tomorrow, I'll put our group on top of Weathertop, waiting for the others to arrive . . .

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

I have filled in my save. Primrose, I have left it to you to get the trolls into the 'next stage' as I won't be able to keep up with the game for the next few days.

I am looking forward to putting some serious hurt on the Elves, though. . .chuckle.

[Primrose Bolger]

Fordim

I'll make sure the Trolls get a few satisfactory licks in! :)

My SAVE is filled in - the Trolls have decided to share with the Orcs what they think will be news that Elves are about according to Arald's nose.

What they're wanting to make sure of is that they're invited to the brawl if there's to be one.

[Kransha]

My post is up, and the baddies are off.

Any of you goodies have any "preferences," or would you prefer to leave the matter of greivous injury-making to us fearsome villains?

[Nuranar]

Kransha, I'm willing for it to be first-come first-serve, meaning your people take a few whacks at us, then we respond and add anything more we want. This'll alternate, of course, depending on when and in what order people post. I'm allowing a full two days for the battle, so don't cut it off short.

Just to make sure everyone's clear on the KEM's order of appearance: (That's King Elessar's Messengers, btw.)

1. Veryadan, Aidwain, and Osric are going to be ambushed by the baddies. Veryadan's going to be seriously wounded at some point in the battle. (I don't know how he's going to handle that.)

2. Luinien, Thoronmir, and Menecar will show up part-way through, perhaps Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning, depending on how many people have gotten their posts in. They will semi-rescue the first three, keeping them from being squashed right away. But the baddies aren't about to cut and run, although perhaps it'll take them some time to gear up from "playing around" to "seriously trying to do damage." Luinien will probably take a hit - er, a wound - at some point during this phase. (Sorry for the Civil War reenacting lingo! :rolleyes: )

3. Tarondo and Silrûth will arrive last, on Thursday, or sooner if the battle's to that point. I have visions of our friendly neighborhood Amazon Elf charging into the fray; perhaps the appearance of one such Elf, plus another, will make our baddies decide to lay off for the time being.

If I've confused anyone, just say specfically what you're wondering about. I'd love to explain! :)

Carry on,
Nuranar

[Esgallhugwen]

Silrûth

As the group seperated into three the two Elves and Fen rode abreast, but as they drew further from the others Tarondo took the lead whilst Silrûth took the rear, keeping a lookout for trouble. The day passed soon enough and they made camp for the night, Fen had persuaded them to stay away from Whittleworth at dark, and the Elves were wise enough not to attempt the risk.

In the morning light they packed, eating a cold breakfast while on horseback. By well after noon they had reached their destination.

The stench was overwhelming for one not accustomed to such things, both Tarondo and Silrûth having seen much carnage in war had a better hold of their stomachs then Fen. The black carrion birds were swooping and pecking with ravenous speed, the ground seemed to move with a glistening black current of ebony feathers where the hapless bodies lay.

The two Elves collected themselves and began searching the area while Fen stayed behind watching the horses. Tarondo searched the ground, careful of his step.

Silrûth caught eye of the collapsed house and quickly paced the premises, her keen eyes catching every detail. "Look at how this whole corner is destroyed." she called to Tarondo, "It seems as if it was smashed at one blow. And over here," she turned and pointed next to her making sure not to step on the wood fall.

"There are two men under there. Two men, crushed to death. The house itself has been ransacked but very little taken, from what I can tell. I cannot find any money, although there is a hidden nook in the floor that is empty."

She looked at her companion who seemed to be transfixed in thought, with a gently nudge she eyed him knowingly asking "Have you found anything?"

He shook his head and frowned.

These bodies cannot be left to be shredded by the birds she thought sadly, Tarondo seemed to be thinking the same thing for Fen was soon fetched and was set to work digging graves for the deceased. The Elves pitched in, Silrûth striking the earth with the pick while Tarondo dug away steadily at the loosened soil.

The gruesome work was done with the sun still above the eastern hills. Tarondo set off around the perimeter of the farmyard, where the ground was softer and vegetation grew. Silrûth stayed awhile mouthing a silent Elvish prayer over the fresh graves.

Fen had wandered off back towards the horses.

The golden haired Elf drew near to her companion, he was kneeling down and glaring curiously at some wilted vegetation. It was impacted into the dirt with frayed edges clinging to the sides of the oversized print.

With a displeased sound she knelt down beside him inspecting the track, it looked far too familiar for her liking. She stood looking in the direction of the giant gait, North East, "towards the marshes", Tarondo nodded a sneer on his lips.

She could have sworn there was the faint reek of Troll in the air, she scrunched her nose up in disgust, and began to follow the tracks. After a few moments, Tarondo took her kindly by the arm, "we have no time to linger, the sun is setting soon and we must be back on our way to the others"

Silrûth nodded solemnly. "Yes we must tell the others what we have found"

They were once again among the decimated ruins of Whittleworth, they walked to their horses noticing the absence of Fen. "Seems Master Sheperdspurse has left us", Tarondo's horse snorted in distaste, Falma nodded her head in agreement.

Turning the direction they had come with the sun fading, the horses started at a trot.

"To Weathertop it is then" Silrûth looked over at her partner, "to Weathertop it is" Tarondo replied.
_______________________

And there it is, if there are any discrepancies please tell me and I'll be sure to fix them. ;)

Eternally,

Esgallhugwen

P.S. "Friendly Neighborhood Amazon Elf" eh! All right time to kick major warty Troll butt.

[Nuranar]

Great job! Your post is up, Madame Amazon Elf. :D

[Esgallhugwen]

Thank ye kindly *bows low* Madame Amazon Elf at your service, I slice, I dice, I amputate, I decapitate, you get the idea (of course that may be more fitting to another Elf Character, Meneltarmacil knows whom I'm speaking of). But thats totally besides the point, carry on :p

[rutslegolas]

Well I have done my post about hunting a rabbit and finding something more intresting ;) :D

I am ready to kick some major orc butt :D

[Saurreg]

So i take it that my character arrives at weathertop first? Or do I arrive later and witness a grand battle between the first group of investigators and the villains.

Need guidance. Help! Help!

[Nuranar]

Saurreg,

I'd rather Andas didn't get to Weathertop until well into the battle. "Well into" signifying after the first group (Veryadan, Aidwain, and Osric) and possibly after the second group (Luinien, Thoronmir, and Menecar). You could even have him show up right at the end.

The point is that he'll be with them and he's trollbait if he goes back to Bree. I don't mind if he participates in the battle somewhat. But I'd like you to think it through first: Is he more likely to cut and run (like the old Andas) or to jump in the fray with both feet (like the new Andas)? Will the sight of violent death and in-progress battle cause the new Andas to revert to the old? Will it have the opposite effect?

Just to jump-start your thinking. Let me know what you decide, or pose a specific question and I'll discuss it some more. Carry on! :)

Nuranar

[Saurreg]

Great! I'll take up your suggestion Nuranar. My character will arrive only when the battle is raging furiously. And compared to the other characters, I can assure my character's response will be distinctively Loudewater.

So when I fill up my save, it will still be loudewater on the way to Weathertop. I will keep an close eye on developments and slot in another save where most appropriate.

Where Loudewater goes on from there will be purely RPG interractive.

BTW, just a reminder, Meneltarmacil and I have come to an agreement that his character will be injured trying to save mine. But that will be much later.

[Envinyatar]

I've gotten Veryadan's group to the top of Weathertop . . . and left it open for the Orcs and Trolls to attack.

Nuranar - do you want to do any posts first that bring the other two groups closer? Or shall the skrmish just begin, and the other two groups along with Loudewater just appear?

[Nuranar]

Yikes! Believe it or not, Luinien & co. kinda slipped my mind. Hmm, they should have investigated probably yesterday, game time.

Meneltarmacil, if you want to do an investigation post, please do so. Put it here and we can fit it in earlier. Or you can do a traveling post, as they're on their way back to Weathertop, in which you just discuss what you've found/concluded.

Otherwise, I think it'll be ok to leave it out. I'd rather keep the battle continuous as much as possible anyway. As for Tarondo and Silruth, there won't be much to see along the road. They'll show up in time, though.

In answer to your question: Chronologically from this point, posts will be concerned with the battle. If Meneltarmacil wants to we can put in their investigation PRIOR to this point. I can't do it myself right now - I'm actually in the lab, supposed to be working on a project. :rolleyes:

I hope that was clear enough. It's hard to tell when I'm confused myself. :)

[Envinyatar]

I moved my post forward, leaving a space for any 'prior to the battle posts' that are needed to be put in.

[Primrose Bolger]

Kransha

I can begin the battle - or would you like to have first post?

[Kransha]

Feel free, Primrose. I'll probably get a post in relating to my various orcs tomorrow.

[Primrose Bolger]

The attack has commenced. :D

The wise Orc captain has not deployed all his troops. He knows there are only 3 at present on the hill top. Grimm and Broga and 4 Orcs have been sent up to harry them.

Broga is 'seeing to' the horses. Grimm is advancing on Veryadan. Osric and Aidwain have run to assist Veryadan. During this distraction, 4 Orcs have come up opposite the Trolls and are attacking from the rear of the 3 man search party.

The other two Trolls and more Orcs are waiting as reinforcements once the rest of the search groups arrive.

About Grimm and Broga: Broga has a long, large oaken club. Grimm carries a great warhammer. They stand just a few inches taller than most Dunedain and are massively muscled with thick grey scaled skin.

I prefer that they not be killed or injured seriously. They can however be wounded and slashed and knocked over with a concerted effort to slow them down.

They are not graceful or quick creatures, relying on their might bulk to win over their opponents.

The Orcs I've written are fair game for serious hurting - but they are not clumsy fighters . . .

By the way - in RPG fights, I've always found it best to have your character aim a blow, cut, whatever at your opponent - then let the other writer determine how much damage it will do to his character. Just a thought.

Have at it! :cool:

[Meneltarmacil]

If any saves are still open, here's something for one of them. If my party's role in the attack comes before Wednesday afternoon, I don't think I'll be able to post... although I could always do a quick flashback.

PLACED ON GAME ~*~ PIO

"Well, I think this is the spot," Menecar said, coming to where the shepherd had been killed.

"Appears that there's not much left." Thoronmir observed. "Whoever killed him has pretty much disposed of the bodies."

"Over here!" Luinen said, pointing at the ground. Several tracks were leading off in the direction of Weathertop.

"Looks like several orcs were here not too long ago," Thoronmir said. "I'd say these tracks are only a few days old at most."

"There are some much larger tracks leading out of this ditch," Menecar added.

"Trolls." Thoronmir looked worried. "They're about the same age as the others. We'd better see if there are any more."

They searched through the area and found many more tracks leading in the same direction.

"Thoronmir, what is it?" asked Luinen. "What's wrong?"

"Shepherdspurse," he answered. "If he got any word out, the time of these tracks would be consistent with the time it would take for them to respond to an andvance notice from him. Meaning our friends are probably going to be in serious trouble..." He looked over toward the line of hills on the horizon, where Weathertop was faintly visible.

[rutslegolas]

I have written about the general attacks of the trolls ,now can someone come and resuce us ?? :D :D

[Envinyatar]

I'll second the request for reinforcements!

Veryadan is now quite out of commission.

Osric has his hands full with the last two Orcs.

The two Trolls have turned their attention to Aidwain, whose arrows actually are having some effect on the ungainly creatures . . .

[Nuranar]

I've put up a save for the reinforcements - that is, Luinien, Thoronmir, and Menecar. If all goes well I should fill it by the evening. (I'm in the lab once again.)

Kransha, if you want to get in first, you can have my save.

Meneltarmacil, way to come through! One request: We were supposed to investigate the merchants who disappeared, not the shepherd and flock. An easy mistake to make. Would you like to modify that?

GREAT work, everyone! I'm thrilled how swiftly we're moving along.

Nuranar

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EDIT BY PIO:

Nuranar and Meneltarmacil

I'll just go ahead and change the word 'shepherd' to 'merchants'.

[piosenniel]

Alaksoron

Clear your PM's please.

Place a note here on the Discussion Thread that you have done so.

~*~ Piosenniel, Game Moderator

[Alaksoron]

Thank you, Piosenniel. PMs all clear, Cap'n!

How long do we have for the battle, again? And can I get an idea of how many orcs there are? If there's only like 30, I'd have to limit how many my character kills (which is never fun).

[Kransha]

Nuranar - I think that I'll wait until the good-forces' reinforcements have arrived. As far as I can tell, all 4 of the orcs initially sent in have been slain, but Bazzog is not a very prompt commander. After Luinien, Thoronmir, and Menecar arrive, he'll send in a larger second wave, which will include Kransha and Bubkur (which means, in short "watch out!").

Kransha, the orc, is needed for a later job, so don't kill him off or wound him please, but Bubkur, Bazzog's second-in-command, is fair game during this battle. The second wave will consist of Kransha, Bubkur, and 6 other orcs. 8 in all. But, save Kransha and Bubkur, the orcs are not the most lithe warriors. Speed and agility can beat most of them.

I'll have the post including the initiation of the second wave up after Nuranar's save is filled...

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

I too will await the good guys to show up, then Arrald and Dim will come roaring in, large as life and twice as stupid.

Kransha, hope you will not mind if a few of your orcs get splattered by accident. ;)

[Kransha]

Kransha, hope you will not mind if a few of your orcs get splattered by accident. ;)

Not at all. Splatter away.

((Record Breaking short post))

[Nuranar]

I'd like the battle to end tomorrow (Thursday the 21st). Functionally, that means the fighting should be over by Friday morning, because some people might do their posting in the wee small hours. :)

Kransha, bring up your reserves. Osric didn't leave us any Orcs to deal with, so we've just arrived and are attacking the Trolls. Broga has an arrow in the arm and Menecar is going after him. Osric and Thoronmir are ganging up on Grimm. Aidwain and Luinien are carrying on the good work with the archery. Everyone's positioned pretty close together except for Luinien, who is a bit further back toward the east side of the hill. Remember, she's a wicked archer. ;) Veryadan is nowhere to be seen.

Envinyatar, do you have any details on your injuries?

Saurreg, I hope you're planning when you're going to step in. *hint hint*

I'll leave my previous save up for a little longer in case someone wants to add something.

Game time, it's still before noon. Battles move much quicker than you think.

Carry on!
Nuranar

[Saurreg]

One badly shakened farmer from Bree coming up! :D

[rutslegolas]

Aidwain has now injured a troll ( Baddies can you decide which one of them with an arrow in one of his eye :D :D ),and he is now looking after Veryadan's state of injuries.

[Saurreg]

Question: is the battle taking place at the summit of the hill beside Weathertop, or some distant downhill between the woods and the hillside clearing?

ED: I'll wait and see if anyone else wants to deliver his/her coup de grâce to a very unfortunate orc before posting. Am I right to say that so far only Primrose's trolls are leading the assault supported by a small number of orcs?

Can we see more orcs?

[Kransha]

There are currently no orcs on Weathertop.

If anyone puts a post up after my save, that person may assume that there are orcs on the summit. I have already described the dimensions of the second wave (See Post #217 above). My save, unfortunately, cannot be filled until tonight, so do not wait for it to be filled if you want to do some hacking at the orc company.

[Saurreg]

Ooooohhh...

Fordim just threw a curve ball. Nasty.

On the side note:

Save the farmer! Save the farmer! :D

[Envinyatar]

About Veryadan's injuries:

The lone Orc had circled round him, and arcing his jagged blade in a two handed grip cut the Ranger deeply on his flank. Aidwain had by this time brought down the Orc with a deeply driven arrow. Veryadan’s sword slipped from his grasp as he clutched his bleeding side. He staggered back from the Troll whose leering face now looked down on him with a sort of feral glee. The foul creature swept his club round about, catching Veryadan hard on his upper arm.

The Ranger has a long, deep gash on his left flank from the Orc blade and possibly a fractured upper left arm where the Troll whacked him. Also he is probably not conscious at the moment since he was thrown on a pile of rocks by the blow.

[piosenniel]

Kransha's plan for the reinforcements from earlier on the discussion thread:


After Luinien, Thoronmir, and Menecar arrive, he'll send in a larger second wave, which will include Kransha and Bubkur (which means, in short "watch out!").

. . . The second wave will consist of Kransha, Bubkur, and 6 other orcs. 8 in all. But, save Kransha and Bubkur, the orcs are not the most lithe warriors. Speed and agility can beat most of them.[/b]

So: there are 6 Orc underlings to be done in.

Plus the fiercesome Orc duo of Kransha and Bubka, whom you can fight, but not kill.

---

rutslegolas

How many arrows does your quiver hold? Your character should probably take time out to gather a few of his arrows back. :)

[Alaksoron]

I understand you're busy, Pio, but could you please answer these questions:

1) approx. how many orcs are there and 2) what is a tark?

Thanks!

Psst, Saurreg - farmer saved, farmer saved

rutslegolas: if you do regather your arrows, I would advise you to do so quickly (orc blood is like acid and will corrode metal if given enough time) Just a thought.

[Kransha]

I understand you're busy, Pio, but could you please answer these questions:

1) approx. how many orcs are there and 2) what is a tark?

I'll feel those. 8 orcs in all: Kransha, Bubkur, and 6 nameless ones. Tark is the Black Speech (orcish) word for "man on Numenorean descent." In other words: tark most likely means 'Dunadan,' the plural being 'Dunedain.'

Save to be filled shortly.

[Nuranar]

Yikes! Methinks my poor little she-Elf needs some rescuing. Hmm...

Meneltarmacil, if you want to put up a battle post of your own, I recommend you do it now. The Trolls you have been harrying are already in retreat, according to Primrose's save.

I'll be posting shortly. Kransha, are you going to want to get in a final post when the Orcs retreat? We won't be able to flee the field immediately because of Veryadan, so your people are going to have to leave us in command of the field

I will extricate Luinien from her Fordim-induced pickle before I leave for a meeting tonight. Does anyone else want to get in anything before Tarondo and Silrûth show up? State your preference or put up a save, because after I get back the cavalry will arrive. Unless Esgallhugwen posts first or puts up her own save. Your choice, m'dear.

Yours truly,

Blood 'n' thunder Nuranar

;)

[Nuranar]

Ok, Luinien's left arm is out of action but she's not. Yet. (Gee, Fordim, what was I supposed to do? I didn't want her smashed up - that's Veryadan right now! :p )

IF YOU WANT TO GET SOMETHING IN BEFORE TARONDO AND SILRûTH ARRIVE, PUT UP A SAVE NOW. I hope to put that post up by midnight, Central Daylight Time.

[Meneltarmacil]

I won't be able to post here from Friday to late on Sunday, just to let you know.

I'm also wondering if I can fight Bubkur several more times until I finally kill him (before Kransha injures me though). Just thought a little enmity between the two of us wouldn't hurt.

[rutslegolas]

Pio

My quiver holds around 15 arrows and I have only 1-2 arrows left now.

Nuranar

My character now has a broken ankle and I have left an opening for Tarondo and Silruth to arrive .

[Nuranar]

No one kill any more orcs. Please let Kransha finish the battle.

Fordim, Arrald and Dim are retreating. Arrald has a damaged Achilles tendon, a stab wound in the knee, and an arrow through the flesh of his forearm. Both he and Dim have other miscellaneous cuts and shallow wounds.

Kransha, if I'm counting correctly 5 out of your 8 are dead. Osric's taken care of 3, while Thoronmir's killed 2 (maybe 1?) and is battling Bubkur. That leaves Menecar with Kransha and The Last of the Unnamed. Tarondo is coming to the Rangers' assistance.

Esgallhugwen, if you want to get some action in, keep chasing Arrald and Dim off the hilltop in a vaguely northern direction. And maybe come back and look after Veryadan? Poor guy's bleeding with no one to care for him.

rutslegolas, Andas Loudewater is a man of Bree, not a hobbit. Can you fix that in your latest post, please?

Alaksoron, please respond to your PMs.

Isn't fighting fun?! :smokin:

[rutslegolas]

Nuranar

Post edited,and who is going to treat the wounds of Veryadan someone expert in medicinal herbs of Middle-Earth ??

[piosenniel]

Please Note:

Tark refers to a man of Numenorean descent and was also used to refer to men from Gondor. It does not refer to Elves.

It is most likely a debased form (Black Speech) derived from the Westron or Common Speech word Tarkil (Man of Numenor), which in turn is probably a variation of the Quenyan word, Tarcil (Ship King)

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

Alaksoron

Where in Tolkien's writings is your reference for the fact that Orc blood is like acid and can corrode metal?

[Kransha]

Thank you, pio. I knew that, but my mind is rather muddled at present. The whole Black Speech mini-dictionary is back on Page 2, if I remember correctly. Your knowledge of canon is far more immediate thank mine.

OK, to sum up, it appears that there are 3 orcs left. One nameless orc, Bubkur, and Kransha. Bubkur is in combat with Thoronmir, and is apparently wounded. The unnamed orcs is good to go down, so I'll let him be slain, though Kransha will be the one to resolve that the orcs must flee the field, probably because of the lack of troops and the heavy injuries done to the trolls.

Since I cannot actually post until circa 6 o'clock EST tonight, I'll put up a save now. You all have the details of the retreat, so post at your leisure in the wake of that save. Sadly, these past few days have borne an extremely chaotic chain of real life events for me, which has limited my surfeit of posts, but that ends tonight. Final notes: Meneltarmacil, your idea of building an unspoken enmity between Bubkur and your character is a good one. If it is manageable, I'll have Bubkur engage Menecar several more times before the battle at the Stone Trolls.

Is all this doable, coherent, comprehensible, and legible? I certainly hope so. I have to go take a couple of orc-brand aspirin before I fall over. As per my post above, the retreat save will be up between 6 and 7 o'clock tonight (Eastern time, by the way).

[Nuranar]

Both Envinyatar and I will be out of town this weekend. Kransha, carry on as you're doing.

Everyone's doing great, and I apologize for the abruptness of this. Wrap up the battle and then we'll move on!

Nuranar

[Kransha]

At long last, my save if filled:

The battle is over. The orcs have retreated. Of the original 8 orcs, 2 remain (Kransha & Bubkur) who have fled off of Weathertop and back to the main force. As far as casualties go, Thoronmir has got quite a wound in his shoulder, but not a debilitating one. If one wishes to study the medical implausibility of such a wound being non-debilitating, feel free, but by the time you find out the truth, I'll be long gone *insert villainous cackle here ala Bela Lugosi* Andas Loudwater almost got his quailing posterior skewered by an orc arrow, but has come out unscathed, thanks to an ill-timed command.

I did notice that, in the various battle posts, more orcs were killed than there actually are in the area, a curious fact. In my post, I mentioned the original 8 only, and excluded the couple of orcs who several people made up and killed, to keep consistency and contrinuity alive, even if only in spirit. ;)

[Primrose Bolger]

Perhaps Orcs reproduce quickly under stress? ;) (A previously undiscussed theory of Orc reproduction, I think)

I set us up to get the King's hired hands cut off from returning toward Bree and to get them herded eastward.

Will revise as needed.

--- Prim

[Esgallhugwen]

Alas! I cannot believe I missed the battle, oh well, theres always flashbacks. Thanks for moving my character along, I appreciate it ever so greatly :D
I will post more in the future.

Eternally,
Esgallhugwen

[Nuranar]

I have returned! A few notes:

Luinien's arm is NOT broken. The shoulder is very bruised and the shock/pain was what caused it to be useless during the battle. Sorry guys, but I'm going to need her more able-bodied for the time being. She can get a more serious wound later, perhaps. rutslegolas and Alaksoron, would you edit your posts that mention that?

Kransha, thanks for totalling out what has happened to your orcs. If you would, please point out the mysteriously spawned and summarily dispatched orcs to their writers. I'm confused enough as it is myself, and I'd like to keep the action at least moderately easy to understand!
And since I'm moderating the extent of my own character's injury, I'll not quibble with you about Thoronmir's. I might also point out that Fordim inflicted said wound, and it was all I could do to keep my she-Elf (who is no Amazon) from being flattened by the blow.

rutslegolas, you say that Aidwain's ankle is broken. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that even a sprain is all but impossible to walk on. Even for an Elf. ;) Be as that may, I consider a broken bone to be a serious injury. If you would, please either change the extent of his injury or not have him walking around on it. Thanks!

Way to work ahead, Prim! Thanks for setting up the cut-'em-off-in-the-back aspect.

Alaksoron, thanks for spearheading the healing. Please respond to the PM's I sent you last week.

Esgallhugwen, no worries. It worked out fine, especially since Silrûth only came in at the end. You handled that flashback very nicely.

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

Tarondo will be pulling the group together for some decision-making or something as soon as I get the post written. Kransha, I'm going to assume that Bâzzog sends some of his people out back to the west, either acting on the trolls' suggestion or anticipating them. If this is a problem, let me know.

Good work, everyone! Carry on!

Nuranar

[Meneltarmacil]

Actually, Bubkur's rivalry should be with Thoronmir, not Menecar, since Thoronmir was the one fighting him earlier. Just thought I'd point that out.

Oh, and at the Stone Trolls I was planning on (with Kransha's approval, naturally) killing off Bubkur after a huge battle, then taking the poisoned arrow from Kransha and being incapacitated for the rest of the game.

[Nuranar]

We are encamped in some rocks a little way from Weathertop, on its east side north of the road. Silrûth is scouting for enemies westward along the road; Menecar has gone to the east.

Esgallhugwen, if you want you can get up a post about what Silrûth discovers - there will orcs/trolls scattered about or readying an ambush.

Or Kransha, you can take the lead in deciding how the baddies will make their presence known. If they want to herd the KEM toward the Trollshaws instead of just squishing them, it'll take some doing.

Saurreg, I wasn't sure how you would develop Loudewater's mental state in your save, so Tarondo did not address him in my post. But this is the logical place to have him join us, so I will need to edit that in later. Please don't carry your post past the arrival at the new camping spot, and please put up a note on the discussion so I know when you've edited it in.

Oh! rutslegolas, if you decide Aidwain is still mobile (see my note above about his broken ankle), you may want to have him go look for the missing horses. I'm thinking that although they've bolted for now, they're extremely well trained and probably haven't gone far. We will need to find them again before we move on, anyway.

Envinyatar, are you back yet? I assume you'll want Veryadan to regain consciousness sometime. I'd prefer that before we leave, if possible, although it doesn't matter before or after the scouts return.

I think that's everything, for now... Carry on!

Nuranar

[Saurreg]

Nuranar - Post edited.

Loudewater has recovered his faculties. And is now feeling kinda embarressed, sheepish and shy. He wonders what would imposing Tarando (whom the farmer thinks has a very stern mein) do to him.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

I might also point out that Fordim inflicted said wound, and it was all I could do to keep my she-Elf (who is no Amazon) from being flattened by the blow.

*chuckle*

Now that you've gone and injured Arrald in return, I imagine that he will be gunning -- or, rather, clubbing for your pretty little elfie. . . :eek:

[Envinyatar]

Veryadan has revived for the moment and cast his vote for the companions to get on their way eastward.

I've put a SAVE in just prior to my post for Esgallhugwen to do a scouting post if she wishes.

Rivendell, along the East-West Road, is at the very least a full week of riding long days at a fair pace.

Does someone want to take us to the next morning and start the group on their way.

[Esgallhugwen]

Madame Amazon Elf at your service!

Thank you Nuranar for the comment, I try my best :o

I'd love to do a post of Silrûth scouting for enemies westward, perhaps catching an eye of the orc camp. Evinyatar thank you very much for putting that save up, I hope that I will utilize it effectively.

I intend to put up my post on the discussion thread as soon as possible.

Eternally,
Esgallhugwen

[Nuranar]

Loudewater has been dealt with justly (I hope), and probably more leniently than he feared. Saurreg, if there's anything you'd like me to change about my interpretation of his character, just say so.

*chuckle*

Now that you've gone and injured Arrald in return, I imagine that he will be gunning -- or, rather, clubbing for your pretty little elfie. . .

Yeah? You just try it! she says with a contemptuous sneer. :D

Wonderful post, Envinyatar. Thanks for the decisiveness of it - very well done. By the way, is his arm broken or is it not?

Esgallhugwen, if it's possible please get that post up soon - the sooner it's done, the better the continuity of the game. Thanks!

Nuranar

[Envinyatar]

The left arm is not broken, just very bruised.

rutslegolas

Would you mind retrieving Veryadan's horse when you retrieve yours? He is a brown gelding, unnamed.

Thanks in advance.