Prisoner of Númenor Planning/Discussion Thread

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Indeed. Let's keep the violence to a bare minimum, if you please.

Furthermore, is the issue of the Kariborim going to be a problem? Shadowfax could never have been mistaken for an ordinary horse. SIX Shadowfaxes ought to be noticeable.

I've put a SAVE up. I'm conferring with TB12.

Sophia

[littlemanpoet]

Not only that, but the party themselves ought to think of the speed of the Kariborim before sneakng around to outwit King's Men, don't you think? ;)

[TomBrady12]

I have posted what maybe considered a controversial addition to the story. As always i am am open to change.

TB12

[Himaran]

TB12:

Abarzadan is thoroughly humbled. ;) I do feel, however, that there is a problem with your approach. Abarzadan spoke with authority in my post, but in your post Marsillion states that he is a mere slave a bit after Abarzadan claimed to be the leader of the party. Despite the strength of Marsillion's position, I find it unlikely that the King's men would swallow the contradiction without question. Seeing that we had to find a non-violent ending to the episode, I do think that your solution was a good one. Also, it leaves room for future conflict between Abarzadan and Marsillion, which seems to be a prevalent theme already.

What do the rest of you think?

[Meneltarmacil]

Well, I've posted. Sorry if the use of a sword violates any rules, but I checked my bio and Thoronmir really doesn't seem to have any other close-range weapons on him. (He usually keeps it hidden in his cloak, so it's not obvious to everyone else.)

Of course, I guess I could edit my bio and give myself a dagger or something if need be...

[Regin Hardhammer]

I filled in my save.

Meneltarmacil: Should you have started the fight if the situation was supposed to be non-violent?

Just a concern.

- Regin

[Meneltarmacil]

Sorry if I made things too complicated. I am not exactly sure what's supposed to happen, so if you'd like me to make any changes I'll do so.

However, I was told to make it violent...

[littlemanpoet]

Meneltarmacil, your character's not supposed to have a sword. Are you willing for your character to experience an early exit from the rp? After all, there were at least twice as many recommendations against violence as for. So the violence was really your choice. If I play this out according to my best understanding of Númenór, a half dozen of the King's Men will loose arrows and kill Thoronmir on the spot, since he has initiated the hostilities, attempting murder of a King's Man, something the Faithful would deplore regardless of the persecution. Part of what makes them the Faithful is the moral high ground. So the upshot is that violence is frankly out of character for anybody purporting to be a member of the Faithful. Especially the initiation of violence, unnecessarily; and it cannot be deemed necessary as long as Marsillion's ploy has not proved a failure.

[Meneltarmacil]

OK, I deleted my post from the game. Sorry to mess everything up. :(

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Menel- LMP is right about what would happen to Thoronmir if he whipped out his sword like that. I also think it would be better if you didn't claim to be an unrelated traveler, since we've already got two opposing stories going on. I'm sorry you had to delete your post, and I also think it's kind of interesting that you had the soldiers recognize Thoronmir. That could be a really interesting aspect, particularly as we get to Armenelos where more people would have known Thoronmir. However, I doubt he'd be more than vaguely familiar to them, as these are low-ranking sorts of soldiers and Thoronmir was a pretty high-ranking kind of guy once upon a time.

Don't worry though, I suspect we'll have violence (at least some) in Armenelos.

Everybody else- I pulled my save for Kathaani. I know I'm supposed to be coming up with all the good ideas as game owner ;), but I just can't think what to do with her in this situation. It seems like she would foul things up simply by being a woman present in this situation. If somebody (LMP?) could mention her vaguely in their next post and give me a hint on how others are going to handle her presence (like the soldiers?) it would help me immensely.

Also- I haven't seen Samsmyhero in weeks. It seems she's been missing from the downs entirely since 3-18? :( Any suggestions what to do with Tiru in her absence? Shall we just carry him, or shall we sacrifice him early?

Sophia

*cough* oh, and Menel? I love your sig.

[piosenniel]

I PM'd samsmyhero and have received no reply.

Since there has been no reason posted on the Discussion Thread for samsmyhero's long absence, please feel free to do with the character as you wish.

~*~ Pio

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Soph: As much as it would no doubt skeeve Kathaani out to pretend she's Marsillion's lady (much as it did me to have a friend ask if my elder brother is my boyfriend... eeeew), it would account for her presence in the group, and if the guards accept the story that's floating around right now, than her "identity" would also presumably be accepted. Does that help?

And Menel, I didn't get a chance to read your post. Do you still have it? If so, I'd love to read it even if it doesn't work in the game.

Fea

[littlemanpoet]

Let's carry Tiru. He's a good character, and I can see uses for a loyal servant even if the original writer isn't with us ... for now.

Sophia, my first suggestion, when in doubt, is to reread your character description; sometimes you forget some of the great things you thought up weeks ago. If that fails you, close your eyes and ask her in your mind, giving specifics, what she wants to do. You'd be surprised what can result.

[Meneltarmacil]

Sorry, I don't still have the post. It mostly involved Thoronmir claiming to be a simple traveler until the soldiers started to recognize him. At that point he slashed one of them with his sword. This would probably have been one of the dumbest things for him to do, though.

Anyway, I'll be out of town this weekend and hopefully post once I'm back. Oh, just so I can have a more "correct" close-range weapon, do you think I should give myself a hunting knife or something?

[littlemanpoet]

A hunting knife or dagger would be quite in character.

Please accept my apologies, everyone, for not posting a reaction for the King's Men before now. It actually just occurred to me that that might be what everyone's politely waiting for. I'll get busy.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

It's quite alright, LMP. I've been terribly slow as well, which is due to the fact that I'm graduating college next Sunday (god willing), and am in the last minute haste of turning in final projects. Which is why my posting has been so sporadic. I anticipate things cooling off considerably around Wednesday, although I will try to post Kathaani's reaction to this whole soldier bit Monday afternoon. I've got it half written now, but I should really turn my attention to the 10 page paper I'm writing for my church history class. At least for a little while.

Our arrival in Armenelos should be imminent upon escaping the little patrol. I'll set that up by Wednesday as well, hopefully, give us a good descriptive scene of approaching the city. LMP, Alak, I'll probably run that by you before I post it, so watch your pms. ;) So get in any more travelling scenes you had in mind... Azarmano, Abarzadan, any acid comments for Marsillion?

And of course, Armenelos is where we'll meet Monoizindu. I'm quite looking forward to that. And it appears Abar's plot is thickening. We could probably hear from Inzillomi as well. :)

This is really the good part coming up.

Sophia

[Edit] I lied. I had to post now, I got too caught up in writing it. *laughs at self*

[littlemanpoet]

Tell you what. Seeing as I'm in such a writing frenzy and you all actually have real lives, how about posting up any intermediate stuff here to the discussion thread with a request for me to insert it where you want it inside my posts? Sound good? Easy enough to edit.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Wait... I'm confused (which would be easily remedied if I wasn't so tired)... how many days have you guys been on the road already?

Soph, you said arrival should be imminent, but I've been laboring under the [possible] delusion that it's still day one, although getting reeeeeally late.

Which is why I have my King's Men Showing Up To Take The Faithful post chilling out in my imagination right now. I'd planned the post for "the next morning", but have we passed it while I wasn't paying attention?

And LMP... so the plot thickens... ;)

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Fea- we'd planned to kind of "gloss over" this journey, as all the major events are at the beginning, Armenelos, and the escape. The majority of Inzillomi's journey will take place during our time in Armenelos, so you haven't gotten behind.

In fact, since we haven't specified, Inzi's leaving post will fit in quite nicely (although from where LMP put us on the map, we're probably not on day 1 anymore). If you guys (gamers in general?) think it's necessary, give me a few days to work out the chronology and we can go back and edit in a "gloss over" of the earlier days, then we could place Inzi's post exactly after day one.

Hm. Specifics.

Sophia

[littlemanpoet]

Hmmm... I thought we were at the end of day one, just past Ondosto. I could be wrong. The map looked like the distance was not far from Armenelos to Ondosto (at least on the map I looked at there was an Ondosto...).

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

It's 150 miles as the crow flies from Andunie to Armenelos. Ondosto is midway between, more or less. Disregard the "approximate path" its just the best map of numenor I had handy. Although I think LMP described a fairly similar route.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v137/sophedreams/Tolkien/Mapofinitialpositions3.jpg

Shadowfax did 100 miles a day between Rohan and Gondor, we should do a little less... so to get just past Ondosto would be the end of day 2? That's doing 75 miles a day. Pretty good for horsepower. Wagon trains did approx. 20-30 miles/day, right?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Okay, so LMP (or whoever else) if I miss out slightly on the timing [which is highly possible, as I'm not at home currently], when I get my Inzi post complete, should I post it here to be edited in to Day Two, mid-morning?

[littlemanpoet]

Feanor, tell us where you want it and either the owner of that post or Pio can slide it into whichever post you say; if it needs to be revised later because somebody (Sophia) knows better, we can do that.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Sounds good. I'm going to post... Tomorrow. After school, I think. Since I was naughty and stayed up until nearly 4:00 AM and consequently spent most of today either in a sleep-like trance or actually asleep. Anything anybody wants me to make sure I add to my post before I write it?

EDIT: I've looked through the actual game posts, and it seems that Kathaani just fell asleep at the night of the first day. So does anybody object to me having Inzillomi's morning post next? Or would someone like to get in an early morning travelling post first? You have until about 8:30 tomorrow morning before I post. After that, I can edit stuff in if need be.

[littlemanpoet]

Feanor asked me if Inzi knows of Mabalar's to this point unheard of pre-marriage dalliance with Miriel. It was a surprise to me until a day or two ago! I'm posting my answer here so that everybody in this rp can benefit from this little piece of advice.

I'm not going to give an answer to the question. Instead, I'd like to see Inzi, while she's riding eastward, think back to the time before she was married to Mabalar, and reminisce about it; the idea is for the story to reveal to you what Inzi knows, rather than you or me making a choice about it.

This kind of thing applies to anybody's character. If you're not sure what your character knows or doesn't know, find out by writing it out and see what your deep mind gives you. It can be quite shocking and revealing; not to mention fun.

"Dalliance" might be a bad word, considering the connotations. Let's just say they were serious about each other until the ambitious Fool stepped in.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Deleted my old save and put up a new post. I think someone owed Marsillion a thank you. :D

Let me know if any changes are necessary.

- Regin

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I moved my post so that the night ones came before it.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

This has been a great series of posts, guys!! Menel, Regin, Fea, LMP- good writing all of you! Fea, you make me laugh... womanly necessities... :D

I've put Kathaani to sleep, so she should be alright during whatever interactions are going on amongst the men-folk.

Just to let you all know, I'm graduating from college on Sunday afternoon, so this weekend I'll be more or less completely unavailable. Also next week sometime (not sure quite when yet) I'll be moving. I will definitely have internet access all that time, just not sure how much time I'll have to use it.

Also, TB12 is my real-life brother (as I'm sure most of you guys have caught ;) ), so he'll be driving halfway across the country to come to my graduation this weekend, so he'll be MIA too.

Hopefully we'll both be able to get our next posts in within a reasonable amount of time, if not... very sorry, back with you ASAP. In the meantime, I think Inzi and Abar are quite capable of handling things around here

So to recap, I probably won't be here this weekend, TB12 likewise. I'll try to update at the beginning of the week on how long the moving will take and when I will be doing it.

Sophia

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Capable though Inzi may be (and for the compliment, my thanks), her alter ego <cough> me </cough> will be out of town this weekend also. I just found out I'm going to Boston, so from tonight when I go to bed until Sunday at the earliest, I'm completely unavailable.

Soph: it's amazing how much real life gets thrown into writing. A bunch of us were talking about the trip to Boston and some of the guys were all worried about carrying around bags and what could possibly be that crucial that you would drag a bag all over a city? I informed them, subtly, of course, and the girls all snickered while the guys all groaned.

So yeah... looks like Abar's gonna be the capable one this weekend. I'll be back in a few days.

Oh, and Soph, congratulations!

[Regin Hardhammer]

Sophia-

Congrats on graduating from college and all. You must be excited. Thanks for the compliment about my writing too.

Ouch, Himaran. A bit harsh, don't you think. :rolleyes: I still like your post, though.

I would like to inform everyone that I won't be going out of town this weekend/attending a graduation. I look forward to doing more posting.

Great game all

- Regin

[TomBrady12]

haha its good to know that Regin doesnt have a life....jk haha

anyway, i'm going to try to post tonight before i go to bed, i think it will need to be moved in front of Fea's post, im not 100% sure. As Soph said i wont be around starting tonight until probibly wednesday afternoon.

TB12

[Himaran]

Regin: Just trying to stay in character. :D

[Regin Hardhammer]

Hey where is everybody? :confused:

Tom: I'd like like to go ahead with my next post. Please let me know when you are going to respond.

Thanks,

- Regin

[littlemanpoet]

I'm here.
Waiting for someone to post.
And tempted to get Mabalar freed
single handedly.

I suspect that school finals are the main culprit, Regin. Let's be patient for about a week, after which most students will be quite ready to break out of school and play with us. ;)

[Himaran]

I'm here - just waiting for the plot to move along... ;) It does seem like a few players have disappeared, though.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'm here! I promise. Real life dragged me kicking and screaming into responsibility. Like the student council meeting I should be paying attention to. I... will post soon. After I do this. And after I work on the graduation slide show. And after I do my homework, eat something, do my chores, and pick out something to completely change my cousin's look, much like she did to me today. See? Stupid real life... :mad: ;)

[littlemanpoet]

We're not writing a novel here, friends. Granted, we've set the bar high, but if it's so high that we're afraid to take a chance, what's the point? Let's get this going. Better to say "oops" after a post than "doggone it if only" after the rp is cancelled. I need some more action from you guys before Mabalar's next post. Let's do it.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I posted my group's first mishap, but I don't think that's what LMP meant, as my posting has very little to do with the direct story line.Can't wait to see what you guys have been cooking up all this time. Of course the delay was that you were all writing rather long and interesting posts... :D

[TomBrady12]

I'm sorry for being absent so long. No excuses, my apologies to everyone.

I've responded on the game thread, weather that post needs to be moved I'm not sure.

Again, sorry for the delay. I will be sure it doesnt happen again.

TB12

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

The same with for me.

Didn't mean to be gone so long, things converged rather more hectically than I thought they would.

I will try to get a post up tomorrow. It's really time to move the action along a little.

Again apologies.

Sophia

[Himaran]

Well, now that we're all done making up ;), let's get this story rolling! I put in a post in which:

- It's morning.
- It's sunny.
- The group is packing to leave the campsite.

And less important but still noteworthy:

- Abarzadan is having issues with animals.


I'm looking forward to getting to the city, where Abarzadan may or may not try to betray the company - naturally, something would go wrong, and he would end up back in cahoots with them, but we shall see...

Himaran

[littlemanpoet]

I guess I need to put some thought into the geography of Armenelos. If anybody knows anything, or knows where to look for it anywhere, please feel free to post info or links here. Thanks!

[piosenniel]

About Armenelos . . .

Here are some thoughts on Armenelos, culled from Fonstad's "Atlas of Middle-earth" and from "Unfinished Tales" - 'A Description of Numenor':

Armenelos lies in the region of the island called The Mittalmar, and specifically in a smaller area of that region called 'Arandor' (Kingsland).

From the Atlas, the city appears to lie very near the southwestern foot of the Meneltarma, where the grass-covered base of that tall mountain slopes gently into the surrounding plain.

Tolkien describes the Mittalmar as "a region of grasslands and low downs, and few trees grew there . . . a region of pastures."

Near Armenelos along the crest of the southwestern ridge of the mountain's base, was the climbing road that led up to the summit of Meneltarma.

Between the southwestern and the southeastern ridges of the mountain's roots (the mountain's feet, by the way, are in the shape of a star, matching the shape of the Island), there is a shallow valley named Noirinan (Valley of the Tombs). At the head of the valley chambers were cut into the rock at the base of the mountain and the Kings and Queens of Numenor were buried there.

[Regin Hardhammer]

My save is filled in.

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks, Pio. That was most helpful.

Given the type of terrain around Armenelos, and the nature of the rescuing party, it seems to me that some things need to be considered before the approach to the city is written.

1. There is no cover to speak of, with low, grassy hills being the major feature, for do doubt a good two dozen miles in every direction.

2. The mountain, then the temple, respectivley, appear to dominate the scene.

3. The place will be crawling with King's men.

4. The Kariborim will stick out like seven sore thumbs.

All this taken into account, it seems to me that the rescuing party will have to go under cover of assumed identities, as did Frodo as Mr. Underhill. The horses cannot go into Armenelos, unless they are noised as "spoils of looting" the Faithful.

If the party goes in acting like bad guys with Kariborim as spoils, they could well be forced into many an awkward situation, and rest assured this player will write them into the story!

If, on the other hand, the part agrees to split in two, a couple remaining with the Kariborim in secret, while a chosen group sneaks into the city, an entirely different set of risks present themselves: what if they are found out? some captured?

So, this needs to be discussed by the rescue party members, I think. Any other options you can think of should come up in such a discussion as well.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

We have an Armenelos contact, right? So there's always the all-together-too-simple way of meeting up at his place and going from there. But there's always the issue of GETTING there.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

LMP sums the position up nicely. I've read TB12's next post and I think that it will give the party a good opportunity to gather around and make some serious plans, rather than just plunging in.

Although, TB, on second thought, just for time economy, I think we ought to have one uneventful day travelling before your post. Could you edit it up so that it happens as we're making camp in the evening and not as we're leaving in the morning? I'm writing a post "covering the day" for Kathaani which makes the day go by quickly and uneventfully, although we're all growing more and more tense, waiting to hear from you before posting it.

Sophia

[piosenniel]

Due to a number of RL situations/stressors, alaklondewen has decided she needs to withdraw from her games at the Barrow-Downs.

How would the remaining players of this game like to handle the situation. Hers was a cameo character - the underground contact in Armenelos.

~*~ Pio

[littlemanpoet]

The character description (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=11711&page=1) is available to us all, post # 12 (some day I'll have to figure out how to link to just one post!).

Anyway, since the descrip is there, I suggest that any of us willing and able to write the character should do so. Or, if a particular writer is required, I'm willing.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I recommend simply writing in the character where needed. If the group's plan is to head to the contact's place (before which I suggest losing the King's Men... perhaps split up and regroup?) then why not just carry the character along?

EDIT: LMP, you know the post number in the top right corner of each post? It's a link. Click it and it will open a new window with just that post in it. Create a hyperlink with that.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I think collectively handling Monoizindu would work out best as well, since I don't think the plot has any hope of working out without him.

LMP, could we get a very small mini bio of your friendly guard? And perhaps a short description of the way you see Tar Miriel's personality? I suspect the larger party will interact with at least the first and we'll want to know something about him.

I've filled in my save, so we've officially moved to the end of day two, at the end of day three we should be on the outskirts of Armenelos. I'd have filled it in earlier, except the people I live with are having a bit of a quarrel with their ISP so I haven't had service for most of a week. We're now with a different company, things should be reliable.

Sophia

[Regin Hardhammer]

I put up a post. Hope it's okay with everyone. I used Littlemanpoet's idea of using disguises and Pio's description of Noirinan. Let me know if there's anything I need to change.

- Regin

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I've posted as well. Certainly sucks for the good guys when the King has smart and loyal men working for him... ;)

[Himaran]

I posted, attempting to collaborate with TB12 and provide answers to Abarzadan's recent behavior (as mentioned in Regin's last post). Personally, I like Regin's idea, but perhaps there's another way...?

[TomBrady12]

I also like Regin's idea.

What if we were to split the group, with one half appearing to ride straight to Rommena, forsaking the mission to rescue Abar, and the other group continuing, seemingly unaware of the Kings Men following, to Armenelos. The kings men would assume half of the party had given up the idea of a rescue and were fleeing immediately to the ships. With all the attention of the KM on the other party riding straight to Abars rescue, perhaps the "fleeing" group would be able to sneak unhindered into the city from the east and mount a rescue, while the other group stalled and delayed the KM.

I like the idea of combining Regin's idea with a split group, what does eveyone else think?

*Sophia* Somehow I missed your note asking me to edit my post to the evening. Would you still like me to do this?

TB12

[littlemanpoet]

Himaran, how about leaving it in doubt for now, and just playing both possibilities as alive? You never know how such things can help make the story interesting. In fact, I'd go so far as to suggest that even you not make a decision as to which way it is, so that when the truth comes out, it's a "surprise" to everyone, regardless of which way it is. Sound good? :)

[Regin Hardhammer]

LMP-

Try not to get yourself sacraficed before we get there. :D

I would appreciate if someone responded vocally to my plan in some way. It would help move the story.

Thanks,

- Regin

[littlemanpoet]

Regin, in the absence of complaint or objection, I'd say go for it. In fact, put words in Marsilion's mouth if he doesn't post soon.

[TomBrady12]

I've written a post responding to Azarmano's plan. I'm running it by regin before posting, so make sure you check your messages Regin :eek:

TB12

[Regin Hardhammer]

TB12-

I sent you a reply to your pm. Please check your pms.

Thanks,

- Regin

[Meneltarmacil]

Sorry for not posting in a long time. (I've really been neglecting my duties to this RPG lately... :( ) I'll post as soon as I can once I see what the plan for rescuing Mabalar is. I plan on carrying out the rescue mission rather than try to make a dash for Romenna. (I'll be on a road trip from June 16 until somewhere around June 29, so I'll try to do the best I can before then)

Oh, and if somebody could please add a hunting knife to my bio (as I don't think I can edit it at this point since it's in piosenniel's post), that'd be good.

[piosenniel]

Menel

I added the hunting knife to your character bio.

~*~ Pio

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I've just posted. Inzi's group can see Romenna, so I recommend hurrying. ;) Just so it's common knowledge, I'm headed out of town for a few days, but I'll be back Tuesday night.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Put up a post for Azarmano. In it he lets everyone know in his lowdest voice about the split up. I would kindly request Meneltarmecil to edit the end of his post to not leave before I do, as it does not make sense. If anyone has any problems with my post and/or in game acting please let me know. ;)

- Regin

[Meneltarmacil]

I've edited it. And thanks for adding the hunting knife, Pio.

I'll see if I can't make at least one more post before I leave on my great adventure.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Meneltarmacil,
Thanks for your edit.

- Regin

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Ach.

I write this (hastily) from a friend's house, had bring my laptop over and wait to use her internet until I wasn't blocking the phone line.

My ISP troubles which I thought were over, haven't been. I rent a room from friends, so I'm not really well filled in on what exactly went on. A while ago they told me the connection was back and would stay, now they're fighting again over a payment they may or may not have made. However, my friend has graciously offered me her connection during non-phone-use hours.

TB12 and Regin have cooked up a nice plan, I think. Better, certainly than what I would have thought of had I been there. It took me a while to read the new posts and catch up and my batteries are beginning to go, so I will have to write up Kathaani's thoughts on splitting the group tomorrow and buzz over here in the evening to put the post up.

Belatedly (as usual)
S.

[littlemanpoet]

Dwindling numbers, I see. Well, thanks for being a part of the story at least for a while, Thoronmir/Meneltarmacil.

I do believe our 12 weeks are about up by now?

Okay, maybe it's the time of year, maybe there's something else going on. Either way, I have a proposal.

If there has been no post to the rpg game in any five day period, I will take it upon myself personally to move the plot along. That includes making other people's characters do things that I think up. If you don't like what I do with your character, protest and I fix.

The goal of the above proposal is twofold: (1) get the party and Mabalar together. (2) spark some much needed interest in this cool story.

Responses?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'm up for it, LMP, but that's possibly because I have a character and part that have pretty much zilch need for interference. Inzi and Co. are settling nicely into Romenna, which gives you guys a remarkably short few "days". I recommend getting a move on, or there may be some serious issues with Elendil wanting to get his floating show on the road.

And come on guys, I'm sure Abarpa's getting nervous floating around in non-action waiting for Sauron to do something. ;)

EDIT: Oh yeah, and what's the deal with Elendil? Is somebody covering what he says to keep it relatively canonical, or do I get free reign when daddy's little girl gets to see him?

[Himaran]

I'm a bit confused...

Are Abarzadan & Co. secretly entering Armenelos, or are they staying in Romenna?

[littlemanpoet]

Abarzadan and company are figuring out how they are going to sneak into Armenelos.

Inzillomi and the large group have arrived in Romenna.

Thoronmir has arrived in Romenna, and his writer has more or less written him out of the rpg.

Does that help, Himaran?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Wait... so how many of us are currently hanging out in Romenna? Because I'd just hastily conceived a plan of Inzillomi walking through the streets and finding one of the rescuers, but right now, I really don't know who is where. Is Thoronmir officially gone?

[littlemanpoet]

Well, part of the problem is game time. Thoronmir has been more or less written out of the rpg. But it must be remembered that it would take him at least two days to race across the island from Armenelos to Romenna. And Inzillomi is, likewise, perhaps a week ahead of the rescuer party and Mabalar.

Actually, I figure it would take Inzillomi about a week to get her entire group across the island, maybe even two weeks. I don't know. So there is much game time to be written through.

So far, and correct me if I'm wrong:

Day 1: Mabalar is captured and Kathaani races back home. She arrives that night.

Day 2: Kathaani, Inzillomi, and all the rest gather at the house of the Melethrochs and plan the rescue.

Day 3: The rescuers set out.

Day 4: The rescuers are confronted by the King's patrol outside the first town.

Day 5: The rescuers pass through the fields, staying off the roads, to get to Armenelos.

Day 6: The rescuers discover the King's patrol tracking them, and make plans to enter Armenelos.

How off is this?

[Himaran]

The list looks pretty good.

Menel's post states that A & Co. are already in Romenna, which would be quite a while after leaving the rest of the company. It would seem, then, that the others have a lot of catching up to do, while we in Rom. work out a plan of our own. Correct?

- Himaran

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

That's the impression I was under, Him.

Did you who are currently in Romenna want to include Inzi in your planning? I can't see the group being in the city for more than a short time without her knowledge, and once she finds out Abarpa isn't with them, she'll obviously want to know what the heck's happening, so I assumed there would be a few catch up posts between her and the group.

[Himaran]

That sounds like a good way to get Inzi back into the story; and after all, it only makes sense for her to find out about them. Perhaps you could write a post about her finding us, and then I or Regin can reply. It will be a rather uncomfortable situation, to say the leasst - I can imagine Inzi being furious that half of the "rescuers" have apparently run to safety and left the others (and her dear husband) behind.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I love how well you know my character's personality. I'll get to that meeting post soon.

[littlemanpoet]

Now here's a plot twist I can sink my teeth into. :) Good stuff, Fea.

EDIT: It just occurred to me, Thor and Azar would have arrived in Romenna with two of the Kariborim beneath them. Which ones would they be? And could they be used now for Inzi's advantage, now that her first reponsibilities seem to have been taken care of?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

And could they be used now for Inzi's advantage, now that her first reponsibilities seem to have been taken care of?
Does that mean I get to have new ones?!? :eek:

[Regin Hardhammer]

So sorry I forgot to mention that for the last couple days I have been traveling and unable to post. I went up for a summer program out of state and it took me a couple of days to get settled in. Again, sorry for not mentioning it earlier due to the hussle and bussle of getting ready. I plan to get caught up in the story and put up a post ASAP, hopefully before monday.

[Himaran]

Regin, the floor's all yours. Have fun dealing with Inzi! (I decided that it would be more like Abarzadan to turn the floor over to someone else than to actually deal with the problem at hand. :D )

[littlemanpoet]

I must admit to some confusion.

From Himaran's post, I take it that the following characters are in Romenna:

Inzillomi, Abarzadan, Thoronmir, and Azarmano.

And if that's the case, there are now three Kariborim already in Romenna.

And the following characters are hiding outside Armenelos:

Kathaani, Marsillion, and Tiru.

If this is right, there are four Kariborim just outside Armenelos.

One Karibor is captive inside Armenelos.

I could have sworn Azarmano was hiding outside Armenelos, or is that wrong?

It would appear that Romenna and Armenelos are roughly 70 miles apart from each other, so it's one day's journey on Karibor.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

From Himaran's post, I take it that the following characters are in Romenna:

Inzillomi, Abarzadan, Thoronmir, and Azarmano.
Well, if they weren't before, they are now. ;)

And if that's the case, there are now three Kariborim already in Romenna.

And the following characters are hiding outside Armenelos:

Kathaani, Marsillion, and Tiru.
I believe so. Okay, so just to clear this all up (because I'm having an emotional day and so my brain won't work in the clear and logical way needed to actually figure this out on my own)... Correct me if I'm wrong:

Kathaani, Marsillion, and Tiru are the diversion. They are being obviously sneaky to draw the King's Men's attention, leaving Abar and Azar (now minus Thoronmir) to sneak back from Romenna, to Armenelos to save Abarpanaru (now Mabalar)....?

Currently:

Abarpa is watching a poor young man be tortured to death on Sauron's altar. Question: will Abarpa be tortured (but not killed) before the rescuers get to him?

Inzi just found out that half of the rescuers are for some strange reason, a day's ride away from the rescue, and wants to know why. Without delay. Question: what will Inzillomi's role be now that she's with some of the rescuers?

Kath, Marsillion, Tiru are being sneaky. Question: will they be caught, if they are so obviously drawing attention to themselves?

Abar, Azar are possibly going to both try NOT to be the one to explain what's happening to the lady. Question: once Inzi's clued in, will they (the boys) leave for Armenelos? If so, with or without her?

Thoronmir has just kindly deposited Inzi at the door and disappeared into the crowd. Question: is he officially gone now?

[piosenniel]

I’ve just finished catching up on this game – Well done, everyone!! :cool: :D

Please note I’ve gone through and removed icons from the game posts. Let’s let your posts stand on the merit of their writing and not on their decoration. Leave the icons for the discussion thread and the Inn. Please also remember to remove your signatures from game posts.

Looking forward to seeing where your collective creative energies take the storyline.

~*~ Pio

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Finding the sneaking to online places to post a little more difficult than I expected. But I like the way the game is going. Thanks guys, you carry this so well when the game gets going. I'll try not to put any definite numbers on my posts as far as how often I'll be able to get them up so as not to keep you waiting.

As for the locations of the Kariborim. I'll venture to say that Kathaani's group has Nitiru (Kath), Ruki (Tiru), and Mani (Mars.) Choosing arbitrarily shall we say Azarmano has Khibil, Abarzadan has Izri, and Thoronmir has Kali (we must make sure that Thoronmir, with or without Meneltarmacil gets Kali onto the ship). Which leaves, of course, Lomi with Abar where she's been all along.

And I suspect that Marsillion & co. should find a way not to get caught, or else find a way to get caught that conveniently aids the rescue attempt so that we don't have to rescue the would-be rescuers. We have enough trouble without that.

Lastly, and correct me if I've lost my place on the island, but I've assumed that we're south of the Meneltarma now, because Noirinan opens that way. However, I'm not 100% sure how we'd have gotten there (my brother could tell you a thing or two about my sense of direction). Am I right?

Sophe

[Regin Hardhammer]

Originally, I had envisioned that Azarmano and Co would only go a little while towards Romenna and turn back after half a day's ride because the king's men would be following the other guys. Due to subsequent posts, I found that we went all the way to Romenna, which is fine and makes sense if we want to get Lady Inzillomi involved. I think it would be interesting to get her involved in the rescue. I just filled in a save in which I talk with her. I explain that the reason we went all the way to Romenna instead of just part of the way is because the guards were still following us and we had to lose them.

Fea- If you want, now would be the time to get Inzillomi going to save her husband. I think it would elicit an interesting reaction from Azarmano. Of course, it is entirely up to you, but I think it is a good idea. If not, you can just wish us luck. :)

I anticipate that after Inzillomi's response, we will be on the road unless something else happens.

If any of this doesn't work for someone please let me know and I will be glad to change it.

- Regin

[littlemanpoet]

Question: will Abarpa be tortured (but not killed) before the rescuers get to him?

We shall see, we shall see...

Question: what will Inzillomi's role be now that she's with some of the rescuers?

That's pretty much up to you now, in't it?

Question: will they be caught, if they are so obviously drawing attention to themselves?

I'm confused. I thought they were being sneaky. Or is that some kind of tongue in cheek?

Question: once Inzi's clued in, will they (the boys) leave for Armenelos? If so, with or without her?

That's up to you. What would make the story more interesting?

Question: is he officially gone now?

Officially is a rather strong word. If he chooses to post himself back into the story, I suppose he's back in. But he'll have to do it in a way that works in the story. If he doesn't show up, then he has removed himself.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'm confused. I thought they were being sneaky. Or is that some kind of tongue in cheek?
Tongue in cheek. Their sneakiness is the diversion, so it's at least a little obvious. ;)

I'll get to Inzi's response post this morning. First I actually have to read Regin's. :rolleyes: That's morning for you.

*grumbles about needing more sleep*

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I've just sent a brilliant post back to TB12 (being his semi official proofreader is fun), which should go up in the morning. However the events of the post will make it clear that Regin, Fea, Himaran (and Meneltarmacil if he's still around?) should make all haste to Armenelos.

Just a very few notes. "Rómenna" should be spelled the way I have just done. Not "Romenna" with no accent or "Rommena." "Abârzadan" has also lost his accent in the last several posts.

Also I would like to see us throw in a few varied names. We're a group of people that loves our homeland dearly, impassioned patriots if you will, and we speak several languages which include many names for Numenor, including:

Númenor, Númenórë, Elenna, Andor, The Land of Gift, Starwards, Westernesse, Anadûnê, Yôzâyan.

The latter two are Adunaic, and therefore probably used by the King's Men and ourselves equally. The former are probably terms of the Faithful only. Armenelos would also likely be called Arminalêth by the King's Men, as it is the Adunaic form of the word and the elven tongues were *cough* out of favor.

Despite my many and lengthy absences this has been hands-down the best written game I have ever been part of. :) Thank you everyone.

And in other news I start my new job tomorrow! So I will soon be providing my own internet with my own paycheck! And paying for it in a timely fashion. Hooray.

Sophia

[TomBrady12]

My post is up now, credit any grammatical errors to Sophia seeng how she is my "semi official proofreader" :D

Soph and I will have to collaborate with Regin, Him, and Fea (pending??) on what will happen next.

TB12

P.S. I would be suprised if Sophia pays for anything in a timely fashion :D , but maybe this isn't the time or place for sibling fueding :eek:

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Very nice, TB. I've just edited my last post to add a bit more to it. Inzi's ready to go, whenever you guys are.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I've re-edited my post to better accomodate Regin's character.

[Himaran]

Great post, TB. I suppose that Abar, Inzi, and Aza (with Th in tow?) should be formulating a plan to get into Armenelos?

Hmm... would it be possible that there is some sort of sewer network that runs underneath the city. Dirty, yes, but traversable, perhaps? Just throwing out an idea - it seems unlikely that we could just walk in without being spotted and captured.

- Himaran

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Nice edit, Fea. I think it does reflect Azarmano better, and also shows a nice note of humility on Inzi's part.

As for Himaran's suggestion, I recall a mini-rp that ran in Gondor a couple years ago where Rimbaud and Estelyn blocked an invasion of Minas Tirith which would have entered through the sewers (The Saving of the Star, I believe?). It seems as though if it could be plausible in Minas Tirith it could be plausible in Armenelos. Both are examples of Numenorean city-planning. ;) However there are a few thing that would need to be incorporated:
1. They would need a credible source to guide them into and/or through the sewers
2. I doubt (highly) the sewers would be unguarded.

Sophia

[littlemanpoet]

the sewer thing is getting a bit hackneyed. We did it in Hills of Evendim too.

Could we try harder? Some alternative?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

The Eagles could come. :p ;)

More seriously though... the sewers have been shot down because of over-use and sheer difficulty.

We could do the hiding-in-plain-view approach, but that already failed where the King's Men didn't believe that the group was another bunch of them.

Our idea needs to be creative, clever, and unused (which means those darned Eagles need to stay put).

I'd say it would be better to avoid being overtly sneaky, but not to be too obvious. Is there a place in the city that these three would have reason to go? Once they're in the city, we can work from there. It's just getting them in without getting them in prison.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Hm, I wasn't familiar with Halls of Evendim. There's a bit of a gap in my Downs RP experience. :rolleyes:

So no sewers, then.

Could something be done with Monoizindu? Alaklondewen isn't with us anymore, but we still have her character description to work with. If he is in fact an old friend of Abar's, Inzi might know of him, and where to find him? Getting in that far would be a start.

[Meneltarmacil]

I returned from my road trip yesterday, so I'm not officially gone yet.

Maybe some kind of disguise might work? Like, if Sauron's priests/loyal servants/whatever wear something like black cloaks that conceal people's faces well enough?

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Ah, well then, welcome back Menel and Thoronmir. We weren't sure whether you intended to have written out your character or whether that's just what it looked like.

With Thoronmir and Inzi both accompanying the rescue party, we're short a Karibor. Perhaps someone would be up for going double? Or if an inferior horse were used the Armenelos trip would take longer than a day, although they would arrive at the city early on day 2 (which could perhaps be advantageous).

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'll ride double, if need be. I also just had the idea (conclusion?) that Inzi will need to be disguised. It just wouldn't fly to have the wife of an important political prisoner (both in disgrace) come riding into town. That said, she'll need a new "role" in the group, as it would be the most foolish thing ever to have a higher-up in the Faithful chain of command, so to speak, in the spot-light. Perhaps the well-disguised wife of one of the others? Thoronmir (welcome back Menel) is too well known to be paired with someone also very well known. Azar has a wife and kid. That leaves Abarza as a possible "husband". Or she could be a sister, or even maid, though maids doubtlessly wouldn't travel with a group of men.

What do you guys think?

[littlemanpoet]

I'm pretty sure Menel has exited the game. I see no signs to the contrary. Can someone tell me what the point is in carrying this (now) nonplayer character, writerless? Are we carrying him along just to have someone to kill off later?

EDIT: Sorry, Menel, I somehow didn't see your post. Nevermind the above. Welcome back! :)

EDIT #2: I like Menel's idea regarding disguises. I'm sure we can come up with something along those lines. Let's be creative, eh? Surely there's some reference toward Numenorean garb in the Legendarium?

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Fea- I think wife or sister would be the best option, yes. Sister could work for either Azarmano or Abarzadan, if Inzi wants more choice in it. Although I think Inzi's being forced to play Abarzadan's wife could be very interesting, considering his 'ambiguous' role thus far. The interactions from that could be revealing.

Menel, LMP- I think disguises would probably be the best course as well. Although they would want to be very inconspicuous disguises I would think, (low(er) class city residents perhaps?), and then try to get into the city in the middle of a crowd when they're less likely to be noticed? Priests are also an interesting idea, Menel. Since not a lot is given about the nature of the "cult", we would have a little leeway to work with their concealability.

Sophe

[Regin Hardhammer]

My save is filled in. Let me know if all is okay. If not, I'm open to changes.

I have us mounting up on horses but haven't said anything about a changed identity for the Lady. If someone wants to bring up that identity issue now, please go ahead.

-Regin

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'll take care of it, Regin. I think I'd like the confilct almost certainly to arise with Inzi playing Abarzadan's wife, if Him doesn't mind. I mean... if nothing else, they're going off to save Inzi's real husband, and upon sneaking out of the city, the true couple couldn't show any feelings except, perhaps, friendship. :rolleyes:

[Himaran]

How ironic. Abarzadan's father wanted him to go to Armenelos in order to find a wife. I guess he did, after all. ;) The faked marriage makes sense, since Inzi has to ride double with someone anyway.

One note, Regin. In your post you mention that Thoronmir is gone. Is he? Menel just posted recently to state that he was still around.

Whatever you decide works best is fine with me. Let's get into that city!

[Regin Hardhammer]

I edited my post so that Thoronmir is not gone but absent. He will rejoin us outside the gates of the city. I have also asked Abarzadan and Inzillomi to ride together.

Does this work

- Regin

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Looks good Regin. It fits in well with what I wrote. Can't wait to see your characters' reactions to Inzi's [second] request.

[Himaran]

Unless Feanor or Regin have something to add, my post got us on the road. Let me know if it needs editing. I left responses up to you.

- Him

[littlemanpoet]

TB12! :eek: What a bind you've gotten the three characters in! How are they going to get out of it? This reader is eager to find out. Great writing! :)

[littlemanpoet]

The "sister" gag would not work because Inzi did not even closely resemble either of the men.

"Gag" is an anachronism, Himmy ;)

The rest of it looks great!

[Himaran]

LMP: Duly noted. Himmy, eh? Never heard that one before. :eek:

[Regin Hardhammer]

Nice post Himaran. One thing is driving me crazy though: when you say his "knew" wife don't you mean "new"? I'm usually not grammar sensitive, but it just stood out.

One other thing: Is Meneltarmacil going to join up with us in a post or are we merely going to carry his character along? I said in my post he would meet us outside the city. If the latter is the case, I will mention in my next post that he has joined with the group.

Also, how long is the journey to Armenelos going to take ?

- Regin

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Regin: we're a few hours into the journey, and I remember someone saying that on kariborim, it's about a ten hour trip. I'd say we've got maybe six hours left?

[TomBrady12]

Wow,

That question from Regin lingered for days and then finally i get around to answering only to find that Fea beat me by two minutes! What timing...

I would say, and of course this is only one man's humble opinion, that probably you could skip over the rest of the journey and have the next set of posts upon the arrival to Armenelos...of course this is just a suggestion, perhaps you have something good in store for the trip?

I look forward to seeing what's next...

TB12

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

You got it.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I have just pmed a few of the rescuers to let them know how Marsillion and Kathaani plan to get out of their scrape (but still leave lmp in a bit of suspense). ;) When the details get worked out I'll fill in my post (now just a very rough sketch indeed) and see where things go.

The hour of decision. Alas, the time has come where we really need to decide if we're going to use Alaklondewen's abandoned character, Monoizindu. I think he's a good link and a good way to work ourselves into the prison area. I also think there's a good history between him and Abarpanaru which might be interesting to play out, however, he might be an extra burden as one more writerless character.

Yea or Nay?

--Sophia

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

As much as I liked the character, I've got to vote ++Nay. (Ah! WW5 has followed me around!)

I think we've got sufficient plot twists being played out right now:

Abarpa with Tar-Miriel
Inzi with Abarza
Kath, Tiru, Marsillion with King's Men
Rescuers trapped outside
Abarpa about to die (that must have been one drawn out torturing of that poor lad)
Elendil in a hurry

Trying to tie up all the loose ends we've created should be quite enough, unless I'm out-voted.

[Meneltarmacil]

I will be away starting Sunday and will not return until the 15th, so I'd like to post sometime in the next couple of days. However, I cannot really see myself posting something that agrees with the storyline until we figure out some feasable way of secretly entering the city. I proposed a "dress up as the bad guys" idea a while back, and there were the thoughts on the sewers, but it doesn't seem like we've agreed on anything yet. I still think the "dress up as the bad guys" idea might work, though it's admittedly a little overused in popular movies (ex: Star Wars)

[littlemanpoet]

Menel's idea has merit.

Another thought too: Numenor isn't filled up with only rich Numenoreans. The only way any society can exist is for there to be an underclass that does all the dirty work. Just imagine how many disaffected poor folk there must be on the outskirts of the great city, happy to help people who are (1) against the powers that be (2) willing to do all they can for the disaffected. It also adds a good moral aspect to the group's story possibilities.

Yes, this idea has been just as overused as all the rest, but it just seems like it probably has more potential for interesting story.

[Regin Hardhammer]

I put up my new post.

With regards to the disaffected poor. In my proposal I suggest that we ambush a small group of guards and take their clothing. Perhaps while we do this, one of us could get in trouble and be rescued by one of the poor citizens who hates the king? It might change Azarmanô's opinion about being stranded without anyone around them to help.

I suggest that we sneak into the city through Noirian, the Valley of Tombs. It seems like a good, secluded place. I mean who takes a path that runs through tombs?

Tell me if this is okay.

- Regin

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Go for it.

[TomBrady12]

Sophia, please clear your PM's.

Thanks

TB12

[Himaran]

Sounds good, Regin. I'll get Abarzadan's approval and at least part of the journey into my next post (unless someone else beats me to it).

- Himaran

[Himaran]

Ah! Double Post!

I'm working on my post, but have two questions:

1. Inzi's new plan is good, but doesn't it scrap the old one about her being Abarzadan's wife?

2. Has Thoronmir rejoined the group yet?

- Himaran

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

1) pretty much (unless King's Men wander around with their wives)
2) dunno

[Regin Hardhammer]

Fea- Why did you end your post with Abarzadan's name?

I am sort of confused as to why we wrote Meneltarmacil's character back into the story if he isn't going to post. As of now he is supposedly with us, but he hasn't done anything. I don't know exactly what to do with Thoronmir. I guess he'll just tag along.

I like the idea of having Inzi being "captured" as it gives us an additional avenue into the dungeon to rescue her husband.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I usually cut and paste names so I don't have to memorize ALT codes. I bet that's what I did, and then I forgot to delete the "original" at the bottom. I'll go fix it.

[Meneltarmacil]

I'm sorry for my absences here. Summer really does get busy sometimes. I'll put up another post starting right now. :(

[Himaran]

Abarzadan disagrees but will respect the decision of the group. They are at the tombs.

Pio/Menel - I think that Menel's post would fit in with the game better if it were placed above mine. ???

- Himaran

[piosenniel]

I moved Menel's recent post as suggested.

~*~ Pio :)

[littlemanpoet]

With my last post I've set upTârik taking initiative to find people to help Mabalar escape - with Míriel's artefact - and with Mabalar's Kiribor (which one I can't remember!).

Maybe the Guard that have captured Marsillion, Kathaani, and Tumi (? - I can't keep track of all the names) can be tricked into handing the captives over to Târik and/or his cronies?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

*sneaky grin*

Perhaps that could work.

[Regin Hardhammer]

So sorry to not have posted in a while. I am on vacation with my family and it is difficult to get computer access. I hope to do better. I will put up a post by tomorrow night.

- Regin

[littlemanpoet]

Monôizindu is the shopkeeper that aladlondewen would have been playing if she hadn't gotten so busy. In her absence, I'm preparing to write something that ties together Mabalar, Târik, and Monôizindu. The idea is that Mabalar finally remembers that he has a friend right in the capital, and he sends Târik after him. Once Monôizindu finds out what's up, the entire network of secret Faithful in the capital gets into action, and it's only a matter of circumstance before the rescuers are discovered/run into and get connected up with Monôizindu and thus Târik and finally Mabalar. And rescuing the Karibor (I again forget which one) that Mabalar rides, becomes a soluble (solvable, sorry)problem. Thoughts?

[Regin Hardhammer]

My post is up. Let me know if changes are needed. Sorry it's on the longish side. I got a bit carried away. You know how writing goes. :p

- Regin

[Meneltarmacil]

I've gotten us into the city. I'll be gone starting Friday but I'll be back on Monday so I don't think that should affect the RPG much.

[Himaran]

Time for a little more thinking...

What do we do now? These are a few options I have considered:

1. Take Inzi to the prison and use it as an opportunity to get the others out.

2. Drop the uniforms, find a place to stay, and lie low while gathering intelligence and figuring out how to get everyone free.

3. Turn themselves in. (Just kidding.)


We have, however, finally reached the point of the game where Abarzadan has a legitimate reason for deserting. He is inside Armenelos, and obviously wants to see it as his father had asked him to do. At some point in the rest of the story, I do want him to explore the "wonderous" city and find what he may... Then we shall see how this little sub-plot will end.

- Himaran

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Option 4: We're in. We now wait for Soph and TB12, because I believe they have something in mind.

LMP, careful you don't get yourself rescued, it would ruin all the fun of me being "captured".

[littlemanpoet]

Well, Feanor, somehow we need to make use of Moizandu and Târik. Get them linked up with your group or the other group. Maybe Azarmano might stumble across the shopkeeper? All kinds of options.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I agree LMP. We can't toss off such great characters.

Would Inzi recognize Moizandu? If so, perhaps when she is being "taken" to the temple, she would spot him and relay his identity to Azarmano and Co.? Something could happen and so when Tarik reaches him, Moizandu already has word of rescuers in the city?

Or even more fun would be if Moizandu recognizes Inzillomi but not she him, and he relays to Tarik that Abarpanaru/Mabalar's lady has been taken by the King's Men.

Oh what heartache would ensue...

[littlemanpoet]

I'll use the heartache plan. That could really mess up Mabalar's mind about maybe trying to save Miriel..... :p

[Regin Hardhammer]

I took the liberty of having Moizandu recognize Inzillomi while she has her eyes towards the ground, avoiding the taunts of the crowd. I hope that the recognition was done in a satisfactory way for everyone. If there are any problems, please let me know so I can edit. Man, it's hard to be a prisoner. :rolleyes:

I am not sure about the tombs. I guess since we have disguises we are scrapping it.

- Regin

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Inzillomi just isn't very happy right now. :D

So, in order to meet back up with the captive Marsillion, Tiru, and Kathaani...

Either we find them in the dungeons?

Or we run into them while escaping, have a fantastically fun battle sequence, and run for it to Romenna (ride for it, actually)?

Or [fill in the blank]?

I know that TB12 and Soph had mentioned a crazy bit of duex ex machina just inside the gates involving a huge storm and lots of confusion and some villagers that hate Sauron and the king, but now that we've gotten our group to the temple, either that will have to be reconfigured or scrapped.

Either way, LMP gets to have fun writing whatshisyap's post for meeting up with the guy whose name I can't spell (you can tell how much of a perfectionist I am when I'm in a hurry :rolleyes:) and learning that Inzi's headed to prison. Then of course we get to see some heartache.

But we definately need to figure out a plan for getting our two rescuer groups back together.

[TomBrady12]

Count me in for that fantastically fun battle sequence

TB12

[littlemanpoet]

time for whatshisyap to meet MoizthenameFeanorcan'tspell.

I'll clean it up later, but I'm gonna have some fun for the moment. :D

[Meneltarmacil]

I seem to recall both littlemanpoet and myself wanting to include the future Mouth of Sauron in this somewhere... maybe he could be involved somehow?

[littlemanpoet]

I think I just added him without realizing it was him. :eek: Check out my last post. But if that's who that is, then we need to somehow get him off the island too before it sinks beneath the waves.....

[Meneltarmacil]

That is kind of a problem. The only option I can really see is stowing away on one of the Faithful's ships, unless a Fell Beast was waiting to fly him off the island.

*edit*

Fell Beasts are not aircraft, though, and can presumably only fly so far without having to land and rest, so I think it's more feasable for him to stow away.

*more editing*

Actually, I noticed that I mentioned him in my bio earlier:
He (Thoronmir/Sakaladûn) ran into the strongest opposition from Herugor, the second most powerful man in Numenor and the one he suspected had been learning all kinds of evil things from Sauron. After Sakaladûn flat out refused to have anything to do with an assault on Valinor, first proposed in 3299 and actually started eleven years later, Herugor, probably following instructions from Sauron, made up a number of false accusations about Sakaladûn forming a conspiracy and taking the throne for himself. Herugor then presented these charges before the king, who fired Sakaladûn from his post and had him arrested.Herugor was the name lmp and Elora came up with for the Mouth in a previous RPG, though as mentioned earlier on this thread the name will probably have to be changed to something less obviously evil.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

You mock me, LMP, with your whatsisyappery.

And yet it's still so doggone amusing.

[littlemanpoet]

Mock!? :eek:

I was just having fun.

Herugor is some kind of Elvish name (I made it up years ago but can't tell you whether it's Sindarin, Quenyan, or some kind of mix between the two), so it can serve as the nickname the Faithful have for this particular scoundrel. We will need to come up with a Valinorian, and/or perhaps Umbarian name for him too.

[Regin Hardhammer]

I changed the dry goods store into a pottery and hermetics store to agree with LMP's post.

What exactly is going to happen in the game now? When should we proceed and enter the dungeon with Inzillomi? Once we get it, what is the next step?

If anyone has ideas about what generally is the direction we are going, it would be appreciated, since I am somewhat unsure.

- Regin

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks, Regin. I forgot having read about dry goods in your post. Sorry about that. Um, what are hermetics, anybody know? :p

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

There's a reason Inzillomi left it up to Azarmano... I have no clue. :D

I think that a Mabalar post would be good to come next, but that's not necessarily a must. Give him some time to be duly distressed that his wife is about to be killed with him. That sort of thing.

As for what we should do... we need to meet up with Soph and TB12. Are we set on coming upon them (still captured) while escaping with Mabalar? That would simplify the actual rescue some, while still allowing for all kinds of stress ("Where is my daughter?" "Um... we're not sure. Haven't seen her since we ran away.").

What say you guys to a bit of nerve-wracking? If the "guards" get "the prisoner" into the temple and run into more guards? Then perhaps Inzillomi would get tossed into a cell for awhile while Azarmano, Thoronmir, and Abarzadan have to I dunno... have a drink... or something... with actual King's Men. Wouldn't that be neat?

I just got a real deja vu thingy... The image of our "guards" getting their guards totally pasted and stealing the keys to the cells. Does it, perchance, remind you of Bilbo in Thranduil's caves? But it's got the underlying stress of knowing that you could be caught and killed any second. 'Specially Thoronmir who's pretty well known. Thoughts?

[littlemanpoet]

Okay, we can celebrate Bilbo with a theme and variation on the drunken guards' keys. Sounds good to me.

I'll try and get up a post this afternoon after work.

[Meneltarmacil]

I've got another vacation coming up on Wednesday and may not be able to post from then until Saturday. I was going to post something on the RPG but was waiting until everbody figured out what was going to happen regarding Inzillomi and everything, so if Regin's save is filled in by tomorrow, I'll post then. If not then, I'll post when I get back.

[littlemanpoet]

I'll take a stab at Regin's query, even though it was posted on the story site.

Simply put, a lot of drink.

We're talking military men here, and big men, even in comparison to your average Numenorean, I would think. So if it takes two 20 oz. ales to buzz me (190 lbs & an "aler" enough to stand a few), a third to slish me, and a fourth to slosh me. But I'm still with it, and that's the most I've ever had at a sitting. Double that to get a Temple Guard to the same point. Render him unconscious? Double it again. So that would be 16 x 20 oz. of ale, or 320 oz., which is how many gallons? I never was good at figuring that part out. So at any rate, a lot. Hope this helps. :p

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

So if it takes two 20 oz. ales to buzz me
Also bear in mind the potency of the drink. If you're drinking "good" stuff, you'll doubtlessly get pasted quicker than if you're drinking the lesser quality stuff Guards would have. And remember than not everybody's tolerance is the same, and it's not necessarily based on weight. I've seen a 6'4" muscular guy really truly drunk after only a few, and a 6'0" even rail-thin one still lucid after twice the amount.

The Guards need not all keel over at once, and certainly not early on into the drinking.

[Regin Hardhammer]

The Big Ale Party post is up. Whoever thought that getting a bunch of gaurds drunk would be so much fun. :D

I particularly liked the small ale barrel, medium ale barrel, large ale barrel section.

I hope I didn't get them too drunk (or not drunk enough). I had about 5 flagons of ale each.

Let me know if any other changes are needed.

[Himaran]

It appears that only Azarmano is with Inzi - in that case, Thor and Abarzadan are doing something else. I think that this would be a good time for me to put in my long planned "touring the city" post. Let me know if this messes up the plot.

- Himaran

[Regin Hardhammer]

Actually, in my post I had envisioned the group coming with me.
Azarmanô untied Inzillomí’s chains from the bar and led her, along with the rest of the group, down the corridor which ended at a set of stairs that he hoped they could follow to the north tower. I also refer to "the rescuers" and "the group" a couple of times.

Of the six mugs from the store room, three are for the soldiers and three are for the rescuers (Azarmano, Abar, and Thoronmir).

I'm sorry if I didn't show that clealrly enough. I will edit my post if more explanation is needed to clarify that the rest of the group is there or if I actually am alone.

But why would Thoronmir join Abarzadan?

Any clarification regarding this issue would be appreciated. I'm confused.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Hey Him, when you fill in your save, can you shift it to after my post? I had Inzi suggest a way to get rid of Abarza and Thoronmir. In the best sense, of course. T's too well-known and after all, we need to find the fastest route out of the city, so who better than scouts? If anybody objects to this line of thinking, say something (and provide a change for me) and I'll go cuddle with my beloved edit button. It should work though, to allow for A to explore the city like he wants, yes?

Edit: cross-posted with Regin. Does my idea of sending them off as scouts now, instead of pre-drinking party work to clear things up?

[Meneltarmacil]

I would actually prefer to be with Azar and Inzi, though maybe I could be doing something like hunting around for Mabalar.

Yeah, actually, I think I'll split off and try to find him if there aren't any objections. I'll try to get in a post tonight.

EDIT: I now have everybody going in search of him together, minus Abarzadan, following the part with the drunken guards.

[Regin Hardhammer]

It's obvious that something here needs to be edited. First, Inzi suggests that Abar and Thoronmir be sent off as scouts for escape roots. If Thoronmir is staying, then I think that either Inzi needs to edit her post so as to just suggest that Abar leave or Thoronmir needs to put in his post some rational as to why he does not want to go.

At the end of Inzi's post, she asks Azarmano for approval. After we get the first part of the situation sorted out, then we can deal with this. It seems strange for Azarmano to give approval after Menel's post because they are all ready continuing on the search for Mabalar. I'm not sure if Azarmano needs to approve, but if so, it should, I think, come before Menel's post.

With regards to Menel's post, I think that being told the exact spot of Malabar's cell seems too easy. Perhaps we could arrive at the designated cell only to find that he had been moved, perhaps to something like a holding cell that prisoners go immediately before sacrificing.

I'm not sure exactly how things need to be tweeked, but they do seem slightly jumbled at the moment.

[Meneltarmacil]

I was thinking that they would find Mabalar, but then Herugor would show up with a bunch of armed gaurds. Or is having everyone taken prisoner just digging this hole too deep to get out of....?

[Himaran]

I agree with Regin - something does need to be edited.

I personally would like Abarzadan to go figure out an escape plan, and if Menel wants to keep Thor with Azar and Inzi that should work out fine.

Someone mentioned a while back that Sophie/TB12 had some sort of plan - does anyone know what it is or is it already in motion?

- Him

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Someone mentioned a while back that Sophie/TB12 had some sort of plan - does anyone know what it is or is it already in motion?
Right... Let's see if I can remember (or see if it's still in my inbox). Right... not in my inbox any more. Regin, if you remember any more than I do, please chime in.

Basically the idea was that not everyone in the city is power-hungry, cruel, and ready to slay all Faithful. There are obviously the down-trodden who aren't going to be all that happy with the King. So part of the idea was that when we (Inzi, Azarmano, Abarzadan, Thoronmir) were trying to get into the city, the guards who'd captured the others (Kathaani, Tiru, Marsillion) would get to the gate also (or one nearby). Enter, stage left, deux ex machina in the form of one of those very angry Valar induced storms. In the midst of the ruckus, the down-trodden help all the good guys out.

So at this point, all are together again (except, of course, Mabalar) AND we're in the city.

After this, my memory (which may be a little faulty in any case) trails out entirely.

BUT... Soph hasn't been around (due to the insanity of real life, if I remember correctly, and never answered my last two PMs to her, sent over a month ago) so we went on and got ourselves into the city.

So the current state of things:

Mabalar: distressed that his wife is captured, near sacrifice, imprisoned

Group A: wandering the dungeons with the keys

Group B: in the hands of the Guards

The Shopkeeper and Tarik: under the eye of pre-Mouth (will they be coming with us in the end?)

Right now we need to tweak a few things. Since Abarzadan wants to explore the city, I recommend sending him out for escape routes. If agreeable, I think it would be good for him to spot Group B and be the one to relay the news.

Thoronmir obviously stays with us, but I do agree that it seems a little too easy to just find Mabalar. I like the idea of that having been his cell, but he's been moved. Which would possibly turn us against whatshisyap ;) because he gave us wrong information on Mabalar's whereabouts?

What better than distrust to spice up and already spicy situation?

Obviously Inzi continues the role of prisoner, since her wandering the dungeons when That Guy (pre-Mouth) knows she's there is a bad idea.

Any how, I hope this post made some semblance of sense... I was thinking of quite a bit and now... I'm getting a birthday surprise but she won't tell me what it is... :( :D It's got my mind racing in such a fun way.

[littlemanpoet]

I'm giving this a pound in the posterior. Any protests may be lodged here.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Himaran and Littlemanpoet,

Please check your pms.

Child

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Regin, would you be so kind as to incorporate a small out-of-character moment for Inzillomi in your post? Perhaps a quiet curse or two at discovering the empty cell met by perhaps disbelieving looks. Hard to be stoic when you realize that your quest just got even harder.. and when it's your husband's life on the line.

[Regin Hardhammer]

I put up my post. I ended it in such a way that other people can join in the fight before we skiddaddle. It shouldn't be a very long fight, since we really have to get out fast, but everyone who wants to can do a post.

[littlemanpoet]

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but I had no intention of Mabalar being found in any cell the group could easily get to.

Here's what I was thinking (Let me know what you think.): Mabalar has been taken from his cell to be brought to the temple for sacrifice. Tarik didn't know this because he has been left out of the loop, having been found out by Herugor. Herugor is the one who has instigated the current situation. Mabalar exits from the dungeons into the central chamber of the temple only to discover that his daughter, Marsillion, and somebody else (can't remember off hand) are already being held there.

That leaves Azarmano, Inzillomi, and Thoronmir, to come up behind and discover that the jig is up. Meanwhile, Tarik has head the same clang that they had heard, and rushes back to find that Mabalar's cell is empty. Either the group has released him that quickly or they have also been taken captive. He decides the latter, and gives chase, finding them looking through a small window into the great chamber, their hopes virtually crushed, watching Mabalar, Marsillion, Kataani, and ? being led to Sauron's altar by Herugor and his henchmen.

That leaves three individuals unaccounted for and free agents: Himaran, Tar Miriel, and the guy who sells stuff whose name Mabalar would never forget (:p) but I did.

So, what do you think?

[Meneltarmacil]

Sounds good. I was also thinking that Mabalar would be taken to the temple to be sacrificed. I'd like to suggest that since Herugor was the guy that had gotten Thoronmir kicked off the council and forced to become a fugitive, he and Thoronmir should face off against each other at some point (though of course Herugor can't die here).

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

So, what do you think?
I think that means my post must be deleted? Which is fine. Just say the word. Quite frankly, I prefer the added pressure of LMP's scenario.

[littlemanpoet]

I like it, Menel. It's about time we had some character confrontation that fleshes out some more of the characters.

Before you delete your post, Fea, let's give it the (long U.S.) weekend to hear from everybody about the alternate direction we're talking about to get approval and input before we take any action, okay?

[Himaran]

At some point in the near future, could someone (anyone) have their character notice that Abarzadan is gone? I see that the game is winding down, and I need to complete his personal story in the city before we leave.

[littlemanpoet]

Far from winding down, Himaran, the release of Mabalar from Sauron's dungeons only starts the beginning of the end. It's sort of like Frodo and Sam entering Mordor, I think. The group still has to get away from Herugor & Sauron, meet up with Miriel to receive the last palantir, flee the city and reace wholesale to Romenna, take ship, and endure the sinking of Numenor .... not to mention that it would be interesting to write an epilogue of sorts of the various parties' life a couple months after they've landed on the shores of Middle Earth (can you tell that I have a hard time ending stories?). :P

As for Abarzadan, I'd love to see things come to a head such that Abarzadan is faced with a moral choice between a "Gollum" (selling the Hobbits to Shelob), or a "Boromir" (going for personal glory and gain at the expense of the quest), or a "Saruman" (trading in former friends to their enemy in order to 'move up' in the ranks of the powers that be), or a "Theoden" (giving up because the cause of good seems hopeless), or whatever. You know Abarzadan better than the rest of us, Him, so you know what kind of moral choices make the most sense. Just thought I'd mention it.

[Regin Hardhammer]

These ideas sound good. I'll lbe glad to work on editing my post.

I do have a question. Would you prefer we simply come to an empty cell, and have the post stop there, or should we come to an empty cell and tangle with a few guards as we make our way to the altar? Anything particular in mind?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I like the idea of reaching the empty cell and tangling with guards. Perhaps they were set to watch the cell for unusual activity whether the prisoner remains or no? When the "new guards" show up with their "prisoner" it qualifies as unusual, and so a tangle begins?

It would keep us from having to dock our work quite so harshly, not to mention I just sort of like that idea.

[littlemanpoet]

I'd also like it if you could work in Tarik coming upon the altercation late, and the good guys afraid he's going to help the guards, and the guards being surprised/stunned that he actually turns the tide against the guards in favor of the good guys ... this would serve as a turning point for Tarik himself, who until this point has been secretive (at least he thought so), and by helping out this group, he declares himself. Of course, he doesn't know that Herugor and Sauron already know, but he still is forced to commit . . . . a great foreshadowing to laying down his life later on in the story for the good of Mabalar and friends.

Oh, and one more little secret that I shouldn't keep from the rest of you: Monôizindu's shop (and home) are very close to the Temple, and therefore to the Temple's dungeons. This seems to suggest to me that he and his secretive Faithful would be industrious enough to have secret passages underground that connect to the Temple dungeons somehow. Tarik wouldn't know of this, unless Monoizindu has told him, and he hasn't. But Monoi has ways of keeping tabs on the dungeon (through cronies no doubt), and is at the ready to slip into the dungeon at just the right moment and help the Faithful to escape right from under the nose of Herugor.

But before that can happen, Miriel must get the palantir to Mabalar.

Ah, the plot thickens..... :)

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Where will we find Miriel, or will you take care of that? And how should I revamp my post?

[littlemanpoet]

Where will we find Miriel, or will you take care of that? And how should I revamp my post?

I'll take care of Miriel.

Glad you asked about your post, because I think you should save/hold some of it for later.

Seems to me that you could save just about everything (in one fashion or another) except the bars getting inbetween husband and wife. Who needs 'em anyway, right? :D

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'll take care of Miriel.

Glad you asked about your post, because I think you should save/hold some of it for later.

Seems to me that you could save just about everything (in one fashion or another) except the bars getting inbetween husband and wife. Who needs 'em anyway, right? :D
Allright... I'm just going to delete Mabalar from the post for now and leave the rest pretty much as is.

EDIT: I changed my mind. I've pulled my post for now. Once Regin tweaks his I'll put back what feels right.

[Himaran]

LMP - those are interesting possibilities indeed. I suppose I can put my own selfish sideplot on the shelf for now, seeing that there may well be more interesting possibilities in the future. However, I can start infusing doubts into Abarzadan... what if the person he is helping to escape from prison is really an evil enemy of the state? What if his companions have blinded him with touching stories and blatant lies? Ah... the sweet smell of controversy.

- Himaran

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I knew I forgot something... I filled my save.

[Himaran]

I'm not sure how much of a time-lapse there is between Fea's post and mine... it probably took about thirty seconds for Abarzadan to send the guards off and return - in a battle, much can happen in that time. While I'd love to get back into the battle, I will wait until Regin or Menel puts a piece up.

[Dimcollowen]

Do not post to this discussion thread - check your Private Messages, please

~*~ Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'm not sure how much of a time-lapse there is between Fea's post and mine... it probably took about thirty seconds for Abarzadan to send the guards off and return - in a battle, much can happen in that time. While I'd love to get back into the battle, I will wait until Regin or Menel puts a piece up.
Not long. Abarzadan could effectively be just around the corner and on his way back when Inzi looks around and can't find him. I'm just a sucker for extra tension. After all, the mysterious one disappears just as the group gets attacked by guards that were informed of their arrival? Of course we have to take full advantage of it.

[littlemanpoet]

I shall be vacationing in England for three weeks, and will be back October 1. During that time I doubt that I will have the desire, time, or urge, or whatever, to check in here. You understand, I expect.

For that reason, I have devised a plan such that Tar Miriel is going to use the first distration available to render Mabalar unconscious for an extended period. A potion, I'm thinking. Longer lasting than Feanor's idea with Inzi. And no, I thought of this independently. Great minds think alike, they say. ;) Think of Bombur in The Hobbit, and Frodo in the tower of Cirith Ungol. Tar Miriel will have humored Herugor, with her charms, into giving her a spider venom potion to use as she would. She will use this for Mabalar's sake, for Sauron wants his victims awake and aware, so as to enjoy their conscious agony. Mabalar unconscious, that can't happen. So the group will be forced to carry him away. (snicker) He will wake up when I get back, a little the worse for wear.

Tarik will die for the sake of the party. I think I said that, but I want to reinforce it.

Moizandu also will die for the sake of the group. But later than Tarik. I hope to write my Miriel post tomorrow (9/10).

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

So I guess that means Mabalar will just be a carry-along character until you return. *snicker*

Do we know that he's called Mabalar yet? Or are we still calling him Abarpanaru (with accents appropriately placed)?

Also, are we killing off Tarik and That Guy? Or are you?

And how are we going to find Soph and TB12's characters? It looks like we're going to have to pick them up without their consent if we mean to get the heck out of the city any time soon.

[littlemanpoet]

Feanor, I'm glad you're here to carry this as more than a cameo, considering the forced absence of some chief writers.

So I guess that means Mabalar will just be a carry-along character until you return. *snicker*

Hee hee! Enjoy.

Do we know that he's called Mabalar yet?No.

Or are we still calling him Abarpanaru (with accents appropriately placed)? Yes, sorry.

Also, are we killing off Tarik and That Guy? Or are you?

You have the option. Just remember that Tarik will prove handy as a go-between in any final dialogue between Mabalar and Miriel, which has to do with the palantir. It would be cool if Tarik sacrifices himself for the sake of the palantir's safety.

And how are we going to find Soph and TB12's characters? It looks like we're going to have to pick them up without their consent if we mean to get the heck out of the city any time soon.

The way I see it, they are already in the Temple, in danger of sacrifice. I'm about to write the Miriel thing, which will include an earthquake (it's about time for more of the signs of doom, don't you think?) which will be a good distraction point for all the stuff that needs to happen to get our group out of the immediate clutches of Sauron and Herugor.

Menel, I'm really glad you thought up having Herugor involved here. I'm loving that part of it.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Okay...our to do list in order to tie up loose ends:


finish beat up guards
meet back up with Abarzadan?
meet back up with Tarik
clean up mess a little (maybe stuff the bodies in the cell?)
find Kathaani, Tiru, Marsillion (I think this should come before Mabalar, but that's up for debate)
find Mabalar
escape Sauron's dungeons
meeting with Tar Miriel (LMP's got it covered)
Abarzadan's city search thing (up to Himaran how and when)
find the kariborim again (assuming we've got to search the dungeons for Tiru's, Kath's, Marsillion's, AND Mabalar's?)
ride like heck to Romenna
avoid getting hurt by the crazy weather patterns
That Guy has to die, so does Tarik
Herugor sneaks onto the boat?
What have I forgotten? Mind you, none of this is in order, but is more of a general check list. Must Mabalar and Inzi wait until perhaps being on the boat before their joyous reunion? When will he wake up, approximately, LMP?

Who is writing the part of Elendil? Or is he actually going to have one?

[littlemanpoet]

My latest post clarifies a few things, I hope, as brought up in your list, Feanor. Regin's post, preceding mine, should contain connectors to make it work.

It looks like I ought to edit my most recent post so that Míriel knows of Moizandû. That would not be a stretch. Everybody who needs to know of him, does. Put it this way: Míriel is going to have Moizandu keep the party safe in his underground "catacombs" until she can bring the palantir to them. You don't need me for that piece of writing, and you don't need Mabalar to be awake for it. Feanor, I'd love to see you write the post of Miriel meeting Inzillomi for the first time, because they know about each other, and Mabalar has told Inzi of Miriel and his aborted future with her. That would be interesting. Miriel would give the palantir to Inzi, since Mabalar is unable to receive it.

After receiving the palantir, and leaving the underground of Moizandu, I foresee Herugor surprising everybody by showing up with a sufficient amount of guards to stop the group in their tracks, and really put the pressure on. Sauron is not there, because Herugor wants the glory of their capture for himself, to impress his master.

That could come either before they leave the city, or just before they get to Romenna. I don't know, I lean toward before leaving the city. That's probably where Moizandu sacrifices his life for the sake of the group and palantir. It'd be great to make that poignant. Okay, there's all my ideas. Run with them or change them. I look forward to seeing how this story has progressed three weeks from now.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Gotcha.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Littlemanpoet-

Please check your pms.

I'm sorry for not filling in my save. I sent Lmp a pm with some clarifications I need. Plus I have a physics test on Tuesday. I don't want to erase the save since we may need it as a connector.

************************************************** ***************
My save is filled in. I hope it is okay. If anyone has any problems, let me know so I will edit. Again, sorry for taking so long.

- Regin

[Himaran]

Perhaps I could craft a quick ending, since no one has posted for over a week now:



Elendil watched the magnificient storm approaching. "It is time, we must sail," he said. One by one, the ships left the harbor, bearing the Faithful away...

Hundreds of guards poured into the cell block, and Abarzadan watched in horror as the leaders of the party drew back their bows...

Then the comet came, hitting the northern side of the island and scimming southward, leveling everything in its path...

And none of them lived.




Or perhaps we could get Abarpanaru, rescue our friends and leave this darn city once and for all.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Lol.

Point taken. It's been that kind of week. Fea curses those that complained about the amount of work, which then got the load augmented by an extra six pages of writing each week. Where are we, what needs to be done, and who's going to do it?

Pretty much each of us should answer these questions, preferably on this thread so we can get organized and not have to rewrite:

What loose ends need tying to complete [my] character's story?

Have all of the side plots been closed yet?

Who wants to narrate the official rescue?

Who wants to narrate the trip through the catacombs?

Who wants to narrate the breakneck kariborim trip to Romenna?

Who narrates us sailing away?

Other questions:

Should we wait for LMP to officially end this? Should we try again to get in touch with Soph or TB12?

In order for Inzillomi's story to be complete, her family must be reunited. Which means that we have to save Abarpanaru, find Kathaani and Co., and get to Romenna where Elendil waits. Also to complete her role, she has to meet Miriel and receive the palantir, since Mabalar is otherwise... engaged. She will take on the responsibilities that they would normally share until he is all better (which doubtlessly will be on the trip to ME after the story ends). Basically, as long as we meet up with Mirel in the catacombs while escaping (with help from That Guy who will die in the process), and get Inzi's family to the ships, everything else has been taken care of. She will, of course, need to make sure everyone else has completed all things, because as a prominent leader of the Faithful, that's sort of her job.

Any how... Side points: the shopkeeper must show up to lead them to relative safety. Tarik must be there for the last battle in the catacombs (which is AFTER Inzi gets the palantir and Miriel leaves). Once leaving the catacombs, our party must discover Kath, Marsillion, and Tiru and save them. Maybe they will be brought in just as we are leaving? Pick them up, ride like heck.

Final point for whoever closes the game, slide in a piece about Heregor sneaking onto a ship.

If somebody else will narrate the rest of the battle in the main dungeon and get us to a point with a bunch of dead guards, an unconscious Mabalar, and the sounds of running footsteps with the obligatory nowhere to hide, I will take over and have Tarik come and lead them through a secret way into the catacombs. I need to narrate the Inzi-meets-Mirel, so I might as well take care of it all at once.

What say you?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I've begun an escape-into-the-catacombs post, but due to a bit of time misjudgement, I'll have to wait until tonight or tomorrow morning to finish it. Rest assured my SAVE gets filled within the next day or so.

[piosenniel]

Sophia and TB12 have abandoned the game. I sent them PM's and an email to Sophia a long while ago and have received no answer.

littlemanpoet is more or less unavailable until early October - having too much fun, I think! :p

Regin lives @ one of the areas that is evacuating today in the impending threat of Hurricane Rita. He may be able to join in to the game once he gets settled somewhere to ride out the storm. He can of course always post to the discussion thread if need be at a later time and I'll place it for him.

So . . . that leaves Himaran, Fëa, and Menel to carry on . . . and if need be, you can bring this well written game to a satisfactory close.

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator

[Regin Hardhammer]

Yeah. I have been kind of busy lately trying to evacuate. Unfortunately, the traffic was so heavy that I ran out of gas before long. All the stations around the city are completely sold out. So I'm going to settle down in my house and wait. I will post tomorrow before the storm hits if I can. I don't know how long power will be out after that.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Luck be with you, Regin. No worries about the game. It can wait, or we can finish it without you, if need arises.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I've deleted my SAVE. I'm too busy right now to fill it in and I didn't think I should ought to leave it around for as long as it might have been there. Sunday... I'll have time Sunday.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I've posted the escape from the dungeon and into the catacombs scene where Inzi gets the palantir.

I've left Abarzadan's presence ambiguous. He isn't not there, I just don't see him. So effectively, he could be anywhere. Him, if you want to go off on a little mini-adventure to complete your character's story, now is the time.

Also, would somebody be kind enough to pick up with Moizandu getting the group OUT of the catacombs and back into the city? It's then that Tarik will turn up with the kariborim and get killed.

[Himaran]

Woah... I'm gone for a few days and so much happened. I will try to catch up and post as soon as possible. Just to clear it up before hand, Abarzadan did return to the company and got out with them.

- Himaran

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Okay. I can make sure to spot him when I fill in my save. Which I promise will be soon. Probably tomorrow morning (actually, given that I'll be out tonight late... tomorrow afternoon).

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Okay, I've gotten us up to:

Herugor and 24 of the King's Men are waiting for the Faithful to come out of the catacombs with blades drawn.

Tarik has the kariborim of Mabalar, Kath, Marsillion, and Tiru. We still need to get the rest before we leave.

The Faithful are with That Guy, though not Miriel, and are about to come out into the city, which is currently besieged with bad weather, though the rain hasn't yet started.

Would somebody be so kind as to continue?

[Himaran]

Wait - when the group leaves the catacombs, will they be inside the city? Because I would really like to tie up Abarzadan's story and to do so I need him in the city. Perhaps he could lose them in the escape and end up on the streets?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Wait - when the group leaves the catacombs, will they be inside the city? Because I would really like to tie up Abarzadan's story and to do so I need him in the city. Perhaps he could lose them in the escape and end up on the streets?
I envisioned them in the city. Perhaps in an unused alley way, as the entrance/exit wouldn't be too public, but still certainly there. It won't be hard to disappear in the fray... this is the battle where Tarik dies, so it's likely going to be a pretty eventful one. I wish LMP was back, but poor boy's still in London, last I heard. Let's finish it up without him, yeah? So he's got a nice story to come back to.

[Regin Hardhammer]

I put up a save. Is there anything special that I need to mention in my post, or should I just say that we saw the gaurds and started to fight. Also, should the rescuers take the Kariborim from Tarik before or after the battle? Any other suggestions/requests are appreciated.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'd rather like the kariborim to join the battle, since they're so loyal and intelligent. If you could, please have Tarik's head leave his body some time during the battle? And I think Abarzadan needs to get separated?

[littlemanpoet]

I'm back. Since Tuesday. Been catching up on 3 weeks worth of BD posting, one thread at a time. I really did need to find out who the three werewolves of IX were, you know? Anyway, on topic now: I see there's a battle about to happen. I see Mabalar being unceremoniously dropped, and being thus started into wakefulness, weaponless. How shall we make this battle happen?

By the way, Feanor and Regin: excellent writing, both of you! I'd rep you too Feanor, but I gotta spread it around.

[Meneltarmacil]

I'll be out of town until Monday, but next week I'll probably be able to get a post in. Thought you might want to know.

[littlemanpoet]

Regin, how about you take over Marsillion?

Feanor, how about you take over Kathaani?

Menel, how about you take over Herugor?

LMP, how about you take over Tiru? Uh, okay, if it's all right with the others.

Himaran, I think I've run out of suggested take-overs. Besides, I'd like to see you devote your full attention to Abarzadan anyway.

All these requests having been made, one final: how about we feel free to allow these abandoned characters (obviously excluding Herugor) to die?

[Regin Hardhammer]

My save is filled. Sorry about the delay.

LMP Marsillion is fine with me. I had already written my last post when I saw your note but will add him in next time. As far as killing him, could I wait to see how the storyline goes and make that decision when writing?

[littlemanpoet]

My save is filled. Sorry about the delay.

LMP Marsillion is fine with me. I had already written my last post when I saw your note but will add him in next time. As far as killing him, could I wait to see how the storyline goes and make that decision when writing?

That was precisely the approach I had in mind when I made the request: not that the character must be killed off. We all know that Mabalar, Azarmano, Inzillomi, and Abarzadan are going to survive. I just would like to see it be that all bets are off regarding the others; could make everything more interesting, and suspenseful, for us writers as well as any readers (what a conceit, eh?).

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I can take over Kathaani. I feel like giving her some good old fashioned real life experience related depression at this point. After all, she was pretty darned sheltered and now she's had her dad arrested, a rescue party and all of that to be involved in, been in battles, been arrested, probably treated roughly and rudely... and now she's only just been saved herself and has had a reality check. So she'll be more pensieve than active, if you don't think that's too out of character.

Now... I must go see Regin's fill. I love coming back to find filled-in saves. Yay. PS: good to have you back, LMP. Responsibility was making me feel too in control. :D I much prefer to have no idea what's going on.

[Child of the 7th Age]

You do have at least one reader! Child raises her hand in the air and then slinks off.

[piosenniel]

http://www.humanities.uci.edu/users/vfolkenflik/VRF%20Sources/Fragonard%20Girl%20reading%20145.jpg Me, too!

~*~ Pio http://forum.barrowdowns.com/ubb/icons/icon13.gif

[Firefoot]

And me - this has been a fantastically written game.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Oh my... I never even suspected we had readers besides those that we forced to do it...That's just plain exciting. I take it you guys read the boring discussion, based on your responses to it... I ♥ it!

[littlemanpoet]

I like your take on Kathaani, Feanor. My thoughts on Tiru is that there is a special bond between him and Mabalar, and that has yet to be written about. Could be fun.

So, who's up to write next? That without having yet read Regin's fill-in, so I may be back to edit this post.

[littlemanpoet]

Well. Not the best post I've ever done. I'm willing to edit, modify, etc. Anyway, I'm thinking that neither Sauron nor Herugor are foolish enough not to have enough guards around to quash a minor rebellion. Our little party does not even amount to that. So it's time for that Tolkienian wonder, the eucatastrophe; or everybody's dead. The obvious one is the Valar-imposed cataclysm. Too obvious? Can anyone think of a better? The question is, how can the cataclysm be made to help the party when it has no eyes to see who it hits, and no will to differentiate good from bad? Or do we want a literal dei ex machina such that, say, the Valar hear the prayers of Miriel to spare the group? Or is there something Abarzadan can pull out of his hat?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

The Eagles could always come. :p

[littlemanpoet]

Ha! :) I'm not surprised to get that from you, Feanor! But no dice. No set up for it so far. Maybe the palantir!??

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Depends on who's on the other end of the p[hone]alantir. Who's got the other ones at this point? Anyone that could jump in to help out? Or at least be like "I have swarms of soldiers at my disposal. I think I'll order them to attack the King's Men and save the Faithful so that most of them can get off this blasted island before it sinks."?
Or there could be a villager uprising... or a really big earthquake that just so happens to, incredible as it may seem, drop all of the bad guys through a mysterious fault line that opens up beneath their feet, leaving the good guys just far enough away not to get crushed into some new style Numenorian Fertilizer as the fault line closes back up in the next tremor?

Or we could stick with "Run away, run away!" and trust in the speed of the kariborim and the tremors to keep any arrows from finding deadly purchase as we escape.

Or... I kind of like the Valar hearing Miriel's prayer. I just don't want to write the scene. :D Now that you're back, LMP, that means I can foist her back off on you, right?

The most realistic sounding is to try and run away and trust in the earthquakes to screw up the soldier's aim. Surely a few arrows will land, and maybe there will be a nice depressing death just as the ships sail away and they'll have to toss the body into the churning sea...

Don't mind me. I'm just annoyed that high schoolers get the day off to celebrate a genocidal fraud and I'm stuck in classes. :D It's got me in a cynical, pessimistic, and fantastically fun mood.

[littlemanpoet]

Yeah, I thought of the deus ex machina earthquake too, and I don't like it anymore. Too cheap and easy. The "run away" tack with earthquakes, hail, wind, and all sorts of other nasty meteorological (sp?) phenomena seems reasonable.

Herugor will have one last nasty surprise closer to Romenna anyway. At that point we can have the eucatastrophe, I guess.

Hey Himaran! Where are you? Are you gonna post some kind of amazing thing for Abarzadan? I keep hoping.

I still like the p[hone]alantir idea though. The others are in the possession of Elendil, so it would be quite plausible for Miriel to use it to keep Elendil informed, don't you think?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Miriel could use it if she had it. She gave it to Inzillomi already, remember? So there's a palantir right here, right now. And I concur about Himaran. I want to see Abarzadan finish his story!

[littlemanpoet]

Silly, Miriel could have already used it before she gave it up, unbeknownst to Inzillomi and the group.

[Himaran]

Aha! I'm still here - I was camping all weekend, and a lot has happened in my absence.

I've been looking at the posts, and I think I have an idea. Here's what we'll do - Abarzadan entered the catacombs with the group, but got separated and ended up tumbling out a sewer in a dark alleyway in the city. I will write a post for this, and it can be placed in the appropriate spot.

The group, after they get out, perhaps realizes he is gone, and is merciful enough to leave him a kariborim. After he makes his way through the city and finds what he may, he will need to get out in a hurry, and will remember the meeting spot they talked about. Either that, or we can make it a great tragedy and have him realize his folly right as the island goes under.

Either way, I will get cracking on those two posts.

[littlemanpoet]

Good to hear from you, Himaran. I'd prefer that you tell us what you want to happen to your character, be it reconciliation or tragedy. I'll be interested and most gratified with your participation in either case.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I love LMP being back because all I have to say to convey my opinion is "ditto".

[littlemanpoet]

I'm going to be brash and set up a posting plan.

Himaran's save is to be filled first; that way Abarzadan can get on the back of a Karibor, joining which ever of the characters he wishes.

It looks like we've settled on the Kariborim galloping the group out of harm's way, amid a general earthquaky setting that the fleetfooted Kariborim somehow withstand (with Valaric help, it must be). I can write that post.

By then the group will be on its way toward Romenna. At that point, let's have one post (minimum) each from Feanor, Regin, and Menel; maybe, Menel, you might consider having Herugor close on the heels of the group, and mount one more attack before Romenna.

And do remember that the Valar's wrath is beginning to make itself known.

My next post after the one each, will introduce a result of Miriel's use of her palantir, just when Herugor seems to be about to defeat the group yet again (one frustrated villain!).

Sound good? Let's try to wrap this up by the end of October at the very latest, hokay?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Works for me. Glad I don't have to post immediately, much as I'd love to. I'm out of town for the next several days, so I won't be doing much posting. But I do intend to get my Inzi/Kath post done within the next week. Can't wait to see what happens to everyone else in this battle and on the way to Romenna.

[Meneltarmacil]

Sounds good. I'll also try to figure out a way for Herugor to stow away on one of the Faithful's ships. I won't be here tomorrow, but should be here sometime on Sunday.

[Himaran]

I filled in my save, but the post is only half of what needs to done. I am incredibly busy right now, and felt that I had to get something up. I have an older post that needs to be finished as well.

Keep going with the story - don't let me slow you down.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

We need to make sure Kath stays with us, please.

[Himaran]

Ok - Abarzadan's story is taking shape. This long overdue post explains how he escapes the cell block.

Pio: Could you please place this post underneath Post #90 in the game thread? Thanks!

- Himaran

POST PLACED ~*~ PIO
_________________________________________________

Himaran's post

Bodies.

Abârzadan dashed down the slick hallway, stumbling over unseen cracks in the cold stone. Every passing second brought him closer to where he had left the group, and the sight that was slowly becoming clearer was grim. The man was breathless when he arrived at the scene, but he immediately began to root through the corpses.

Just guards. He started to breath easier.

Then where had the others gone? He had been left them a mere minute before, in hopes of diverting a two-pronged attack that would surely have ended in their slaughter. Either Azarmanô and the rest had been captured, or they had left him. Neither possibility gave him much hope of being reunited with them. His legs, exhausted, failed him, and he slumped down against the dripping prison wall. Doubts began to flood his mind, accompanied by a revulsion for the carnage around him. What was he, a wealthy young man, doing here, abandoned in a dark cell by outcasts who he had been foolish enough to trust. Smacking his fist down on the solid floor, Abârzadan cursed the day that he had stooped low enough to visit that poor tavern. How different the last few days would have been had he instead attended a more fitting diner, or even stayed home and cooked for himself! The man chuckled out loud at the absurdity of the whole affair. He hadn't even known Abârpânarú.

A noise.

Heavy boots clattered down the corrider. Torches flared. Voices shouted. reinforcements had arrived, and they would not be pleased to find a surviving perpetrator resting amongst their dead companions. So Abârzadan took a chance. Grimacing, he dipped his hand into the pool of blood that had formed underneath the severed neck of a guard, splashed the sticky liquid on his face, and lay still. The conversation he soon heard was disorganized and heated.

"What happened?"

"How should I know! I watch the adjacent hall, not this one."

"They're... all dead."

"No! And here I thought they were still standing ready for inspection."

"Cut it! Multiple prisoners have escaped. I want a complete lockdown of this floor - no one enters or leaves. Târak, take these bodies and dump them in the sewer, and I mean deep."

Târak went to work, and the others hurried off to fulfill their tasks. Bells started to ring from all directions. Heavy doors were slammed shut. Men grabbed extra weapons from supply posts and sprinted to their stations.

Unlike these guards, Târak seemed to be in no particular hurry. Lacking a cart, his chosen method of moving bodies was to sling one over his shoulder and hold a torch in his free hand. While quite inefficient, it gave Abârzadan a means by which to leave unnoticed. With all the men patrolling the block, it would be next to impossible to sneak by them all. He didn't even know the way out. Thus, he waited patiently, and when it was his turn he stayed as limp as a dead eel. Târak carried him for several minutes before unceremoniously dumping the living "corpse" in a dank tunnel, one filled in nearly a foot of water. Abârzadan kept his head under until he was sure that the guard was gone, whereupon he stood, gasping for breath. He couldn't see a thing, and had no means to make light. Then again, Târak hadn't finished yet...

* * * * *

Torch in hand, Abârzadan left Târak's unconcious form where it fell. The fire glared off the walls as he sloshed down the tunnel, attempting to keep the embers dry. Was the water rising? It was now above his knees. Turning a corner, the man's heart leaped as an incline appeared. The flooded passage was left behind, the torch was dropped, and a triumphant Numenorean pushed open a rusted grate, climbing up into the city of Armenelos.

[littlemanpoet]

I finally got to do the post I've been meaning to for a long, long time. Okay, everybody, figure out your Sindarin names. Thoronmir, you're all set already, eh? :)

Feanor, you don't have to stick with Lothlomë, it's just what I was able to put together in a real hurry from the glossary in the back of the Sil. It's getting later and later and so I'm going to have to let you guys do your own work on this one.

Feanor, Kath's fate is in your hands. Let me know if I stray from your purpose on it. I'm really happy to see this thread moving at a good pace right now, and there's some really good writing.

By the way, Feanor, I edited my second to last post to account for the little bit of exchange that you wrote in yours just following.

Okay, now that I've just posted, I guess the next one falls to either Feanor, Thoronmir, or Regin (who still needs to fill in his last save); and of course, Himaran can post up any time he wants. It's a fascinating story you've got going there, Himmy. I like it. It'll be interesting to see how that goes. Good stuff, all!

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I can handle the name you gave me, as I haven't the ambition to look up a new one. Also, Kath's fate is currently based on my random whims. That means that... even I don't know. Right now I'm leaning toward tragic death on the boat, but you never know. It's equally likely that she lives and flourishes. Guess it depends on what you guys post that stirs my imagination.

[Regin Hardhammer]

Sorry for the delay. I always get distracted around playoff time, especially when the Astros are in. I deleted my old save and put up a new post because I wanted it to go after lmp's last one. I hope I'm not being to sentimental or that the Kariborim sound like energizer bunnies. They keep going and going and...

Anyway, someone * caugh pio caugh* could be a little more consdierate about the feelings of other people in this game with regards to baseball. :rolleyes:
Really, is "tromp" necessary? I am going to the game tonight. It should be a good one.

[Himaran]

Just a reminder to the group: make sure that somehow, a horse is left for Abarzadan. Otherwise, he is as good as dead... ;)

I have 2 more posts I'm working on, both inside the city. I want to finish this one in as interesting a manner as possible.

[littlemanpoet]

Uh oh, Himaran. I has assumed that you had made your choice that Abarzadan would die with the island. As I see it, we have two choices:

1. edit all our posts to leave one horse behind; and this horse would have to have been the one that Abarzadan had ridden across the island in the first place; the idea here is that the horse has loyalty to the man even if the others forget him.

2. Mabalar gets a report from the group and in that report he learns of Abarzadan, and he is either furious or horror stricken or remorseful (or some mixture of those) that this ally has been left behind, and commands that Marsillion ride back immediately and rescue him. Why Marsillion? Because it comes out in the report to Mabalar how Marsillion had spit upon and slapped Abarzadan, and Mabalar upbrades him for it, and sends him back as restitution.

Which way shall we take this, or is there a third option?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

We've only got a few hours before the island sinks, yeah? So in order to keep our timeline smooth, we need to send back a horse now, right? Before we reach Romenna, as the trip, even on the Energizer Kariborimbunnies, takes at least a few hours. Also, whoever writes that in should account for what this horse has been doing while riderless. Surely the Faithful would notice a passengerless horse cantering along-side them?

On the plus side, my characters currently don't have the mindset to notice Abarzadan gone. Kath's dying (maybe? haven't decided yet.) and Inzi's blaming herself for it. I feel that I really must foist this twist off on someone else, as they just can't deal with it. :D

[Himaran]

LMP: sorry if I gave that impression... I guess, based on the timeline, it would appear like Abarzadan was going to end up staying there.

I will do my very best to get another post up by tonight!

[littlemanpoet]

Himaran, we'll go with what you want for your character (speaking rather boldly for all here as if their opinion was mine :eek:). You tell us which of the three you want for Abarzadan:

1) stay on the island

2) have a horse left behind

3) have a horse with Marsillion hurry back for him.

Tell us which way works best for you and your character, and that's what we'll do (just between you and me and everybody else reading this, :rolleyes: the more suspenseful the better).

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Suspense? I like suspense... there's no such thing as too much suspense... as can be seen by Kath who, in my mind, constantly flits between escapes and keels over dead. :D

[Himaran]

Pio: could you please place this post above Post #99 in the game thread? Thanks!

POST PLACED ~*~ PIO

___________________________START POST

Himaran's post

The last time Abarzadan had been in a Numenorean mansion was beyond the reach of his more than adequate memory. As he and Ellinel passed through the set of beautifully-crafted heavy wooden doors, the man could only glance at a few of the amazing features displayed before him before a stone-faced (and well-dressed) servant appeared and took their coats; he did not even blink at the sight of Abarzadan's (which was torn, soaked and bloodied). The still-beaming woman beside him touched his shoulder and wispered that she would go and find her father. Both she and the servant disappeared, leaving him to study the house's many intricate details. The atrium was huge; beams with various pictures carved into them supported the walls, and towering above the polished stone floor was a colored glass dome. A central, enormous and gently-curving staircased climbed up the walls, stopping briefly at each level before continuing its upward journey. Surprisingly, it was deathly quiet.

It was not Ellinel who returned to meet him. An older man, tall and well-built with a full head of still-dark hair, appeared from one of the lower doors and stepped towards him. His walk was quick, and he carried his shoulders high. His clothing was custom and exquisite. Every fiber of his being exuded power. "My daughter tells me that you are Abârzadan."

"Such is the case, yes. She believes that you knew my father."

The man's face twisted, but he regained his composure a second later. "Yes, I knew Abâranâ. By your demeanor I understand that he has passed away."

"Again, you are are correct. I thought that since you were friends, there might be some lose ends that needed tying up, assuming you and he had conducted business together."

He was quiet for a moment. "Ah, but I am rude. My name, Abârzadan, is Anadanâ. Welcome to my home. Do you require refreshments, or shall we get right to the task at hand?"

Abârzadan declined the offer, and the two headed up the staircase.


***


Anadanâ's study was immense. Row upon row of shelves was stuffed tight with leather-bound books, and heavy cabinets filled with documents lined the walls whenever an open space presented itself. A huge ivory desk covered with scattered papers sat in the center. The host led his guest straight to it, pulled up and extra chair, and bid him to sit. Anadanâ spent a few moments searching one of the cabinets, but soon returned with a large folder. He sat down and pulled out documents one at time, explaining their significance as he went. Apparently, Abâranâ and he had run a business together for many years. It started out as a small entrepreneurship, but eventually evolved into a highly succesfull enterprise that held a virtual monopoly in the housing industry for a decade. When Abârzadan's father abruptly disappeared, his partner simply took over. "But now that you're here," he assured Abârzadan, "You can sign for him and take your father's place."

Anadanâ pulled out a crumpled paper and blew a cloud of dust off it. "Here we are. Assuming that you want in on this." He picked up an inkwell with his right hand, turned it over, and grimaced. "Ah, it's empty. I will have to go and fetch a fresh bottle. Please excuse me." And with that, he stood and disappeared from the room.

Abârzadan chuckled to himself. Anadanâ had seemed like the sort of man that would have called a servant long before venturing out to find something as trivial as an ink canister. After all, there were several buttons on the a nearby panel, all labeled - a bell system that ran throughout the entire residence. Pushing the thought aside, the man snatched up the paper and read through the legal material. Everything seemed in order, and the previous signiture had indeed been made by Abâranâ Barântâira.

Wait. Batânzâira... Barântâira. That is not his name! Upon making this startling revelation, the man leaped to his feet. Suddenly visible was a dark pool of ink, slowly settling at the bottom of an otherwise-empty silver waste-basket.

And Abârzadan make a quick and accurate assumption. Something about the entire afternoon was very, very wrong.


_________________________________________END POST


Have I got you all intrigued yet? I'm already working hard on the next one!

LMP: Do whichever you wish. The horse coming back is easier to edit in than a whole conversation between Abarpanaru and Marsillion, but if you want to go the extra mile than go right ahead. It would certainly tie that little side-story up nicely.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Have I got you all intrigued yet? I'm already working hard on the next one!
Yes!

[littlemanpoet]

LMP: Do whichever you wish. The horse coming back is easier to edit in than a whole conversation between Abarpanaru and Marsillion, but if you want to go the extra mile than go right ahead. It would certainly tie that little side-story up nicely.

Okay. We'll dispense with Marsillion going back for Abarzadan, and have a horse left behind. First I gotta check and see if we ever named the beast that carried Abarzadan, or whether I can just choose one (besides Lomi and Izri, of course).

[littlemanpoet]

I've edited my post (I don't remember the number) in which Mabalar, Tiru, and Inzi help Kathaani onto the back of Izri. The modified wording is bolded. So Kali stays behind for Abarzadan. Kali is intelligent, and remembers the man. Kali, it seems to me, will stay within the precincts of the Temple, hiding as well as she can, waiting for Abarzadan until the last possible moment, which she will choose upon horse's instinct. So there's some suspense for you, Himaran, to write into the post when Abarzadan meets up with Kali.

In my most recent post, Herugor has used sorcery to personally get in between the party and Romenna, and has called all the guards he could from the vicinity, which has surrounded the group. They are hopelessly outnumbered. But Miriel has used the palantir (now given to Inzi) to send word to Elendil of the desperate escape of Mabalar and the Mellethroch household. Elendil will send out a small army to overpower Herugor's guards and save the Mellethrochs, the mearas, and the one remaining palantir. By the way, the palantir in Inzi's possession is stirred by its recent use, and Feanor, you could have Inzi feel its heat, pull it out, and look and see the approaching army come to save the group - it would be cool for her to hint of her hope without saying it plainly, especially within the hearing of Herugor. Have fun!

What you guys want to write up until that happens, go for it. I'll post up the Elendil to the rescue post some time in the near future.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

By the way, the palantir in Inzi's possession is stirred by its recent use, and Feanor, you could have Inzi feel its heat, pull it out, and look and see the approaching army come to save the group - it would be cool for her to hint of her hope without saying it plainly, especially within the hearing of Herugor. Have fun!
How well you have anticipated my idea of fun. I'll get on it in the near future (not tonight though... I've got several more pages to write complaining about literary theory and how Freud was an old hack. ;)).