The Fellowship of the Fourth Age (Part 1): A New Beginning Discussion Thread

[Durelin]

I apologize for not being around as much as I'd like. Things have been crazy for me, and whenever I do find time to post, I see a 'Save' up, and so I move on to something else I need to do.

Hopefully my schoolwork will clear up a little bit by the end of the month, once this mad rush of papers and the like is over...hopefully.

At any rate, I was imagining that time was passing rather slowly in the slave camp, and I was thinking that Khamir wouldn't have a chance to leave before the Fellowship arrived.

Also, Beloan was with Khamir, and would leave with him if he did head off toward the slavers' camp, but it is very possible that he left Khamir alone after his little hissy fit, though keeping an eye on him (making sure he didn't run off!).

Other than that, I didn't really have anything else in mind...

Does that answer most questions?

Hopefully I can sneak a reaction from Adnan in, as well as from Khamir, probably all internal. Though I'm sure Khamir will be looking for a place to butt in soon... But keep moving on as you'd like - I can always ask to have posts placed somewhere, if no one minds that.

[Nogrod]

At any rate, I was imagining that time was passing rather slowly in the slave camp, and I was thinking that Khamir wouldn't have a chance to leave before the Fellowship arrived.They came in quite suddenly in the end. I was also thinking the things would go as slow as they had gone before, but that surely was a surprise when the fellowship in a flash was there... That's the reason why I felt I needed to save something from the point of view of the ex-slaves and tried to make their reactions believable...

Durelin: I think you must do some soul-searching with Khamir's relation to Beloan and about Khamir as a character in the first place. I think Beloan is someone who still goes for the common good more than with his friends personal oddities - how dear that friend might be to him (and I think he sure is a dear friend of his). I see no problem in Beloan watching Khamir's movements and taking part of the planning of the overall defences...

And we surely need someone to gather the ex-slaves together, someone in accordance with everyone but still having something like leadership in him (Hadith will not do). I can't think of anyone else than Beloan at this point as Khamir has made a different decision...

I hope you can see this scenario as a reasonable one. If it sounds bad to you, let us discuss it further...

[Durelin]

Your post is quite fine the way it is...I was not arguing with anything you said. I was simply trying to clarify that Khamir had not really gone anywhere (yet), which really is of little importance. He did manage to rather disappear, and I imagine he was well outside the camp in the direction the Fellowship came from, which would mean he would see them just a little bit before everyone else. And that, I think, works nicely.

[Tevildo]

Hopefully I can sneak a reaction from Adnan in, as well as from Khamir, probably all internal. Though I'm sure Khamir will be looking for a place to butt in soon... But keep moving on as you'd like - I can always ask to have posts placed somewhere, if no one minds that.

Durelin,

Realistically, I am not going to have my post finished till tomorrow mid-day. Would you like me to erase my save so that you casn sneak one in (a post or save) ahead of mine? That would be no problem.

[Durelin]

Thank you, Tevildo. I will be posting a post for Khamir shortly, but I doubt it will have any effect on your planned post for Dorran, so it is up to you if you wish to delete/move your save once again. (Sorry for the trouble - it's my fault that I am a little behind.)

[Brinniel]

Hopefully my schoolwork will clear up a little bit by the end of the month, once this mad rush of papers and the like is over...hopefully.
I know where you're coming from, Durelin. School is always so crazy- I always seem to have papers due left and right. I don't know how I manage to go on the BD so much. I suppose it's because 1) As a college student, I live in tight quarters and my computers almost always within sight (sitting right next to my bed) 2) I tend to sleep in short intervals rather than a decent night's sleep 3) I use the BD as an excuse to procrastinate (which I'm doing right now) :p

Hmmm, I like that post, Durelin. I find Khamir's sudden change quite fascinating (and I'm sure Shae will as well). I'm also interested in what Dorran has to say. Hopefully I'll find time to write a post for Shae once Tevildo fills in the save.

[Durelin]

Thanks for the sympathy, Brinniel! I'm hoping next year, when I go off to college, though I am sure I will have tons of work, I'll be better at managing my time...and having easy access to a computer will make things easier, for certain (and might have an effect on my grades, hehe). Really, I both look forward to college and dread it at the same time. :D

As for Khamir's sudden change, I must admit he has become almost an awkward character for me. He hasn't turned out the way I meant him to at all, and I think that's do to me underestimating the amount of reacting he's had to do with all the rather sudden changes around him... Though really I think it's more the fact that I've been left a little in the dust trying to gague so many reactions! I wish I could have planned this character out better (though I can't say how specifically I should have done that), but still, it's been fun not knowing, and seeing where he ends up. I hope it hasn't been just exasperating and/or annoying for everyone else. ;)

Really, Khamir's changing has been gradual, in a way, though his stubbornness keeps him from actually making any (long-lasting) changes. He's realized in bits and pieces that he needs to change things, but actually making those changes is another question altogether. The combination of his worry for Shae followed by his relief in finding her safe, and his surprise and shock at finding that the Fellowship really did come to help them, has brought him to a certain awakening.

Something like that. :p

[Brinniel]

I'm hoping next year, when I go off to college, though I am sure I will have tons of work, I'll be better at managing my time...and having easy access to a computer will make things easier, for certain (and might have an effect on my grades, hehe). Really, I both look forward to college and dread it at the same time
Haha, I hope you will do a better job managing time than I do. The socializing never ends, so it's hard to sit down and do homework, or even more, go to bed. Really, having my own personal computer for the first time is a truly wonderful thing. :D

He hasn't turned out the way I meant him to at all, and I think that's do to me underestimating the amount of reacting he's had to do with all the rather sudden changes around him... Though really I think it's more the fact that I've been left a little in the dust trying to gague so many reactions! I wish I could have planned this character out better (though I can't say how specifically I should have done that), but still, it's been fun not knowing, and seeing where he ends up. I hope it hasn't been just exasperating and/or annoying for everyone else.
Sometimes I think that is the best part about RPGing. You never know how your characters will grow or where they'll end up. Seriously, when I first created Shae, I had no clue what role she would take. Don't worry, Khamir's changes work perfectly well, and they're definitely not annoying. In fact, if it weren't for Khamir and his attitude, Shae would still be huddled in the corner of the camp. And though I can't speak for Nogrod, I'm sure Hadith probably wouldn't be speaking up like he is. It's all a matter of cause and effect.... :rolleyes:

[Nogrod]

Your post is quite fine the way it is...I was not arguing with anything you said.And may I add that I was not arguing with anything you said either. :)

I looked my last post here just now and saw that I hadn't managed to really say what I meant correctly. I was just wishing to point out the reasons why Beloan would be needed with the others and tried to suggest that if you had other plans we might discuss them. All that "soul-searching" -stuff was primarily meant to be an encouragement to really go for your character and take the chance given to twist him to new dimensions if you wished (as I have thought you have wished to make him a dramatic character in the first place).

Sorry if my post here in the discussion thread confused you. It was not my intention.

Btw. I liked your last post with Khamir and can't see his "change" as anything sudden or violent. It looks most believable indeed...

[Tevildo]

My post is up. If I've gotten anything wrong about your characters, let me know. Though please don't forget that this is Dorran's perception.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Perhaps one or more of the rebels could lead the fellowship into their camp? Of course, side conversations and exchanges can still continue....

I am also going to put up a save for a generic post on how Imak and the slavers spend their morning....

[Brinniel]

I put up yet another save. It shouldn't be a terribly long post- just a reaction to everything that has happened since Shae's conversation with Khamir.

I can't exactly say when I'll have the save filled by, but I'll do it as soon as I have the chance.

[Durelin]

And may I add that I was not arguing with anything you said either.

I looked my last post here just now and saw that I hadn't managed to really say what I meant correctly. I was just wishing to point out the reasons why Beloan would be needed with the others and tried to suggest that if you had other plans we might discuss them. All that "soul-searching" -stuff was primarily meant to be an encouragement to really go for your character and take the chance given to twist him to new dimensions if you wished (as I have thought you have wished to make him a dramatic character in the first place).

Sorry, I guess I just read your post from a different angle. I do that a lot! Thank you, and I do like where Beloan is going, as a sort shared character (open to be shared by all, but used the most by you and I the most, for certain), as he's become. He was an interesting addition, and I thank you for coming up with him! :D

And thank you, Brinniel - your reassurance about Khamir really helps!

EDIT: I posted, and had Beloan bring the Fellowship into camp. I left things very vague as to who would be part of the planning for the battle, so everyone can write in what they see fit for that. I'm thinking Beloan with definitely be a part of it, Khamir might join Beloan but keep from really joining the group, and Vror will want to be a part of it (and Adnan will tend the fire and help with little things like that so he can stay within ear's shot of the proceedings).

Please let me know if there are any problems with my post, everyone.

[Brinniel]

Save filled. Since my post would only make sense after Durelin's last post, I deleted my previous save and placed it after all the other saves.

I left things very vague as to who would be part of the planning for the battle, so everyone can write in what they see fit for that. I'm thinking Beloan with definitely be a part of it, Khamir might join Beloan but keep from really joining the group, and Vror will want to be a part of it
Strange...I had not yet read this edit before I posted, yet I think the end of my post works quite well with those ideas in mind, Durelin.

Once again, let me know if I portrayed everyone's characters I used okay.

[Folwren]

Save filled.

Tevildo, I ended my post there because I saw you wanted Azhar to thank Athwen. After Athwen makes a proper answer to whatever Azhar says and before you have her withdraw (I was planning for her to), have her say this:

“Rôg,” she said gently, bending towards him, “don’t let her stay up too late talking. Please get her to go to sleep.” He nodded and she turned and walked back to the fire.

Thanks!

-- Folwren

[Tevildo]

Sounds good. When I fill in my save, I'll include those words by Athwen.

[Child of the 7th Age]

The post on the slavers is up. Please note that Imak has decided to rush ahead and now plans to lead his band out by mid-afternoon. Hope you folk will be ready. :eek:

_____________

A brief announcement. Regin Hardhammer and I spoke this last weekend. Until the slavers leave the camp and night falls, he is having a hard time posting since all the action is centered on the slave camp, and he has two orc characters.

We agreed he would temporarily take over the slavers since I could use some help doing the narrative posts for the attack. So this is probably the last slaver post I'll be doing. Regin will be taking over from here...

[Child of the 7th Age]

Durelin,

Could you clear your private messages? Thanks. (Sorry, I've been flooding out your mailbox.)

[Durelin]

Sorry, Child! I have cleared some PMs (I'm really bad - a pack rat on all accounts), and I will get back to you on everything I can as soon as possible. :D

[Folwren]

Will be absent until Monday evening. Carry my characters as necessary.

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

Tevildo,

I've deleted my save so you can piggyback after me as requested.....

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Carl's save has been filled in.

[Undómë]

My SAVE for Brenna is filled.

:)

[Tevildo]

Folwren and Piosenniel,

If you'd like me to edit anything I've included about your characters, just let me know.

I am sorry it took me so long to post. I am still trying to get through a mess of work.

[Nogrod]

Sorry Regin!

I've made you wait for too long. I've been busy etc. (bad excuses), but anyhow the situation with the orcs felt a bit stagnated.

Well, now I've taken it a bit forwards with Gwerr addressing Ishkur for two topics. Hopefully you have time to pick on them as they look, at least to me, as ways of making this thing more interesting from the point of view of the orcs too...

[Regin Hardhammer]

Nogrod,

That's OK. Nogrod, I really liked your post.

I used your character twice. Could you look to see if it's alright? I wanted to say those things and I didn't know how else to do it. Tell me if I need to change anything. Thanks.

- Regin

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Carl's save is finally filled in.

Hey, is anyone else still noticing a certain slowness on the site? It has been taking forever for the pages to load for me today.

[piosenniel]

My save for Rôg is filled.

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

Hilde

The site has been a little 'iffy' - I though it was going to go down altogether at one time.

[Child of the 7th Age]

I have been running in circles today. :rolleyes: I will be away with my family till Monday visiting one of our kiddos at college.

As soon as I get back, I'd like to do a post for Aiwendil that involves more tricks and schemes for the attack. I doubt the game will leapfrog out of the planning stage that quickly, but in the unlikely event that should happen I can always ask to "piggyback" on someone's earlier post. Either way it should work.

Everybody have a good weekend.

[Durelin]

Sorry, this weekend is crazy for me, too. Hopefully I can get a post in late on sunday, but with an english project, too, I can't garuntee. :( I will check up on things as much as I can, though.

[Folwren]

I will attempt to get a post up for either Athwen or Kwell (or if we're really lucky, both) tomorrow while I'm at work. It all depends on if I can think of anything to write. . .I don't believe either of my characters have much to do at this point. (Any suggestions?)

-- Folwren

[Nogrod]

Great Ishkur!

I loved it - and I have taken it forwards from your post. Hopefully it's okay with you. We seem to be at last making these orcs a group this game needs! It's looking very good indeed!

Slave-escapees & the Fellowship: I haven't got time to come up with the latest, but then again Hadith should not be the primary talker anyway... So some nice traps maybe? We'll see... (I can come up with suggestions if you lack ones but Hadith should not be the one to voice them)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thanks Pio. :)

[Folwren]

Well, I've written a post. It's a somewhat irrelivent post, but I think that it's not too out of place. Wouldn't any normal person be exhausted?

And, I need to double check, it is time for dawn, isn't it? All I know is that it's been an awful long night.

Let me know if anything needs changing.

-- Folwren

[Tevildo]

Piosenniel,

My post for Azhar is up. If you want me to change Rôg's comment, let me know.

- Tevildo

[Child of the 7th Age]

Save filled.

I figured our game needed a good kick in the pants, so I wrote a loooong post.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Shall we move the timeline forward to the point where we stop planning and start doing? I'll wait till Pio fills in her save to do anything.

If anyone has more ideas for the planning stages, could you put up a save for those in the next day or two? If people are comfortable with that, I'll then go ahead with a post by Lindir that summarises what we are going to do..... My post for Lindir will definitely agree with the idea of constructing torches but, since the vision of the slavers will be impaired with the coming windstorm (Aiwendil will tell that to Lindir), he will also advise digging a trench or two. Also, how quickly do you want to leap forward into the actual battle? Can we spend a little bit of time constructing the various torches and trenches and such?

Any other ideas or suggestions at this point?

[Folwren]

I think that we should go pretty quickly to the time of battle, once we make that time change. There should be one or two posts talking about the general preparations and whatnot, written by people who know what's being planned thoroughly, and then just go to where the slavers are coming in for the attack.

-- Folwren

[Durelin]

I think some posting for the preperations would be interesting, but I agree with Folwren in that moving on to the battle is probably best, particularly since things have been a little bit slow (I've been incredibly slow, but hopefully will have more time once I get at least one college app done, and have more energy once I get over sicklyness).

I might put up a save for Khamir to be filled in hopefully even tonight, to catch him up to things before we head forward. But I think moving things forward is best.

[Folwren]

I, too, have been extremely slow due to outside business. Am sorry. Saturday I am taking the ACT and after that, I hope to have more writing time.

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

Looks as if there are a number of people on this thread "applying to college". Good luck Folwren with the ACT, and Durelin with the application.

I agree that we can probably cover the preparations in just a few posts. Anyone out there who'd like to volunteer to do one of these brief preparation posts? We've still got a few days before we get that far so there is no rush to decide.

Rôg and Aiwendil will be moving out to the 'no man's land' between the two camps before the main rebel force to harry and delay the arrival of the slavers so I'll be tied up with that. The weather will help even the numbers but there should still be plenty of fighting with the ones who get through.

[Durelin]

I should be able to do a preparations post, though I feel like I'm horrible with technicalities. I imagine the fact that I'm supposed to be a Dwarf (in addition to a grumpy ol' ex-slave), I should know what I'm doing, though, and have Vror helping quite a bit with whatever 'excavation' goes on. :D

Edit: I'm about to fill in my save, and I just wanted to ask if everyone would let me know if Vror's suggestion makes sense or not...he's the expert, but I'm not. ;)

[Brinniel]

Ugh...ACTs, college applications...I'm glad to be forever done with those. *shudders* Durelin, Folwren, I can totally sympathize with you. This time of year can be extremely stressful to any prospective college student. Doing all that stuff on top of other schoolwork really can be crazy. :eek: Good luck to both of you. I'm sure you'll do well.

I'm all for moving forward towards the battle. Shae is not really a say-er, but more of a do-er. Though she's still listening to the conversation intently and probably taking mental notes, there really won't be enough action from Shae to post until it gets closer to the battle.

[piosenniel]

Tevildo, Child

Bad me! For taking so long....

I've finally filled in my SAVE (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=494743&postcount=240) - adressing both Azhar and Aiwendil.

~*~ Pio

[Child of the 7th Age]

Save filled.

If anyone wants to describe the camp preparations in a post or two, that would be great. If not, we can push forward....whatever people prefer. Just put up a save or a post to hold your place.....

The one thing that still needs to be posted before the actual battle takes place is the monkey business by Rôg and Aiwendil to delay the approach of the slavers. Plus, Regin has also promised to do a generic post or two to describe the slavers as they leave the camp and head west.....

[Nogrod]

If anyone wants to describe the camp preparations in a post or two, that would be great. If not, we can push forward....whatever people prefer. Just put up a save or a post to hold your place.....So what is the actual plan? :D

And really, should we all share something like the basic structure of the plans the escapees and the fellowship are going to put up and running? That would ease everyones writing a lot...

[Child of the 7th Age]

This is just a suggestion...not written in stone....but maybe you could simply share the particular activity your own character has chosen to do. This could be any of the ideas various posters have mentioned (including the ones Lindir lists) or perhaps even have your particular character being given some last minute lessons on use of a weapon. (You're welcome to use Lindir for that if you need a "teacher" or of course one of the other rebels.) If I recall, your character made the suggestion about the flaming brands, so that is another possibility. Because of the winds, the brands would need to be used early before the storm blows up and probably a good distance away from the camp.

I know Durelin has a save in for camp preparations as well, but I'm not sure what she will do with it.

If anyone has other ideas, feel free to chime in.

[Durelin]

Well, I don't think any of us are quite as knowledgable as our characters, so the actual plan is probably going to remain pretty vague. If I can, I'll try and find some things, but I actually searched for some info recently, and found it too difficult to find for my tastes. ;)

So, essentially we're setting up a number of traps, probably both defensive and offensive ones. (Defensive being things like holes the enemy can fall into, and offensive being like logs rolled down a hill, which of course we couldn't do - 'tis just an example.)

Vror was thinking that rather than actually digging holes, they could make collapsing tunnels. Now, I have no idea if this is plausible at all, but he's a Dwarf, and knows, so...if he says so, and no one objects... :p I imagine they could find some things to use as tunnel support while they're building it, but he will carefully remove them himself when they make their way back out of the tunnel. So, basically, he would do a straight(ish) tunnel across wherever they are somehow going to have to lead the slavers into attack. Which isn't too hard...have people waiting for them, perhaps have a fake camp set up - the slavers run in, feeling cocky, the slaves who are acting as sort of 'bait' will take off (and go around or, if they can, jump over the tunnels), the slavers run into the fake camp and after them, and the tunnels are somewhere to 'swallow them up'...really they'll only slow them down and confuse them (unless we want to put some spikes in the tunnels? too ambitious, I'd think).

And ooh, I just had an idea for an offensive trap - taking the fire idea, we could use the dry vegetation stuffs, put it all over the ground, and then have those few people with bows shoot fire arrows (fire arrows...egh, that sounds so...not smart) into the dry brush. Most likely the slavers won't notice some vegetation on the ground? Or they might not notice something odd about the concentration of it until it's too late sorta deal?

What does everyone think of some of that as part of a vague plan?

Edit: Woops, cross-posted with Child!

I think simply posting what you have in mind for your individual character to do will work out fine, and we'll just all play it by ear with each other. If anyone objects to anything suggested in someone's post...well, the discussion thread is here for anyone to post about the problem.

Also, I have forgotten what exactly the fire suggestion was originally, sorry...I will go back and read again! I also forgot to take the wind into account in my fire idea. Probably not the best idea to just set a bunch of stuff on fire, however tempting it might be...

Editx2: Okay, so, lighting the ground on fire...yeah, been there, done that, not doing it. And fireballs...they might work better, though, as Child said...before the wind storm.

I still like the idea of lighting the ground on fire...ME had coffee...might it have lighter fluid? Or might anyone happen to have brought alcohol with them into Mordor? :smokin:

[Nogrod]

Also, I have forgotten what exactly the fire suggestion was originally, sorry...I will go back and read again! I also forgot to take the wind into account in my fire idea. Probably not the best idea to just set a bunch of stuff on fire, however tempting it might be...I need to go to bed now (3.30AM here and work tomorrow), but Joshwan's idea was a bit more elaborated than that... :)

The "dwarven tunnels" sound right to me - better than open holes that can not be disguised as there is no wood around to spend.

But yes, it's better we all just come in with any choises we come up with, using the suggestions of others and maybe coming up with new ones? We'll see how it turns out then.

In that case, please leave saves to minimum, or describe what there will be in your save with some detail, because otherwise it will tie the hands of the others too much and stall the posible new ideas to come forwards.

I'm looking forwards to the clash. :cool:

[Durelin]

I need to go to bed now (3.30AM here and work tomorrow), but Joshwan's idea was a bit more elaborated than that...

I'm sorry, I was trying to keep my post from being too much longer. I didn't mean to belittle it or anything.

But yes, bed sounds good at 3:30 am! :D


In that case, please leave saves to minimum

Yes, and there seems to be a rush of saves - but when someone puts up a save, they have to understand that the game goes on without them, so just post away, and people will have to write their saves or adjust their saves accordingly. At least, that's how I view it.

[Folwren]

Editx2: Okay, so, lighting the ground on fire...yeah, been there, done that, not doing it. And fireballs...they might work better, though, as Child said...before the wind storm.

I still like the idea of lighting the ground on fire...ME had coffee...might it have lighter fluid? Or might anyone happen to have brought alcohol with them into Mordor? :smokin:

I would strongly advise against burning the ground. Besides my opinion, you don't need acohol or lighter fluid to start dry grass and plant life on fire. Besides that, grass fire is too small to do any great damage to a group of people. As soon as you pass the ring, your beyond danger, it's not like a forest fire that will continue to burn behind the fire line. Also, if you start a fire and do not control it, how long does it last? It goes on until it reaches some water, or bareness, or it rains...fires are horrible.

Sorry. Mom's started several "controlled" burns, and those having gotten out of hand to the point of nearly setting our woods on fire, I'm rather prejudice against them. :rolleyes:

But you all decide. I am so glad that neither of my characters have anything to do with the planning. . .

-- Folwren

[Folwren]

Save filled! I am glad to say. Tell me if I did anything wrong. How near were the tunnels going to be to the original camp? Wel, I put them pretty near. I hope that's not too bad. Just let me know and I'll change it.

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

Folwren,

I'm no tunnelling expert but "pretty near" sounds good to me. Aiwendil and Rog will be further out on the plain to do their mischief. Once the baddies get past that, they should draw near the camp and encounter the various traps we've set up before the actual hand-to-hand combat.

Just remember that visibility will be quite bad because of the problems with the winds, but at least our guys will have advance warning.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Just trying to catch up here. How about having the tunnel just behind a trench filled with dry grass etc. The trench would afford protection from the storm and once lit (by arrow) any slavers trying to jump the fire trench would land squarely on the hidden tunnel. Yet the fire would be more contained. If the slavers tried to go around the trench they could be met by armed settlers.

It is a lot of digging, I know, and a lot of dirt, but the dirt could be used also.

[piosenniel]

Child/Aiwendil


SAVE filled. :)

~*~ Pio

[Durelin]

I like the 'fire trench' idea, Hilde. A trench might be enough to contain it well enough...maybe...at least believably enough? What does everyone else think? Should we go with the fireballs, the fire trench, or neither? :D


Besides my opinion, you don't need acohol or lighter fluid to start dry grass and plant life on fire.

I actually meant to be used to set on fire rather than the grass and plant life, as *technically*, just the alcohol will burn and not the ground. But yes, your points about 'controlled' fires are very very true.

Edit: Save filled. I only talked about the tunnel. Any other ideas (like the fire ones) can be added in, if anyone would like, or they can simply be covered by anyone else who would like to.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Carl's save is filled. I mentioned the trench but not the fire, incase it does not seem feasible.

I also thought the stones could be piled in the blanket and snapped to send them showering on the approaching slavers.

[Brinniel]

Are we still on a weapon shortage for the ex-slaves? Even with the traps, the ex-slaves who choose to fight will need someway to defend themselves, and I know not all of them own knives.

How many of the ex-slaves would be able to use a bow and arrow? And how many of them would already own one? Arrows can be quite deadly, especially when used as an element of surprise. The slavers do not expect the ex-slaves to be prepared for attack, so I was thinking, if several archers hid in the brush and shot at the slavers just as they approached, several riders could easily be taken down. The ex-slaves, particularly the fifteen more experienced, have learned how to use the resources around them, so a few bows and several arrows could easily be made. I'm sure Shae could be quite crafty when it comes to weapon making...

Just a thought...

[Nogrod]

I have an idea.

How many horses do we have? There is seven in the fellowship, have they all a full grown horse or do Vrór and Carl have something like ponies? Would it be plausible that we might have caught one or two horses from the slavers last attack?

The writers of the fellowship should speak for themselves, but is there anyone else who would make a formidable warrior on horseback than Dorran in the fellowship (I ran through the BIO's and was left uncertain about it)? Of the escapees at least Beloan might be decided to be one with with experience fighting as a rider and also on the basis of what I wrote the last time, Joshwan might be a candidate also (maybe Khamir too - even he would have to be a real pro to make it one-handed?). And surely some of those people who we have not yet named, especially among the people who were with the initial "Khamir's bunch" - or some of us writers making their character a fluent rider? (Hadith will not be one)

A group of let's say 5-7 riders, led by Dorran, might prove an asset the slavers could not foresee! A nice flanking movement on a tight spot might make a difference causing damage and confusion.


I also like Brinniel's reminder of projectile weapons. As we have described the surroundings, there shouldn't be suitable materials for any new bows (and anyway, it's pretty hard to make a lethal bow in a matter of hours - all the soaking & twisting & stuff that really turns a toy into a real weapon takes days and weeks). But why shouldn't we have some bows already? And surely there would be slings! The number of arrows and sling-pebbles should be limited: maybe 4-5 arrows/bow and about 8-10 pebbles/sling, or something? With something like 4-7 bows and about 10 slings we might have a "ranged attack -party" of 14-18. Add to that a 5-7 "cavalry unit" and we have clearly boosted our defence!


The tunnel-idea is a good one (if there is enough soil over the bedrock!). The horses rushing in at full gallop will surely stumble and the rider will be thrown off. That's just what we will need to happen. No army made of these people & their equipment will stand a full frontal cavalry attack. No way. We need to unsaddle the slavers and gain whatever momentary advantage we can. Dropping them from saddle by making the horses to stumble surely is a good way to that end.

If there is going to be a storm, then the fireballs will be a bad idea. In heavy rain they won't alight, in strong winds they will be next to impossible to throw anywhere in particular as they will be so light.


Anyhow, what say you? :)

PS. About this "cavalry" of ours. Surely there shouldn't be any real champions in our riders - except Dorran. One or two might be good riders (with some actual experience) and the few rest would basically know how to ride and be formidable fighters in general. Dorran might teach them some basics before the engagement?

[Regin Hardhammer]

Save filled. The slavers have just left their camp. Ishkur has dragged a small barrel back for all the orcs to enjoy. :D

Child -- I've moved the time to the afternoon as you suggested.

- Regin

[Folwren]

Athwen has the ability to ride almost as well as her husband (she beat him in a race once, when they were younger :p ) - not fighting, of course - but if you need someone to simply do interesting and wild horse maneauvers, perhaps to lead the slaver's on, Athwen can do it.

Otherwise, she won't be doing anythng besides staying back and helping the wounded and hurt.

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

I think there are a lot of good ideas here.

Hilde - The stones in the blanket are a nice touch. They are heavy enough to fly true even with the winds.

Brinniel - Your point about the bow and arrow is a good one. My guess is that some of the "older" runaways would already have made a bow for purposes of catching game, if nothing else. They can certainly be used as weapons, and the skills and extra weapons can be given to the newcomers. You'll probably need to get in very close, however. With the winds blowing so hard just as the attackers come in range of the camp, there is a possibility of arrows going far astray. The advantage of the winds and sand is that the slavers will be hard pressed to see you, especially since they won't be wearing any protective covering. You might want to consider taking shelter behind some boulders and keeping your heads down, then darting in very close to shoot as the slavers come roaring by you.

Nogrod, Folwren -- This sounds good too. I'd love to see both Folwren and Dorran part of an "advance" horse guard. I especially like the idea of using this advance guard to spook the other horses and run some of them off. Any character who can sit a horse is welcome to borrow a horse and join. (We have enough horses between us, and I doubt that characters like Carl or Vror will want to fight on horseback!) Of course, if Dorran or someone wants to finish up with a blade to the rider they are chsing that is fine too!

Because of what Rog and Aiwendil are doing out on the plain, some of the slavers' horses will aready be running away and/or partly spooked. This will only be a small number, however, so further help in this department when the slavers actually reach the outskirts of camp would be good.

I think there is one thing we are all going to have to be careful about. We have 24 or so slavers so we should probably resist the urge to take out 6 at a time! Rather than describing large numbers hitting the dust at once, we will probably need to have the focus be the single individual and the particular enemy he/she is facing.

***************
Regin and other orcs---

I know I haven't posted as an orc in a long time. I'm sorry, but I will get up something for Makdush. And now that the three groups are coming together, I expect to be doing a number of orc posts. It would be good if we could have some other orcs post in that scene as well as the later episode in the slaver camp.

The general idea is to have the main body of orcs be slightly (totally?) soused by the late night when the freed slaves triumphantly arrive to take over the slavers' camps. That is when the confrontation of the three groups will finally occur! (YAY!)

Regin came up with this, and I think it is a good idea. There is a basic problem here in terms of that first meeting. The natural instinct of the slaves would be to try and kill an orc if he/she was pillaging and stealing, which is what the orcs are doing in the camp. But it is a lot harder to kill someone if they are tipsy and not able to stand up straight. You have a choice...you can kill an orc who isn't capable of fighting back, or you can stay your hand and see what happens.

At the same time, we need one or more sober (or semisober) orcs who can make a plea for mercy to the followship and the slaves for their fellow orcs....explain how the group plans to settle in the foothills of the northern mountain and how they ran off rather than fight in the war against the Easterlings.

Maybe one or more of the female orcs could do that? In Morgoth's Ring, Tokien once said that, in the entire history of Arda, an orc had never made a plea for mercy, but if they should happen the free peoples of Arda would be obligated to take the plea seriously. We're going to take Tolkien at his word and see what happens....

I know we're still a ways from those scenes but I wanted to give you an idea which way this is leading. I have a feeling that different characters will respond to the orcs/slaves in different ways. It will presumably strain the unity of the group.....in fact probably both groups! It won't be easy for either side to forgive or at least to learn and live with the situation. In the end however mercy will gain the upper hand. (It better or the game will be over a lot quicker than we had planned! :D )

[Durelin]

Just as a note: Carl I believe has a pony, and Vror has nothing in the way of a mount.

Love all the ideas!

And yes, finally we get to meet up with the orcs! Shall be more than a little interesting! :D

[Nogrod]

Nogrod, Folwren -- This sounds good too. I'd love to see both Folwren and Dorran part of an "advance" horse guard. I especially like the idea of using this advance guard to spook the other horses and run some of them off. Any character who can sit a horse is welcome to borrow a horse and join. (We have enough horses between us, and I doubt that characters like Carl or Vror will want to fight on horseback!) Of course, if Dorran or someone wants to finish up with a blade to the rider they are chsing that is fine too!We should deliberate on this... An advance horse guard is a possibility. It might distract the actual attack by drawing some of the attackers after them (and creating suspense among the slavers about possible other mounted escapees to be met).

But what I had in mind was that our riders would stay hidden until the crucial moment when they could flank the attacking force - f.ex. when the first of the slavers hit the tunnels and are unmounted and the first burst of arrows, sling-pebbles etc. have rained upon them, ideally at the same time. In that confusion (the rest of the slavers trying to hold their horses and trying to adjust to the new situation) a mounted attack with even just six riders could do a lot of damage and create even more confusion and even panic.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nogrod -- I am definitely open to mulling over ideas on this one. One of my concerns is that we get to take advantage of Folwren's fine skills as a writer by having her character involved in the battle in some meaningful way. This seemed like a good way to do it, since the general theme of confusing the slavers is central to our plot.

If we go with a traditional mounted attack, it would be less likely that Folwren would participate. Can we do both? Or should we do one tactic or the other? Anyone else have any opinions here?

Durelin - You're definitely right about the horses. But I remembered we still have two free mounts. Aiwendil and Rog are on foot.

Actually, I cheated.... :eek: .... Rog was on foot and I edited my post to free up Aiwendil's horse. Still, they are both in walking distance of the camp.

[Brinniel]

Well, whether an advance horse guard or a mounted attack is used, Shae can volunteer to be a rider. Though Shae isn't an experienced rider, she won her own mount from her kill the previous night, and got a fair share of riding to the Fellowship and back to her camp. While Shae may not be any expert rider, as are Dorran and Athwen, she learned much from her experiences on horseback last night, and because of that she might even know more about riding than many of her fellow ex-slaves. Especially since most of them have been slaves their entire lives and have never even been on horseback before....

My guess is that some of the "older" runaways would already have made a bow for purposes of catching game, if nothing else. They can certainly be used as weapons, and the skills and extra weapons can be given to the newcomers. You'll probably need to get in very close, however. With the winds blowing so hard just as the attackers come in range of the camp, there is a possibility of arrows going far astray. The advantage of the winds and sand is that the slavers will be hard pressed to see you, especially since they won't be wearing any protective covering. You might want to consider taking shelter behind some boulders and keeping your heads down, then darting in very close to shoot as the slavers come roaring by you.
Yes, I think that could work. We would need a lead archer if such an attack were to be made- maybe one of the "older" ex-slaves. Who would be skilled with a bow? Maybe Beloan? That could give him another opportunity to take a leadership role...

[Nogrod]

How about the following?

Beloan might be the leader of the archers - here I'll stick with Brinniel. That's a good idea. He might take the leadership there, and on concrete game-terms anyone of us could use him the way s/he wishes as he's a non-player character.

Feel free everyone to recruit to the ranged attack party. A couple of bows and a bit more slings are available. Maybe the gang should be divided in two, half of the people to the other side of the place we think the slavers will ride through and the other half to the other side, hopefully with a little height advantage (let's say slow hills from between which we wish to lure the slavers to ride).


How about the next one? Athwen could be riding boldly to meet the slavers and act like being surprised and make a run away from them towards the camp - thus luring the slavers to follow her. There should be a fake camp with fires burning in the direction Athwen is riding towards so that the slavers would happily follow her. Then, as she would know the exact location of the tunnel-trap, she would let the slavers come near enough her and in the last moment she would make her horse to jump over the trap and the slavers would have no time to react and the first row of them would fall into the tunnel (their horses stumbling and their riders cast off from them). Then there could be a rain of arrows and pebbles from both sides of the slavers who would be confused enough as the leading row has just stumbled in a flash. And before they could rearrange themselves, the party of 5-6 riders would attack them from the flank, galloping through them and causing a maximum damage. Surely a gang of foot soldiers would have been part of the "fake-camp" and would spring to their feet the moment Athwen comes over the tunnel-trap and they would be the ones trying to bring down the unmounted slavers... Hadith could be one of those, maybe one of the the leaders of that party - alongside Khamir and Vrór?

So who would be riding and how many horses we do have? Dorran surely and Athwen if you buy my plan, and Shae as Brinniel said. But that still leaves something like four horses to be used (if we have one or two captured ones from the last attack). I propose Joshwan to be one of the riders, the others might be some of us writers characters here or then unnamed veteran escapees. That ok.?

[Durelin]

Yes, I thought the fake camp idea would be a good one, but I quite forgot about the horses. I think, if Athwen was up to it, that having her lead the slavers in would be marvellous.

Beloan as leader of the archers sounds great, too.


Hadith could be one of those, maybe one of the the leaders of that party - alongside Khamir and Vrór?

Alongside Khamir sounds good. I have another plan for Vrór, I think. :D


I propose Joshwan to be one of the riders, the others might be some of us writers characters here or then unnamed veteran escapees. That ok.?

Definitely! Keep using those cool NPCs that have gotten so much char. development. :D

[Nogrod]

I think there is one thing we are all going to have to be careful about. We have 24 or so slavers so we should probably resist the urge to take out 6 at a time! Rather than describing large numbers hitting the dust at once, we will probably need to have the focus be the single individual and the particular enemy he/she is facing.I agree to the fullest!

Let's not play the baffling heroes but let us also describe the misjudgements and unlucky strikes of our characters too. And the actual situations where our people are just outwitted or overcome by the enemy...

The enemy has 24 (?) battle-hardened riders, we have one to match them (Dorran) and some nearing that status (Beloan, Joshwan, maybe one or two more -and a few to rise to the occasion, maybe?). Still we are outnumbered on count of staunch warriors by 1:5 or something. For a commoner to bring down a soldier is more than a feat! So let us make this not too easy! (Well, we have to win anyhow, but still, let's not make it without a cost or with incredible heroism)

[Durelin]

So let us make this not too easy! (Well, we have to win anyhow, but still, let's not make it without a cost or with incredible heroism)

Yep, and I can pretty much guaruntee you that, personally, I'm going to kill someone off... :p

[Child of the 7th Age]

Yep, and I can pretty much guaruntee you that, personally, I'm going to kill someone off...

Oh my goodness, Durelin. Don't do anything drastic. We have lots of NPC to dispose of on the side of the good guys.....
_______________


Athwen could be riding boldly to meet the slavers and act like being surprised and make a run away from them towards the camp - thus luring the slavers to follow her.

Good ideas! I really like the decoy on horseback catching the eye of the slavers and leading them on a merry chase that heads straight towards the hidden trenches/tunnels and our waiting cavalry who attack from the flank. I can also imagine the foot soldiers lying in wait and springing out once some of the slavers have been knocked off their horses.

One problem I see is the burning fires. Durelin and I had agreed that there would be a little wind/sand storm blowing in to complicate the battle and to let Rôg and Aiwendil do their mischief to help even the odds: here. (http://www.mussmyhair.com/entries/Science/sandstorm.jpg) :eek: Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration. It won't be that bad, but you get my drift. We would have a hard time keeping any fires lit.

Actually, with a storm swirling around, the slavers won't expect to see fires lit. I am wondering if we couldn't use our own real camp rather than constructing a "fake", The people who need to take refuge will already have been led to the safety of the knoll with the sheltering boulders as Lindir described. We could set the stage in our own camp by making it look "occupied". If we just leave some "stuff" on the ground....a few tents, bedrolls, garbage from dinner, the glowing embers of the now extinguished firepits, a goat or two running underfoot, even some dummy figures clad in robes and filled out with hay if we want to get fancy, it will look as if we're still there at least from a distance. Visbility is going to be quite bad.

We need Tevildo and Folwren to weigh in on these suggestions before we take this too much further. Since Folwren's poster and character both have a lot of experience with horses, she would be the logical one to play this part, but we have to see if she would like to do it. I hope so. I have to admit that the slavwers would be more likely to follow an attractive woman, seemingly unarmed, with hair flying out in back of her, rather than a battle hardened man.

Also, Dorran as the leader of the cavalry makes a lot of sense if he would do this.

I'd like to use Lindir with the archers. He has a fair amount of experience on his resume ( :D )---several thousand years of fighting with the Noldor, including most of the major battles of the First Age.

[Folwren]

How about the next one? Athwen could be riding boldly to meet the slavers and act like being surprised and make a run away from them towards the camp - thus luring the slavers to follow her. There should be a fake camp with fires burning in the direction Athwen is riding towards so that the slavers would happily follow her.


How about the next one? Athwen could be riding boldly to meet the slavers and act like being surprised and make a run away from them towards the camp - thus luring the slavers to follow her. There should be a fake camp with fires burning in the direction Athwen is riding towards so that the slavers would happily follow her.

Good thus far, yes...

Then, as she would know the exact location of the tunnel-trap, she would let the slavers come near enough her and in the last moment she would make her horse to jump over the trap and the slavers would have no time to react and the first row of them would fall into the tunnel (their horses stumbling and their riders cast off from them).

But here there is a problem. I thought of her jumping the tunnel myself, once, but realized that a horse won't jump unless there is something to jump over. They just won't, so far as I know. You might give a cue to jump, or you might be able to approach a jump just right, but a horse won't jump unless there's something there.

I thought about it and perhaps, if, as you said, Athwen knows just where the tunnel is, she can stop just before she reaches it, turn her horse around, wait until the slavers are very, very near, and then charge right through the center of them. Then, if they hadn't slackened their pace, they won't turn about and will charge right into the trap. That sounds unlikely, though...

Here are the problems with it...


She might have to ride too dangerously close to one of the men and get herself wounded
They might have bows and arrows that they know how to use on horse back (we could always say they didn't) in which case, any person riding before them to lead them on would be in danger of being shot...but even if they do have bows, we can still risk it.
They might just be able to get a hint of her trick and pull their horses about before they reach the tunnel....
And I'm sure there are more.


Then there could be a rain of arrows and pebbles from both sides of the slavers who would be confused enough as the leading row has just stumbled in a flash. And before they could rearrange themselves, the party of 5-6 riders would attack them from the flank, galloping through them and causing a maximum damage. Surely a gang of foot soldiers would have been part of the "fake-camp" and would spring to their feet the moment Athwen comes over the tunnel-trap and they would be the ones trying to bring down the unmounted slavers... Hadith could be one of those, maybe one of the the leaders of that party - alongside Khamir and Vrór?

And this rest looks good. The only problem, as I said, was making the horse leap the tunnel. . .

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

We need Tevildo and Folwren to weigh in on these suggestions before we take this too much further.

Yeah! Half of our equation is here.

Folwren --

Hmm..... I doubt they would be trying to shoot you. In fact, Imak can give a strict order not to do this. Perhaps he announces that he wants to have the woman taken alive and unharmed, and will give a reward to whoever can do this. This should give the men plenty of incentive to follow close on her heels. So you likely won't be killed by an arrow or sword.

The question is would some of the slavers catch on and pull back their horses and try to follow Athwen instead of surging straight ahead and falling in the tunnel. If you wanted, you could actually incorporate this into your story line. Could you swerve right or left, and have one to two follow you as you ride out? You'd have to figure out how to deal with these riders..... Maybe coordinate with Tevildo and have him come rushing up to fight the brutes? Or figure out some way to "lose" them? The rest of the slavers would continue straight ahead.

Would this work???

[Folwren]

Alright, here I am....with a little bit of time under by belt. Yehaw.

Since Folwren's poster and character both have a lot of experience with horses, she would be the logical one to play this part, but we have to see if she would like to do it. I hope so.

Thank you, yes, I am quite willing to do it. It's something quite exciting and I think Athwen will be willing to do it, too.

I have to admit that the slavers would be more likely to follow an attractive woman, seemingly unarmed, with hair flying out in back of her, rather than a battle hardened man.

I think the thoughts in their heads would be more a bad thing than a good thing, but yes, you're probably right.

Hmm..... I doubt they would be trying to shoot you. In fact, Imak can give a strict order not to do this. Perhaps he announces that he wants to have the woman taken alive and unharmed, and will give a reward to whoever can do this. This should give the men plenty of incentive to follow close on her heels. So you likely won't be killed by an arrow or sword.

This would definitely be a convenient thing. That was the most that I was worried about. But how will the plan makers (Dorran particularly) guess or expect this? It's not so difficult talking myself into letting Athwen decide to do it, but I can't speak for Tevildo, or what Dorran will think about sending his wife into such a possition.

The question is would some of the slavers catch on and pull back their horses and try to follow Athwen instead of surging straight ahead and falling in the tunnel.

If Athwen allowed them to pretty much catch up to her, until they were on her very heels, and pulled up suddenly directly before the tunnel, they couldn't stop their horses in time if they tried. I'm sure that if this happened, someone would end up colliding with her and she'd make a wreck to help with the havoc. It's a dangerous business stopping your horse at the head of a race, but it's liveable, if you're lucky.

Another thing I just realized though was if a horse gets excited and is running as fast as he would be with other horses behind him, he doesn't always stop when asked. It was just today that a horse took off with me and I couldn't stop him for the life of me. I had to bale off.....If Athwen's horse doesn't stop, she'll fall in the tunnel, or swerve...in which case....

Could you swerve right or left, and have one to two follow you as you ride out? You'd have to figure out how to deal with these riders..... Maybe coordinate with Tevildo and have him come rushing up to fight the brutes? Or figure out some way to "lose" them? The rest of the slavers would continue straight ahead.

She could turn and run parrallel to the tunneling. I would figure out some way to either lose them or have her knight in shining armor come rescue her. ;) Or I could simply go galloping to where the ex-slaves fighters are. They'd open ranks, allow her in, and shoot down or try to kill and stop the slavers chasing her. Then she'll hop off her horse and go wait for the wounded to come to be tended.

So, what do you think? Does she stop her horse and the slavers charge past her?

Does her horse not stop and she actually fall into the pit?

Or does she turn and get chased some?

If she is chased, my only other worry is that if some slavers could follow her on that turn, all of them could. BUT, if they see the slaves in front of them, maybe only two or three will follow her, the others will make a charge towards them and then fall plump into the tunnel.

And I think that's all I can think of right now..........if I do end up thinking of any more, or if any of you see any holes in my ideas or have more questions, I can always say more and do more thinking.

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

So, what do you think? Does she stop her horse and the slavers charge past her?

Does her horse not stop and she actually fall into the pit?

Or does she turn and get chased some?

Folwren,

I like surprises. No kidding, I think we need to plan but not "overplan". Do whatever feels right and the rest of the characters will respond accordingly. Whatever happens, I'm sure Dorran and other fellowship members or freedmen will hurry to help you out.

I do have a suggestion for dealing with Dorran in the story (assuming that Tevildo likes this general plotline). I could easily do a post where Lindir is worried about the logistics of things. Obviously the tunnels or trenches we're building are "small". We can't possibly build trenches all the way around the camp, since we don't have enough time. We don't know the exact angle that the slavers will come in at. It is possible that they could go in a totally different direction. and miss the trenches entirely. The slavers might even decide to skirt around the camp and attack from the rear. There they would discover the sheltered enclave of unarmed women and children, which would be a disaster.

One way around this is to use a decoy or sitting duck to attract the slavers to go in the "right" direction. Because of her skill in riding, Athwen is the obvious candidate. There is also the fact that Imak will go running after an attractive unarmed woman more quickly than he would follow a grim warrior.

I can do a post for Lindir where he talks to you alone, or to you and Dorran together. I think it would work best if Lindir was talking to Dorran and the two men were worrying about the kinds of possibilities I've listed above. You would be within earshot of the conversaton. Slowly, they come to the realization that someone needs to go out there and try to lead the slavers towards the trenches. Yet they are reluctant to commit anyone to such a dangerous role. At this point, Athwen could come forward and "volunteer" (and then Dorran will probably faint).

Do you think this would work?

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I know that we don't want to overplan, but I have a thought that might work. Folwren , would a horse jump a trench? If so perhaps Athwen could jump the trench in an area were there was a break in the tunneling, marked for her of course. The mark could be something as unassuming as garment left crumpled on the ground. If the pursuers were fairly close on her heels they would not have time to realize that there was a certain safe place to jump.

The only problem with this is how would Vror know to make a break in the tunnel? Well one thought is that as the tunnel got longer perhaps some poor soul stepped in the wrong place and collapsed it? It could be filled in again with earth from the trenching but not be suitable for tunneling through.

Carl's pony is certainly up for any character to borrow, as the hobbit will be among the archers.

[Folwren]

Child, you're right. I shouldn't try to overplan. So sorry. What you said in your post above will work for talking Dorran and Athwen into it, I should imagine. But, Tevildo, of course, will have the last word in how Dorran reacts.

Hilde, I think your suggestion makes sense. I have to leave now for town, but later this afternoon I will be back and by the time it's time for the posts to be written about this, I will have decided what to do. If it takes other people writing more, I'll be sure to let you know in advance, of course.

-- Folwren

[Tevildo]

Folwren and everyone,

This looks good. I'd love to have Dorran fight on horseback. I also like the idea of Lindir and Dorran realizing the group's best chance lies with sending out an enticing figure who would lead the slavers to the trench.

Folwren -- Any way you handle the details is fine with me.

I do have a few requests. I'd rather have Lindir come up with the plan. I would agree but wonder who could possibly do such a dangerous thing. In fact, Child could use my character for that purpose in her post. After Athwen offers to ride out, I'd like to respond for Dorran. I'll probably consider many serious objections but in the end give Athwen my blessing and a promise to keep a close eye on her.
Would this work, Folwren and Child?

[Folwren]

Sounds excellent, Tevildo. I am very glad that you are going to write a response for Dorran.

Remember, as you write your many serious objections, Athwen is submissive and won't go against Dorran, but wait patiently for his word and permission. So just write whatever you want, so long as it fits. :)

So, our first step towards this is Lindir approaching Dorran with the question of how to get the Slavers where we need them, correct?

Looking forward to this!

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

This sounds good. I am tied up for the rest of the day so won't get online till very late tonight or Monday. I'll work on a post for Aiwendil first and afterwards have Lindir approach Dorran with his idea about a decoy.

[Durelin]

Oh my goodness, Durelin. Don't do anything drastic. We have lots of NPC to dispose of on the side of the good guys.....

Hehe, I promise I won't do anything drastic. And really, I was thinking more along the lines of NPCs...though perhaps maybe poor Adnan will bite the dust. It all depends on how I feel! :D

[Nogrod]

Just to inform you.

My last post with Hadith and Johari is a co-written one (thanks Firefoot again, it was fun!). Firefoot may take it further in the days coming by as I will have a few really busy days (RL) ahead...

[Folwren]

I am to write the next post, am I not? Just let me know. In the mean time, I'll be preparing it. :)

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

Yes. When you approach Lindir to volunteer, you are welcome to use my character if that fits into your post. I think the elf will be extremely grateful that you have made this offer but will not say "yes" to the offer until Dorran has had a chance to respond.

[Child of the 7th Age]

My save for Aiwendil is filled.

[Nogrod]

That was great fun, Firefoot! I loved it! I try to answer something as soon as I have time...

[piosenniel]

SAVE filled . . . slavers delayed . . .

~*~ Pio

[Folwren]

I am leaving shortly and will not be back until Sunday. Carry on as necessary without me til then.

-- Folwren

[Tevildo]

Folwren,

I put up a new post because I erased my save by mistake. :rolleyes:

Please look at how I've handled this. I wasn't sure if you wanted to respond. If you want to say anything, I can edit the end of my post. Just let me know.

[Nogrod]

Durelin: I really liked you post with Khamir but you said he was going to consult Beloan who was instructing the archers as I had said in Hadith's post earlier that Hadith was going to the planning of the foot soldiers led by Beloan and Joshwan...

I thought that because those of the fellowship seemed to be more ranged attackers than melee-guys. That's why I thought Beloan would be needed in that counseling of the foot soldiers (who would in the end bear the worst brunt of the attack and have to involve themselves with the attack man to man).

I might change my post or you should change yours: Beloan can't be in two places at the same time?

Which one seems more plausible to you?

[Nogrod]

Regin: I hope my post was near to what you thought of... If I have made something wrong, please inform me.

Now you have the tent open... If you do not write anything in a few days, I'll be going forwards with it, but surely it's now your turn.

[Durelin]

Ah, sorry Nogrod. I remember we mentioned briefly on the Discussion Thread that Beloan might lead the archers, and I neglected thinking about what I had read elsewhere.

I imagined the ex-slaves as more likely to be skilled with bows than with any swords, as they would be focused on survival, and thus using bows to kill prey. But I imagine plenty of them have knives...it's just that knives against what the slavers have seems like it wouldn't work.

Really, either one works, though. They aren't all necessarily going to be able to use bows. Beloan can lead a melee group and someone else could lead the archers, or the other way around...we just have to think of who...

I'll have to wait to edit my post till tomorrow, anyway. I just spend five hours in a room full of smoke and my head is not working properly (bingo at my school, as a fundraiser...all the old people show up and smoke the whole time). Sorry! Let me know what you think is best. If you want, just go with whatever is easier to edit. Most likely that will be my post.

Everyone else can share opinions if they'd like. :D

[Nogrod]

I'd like to use Lindir with the archers. He has a fair amount of experience on his resume ( :D )---several thousand years of fighting with the Noldor, including most of the major battles of the First Age.Okay, I found it. I thought I had seen something like this somewhere. If Lindir leads (and teaches) the archers & slingers the others might be available?

But surely Khamir might be a good choice to lead the footsoldiers too?

[Durelin]

Well I've been missing things left and right...Sorry!

Khamir isn't going to want to lead anyone, so Beloan is still definitely a good choice. Alrighty, I shall edit in that Beloan is in charge of a group of foot soldiers, and some other reason why Khamir doesn't want to talk to him. :D

Edit: Post edited! Sorry about that.

[Nogrod]

Edit: Post edited! Sorry about that.No reason to be sorry about anything. This is quite wildly embarrassing to anyone and as one sees one corner another sees the next one... :)

[Folwren]

Okay. What needs to be done now? The slavers are riding towards camp. . .how soon do they reach it? Where is the istari and Rog? When does my character need to get out there?

Tevildo, what you wrote was fine. I don't need to answer. :) Good job.

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

Are we ready to go ahead? Does anyone need extra posts or time? Have I/we forgotten anything?

Folwren -- I think you could definitely ride into position.

If anyone needs to get up something before the battle, please do a post or save. Reagin says he'll try and do a post or two for the slavers but everyone is welcome to use them as needed. Please don't kill off my character Imak, since he is such an honorable chap. :rolleyes: Also remember that the winds and sand will be blowing so take that into account in your posts.

My own access this week could be a little iffy. I have a spouse going for an operation and very brief hospitalization starting Tuesday and then he's recooperating at home for the rest of the week. Nothing terrible or earthshaking but I may be tied up more than usual.

[Brinniel]

If I find the time, I might try to fit in a brief post for Shae sometime tomorrow. But if you go ahead and start the battle before I get the chance to write anything, I won't be terribly upset. What I want to write could actually fit into a post during the battle as well.

Child, I wish your husband luck on his surgery.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I'm also good to go.

Child, I hope that Tuesday and afterward goes well for both you and your Mister.

[Durelin]

I'm ready to go, too.

My prayers are with you and your spouse!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Many thanks everyone. As hospitals and operations go, this isn't a toughie, but we'll both be glad when it's over.

It sounds as if we're pretty much ready to push on once Folwren gets her save filled. So let the mayhem begin!

[Folwren]

What is going on at camp at this point? Is everyone hidden? Are there some people on the other side of the tunnel? Where are the fighters? What will Athwen and the slavers be able to see as they gallop towards it?

I will fill my save probably tomorrow morning, decently early (that is, about 9:00 my time. . .3:00 p.m. GMT...?)

-- Folwren

[Folwren]

Never mind. Save filled. Tell me if I did alright. And I think the mayhem may begin.

-- Foley

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Folwren and Durelin, I have put up a save for Carl, in which to make mention of a small portion of the tunnel having to be filled in. I wasn't sure if we were going that route or not in order to have Athwen's horse jump safely.

Let me know if it would be unnecessary and/or objectionable.

[Folwren]

That's fine with me, Hilde.

How long is the tunnel, approximately, does anyone have an idea?

[Regin Hardhammer]

I've brought the slavers up near the edge of camp. I'll be going back now to post for my orcs so anyone is free to use them in their fighting scenes.

- Regin

[Durelin]

Folwren and Durelin, I have put up a save for Carl, in which to make mention of a small portion of the tunnel having to be filled in. I wasn't sure if we were going that route or not in order to have Athwen's horse jump safely.

Ah yes, that sounds good. And that gives me a new idea... :p


How long is the tunnel, approximately, does anyone have an idea?

Hmm...good question! Perhaps about 10 meters? I don't quite know. I'm terrible with spatial reasoning. I don't want it to be unbelievable that it was dug in a pretty short amount of time, but I also want it to be believably long, so that it might do some real damage to the slavers.

Really, the tunnel's purpose is only to slow down and take out a few (and there are only about 25...my imagination keeps making the group larger), so I think 10 meters or even a little less will serve enough of a purpose, as long as the slavers are led right over it (which is the plan, of course).

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Carl's save has been filled.

[Folwren]

Good post, Hilde. However, I realize now that it's very unlikely that Athwen will be able to see the cut blanket or the situation, due to the bad visuality of wind and sand.

I still need to figure out just how this mad dash is going to end. Later today I plan to have a post up.

-- Folwren

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Folwren, just let me know if Carl should leave something else, as well. His vest maybe?

[Folwren]

I don't know. The only possible way for Athwen to see it is if the cloth is brightly colored, but even then, the chances are slim that she'll be able to spot it. She will probably be riding with her head half down and her eyes half shut to keep the blowing wind and sand out of her face and eyes. Also, with all this sand blowing about, a piece of cloth might be covered up with sand.

By the way - are we saying that they did tell Athwen about the broken tunnel and this safe place of crossing?

And is there not only a tunnel but also a trench that the horses have to get over?

I am very sorry that I didn't write anything yesterday. Stuff came up. And today, I can make no promises. Unexpected complications popped up in my sister-in-laws birth-giving, so I'm slightly distracted with worry and excitement both. If I can't write a post, I'll at least put up a save.

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hi, everyone. I'm more or less here though still busier than usual. Everything went fine with husband (Yay!) though it's taking a while to get all his energy back. I was also happy to see that our plot is going forward.

Ironically, Houston had a windstorm earlier this week with gusts up to 50 m.p.h. With electric and cable wires down, my computer was out for a day. A coincidence, right? I'm just glad we didn't write an earthquake or volcano into the story! :eek:

[Durelin]

A volcano in Houston... :eek: :D Yes, good thing!

Folwren - I hope your sister-in-law and her child will be alright!


The only possible way for Athwen to see it is if the cloth is brightly colored, but even then, the chances are slim that she'll be able to spot it.

I think we might have to go with the "willing suspension of disbelief" thing, and say that this is Middle-earth, and this is the Fellowship of the Fourth Age...they're a lucky bunch. And by that I don't mean pretend it's not a slim chance - actually acknowledge that it is a slim chance...but have it work out anyway. :D Unfortunately, that's my best suggestion.

Except... Someone might volunteer to lead her to the safe spot/help point it out to her? Of course there are major risks for that person...but there are always heros of that nature.

I know the trench was an idea, but I don't think it actually "happened" in anyone's post. It's probably quite reasonable to assume that they would have to go with one or the other, without the time to do both. Am I at all under the right impression?


The trench was no more than fifteen feet long.

Here you mention trench, but before that you were talking about the tunnel, so I supposed you might still be referring to the tunnel? Also, I said something about 10 meters, and obviously completely neglected your measurement. Fifteen feet poses difficulties, as you point out in your post, but it's probably much more likely that was all they could manage in time.

[Folwren]

I think we might have to go with the "willing suspension of disbelief" thing, and say that this is Middle-earth, and this is the Fellowship of the Fourth Age...they're a lucky bunch. And by that I don't mean pretend it's not a slim chance - actually acknowledge that it is a slim chance...but have it work out anyway. :D Unfortunately, that's my best suggestion.

Except... Someone might volunteer to lead her to the safe spot/help point it out to her? Of course there are major risks for that person...but there are always heros of that nature.


O-oh... Leave it to me. I'll figure out Athwen's survival. Child said she liked surprises. :) I'll do my best to make it believable and maybe put in a suspension of disbelief. Maybe.

In my save, I am not going quite that far. I am simply having Athwen go forward into view. After that, another couple posts can be made if needed. I was thinking the slavers would want to have a chance to write about changing course slightly. Perhaps the people in camp being alerted by the oncoming horsemen and woman......

Can't wait.

-- Folwren

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Don't have much time to catch up on the discussion here, but wanted to say that yes, the trench has been mentioned in post #246.

~ Hope that all goes well with your sister-in-law, Folwren.

[Durelin]

Sorry, Hilde! I thought I read about it somewhere, but when I went back to look I couldn't find it...and yet I looked at that post! I don't know how I missed that. :o

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

No problem, Durelin. :) And Folwren, perhaps luck might be a factor. Couldn't it be possible that Athwen could be forced to jump the trench and just happen to jump in the right spot?

[piosenniel]

I've set up the Player/Character List (Post 5 (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=475706&postcount=5)) for quick referencing of characters bios.

And this mostly because of my own laziness in not wanting to scroll about the first pages of the Discussion Thread for the character descriptions. :rolleyes:


~*~ Pio

[Folwren]

And this mostly because of my own laziness in not wanting to scroll about the first pages of the Discussion Thread for the character descriptions. :rolleyes:

lol! Is it not more difficult to make links than to scroll down? *chuckle* You're laziness is a very interesting laziness.

Thanks, all, for your kind words about my sister. I'm hoping and praying all goes well, too, I can assure you.

Now, I'm about to set to writing my post to fill that save...Maybe, Hilde, maybe she'll jump the trench in the right place. And, yes, the horse will jump the trench. It will make the fall in the tunnel twice as nasty because the horses will only be recovering from jumping something else...poor animals. We'll probably have some broken legs. :(

-- Folwren

[piosenniel]

lol! Is it not more difficult to make links than to scroll down? *chuckle* You're laziness is a very interesting laziness.


.....but I only have to make a single concerted effort to place the links! :p

And I've made lists of links so many times I can do it in my sleep..... :D



~*~ Pio

*crossing fingers as a ward against ill luck for your sister-in-law and her wee one

[Tevildo]

Except... Someone might volunteer to lead her to the safe spot/help point it out to her? Of course there are major risks for that person...but there are always heros of that nature.

But wouldn't Dorran do this? If it really was my spouse, I would be out there waving a flag like crazy. Should I put up a save for this, or maybe later on? Or should Athwen just rely on blind luck?

p.s. I hope your sister in law and baby are alright.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Here you mention trench, but before that you were talking about the tunnel, so I supposed you might still be referring to the tunnel? Also, I said something about 10 meters, and obviously completely neglected your measurement. Fifteen feet poses difficulties, as you point out in your post, but it's probably much more likely that was all they could manage in time.

Durelin,

I think I was tired of using the word tunnel and substituted "trench" instead, though the words have different meanings. In any case, I can edit my post to 10 meters if that makes it easier. Let me know.

Folwren --

First, I hope your sister and her baby do well.

Secondly, in regard to this.....

After that, another couple posts can be made if needed. I was thinking the slavers would want to have a chance to write about changing course slightly. Perhaps the people in camp being alerted by the oncoming horsemen and woman......

I think you are right. I've put up a save for Imak and the slavers, since Regin says he's gone back with the orcs.

[Durelin]

I think I was tired of using the word tunnel and substituted "trench" instead, though the words have different meanings. In any case, I can edit my post to 10 meters if that makes it easier. Let me know.

I hate using the same words over and over (though I fear I do it quite often anyway), so I completely understand. :D As for the length...fifteen feet is good enough. Being just enough to add confusion and hopefully take out a few (at least horses), but not seeming impossible for them to get done in time at all. Perhaps we should compromise a little and say that the fifteen feet is not including the part Carl filled in? Just so it sounds a little 'better.' (Though of course that doesn't require any editing to your post or anything.)

Also, sorry I haven't yet got my save filled in...I am still not completely certain about what precisely I'm doing, but it has to go in (right) before the slavers really get there. (And it won't affect anyone else's characters or the proceedings of the battle.)

And thank you very much, Pio! Your laziness is salvation for my own laziness.

[Folwren]

Alright. First of all. . .thank you all so much for your kind wishes, thoughts, and prayers (if you spared us any). I'm now an aunt to a little boy who's probably adorably cute. He was born (without a C-section, thank God!) at 8:05. The umbelicle cord was wrapped three times around his neck, but it doesn't appear that any damage was done and he seems to be alright (last we heard). If I weren't so excited, I wouldn't go to all the trouble of bothering you with details, but I think you can imagine my excitement....

Okay. I think things'll clear themselves up as we simply write the story. Tevildo, have Dorran come out, if you wish. I'll write what's needed when my turn comes again.

I think there could be both a trench and a tunnel. That would make it exciting. :)

And I think that's all. I'm going to bed. Goodnight!

-- Aunt Folwren

[Firefoot]

Folwren, I'm so glad everything worked out. :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Ah! Many congratulations Auntie Folwren! :) So glad to hear that all is well, and hope that you have a chance to see the little one soon, whether in person or via photos.

[Durelin]

Congratulations, Folwren! I'm glad everything's alright!

And...my save's filled, finally. I hope it's believable. I guess I just decided that Vrór is a little obsessive compulsive...

[Nogrod]

Good to hear that Folwren. Birth is a miracle everytime it happens but especially in these situations. Congrats to the fresh auntie. You're next, then? :)

And apology to all but I have been werewolfing a bit too much lately to top my RL frenzy. But from now on I think it's getting easier on both fronts (and I need a break from that addictive game anyhow).

So I have been looking at the thread and have a few questions.

So is it alright if Beloan is with the "foot-soldiers"? Should Khamir be there too (where else could he be?) and how about Adnan?

How many of them there should be? If there are approximately 50-50 balance of men and women, about, and there would be more women in "safety" and some among the archers/slingers, so there probably wouldn't be any in the footsoldiers? (Anyone wishing to cast her character in there?) So if there are something like 10+ footsoldiers (men), like 11-12 or something, I would think it reasonable. We need to have men in the "cavalry" and among the ranged-attack team too and there should be at most 25-30 males in the whole company (not counting the Fellowship).

How about the order of things happening (about)? Athwen rushing towards the trap is first and has begun. Then as Athwen reaches the trap and tries to evade, the first riders fall into the trap. Enter the ranged attack (it must be after the trap is sprung for otherwise the slavers might lift off their pursuit of Athwen and actually attack the shooters not falling to the trap in the first place). As the ranged attack starts the foot soldiers charge to hit the fallen riders. After that the archers should pick those not in the thick of the fight around the trap as not to hit their fellows. But to help the footsoldiers then, enter the little "cavalry" of ours...

Does that sound reasonable as a vague overall plan of affairs? As we all know, anything might happen, but as a general battle-plan?

[Folwren]

Oh, my! Oh my! I just figured it out! Or maybe I figured it out. Would certainly add something interesting.

Up till now, I really hadn't figured out just how Athwen was going to escape the tunnel and trench. I had never thought that stopping was an option. But I realize that it is. If Athwen stops, but the slavers know that in just a few yards ahead the slaves probably are hiding somewhere, then only one or two men will stop to get Athwen while the others plunge ahead.

Athwen will end up being caught, I'm afraid (well, not afraid, really, because it could be some exciting writing). Dorran may go into conniptions, but we'll manage, I think.

What I am seeing in my mind is Athwen charging full tilt ahead, the slavers close on her heels. She comes to the trench. She either realizes that she's not in the write place and can't see where the safe place to jump is so she simply stops OR her horse balks at the gap and stops. The slavers come swarming up. One or two stop to take possesion of Athwen, the others leap the trench and meet the tunnel. Perhaps a couple, as Nogrod suggested, swerve off and miss it altogether because they see some of the slaves.

What becomes of Athwen at this point, I'm not sure. They want to take her prisoner? So, they tie her up and put her back on her horse to wait for their further orders......but I think before they could manage to get her tied, Dorran would have arrived. I don't know.

What do you all think?

-- Folwren

[Durelin]

Nogrod - Khamir, Adnan, and Beloan are all going to be with the footsoldiers. Someone is leading a small group of archers, though I'm not sure who. If it doesn't show up elsewhere, I'll mention it in my next post for Khamir.

Edit 1: I think your order of things happening is perfect, except I'm not certain about when the riders should attack...and of course, when they should and when they do are two different things.

Folwren - Oooh, I like that! Though another prisoner situation is pretty insane. I imagine her actual capture will be brief? She will be 'rescued' during the battle. I do wonder how they would work a 'hostage' situation during the fight...I think one or two slavers stopping to grab her works well, and then those two would simply hold her a little away from things. I think that seems feasible. And then the rescue will likely be from Dorran. Oh, how fun. That makes Athwen even cooler. :D

Edit 2: And back to the order of events...if Athwen gets captured, if the "calvary" are supposed to wait, Dorran might just jump the gun.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Save filled.

OK....you didn't think Imak was going to make this easy for you by having all his men head straight for the trench. He's done this too many times. :rolleyes:

With the superiority of horsepower, he feels comfortable splitting his forces. Admittedly he may have miscalculated in the sense that he didn't realize there would be a small but real counter cavalry charge. This splitting of the attackers makes it both harder and easier for the good guys, since there is less of a concentrated assault but they are going to have to scramble in different directions.

Five of Imak's men are riding north and west. They are going around the back of camp and looking for the women and children who are hidden. You can see what their orders are if they find them. :(

That leaves about 10 men who are safe and intact and are riding south right behind Imak, planning on approaching the camp from that angle. Another 10 of his men have disobeyed and/or not heard his orders, and they are heading straight for Athwen and the trench disaster. These young men would be very happy to take Athwen prisoner, though I suspect a few of them will be taken out by the trench. Still it only takes one or two to throw her over their saddle and start racing off with their prize!

[Folwren]

Folwren - Oooh, I like that! Though another prisoner situation is pretty insane. I imagine her actual capture will be brief? She will be 'rescued' during the battle.

Yes, right. I was not intending to have her succesfully dragged off like Kwell and Azhar were and being held prisoner. That would be very, very, very bad for her.

And, Child, good for you, not making them all falling for the trap. I'll go read your post and then possibly write my own.

EDIT: Child - one thing only in your post. Athwen has blond hair, not dark. Sorry. It is long, but she's got the regular, light rohanian coloring to her...

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

Thanks, I will edit. I should have checked the profile, but I am trying to play catch up from last week and am doing things by the seat of my pants.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

If you'll humor me a minute, I've a few questions.


I'd like to use Lindir with the archers. He has a fair amount of experience on his resume ( :D )---several thousand years of fighting with the Noldor, including most of the major battles of the First Age.

Does this still hold true, Child?

And Folwren, where would Kwell be during the attack?

And one final one. Is the wind storm going full blast now? I haven't had a chance to read the post for Imlak, so forgive me if its already mentioned there. Should make for very, very close range shooting in order to be effective, I would think.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde,

Yes, you're right. The archers will likely have to get in very close range or their shots would go totally off course. I had sort of envisioned archers darting out from cover and virtually running up to the mounted slavers in order to get in a shot.

Isn't Carl with the archers too? If so, maybe we can coordinate something.

Aiwendil, by the way, has gone back to try and help guard the women, children, and elders who are hiding in the boulders behind the camp. Anyone is welcome to join him.....

[Folwren]

Hilde,

I really don't know myself where Kwell is. The last post I did with him left him helping Vror with the tunnel, but he's quite through with that by now, I'm sure. :rolleyes:

Where do you need him? That's where he'll be. :p No, really. Tell me where you need him and I'll consider. Pretty much any place will work. He has a dagger that Lindir gave him and knows how to shoot a bow, though he doesn't own one himself.

-- Folwren

[Brinniel]

I'm not sure if this is the best time to post for Shae, but I'm leaving for Virgina on Wednesday, and I'm not sure how much internet access I'll have. I'll be back Sunday, but even then I won't have much time due to a heavy load of schoolwork which I'm afraid will only grow heavier through the first half of December (ugh). I will be sure to fill in the save sometime tomorrow before I leave.

A question: Aside, from Athwen, Dorran, and Shae, who else is on horseback? I know there's not a lot of us, but surely there is another rider I can mention in my next post.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I have mentioned a young man in my last post,who will be riding Carl's pony. An escapee who must have worked with horses on the plantation, I should think.

Child, yes Carl will be with the archers.

And Folwren, I will PM you around lunch time with a bit of an idea, if that is alright. Have to get to work just now.

[Nogrod]

OK....you didn't think Imak was going to make this easy for you by having all his men head straight for the trench. He's done this too many times. :rolleyes: Sure. But that has to be our inintial plan (I mean the ex-slaves plan). We'll see then what happens. But this requires that everyone reads the posts to come very carefully so that we can keep up something like a plausible scenario here... :)

Durelin: What would Adnan think about the situation? I was thinking that the "leaders" would wish to put him into the second row as he's young and inexperienced. Would he be happy about it or wish to be in the front? I could mention something between Hadith and Adnan on that matter, but then I should need to know his basic attitude... (Hadith will be called to the first row)

[Folwren]

And Folwren, I will PM you around lunch time with a bit of an idea, if that is alright. Have to get to work just now.

Oh, yes, by all means. Go ahead. I usually pop in and out three or four times a day and see if anything new is happening. :)

-- Folwren

[Durelin]

Durelin: What would Adnan think about the situation? I was thinking that the "leaders" would wish to put him into the second row as he's young and inexperienced. Would he be happy about it or wish to be in the front? I could mention something between Hadith and Adnan on that matter, but then I should need to know his basic attitude... (Hadith will be called to the first row)

I think he would be displeased, but Khamir would make sure he didn't argue, and has kind of taken him under his wing. Khamir is going to have to take more of the 'rear' because of his handicap, so they'll keep each other's spirits up. Adnan might speak up about it, though Khamir would help silence him. So, go with whatever you had in mind for Hadith, and then I'll probably follow up soon with a post for Khamir.

Brinniel - You could have one or two more riders as NPCs if you'd like. Rog's and Aiwendil's horses are still free, right? So, make some people up, if you'd like. I'd love to help if you need any, particularly since you'll be so busy and pressed for time. If you'd like, you could even simply toss in a couple names, and perhaps we could work out an extremely short bio for them later? Just to keep track of them. Unless of course they bite the dust...

I'd also just like to make note that my Thanksgiving break will, unfortunately, not be as free as I thought it would due to the death of a classmate...I may still have plenty of time, but things could also turn out even crazier than I expect them to be.

[Folwren]

I've been thinking about where Kwell would be. Adnan (Durelin's character) is 15, correct? And he was considered young for the job at hand, right? I didn't really read the post in which he was mentioned (sorry) and with the little glance that I gave it, I got the impression that he was grudgingly given permission. However, this may be because of his failure a few nights ago.

That being said - would Kwell be allowed to go out and help fight? He's only, what, 13? I forget. 12 or 13 anyway. I am not sure that he would be included in the young men asked to fight/ expected to fight / permitted to fight. Can I assume that he would be put back with the women and other children then? I would like an answer as quick as possible so that I could figure out my next post with him.

Thanks!

-- Folwren

EDIT: A post script:

P.S. If knowing what I would prefer would help you decide, then let me tell you. I would prefer it if he had been told that he shouldn't fight and was sent rather unceremoniously (it would be in a rushed fashion because they would have been so busy, 'No, you can't fight, go along with you, boy.') to the place of shelter. Perhaps that'll help you make up your mind.

[Nogrod]

I would say Kwell surely belongs to the "safe". And as Child noted, there will be a nasty surprise there as the 5+5 slavers will turn out from behind and either group / both of them find the young, women and the elderly...

So also a place for heroism! :p

[Nogrod]

Save filled.

A a question / a comment.

For the dramaturgy, are those next saves yet to be filled to be "easier" or nearing the battle ones? I mean my post is kind of "here we go"-one, trying to build up the tension and the beginning. So should I move my post at some later date a bit forwards on the thread?

And just to remind and update you my fellows. I have brought forwards a host of named people. You others are free to use them according to your will as they are pure NPCs. (Well I would like to reserve Joshwan to myself as I think I have to kill him, but otherwise)

Beloan is the other leader of the foot soldiers and Khamirs right hand. I think you know him already...

Then there is the "baddie-trio" of Fewerth, Joshwan and Guilledean.

Joshwan is an ex-pirate taken to slavery just a few years ago and seemingly has meddled with the wrong people. His stature has started to show now - and just because he's getting a bit too good a guy I think I will have to kill him.

Fewerth is the "everything to myself with whatever cost" type of guy. He's now in the second row of the foot soldiers. Possibly capable but not the bravest of men.

Guilledean is the nerdiest and weakest of the three and should be among the archers / slingers.

I have also introduced a new guy, Erlech to the foot soldiers. We needed to have at least one or two capable soldiers among our ranks. I have named him and said there is another, bearded and grim former ex-slave. The latter is surely up for grabs to anyone - and Erlech can also be used.

And then there are those women that I have introduced from the beginning of the game, Khala and Cuáran. They are forty somethings (nearing fifty). They are no figthters but might be hard to overcome by the slavers as they are tenacious enough. But they would be the ones to go and help those wounded or otherwise in trouble as they have a caring heart over their fellows. They should reside with the women, children and the elderly gang.

So please use all these as much as you like and in a way you like. They are not copyrighted... (but let me kill Joshwan...)

[Folwren]

I would say Kwell surely belongs to the "safe". And as Child noted, there will be a nasty surprise there as the 5+5 slavers will turn out from behind and either group / both of them find the young, women and the elderly...

Haha! Heroism chance or not, Kwell will be impatient and won't like waiting for those slavers to turn up, especially if he thinks they never will.

-- Folwren

[Regin Hardhammer]

A class got cancelled at the last minute so I'm home early for the holiday. :D

Nogrod -- Did you want to respond to Ishkur's post about finding the money, or are you tied up now with the fighting scenes? Either way is ok. If you're busy, should I just go ahead and assume Gwerr agrees to take the chest with Ishkur?

If you're tied up and can't post now, I'll go ahead with a post I wanted to do with Undomie's orcs and also use my own minor character.

Let me know. Thanks.

- Regin

[Folwren]

I just put up two posts for Athwen and Kwell. Tell me if I did alright.

Tevildo, I used Azhar in my Kwell post. If you need anything changed in that, let me know.

And, yeah....Kwell did just do what you think he did in being deliberately insubordinate. I sincerely hope that the women and children are not too badly affected by his absence when the slavers come.

-- Folwren

[Brinniel]

Okay, save filled.

It's a short post, but I think it says what needs to be said for now.

I don't know whether I'll be back online before Thursday, so if not, Happy Thanksgiving! :)

[Nogrod]

Nogrod -- Did you want to respond to Ishkur's post about finding the money, or are you tied up now with the fighting scenes? Either way is ok. If you're busy, should I just go ahead and assume Gwerr agrees to take the chest with Ishkur? If you have ideas / time, go on. The next time I may write something is tomorrow evening. If you haven't written anything by that, I'll try to put in something...

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Child - Where does Lindir want his archers?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde -

I was kind of thinking the cavalry would be in the lead, the archers would go forward second, and the foot soldiers "last". We don't want archers shooting arrows down on the head of our own troops, but surely those on horseback would come charging out first. Normally, the archers could stay further behind and whisk their arrows over the others, but that's hard to do with this wind.

As to exactly where the archers are positioned or what they are doing, I would think their attention would be on those heading towards the tunnel. Of course, what they don't know yet is that Imak will be attacking them from the "underbelly" of the camp.

I'm very flexible about all this, partially because I am no expert on battle tactics. If you need something in particular to make it work for your character, just go ahead and I promise to follow suit. Also, even though Lindir will be with the archers, there will be moments in the battle when he'll have to deal with the overall battle strategy and problems such as that posed by those unprotected women and children. So I can't promise he won't go charging off at any minute.

Would Carl be the one to take charge of the archers if Lindir is occupied, or are there others who have more experience in battle?

Since it's Thanksgiving this week, I'll be having fun with visitors and cooking and will likely post sporacically till next week when things should fall into place.

[Nogrod]

As to exactly where the archers are positioned or what they are doing, I would think their attention would be on those heading towards the tunnel. Of course, what they don't know yet is that Imak will be attacking them from the "underbelly" of the camp.But if someone attacks those slavers who follow Athwen towards the tunnel before they reach the tunnel, they will surely cease their pursuit and try to go for their attackers. And thence the whole tunnel was dug in vain as no one gets even near it... :(

So I think all should hold their fire and / or charging until the slavers have reached the tunnel and the first have fallen into it... At least that should be the plan... :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Archers might intially be well be placed on both ends of the lines of infantry Nogrod mentions. There they would be free to shoot in order to offer at least some protection to the infantry or cavalry as they round the end of the tunnel, as well at at the victims of the trap. Of course, the wind would present a major problem, and the lack of numbers following Athwen could clue them in that something else might be in the works.

While Carl might prove a crack bowman, I don't know about his accepting a formal leadship role, Child. Unless, of course, it was thrust upon him. ;)

Nogrod, Folwren's post has mentioned some of the slavers reaching the tunnel already. I am wondering if the goodguys on horseback might go in pursuit of the rest of the slavers.

E-gads! We have 1 of the fellowship buried and 1 caught by a slaver. Things are not looking good at this point are they?

[Folwren]

Oi! Athwen won't be captured for long, no siree! Dorran will soon be coming to rescue, I've little doubt. :D

And, yes, the slavers that jumped over the trench are going to be falling into the tunnel without the slightest bit of doubt (at least in my mind). The horses will need a couple strides before they can stop or turn to recover from the jump, and those few strides will take them several yards (consider, each stride is more than six feet, surely!) and the tunnel is not that far from the trench. So....those nine, unfortunate riders are going to go down and probably are going to be thrown in the process.

What about Vror? I am concerned about him. Where, precisely, is he? And does anyone know he's there?

-- Folwren

[Nogrod]

Alrighty.

I've posted now. Please do see whether it is okay by you as I have used Khamir a little and in fact made Athwen suffer a hit.

And if the description of the overall battle around the tunnel is ok. with you.

Naturally I will change / edit everything you don't like.

Just a few comments/questions.

Folwren: Hopefully it's okay that Athwen is hit to the ground. In turn you may use Hadith the way you wish as I have ended my post in a most open situation. Just remember that even though Hadith is a somewhat promising soldier, he's not a ready one (so, prone to make mistakes or anyhow being the weaker of the two fighting).

Durelin: Khamir getting as one of the first into the middle of the action sounded right to me. Is it right with you too?

Tevildo: I hope I haven't destroyed Dorran's possible plans of saving Athwen... and I think it's still quite probable that those two will need some help anyhow, at least if yet another slaver would appear on the sight.

PS. I'mstill wishing you to leave the killing of Joshwan to me... :)

[Nogrod]

So....those nine, unfortunate riders are going to go down and probably are going to be thrown in the process.I was thinking that maybe something like four first ones would fall into the trap and get unsaddled (of those 2-3 have been now killed in my post - but they were the easiest targets, from that on it will become much more harder). The others should be able to stop before the trap as they see what happens? It is against those that Joshwan, Beloan and Khamir are attacking - and thence it should also be one of those who got Athwen.

If Joshwan, Beloan and Khamir manage to engage one slaver each (and four are thrown over by our trap) and one would be taking Athwen, that would leave two slavers loose to do something nasty around there...

[Nogrod]

Regin: If you're not in haste, wait for a couple of hours. I got a nice idea for Ishkur and Gwerr and would have time to write it in an hour or about...

[Tevildo]

Nogrod --

Your post is great but I do have a problem. It doesn't make sense that Athwen would be rescued without her husband even showing his face. For one thing, if he didn't act quickly, he would probably be figuratively sleeping on the sofa for the next twenty years! :D

Could you possibly hold off a bit and let Dorran come and join in the fray? I'll invent some kind of excuse in terms of why he is arriving "late". As to what he should be doing, if you've knocked off all the available attackers, could he at least scramble to untie his wife? Surely they would have tied Athwen or knocked her out so she couldn't struggle away on her own. She's a pretty strong and athletic woman.

I do have a posting problem because this is Thanksgiving weekend --the second "biggest" holiday of the year. The house is stuffed with food and visitors so it's a little hard to get posts up quickly. I'll do one now for Azhar but push the save for Dorran forward. I'll try very hard to get to it late tonight but it may even be tomorrow till it's filled. Would that be alright?

[Nogrod]

Nogrod --

Your post is great but I do have a problem. It doesn't make sense that Athwen would be rescued without her husband even showing his face. For one thing, if he didn't act quickly, he would probably be figuratively sleeping on the sofa for the next twenty years! :D

Could you possibly hold off a bit and let Dorran come and join in the fray? I'll invent some kind of excuse in terms of why he is arriving "late". As to what he should be doing, if you've knocked off all the available attackers, could he at least scramble to untie his wife?Don't worry Tevildo! As I addressed you a couple of posts ago here, Hadith will not be able to save Athwen, at least alone (his adversary is just too big and experienced for Hadith to tackle by himself). Indeed, if no one comes to help, Hadith will die and Athwen will be carried away after that... so please, Dorran, anyone, help! :cool:

So I'm in no hurry, I just wished to get things moving and as Folwren showed the way, I took to following her. I surely am waiting for everyone to have their share of the battle, don't worry about that. I might post about the fight between the slaver and Hadith, but it will not be conclusive - unless to Hadith's defeat. And Foley should feel free to make her contribution on this thing too. So normal bussiness here, who gets to post dictates what happens (but I will surely be waiting for Dorran to appear).

Regin: I've posted for Ishkur and Gwerr, let me know if there is anything with Ishkur you don't feel at home with... Your turn then. :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Yes, the holiday will slow me down as well. I won't have a chance to fill in that save for a bit.

[Tevildo]

Thanks, Nogrod. Sounds good.

I've filled in my save for Azhar. She's said some nasssty things to the departing Kwell but is feeling pretty lousy. I've also put up another save for Dorran.

Plus, Pio, I'd like to have Azhar say just a word or two to Rog. From your save, I don't know if you'll be in the middle of a conversation with Aiwendil that I'll be interrupting. If so, it would be easy to leapfrog that section of my post forward. Just let me know the best way to handle this.

[Folwren]

I've filled in my save for Azhar. She's said some nasssty things to the departing Kwell but is feeling pretty lousy. I've also put up another save for Dorran.

Mwahaha! I'm going to go have to read that.

Today, being Thanksgiving itself, I might find it difficult to post anything, but I think tomorrow afternoon and Saturday, I'll have plenty of time. We're going to Grandma's house and at Grandma's there is nothing to do and direct access to the internet, so it really is wonderful.

However, I really don't know if I'll need to do another post for Athwen before she's rescued. I wasnt actually planning to, but things may not go as planned. :D

-- Folwren

[Nogrod]

However, I really don't know if I'll need to do another post for Athwen before she's rescued. I wasnt actually planning to, but things may not go as planned. :DIf I have time, I might write a short post on Hadith meeting the slaver in arms and losing badly... then Athwen, if she would be conscious after the hit she received, could help Hadith (and herself) in turn before Dorran arrives... :)

[Folwren]

I think what Tevildo meant in an above post was that Dorran would be there at the same time as, if not before, Hadith. However, I will try to write a post about Athwen's response to Hadith's coming and trying to rescue her. :) It would be fun. But I've little doubt that Dorran will be there soon, and probably before Athwen made any attempt to help Hadith (she's still surprised/in shock and fighting is out of her element anyway. Also, she's probably tied up, as Tevildo also mentioned).

By the way, everyone, I think Athwen might have a dagger or knife after all. I mean, it's not likely that she wouldn't have any weapon whatsover. . . Should I edit into my post that she did try to use it, but he took it away from her? For realisticality's sake? Realisticality isn't a word, so far as I know, so don't go looking for it in a dictionary.

I'm in a somewhat in between time while my rolls rise, so maybe I'll write something now............well, maybe not. I think I should wait for Tevildo to fill his save.

-- Folwren

[Nogrod]

I think what Tevildo meant in an above post was that Dorran would be there at the same time as, if not before, Hadith. We may play this so, but I think it's a bit problematic as the people "around" - meaning the "archers" and the "cavalry" - would have noticed that there are only ten slavers after Athwen. So they should come up with a new master-plan and quick as they see some of the other slavers going X direction (towards themselves? - and those who go around to attack the women and children they couldn't even see in this weather!). This doesn't prevent Dorran getting off the rank and making his own decision to save her wife, but it really is a bold move as he's the leader of the cavalry and he will leave his troops without a leader just to see for his wife...

I mean, why to send our only real surprise asset, the "cavalry" of ours, to attack just ten riders as the foot soldiers can do away with them... at least up to a point. They should tactically not waste their power on the ten slavers already in trouble but to counter the surprise as not all the slavers were after Athwen!

Some nuts to crack indeed...

[Folwren]

Oh dear. I really don't know. Tevildo will have to decide for himself.

I still will wait for him to fill his save before I make a post.

-- Folwren

[Nogrod]

Oh dear.
:D

[Tevildo]

Everyone is forgetting where Dorran is....

If your heart is set on this, I will not say no. I ask just two things. I will wait till the slavers pass and ride immediately in back of them. I will strip off the insignia of Rohan and dress myself in plain rugged gear such as a common traveler might wear with a hood pulled down over my face. Even if one of the men notices me, he is unlikely to pay attention in the heat of the pursuit. At least that way, if anything happens, I will be right there to help."


He is riding with the slavers and will arrive at the trench just a few paces in back of Athwen. To the blazes with everything else.....he's concerned about Athwen and has set this up with Lindir ahead of time. Anyways, the poor fellow doesn't want to sleep on the couch for 25 years! :rolleyes:

_____________

Later Edit:

Thanks Nogrod and Folwren for waiting. I've taken Dorran up to the point where he's racing towards his wife and the battle is about to begin. (I've blamed his slow arrival on the poor horse!) Dorran will just see what others do and respond the best he can. Please feel free to go ahead and post any way you'd like.

[Folwren]

Good, good, good. Excellent.

I will try to post either later on this evening or tomorrow morning. I'm at Grandma's house and I'm not sure what people have planned.

I think it was brilliant of you to switch horses. Dorran's horse would certainly have drawn attention to himself. I thought of Bree trying to disguise himself as a pack horse when you mentioned Dorran borrowing Rog's horse. :D

-- Folwren

[Nogrod]

I think it was brilliant of you to switch horses. Dorran's horse would certainly have drawn attention to himself.Good idea storywise, but really: would a rider give up his familiar and strong horse when there was a battle of life and death ahead? Drawing attention is a thing to be considered, but facing a battle with an old friend and companion should be something much more important... (one you can trust and one you know... not to mention being afraid of what happens to your companion in strange hands) :smokin:

But surely, suits me well. The situation is opening nicely and we have all the options open. That is good.

[Folwren]

Considering the circumstances, I think what Dorran did was smartest. If he had gone in with his large, rohanian war horses, do you think any of the slavers who had seen him would have mistaken him for anything other than a foriegn rider? As it was, if they saw him, they could have easily taken him for one of their own companions. Also, with the wind and sand picking up, Dorran needed to be as close as he was in order to see what happened to Athwen. If he had been back with the other ex-slave riders, he wouldn't have been able to see clearly and wouldn't have been immediately aware of her danger.

Dorran would have done a bit of riding before going out with the strange horse. He is also very used to working with horses, so he could probably adapt pretty well and fairly quickly to Rog's animal. Of course, it would have been nicer and much more convenient if he had been able to use his own horse, but it wouldn't have worked quite as well.

I think it was fine. :) I'll try to post something tonight.

-- Folwren

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Tevildo, Folwren and Nogrod, I have filled in the save for Carl, and think that he must be at the opposite end of the tunnel, thus missing out on what has been transpiring with your characters. Yes, as much as I like the fellow, he can pretty oblivious! :p

[Tevildo]

Nogrod -

I've thought about your idea but decided to stick with my original plan. Here's more explanation than you ever wanted..... :D

In Dorran's mind, the most important thing was avoiding detection. His own horse would have been a dead giveaway. Forgoil (Yes - Dorran has a wild sense of humor.) was a large battle hardened steed who would have stuck out like a sore thumb. (For similar reasons, Dorran couldn't borrow Lindir's horse.)

What Dorran was doing was risky. The slavers numbered just two dozen and would have known each other on sight. Dorran stayed near the back to minimize his chance of being caught. His only real option for keeping his own horse would have been not to ride with the slavers. Since he didn't know if Athwen might be caught some distance away from camp, he refused to do that. Dorran had little time to "try out" Rôg's horse since Lindir came up with his idea at the last minute. All Dorran could do was make the best of a bad situation. Forced to make a choice between two imperfect options, he chose the one he thought would let him keep his wife safe.

As the 'horse person' in the fellowship, he would have gained a basic understanding of all the horses. He had helped care for them every night during the long trek. Dorran purposely chose a nondescript mount with a steady disposition but made the mistake of overestimating his own abilities. As a gifted rider, he thought he could squeeze more out of Rôg's steed than was possible and ended up taking a fall.

[Firefoot]

If you want to look at it from a different angle, too, you can look at jockeys... racing strange horses certainly isn't something that they would be unfamiliar with. The conditions are a bit different, granted, but comparable, I think.

[Folwren]

Oh, I think it's definitely doable and probably best the way it is.

-- Folwren

[Durelin]

I took some liberties in my post, so I hope it's alright...but I am also completely prepared to change any of it.

First thing: I decided that Khamir and the 'rear' 6 of the fighters were toward the end of the tunnel opposite the one the 'front' five of the fighters are closer to, and are further away from where Athwen is. Khamir has no idea what's going on on that end.

Second: I had an NPC fighter named Tareef sort of 'disappear' he can either be dead, or he could simply have ventured farther away from the others.

Third: I had Khamir realize that there was something amiss, and think of their basically unprotected 'rear.' For now, only three men have been sent to cover the rear, and I imagine hopefully gather some others that can be spared. This was the part I was most uncertain about, because I didn't want to infringe on any plans you had, Child, or any plans anyone else had. So, just let me know if there need to be minor or major changes.

Fourth: Vror has been taken care of...well, sorta. He's at least above ground again. And I managed to mutilate Adnan. :D So, he's not dead. Just...in lots of pain.

Finally, I was really wondering how we're ever going to keep the slaver casualties realistic. (Just as an amusing thought I wanted to share, not actually as a concern.) We have determined there's 25 of them, but I wonder how true to that we will be able to remain in our posts about our characters killing them. I guess that's why I remained pretty vague except for Khamir taking one down with Adnan's help, and then Adnan managing (barely) to take one slaver down on his own.

Anyway...That is all, I think. ;)

Edit: Oh...eight pages! :eek:

[Nogrod]

Finally, I was really wondering how we're ever going to keep the slaver casualties realistic. (Just as an amusing thought I wanted to share, not actually as a concern.) We have determined there's 25 of them, but I wonder how true to that we will be able to remain in our posts about our characters killing them.Just my concern too. And yes, I began it with killing 2-3 in my first post (two definitive, one open case) but I must defend that with the argument that my post had the only moment when the slavers really were taken unawares and in clear disadvantage (both my "kills" were slavers who had just dropped from their horses and had had no time to come back to full capacity). Although I think the tally will change as we get the slavers running over the women, children and the elderly, though...

Durelin: good thinking concerning Khamir. And anyway, someone had to come up with it as otherwise there would have been a catastrophe there...

Tevildo & al.: Surely, as I said earlier, this opens possibilities and is good. I have nothing against Dorran riding a stranger horse myself... just mentioned it. ;)

[Folwren]

I have no scruples against killing all the bad guys with few casualties on our own side. Consider movies and books in general - none of the important good fellows get hurt or killed. They simply plow through the bad fellows and kill them with a single blow. That is, until it's time for a little bit of loosing to go on and then suddenly it's the good fellows who can't fight and the bad fellows who can, and then it's the other way around with the bad guys plowing through the good and killing them with one blow.

Alright, so I'm kidding. We should definitely try to make things as realistic as possible. How we're going to do this, I really don't know. It should be possible, though.

One thing I would suggest is slackening the wind and sand force. All this sand blowing around is making it very difficult for me to figure out to make my little boy find his way to the battle and fight. Also, considering the circumstances, whoever has the most experience in fighting (which in this case is the slavers') will have the upper hand of a battle fought in such poor weather. Since we are the weather gods, we need to help our little band of slaves as best we can, needn't we? Has not the weather served as much purpose as it can, or did you have more thoughts on it?

I have no other suggestions at present. Sorry. And I sincerely hope I didn't sound grumpy. I don't want to be grumpy, but I feel so and I'm afraid it might come off in a post on accident.

EDIT: Question for whoever can answer! Are these slavers wearing chain mail shirts?

-- Folwren

[Folwren]

And my save is filled! So sorry it took all day. Was quite busy.

-- Folwren

P.S. Never mind the question about chain mail. I changed my mind and didn't need it. :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Third: I had Khamir realize that there was something amiss, and think of their basically unprotected 'rear.' For now, only three men have been sent to cover the rear, and I imagine hopefully gather some others that can be spared. This was the part I was most uncertain about, because I didn't want to infringe on any plans you had, Child, or any plans anyone else had. So, just let me know if there need to be minor or major changes.

Durelin --

Yes, this little diversion was something Pio and I cooked up along with Tevildo. We were going to bring Kwell in as well but he hightailed it out of the grove before we could get to him!

Our original plan was to have the slavers attack the rear unexpectedly. Aiwendil would contact Lindir by osanwe to ask for extra help, which is something Lindir mentioned in my last post. This would also set up a situation where Azhar would have to fight and then need rescuing. The girl would witness one child being slain and feel compelled to do something drastic, although she has no conventional weapon. (Also, sadly, you must add one slave child to the body count.) After this, Rôg must come in to save Azhar's tail. We'd very much like to preserve this subplot but I think there is a way we could do that and still have your men follow through on Khamir's observation.

First, I am assuming that the party of five slavers will split up as they search for the hiding place. Because the slavers aren't together in one group, it would be possible to slay two or three and still have at least two left alive that Azhar, Aiwendil, and Rôg must deal with.

Could you have Khamir's men go and discover two slavers heading towards the rocks where the women and children are hiding? Your men would kill them before they even reach the hiding place. Could your men then be held up, unable to search for any other members of that party because four of the slavers coming up from the south will break through and assault them. (The other six heading up from the south will head to the eastern edge of camp.) Your men will be occupied with the new threat and unable to break through immediately to the women and children.

That would give us the attackers we need for our subplot and supply some angst for you as well. You could put Imak with either group....the one in the east or the one in the west. Whoever fights him.....feel free to give Imak a licking and send him away injured but please don't kill the man. I am thinking he may still have some value in the storyline later on.

Will this work?

[Folwren]

Yes, this little diversion was something Pio and I cooked up along with Tevildo. We were going to bring Kwell in as well but he hightailed it out of the grove before we could get to him!

Oh, golly, I am sorry. I said before, and I'll say it again, I really do hope his absence doesn't get too many people hurt or killed. It was a super dumb thing for him to do, but I needed to move him on account of something Hilde wanted to do. You'll see soon. P'raps once that's done, he'll be told to go back and if he does, maybe (just maybe) he'll be able to get back in time to fight a little bit.

Now, in the save that I filled, I was thinking that the group of horsmen that just about ran over Kwell was Imak and the men that had followed him. That means there is another group of horses running around looking for the women and children. The group of footmen who were on the slave's side is Carl with his archers. That make sense? I hope so.

We're about to leave to go from one Grandma's to the next. I do not know if, when, or where I'll next get access to the computer, so go on without me. It may be a couple days. Hope not. If it is, carry on! Use my characters as needed and I"ll catch up later.

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

Folwren,

Don't feel bad. Kwell's young and inexperienced so it's not surprising he would have done something impulsive like this.

I think it can work for Kwell either way. I am imagining one or two casualties among the women and children but not a large number. Whether those few casualties could have been prevented by Kwell staying where Lindir put him is impossible for anyone to say. And of course whatever Kwell is doing with Carl may prove very helpful. Feel free to keep Kwell on the eastern edge of camp or have him go back, whatever you prefer.

Lindir understands Kwell is facing a lot of hard decisions and challenges. He'll probably speak with him when this whole battle is over and quietly emphasize that next time Kwel let Aiwendil or Lindir know that he's going to be doing something different.

Will that work for you?

That means there is another group of horses running around looking for the women and children.

Yes, I haven't read your post yet, but that was what I was suggesting to Durelin. If we follow that idea, this would simply mean slicing that particular group of ten slavers into two---four will be fighting closer to the women and children, and the other six are where Kwell is.

Have a great visit with your relatives. We'll make sure your characters get dragged along, but I am thinking things will go forward steadily but slowly so you won't miss too much. You can always do a post when you return and Pio or I will slip it into someone else"s "box" earlier in the thread.

[Durelin]

That would certainly work fine, Child. And, of course, the other way you could work it, if you want more than two slavers to deal with, is just to have some of the slavers coming in from the south break through to them and cut the group Khamir sent off before they find any of the slavers heading toward the women and children.

Or, I could come up with something completely different to keep them...I mean, there's enough going on, I think. :D So it's whatever you prefer.

[Child of the 7th Age]

OK....let's talk hard numbers. :D

You dispatch two from the original band of five and then have several more hit you coming up from the south. We'll have the remaining three slavers from that same group of five eventually hit the women and children.

That should keep us both busy.

[Durelin]

Sounds good. Sorry, I'm hardly a decisive person. :D

[piosenniel]

sigh . . . only 3?

Rôg is prepared to take out all three if needed :eek:

~*~ Pio :p :D

[Nogrod]

Just to mention it... The slavers who are coming towards us from behind (5+5 / 6+4, whatever) are still going to catch as many of us as slaves to be sold - so they are not intending to kill but to capture. It will be only after / if they feel they are actually threatened that they will go for killing - and / or saving themselves alive by running away, which they could easily do if they sensed any real danger.

That is something we can play upon, giving us an advantage of a sorts. But if it comes to an open battle (them feeling they have to fight), they are professionals and will not be defeated even some of us made mighty deeds indeed. The children, women and the elderly have no chance in a fight - even strengthened by our fellowship members - if it comes to it...

Well, that's at least how I see it. I mean we (the ex-slaves & the FS) are the underdogs here anyhow?

So where is our "cavalry"? Where are the 5 slavers left and shouldn't Imak be there? (ten were following Athwen and are now having a rough time as our trap surprised them and another ten is coming from behind)

... just trying to figure things out to myself as to raise the discussion of this...

[Nogrod]

I'll try to come up with a post today (in 2-3 hours) with Hadith fighting the slaver who had imprisoned Athwen and I thought of using both Dorran and Athwen a little bit. If it's okay with you Tevildo and Folwren, then Okay, if not, let me know... post coming up.

[Folwren]

Nogrod, do whatever with Athwen and if for some reason I should happen to not like it, I'll just ask you to change it. No big problem.

Child, whatever you decide to have Lindir or anyone else say to Kwell will be perfectly alright. Quite honestly, I wouldn't be surprised or upset if he got a ... well, even a severe reprimand woudln't be too bad, considering what he did.

I think that's all I needed to respond to? If not...you can wait until later.

-- Folwren

[Nogrod]

Nogrod, do whatever with Athwen and if for some reason I should happen to not like it, I'll just ask you to change it. No big problem.I though it through and rest assured, nothing sensational is going to happen... And Tevildo, I will not use Dorran but to make him appear... Take it on from that onwards... Happily I came away with a post that doesn't involve too much either of you. (That's coming in soon...)

[Tevildo]

Nogrod,

I've put up a save. After you post, I'll have Dorran help in some way depending on how you end up with your own post. I'll wait to see what direction you've gone. This posting on a holiday weekend is a bit of a scramble!

[Brinniel]

Goodness. It seems much as happened since my few day absence. I'm still trying to get caught up here...I might put up a save soon, but due to my load of schoolwork, I'm not sure when I'll be actually able to write anything.

So where is our "cavalry"?
Good question. I'm still trying to figure out where all the slavers are. It seems about half are in battle and the other half are still heading towards the women and children...am I right? Shae is quite ready to fight...perhaps I should send her to where Kwell is battling some of the slavers. I don't know...I'll send her to where ever anyone thinks is best at this point.

[Nogrod]

I'll wait to see what direction you've gone. This posting on a holiday weekend is a bit of a scramble!Hopefully you can clear that situation as Hadith is going to pass out quite soon... He has been young and brave.. but as it so often happens, foolish and unexperienced. These are the prices ones have to pay to grow up?

But please Tevildo, handle your enemy as a real experienced fighter. He's a bad one... (as most of the slavers should be) So not an easy prey... ;)

And hopefully Folwren agrees with my interpretation of Athwen getting actively into the fight as soon as she was able?!

[Folwren]

Hm, hm, hm. I'll think about what Athwen did and then sometime maybe tonight maybe tomorrow morning get back with you.

Apparently, I have some access to a computer. I don't know if it's enough to post. If I do have time and ability, I will try to decide if I'm alright with Athwen jumping in like that and then maybe write a post.

What if, though, I asked you to take out that end part with Athwen adn then I could write a post about what she does to at least buy Hadith a little more time...perhaps until Dorran get's there?

-- Folwren

[Folwren]

Nogrod, here is the last paragraph of your post in the game.

Hadith turned his head to see what happened. The slaver was about to give him the finishing hit when he suddenly was drawn away. There were the hands of a woman around his throat from behind. Athwen had jumped to her back! And just from the corner of his eye he could see Dorran to rush in with a yell.

Could you some how change it so that it will go along with what I have copied here and then copy and paste this bit into your post? I'd appreciate it. :)

-- Folwren

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

POSTED TO GAME BY NOGGIE


Folwren's Post

Athwen knew at once that the advantage in this fight would be completely on the slaver's side. He was man, fully built and probably fully trained in fighting. Hadith would go down quickly with no hope of ever getting back up again. She had not a moment to loose in figuring out something to help him with, at least until Dorran reached them. But how? How was she supposed to stop a man twice her size from killing another? She looked around her, hoping to find something that she might use as a weapon.

Her eyes lit upon the slaver's horse. A plan instantly leaped into her mind. She ran forward to him and grasped his rein as he shied away from her. She spoke calming words to him, whispering reassuringly in his ear as she gathered his reins above his neck. As soon as he stood tolerably still she thrust her foot into the stirrup and launched herself upward into the saddle. Once there, her feet could not reach the stirrups, but that did not worry her. She clenched her knees tight against the hard leather of the saddle, turned his head about with one rein and urged him on with her heels in his side.

As the horse made the turn, Athwen could see the two combatants. Hadith was stumbling, his sword arm was far out in attempt to regain the balance he had lost. The slaver stepped forward and his arm swung upwards. Athwen bit back a cry and drove her heels into the horse just as the man's curved blade came slicing down.

The rushing, pounding hooves of the horse seemed to drive the emotion from Athwen's mind. She saw Hadith fall. She watched as he first collapsed to his knees and then fell onto his face in the ground before his enemy. Though the thought that he had been killed before her very eyes flashed through her mind, Athwen did not think to be sorry for him, she did not think of anything, except bearing down on this slaver.

The man looked up, hearing her approach. An expression of surprise filled his face and he stumbled back out of the horse's path. Athwen passed him, but her hand was already on the tight rein and in a moment, she and her horse were turned about again and charged once more upon the slaver.

[Nogrod]

Folwren: I've changed the ending of my post & placed yours after it.

[Tevildo]

Nogrod, Folwren,

Could you check my post? I am playing fast and loose with both your characters. Please tell me what to change. I did think we desperately needed Athwen's skill as a doctor..... Will this work?

[Nogrod]

Nogrod, Folwren,

Could you check my post? I am playing fast and loose with both your characters. Please tell me what to change.Looks good, Tevildo.

But I would like Hadith to be not totally unconscious. Something like semi-conscious (or whatever is the suitable term here). I would like to write a semi-conscious Hadith post...

It will be interesting to see what happens when Athwen gets Hadith to the place they think is the safest but where the next action indeed is going to take place (among the women and the children)...

They should also pick up the easterling's weapons, at least the sword should be a good one. There surely would be someone who could find use for it as the general level of our escapees' weaponry seems pretty bad. Although I'm not sure whether that needs to be written out openly as long as we all share the idea that there will be a weapon or two with Athwen to hand out.

[Folwren]

Tevildo,

It looks alright to me. Athwen is quite ready to go behind the lines and start working as a doctor instead of as one of the fighters.

Only one thing I noticed was that when he was pulling Hadith's body towards a horse, you refered to it as Athwen's horse. Was it actually her horse, or was it the slaver's horse? Her horse is somewhere nearby, I guess. He just trotted away a little bit when the slaver grabbed Athwen and they were fighting. Hadith would definitely be safest on her horse.

Is Dorran going to be going with them, or is he going to stay out and find more people to fight?

Nogrod, in your post, are you planning on going all the way to the place where the women and children are? If you're just doing a post about him during the fight and being taken to the horse and put on it, then I will plan to post and take them all the way to the sheltered place. But if you want to go all the way there, then that's fine. If you're not going to be able to fill your save immediately, let me know where you intend to stop, and I may be able to write a post.

-- Folwren

[Nogrod]

Nogrod, in your post, are you planning on going all the way to the place where the women and children are? If you're just doing a post about him during the fight and being taken to the horse and put on it, then I will plan to post and take them all the way to the sheltered place.Go ahead. I will end up where Hadith is put on horseback...

Tevildo,
Is Dorran going to be going with them, or is he going to stay out and find more people to fight?If I have counted it right, there will be something like 4-5 slavers still alive around the tunnel and if Khamir has turned to go back with the rest 6 of the escapees there will be just a couple of ex-slaves to fight them (Joshwan, Erlech, the bearded one and Fewerth). Of those at least Joshwan is going to die there, soon to come... :rolleyes:

[Durelin]

Nogrod - Khamir and Adnan are going to stay around the tunnel at least for a little while longer. They still have to figure out what to do about Vror. They're going to try and get him awake somehow, and then deliberate over whether or not to try and carry him somewhere, where and how to carry him, etc. He's quite heavy, and it's dangerous to move him for several reasons. So, while they're there, any remaining slavers can be sent their way. Or if anyone else wants to run into them, feel free.

If the fact that Khamir and Adnan are going to stay where they are conflicts with your and/or others posts, then that can certainly change.

I'll post for them and for the three NPC slaves that are going to try and help protect the women and children as soon as possible.

Sorry I haven't yet. Life has been crazy with lots of Calculus and a funeral yesterday...

[Folwren]

Durelin, if Athwen with two horses and Hadith rode near Khamir and Adnan and Vror, would that help in your dilema of trying to figure out what to do with the dwarf? If she rides by (she has to go around the tunnel), they could hail her and she could come and get off of her horse and they could lift Vror up on him and then she could lead the two horses back to the place where she's going to go set up doctoring shop.

Let me know whenever you can. I hope to post sometime this afternoon. We'll see.

Good luck on your finals!

-- Folwren

[Tevildo]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll get to those revisions this evening. I haven't decided yet what to do with Dorran next. When I do, I'll let you know here for sure.

I wanted to get a post up for Azhar next.

[Nogrod]

I haven't decided yet what to do with Dorran next.That kind of brings us to the question I made earlier: what is our cavalry / archery doing? I have no characters involved in either group and have not paid too much attention to them. But really we should share some basics just to be able to write.

Any ideas? I'm most hesitant to bring anything forwards as my characters are not involved... (in the last RPG I got negative feedback for trying to think for the others and so I would like to stay away from this one)

It would be best for those involved to come forwards in both of the groups...

[Folwren]

Any ideas? I'm most hesitant to bring anything forwards as my characters are not involved... (in the last RPG I got negative feedback for trying to think for the others and so I would like to stay away from this one)

Poor Nogrod! I can't help but chuckle. Yes, I remember that. All the same, I can't help but appreciate you and your technicality in all this stuff...

I don't have anyone in either groups, either, but in Hilde Bracegirdle's last post about Carl, Lindir told Carl to take down as many as he could of the people crossing the tunnel and then retreat farther back to try to find another of the groups that branched off. Lindir also said in that post, I believe, that he was drawing his archers off someplace....you should check that post. It has some answers to your questions about the archers.

And Brinniel's character was in the calvary, and she has a save up.

Tevildo: Your save cracks me up. Poor Azhar - does she wish she'd gone with Kwell now? :p

-- Folwren

[Child of the 7th Age]

That kind of brings us to the question I made earlier: what is our cavalry / archery doing? I have no characters involved in either group and have not paid too much attention to them. But really we should share some basics just to be able to write.

I believe I am one of the guilty parties. Lindir is an archer and hasn't posted yet. That is because Lindir's "owner" has been busy posting in the Books forum and not paying attention! :rolleyes: I will try to get something up tomorrow.

I am leaning towards having Lindir take some of the archers down towards the southern part of camp. Remember that there is a group of ten coming in from that direction. Some of the ten will swing towards the west and attack near the women and children. (That was part of the conversation that Durelin and I had yesterday when we agreed some of the southerners would attack those slaves trying to get through to the women and children.) The rest of them are free and can be used for another subplot.

Anyone have other ideas or preferences regarding these slavers coming straight up from the south? Shall we have Lindir and the archers go down in that direction to stir up some trouble?

I am not wed to any one idea and can be flexible about as needed. The subplot with the women and children that also involves Pio and Tevildo is the one thing I am firm about as we've done a fair amount of planning. Other than that I'm happy to go with the flow.

_________________

Tevildo -

Would it be a problem if I did a brief post before yours where Aiwendil actually gives this babysitting assignment to Azhar? If it's alright I could slot into the same square as yours and get something up tonight.....

[Tevildo]

Tevildo: Your save cracks me up. Poor Azhar - does she wish she'd gone with Kwell now?

Folwren,

Time will tell.... :D
______________

Child,

Would it be a problem if I did a brief post before yours where Aiwendil actually gives this babysitting assignment to Azhar? If it's alright I could slot into the same square as yours and get something up tonight.....

No problem. I'll wait till Aiwendil is finished to do Azhar's part of the post.

[Brinniel]

There. I foolishly filled in a save during the wee hours of the morning. But what can I say? I was in the mood for writing- apparently I can only stay awake when everyone else is asleep... :rolleyes:

Anyways, Shae has taken down one slaver near the trench. She's been injured from her fall off the horse- a gash in the forehead, a broken wrist, and a bruised rib, maybe cracked. It's nothing too serious, but it'll definitely slow her down. She's on her way to help the women and children as well, but since she's on horseback, she might end up beating the other men there.

I'm not sure what happened to the NPCs of the cavalry- Shae didn't really pay attention to them. If you haven't noticed, she can be a bit self-absorbed at times. :rolleyes: I'm sure some have done damage as well, several others were most likely killed. Most of them had little experience on horseback, and would have just as much trouble staying on their horses as Shae.

[Folwren]

Alright. I just wrote a terribly long post - a page and a half, I think. Gracious. Anyhow, in this post, Athwen spotted:

1. The group of slavers that had followed her and fallen into the trench fighting
2. The horsemen of the ex-slaves and
3. The footmen that Hadith had been with. Also
4. Imak and his men behind the lines fighting with
5. Carl's group of archers. She also spotted
6. The group of horsemen riding in search of the women and children.

She did not see Lindir and his archers, and if there were any other ex-slaves on foot, she didn't see those. Whatever extras we have will probably need to start attacking Imak and his group and help Carl and his archers.

As for Athwen herself, she and Hadith are up at the sheltered place where the women and children are. Pio, Athwen's pretty shaken up as you can obviously see, and I'm afraid Rog's getting the brunt of it at this moment. Now that she's exploded, she can probably be calmed down pretty quick and told to dry up and then she'll be good to go, pretty much.

But, really, she can't very well go binding wounds with sand and dirt flying all over the place. The most she can do is stop blood from flowing. If she dressed it, it would be useless because dirt and stuff getting into it would cause the wounds to fester.

If anything should be changed in my post, let me know.

-- Folwren

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Carl's latest save is now filled in.

[Durelin]

Apologies to everyone! I'm finally really getting into my college apps, and I've got a slew of projects and calculus. I also realized that there was one college application that is due...Friday! Luckily it's only about half an hour away from my house, so I can maybe take some of my paperwork there myself. Anyway, just wanted to explain my continued absence from posting in this important time, battle and all. :D

I will do my best to post tomorrow as long as things go well with that darn application.

Sorry I didn't get back to you, Folwren, about Khamir and Adnan and Vror. But perhaps Athwen riding by would have been too convenient. ;)

[Tevildo]

I finally managed to edit those earlier posts. I really hope I have more time tomorrow to get up Azhar's response.

[Nogrod]

I've filled my save for Hadith too. Poor boy seems to be pretty mixed up...

[Tevildo]

Save filled for Azhar.

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

LATER EDIT: I changed my earlier post for Azhar so that she actually makes a promise to Aiwendil. Here. (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=499960#post499960) I've also put up another post....

[Child of the 7th Age]

My save is filled. I wanted to do a post for Imak and friends. But before I put up a save, I wanted to make sure where people are.

Folwren -- You discussion post summarising what Athwen saw was very helpful.

First, I made the assumption that with the strong winds and visibility so low, it's been impossible for large groups of the good or bad guys to stay together. That's why we are so split up. Plus, we're fighting over a relatively large stretch of land with relatively few players: it's not an organized battle field....more like guerilla war and small skirmishes intermixed.

I am having a hard time envisioning where all the slavers are and who is dead. Don't know if anyone else is having this problem. I thought I would put down what I thought I knew and see where I was wrong.

This is how I read it. Of the five slavers who came in from the northern edge of camp looking for women and children, two have been killed by Nasim and company courtesy of Durelin. That means we have three slavers still wandering.
around looking for women and children.

Of the ten who orginally attacked the camp at the tunnel, about five (?) have been killed, 1 has taken off towards the south and joined up with those riders (this was in the post I just did) and the remaining four are still fighting somewhere near the tunnel.

Of the group of ten coming in from the south, I am assuming about 3 of them already headed towards the tunnel and will reinforce the men there. Another 5 from the southern group are heading to the northwest of camp Two of these will cause more trouble for Nasim and crew; two will be trying to find and attack the women and children. Imak is also with them but he will eventually become separated from that group, since we have a special treat reserved for him. :D Lindir has also spotted another 2 slavers still in the south who are just about to ride northward. In posts I haven't written yet, Lindir and archers will take care of two of them: one in one attack and one in the other. One slaver will still be left alive--the one who escaped from the tunnel and ran south to join them.

So basically we have 7 slavers dead at this point, 2 more going to die at the hands of Lindir and the archers, and 15 left alive (?)

Durelin and everyone else

Does this sound right? Or have I forgotten something? I've never posted in such detail about one battle and it's hard to keep track of everyone. I don't care about precise numbers -- if we misplace one or two that's fine -- but I wanted to make sure I've got the basic groups right.

We aren't at that point yet, but shall we have the last standoff and fight be in the grove with the women and children?

[Folwren]

Of the group of ten coming in from the south, I am assuming about 3 of them already headed towards the tunnel and will reinforce the men there. Another 5 from the southern group are heading to the northwest of camp Two of these will cause more trouble for Nasim and crew; two will be trying to find and attack the women and children. Imak is also with them but he will eventually become separated from that group, since we have a special treat reserved for him. :D Lindir has also spotted another 2 slavers still in the south who are just about to ride northward. In posts I haven't written yet, Lindir and archers will take care of two of them: one in one attack and one in the other. One slaver will still be left alive--the one who escaped from the tunnel and ran south to join them.

You understand that it is part of this group that Carl and his archers ran up agains and that Hamin was part of, right? Just wanted to make sure.

There are only three slavers now busy looking for the women and children? I'd better change what I had Athwen see, then. I was thinking that there were about seven, but I guess that's not possible.

I think it all looks good, Child. I am not planning on posting again for Athwen until Pio's written for Rog...if she can't manage it, then I guess I could go on. And as for Kwell...I'll post sometime, I guess. He'll probably head back to where he's supposed to be, but he's not going to arrive at the grove until it's pretty much too late. The slaver's will already have arrived and most the fighting will be done. So I have to wait for his next post, too.

But that's alright. :D I'm fine with that.

-- Folwren

[Durelin]

Child - Sounds right to me. About the only adjustment I have to make is that Nasim and co. will have quite a bit of trouble taking down those two slavers, so if anyone's in the right place at the right time they could stop by and help out. Otherwise, we can simply move on and consider them taken care of. :D Though I think one of Nasim and co. will have fallen in the process...

[Nogrod]

There are only three slavers now busy looking for the women and children?
So basically we have 7 slavers dead at this point, 2 more going to die at the hands of Lindir and the archers, and 15 left alive (?)I would surely increase the number of slavers heading for the women and children...


We aren't at that point yet, but shall we have the last standoff and fight be in the grove with the women and children?I'd vote for this, or then having two "last stands", another being around the tunnels (at least if some slavers are getting there to help their comrades).

Otherwise, all this makes sense, at least to me.

[Nogrod]

About the tunnel-fight... There seems to be many of the capable escapee-fighters there: Beloan, Joshwan, Erlech, the bearded one at least... (=the first row - Hadith) I'm still wishing to kill Joshwan there (as I have time for it). But anyone could write the story of Beloan fex. About Fewerth I'm not sure about, whether he went with Khamir, Adnan & others from the second row or whether he sticked with the first row guys as I have written earlier him helping the bearded one in a fight...

Anyhow, at this moment it looks like from the 10 original attackers (those who trailed Athwen):
1 killed by Joshwan in to the tunnel by spear
1 killed by Beloan as he tried to rise up from the ground
1 killed by the bearded one and Fewerth
1 killed by Dorran
X killed by those helping Carl?

So some reinforcements for the slavers might do good to the fight there? Of those escapees at the site we do not need to spare anyone if we so decide. It would be sad to lose Beloan, but that should also be an open possibility. In the end too powerful NPC's are not so good to have around?

[Durelin]

There could be as many as eight if we simply say that more went with Imak than didn't, right? I'd say 5 are enough to make a lot LOT of trouble, though. Even three can make a good deal, too, really. And remember - they're not expecting resistance from the women and children. They don't know Rog and Aiwendil are there...nor do they know who they are. :D

If we wanted more, though...

There have been 5 killed around the tunnel. There are 4 more there 1 took off toward the south. (?)

Two slavers came from the south and attacked Nasim and co.

2-4 die at the hands of the archers?

That shoud leave at least 8 more slavers, right? Plus Imak.

I feel like I'm forgetting something, though...

Edit: Actually, make that six (at least) killed around the tunnel...Khamir and Adnan each took out one. I think we're going to have to keep it at three, unless we just fudge numbers. Perhaps no on should make it in time to help the women and children...and Rog and Aiwendil will have to save the day. Should be nerve-wracking enough, right? ;)

[Nogrod]

There have been 5 killed around the tunnel. There are 4 more there 1 took off toward the south. (?)
---------
That shoud leave at least 8 more slavers, right? Plus Imak.
---------
Edit: Actually, make that six killed around the tunnel...Khamir and Adnan each took out one. I think we're going to have to keep it at three. And perhaps no on should make it in time to help the women and children...and Rog and Aiwendil will have to save the day. Should be nerve-wracking enough, right? ;)If we have only three slavers left at the tunnel vs. 4-6 (depending from Dorran and Fewerth) of ours, our guys should stand a chance. If a couple of more slavers would ride in, it would make it much more interesting... What do you think? I could be ready to write parts of that fight with Beloan, Joshwan & co. now as Hadith is a bit out of the game. Although I would like to write something for Hadith too as something happens back there where he is with Athwen.

Foley: Is it possible that Athwen would try to help Hadith a bit? If he would regain some consciousness he might be foolhardy enough to try and join the fight as the slavers attack the women and the children (or look for Johari :D ).

PS. Rog and Aiwendil taking what, 10+ slavers... Quite a feat?

[Folwren]

... Although I would like to write something for Hadith too as something happens back there where he is with Athwen.

Foley: Is it possible that Athwen would try to help Hadith a bit? If he would regain some consciousness he might be foolhardy enough to try and join the fight as the slavers attack the women and the children (or look for Johari :D ).

I can try. His left shoulder is cut, right? The slaver swung at him, intending to cut off his head, and Hadith dodged, so it came at an angle and hit him pretty much right at the shoulder joint...or am I wrong? Was it below or above that? Come to think of it, we'd better make it below the joint or else I'll be at a loss as to what to do. It's got to be a pretty severe slice. How bad are you picturing it?

EDIT: Oh, yes, Durelin: I believe it was your idea to not have anyone else show up in time to help Aiwendil and Rog? Well, I for one can say that Kwell will not be there in time to help, except at the very end. Athwen will be present, but she doesn't fight, really.

-- Folwren

[piosenniel]

Folwren

Rôg has made a brief reply (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=500395&postcount=296) to Athwen.....

In addition to horses, females are not his forté. :rolleyes: ;)

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

Do I have it right that there will be @ 10 slavers + Imak who are heading for the women and children? Or have I overestimated?


~*~ Pio

[Nogrod]

Do I have it right that there will be @ 10 slavers + Imak who are heading for the women and children? Or have I overestimated?I think the original idea was something like 10 after Athwen, 10 from behind and about the 5 left no one seemed to have an idea.

Now the 10 after Athwen have been accounted for and they seem to be busy fighting. Some are skirmishing with Nasim & co. (maybe these are from the 5 we had no idea?). So ten would sound reasonable, at least to my ears... Maybe not more, but 8-9?

[Durelin]

If it's going to be about ten then I think I'll have Nasim and co. (and maybe Khamir) make it in time to help. :eek:

Unless Aiwendil is going to pull another trick from his sleeve. Rôg will certainly have plenty, but I don't think they'll be quite enough...

Or unless others simply get there first.

[Brinniel]

Anyhow, at this moment it looks like from the 10 original attackers (those who trailed Athwen):
1 killed by Joshwan in to the tunnel by spear
1 killed by Beloan as he tried to rise up from the ground
1 killed by the bearded one and Fewerth
1 killed by Dorran
X killed by those helping Carl?


Actually, make that six (at least) killed around the tunnel...Khamir and Adnan each took out one.

Make that seven. Don't forget Shae took out slaver one near the tunnel.

If it's going to be about ten then I think I'll have Nasim and co. (and maybe Khamir) make it in time to help.

Unless Aiwendil is going to pull another trick from his sleeve. Rôg will certainly have plenty, but I don't think they'll be quite enough...

Or unless others simply get there first.
Shae will be able to get there in time to do some damage, but she could definitely use the help of Nasim and Co.

[Nogrod]

Okay. I will be posting soon to make the "final battle" in front of the tunnels... :)

There will be five escapees against three slavers. All the slavers will die, two of the escapees (Joshwan and Erlech) will die too and one (Fewerth) will be badly wounded.

Tevildo: Should Dorran pick Fewerth up as he seems to be the only wounded alive after this "tunnel-battle"? I'll end the post in such a way that you can bring Dorran in. Beloan and Qat ("the bearded one" as Hadith referred him to) are both NPC's so use them as you wish...

[Child of the 7th Age]

I must be dotty this morning. I just posted this on the game thread.... Try again!

************
A final showdown at the grove sounds great! We haven't had a concentrated battle scene where we're all together.

I am also going to pull in Lindir and the men he's stalking in the south. The elf will get a message from Aiwendil to hurry back towards the grove because of the dire situaton. He will be part of the final battle there. The slavers he's following will likewise hear Imak's horn and go tearing off towards the northwest. These slavers will get pulled into the subplot that Azhar, Aiwendil, and Rôg that is taking part on the outskirts of the grove....

[Nogrod]

There is a quite bloody battle there now and the action around the tunnel has been put to an end. At least this far.

Just a small request to you fellow writers.

I have never tried a post like that before and I'm not sure how well it managed to convey the situation and what happened in it. In Finnish I believe I would have been able to make it intelligible with all the changing perspectives and so on, but in English I'm not so sure about it. I have myself quite a clear vision of what happened there, but I would be very happy to have some feedback from that. So did you understand what happened, was it clear or baffling? What was badly / wrongly expressed, which parts were more like messing things up rather than making sense? I would appreciate any feedback from this as it was quite a complex task to me.

Tevildo: Dorran might take it up from there now, I think.

[Nogrod]

A final showdown at the grove sounds great! We haven't had a concentrated battle scene where we're all together. You said it! I'm looking forwards to it. We'll just see who of our characters / NPC's make it there and what can they do!

And that idea still kind of talks on behalf of there being as many slavers as possible in that last fight (so at least the ten).

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Sorry, that I couldn't respond earlier to the vague number of slavers killed by Carl's archers. (I was near a computer very, very little over the weekend.) And I will be reading your post shortly Nogrod, so I don't know if what I'm saying now is at all relavant. But the archers might have killed as many or as few of the slavers as my fellow writers find convenient. But if they didn't kill many, they certainly wounded several of them. :smokin:

The one confirmed dead slaver Carl was personally struggling with, would be Hamin, despatched courtesy of Kwell (with great thanks, I'm sure). And he was not from the grouping that charged the tunnel to my mind, but was with with one of the other two groupings.

[Nogrod]

Make that seven. Don't forget Shae took out slaver one near the tunnel.I read some of the latest posts that I hadn't had but a cursory look before and I'm afraid we would have to make that count at least to eight or nine as Khamir and Adnan killed one together and we are led to understand that Adnan killed one himself (the one who cut his fingers).

So as it stands now, there were at least 11-12 riders following Athwen and they're all dead. This all has been written.

We seem to be pretty efficient bunch of escapees! :D

But I see that as no problem anyway. Maybe there were like 27 slavers to begin with?

[Brinniel]

Maybe there were like 27 slavers to begin with?
Sounds good to me. There's no way the group would've known the exact amount of slavers in the first place. I think they estimated 25, but they could've always been a few off.

I was in class when I started to think about what I was going to write next. I really want to bring back some characters that were included earlier in RPG, but haven't been mentioned in awhile, Reagonn in particular. Orofaniel dropped from the game some time ago, so would anyone object to me killing him off? It would add emotion particularly for Shae and Khamir, who have both known him for sometime, and it would prove that "the fifteen" aren't complete invulnerable. I have an idea involving him as part of the cavalry and joining up with Shae to where the women and children are. Of course, I wouldn't have him die until we reach the slavers in the final showdown.

[Tevildo]

Pio,
Sorry my post isn't done yet. I had planned to fill in Azhar's save today, but I've come down with a stomach bug. I'm going to call it quits for now and try again in the morning.

[piosenniel]

Hey Kitty-kat! Long, long shift at work. Take your time with your post - I'll be sleeping in tomorrow and then doing some holiday shopping....

:)

~*~ Pio

[Durelin]

I really want to bring back some characters that were included earlier in RPG, but haven't been mentioned in awhile, Reagonn in particular. Orofaniel dropped from the game some time ago, so would anyone object to me killing him off? It would add emotion particularly for Shae and Khamir, who have both known him for sometime, and it would prove that "the fifteen" aren't complete invulnerable.

That sounds great to me. At least one needs to die out of "the fifteen," I agree. Yay, more angst! :D

[Tevildo]

Save filled. :D

[Folwren]

Does your character need a little help, Tevildo? I hope you have something planned because neither of my characters are quite near enough to be of much use. :(

-- Foley

[Nogrod]

A very good post, Foley! Indeed. I might have wished Hadith to be a bit more conscious to kind of make it beliavable that he somehow (even though foolhardly) would get involved in the battle to come. But I can make it in my own post for him, so you do not need to change anything...

But - and this for all!

Should we make an upgrade to the people we have introduced to the gang and who they are /were? And as Brinniel said, should we kill all those who have left the story? That would make sense as it could bring some attachments to the fore and at the same time solve the problem, what to do with people who are no longer written.

So how are these?
Orofaniel - Reagonn
Novnarwen - Aedhild

Just to make the overall picture...

I have introduced:
Beloan - alive and well, but at the tunnels right now.
Qat - the bearded escapee, alive and well, but at the tunnels right now.
These both I think are "good soldiers"

I have killed:
Joshwan: the pirate, a good soldier who met his end in the fight.
Erlech: An "original" slave escapee and a stern fighter, died in the fight.

I have wounded:
Fewerth: the nasty guy who tried to trick Hadith's blade to himself, making his best in the battle, fought to injury, trampled by a horse; needs to be taken care of (Tevildo / Dorran?)

Nothing definitive to say about right now:
Guilledean: a kind of a nerd but might be capable of something - with the archers.
Khala & Cuáran: the elder ladies who would be helping in all things possible (=no fighters but helpers, with the women and children)

-----
I saw a quite many of you to bring forwards some characters in the last posts. Please bring them here so that we can have a picture of them and the overall situation!

[Folwren]

A very good post, Foley! Indeed. I might have wished Hadith to be a bit more conscious to kind of make it beliavable that he somehow (even though foolhardly) would get involved in the battle to come. But I can make it in my own post for him, so you do not need to change anything...

Oh! I can change my edit, yes. I can do that quite easily. You can write a post but do so with the assumption that tomorrow (it's evening for me now...so about we hours from now, prob'bly) I'll edit it into my post that he was more conscious and responsive to the pain and what not. How's that?

-- Folwren

[Nogrod]

I'll edit it into my post that he was more conscious and responsive to the pain and what not. How's that?Just great. I have no time to write anything right now as I need to get to sleep myself. I'll be back tomorrow, my time, RL.

But I would appreciate a few changes just to make Hadith a bit more conscious...

[Brinniel]

So how are these?
Orofaniel - Reagonn
Novnarwen - Aedhild
Don't forget Nova's Eirnar, who is one of "the fifteen." I was actually debating killing him off rather than Reagonn, but I don't believe Nova officially dropped from the RPG, and though she hasn't posted in over two months, I've noticed she has visited the forum recently. Anyone know if she has dropped from the RPG for sure? Is it safe to kill off her characters? If anyone does write in her characters, perhaps it'd be best to put them together in the final standoff. If I remember correctly, Eirnar has shown himself quick to care for and protect Aedhild through her mental ailments. Hmm...it'd be interesting if Aedhild died and Eirnar lived... Anyone want to write this?

Anyways, I'm currently planning my next post. I think I'll have Shae approach the camp where the woman and children are from the north. Reagonn and another NPC will catch up to her, and both will later be killed. Are those three slavers (leftover from five) up north still there? If so, I'll create a little incident with them...

[piosenniel]

Tevildo's character, Azhar, will not need any help.....

Will fill my SAVE tomorrow.

~*~ Pio

[Folwren]

Excellent, Pio! I'm very glad to hear it. :)

Nogrod, I have edited that post. Tell me if it's alright.

-- Folwren

[Durelin]

Anyone know if she has dropped from the RPG for sure? Is it safe to kill off her characters?

As she has not posted in some time, I believe it's policy that she has forfeited her character(s).

It might well be interesting to kill off Aedhild and leave Eirnar alive. Would he feel a mix of grief and relief? He'd be an interesting character to play after such a death. But it might also be interesting for Eirnar to die while trying to protect her, and in the end have them both die...

If no one else writes about them, and we could do with more casualties, I'll write up a death scene. :D

The NPCs I created recently:

Nasim - he loves peace, is not afraid to cry, and still has an obedient quality to him. He is one of the recent escapees. He is only minorly wounded.

Gamal - he rarely talks, is a very sober person who feels he should not get attached to anyone or anything because it will simply be lost again. He is one of "the fifteen," I suppose. Didn't really think about him much. :p He is also only minorly wounded.

Dead:

Zaki - Nasim's friend.

[Brinniel]

I put in a save. Hopefully, it will be filled by the end of the weekend. I would do it now, as I'm in a slightly creative mood at the moment, but I'm also very tired. I think I'm actually going to try to turn in early for once...and by early, I mean before 2am. :rolleyes:

In case anyone's wondering, Syth is the other NPC I'm writing in the post. Not that it matters too much, as I will be killing him off. Though, when I come to think about it, we really should keep track of NPCs, dead and alive. That way when the battle's all over and done, we can figure out how many ex-slaves are left.

If no one else writes about them, and we could do with more casualties, I'll write up a death scene.
Feel free to do so. I'd love to write it myself, but seeing my schedule I'm not sure if it's possible for me to post for any characters other than Shae at the moment. I'm overwhelmed with schoolwork until the 15th. Then on the 18th, I go home then leave again on the 22nd to spend Christmas in California until the 29th. (Sigh...it's insanity, I know.) After the 30th, I'm free to temorarily take on as many characters necessary, but I'm sure we'll be for the most part done with the battle by then...

[Firefoot]

Save filled.

[Folwren]

Um...Firefoot...I think you've mis understood Hadith's position. He is far back agains the rocks, behind all the women and children, and fairly sheltered from the wind and sand. He is by three or four water buckets that are sitting underneath a large concave rock. So, he's not really in the middle of no where, and not very easily stumbled upon.

So sorry. :(

-- Folwren

[Firefoot]

Oops. :rolleyes: My fault.

Edit: post changed. Hopefully that's better.

[Brinniel]

Okay, my save is filled with a ridiculously long post. :p

Two more ex-slaves are dead along with one slaver. Shae's in a bit of a sticky situation, so if anyone wants to come and rescue her, feel free. She's very close to the women and children's camp, but looking at other posts, perhaps even nearer to Khamir and his companions. Though her injuries are only minor, Shae looks like a complete wreck and there's definitely no way she could fend off two slavers, so she could really use some help... :rolleyes: