Scarburg Meadhall Discussion Thread

[littlemanpoet]

I meant that I had double posted on the discussion thread.

Yes, I was rather ungenerous. I suspected end of school year stuff. Sorry.

I may have a chance to post something tonight...

[Folwren]

Yes, I was rather ungenerous. I suspected end of school year stuff. Sorry.

And I'm sorry to have snapped at you. We'll call it even. :)

-- Foley

[Thinlómien]

Hey all,

I've been rather busy with studying for University entrance exams, preparing the aforementioned graduation party and having a new job so I had a good excuse not to post for my characters who were not involved in anything anymore.

Now Foley's changed the situation though and I promised her I'll post, so you'll be hearing from me hopefully already either today or tomorrow! :)

And like Noggie, I should have a lot more time in June. :D

[Lhunardawen]

And like Noggie, I should have a lot more time in June. :D

Whereas I will have a lot less time (to say the least) come June. :( I should probably ask Celuien how she managed back then...

[Thinlómien]

Sorry for writing so little but I didn't want to be responsible for another fight :D so I figured a) Foley could continue and start the fight :p b) she could continue and come up with something else and be more creative than I am or c) we could just move on with the festivities before the kids get a chance to start quarreling. :)

[littlemanpoet]

And I'm sorry to have snapped at you. We'll call it even. :)

-- FoleyYou shouldn't be sorry for calling a spade a spade. That's truth telling and I needed it. I prefer to be in your debt on this one. :)

I'll see what I can do in 20 minutes before yet another thing calls me away...

[littlemanpoet]

That was a nice, deft way to get to the wedding ceremony itself, Foley. :)


Now that we're there, I'm finding this to be a difficult thing to write. How do you want to go about it? Do you wany anything goofy to happen in the middle of it? If so we'll need to write the whole thing out complete with dialogue. Otherwise one of us could just narrate it.

Here's an option I just thought of: we could do a Discussion thread - built post where one of us starts out the event and posts it to the discussion thread, and whoever wants can continue it in another post. Question is, why do it that way and not just post straight to the story thread? My only thought is that it would be great for anybody to put in a line at any point in the script without feeling like they have to write at least two paragraphs or ask permission.

Thoughts?

[Folwren]

Well, first and foremost, I'd like to know if there was any interesting response from Rowenna to Thornden's last comment. ;)

With my last post, I was just trying to avoid a fight. I took it just as far as Groin had in his last post.

I like the idea of building a Discussion Thread post. It would be hilarious if something funny happened in the middle of the ceremony, but if we did it spontaneously rather than sitting here and planning it to death it would be better still.

-- Folwren

[Nogrod]

I like the idea of building a Discussion Thread post. It would be hilarious if something funny happened in the middle of the ceremony, but if we did it spontaneously rather than sitting here and planning it to death it would be better still.Agreed. That way even I might stand a chance of putting something in between if there was a good chance for it. (Meaning: if I have a few moments to spare on the coming days I could just check the building of the narration and if coming up with nice ideas I could just drop a few lines in.)

I mean, Stigend isn't the obvious one to make a difference there, but the kids might intervene depending on how things turn out with them... :)

[littlemanpoet]

Okay, that's two votes in favor. Good enough for me. I'll start.
************************************************** ***
Rowenna's eyes widened in momentary surprise, then smiled in spite of herself at Thornden's compliment. "Thank you. I think the mood of the event has gotten in your veins, Thornden."
************************************************** ***
Who's next?

[Folwren]

Rowenna's eyes widened in momentary surprise, then smiled in spite of herself at Thornden's compliment. "Thank you. I think the mood of the event has gotten in your veins, Thornden."

He chose not take that to mean what it could conceivably mean and he only laughed. "I am very happy for lord Eodwine and lady Saeryn," he replied, and then they became quiet as they drew near the gathered people.

[littlemanpoet]

Rowenna's eyes widened in momentary surprise, then smiled in spite of herself at Thornden's compliment. "Thank you. I think the mood of the event has gotten in your veins, Thornden."

He chose not to take that to mean what it could conceivably mean and he only laughed. "I am very happy for lord Eodwine and lady Saeryn," he replied, and then they became quiet as they drew near the gathered people.

Randvér frowned, standing in the circle. Ginna pulled Harreld into the circle and stood beside her father. So the young woman stood between her father and the man she seemed to have chosen, giving Randvér much opportunity to glance sidewise at his prospective son in law. He was a big man! And seemingly gentle. But the rite was about to begin.

Eodwine and Thornden came into the circle, dressed in their finest, and took their places at the center of the circle. The people quieted and craned their necks to see if they could catch a glimpse of the bride and bride's maid who waited outside the circle.

Then the old man visitor, the one called Eodwemer, stepped out of the crowd and stood before the bride and groom.

"Folk of Scarburg," he said, "your lord Eodwine has asked me to guide the rite. He thinks that my length of years have given me wisdom." The old man chuckled at the notion. "In any case, I am honored and will do my best to honor his choice."

[Folwren]

I'm leaving this evening for staff training for summer camp. I will be back Friday afternoon sometime.

I am also working at camp the next two weeks, and two more weeks in the summer. On the weeks I am gone, I will be leaving on Sunday afternoons and coming back late Friday afternoon.

Just wanted to give ya'll a heads up.

If no one adds to the post by the time I leave, I will add a little bit for one of my characters.

-- Folwren

[littlemanpoet]

post # 1410 has the rite bullet point by bullet point. I've already blown following that, so I intend to fix it. I'd quote or link post # 1410 to this post but this breakroom computer can't do it.

[Folwren]

I'm back for the weekend. Once Elempi re-posts, I'll write something.

[littlemanpoet]

Rowenna's eyes widened in momentary surprise, then smiled in spite of herself at Thornden's compliment. "Thank you. I think the mood of the event has gotten in your veins, Thornden."

He chose not to take that to mean what it could conceivably mean and he only laughed. "I am very happy for lord Eodwine and lady Saeryn," he replied, and then they became quiet as they drew near the gathered people.

Randvér frowned, standing in the circle. Ginna pulled Harreld into the circle and stood beside her father. So the young woman stood between her father and the man she seemed to have chosen, giving Randvér much opportunity to glance sidewise at his prospective son in law. He was a big man! And seemingly gentle. But the rite was about to begin.

Eodwine and Thornden came into the circle, dressed in their finest, and took their places at the center of the circle. The people quieted and craned their necks to see if they could catch a glimpse of the bride and bride's maid who waited outside the circle.

Then the old man visitor, the one called Eodwemer, stepped out of the crowd and stood before the bride and groom.

"Folk of Scarburg," he said, "your lord Eodwine has asked me to guide the rite. He thinks that my length of years have given me wisdom." The old man chuckled at the notion. "In any case, I am honored and will do my best to honor his choice. So let the bride's maid and bride enter the circle!"

***********************************************
There. I've reposted. Your turn, Foley.

[Folwren]

Rowenna's eyes widened in momentary surprise, then smiled in spite of herself at Thornden's compliment. "Thank you. I think the mood of the event has gotten in your veins, Thornden."

He chose not to take that to mean what it could conceivably mean and he only laughed. "I am very happy for lord Eodwine and lady Saeryn," he replied, and then they became quiet as they drew near the gathered people.

Randvér frowned, standing in the circle. Ginna pulled Harreld into the circle and stood beside her father. So the young woman stood between her father and the man she seemed to have chosen, giving Randvér much opportunity to glance sidewise at his prospective son in law. He was a big man! And seemingly gentle. But the rite was about to begin.

Eodwine and Thornden came into the circle, dressed in their finest, and took their places at the center of the circle. The people quieted and craned their necks to see if they could catch a glimpse of the bride and bride's maid who waited outside the circle.

Then the old man visitor, the one called Eodwemer, stepped out of the crowd and stood before the bride and groom.

"Folk of Scarburg," he said, "your lord Eodwine has asked me to guide the rite. He thinks that my length of years have given me wisdom." The old man chuckled at the notion. "In any case, I am honored and will do my best to honor his choice. So let the bride's maid and bride enter the circle!"

Saeryn took a final breath and felt her face blush one last time. Degas stepped up to her side and she looked at him. He smiled and offered her his arm and she gave him a thankful smile in return as she took it. They went forward together and Rowenna followed just a little behind Saeryn on her right.

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

K, I would've written about Degas leaving Saeryn (and I was going to have him kiss her or something) but I figured if Feanor wanted to do that, she should be able to. :D And if she doesn't, that's fine.

[littlemanpoet]

I thought bride's maids always preceded the bride into the place of the rite.

[Folwren]

I thought bride's maids always preceded the bride into the place of the rite.

Well, in American (and most European) culture, sure - but who's to say in Rohan, they didn't follow? ;)

For some reason I pictured her just at Saeryn's right shoulder, a little bit behind. She can go before, certainly.

Maybe I got the idea from my sister-in-law's wedding. When she was married, we bridesmaids didn't go before her. We escorted her down. There were four of us, two went ahead and two went behind. (See picture if you want a visual explanation.)

Anyway, below I re-wrote it. Use whichever version you prefer.

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

Rowenna's eyes widened in momentary surprise, then smiled in spite of herself at Thornden's compliment. "Thank you. I think the mood of the event has gotten in your veins, Thornden."

He chose not to take that to mean what it could conceivably mean and he only laughed. "I am very happy for lord Eodwine and lady Saeryn," he replied, and then they became quiet as they drew near the gathered people.

Randvér frowned, standing in the circle. Ginna pulled Harreld into the circle and stood beside her father. So the young woman stood between her father and the man she seemed to have chosen, giving Randvér much opportunity to glance sidewise at his prospective son in law. He was a big man! And seemingly gentle. But the rite was about to begin.

Eodwine and Thornden came into the circle, dressed in their finest, and took their places at the center of the circle. The people quieted and craned their necks to see if they could catch a glimpse of the bride and bride's maid who waited outside the circle.

Then the old man visitor, the one called Eodwemer, stepped out of the crowd and stood before the bride and groom.

"Folk of Scarburg," he said, "your lord Eodwine has asked me to guide the rite. He thinks that my length of years have given me wisdom." The old man chuckled at the notion. "In any case, I am honored and will do my best to honor his choice. So let the bride's maid and bride enter the circle!"

Saeryn took a final breath and felt her face blush one last time. Degas stepped up to her side and she looked at him. He smiled and offered her his arm and she gave him a thankful smile in return as she took it. Then she turned to Rowenna and nodded her head. Rowenna stepped forward and led the way down through the people to where Eodwine stood waiting.

[Nerindel]

Hello everyone, it's been awhile, I hope you don't mind the uninvited Guest ;) I guess I just can't resist a good wedding :p But don't worry I will write for Æðel too:D So here are the bios for both of them:

Name: Iomhair Fearghal


Age: 24 Gender: Female

Race: Human (Barding)

Appearance: Standing at 5ft 8” Iomhair is considered tall for a woman and with soft brown eyes and wavy brown hair many a man would deem her pretty perhaps even beautiful in her fine cut coats usually of blues, yellows or deep purples finely embroidered with contrasting colours, atop snug fitting blouses and long skirts. She has a medium complexion marred only by the occasional ink smudge. Being a scribe by trade her long fingered hands are constantly stained and a fine feathered quill can always be found somewhere about her person, if not in her hand, then tucked either in her hat or her belt or even tucked behind an ear.


Character: Other than being born in the lake town of Esgaroth very little is known of Iomhair’s past, a wandering scribe never content to call any one place home for too long, preferring instead to learn and document the tales of other more interesting life’s than her own. A free spirit full of life and love, a hopeless romantic more suited to poetry than the fine craft of scribing some might say. Full of good intentions Iomhair portents to only writing truths, ‘weather those truths be damaging or not is up to the reader’ she would protest ardently. Some mistakenly may think her a fool even a bit of a sap, but Iomhair is well educated and well versed in the vices and deceptions of many of the houses within the race of men. Like most scribes her only weapons are her quill and keen mind, she shuns violence where possible preferring the role of spectator to combatant. Perhaps Iomhair’s worst weakness is for a pretty face and a sweet smile, though it could not be said that she deferred from the passion and chase of a man believing himself above love.

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

Name: Æðelhild (Æðel)


Age: 20 Race: Gondorian Gender: Female


Appearance: Æðelhild is tall and slight; her rich dark hair falls over her shoulders with the sides usually pulled back into a neat and tidy braid. Deep dark brown eyes reflect the sorrows of her past. Despite dark eyes and hair her complexion is unusually fair, giving her a gentle beauty that she is plainly unaware of.


Æðelhild’s attire is usually that of various coloured Cytel’s worn over shifts of either white or cream linen and tied at the waist with either leather or hand woven knotted belts. Almost always in her possession are her simple box and a small knife for cutting roots and herbs.


At present Æòelhild is in possession of her father’s sword (though she never wears it). A unique blend of both Rohan (Her ancestors on her father’s side having originally come from Rohan) and Gondorian craftsmanship went into its making. The blending and folding of it’s metals done in the Rohan fashion, with the tang just short of the full width of the blade giving it an even balance, yet the guard, grip and pommel distinctly of Gondorian influence, with a majestic rearing horse to the right of a great spreading white tree and an anvil and hammer to the right engraved into the pommel. (No-one but Eodwine, Matrim and Balvir are aware of the swords presence.)


Character/History: Before the afflictions of her uncle (Lord Cild, head merchant of Minas Tirith) Æðelhild was a happy and bright young girl, brought up by her father in the ways of Gondorian noble society and more than a little pampered, but in no way naïve as many believed her to be. She disliked the games and deceits of nobles and spent much of her time in the halls of healers. Her Grandmother had been a Læce and it was only natural that she would have the same affinity and the healers had no objection to sharing with her the secrets of their craft, especially as she was eager and even willing to do the chores required each day, chore’s that many other children of nobility would quite openly sneer at.


Æðelhild’s happy and contented life was not to last, as on a routine patrol her father and his men were ambushed and killed changing her life forever. Æðelhild’s mother having died in child birth and her grandparents having also pasted she was left unto the care of her Fathers brother, Cild a crude and shrewd businessman who had always distanced himself from the family, weather by choice or not Æðelhild did not know, but she had noticed that he and her father never seemed pleased to see each other.


After several cruel and sometime brutal years at the hands of her Uncle Æðelhild become quiet and withdrawn and even stopped visiting the halls. The once confident and exuberant child now seemed to be afraid of her own shadow. It was rumoured (A rumour started by her uncle) that she grieved the loss of her father (Lord Arethil) and her late mothers brother (Lord Mordavim) and would not come out of her room to see anyone, it was even rumoured several times that she had tried to take her own life, but none of the healers had ever been permitted to see her, her uncle insisting he had his own private healer and would use no other.


But Halfric the son of the late lord Arethil’s scribe and Æðelhild’s childhood friend would not believe the lies of her uncle. The truth was that he loved her and although he knew the nobility of her birth would never allow for him to be an acceptable suitor, he cherished their friendship and could never believe that his friend would not wish to confide her grieve much less be so weighed by it that she would think to end her own life. So he challenged Cild time and time again to let him see her but the merchant refused eventually bringing false charges against the boy which saw him enlisted to the southern boarders for three long years... to cool his temper and stay his tongue the magistrate had ordered.
Reluctantly he served his time under the command of captain Balvir of Ithlien and returned no longer a boy but a young man with his resolve hardened. His weapon skills had remained minimal but his skill in information gathering and espionage would serve the purpose of his return. He was resolved to remove Æðelhild from the reach of her uncle. So it was that he returned secretly and set about gathering information and even bribing members of the merchant’s household until one night when Cild was to be gone sometime he snuck into the great house and convinced Æðelhild to leave with him.


But fate was not to be on their side and as the two friends prepared to make haste southward Cild returned unexpectedly, His fury at finding them together caused him to draw blades on Halfric. Æðelhild attempted to intervene, only to find the back of her uncle’s hand across her face knocking her into a large oak desk and on to unconsciousness. That was the final straw for the heated young man and he lunged at the monster he saw before him all sense diminished by his rage until enviably Cild (son of a weapons master and brother to a knight of Gondor) stuck the killing blow that was to end his life forever.


Æðelhild regaining consciousness opened her eyes to find the vacant empty eyed stare of her dead friend, she let out a scream and next thing her uncle had grabbed her up by the hair, murderous wrath in his eyes and Halfric's blood still dripping from his sword. Filled with a fear she thought not possible her hand scrambled behind her on the desk that had caused her head to throb so in unyielding pain. She could feel her uncle’s hot breath on her face as he leaned in threatenly, it was then that she felt it, cold and solid in her clammy hand she hesitated for a moment thinking that perhaps death would release her from this life and its pain and she could finally be with those she loved, But as Cild raised his sword hand not to strike her but to brush her cheek gently, she realised the truth, He would never let her go she would be his prisoner forever. She shuddered at the thought and clasping her hand tightly around what she guessed was Cild's letter opener, she closed her eyes and plunged it into his chest, she did not see his look of shock and horror but she did hear the thud of sword and man hitting the floor and that was all she needed, opening her eyes she ran across the room; out the door; down the dark passage ways and out the rear door to the waiting horses. Tears streamed her face as she mounted the mare Halfric had readied for her and rode out the gates and out of Gondor! (She thought for good.)


Æðelhild knew not where she was going or what she would find, her future was uncertain and it was not long before she was completely lost. Her sudden freedom was not as gratifying as she had hoped. A young woman alone on open roads was an easy target for bandits and scoundrels. Æðelhild faced many harrowing ordeals before eventually finding her way to Edoras and the shelter of a dry stable (That of the old White horse inn) Where she met and befriended Saeryn of the folde who took kindness upon her and later Mistress Bethberry the Innkeeper of the white horse who gave her work and shelter.


So it was that Æðel (As she now calls herself) found a life first as house maid of the White horse, then later Serving girl in the Mead hall and soon to be Healer to Lord Eodwine of the Gap/Scarburg and although she could never erase the memory of her past she had slowly come to believe that in this place she could find some of what she had lost and find again a purpose in her life. But once again fate was not to be her friend and the arrival of Matrim and Balvir to the Halls of Mesuald was to bring that past crashing back to her!!! But for better or worse is yet to be seen.........

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

Just a quick question: Are you planning to have the traditional sharing of food and drink between bride and groom? as I was thinking of having Æðel (or perhaps it should be Kara?)bring out the mead cup filled with a honey mead (as honey was traditionally associated with fertility and the mead with prosperity) I believe bread was also shared though I can not remember its significance off hand, I think it had something to do with the sharing of each others lives and taking care of one another.... hmm not sure though. Also are you planning to have the grooms man and Braids maid bind their hands? as Æðel would quite like to make the bind cloth/ribbon (not sure of the right name for this item) a gift to them.

- - - - - - - - -

LINKED (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551131&postcount=2) ~*~ Pio

[littlemanpoet]

5. Rite

* The people gather in the circle
* Eodwine welcomes the people
* Eodwemer calls for the bride
* Saeryn and Rowenna come into the circle, Saeryn on Degas' arm and Rowenna on Thornden's, the bride veiled and flowered.
* Ring oath spoken and symbols exchanged
* Handgeld and bridegift oaths spoken
* Sword oath spoken & swords exchanged
* Thonden and Rowenna bind the hands of Eodwine and Saeryn together
* oath of binding
* symbolic kiss
* sharing of food and drink (honey mead)
* symbolic jump over rope
* union announced

After the rite

1. Ride-romp
2. feast with Lithor presiding
3. dance
4. riddles
5. rite of crossing the threshold

[littlemanpoet]

Just a quick question: Are you planning to have the traditional sharing of food and drink between bride and groom? as I was thinking of having Æðel (or perhaps it should be Kara?)bring out the mead cup filled with a honey mead (as honey was traditionally associated with fertility and the mead with prosperity) I believe bread was also shared though I can not remember its significance off hand, I think it had something to do with the sharing of each others lives and taking care of one another.... hmm not sure though. Also are you planning to have the grooms man and Braids maid bind their hands? as Æðel would quite like to make the bind cloth/ribbon (not sure of the right name for this item) a gift to them.


Great ideas! Thanks for offering them. I'll edit my last post to include them. Oh, and welcome back! I hope you can stay long a while.

[Nerindel]

Great ideas! Thanks for offering them. I'll edit my last post to include them. Oh, and welcome back! I hope you can stay long a while.

:D no worries, I also have a copy of a Pagan Hand fasting script that I found while researching something else, if you would like to see it just let me know. Yeah I hope I can stick around longer too, I will definitely try ;)

[Thinlómien]

Great to see you around, Nerindel. :)

[Groin Redbeard]

Nerindel, nice to finally meet you.:) I that have taken two of your characters: Balvir and Matrim(at least I think they were once yours). If you want to writ for them, they are waiting for the wedding to begin.:)

Also, I noticed that one of your characters had her eye on the "younger of the guardsmen." Would that by any chance be Thornden?:D

[littlemanpoet]

:D no worries, I also have a copy of a Pagan Hand fasting script that I found while researching something else, if you would like to see it just let me know. Yeah I hope I can stick around longer too, I will definitely try ;)

Feel free to post it up. I'd like to see it. No doubt I'll do what I think helpful to "Tolkienize" it. :p

In fact, I want to see that before I write anymore about the rite.

[Nerindel]

Thanks lomie :)

Nerindel, nice to finally meet you. I that have taken two of your characters: Balvir and Matrim(at least I think they were once yours). If you want to writ for them, they are waiting for the wedding to begin.


Thanks Groin, nice to met you too, Yes I have read your posts involving Matrim and Balvir Nice work. I don't mind sharing them but I will put their bio's up (once I locate which memory stick they're hiding in:rolleyes:) as they are important to Æðel's story.


Also, I noticed that one of your characters had her eye on the "younger of the guardsmen." Would that by any chance be Thornden?

lol, no as Thornden currently has Rowenna on his arm it is not him. In fact knowing Iomhair it is not one man but all the young guardsmen. :p

Feel free to post it up. I'd like to see it. No doubt I'll do what I think helpful to "Tolkienize" it.

In fact, I want to see that before I write anymore about the rite.

ok here it is "Tolkienize" away!

Elder: We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of and [groom]. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption. Love is anterior to Life, posterior to Death, initial of Creation and the exponent of Earth. If we learn no more in life, let it be this.


Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, [groom] and [bride] have come here today to be joined as one in marriage. Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but, as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has her family's blessing.


[bride], is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?


[B]Bride: Yes, it is true.


Elder: With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you.


Family member (usually the father): She comes with me, her [father, uncle, brother], and is accompanied by all my blessings.


Elder: Please join hands with your betrothed and listen to that which I am about to say.(Grooms man and brides lady bind the joined hands of the couple) Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember...


Like a stone should your love be firm, like a star should your love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly.


Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease, for God is with you always.


[groom], I have not the right to bind thee to , only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand.

[B]Groom: It is my wish.


Elder: , if it be your wish for [groom] to be bound to you, place the ring on his finger. (places ring on Groom's left ring finger) [bride] I have not the right to bind thee to [groom] only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand.


[B]Bride: It is my wish.


Elder: [Groom], if it be your wish for to be bound to you, place the ring on her finger.(places ring on Bride's left ring finger)


[B]Groom: I, (groom’s full name), in the name of the spirit of God that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, I take thee (bride's full name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. To desire thee and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself.


Elder: , if it be your wish for [groom] to be bound to you, Place the ring on her finger. (places ring on groom’s left finger)

[B]Bride: I (bride's full name), in the name of the spirit of God that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood, and the love that resides within my heart, take thee, (groom's full name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit to be my chosen one. To desire and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself.


Elder:
(hands cup (containing honey mead for prosperity and fertility) to the groom, saying) May you drink your fill from the cup of love.


(Groom holds Cup to bride while she sips then bride takes Cup and holds it to groom while he sips. The Cup is then handed back to the Elder who sets it on a table. Next the Elder takes the plate of bread, giving it to the groom. Same procedure repeated with bread, groom feeding bride and bride feeding groom.)


Elder announces the union and the bride and groom kiss (I added the bold bit as I thought it was missing lol).

[littlemanpoet]

This is modern neo-paganism rather than paganism. There are no mythological deities invoked. Anyway, it can be helpful.

Rowenna's eyes widened in momentary surprise, then smiled in spite of herself at Thornden's compliment. "Thank you. I think the mood of the event has gotten in your veins, Thornden."

He chose not to take that to mean what it could conceivably mean and he only laughed. "I am very happy for lord Eodwine and lady Saeryn," he replied, and then they became quiet as they drew near the gathered people.

Randvér frowned, standing in the circle. Ginna pulled Harreld into the circle and stood beside her father. So the young woman stood between her father and the man she seemed to have chosen, giving Randvér much opportunity to glance sidewise at his prospective son in law. He was a big man! And seemingly gentle. But the rite was about to begin.

Eodwine and Thornden came into the circle, dressed in their finest, and took their places at the center of the circle. The people quieted and craned their necks to see if they could catch a glimpse of the bride and bride's maid who waited outside the circle.

Then the old man visitor, the one called Eodwemer, stepped out of the crowd and stood before the bride and groom.

"Folk of Scarburg," he said, "your lord Eodwine has asked me to guide the rite. He thinks that my length of years have given me wisdom." The old man chuckled at the notion. "In any case, I am honored and will do my best to honor his choice. So let the bride's maid and bride enter the circle!"

Saeryn took a final breath and felt her face blush one last time. Degas stepped up to her side and she looked at him. He smiled and offered her his arm and she gave him a thankful smile in return as she took it. Then she turned to Rowenna and nodded her head. Rowenna stepped forward and led the way down through the people to where Eodwine stood waiting.

There were oohs and aahs from the gathered crowd, for the beaming Saeryn was a sight to behold. She stopped at Eodwine's side and looked up at him, smiling. His mouth and eyes could not contain his happiness. Those with the best ears overheard him say, "What a lucky man I am."

Rowenna and Thornden took their places beside the bride and groom, each holding a sword and ring.

Eodwemer spoke. "We have gathered to witness the joining together of Lady Saeryn of the Folde and Lord Eodwine, Eorl of Middle Emnet. We honor our forebears by following their ways, to be joined man and woman by oath, to bear and raise young, to thrive, love, and increase the strength of our folk.

"Who releases the bride to this man?"

"I Lord Degas of the Folde release her from her bond to my house."

"It is then time to bind the hands of bride and groom," said Eodwemer. "Who has the binding?"

[Nogrod]

Great to see this taking steps forwards... and Welcome back Nerindel!

[littlemanpoet]

"It is then time to bind the hands of bride and groom," said Eodwemer. "Who has the binding?"Now's your chance to step in, Nerindel. Just so you understand what's going on, we're actually building the wedding on the discussion thread so that anybody who wants to can jump in or insert something at any point in the plot line. So I've left the next section for you to write, since you brought it up. Simply copy and paste the whole thing into your next post and add to it.

If you have any questions, please ask.

[Nerindel]

Ok here you go, Æðel's little gift. ;)

Rowenna's eyes widened in momentary surprise, then smiled in spite of herself at Thornden's compliment. "Thank you. I think the mood of the event has gotten in your veins, Thornden."

He chose not to take that to mean what it could conceivably mean and he only laughed. "I am very happy for lord Eodwine and lady Saeryn," he replied, and then they became quiet as they drew near the gathered people.

Randvér frowned, standing in the circle. Ginna pulled Harreld into the circle and stood beside her father. So the young woman stood between her father and the man she seemed to have chosen, giving Randvér much opportunity to glance sidewise at his prospective son in law. He was a big man! And seemingly gentle. But the rite was about to begin.

Eodwine and Thornden came into the circle, dressed in their finest, and took their places at the center of the circle. The people quieted and craned their necks to see if they could catch a glimpse of the bride and bride's maid who waited outside the circle.

Then the old man visitor, the one called Eodwemer, stepped out of the crowd and stood before the bride and groom.

"Folk of Scarburg," he said, "your lord Eodwine has asked me to guide the rite. He thinks that my length of years have given me wisdom." The old man chuckled at the notion. "In any case, I am honored and will do my best to honor his choice. So let the bride's maid and bride enter the circle!"

Saeryn took a final breath and felt her face blush one last time. Degas stepped up to her side and she looked at him. He smiled and offered her his arm and she gave him a thankful smile in return as she took it. Then she turned to Rowenna and nodded her head. Rowenna stepped forward and led the way down through the people to where Eodwine stood waiting.

There were oohs and aahs from the gathered crowd, for the beaming Saeryn was a sight to behold. She stopped at Eodwine's side and looked up at him, smiling. His mouth and eyes could not contain his happiness. Those with the best ears overheard him say, "What a lucky man I am."

Rowenna and Thornden took their places beside the bride and groom, each holding a sword and ring.

Eodwemer spoke. "We have gathered to witness the joining together of Lady Saeryn of the Folde and Lord Eodwine, Eorl of Middle Emnet. We honor our forebears by following their ways, to be joined man and woman by oath, to bear and raise young, to thrive, love, and increase the strength of our folk.

"Who releases the bride to this man?"

"I Lord Degas of the Folde release her from her bond to my house."

"It is then time to bind the hands of bride and groom," said Eodwemer. "Who has the binding?"

A low whisper ran through the circle as people wondered who if anyone had remembered. However their fears were soon alleviated and an expectant hush once more filled the air as Æðel stepped forward.

While others had laboured she had spent the day delicately embroidering a simple linen binding with Lord Eodwine’s Sigils intertwined with what Degas had assured her was Saeryn’s favourite flowers, as he seemed to think that their own Sigils would bring no joy to his sister at present, down each side was also embroidered the words Unity and Love which she thought encapsulated the depth of the oaths her friends where entering into.

“I Æðel, Have that which is to bind hand and heart of Lord Eodwine and Lady Saeryn before those who Respect, love and serve them.” She announced, raising the binding in the air for all to see.

A Cheer rose up around them as Æðel smiled warmly at the happy couple, her dark eye’s gleaming with a merriment she had not felt in a long time. Resisting the urge to run up and hug Searyn tightly she placed the white binding into Eodwemer’s waiting hand and stepped back to her place in the circle.

[littlemanpoet]

Rowenna's eyes widened in momentary surprise, then smiled in spite of herself at Thornden's compliment. "Thank you. I think the mood of the event has gotten in your veins, Thornden."

He chose not to take that to mean what it could conceivably mean and he only laughed. "I am very happy for lord Eodwine and lady Saeryn," he replied, and then they became quiet as they drew near the gathered people.

Randvér frowned, standing in the circle. Ginna pulled Harreld into the circle and stood beside her father. So the young woman stood between her father and the man she seemed to have chosen, giving Randvér much opportunity to glance sidewise at his prospective son in law. He was a big man! And seemingly gentle. But the rite was about to begin.

Eodwine and Thornden came into the circle, dressed in their finest, and took their places at the center of the circle. The people quieted and craned their necks to see if they could catch a glimpse of the bride and bride's maid who waited outside the circle.

Then the old man visitor, the one called Eodwemer, stepped out of the crowd and stood before the bride and groom.

"Folk of Scarburg," he said, "your lord Eodwine has asked me to guide the rite. He thinks that my length of years have given me wisdom." The old man chuckled at the notion. "In any case, I am honored and will do my best to honor his choice. So let the bride's maid and bride enter the circle!"

Saeryn took a final breath and felt her face blush one last time. Degas stepped up to her side and she looked at him. He smiled and offered her his arm and she gave him a thankful smile in return as she took it. Then she turned to Rowenna and nodded her head. Rowenna stepped forward and led the way down through the people to where Eodwine stood waiting.

There were oohs and aahs from the gathered crowd, for the beaming Saeryn was a sight to behold. She stopped at Eodwine's side and looked up at him, smiling. His mouth and eyes could not contain his happiness. Those with the best ears overheard him say, "What a lucky man I am."

Rowenna and Thornden took their places beside the bride and groom, each holding a sword and ring.

Eodwemer spoke. "We have gathered to witness the joining together of Lady Saeryn of the Folde and Lord Eodwine, Eorl of Middle Emnet. We honor our forebears by following their ways, to be joined man and woman by oath, to bear and raise young, to thrive, love, and increase the strength of our folk.

"Who releases the bride to this man?"

"I Lord Degas of the Folde release her from her bond to my house."

"Do you have rings?" asked Eodwemer. Thornden handed a ring to Eodwine and Rowenna handed one to Saeryn. "Eodwine, place the ring on Saeryn's finger and speak your oath."

Eodwine slipped the ring half way onto the third finger of Saeryn's left hand. "Saeryn, this ring is a token of my love. Like this circle it has no end. As I place it around the vein that goes to your heart, let my love go straight to your heart."

Saeryn deftly pulled the ring the rest of the way onto her finger, then slipped a much bigger ring on the third finger of Eodwine's left hand. "Eodwine, this ring is a token of my love. LIke this circle it has no end. As I place it around the vein that goes to your heart, let me love go straight to your heart."

"Now speak handgeld and bridegift," Eodwemer intoned.

"For handgeld, Saeryn," said Eodwine, "my oath is to come to the aid of your brother Degas, Lord of the Folde, when called for any need, as long as the three of us live."

"For bride gift, Eodwine, "said Saeryn, "my oath is that my brother Degas will come to your aid when called upon for any need, as long as the three of us live."

"Have you swords to exchange?" asked Eodwemer.

Thornden handed Eodwine's sword to him. Eodwine offered the hilt to Saeryn. "Saeryn, I give you this my sword as protection against all evils. With it my son will protect you when I am dead."

Saeryn took the sword and traded it with Rowenna for the sword from Harreld. "Eodwine, I give you this sword in exchange for the heirloom of your house, to protect our house while you live."

"It is then time to bind the hands of bride and groom," said Eodwemer. "Who has the binding?"

A low whisper ran through the circle as people wondered who if anyone had remembered. However their fears were soon alleviated and an expectant hush once more filled the air as Æðel stepped forward.

While others had laboured she had spent the day delicately embroidering a simple linen binding with Lord Eodwine’s Sigils intertwined with what Degas had assured her was Saeryn’s favourite flowers, as he seemed to think that their own Sigils would bring no joy to his sister at present, down each side was also embroidered the words Unity and Love which she thought encapsulated the depth of the oaths her friends where entering into.

“I Æðel, Have that which is to bind hand and heart of Lord Eodwine and Lady Saeryn before those who Respect, love and serve them.” She announced, raising the binding in the air for all to see.

A Cheer rose up around them as Æðel smiled warmly at the happy couple, her dark eye’s gleaming with a merriment she had not felt in a long time. Resisting the urge to run up and hug Searyn tightly she placed the white binding into Eodwemer’s waiting hand and stepped back to her place in the circle.

"Please join hands with your betrothed and listen while you are bound by groom's man and brides lady."

Eodwemer held the binding up. Thornden and Rowenna came forward and both took an end, and slowly wrapped it around the clasped hands of the bride and groom.

"Above you are the stars, below you are the stones. Like a stone may your love be firm, like a star may your love be constant. May your thought guide you, let your wills bind you, let your love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your oaths make you inseparable.

"Eodwine, will you have this woman to wife?"

"I will."

"Saeryn, will you have this man as husband?"

"I will."

"Who bears the cup of gladness?" Eodwemer asked.

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

Okay, it's time for one of the women to bring the cup. Would that be Kara? Or someone else?

[Kath]

Kara would love to. :D Does she have to say anything specific or simply hand it over? Apologies if this is said further up the thread.

[littlemanpoet]

I'd suggest doing a little bit of internet research to see how it was done back in the day, and have Kara and do and say whatever seems fitting.

I plan on filling things in with a few interspersed thoughts from each of my characters, and encourage others to do the same.

[Kath]

Ok ... I should be able to get that written for tomorrow night. If not then Tuesday. :)

[Folwren]

This is looking great, folks! I'll try to post something tomorrow. :)

-- Folwren

[Folwren]

K, I really have nothing to add at this point...so, I'll be waiting until someone else (Kath, presumably) posts.

Sorry if this announcement disappoints anyone.

- Foley

[Kath]

Aah sorry all! Came on with the intention of doing this yesterday and got distracted by werewolf. :rolleyes: When I get back from school today I will do it. :)

[Kath]

Rowenna's eyes widened in momentary surprise, then smiled in spite of herself at Thornden's compliment. "Thank you. I think the mood of the event has gotten in your veins, Thornden."

He chose not to take that to mean what it could conceivably mean and he only laughed. "I am very happy for lord Eodwine and lady Saeryn," he replied, and then they became quiet as they drew near the gathered people.

Randvér frowned, standing in the circle. Ginna pulled Harreld into the circle and stood beside her father. So the young woman stood between her father and the man she seemed to have chosen, giving Randvér much opportunity to glance sidewise at his prospective son in law. He was a big man! And seemingly gentle. But the rite was about to begin.

Eodwine and Thornden came into the circle, dressed in their finest, and took their places at the center of the circle. The people quieted and craned their necks to see if they could catch a glimpse of the bride and bride's maid who waited outside the circle.

Then the old man visitor, the one called Eodwemer, stepped out of the crowd and stood before the bride and groom.

"Folk of Scarburg," he said, "your lord Eodwine has asked me to guide the rite. He thinks that my length of years have given me wisdom." The old man chuckled at the notion. "In any case, I am honored and will do my best to honor his choice. So let the bride's maid and bride enter the circle!"

Saeryn took a final breath and felt her face blush one last time. Degas stepped up to her side and she looked at him. He smiled and offered her his arm and she gave him a thankful smile in return as she took it. Then she turned to Rowenna and nodded her head. Rowenna stepped forward and led the way down through the people to where Eodwine stood waiting.

There were oohs and aahs from the gathered crowd, for the beaming Saeryn was a sight to behold. She stopped at Eodwine's side and looked up at him, smiling. His mouth and eyes could not contain his happiness. Those with the best ears overheard him say, "What a lucky man I am."

Rowenna and Thornden took their places beside the bride and groom, each holding a sword and ring.

Eodwemer spoke. "We have gathered to witness the joining together of Lady Saeryn of the Folde and Lord Eodwine, Eorl of Middle Emnet. We honor our forebears by following their ways, to be joined man and woman by oath, to bear and raise young, to thrive, love, and increase the strength of our folk.

"Who releases the bride to this man?"

"I Lord Degas of the Folde release her from her bond to my house."

"Do you have rings?" asked Eodwemer. Thornden handed a ring to Eodwine and Rowenna handed one to Saeryn. "Eodwine, place the ring on Saeryn's finger and speak your oath."

Eodwine slipped the ring half way onto the third finger of Saeryn's left hand. "Saeryn, this ring is a token of my love. Like this circle it has no end. As I place it around the vein that goes to your heart, let my love go straight to your heart."

Saeryn deftly pulled the ring the rest of the way onto her finger, then slipped a much bigger ring on the third finger of Eodwine's left hand. "Eodwine, this ring is a token of my love. LIke this circle it has no end. As I place it around the vein that goes to your heart, let me love go straight to your heart."

"Now speak handgeld and bridegift," Eodwemer intoned.

"For handgeld, Saeryn," said Eodwine, "my oath is to come to the aid of your brother Degas, Lord of the Folde, when called for any need, as long as the three of us live."

"For bride gift, Eodwine, "said Saeryn, "my oath is that my brother Degas will come to your aid when called upon for any need, as long as the three of us live."

"Have you swords to exchange?" asked Eodwemer.

Thornden handed Eodwine's sword to him. Eodwine offered the hilt to Saeryn. "Saeryn, I give you this my sword as protection against all evils. With it my son will protect you when I am dead."

Saeryn took the sword and traded it with Rowenna for the sword from Harreld. "Eodwine, I give you this sword in exchange for the heirloom of your house, to protect our house while you live."

"It is then time to bind the hands of bride and groom," said Eodwemer. "Who has the binding?"

A low whisper ran through the circle as people wondered who if anyone had remembered. However their fears were soon alleviated and an expectant hush once more filled the air as Æðel stepped forward.

While others had laboured she had spent the day delicately embroidering a simple linen binding with Lord Eodwine’s Sigils intertwined with what Degas had assured her was Saeryn’s favourite flowers, as he seemed to think that their own Sigils would bring no joy to his sister at present, down each side was also embroidered the words Unity and Love which she thought encapsulated the depth of the oaths her friends where entering into.

“I Æðel, Have that which is to bind hand and heart of Lord Eodwine and Lady Saeryn before those who Respect, love and serve them.” She announced, raising the binding in the air for all to see.

A Cheer rose up around them as Æðel smiled warmly at the happy couple, her dark eye’s gleaming with a merriment she had not felt in a long time. Resisting the urge to run up and hug Searyn tightly she placed the white binding into Eodwemer’s waiting hand and stepped back to her place in the circle.

"Please join hands with your betrothed and listen while you are bound by groom's man and brides lady."

Eodwemer held the binding up. Thornden and Rowenna came forward and both took an end, and slowly wrapped it around the clasped hands of the bride and groom.

"Above you are the stars, below you are the stones. Like a stone may your love be firm, like a star may your love be constant. May your thought guide you, let your wills bind you, let your love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your oaths make you inseparable.

"Eodwine, will you have this woman to wife?"

"I will."

"Saeryn, will you have this man as husband?"

"I will."

"Who bears the cup of gladness?" Eodwemer asked.

"I do." Kara spoke clearly.

Despite some small nervousness at suddenly being the centre of attention of so many people Kara walked toward Eodwemer with determined steps. She had not expected to participate in the ceremony and hadn't minded, but when Eodwemer had caught her for two moments and asked her to be a bearer she had smiled with delight and agreed on the spot. Kara had seen the two people in front of her now go through such pain during their long, subtle courtship that to be part of their happiness in some small way gave her incredible joy.

"I, Kara, have the cup filled with mead to wish Lord Eodwine and Lady Saeryn a gift from their union and everlasting bliss and gladness."

She handed the cup to Eodwemer and stepped back into the crowd. Seeking Erbrand's hand she took it in hers to watch the remainder of the ceremony. Erbrand looked at her, a little startled at the sudden contact, but Kara was too wrapped up in what was before her to notice.

Eodwemer passed the cup to Eodwine, who in turn held it to Saeryn's lips and spoke.

"Drink deeply, and may you never thirst."

Saeryn drank, took the cup and held it to Eodwine's lips.

"Drink deeply, and may you never thirst." She said in return, and returned the cup to Eodwemer.

[Kath]

Hope that's ok! Sorry for the delay.

[littlemanpoet]

Wow! Somehow I've been too busy to notice that this has moved forward. Been a whole week! I'll see what I can do sometime soon.

[littlemanpoet]

Rowenna's eyes widened in momentary surprise, then smiled in spite of herself at Thornden's compliment. "Thank you. I think the mood of the event has gotten in your veins, Thornden."

He chose not to take that to mean what it could conceivably mean and he only laughed. "I am very happy for lord Eodwine and lady Saeryn," he replied, and then they became quiet as they drew near the gathered people.

Randvér frowned, standing in the circle. Ginna pulled Harreld into the circle and stood beside her father. So the young woman stood between her father and the man she seemed to have chosen, giving Randvér much opportunity to glance sidewise at his prospective son in law. He was a big man! And seemingly gentle. But the rite was about to begin.

Eodwine and Thornden came into the circle, dressed in their finest, and took their places at the center of the circle. The people quieted and craned their necks to see if they could catch a glimpse of the bride and bride's maid who waited outside the circle.

Then the old man visitor, the one called Eodwemer, stepped out of the crowd and stood before the bride and groom.

"Folk of Scarburg," he said, "your lord Eodwine has asked me to guide the rite. He thinks that my length of years have given me wisdom." The old man chuckled at the notion. "In any case, I am honored and will do my best to honor his choice. So let the bride's maid and bride enter the circle!"

Saeryn took a final breath and felt her face blush one last time. Degas stepped up to her side and she looked at him. He smiled and offered her his arm and she gave him a thankful smile in return as she took it. Then she turned to Rowenna and nodded her head. Rowenna stepped forward and led the way down through the people to where Eodwine stood waiting.

There were oohs and aahs from the gathered crowd, for the beaming Saeryn was a sight to behold. She stopped at Eodwine's side and looked up at him, smiling. His mouth and eyes could not contain his happiness. Those with the best ears overheard him say, "What a lucky man I am."

Rowenna and Thornden took their places beside the bride and groom, each holding a sword and ring.

Eodwemer spoke. "We have gathered to witness the joining together of Lady Saeryn of the Folde and Lord Eodwine, Eorl of Middle Emnet. We honor our forebears by following their ways, to be joined man and woman by oath, to bear and raise young, to thrive, love, and increase the strength of our folk.

"Who releases the bride to this man?"

"I Lord Degas of the Folde release her from her bond to my house."

"Do you have rings?" asked Eodwemer. Thornden handed a ring to Eodwine and Rowenna handed one to Saeryn. "Eodwine, place the ring on Saeryn's finger and speak your oath."

Eodwine slipped the ring half way onto the third finger of Saeryn's left hand. "Saeryn, this ring is a token of my love. Like this circle it has no end. As I place it around the vein that goes to your heart, let my love go straight to your heart."

Saeryn deftly pulled the ring the rest of the way onto her finger, then slipped a much bigger ring on the third finger of Eodwine's left hand. "Eodwine, this ring is a token of my love. LIke this circle it has no end. As I place it around the vein that goes to your heart, let me love go straight to your heart."

"Now speak handgeld and bridegift," Eodwemer intoned.

"For handgeld, Saeryn," said Eodwine, "my oath is to come to the aid of your brother Degas, Lord of the Folde, when called for any need, as long as the three of us live."

"For bride gift, Eodwine, "said Saeryn, "my oath is that my brother Degas will come to your aid when called upon for any need, as long as the three of us live."

"Have you swords to exchange?" asked Eodwemer.

Thornden handed Eodwine's sword to him. Eodwine offered the hilt to Saeryn. "Saeryn, I give you this my sword as protection against all evils. With it my son will protect you when I am dead."

Saeryn took the sword and traded it with Rowenna for the sword from Harreld. "Eodwine, I give you this sword in exchange for the heirloom of your house, to protect our house while you live."

"It is then time to bind the hands of bride and groom," said Eodwemer. "Who has the binding?"

A low whisper ran through the circle as people wondered who if anyone had remembered. However their fears were soon alleviated and an expectant hush once more filled the air as Æðel stepped forward.

While others had laboured she had spent the day delicately embroidering a simple linen binding with Lord Eodwine’s Sigils intertwined with what Degas had assured her was Saeryn’s favourite flowers, as he seemed to think that their own Sigils would bring no joy to his sister at present, down each side was also embroidered the words Unity and Love which she thought encapsulated the depth of the oaths her friends where entering into.

“I Æðel, Have that which is to bind hand and heart of Lord Eodwine and Lady Saeryn before those who Respect, love and serve them.” She announced, raising the binding in the air for all to see.

A Cheer rose up around them as Æðel smiled warmly at the happy couple, her dark eye’s gleaming with a merriment she had not felt in a long time. Resisting the urge to run up and hug Searyn tightly she placed the white binding into Eodwemer’s waiting hand and stepped back to her place in the circle.

"Please join hands with your betrothed and listen while you are bound by groom's man and brides lady."

Eodwemer held the binding up. Thornden and Rowenna came forward and both took an end, and slowly wrapped it around the clasped hands of the bride and groom.

"Above you are the stars, below you are the stones. Like a stone may your love be firm, like a star may your love be constant. May your thought guide you, let your wills bind you, let your love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your oaths make you inseparable.

"Eodwine, will you have this woman to wife?"

"I will."

"Saeryn, will you have this man as husband?"

"I will."

"Who bears the cup of gladness?" Eodwemer asked.

"I do." Kara spoke clearly.

Despite some small nervousness at suddenly being the centre of attention of so many people Kara walked toward Eodwemer with determined steps. She had not expected to participate in the ceremony and hadn't minded, but when Eodwemer had caught her for two moments and asked her to be a bearer she had smiled with delight and agreed on the spot. Kara had seen the two people in front of her now go through such pain during their long, subtle courtship that to be part of their happiness in some small way gave her incredible joy.

"I, Kara, have the cup filled with mead to wish Lord Eodwine and Lady Saeryn a gift from their union and everlasting bliss and gladness."

She handed the cup to Eodwemer and stepped back into the crowd. Seeking Erbrand's hand she took it in hers to watch the remainder of the ceremony. Erbrand looked at her, a little startled at the sudden contact, but Kara was too wrapped up in what was before her to notice.

Eodwemer passed the cup to Eodwine, who in turn held it to Saeryn's lips and spoke.

"Drink deeply, and may you never thirst."

Saeryn drank, took the cup and held it to Eodwine's lips.

"Drink deeply, and may you never thirst." She said in return, and returned the cup to Eodwemer.

From within the folds of his cloak Eodwemer produced a length of rope and laid it in a line in front of the bride and groom.

"This rope stands for an end and a beginning. Your lives as two people unrelated ends, and your life as one couple begins. On the count of three, jump. One! Two! Three!"

Eodwine and Saeryn, grinning, jumped over the rope. The crowd applauded.

"Folk of Scarburg," Eodwemer exclaimed, "I give you Lord Eodwine and Lady Saeryn of Scarburg, husband and wife! Seal it with a kiss!"

Eodwine took Saeryn in her arms and their lips met. The kiss of Eodwine and Saeryn was long remembered in Scarburg, and the tale of it spread through out the lands of the Eorlingas. It was both long and lusty, and all who witnessed it first applauded then laughed then murmured in their amazement until Lithor uttered words to break the spell.

"Hey now! That's meant for your own tent! We have a chase!"

Eodwine wiped his lips with a twinkle in his eyes. "Then give chase, but only after we've found our horses! Let's ride, my wife!" They grabbed hands, grinning, and broke through the crowd at a run.

[Nogrod]

Looks good... hmm... great!

Let's see this in the thread as well and then roll it forwards...

EDIT: I see it is there already. Well, let's make it alive then shouldn't we?

[Gwathagor]

Wow! Terrific! The wedding post is really great, all you guys who worked on it! Sorry I haven't been involved much lately.

[littlemanpoet]

The blue eyed suspicious one seems like Erbrand to me. Certainly wouldn't be Harreld. The dark haired flinching girl - Kara? And the guards - Thornden would be giving the orders. Matrim and another. Who wants to write?

[Nerindel]

Sorry, I got called away right after putting Iomhair's post up:rolleyes:

The blue eyed suspicious one is in fact Balvir, I went with the assumption that Thorden was busy with Rowenna and the Chase :P

The flinching girl is Æðel and the guard now with her is Matrim.

The third could be anyone but I was thinking Lithor?

I had planned to put up bios for Matrim and Balvir before I was called away, I will try to get them up today, it should make the post a bit clearer.

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks for the clarifications, Nerindel! :)

Yes, Thornden would be busy with the chase.

[Folwren]

I'm finished with camp, which means that I will probably be able to post more frequently again. Yay! Not today, however. Maybe I'll get a post up on Monday...

-- Folwren

[littlemanpoet]

Which Monday were you talking about?

[Folwren]

I am sorry, really I am. I could make excuses, but then I'd feel miserable doing it, so I won't.

Good news, though - I actually started thinking about my characteres last night, so that may mean that this vicious streak of writer's block is beginning to ease and I will write again soon. Maybe today? :o

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

It really doesn't matter to me anymore how long this Day drags on. I'll stick to my commitment and remain a part of this RP until this Day is done; but I'm not going to give it any more energy then my fellow RP'rs do. So it's up to the rest of you how healthy this thing is. This is as it should be now, and as it will be when this Day is done.

[Folwren]

You're right on that score, Elempi, but I wish you didn't have to go.

I was wondering, how long do we want the chase to continue? I'm not going to end it with my post, but I was wondering if I should set it up so that it goes on longer? Not necessarily longer for the number of posts we write, but longer for the characters in the story.

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

I'd say leave it open ended for someone else's character to catch Saeryn. Then Eodwine can go on his first husbandly rampage. :p

[Folwren]

I'd say leave it open ended for someone else's character to catch Saeryn. Then Eodwine can go on his first husbandly rampage. :p

Haha. Sounds exciting.

[Groin Redbeard]

Loved your last post, Nerindel! I hope you don't mind but I got your character riding after the others, I assumed that's what she wanted.

By the way, Lithor's horse is a fast one so it can overtake many of the riders.;)

[Thinlómien]

Hello everybody, I'm finally back. I will think of something for my characters to do sometime this week - but it may prove a slight challenge because they wouldn't participate in the chase and I don't want to add a yet another storyline to this already very prolonged day (although that'd be a nice way to keep LMP around... ;)). But I will write something.

Seems like everybody's been writing wonderful posts while I was say, and needless to say, my favourite was the wedding post. Loved it.

[Gwathagor]

Well, I'm back. My summer was incredibly busy, but it's over now and I'm hoping I'll be able to start writing now and then.

[Thinlómien]

Would children taking part in the chase for the bride and the groom be inappropriate, weird but harmless or quite normal? Whichever the case, I think I'm going to write it, but the answer to that question should tell me how the mother would react. ;)

[Folwren]

I think it would be normal. Why not? And how the mother would react depends entirely on what SHE thinks.

-- Folwren

[Eönwë]

I have returned. Eönwë-posting is resumed.

edit: Ok, I've read through what I've missed.

[Nogrod]

Still hanging around... :rolleyes:

I'll be very busy for the next week still but then it should settle down a bit. It's good Lommy is working with Cnebba. I'll be posting for Stigend soonish...

Nice to see that people are coming together again - even if slowly.

[Thinlómien]

Hmph, I don't understand how, but I FORGOT I was supposed to post. Expect a post in the following few days (and don't experct anything brilliant :D).

[littlemanpoet]

Who wants to catch Saeryn and wrest her from Eodwine's jealous grasp - and face his wrath? ;)

[Thinlómien]

Who wants to catch Saeryn and wrest her from Eodwine's jealous grasp - and face his wrath?Let's lay the blame on the newcomer - Nerindel, is your new character ready for a hardcore entrance? :p ;)

Folwren - is Javan riding to catch the couple? I could see him competing with Cnebba and Garmund. :D He would have to start the race later, though, because the horse the younger boys are riding is already oldish and not any posh breed horse and carrying two riders...

PS. Nogrod, I hope that what I wrote about Stigend is ok. If not, I can easily make it just Garstan and Léothern.

[Folwren]

Folwren - is Javan riding to catch the couple? I could see him competing with Cnebba and Garmund. :D He would have to start the race later, though, because the horse the younger boys are riding is already oldish and not any posh breed horse and carrying two riders...

I guess he might be riding...I hadn't thought about it.

Who wants to catch Saeryn and wrest her from Eodwine's jealous grasp - and face his wrath? ;)

I think so far, Thornden is in the lead, and next comes Erbrand. Can we have them both over take the bride and groom and while Thornden keeps Eodwine back, Erbrand snatches Saeryn?

I didn't realize it was so literally a chase. Do they have to get the bride all the way back to the encampment? This is more fun than I thought!

-- Folwren

[littlemanpoet]

Note that snatching Saeryn is complicated by the fact that Saeryn is sitting in front of Eodwine; they'll have to get the horse to stop and pull Eodwine away in order to get at Saeryn. Lucky for all involved, Eodwine doesn't have his sword with him .... yet. ;)

[Folwren]

Okay, so you may think that leaping from one horse's back to another is a bit far fetched, and I might think so, too, except for two facts - I've done it (clumsily, true, but still) AND we are in Rohan and Thornden has grown up there and is a trained man-at-arms.

Enjoy! Looking forward to next posts, by either Groin or Elempi.

-- Foley

Edit: By the bye, I think it would be seriously funny if Eodwine threw the first person (or two) to touch Saeryn or aid in her kidnapping in the dungeon.

[Folwren]

I was considering writing a post today, but my time has fled me. I am leaving for the weekend. I'll be back Monday. Maybe something will have happened by then. Sunday is Groin's day off. Maybe he'll post for Erbrand.

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

I've set the scene for the next round of posts for anyone who wants to write before Eodwine comes to the area of the baker and claims his bride back. Have fun.

[littlemanpoet]

An entire two weeks has gone by since my last post, and nothing at all has happened here. I have therefore concluded that interest has wained enough such that it is no loss to bring this Day to an end. So I have done that.

I bid you all farewell. Happy writing (if there is any)!

Good Bye and God bless.

- littlemanpoet aka elempi aka LMP aka Paul Meeter

[Gwathagor]

Good bye, LMP! Thanks for everything. We'll miss you, and please come back when and if the time is right.

[Groin Redbeard]

May you have a sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you. Farewell LMP!

[Nogrod]

It's kind of an anti-climax it should happen this way... and I feel guilty on my part for not been too enthusiastic to write of late. Yeah, the normal story: so much RL stuff, no grand role to work the story forwards etc.

You should have had a grand exit anyway.

Now it was more like how T.S. Eliot says in the Hollow Men that the world ends "not with a bang, but with a whimper".

We should have had the Bang we were kind of building up already! :(


But we who are left should also consider what to do next? As a co-mod for this I feel I should take some initiative here. So let's discuss also that. lmp's ending is kind of wrapping it up -stuff so we could start from anywhere if we want to do it.

So what say you?

[Eönwë]

So it appears that the great littlemanpoet has finally taken his leave. Good luck with whatever you do, and I know I speak for all of us when I say that we'll miss you!

[Gwathagor]

But we who are left should also consider what to do next? As a co-mod for this I feel I should take some initiative here. So let's discuss also that. lmp's ending is kind of wrapping it up -stuff so we could start from anywhere if we want to do it.

So what say you?

I want intrigue! And battles! And dark secrets!

[Thinlómien]

Fare well, LMP! Hope to see you back some day, and thanks for everything. And I mean that.

It's sad to see him go, and to go this way... but like Nogrod, I'm afraid to have the typical excuses. *sigh*

So, this Mead Hall is now going to be owned by Nogrod, and I'm going to be the co-owner. We have some plans as for how to continue, but we have to negotiate about stuff. It is likely there will be all kinds of nasty stuff... probably all of what Gwath wants. :D

I hope we can introduce something rather mind-blowing to the scene within a few weeks (RL time). Meanwhile, feel free to post about the feast night, or the following day. There may be or may not be a time jump after that, but something's going to happen for sure.

[Gwathagor]

So, this Mead Hall is now going to be owned by Nogrod, and I'm going to be the co-owner. We have some plans as for how to continue, but we have to negotiate about stuff. It is likely there will be all kinds of nasty stuff... probably all of what Gwath wants. :D




Goood, goood. I myself plan to explore Crabannan's questionable past some more.

[Thinlómien]

Goood, goood. I myself plan to explore Crabannan's questionable past some more.
Sounds interesting. :)

We are (or were, ages ago :D) planning to recruit some new blood to join our ranks. I hope that's going to work.

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

Any writers not in The Scarburg Meadhall who happen to see this, feel free to PM me or Nogrod, because we can offer you an intriguing role here. I think the only prerequirement is that you have posted on the Golden Perch Inn.

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

Of course, if some old writer wants a new character and thinks s/he can handle both or wants to get rid of the old one (which could be a pity), just tell us and we can tell you what kind of new characters we'd like to have.

[Folwren]

I'm going to miss Elempi cruelly. I guess it couldn't be avoided forever....

-------

I don't want to get rid of Thornden, but I'd like to bring him back to the foreground in my writing. I'm certainly not going to take on yet another character, though I'd love to be part of some trouble or intrigue. See if you can figure me and any of my characters in somehow or other.

-- Folwren

[Gwathagor]

Of course, if some old writer wants a new character and thinks s/he can handle both or wants to get rid of the old one (which could be a pity), just tell us and we can tell you what kind of new characters we'd like to have.

I'd be at least interested in hearing what you have in mind, as my other character over in Tears of Mirrormere will be dying soon, maybe I need another character.

[Nogrod]

I'm going to miss Elempi cruelly. I guess it couldn't be avoided forever....Sad but true. But then again he had made up his mind and we managed to make him stay much longer I thought we would...

I don't want to get rid of Thornden, but I'd like to bring him back to the foreground in my writing. I'm certainly not going to take on yet another character, though I'd love to be part of some trouble or intrigue. See if you can figure me and any of my characters in somehow or other.Well, I think there is at least one major decision we should make here and that is the fate of lord Eodwine. I remember we discussed whether I should start writing him after elempi leaves and I had doubts already then. And now as the moment draws closer I'm having even more of them. He's just so much lmp's character.

Now we could write him off quite nicely. Like that he moves with his newly-wed wife into somewhere else to grow apples or anything suitable for an old man who wants to enjoy easy family-life after doing a long service to the King. Or something. And if some writers would like to get rid of any characters we could write them going with him.

The plus side would be that if lmp would like to come back one day for a visit or something, he could do it then easily.

But how does this concern Thornden you Foley might ask. Well I think it concerns him a lot. Now if we were to write lord Eodwine off, the Mead Hall needs a new eorl or at least a caretaker. That could be a place where Thornden could fit in. Eodwine sure would have recommended Thornded for the post to the King.

If you Foley would like that, of course.

On the other hand, we could decide that the King will send a new eorl. Then Thornden would have a major role in helping that person out and would probably have to answer for a lot that goes on anyway. And maybe the possible new eorl isn't the best of men at all? Then Thornden would have to stand straight and who knows what would follow?

But what do you think Foley?

And others?

[Gwathagor]

I say we should keep Eodwine as eorl, but simply keep in the background of the story and focus on the other characters. Make him part of the set, part of the scenery. Just as Eodwine is too much lmp's character, Scarburg is too much Eodwine's endeavor. He needs to stay for the time being.

Those are my thoughts.

[Thinlómien]

I say we should keep Eodwine as eorl, but simply keep in the background of the story and focus on the other characters. Make him part of the set, part of the scenery. Just as Eodwine is too much lmp's character, Scarburg is too much Eodwine's endeavor. He needs to stay for the time being.
Those are my thoughts.
That is true - but it will be difficult for me and Nogrod to direct the storyline if our characters are mere a carpenter and an all-around household woman plus one kid. Thus it would be easier to write if there was a new Eorl or some other important new character story. Or then Foley'll have to be the one to take over after all as she writes the Lady and the almbudsman (or whatever the word was). But I got the picture that won't work for her.

[Gwathagor]

What if one of you was playing Eodwine's right hand man? He could receive his orders from Eodwine and you'd still be able to direct affairs around the Burg. Just an idea, but I'd love to see Eodwine stay if possible.

[Nogrod]

What if one of you was playing Eodwine's right hand man? He could receive his orders from Eodwine and you'd still be able to direct affairs around the Burg.That would be Thornden aka Foley's character... We should have to wait first what she thinks of the idea of Thornden taking the reins.

I would be happy with it.

Myself and Lommy could take some other characters then to be more involved with the running of the Mead Hall - like if the King would send there some aids to take care of organizing the things or whatever.

Anyway a carpenter, a half-dunleding wife of his and their child surely are in no position to kind of roll the plot forwards anyway...

But we have to think about this...

[Gwathagor]

Of course. I'm just brainstorming, don't feel like you have to listen to me. You two are in charge here.

[Folwren]

What if one of you was playing Eodwine's right hand man? He could receive his orders from Eodwine and you'd still be able to direct affairs around the Burg. Just an idea, but I'd love to see Eodwine stay if possible.

Thornden is Eodwine's right hand man. I'll tell you all now that if this story gets interesting again, as it has in the past several times, I will find time to write. It'll be like a good book that I can't put down and I'll keep having to come back to it.

I liked the idea of a less-than-good Eorl coming to take Eodwine's place, but I didn't like the idea of sending Eodwine off. That didn't seem like a characteristic thing for him to do. He's not an 'old man' by any long shot. He still has many years of ruling ability left in him. Now, Elempi was considering talking about killing him off, but I shied away from that idea at the time - probably because I was hoping Elempi would change his mind and stay - but now he's gone, I understand the hesitance to take his character. Elempi IS Eodwine...or Eodwine is Elempi, hard to say which.

So, what I'm driving at...what if we go ahead and have Eodwine ... well ... killed. It'll be sad as all gets out, but Elempi's gone, and because of that, I almost think it's fitting if his character leaves, too, seeing as they're so close together in our minds.

If that happens, I also like the idea of Saeryn being pregnant with their first child. That'll add some interest to me and probably others around here.

Then we can bring in a new Eorl and someone else can actually play the man. I want someone to play the main role of the Eorl and I'd prefer it not to be me...I'm afraid of messing up. But, if I can create a BAD Eorl that we can expect to mess up, then I woudln't mind as much. I just can't fill Elempi's/Eodwine's shoes.

K, I've got to run to class. I'll talk later. You all discuss this.

-- Folwren

[Gwathagor]

Ooooh. :D:D:D

[Groin Redbeard]

If we are going to kill of Eodwine, how is it going to be done? Shall it be an accident? Say if Eodwine is putting on the roof and he "accidently" steps on a loose beam and whoops! bye bye Eodwine. It could also be a hunting accident, or something similar to that.

Also, in the beginning of the thread Elempi mentioned that there might be tensions between the local farmers/peasants and Scarburg. Is it time for a little death and destruction?;) I'm just throwing out ideas, I am satisfied if Nogrod, Lommy, and even if Folwren or Gwathagor takes up Eodwine as a character.

I don't have a lot of time in the near future and I have a semi-light load of work this weak. Is the situation stable enough for posts to be made?

[Nogrod]

Also, in the beginning of the thread Elempi mentioned that there might be tensions between the local farmers/peasants and Scarburg. Is it time for a little death and destruction?;)Yup... That is what we I had thought with Lommy and discussed it with elempi. YOu shall see it quite soon... :rolleyes:

And if we are really going to kill lord Eodwine we might make it tragic as well (notes to what I said earlier). That could raise emotions with the residents of the Mead Hall to be sure...

Is the situation stable enough for posts to be made?
Sure! And I think Lommy already mentioned you should feel free to write something that fits the "now" in the story (or the next morning if you wish).

It will take a few RL days from Lommy and me to work out some outlines of the plot (and we'll be hanging together a few days today onwards).

Then we will probably make a jump in time to some near future (a week or two I suppose, depending on the general outlook of things).

[Folwren]

Then we will probably make a jump in time to some near future (a week or two I suppose, depending on the general outlook of things).

If we're really actually planning to take Eodwine out of the story in the next time jump, let's please make it more than a week or two. Give Saeryn a little bit more time than that.

[Nogrod]

Okay.

We had a long discussion (Lommy and me) and came to the following conclusions...

The autumn is knocking at the door and everything should be ready for the winter. So there will be a period of hard-work after the wedding which we will not write. Also the major supplies the people of the MH had gotten with them from Edoras are dwindling - as foreseen of course. But it has been lord Eodwine's idea that they would call the neighbouring landlords to visit them only as soon as the Mead Hall itself is ready enough to host guests. That day is now coming...

The agenda for that meeting is not only to say hello, but also to establish the "vassalship" the landlords will have to the eorl - and via that to the king (including taxes paid by the landlords as supplies and money to the eorl).

But lord Eodwine will take ill just a little before the meeting of the landlords... He is seriously ill... (and will be removed with anyone wishing to accompany him to Edoras where they could try to heal him)


~*~


The people of the Mead Hall after lord Eodwine leaves... (tentative eg. open to changes & waiting for additions)


The "King's men" aka. the officers & the soldiers...

Thornden (Foley) - Caretaker of the Mead Hall as Eodwine leaves.

Lithor (Groin) - Veteran soldier, organiser par excellence.
Wilcred (?) - Veteran soldier, quiet guy.

Raedwald (?) - Thirty-something soldier.

Osmund (?) - Young soldier.
Aethelstan (?) - Young soldier.

*Some things have been written about Wilcred, Osmund and Aethelstan but their characters are quite open as for now.

Balvir (Nerindel) - Gondorian Captain, part of Eodwine's guard.
Matrim (Nerindel) - Gondorian soldier, part of Eodwine's guard.

Wanderers living at the MH

Náin (Form) - A dwarven sculptor.
Crabannan (Gwath) - Wandering warrior minstrel.
Daghan-Turi-Dan (Eönwë) - A Druadan.
Iohmair Fearghal (Nerindel) - A scribe from Dale.


The household staff...

Harreld (?) - Smith, Ginna's husband.
Garstan (NPC Nog./Lom.) - Stoneshaper.
Stigend (Nogrod) - Carpenter, Modtryth's husband.
Erbrand (Groin) - Leather-worker.
Léof (Firefoot) - The Stable-master.

Frodides (Kath) - Cook.
Kara (Kath) - Assistant cook.
Ginna (Lhuna) - Maid, Harreld's wife.
Modtryth (Lommy) - All-around household helper, Stigend's wife.
Aedhel (Nerindel) - Healer.

The children...

Javan (Foley) - Thornden's little brother.
Garmund (NPC Nog./Lom.) - Garstan's son.
Leodthern (NPC Nog./Lom.) - Garstan's daughter.
Cnebba (Nog./Lom.) - Son of Stigend & Modtryth.


Those characters with a questionmark after their name are up for grabs. Especially we would love to see someone taking the role of Wilcred or Raedwald as we'd need to have at least one more actively playing "officer" (Osmund or Aethelstan could take that role as well but it would be more natural that the higher ranking one took the initiative when needed).


~*~


As nice as it would have been to keep one more secret, we're quite obliged to let out this one as we're also actively seeking for new writers...

So the Mead Hall will soon have a new eorl and his entourage...

To that we're seeking:
- the wife of the eorl
- a right-hand man of the eorl (in a way "his Thornden")
- a maid
- little children
- craftsmen / soldiers



All in all... the major needs are getting writers to:
- one or two MH officers (Wilcred, Raedwald... or someone yet unnamed)
- the wife of the eorl
- a right-hand man of the eorl


If you know you're not willing to or not able to write for your character mentioned in the list, please contact me or Lommy for it. If you want to grab one of the roles with a questionmark or one from the list of the new characters, please make yourself heard in this thread. We'll try to answer any questions concerning the characters you might wish to take wqe are able to answer - after all they are your characters then.

We'll also post something to the thread soonish to make things move (we'll jump a month or something - but meanwhile feel free to write anything there).

If we're really actually planning to take Eodwine out of the story in the next time jump, let's please make it more than a week or two. Give Saeryn a little bit more time than that.After we post about Eodwine's illness, you could post something before he goes (if you need someone to build the post with, I could try it as my honours to elempi)? And you should decide whether Saeryn stays or goes with him! We'd love Saeryn to stay... especially as the neighbouring lords are coming to visit and Thornden might wish to have someone by his side to receive them in the sudden situation...

[Mnemosyne]

I'm game for whatever you need me to do. Possibly interested in the eorl's wife, but really I'm quite flexible.

Something else that would be really helpful if you are trying to get new writers into the mix would be a couple of posts that show the nature and atmosphere of the MH, as well as some sample posts of the characters that are currently bequestionmarked.

[Nogrod]

I'm game for whatever you need me to do. Possibly interested in the eorl's wifeThat would be great!

Something else that would be really helpful if you are trying to get new writers into the mix would be a couple of posts that show the nature and atmosphere of the MH, as well as some sample posts of the characters that are currently bequestionmarked.We're actually working on it. There will be more stuff in a day or two... and eyeing through the Scarburg MH fex. from the beginning wouldn't be bad anyway (the Scarburg Mead Hall is a continuation of the Eorling Mead Hall with a host of same characters taking their places in the new location).

But sure one can get into it without knowing the earlier characters if one is taking a new character from the new eorl's entourage. Realistically they wouldn't know who there were and what kind of people they were they would meet in their new location...

[Mnemosyne]

That would be great!

Whom would I be married to? (That's what's keeping me from just jumping in right now. :))

But sure one can get into it without knowing the earlier characters if one is taking a new character from the new eorl's entourage. Realistically they wouldn't know who there were and what kind of people they were they would meet in their new location...

Which is why I might be more amenable to taking on a new entourage role. But as I said, whatever I'm needed for. :)

ETA: I do believe I'm in for the role of the wife now that I've got a marginally better idea of what's going on.

[Nogrod]

Whom would I be married to? (That's what's keeping me from just jumping in right now. :))To my new character, actually... :rolleyes: (So that explains my enthusiasm... :D)

But to be serious, I think you'd be a good person for that role. Actually you were the first person Lommy and I came to think when pondering about good candidates for that role among the possible new writers...

I do believe I'm in for the role of the wife now that I've got a marginally better idea of what's going on.That would be delightful, as said above.

[Mnemosyne]

To my new character, actually... :rolleyes: (So that explains my enthusiasm... :D)

That's all right... Just wait till sally finds out about the match...

[Nogrod]

That's all right... Just wait till sally finds out about the match...Sally could play the maid of the lady stepping in at every inconvenient time... :D

[Eönwë]

If no-one else wants him, I'll take Raedwald (at least until December- after that my life gets crazy until the end of May, and I'm not sure what time I'll have).

[Nogrod]

If no-one else wants him, I'll take Raedwald (at least until December).Great! I just sent a PM to you (and Groin and Gwath) asking just about these roles. You taking Raedwald would be very god indeed!

And as Raedwald has not been written at all you will have free hands to make him whatever you want (well, clearly he isn't the most loud person as he has been not in the forefront until now but maybe his hidden characteristics will emerge when needed? :)).

We thought (myself and Lommy) that Raedwald could be somewhere between the veterans (Lithor & Wilcred) and the juniors (Osmund & Aethelstan). But it's your call.
It's 15 years after the War of the Ring so feel free to decide whether he was there or not...

[Folwren]

Oooooh! Is Rowenna sticking around? We never fully decided what to do with her.

May I make a suggestion? When the new Eorl and his wife come marching in, perhaps the wife will take a negative liking to Saeryn. Rowenna can get defensive of her, but in her tricksy, I mean, interesting character, she can seek to deal about things differently and instead of confronting it normally, she will try to become the new Eorl's wife's maid, and in subtle ways she can make the woman's life misery for whatever she does to Saeryn.

That was a very swiftly typed and not very well thought out idea, so if it doesn't make sense, don't worry - I'll return sometime and re-voice it.

-- Foley

[satansaloser2005]

So I know I'm not playing but I just had to say. I just got the weirdest text message. Something about international (and interspecies) marriage. Bah. Congratulations to the happy couple anyway.

*pops in, blushes, jumps back into her hole*

[Gwathagor]

What happens in the Meadhall stays in the Meadhall, sally.

[Nogrod]

Oooooh! Is Rowenna sticking around? We never fully decided what to do with her.I think there was some talk about her leaving with Degas to claiim her own house or something like that... Those who remember better should come forwards.

But I have nothing against her staying as well - and the kind of plots you Foley offer would sound actually quite interesting and only possible with Rowenna around (and she is kind of a mysterious character who couild be made into anything...).

We'd only need to find a writer for Rowenna in that case. Anyone interested and not having too much to write already?


For you Sally: :)

[Groin Redbeard]

Count me in, Nogrod. I might even be able to take up one of the characters.

[Thinlómien]

I can write Rowenna if no one else wants, but if there's someone else, feel free to take her because I will take two new characters anyway... *evil grin*

Glad to see all this planning going on.

[Nogrod]

I can write Rowenna if no one else wants, but if there's someone else, feel free to take herGo good communication! (between me and Lommy that is...) :rolleyes:

I just suggested to Fea that she could be the person to write Rowenna...

Let's see what she thinks.


On other news...

Groin will take Lithor for good.
Gwath will probably take Wilcred.
Eönwë will have Raedwald.

So this looks promising indeed.

And we're after a few more new writers to take the characters from the new eorl's entourage...

In a way it would be quite fine actually if the old writers would be those writing for the characters that live in the Mead Hall already and the new writers would be writing for those characters new to the place. Thus there would also be a "real difference" between the writers eg. those that have written in here and those totally new - like in the storyline... :D

We'll be writing a post or two to kick the things forwards in a few days as there will first be the meeting of the neighbouring landlords and the MH people before the new eorl comes in. So we have time for recruiting the new writers and can still go forwards now as some key roles have been filled (hopefully Rowenna can be solved soonish).

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Posting! Wait for me! Don't make any decisions!

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Before I say anything, I just want to say that me posting here is NOT me coming back. No promises for any sort of activity, because I'm not particularly reliable these days and I don't want to make promises I can't keep.

That being said, I've got thoughts about what I'm reading, as I'm reading it.

I almost think it's fitting if his character leaves, too, seeing as they're so close together in our minds.

If that happens, I also like the idea of Saeryn being pregnant with their first child. That'll add some interest to me and probably others around here.

1) I concur that it is fitting for Eodwine to die upon LMP's departure. I also believe that it would add a significant amount of literary drama to the story. And as a story which so often revolves around the day to day life of The Common Man, a bit of drama can never go amiss.

I was also taught that if you hit a standstill in a story and writing just doesn't seem to be happening, kill a main character and then you can fill the rest of the book with everybody's reactions.

As far as an appropriate end to a beloved character, I think it would be more fitting for him to die in the pursuit of an exciting story than for a hesitant writer to try [and probably fail] to continue his existence. I've taken on other people's characters before, and I promise, they never entirely feel like yours. No matter how good you get at them, no matter how long you do it, there's always a nagging feeling that you're not doing it quite right, because you're not doing it the way the original writer would have done.

So I approve of killing Eodwine. Quite possibly in a really anticlimactic way, such as a riding accident or an infection. There's not really any need for, say, a band of raiders to show up and attack. That would take attention away from the Mead Hall and divert it to a bunch of stock characters that showed up solely to kill someone. More believable and more appropriate would be if Eodwine's life was lost in the course of his daily activities.

That being said,

2) Foley: Saeryn is a twin. Twins run in families. Just sayin'.

tensions between the local farmers/peasants and Scarburg. Is it time for a little death and destruction?

Or there's that.

But bear in mind that the King (and the rest of the Eorls) won't kindly put up with a peasant uprising, as it gives other peasants dangerous ideas and threatens the stability of the entire country in terms of society and economy. Uprisings aren't popular with those in power, and if there is one (especially since Degas's holdings just had one), it's going to cause some serious political problems.

Presumably the King would assign a trusted and heavy handed Eorl to Scarburg at that point, to quash further troubles before they start.

Which would not go very well given Saeryn would presumably still be alive as the Lady of the Hall, pregnant with what may well be the heir, and Degas, having just promised Eodwine that they're brothers and all, would show up very displeased with any upstart that had ideas about taking the title of his knocked up sister.

No! This is bad! I was trying to write Degas out and all y'all are providing a really great reason for him to come back!

He can't govern two holdings!

Of course he would, in that situation. Or he would try.

In the event that Eodwine would die, Degas would petition the King to allow him to govern Scarburg as a steward whilst Saeryn dealt with having a baby. Degas would cite the bride price/dowry as well as citing Saeryn's position.

If Eodwine dies, Degas will fulfill his oath to protect the land and his sister.

If Eodwine dies, you jerks, I'm going to have to come back and write Degas.

Jerks. You jerks. You did that on purpose!

Nog, you should be ashamed of yourself.

:D

But lord Eodwine will take ill just a little before the meeting of the landlords... He is seriously ill... (and will be removed with anyone wishing to accompany him to Edoras where they could try to heal him)

I vote infection.

Or pneumonia. Everybody loves a good bout of pneumonia as a way to knock off a character.

We'd only need to find a writer for Rowenna in that case. Anyone interested and not having too much to write already?

I'll write her.

Okay, so I'm caught up.

Nog, you're writing a new Eorl with a new wife?

I like that, but I'm concerned. Because of Degas's oath that should anything happen to Eodwine, he'd take care of business, I don't see him reacting too well to somebody new coming in.

Which might in fact work extremely well for some drama if Degas's petition to the king was refused and somebody else was brought in. Degas would not be at all happy and would consider it a slight against both him, his sister, and the memory of Eodwine. As well as a deliberate stripping of the title of Saeryn's as yet unborn child[ren].

So to get to my final point, would you, Nog, be opposed to Degas being opposed to your new Eorl?

PS: i totally wasn't going to come back, I was just going to read the thread and offer some opinions.

Grumble grumble.

[Nogrod]

I love you Fea!!!

It would be fabulous if Degas stayed. And you writing Rowenna would be great as well.


What we have in mind as like now is the following...

The autumn after the games & the marriage festivities goes in working with the reconstruction of the hall to become a real Mead Hall.

Then it was a plan of Eodwine's to call the local landlords to pay homage to him (and to the king) on certain day X when the Hall itself is more or less ready. After their allegiance would have been secured he could move on to other lesser masters and the common peasants - and thus establish the Mead Hall as part of King Eomer's governance there. Meaning they would pay taxes to the Mead Hall and the MH in turn would provide the people with protection and be the place where king's law would be executed. Civilising the territories that is - or putting them under the king's rule if one wants to say it differently. :rolleyes:

Now just before the day the local landlords have been invited lord Eodwine falls badly ill... high temperature, vomiting... whatever you wish. The people would try to cure him or at least ease his pain but nothing would work. And then they would decide that he should be sent to Edoras to get the best medical attention possible - and their eyes will follow the carts taking him to the city with heavy hearts knowing they might never see him again...

It could then be firstly Saeryn, Degas or Thornden who would try to settle things with the landlords that come to visit. And they would not be easy guys to settle things with as they will not at all like the idea of the crown coming to their "personal property" trying to tax them from all they they gather themselves from the neighbouring areas and from the backbones of the peasants...

That would be what we should write the next... in a few days that is.

(We will produce a narration to move us to the moment when the landlords arrive in a few days and will then either "play" the landlords ourselves or hire up some quest-writers to do some of them so we can move this forwards pretty soon.)

After whatever happens with the landlords - that's for you to write how it goes - then the new eorl and his entourage will arrive (maybe a week or two after Eodwine has left, gametime that is and probably jumped ahead in the game) with only the message that lord Eodwine has been taken to Minas Tirith, to the houses of healing, and everyone just hopes for the best even if the predicament is bad indeed. But there would be now the new eorl and he would take the things under his control untill further notice.

The idea sure is that all the people will assume lord Eodwine dead and gone - as he most likely will be. But we'd still leave a door open if elempi decides one day, a year or two from now, to wish to come back even if only to visit the place. So there would be no news about lord Eodwine after he's gone (and what the new eorl would have to tell when he comes in).


Nog, you're writing a new Eorl with a new wife?Yes. And Mnemo will write my wife - and Lommy our two trouble-maker sons... :cool:

We're still waiting for a few strong characters to join the entourage (like a housekeeper, right-hand man for the eorl, maybe some soldiers, others... like more children to shuffle that pack also etc.), hopefully being new writers to the Mead Hall as well...

[Folwren]

AAAAHHH! There's so much going on! I can't keep up! But I am SO excited!!!!!!

I'll see if I can catch up tonight and get some of my opinions up. I've been wanting to write something for the past day or more, but haven't done it (obviously). Later, folks!

-- Folwren

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'm trying to figure out if it's plausible that Saeryn would stay if Eodwine was going. I'm thinking if she was pregnant and they worried that her traveling would be disruptive to it?

But wouldn't somebody tell Saeryn for sure whether Eodwine lived or died? While it's good to keep it ambiguous if LMP wants to come back at any point, it's not entirely plausible in terms of characters. Surely somebody would inform his pregnant wife that he was either alive or dead.

Honestly, I think the best way to deal with it is to just have him die. LMP is quite firmly gone, and intended to be gone ages ago. But if he does return and wants to play, I have the utmost faith in his creative ability to find a way to fit himself back into the action.

And if he dies, then Rowenna (I'm more or less planning on shortening her name to a fondly used 'Wenna') would have far more reason to return, no longer having to see him. The home she has been most comfortable in no longer contains the element which tore her up inside, you know? And without the competition between her and Saeryn, Rowenna could easily become almost a nursemaid for any impending children. Indeed, her loyalties might easily transfer from the man she wished to marry to the child-in-progress that he left behind. A sort of "If I couldn't have him to care for, I can at least make certain that that which he left behind thrives."

Of course she would be downright vitriolic, I'm thinking, to an interposer.

Sorry, Nog, love, but a new Eorl is just asking for trouble. :D :cool:

Saeryn, whether she wants it or not, will - if she's there - find herself at the center of a very disgruntled group of individuals who are outraged on her behalf.

[Mnemosyne]

Sorry, Nog, love, but a new Eorl is just asking for trouble. :D :cool:


Duh. :D

[Folwren]

K, I'll see if I can get all my thoughts straight.

Nogrod, from what you said in your post listing all the character's you'd like to see played, you mentioned a new right-hand man for the new eorl. Does this mean that Thornden will be replaced? The new eorl is bringing in his own steward? I guess that's fine, especially if he comes from a large household or estate where there would be a steward. Just means more interesting reactions for my characters to have.

Yes. And Mnemo will write my wife - and Lommy our two trouble-maker sons...

Oooh! More boys! This will be GREAT!

About Saeryn:

You're right, Fea. I feel that Saeryn would travel with Eodwine, pregnancy or no, unless some circumstance kept her from it. Well, I guess if she was nine months pregnant she wouldn't travel, that's true. Or.........she could be having a delicate pregnancy, so they decide that she shouldn't travel and then when she gets the news about Eodwine's death, she could go into early labor. But come to think of it, that sounds really ... cheesy? So I dunno.

I agree with Fea, by the way. I think Eodwine should not be kept alive indefinitely. If Elempi wishes to return, I really, really think he'd just as well like to create a new character than try to resurrect Eodwine.

Back to Saeryn:

Twins sound insanely fun, though I've heard the the gene skips a generation. So, according to Earth's scientific reasoning, Saeryn could not bear twins. But, according to Middle-earth - who knows?

As far as an appropriate end to a beloved character, I think it would be more fitting for him to die in the pursuit of an exciting story than for a hesitant writer to try [and probably fail] to continue his existence. I've taken on other people's characters before, and I promise, they never entirely feel like yours. No matter how good you get at them, no matter how long you do it, there's always a nagging feeling that you're not doing it quite right, because you're not doing it the way the original writer would have done.

This is true. I was wondering, are you wanting Saeryn back? If you were to ask me, I'd say I don't really want to give her back, because I'm looking forward to this, but I'd give her to you willingly, because I'm like that.

But if you intend to just play Degas and Rowenna, that's awesome. :D

This idea is very intriquing about Degas fighting for Saeryn's rights as land-holder. I had not even thought of the implications of a new eorl and what that would mean to Saeryn or her children.

K....I think I've said all that I need to. If I've missed anything, I'll write again, sometime. I would like to see what manner of man the new Eorl is. Are you going to get up a Character Bio of him sometime?

Are we writing in detail about Eodwine's departure, or just skimming over it?

Are we still deciding whether he should die from an accident or a sickness? Falling off the roof just occurred to me. That sounds reasonable.

Is there any new part you would like me to play? I currently have three characters, all of them very different from each other, and may be willing to pick up a fourth, if it can also be different than the other three. We'll see.

I'm off.

-- Foley

P.S. I'm glad you're back, Fea.

I'm glad new players are coming in. :D

[Nogrod]

But wouldn't somebody tell Saeryn for sure whether Eodwine lived or died? While it's good to keep it ambiguous if LMP wants to come back at any point, it's not entirely plausible in terms of characters. Surely somebody would inform his pregnant wife that he was either alive or dead.I don't think this should prove to be a mjor problem... Let's say it takes a few days to get into Edoras, then they try to cure him for for a few days, then traveling to Rohan, a month or two in the houses of healing... Do you see where I'm getting at?

It would take at least two months before there could be anything to inform anyone about - and the message would have to come back as well, first to Edoras and then from there to the Mead Hall. So we would have at least three months (game time) ahead of us with no knowledge of his destiny.

Now we managed to write one particular day in the story for one year real-time! :D
(okay, we'll probably not be that slow anymore as there will be no huge games to be organised etc. but anyway we could sort out Eodwine's fate later - like the next year (RL) or something. And even if the message would then be that he died in Minas Tirith, you know how stories and rumours are... they might not be true...

By sending in a new eorl king Eomer surely has sent a strong message about how he feels about lord Eodwine's chances of making it... and we should take the attitude that he will die and dies.

I'm trying to figure out if it's plausible that Saeryn would stay if Eodwine was going. I'm thinking if she was pregnant and they worried that her traveling would be disruptive to it?What would you think about the following suggestion: If it's the morning (or the night before) the landlords come when Eodwine takes ill, then people would advice Saeryn to stay and take her place in receiving the quests while Eodwine is taken to Edoras. She could then ride after him the next day or something like that - and get her last moments with him in the city where the doctors decide he should be sent to Minas Tirith - a trip too much for a pregnant woman...?

Sorry, Nog, love, but a new Eorl is just asking for trouble.That was actually the original idea. Isn't it some drama we need? ;)

you mentioned a new right-hand man for the new eorl. Does this mean that Thornden will be replaced? The new eorl is bringing in his own steward? I guess that's fine, especially if he comes from a large household or estate where there would be a steward. Just means more interesting reactions for my characters to have.Possibly even replaced, but at least challenged with his position... But as you say the intention is to open up new possibilities and tensions to make it more interesting to write.

Oooh! More boys! This will be GREAT!
Well, these two played by Lommy will be 17 and 21 so a bit different kind of troublemakers... but I would love to see more kids to join the MH as well! Think of a spoiled kid of the new eorl getting along with Garmund, Cnebba, Leodthern and Javan... :eek:

I would like to see what manner of man the new Eorl is. Are you going to get up a Character Bio of him sometime?I think it would be fair that the writers of all the new characters would supply a bio for their characters.

But of the new eorl I could say at least the following right now. Firstly king Eomer wouldn't appoint just anybody to such a position so he will be a war-hero from the Pelennor fields, about the same age as lord Eodwine (a few years older actually). Also he comes from an aristocratic family, kind of old nobility... and as he knows his stature and place among any group of people he demands others to know their place likewise. So do not expect to see a person like Eodwine who would like to make personal friends with all his staff...

It will actually be quite a challenge to me to write him as he seems to be an almost polar opposite of me... But that's one of the reasons I'm really looking forwards into writing him. A challenge indeed.

Is there any new part you would like me to play? I currently have three characters, all of them very different from each other, and may be willing to pick up a fourth, if it can also be different than the other three.As you say, let's see. If we get a few more new writers we could go with that. I mean writing three characters is alrady quite a lot. But I'm in no way saying you shouldn't take a fourth one if you wish that yourself.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Twins sound insanely fun, though I've heard the the gene skips a generation. So, according to Earth's scientific reasoning, Saeryn could not bear twins. But, according to Middle-earth - who knows?

Ooh, an invitation to google something biological? <3

Okay so having just run a quick and reputable search of twins, I've come to discover that identical twins seem to be more or less random, but that doesn't matter since Degas and Saeryn are fraternal (of course, being different sexes). As for fraternal twins, scientists are leaning toward the theory that it's caused by hyper-ovulation in women (the tendency to release multiple eggs during ovulation). Which is an inheritable trait. Thing is, since guys don't ovulate, they carry the gene but it doesn't do anything to them, but they can pass it on (so say a woman was a twin and had two boys, they probably won't have twins, so each of them has one daughter, but they passed on the recessive hyper-ovulation tendency and both girls have twins; it's not so much skipping generations as skipping genders). So guys with a family history of twins, excluding marrying a woman with a family history, aren't all that likely to have twins, whereas a woman who is a fraternal twin is substantially more likely to have inherited the trait.

Long story short, Saeryn can have twins if you want her to, Degas can't.

This is true. I was wondering, are you wanting Saeryn back? If you were to ask me, I'd say I don't really want to give her back, because I'm looking forward to this, but I'd give her to you willingly, because I'm like that.

Oh god no, she's yours. I have too much fun reading what she's doing from this side of the page. Just tell me if I'm tampering too much in your plans with my suggestions.

But if you intend to just play Degas and Rowenna, that's awesome.

Them, and maybe a couple others. I'm thinking about Degas putting in a call to the girlfriend's family to build up a thoroughly tactful and diplomatic show of power. Mostly I've just missed writing Lin's brothers and this is a wonderful excuse to bring back the loud and huge older brother and the cat-like ninja-ish younger of the two.

[Nogrod]

Hi Mnemo!

I just realised I have sent you two PM's... They're basically identical but the end is different as I added things on the latter one.

I mistakenly pressed something that took me out from the PM-writing mode but didn't realise it was the send-button... Well, now I can see it was that.

Sorry for flooding your account (it's actually full now...).

[piosenniel]

:)

Nice to see the transitioning is going well and with much enthusiasm!

Looking forward to continuing my read of this enjoyable tale.

~*~ Pio

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Wanna join us, Pio?

[Folwren]

That would be awesome, if you joined us, Pio. :D

Well, these two played by Lommy will be 17 and 21 so a bit different kind of troublemakers... but I would love to see more kids to join the MH as well! Think of a spoiled kid of the new eorl getting along with Garmund, Cnebba, Leodthern and Javan... :eek:

That was what I was thinking. :D Can it be arranged?

A 17 and 21 year old will be interesting enough, though, depending on how they're played and just what sort of characters they are... You mentioned 'troublemakers', though.

The new Eorl sounds interesting. He's not quite the 'normal' bad guy who is bad just for the sake of being bad. I'm looking forward to this. Fellows who are used to authority are tough to work with....and that means fun for us writers.

Fea, I see I was wrong. That is interesting. She could have twins. Hehehe.

Oh no, she's yours. I have too much fun reading what she's doing from this side of the page. Just tell me if I'm tampering too much in your plans with my suggestions.

I'm glad you enjoy reading my stuff for Saeryn. You are not tampering too much in my plans at all. I like it when you comment on things that 'could' happen with Saeryn, because then it gives me both ideas and insights into Saeryn's character that I may not have thought of before.

Nogrod and Lommy, if we are skipping to the day Eodwine leaves and if it is before the new Eorl arrives with his extra, new characters, can we start writing that day now? We could all make a pact to make the day as short as possible and so get on to the new eorl as quick as possible.

Looking forward to start writing again!

-- Foley

[Thinlómien]

Join, pio, join! :D

I'm rather sick at the moment, so I don't know how I'll manage stuff but you guys are making me enthusiastic with your enthusiasm. Maybe I'll even post my character bios today? I have a very clear idea of these two rascals in my head, and I'm afraid they won't be too gentle to the current staff, especially the womenfolk... :eek:;)

I promised Nog I'd spam some people with invitations but I haven't had the time/health to do it yet. I think I could do it now. Like, right now. *hurries off*

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I promised Nog I'd spam some people with invitations but I haven't had the time/health to do it yet.

Actually, that's not entirely true. Though, I was far from being spammed.

I wonder though, anyway, so what does one need to do to join here? I was briefly briefed on the situation from Lommy (I haven't been reading the thread itself much yet, though I got the basic picture... anyway, I certainly am not going to read through hundred of pages :D ) and I was thinking about taking a character of a simple soldier, if it can be so. Could be, like, a rather random person arriving with the new lord (I guess he would have some soldiers with him). So, would that be fine? And if so, then could somebody just tell me what I need to do (like, character form, what should it look like, and so on), and also if there is anything else I should know about?

[Thinlómien]

Haha. *smacks Legate gently with a mushroom*

Here (http://www.forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551138&postcount=8)'s the abbreviated character description form for the Mead Hall. It's like a normal character description form, but it need not be so detailed (mainly for the conveniency of other writers, you can keep some stuff to yourself if you want to). We didn't use to have those here, but we started using them in roder to make it easier to use other people's characters in our posts.

I already told you it's perefectly fine you write a soldier. :D So, feel free to make that character descrption form for him. I don't think there's much else to do, except familiarising yourself with the general information in the beginning of this thread may come in handy. :)

[Thinlómien]

Here are my new characters, the sons of the new eorl:

~*~

NAME: Wulfric

AGE/GENDER/RACE/WHERE FROM: 21, male, Eorling, originally from Edoras

APPEARANCE: Wulfric is of average height and muscular build, he has the grace of a young warrior. He has blue eyes and long straw blonde hair.

BITS OF CHARACTER/HISTORY YOU FEEL MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN DEFINING THE CHARACTER: Wulfric is rash and proud, and rather full of himself. He does his best to become a good leader, so he also has a bit of pompous nobility that his younger brother often makes fun of. Wulfric is used to gettting his own way and loses his temper easily when crossed. Wulfric enjoys boasting of having his way with women, but he's a bit of a romantic deep inside.

~*~

NAME: Wilheard

AGE/GENDER/RACE/WHERE FROM: 17, male, Eorling, originally from Edoras

APPEARANCE: Wilheard is a little taller and leaner than his elder brother, but otherwise much the same. There's a hint of gray in his blue eyes and his hair is pale blonde.

BITS OF CHARACTER/HISTORY YOU FEEL MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN DEFINING THE CHARACTER: Wilheard is quiet and self-centered, and possibly even more stubborn than his elder brother. It's often difficult to tell what he's really thinking of, and he can be surprisingly foolhardy or cruel. He's quick-witted and likes to have fun, and has a knack for handling animals.

Both the brothers were raised by their father who treasured them and their mother who tended to be rather strict. They've always given their parents, their older sister Hedewig and the household a lot of trouble with coming up with all kinds of stuff. They are both trained warriors, although Wilheard's training is not officially done yet. Both brothers aim for a military career.

~*~

And as for the sister mentioned therem she's older than her brothers (23 or so), so she's married and lives elsewhere, so she won't come to the hall - unless she makes a surprise visit at some point or something, but the main point is that she's there just as a part of the family bography and you need not to know anything about her except maybe that she exists.

----------

LINKED (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551131&postcount=2) ~*~ Pio

[Gwathagor]

Hey, fascinating characters.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

NAME: Hilderinc

AGE/GENDER/RACE/WHERE FROM: in his late thirties, male, Eorling

APPEARANCE: Quite tall, though probably not very tall for an Eorling, short light brown hair with occassional streaks of grey; dark brown eyes. He is quite lean, not overtly muscular, but strong. A serious injury during a campaign in Rhûn in 18 FA caused significant damage to his right arm, the would has healed outwardly, but the broken bones did not mend properly. He still occassionally suffers from the pain.

His slightly darker features might be the remains of some ancient Rohanian-Dunlending bonds (as especially in the borderlands such things have been common, as is evident from some tales), but it is not that he would be any strikingly different from other Rohirrim (he is far from looking like a half-Dunlending or anything like that). He is definitely an Eorling (he has still "typically Rohirric" features discerneable easily especially by an outsider), it just seems that the recessive genes have somehow lost the battle in his case.

BITS OF CHARACTER/HISTORY YOU FEEL MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN DEFINING THE CHARACTER: Hilderinc is a soldier, and has been one practically all his life. During the War, he took part in several battles, notably at Helm's Deep. Not really knowing any other trade, he spent fifteen years after the War serving different lords in Rohan, technically being a mercenary. His longest appointment so far came as he entered Athanar's service only a few months before the eorl was called to Scarburg. His addition to Athanar's household was backed by good references Hilderinc gave of himself, and his prowess and skill.

Those who know him have observed that he is a rather quiet type, which made him a bit of an odd one out in the eyes of some. Even after years of knowing each other, the relationship between Hilderinc and fellow soldiers has never grown into really close, warm friendships. However, Hilderinc gives the vibe of a trustworthy, experienced man, and this balances his detached side, so many might feel comfortable in his company, even if they wouldn't pick him as the first choice of a companion for a merry evening. He has a bit disdainful attitude towards young rash men, and he seems to prefer cold reason to emotions. His favourite pet peeve seem to be people who ''ride against the wind'', that is, who refuse to accept the way things are (according to Hilderinc) and are trying to struggle in some futile attempts.

From the onset, Hilderinc has been trying to facilitate cooperation between Athanar's soldiers and the original inhabitants of Scarburg; this being partially motivated by his abovementioned pet peeve. Many of the younger, more moldable soldiers such as Baldwic, Quin or Áforglaed got better accustomed to the locale and started counting themselves as Scarburgians also thanks to him. Hilderinc never made any distinction between ''us'' and ''them'', even though his disapproval of those who failed to do so might sometimes have strenghtened people's prejudices rather than helped. Lord Eodwine made good impression on Hilderinc the first time the soldier saw him, so he has always been cooperative towards Eodwine. This was probably also one reason why Athanar decided Hilderinc might be one of the men to leave with the restored eorl.

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

LINKED (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551131&postcount=2) ~*~ Pio

[piosenniel]

A quick question:

Will there be character descriptions forthcoming for:

1.) Degas
2.) Wilcred
3.) Raedwald

I'm just trying to update the Meadhall's Player/Character List (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551131&postcount=2)

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Nogrod]

Great to see you Legate! A pleasure indeed.

And you Pio would be most welcome... We have a few very nice roles in store for anyone willing to grab them.

Mainly the right-hand man for the new eorl and a housekeeper (female)... or a spoiled little kid to mingle in with the kids of the Mead Hall.

All would be fun to write.

Will there be character descriptions forthcoming for:

1.) Degas
2.) Wilcred
3.) Raedwald
I think there should be. Gwath and Eönwë, would you do them? Isn't there a bio for Degas already? I thought he has been around for quite a long time (or then I mix him up with someone else), but if there isn't, then Fea could you please write one?

The new Eorl sounds interesting. He's not quite the 'normal' bad guy who is bad just for the sake of being bad. I'm looking forward to this. Fellows who are used to authority are tough to work with....and that means fun for us writers.That was what I was thinking with him. Not a "baddie" in any way but not exactly the same lord Eodwine was, and maybe in some ways quite a problematic character...

Nogrod and Lommy, if we are skipping to the day Eodwine leaves and if it is before the new Eorl arrives with his extra, new characters, can we start writing that day now? We could all make a pact to make the day as short as possible and so get on to the new eorl as quick as possible.I was actually thinking of writing a short introduction to the "present" where lord Eodwine falls ill. After that you could all write any reactions to that as you wished and then either me, Lommy or a possible quest-writer would write the landlords in...

And after the landlords leave, the new eorl will be written in with his entourage (maybe jumping a few days forwards game-time).

How would that sound?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Degas made his first appearance at the White Horse Inn. I'm pretty sure he kicked down a door. He's been around since I was sixteen and didn't know how to pronounce the artist's name. It drives Nienna crazy that I have a character named "Day-gass." :)

Nevertheless, I'll seek out his character bio and update it as well as providing bios for various other characters I've had cameo in the past and plan to bring back in the future. Between the time lapsed and the new writers, it'll be helpful for everyone (me not least) to have a quick refresher on who they are, what they do, and what they're like.

[Nogrod]

Okay.

The 'Downs was down for an hour or two here but I'm still awake and have now posted "the Interlude" into the actual thread.

Feel free to write and react to the last post where things going on through summer and early autumn are explained and lord Eodwine falls ill...

NB. You don't have to write the landlords in or care about the time-progression. Just write what your characters think about the situation I have left us (and feel free to have your character beside Eodwine's bed - or wherever they would hear the news as it is night in the post).

Let's go for it!

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Long, sorry, I know... I basically took the bios I'd written (or JennyHallu, whose character Lin was originally, or LMP who obviously had Wenna) already and tweaked them for current accuracy.

I will be writing Degas and Wenna regularly. I doubt Lin will show up at all, but since Degas will most likely be pining over her a bit, I wanted to make sure everyone knows who she is. Farahil and Adragil are Lin's very protective older brothers, nephews of Imrahil. While I'll probably leave Adragil at home in Gondor, I intend to bring Farahil to Scarburg.

---

NAME: Degas of the Folde

AGE: 19

RACE: Rohirric

GENDER: male

WEAPONS: A heavy sword with distinguishing marks that he wields effortlessly, yet rarely carries; it matches a thin dagger possessed by his twin sister. His own dull dagger serves less for cutting or stabbing than for random prying; he’s been looking to replace it, but only half-heartedly, as it was a gift from his sisters that he received when he was about ten. Keen enough with a bow, but prefers no weapons. Trained by commoner friends to hand-fight when he was about 14. His lean muscular frame is suited for quick hits that carry a lot of power.

APPEARANCE: About 5’11”, broad shoulders, dark red hair that’s long and tied into a horsetail at almost all times. Handsome with devilishly twinkling eyes. Has skin that’s darkened slightly after a childhood spent wincing over sunburns.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: A sweet and caring musician, he loves his twin sister Saeryn more than anybody else, and would not have returned from his prolonged stay as a singer and musician in Minas Tirith if it had not been for her continued residence in Rohan.

Upon his return, he met and fell in love with Linduial of Dol Amroth, the niece of Imrahil and cousin of Queen Lotherial of Rohan. Knowing that as a younger son with no money he could not hope to provide her with a life her family would agree to, he nevertheless rode to Linduial's family home in Southern Gondor to ask for her hand in marriage. He was, quite frankly, baffled that he was given the family's okay as long as Lin wanted to marry him.

While it is now assumed that Degas and Linduial (who lives for now with her cousin, the Queen, in Edoras) will wed, it will not happen soon since Fenrir was killed in a peasant uprising and Degas refuses to bring a new bride to the lands he has just inherited, possibly against the will of the people who live there. While he's glad that he can now provide his wife-to-be with lands and some wealth, he is more interested in providing stability and is overlooking her training in diplomacy, thinking chivalrously that he must keep her safe.

Degas has had to grow up very quickly, transforming all but overnight from a cocky flirt who adorned Aragorn's court as a musician and could often come across as abrasive, impulsive, and condescending into a forthright young man who must bring the mutinous peasantry of his family's lands back under his control.

As dowry for Saeryn, Degas swore an oath to Eodwine that they would be brothers, coming to the aid of one another, and that should Eodwine die, Degas would care for Saeryn and her children as Eodwine would. He did not take this oath lightly.

Degas's new responsibilities weigh heavily on him, as does impatience to be married. In being forced to wait ever longer to wed Linduial, as well as tending to the charred lands and buildings destroyed in the uprising, trading and begging with others to provide goods to keep his people alive over the winter, Degas has begun to truly prove himself as a man, showing leadership and strength that would not have been expected of him before he met Lin.

HISTORY: The younger son of a noble house of Rohan, Degas is the twin of Saeryn and brother of [deceased] Caelwyn and [also deceased] Fenrir. With parents of a liberal persuasion, Degas and his siblings were allowed to wander through the Folde, mingling with those of all stations, learning from the most distinguished guests of their parents as well as the roughest of wanderers, and playing. Taught both statecraft and how to deal with commoners on their own level, the children were fast able to act appropriately in all situations.

After their parents’ tragic death, Degas and his siblings were cared for by Fenrir, who was quite a bit older. Their freedom was remarkably lessened by Fenrir’s ambition and desire for noble propriety. The girls were kept within the walls of their home for the most part, though Degas was still allowed to adventure. With his twin sometimes disguised and in tow, he did so, consorting with all folks of the Folde and beyond, developing, as he went, many friendships and a strong love for music. He learned to play sad melodies of the forgotten South from traveling minstrels even as he learned quick fingered skylarking dance tunes from country men around bonfires at night.

At age 17, Degas left home and traveled south to Minas Tirith to learn more about music while claiming that his travel was to educate himself further upon the details of statecraft. Successfully fulfilling both his claim to the public and his promise to himself, he much enjoyed life as a visiting lord in a country full of lovely raven-haired maidens fascinated by a fiery northern redhead with an enchanting singing voice and love of adventure.

When he received word at 18 that his elder sister had died, he left Minas Tirith and traveled north, seeking his twin. Reaching home, he found her gone, their brother enraged. Discovering that she’d run away, Degas left in search of her, throwing Fenrir off of his trail, understanding that if Saeryn had ran away from home, she had been running away from their brother. Serendipitously finding her settled at The White Horse Inn in Edoras, he joined her, leaving now and again to tend to business elsewhere. After one such disappearance, he returned to find the Inn in the hands of the newly lorded Eodwine and in the midst of being converted to a fully fledged Mead Hall. Shortly thereafter, he met Lady Linduial of Dol Amroth.

Degas is now 19 and Saeryn is his only surviving family member. He and Linduial are to be wed once Degas brings the Folde back under the control of the realm.

---

NAME: Rowenna (Wenna)

AGE/GENDER/RACE/WHERE FROM: 20, female, Eorling, from the southeasternmost farmlands of the West Emnet.

APPEARANCE: :Merisu: - for starters...just not so exaggerated. More athletic than she appears.

BITS OF CHARACTER/HISTORY YOU FEEL MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN DEFINING THE CHARACTER: Serious, ambitious, thoughtful, secretive, an eavesdropper. Was abducted by brigands 2 years ago, her farm ransacked and her widowed father killed in cold blood. She had been the brigands' slave at first, was forced to kill her first two infants, as well as two other abducted women in order to survive the harsh life of the brigands. Not above causing trouble for another if it improves her own position. She has begun to plan how to achieve the role for herself of Eorl Eodwine's wife.

---

NAME: Linduial of Dol Amroth

AGE: 18

RACE: Human

GENDER: Female

APPEARANCE: Tall and slim, with dark hair and sea grey eyes. The female version of her uncle Prince Imrahil’s classic features.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Very intelligent and good-hearted, but somewhat spoiled. Occasionally impulsive. Trained to statecraft and diplomacy, her words are likely to prove her greatest asset.

HISTORY: Lin has grown up fully aware of her position as niece of Prince Imrahil, and the dangers and responsibilities that entailed. She always believed herself prepared for what life threw at her, thanks to her father’s trust and the careful training given her by her father’s steward, as well as a multitude of tutors. However, when her father began planning her a betrothal to a dull but well-connected young man, Lin managed to end the idea by suggesting a prolonged visit to her cousin in Rohan.

In Rohan, Lin found herself the guest of Eodwine in his newly constructed Mead Hall. She and Saeryn became fast friends and she found herself flirting with Saeryn's charismatic twin, however he was too young, she thought. Yet after he returned from an unexpected and rather long trip, Linduial found Degas to have changed, to have become both more grounded and more determined.

While she had been fond of him before, after his return from Gondor, Linduial began to seriously consider him as a husband. Upon learning that Degas had sought her father Farien's approval, Lin was shocked by Degas's daring, but still hesitant. As the niece of Imrahil, she could not bear to marry simply anyone. However upon the death of Fenrir and Degas's inheritance of his family's lands, villages, and wealth, Linduial found that the boy she had foolishly fallen in love with had transformed before her very eyes into a serious young man who would provide her with both love and a challenging life. If only they could actually make it to the point of marriage.

---

NAME: Farahil son of Farlen

AGE: 29

RACE: Gondorian; of Dol Amroth

GENDER: male

WEAPONS: Trained in the use of every weapon he comes across, Farahil is proficient in all, studying to perfect each before continuing to the next. He is an extremely formidable opponent on the battlefield and his reputation tends to precede him.

APPEARANCE: 6'1", muscular. Broad shouldered, but not imposing. Walks silently, with footfalls especially light for his large frame. Often seen with a small child on his shoulders when at home, whether a relative or one of the wee ones of the household. Straight black hair that falls past a strong jaw line. Usually combed into a horsetail like those of the Rohirrim of the north, though if a strong wind blowing across the deck of a ship happens to pull his hair from its tie, he will let the wind take it. Farahil presents a rather dashing image of a sailor. A quiet smile often adorns his lips, his dark grey eyes lighting softly. He is most comfortable in commoners' clothing and wears it when adventuring, though even a blind man could see blood of the noblest lines in his visage.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Though he is a younger son, Farahil has never begrudged his older brother the position of heir. He appreciates his ability to adventure with nearly unlimited funding, yet he owns the sort of disposition that might have been happier in another life without the obligations that come from carrying certain blood within his veins. Farahil is a sailor at heart, and a fighter, and though his self control is too strong for something like pacing, at heart? Farahil paces when he's stuck indoors.

He is uncomfortable at formal occasions. While he attends those events deemed important by his sisters, and dresses impeccably for them, Farahil is no more social than strictly necessary and eagerly awaits any opportunity to leave. If he happens to be away from home during such things, he is not in the least bit perturbed. He is most comfortable on a ship, sailing in the late afternoon sun while lazily glancing at the endless waters, pondering what new treat will most easily draw a smile from his younger sister, for he is very fond of Linduial. His discovery that she is a fair shot inspires his continued collecting of bright feathers for quiet evenings spent fletching while she chatters happily away; though she lives now in Rohan, Farahil still habitually collects feathers for a time when they might sit together again.

Though quieter and more reserved than his older brother, Farahil's very presence is reassuring and he is a favorite of all. Many people do not fully understand him, yet children are drawn to him and strangers find themselves telling him their life stories over a quiet drink. The men that sail under him are loyal beyond the understanding of most, confident in his ability and trusting in both his leadership and friendship. Though Farahil has noble bearing, he treats all as equals and is more comfortable laughing over bawdy jokes in sea-side taverns than politely discussing the state of the weather with visiting dignitaries over dinner. He has a knack for seeing people's strengths as well as their weaknesses and placing them in situations where they will flourish.

HISTORY: The younger son of Lord Farlen, Farahil spent his childhood as the youngest child in the family. With his brother, Adrigil, eight years his senior and his sister, Azranala, three years so, he often struggled to keep up, though if they had been matched in age, he certainly would have matched his siblings in strength and wit, respectively. As playmates of Imrahil's sons and daughter, the children often shared tutors and had adventures within the ancient walls of the castle when they were kept indoors.

Trained early in both statecraft and weaponry, Farahil immediately preferred the latter, studying diligently with the arms masters in hopes of perfecting each weapon. With his twelfth year came the birth of a baby sister, Linduial, and he was fascinated by her. While his older sister was lovely in her own hard-edged way and was certainly proper and could negotiate a horse from beneath his rider while convincing, whether the rider liked it or not, that it was for his own good, Linduial was tiny and porcelain. He was nervous holding her, afraid that she would break, but her bright eyes and happy gurgle instantly stole the very heart that the death of Farahil's mother had broken. From the day she was born, Farahil was protective of her, finding excuses to spend time with her, delighting in eliciting smiles from her. Teased by his peers for his constant thought of his baby sister, he began to keep more to himself, surprising Linduial as she grew with small treats and the like, while beginning to adventure further from home.

As Farahil entered his later teens, after the War of the Ring, his brother, already grown, began to take him on sailing adventures and Farahil developed a keen love of the sea, more even than he had had for the view from the castle walls of the glimmering blue. Whether working in the sweltering sun on the deck of a fishing ship or captaining a crew of traders or adventurers, Farahil was happiest on the water. As he got older, he became less tied to his home and began to enjoy the freedom of the sea more and more, yet he still thought of his little sister, strong as steel and fragile as silk. He brought her tokens after every adventure, sharing stories even as she told him of her latest exploits at home.

These days, Farahil avoids marriage, fearing to bind a woman to him in troth and still feel the call of the sea. When home, he plays with his nieces and nephews, spoiling them with gifts from distant lands, and he seeks out his little sister, now grown. Hearing of Lin's desire to travel, he wished to ride with her as a guard, but knew that it would defeat her purpose to escape the constraints of home for a time. She had spoken to him of her wish to escape the lad that Farlen had in mind for her, and Farahil knew that his beloved little sister would fade if forced to stay. Secretly he sought out his father and spoke with him, asking leave for Lin to go even before she asked it herself.

Though it was partly of his doing that Linduial was allowed to travel to Rohan to visit Lothiriel, he misses her terribly. He sees clearly that which surrounds him: his older siblings married with families, his baby sister having adventures of her own.

When Degas arrived to Farlen's home to ask for Linduial's hand in marriage, it was Farahil's influence that allowed for the family's blessing: he knew that Lin would never be happy in a traditional marriage, and that this young man with his fiery hair and his almost foolhardy honesty would be good for her both as a husband and friend.

---

NAME: Adrigil son of Farlen

AGE: 37

RACE: Gondorian; of Dol Amroth

GENDER: male

WEAPONS: A scimitar acquired from a sleazily ethic'd Umbarian trader, a razor-sharp black dagger from Khand, a potentially Elven bow and quiver given as a token of thanks from an otherwise nefarious pirate whose lady Adrigil saved from near drowning on the high seas.

APPEARANCE: 6'5", well-tanned, straight black hair currently shaved bald from a far southern ceremony involving details that he refuses to divulge. High cheekbones and grey eyes. Impressively muscled upper arms play host to intricately designed tribal tattoos, black ink tracing delicate knots across and around his biceps; his arms are inked from shoulder to elbow.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Adventurous with a strong love of learning new things. Travels as frequently as his duties as father, husband, and heir allow, picking up new talents like wood carving, staff fighting, deep sea fishing and more. Speaks many languages fluently. Has friends scattered about Middle Earth with whom he communicates by long letters frequently. Has no qualms about using profanity, but only when women and children (and in this category, he does not count his sisters or cousins) are not present. Having the first voice one hears when they walk into a room, Adrigil is rather booming, a bit intimidating, and immediately likable as he holds no noble pretensions. Rather is it that he is fully aware of the power that comes with his name, as are all, to be honest, and so he feels no need to compensate for it. Very strong, he has to take care not to hurt anybody accidentally. Has a strong love of tournaments and other such events that allow him to show off. Learned to ride among the Rohirrim, learned to fight from locals of every place he's been, and is very much a cuddly teddy bear of a man when in the privacy of his home, no matter what his gruff demeanor elsewhere. Madly in love with his wife, Adrigil has settled a lot in the past seven years; ever since his first child was born.

HISTORY: Adrigil spent his childhood playing Pirates and King's Guard with his cousins on the high walls of Dol Amroth. With a special knack for discovering adventures where parents had hoped there to be none, Adrigil often found himself in the midst of a good story to tell later, when Mother wasn't around. His younger sister Azranala often took it upon herself to keep Adrigil behaving even as she continuously bossed young Farahil around. Farahil listened, sometimes, and Adrigil humored his motherly little sister until she left him alone more than a few seconds.

As soon as he could, Adrigil talked his mother and father into allowing him to travel at sea with their men. Spending his teenage years in and out of Dol Amroth learning to fight and to command with the captain of the fleet, Adrigil was self-sufficient early. He spent his time at home teasing Azranala, who retorted quite as quickly as she received her brother's taunts, and sharing travel stories with Lothiriel who he was always very fond of.

At 20, Adrigil was already experienced in the ways of the world and so when his mother died in childbirth, he was crushed, though not as heart broken as his 12-year-old brother. He humored the 15-year-old Azranala more now, seeing her attempts to fill the void, and he cossetted the new baby, Linduial, named for their dead mother, always more gentle with her than with any others.

He rode with Imrahil's forces to Minas Tirith during the War of the Ring, though he did not ride to the Black Gate. Instead he followed his uncle's very firm advice to stay and guard the city lest it otherwise fall. After the war, seeing the fatherless children weep and the husbandless wives carry on heartbroken with their lives, Adrigil resolved that no child should feel the loss of a parent and began to spoil the very young Linduial all the more, buying her pretty items that had no particular use, but that he knew his mother would have cherished and shared with the fussy little girl.

Through his 20s, Adrigil explored Middle Earth, taking Farahil along with him, finding true adventures and acquiring stories only half-believed by those left at home. Always an excellent fighter, he honed his skills with local secrets after gaining acceptance no matter what it took, no matter where he went. Though loud as well as tall and muscular, Adrigil's dark eyes and burnt golden skin were welcoming more than alarming and he was well-liked.

Marrying a pretty young woman when he was nearly 30, Adrigil began to slowly settle, giving up his life on the road (or at sea) to enjoy the quiet family life that he noticed many men enjoying. It lasted about a year before he went nearly stir-crazy and his wife told him to go off on an adventure or she would. Kissing her passionately goodbye, he sailed the coast of Middle Earth for several months, dealing with pirates where they were causing trouble, helping rebuild where storms had caused damage, and generally being helpful to the coastal cities and merchant sailors. Returning home, he discovered that his wife was right in telling him to go; he could never be content without a struggle. Loving her all the more, he settled into an almost structured life of stay at home and be a good husband and heir during the winter and go out and be a good man of Gondor, saving people during the summer.

At 30, Adrigil's first child was born; a son. In the following years, his wife bore him two daughters and another son, all black haired and all cheerful, the girls slender and pretty as their still young aunt Linduial, the boys much like Adrigil's father, wise and doting and strong.

As years passed, Adrigil continued to adventure and to stay at home in intervals, coming home with lavish gifts and wonderful stories, loathe to leave for long stretches of time where he was content to do little but play with his children, dote upon his wife, and spend time with the residents of his home.

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

LINKED (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551131&postcount=2) ~*~ Pio

[Nogrod]

Long, sorry, I know... I basically took the bios I'd written (or JennyHallu, whose character Lin was originally, or LMP who obviously had Wenna) already and tweaked them for current accuracy.

I will be writing Degas and Wenna regularly. I doubt Lin will show up at all, but since Degas will most likely be pining over her a bit, I wanted to make sure everyone knows who she is. Farahil and Adragil are Lin's very protective older brothers, nephews of Imrahil. While I'll probably leave Adragil at home in Gondor, I intend to bring Farahil to Scarburg.Just keep us up to date who will be around and who will not - and when... :D

But it was nice to see these old characters I just had a faint remeberance of... well some of them... :rolleyes:

Linduial would be a nice "meddling-in" character indeed! But let's not be hasty... :smokin:


Oh, and the bio of Athanar (son of Herewald) eg. the coming eorl will be here tomorrow. And I think the bio of his wife Wynflæd will be here soon as well.

Meanwhile let's keep up with this and write on the actual thread as well now as lord Eodwine has finally taken badly ill indeed.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

But it was nice to see these old characters I just had a faint remeberance of... well some of them... :rolleyes:

I know, right? I mean, most of this stuff was started several years ago and I haven't thought about it since. When I went looking for the Farahil and Adragil bios, I remembered that the reason Degas really went to Gondor wasn't specifically to ask to marry Lin but was to explain to her family that she'd been kidnapped, that it was kind of his fault because he was supposed to be watching her, and that oh, ps, he wanted to marry her once they got her back from the kidnapper. :eek:

It was like, oh yeah. She was kidnapped. Heh. Oops.

Basically just think of me as writing Degas and Rowenna.

Though I plan on bringing in Farahil, it won't be for quite some time because, well, it takes time for letters or messengers to travel.

[Nogrod]

it won't be for quite some time because, well, it takes time for letters or messengers to travel.Which indeed is a blessing... The situation with lord Eodwine can be kind of sidetracked for now just because of the slow pace of the news and travelling in general in that world...

Not that I would change this internet-age of ours to the old world where a letter from the US. would travel at least two months to Finland... but anyway.

An RPG game might be interesting via regular mail though... One might try that just to be old-fashioned and ultra avantgarde at the same time! :rolleyes:

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

An RPG game might be interesting via regular mail though... One might try that just to be old-fashioned and ultra avantgarde at the same time! :rolleyes:

It would take like ten years. But it would also be bizarrely awesome, especially if it was hand written.

[Folwren]

Good post, Nogrod! I aim to get up early tomorrow and write something before the day here at home officially begins. :D Wish me luck...I tend to sleep in. :rolleyes:

-- Foley

[Thinlómien]

Gwath - thanks :)

Legate - looks good (and full of secrets)

Fea - wow sweet nostalgy :D

Nog - good post

Mnemo - good bio, sorry to say it here instead of PMing you but I'm lazy and my PM inbox is getting full...

[Folwren]

There, I have posted, as I promised. I could think of no realistic way to keep Saeryn there. Please, please, anyone tell me if Thornden appears to be a coward. I can not bear to think of him as such.

Fea, let me know if Saeryn is alright or if her answer was too abrupt.

[Mnemosyne]

NAME: Wynflæd

AGE/GENDER/RACE/WHERE FROM: 42, female, Eorling, from Edoras (her family goes back a long way)

APPEARANCE: Rather tall and slender, although some of that could be simply the way she carries herself. Blonde hair that is just starting to grey; grey eyes that have not lost any sharpness over the years. Always comports herself well and moves deliberately; she will only turn her head to look at you if she feels you are worthy of her notice.

BITS OF CHARACTER/HISTORY YOU FEEL MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN DEFINING THE CHARACTER:

Wynflæd has been married to Athanar for the past twenty-three years. Their daughter, Hædewig, was born shortly after their marriage; she also bore him two sons that survived into adulthood. Coming from one of the prominent families of Edoras, Wynflæd has conducted herself in a manner fitting a daughter of the Eorlingas nearly flawlessly for all her life. During the War, this consisted of maintaining a strong appearance for her young children and her household while her husband was facing death. As such, she is proud of her husband’s service and her own forbearance, and has never forgotten the necessity of setting a good example of virtuous wifehood and ladyhood for all.

Her husband suits her in both nobility and temperament, but sometimes she despairs of her sons’ ever reaching the exacting standards of virtue that befits their status.

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

LINKED (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551131&postcount=2) ~*~ Pio

[Nogrod]

Please, please, anyone tell me if Thornden appears to be a coward. I can not bear to think of him as such.Not at all! And if he manages to make Saeryn stay it's even better. I think it was a good argument he made - and what Saeryn said... so to me it looks like she stays. And that's good.

Also nice to see you Groin writing Lithor!

Anyone wishing to post as reaction to these posts feel free to do it. Me or Lommy will make a post in the day after tomorrow writing the landlords in... so you have like two days to write any reactions to the scene or writing it forwards in a way you wish.

Thanks Foley for solving our problem (we were wondering who would accompany lord Eodwine to Edoras as some of the more esteemed persons would have to take charge of it - not just a bunch of un-named soldiers). So Balvir and Lithor it will be. A good choice indeed!

Feel free to make a post on Lithor and Balvir accompanying lord Eodwine to Edoras in a few days Groin... just give it a title like "the escort to Edoras" or whatever you think fits.

And Foley, remember you can choose to write Saeryn to follow lord Eodwine to Edoras as soon as the landlords have left the day after the visit! (we could give you time to write it before we actually start bringing the new characters in).

Just give us the last post between Saeryn and Eodwine in Edoras before Eodwine is taken to Minas Tirith!

Well Eodwine probably is in such a bad shape he could not talk a lot, if at all (your choice) but you should think about it. It would be a good way to end what is written of Eodwine here if it was by his wife (and especially you with lmp's character you have written together such a long time) and her last moments with him.

The caravan is moving forwards anyway!

[Nogrod]

NAME: Athanar son of Hereweald

AGE/GENDER/RACE/WHERE FROM: 44, male, Eorling, from Edoras; a noble and proud descendant of Aldor the Old (not too straight a line but enough to claim a lineage).

APPEARANCE: Normal height and build. A muscular person but one could see the last fifteen years have not been spent fighting or in toil but rather in leisure. Looks like a lazy tiger that could either just rest and build his belly or attack with might and unleash a sleeping power. He’s handsome for his age, “boyish” in a way, but stern when needed. Wears the emblem of his family, the right-looking eagle, everywhere he goes.

BITS OF CHARACTER/HISTORY YOU FEEL MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN DEFINING THE CHARACTER:

His father Hereweald was a counsellor of Theoden King and was raised to a high esteem during the time of Wormtongue. Athanar hated Wormtongue from the very beginning when he was quite young and never accepted the power-broking deal between the aristocracy of Edoras and Wormtongue. But he knew his place and never challenged him for the sake of his family and the status it had.

He fell in love with Wynflaed, the daughter of a mighty family boasting their roots to Brego himself (well, there were many families claiming for the awkward inheritance by measures or half-measures there) and after a few interesting twists of both luck and planning they were wed under the acceptance of both the families.

After receiving a primus nomination at the youth camp Athanar was named a sergeant of a group of riders, but after his marriage he advanced into a lieutenant. And then the war broke in.

He fought in the Pelennor fields with honour. His forefathers could be proud if him. Nine people testified him to have saved them in the last minute, and he had a belt filled with tokens from the enemy… but the real tokens for him were his children who had been born just before the war. It was for them he fought the war, and it was for them he thought a new world would arise bringing back the order of the world the ancients had. The world of the stories his uncle and grandpa had told him… the world of serenity and bliss.

A world were the good were separated from the bad, a world were the master and the slave knew their places, a world in which Rohan would prevail…

It would be the world for him and his children. The world that was their home to be now that Sauron had been defeated..

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


LINKED (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551131&postcount=2) ~*~ Pio

[Groin Redbeard]

All these new characters are making my head spin!:eek: I'm going to have to double check I'm talking to the right characters when they start interacting.:)

Question, Nogrod: should Lithor stay in Edoras until Eodwine dies/heals (what happens to Eodwine)? Also, should I get the post up as soon as possible or give people more time to write for their characters?

[Nogrod]

All these new characters are making my head spin!:eek: I'm going to have to double check I'm talking to the right characters when they start interacting.:)The times they are a ' changing... :)

Question, Nogrod: should Lithor stay in Edoras until Eodwine dies/heals (what happens to Eodwine)? Also, should I get the post up as soon as possible or give people more time to write for their characters?Lithor would be accompanying Eodwine to Edoras with Balvir and a few men at arms. They should come back like soon - unless you decided the other way.

It's up to Fea to decide whether Saeryn will follow you to Edoras to see her husband - and whether you might meet there or / and come back together. Up to you.

But that would be a side-story anyway (it could be written if you wished and had time to post it at the right time) as we'd now wish to get some reactions to Eodwine's ordeal - and then the landlords would come in.

That would happen in a day or two (RL).

Then, when the landlords have left, the new eorl would come in and we could actually start going the normal way without restrictions or plans from "above"...


Thanks Pio, once again...

[Thinlómien]

Ooh I will try to write a short post for Modtryth/Cnebba soon!

And since no one has said it on this thread yet, Nerindel, if you're around, please note that not only Balvir but also Aedhel is to accompany Eodwine. But I guess that's ok as you have Iomhair and Matrim still around in the main action... :)

[Nienna]

Thanks Nog for your kind invitation to join. I'm contemplating it at the moment. I'm a little hesitant just because I've never really written anything like this and I don't know if I'll be any good at it. I think I'll take a look over the thread and check it out. If I do pick up a character I'd probably only want one for the moment.

[Lhunardawen]

WAAAAAAH!!!

(Sorry, right now - 1:13 AM with a four-hour Histology exam in less than seven hours - that's all I'm coherent enough to say. Nudge me again within the next few days to say more. And oh, could someone please ask Celuien for me how she managed to write for three characters in the Mead Hall while being a medical student? kthxbai.)

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

It's up to Fea to decide whether Saeryn will follow you to Edoras to see her husband - and whether you might meet there or / and come back together. Up to you.

I think you mean Foley, dear.

Ni- come on. You know you want to. Coooooome on.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Nog, in post 491 you mention Rowenna telling Eodwine he needs to stop work, and then she freaks out when he gets worse, but Rowenna left with Degas for the Folde the morning after the wedding. She won't be back at the Folde until I bring Degas back as soon as he gets the news. (Which will be ASAP since the Folde is barely outside of the Midemnet, on the far side of the Snowborne, and he's a very swift rider).

Foley: that is a wonderful post for Saeryn. I love seeing my babies grow up.

[Thinlómien]

Mnemo, I think I've found you a maidservant. She should post on this thread sooner or later (unless she cowardly runs away at the last minute ;)). :D

And just for others - recruiting is still in process, I have been PMing with one possible new writer and Nogrod also. So, look out for new faces! :)

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Mnemo, I think I've found you a maidservant. She should post on this thread sooner or later (unless she cowardly runs away at the last minute ;)). :D

If you're talking about Nienna, tell her I'll beat her up if she runs away. If you're not and your person runs away, Nienna has been considering the part of maidservant and merely needs a little encouragement.

[Thinlómien]

If you're not and your person runs away, Nienna has been considering the part of maidservant and merely needs a little encouragement.Actually I'm not but - I think a high lady like her could even have two maidservants (for some reason I'm seeing them as two incredibly stupid giggling young girls which would be quite a lot of fun, but of course it's totally up to the writers!).

[Mnemosyne]

Yes! More people I can order around!!!

[Nogrod]

Great posts people! I was almost weeping when I got to the end of Lommy's post... Way to go!

Then to a small problem...
Nog, in post 491 you mention Rowenna telling Eodwine he needs to stop work, and then she freaks out when he gets worse, but Rowenna left with Degas for the Folde the morning after the wedding. She won't be back at the Folde until I bring Degas back as soon as he gets the news. (Which will be ASAP since the Folde is barely outside of the Midemnet, on the far side of the Snowborne, and he's a very swift rider).Okay, I have now edited Rowenna out from that post and can now see where the misunderstanding came from.

I just had the idea that Degas and Rowenna had left but when you started talking about writing them again I thought that I had just remembered it the wrong way and you had only discussed about them leaving and not made it a deal - and so presumed they were still at Scarburg.

Well, now we just have to make a decision together.

I'll suggest we take one of the following routes...

A) The landlords come and there is de facto only Saeryn and Thornden to greet them. Maybe some others might rise to the occasion and try to defend the king's claim - which probably would not do any good to their claims if the landlords are questioning the authority of the Mead Hall which so seemingly is without a lord now... why to pay taxes to some outlanders, plain workers or a pregnant woman? What kind of mötley crew inhabits this place? ;)

B) We edit basically my post and decide the landlords are only coming in a week or so, so that Degas (and Rowenna) have time to come back to defend the Mead Hall with Saeryn? In that case you might also wish to write Saeryn to go with her husband to Edoras now as there would be time for her to come back (maybe hoping to come back with her husband who is healthy and well again?).

C) We decide that Degas and Rowenna had not gone away after all (they have been delayed by fex. promising to help with the rushed building project) and are at the Mead Hall as we speak...


So what do you think?

I think I would suggest the choice A), but I'll be happy with any of the three - or if someone comes up with even a better plan.

I thought of writing the landlords in this evening but will now postpone it until Friday (this week, in two days that is) when I'm back from our summer cottage. I hope to have your views on the subject meanwhile, especially those of Foley and Fea whose characters the results would affect the most.

[Nogrod]

And please continue the great posting the next two days (well one and a half day).

When I come back home on Friday afternoon (+3GMT) I'll write the landlords in.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

]A) The landlords come and there is de facto only Saeryn and Thornden to greet them. Maybe some others might rise to the occasion and try to defend the king's claim - which probably would not do any good to their claims if the landlords are questioning the authority of the Mead Hall which so seemingly is without a lord now... why to pay taxes to some outlanders, plain workers or a pregnant woman? What kind of mötley crew inhabits this place? ;)

B) We edit basically my post and decide the landlords are only coming in a week or so, so that Degas (and Rowenna) have time to come back to defend the Mead Hall with Saeryn? In that case you might also wish to write Saeryn to go with her husband to Edoras now as there would be time for her to come back (maybe hoping to come back with her husband who is healthy and well again?).

C) We decide that Degas and Rowenna had not gone away after all (they have been delayed by fex. promising to help with the rushed building project) and are at the Mead Hall as we speak...

I vote option A. Particularly because I could see the landlords actually having something to do with getting a new Eorl into place. If they're already irritable about having to pay taxes and they show up to find a motley crew of misfits inhabiting an incomplete mead hall, perhaps they themselves would go to the king, perhaps with the motive to delay having to pay out, but only succeeding in getting a new eorl into place?

Landlords: "Why should we have to pay out to this group of people who can't get their acts together?"

King: "I see your point. I assign this guy to the task. Pay out to him. Now."

Voila: Eodwine is replaced, Saeryn is deposed, landlords are angry with Saeryn/Eodwine, but possibly angrier with new eorl who kills their hopes of indefinitely delaying their need to give up power...

What do you think?

[Loslote]

Hello. I'd like to join. :) I'll play Wynflæd's maid, Lilige.

NAME: Lilige

AGE/GENDER/RACE/WHERE FROM: 34, female, Rohirrim, from Edoras

APPEARANCE dark blonde hair that is often mistaken for brown; she is slightly taller than many others, but her quiet demeanor often causes others to overlook her. She is perceptive, however, and devoted to her mistress's wellbeing. Despite her perceptiveness, she usually doesn't bother to try and understand how others might react to her, and ranks the people she interacts with mentally and subconsciously.

BITS OF CHARACTER/HISTORY YOU FEEL MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN DEFINING THE CHARACTER: Lilige came from a fairly well-to-do family with many children. Her parents, hard pressed to find occupations for all of their children, sent her to live with her aunt and uncle, who worked at Medulseld. She soon caught the attention of a young noblewoman, who trained her as a lady's maid. When her mistress married and left to live at her new husband's home, Lilige stayed behind, and passed through the employment of several ladies before finding Wynflæd, whom she currently serves.

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

LINKED (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551131&postcount=2) ~*~ Pio

[Folwren]

I vote for plan A, along side with Fea. It looks fun. :D Options B and C seem like too much work, and not as interesting as A.

I'm glad to see you here, Loslate! I hope you have fun in this more crazy busy atmosphere (compared to the Golden Perch, I mean.)

-- Folwren

[Thinlómien]

Plan A sounds good to me too. :)

Nice to see you joined, Loslote! And your bio looks promising. Wonderful. :D

[Folwren]

I really enjoyed reading your post, Groin!

I have responded and moved on. If I have moved on too much too quickly, someone let me know. Otherwise, all is in order for Nogrod to move on tomorrow! Yay!

Groin, I had Lithor drive the wagon, which means that he probably didn't have a horse prepared for him. I think you indicated that he had in your post when Matrim rode up. You may want to change that..? Or not. Whatever you think best.

-- Foley

[Groin Redbeard]

Groin, I had Lithor drive the wagon, which means that he probably didn't have a horse prepared for him. I think you indicated that he had in your post when Matrim rode up. You may want to change that..? Or not. Whatever you think best.

-- FoleyNo problem, I'll simply have Matrim bring two horses instead of three.:)

[Thinlómien]

That was a good post, Folwren. :) I don't think you've moved too fast, if someone wants to still post something that takes place before Eodwine leaving they can write it in retrospect, I think. And surely for most if not all the writers who still want to write before the arrival of the landlords (if there even are such wirters) it would be okay even to just write about their characters' feelings after Eodwine's departure.

[Folwren]

No problem, I'll simply have Matrim bring two horses instead of three.:)

No, don't. I'm so sorry, but when I wrote the post, I forgot all about Adhel. I'll go fix my post so that she is driving. I am so sorry.

-- Foley

[Groin Redbeard]

No, don't. I'm so sorry, but when I wrote the post, I forgot all about Adhel. I'll go fix my post so that she is driving. I am so sorry.

*bangs head on the keyboard*

Sounds good.:) I'll get a post up for Erbrand soon.

[Nogrod]

Yeah!

And plan A chosen.

I need to make a late dinner but after that I'll write the stuff in.

If someone still wishes to send in a post describing a character's feeling for Eodwine leaving in such a state, that post can always be linked into the story afterwards.

And there surely is at least two or three ours time to do that counting from now on.

[Nogrod]

Heh. There you go!

Even if it's most important for Foley to answer that (via Saeryn and Thornden), feel free to write your reactions as well everyone! Just don't try to attack them as that would be a bloodbath and probably the end of the Mead Hall as such... :rolleyes:

We'll get into the "free'er pastures" as soon as this transition-writing is done and then anyone can do what he/she wants to.


Also as the new eorl's entourage is starting to gear up we should probably exchange a few PM's - or discuss it here - what are the relations between the different people in it.

[Nogrod]

And btw. I had to use Thornden quite a lot. Please Foley correct me with any wordings or reactions I wrote for him...

[Thinlómien]

Also as the new eorl's entourage is starting to gear up we should probably exchange a few PM's - or discuss it here - what are the relations between the different people in it.Yes and some of the new writers have to say a definite yes instead of a vague one and sll of them except Mnemo, Legate and Lossie need to do their bios... so no hurry.

[Folwren]

Nogrod, I'll let you know how I want things changed tomorrow. I will also post at that time. I wanted to do it this afternoon, but time got away from me. So sorry.

-- Foley

[Eönwë]

Now that it's the weekend, I may be able to post some stuff later today and tomorrow.

edit: on second thoughts, tomorrow it is.

[Folwren]

Groin, apparently Saeryn didn't need Thornden to speak up for her. ;) I love her so much.

Nogrod, I'm taking your post and re-writing what I need re-written for Thornden:

It was the most quiet breakfast Scarburg had witnessed since the advent of the new settlers there. Some of the people had not slept at all and most others had only dozed off in anguish. Lord Eodwine was loved and admired – and almost newly wed! There had been optimism beyond any dream in the Mead Hall. Everything had looked so rosy! And now he was just gone and none knew whether he was coming back.

It had been more bearable in solitude or in company of just your nearest ones, but now the people had to face it together. It was so much harder to share it as no one knew what to say or do. They just emptied their plates slowly, everyone waiting for someone else to relieve them from the situation; to say something encouraging or soothing.

Finally it was noted that Saeryn and Thornden were having a quiet counsel together and soon Thornden arose and called for attention.

"Friends, this is a dark day for all of us, and I know all our hearts are going with lord Eodwine right now." His voice trembled and he paused and bent his head for a moment to regain control of his emotions. He looked up again, and his eyes were clear and his face hardened. "But we have an important day ahead of us, and he would have insisted that we do our best to accomplish all that must be done."

Thornden let his gaze wander around the hall looking at every person.

“I do not know what you know or what kind of stories you have been told, but lady Saeryn and I have discussed this with lord Eodwine. We know what to except and what to do. The lords coming will not be pleased with what we have to tell them and we must be ready to face adversity. Let us try to make this hall look as great and grand as we can. Let us give them a brave face. Lord Eodwine counts on us today to succeed in carrying out his and the king's wishes. Let's show we are worthy of his trust, so that he can look on us with pride when he returns!"

It was not just one or two minds that changed the “when” into “if” while hearing the end of the encouragement-speech, but they all cheered and nodded to the general effort Thornden had made. Not that the cheers were too convincing. But they all knew none could have done more in that situation.

The slowed-down breakfast turned quickly into a busy morning. Everyone tried their best to get the places looking as fitting to a king’s hall as they could. Stigend even decided to bring down the two shortish flagpoles they had hoisted to the wall around the front door of the Mead Hall itself and started carving them hoping to make them look like decorated ones – and thus more worthy - before the landlords would come.


~*~


”Look!”

”What?”

”Over there! Coming from behind the corner!”

“Wow!”

“Ooops!”

“That’s an…”

“…army!” Garmund finished the sentence left by Cnebba.

“We’ll have to warn them!” He cried and ran back towards the Mead Hall.

“Wait, wait for us!” Cnebba yelled from behind him not sure whether the flashing of the weapons and banners in the bright October sun was more awesome than him joining the warning-party.

“C’mon Cnebba! Run!” Javan shouted at him and brought him back to reality. “We must go!” He grabbed Cnebba by the hand and yanked him up. “Run!”

Cnebba had time to glance backwards before he ran. The banners were flying from the speed and they made sharp snapping sounds that were so loud he couldn’t realise how they did that. The tips of the spears were bathing in sunlight glimmering in competition with the helmets and armour the oncomers wore. And all this with the background of red and yellow leaves in the trees and the cold autumn breeze. It looked fascinating.

And there were many… far more Cnebba could have imagined when they had decided to go to the edge of the woods to see them coming from the road. And they came with fair speed towards them. The thunder of the hooves startled Cnebba. He knew how a horse or two sounded when they galloped but this was something different, it was like a thunder coming towards them. He ran through the ground filled with piles of dropped colourful leaves…


~*~

The tumult had been heard around the Mead Hall as well when first Garmund and then Javan and Cnebba came rushing in.

“They’re coming!” Garmund yelled.

“It’s an army!” Javan added panting.

“Fly!” Cnebba screamed coming a little after the two others.

Stigend and Garstan stepped forwards to grab their sons and even Thornden made a move towards Javan but then draw back from it.

“No one is attacking us. Do not be afraid, Javan. They just want to show their might,” Thornden said, speaking loud enough for the others to hear it too – and hoping he could fully believe his own words. “This is the king’s hall and they wouldn’t dare attack us,” he added.

But he instinctively looked around the entourage he had around him to make a quick calculation. After Lithor, Wilcred and Balvir had gone to see lord Eodwine to Edoras they were even less a force to fight against the landlords and their men if it came to that. Raedwald was the most experienced soldier around, Osmund and Aethelstan were good lads… and there was Matrim. But after that? Just a few young soldiers Thornden had never thought of too highly – keeping with their own company and playing their own games.

He knew Crabannan was a warrior and Erbrand, Dan, Harreld, Stigend and Garstan would prove hard fighters if it came to it… but still. They were real soldiers, riders of Rohan, they were facing here.

[Thinlómien]

People, stop writing good posts more than I can rep them. :p In other words, I might write something sooner or later and I'm hoping I won't get a devilish stroke of inspiration and let Cnebba and Garmund cause a disaster... :eek: ;)

[Folwren]

People, stop writing good posts more than I can rep them. :p In other words, I might write something sooner or later and I'm hoping I won't get a devilish stroke of inspiration and let Cnebba and Garmund cause a disaster... :eek: ;)

Yay. That sounds good. It will be positively HORRIBLE! (I'm sure.)

-- Foley

[Nogrod]

Thanks Foley for the corrections. I'll edit those in a moment.

And Cnebba & Garmund running loose there... *oh my!* :eek:


Groin! I liked your post on Erbrand but there are some things we might reconsider. I'll need to read it again (I read it a few hours ago) and I will shortly make a few comments...

[Nogrod]

Heh, you Foley had posted as well... I had thought the landlords would stay in the saddles and show their superiority that way and be away quite quickly, but as you both have unmounted them, then let's go with it and write them inside.

We're in no hurry anyway.

[Nogrod]

Okay. A few things in general but taking as examples two parts of Groin's post and one from Foley.

The soldiers holding shimmering spears glared at the settlers standing around. Erbrand met the stare of one and got the most unsettling smile he had ever seen. They seemed destined to kill. If they were any reflection on the lords that commanded them, lady Saeryn and Thornden were in for a rough counsel.Let's just remember these soldiers are the riders of Rohan... They're not just a bunch of baddies roaming around bloodthirsty. And they serve their legally appointed lords with honour as good as they can. That sure doesn't include a thirst to get a chance to impale women and children of their own kin... or just kill anyone for pleasure.

And the same goes - with a lesser extent - to the landlords. They are appointed by the king to their settlements and are war-heroes from the Pelennor Fields, coming from noble families. With them there sure is the fact that power may have corrupted them during the years and they would not be so "good" anymore in everything.

But if a band of orcs - or any dark or foreign force - would try to invade West Emnet you'd see these lords fight with their riders in the first row - and to fight valiantly for home and country.

So let's make this a little less black and white among the Rohanians?

Also, I think you might wish to change the tone of this just a bit - looking at the things I've said above.
Erbrand could only hear mumbling, but from the countenance that they bore, it was not flattering talk they were using to describe lady Saeryn.First of all I don't think the nobles would be that foolish to be like that when talking of a lady that clearly seemed to be in charge of a place in that way. I mean it is a different thing to mock a gathering of a crowd in general than to make harsh remarks on someone in particular. Not to speak if that particular person is a woman of clearly higher stature than just a peasant's wife.

I think what Foley wrote would be just at the edge of believability: “We will not banter with a woman concerning our lands and our money,”One of them might say that, but probably not all. I'll take it now for granted one of them will say it... it will probably be the young Faramund (and Tancred or Alboin will let him know how wise they thought that comment was afterwards)

Secondly, making degrading personal remarks on Saeryn would not help them in anyway if they would be forced into real discussions and they would know it. They're no fools. If they were, they would not have been landlords for too many days. But these ones have affirmed their reign around these lands for a long time.

It doesn't mean they would honour Saeryn or think highly of her, on the contrary they might scorn her in their thoughts, but it would temper their actions in public anyway.

Remember, they're not a bunch of brigands or bandits but noblemen from Rohan (with their vices to be sure).


Sorry if I sound like nit-picking here - and I will not do that later when we are once again writing together as the Mead Hall... But I just hope you wouldn't make the landlords just plain evil scum... or make the Riders of Rohan willing bloodthirsty butcherers of their own kin.

Or if it is a majority feeling we should do that, then we could go for it. But I think the oncoming twists our characters face (fex. their loyalties to the new eorl etc.) would be much more interesting if the neighbouring landlords were not just simply Morgoth's servants... :)


~*~

And if the main thing has been lost here with all this, then let me say it openly.

I liked the way you Groin took advantage of the situation writing Erbrand going for Kara to protect her - and I liked the way you Foley made Saeryn collect herself to play the role she is required to play.

On these more important issues you are doing great! Much better I could have ever imagined myself to write them. So even if this was a long post the issue is small after all... or a kind of a general one relating more to the general settings of the Mead Hall.

[Nogrod]

Heh, a little add-on... :o

I was looking back at the posts and saw I had written especially Faramund as quite a rotten apple - and he will be one to be sure!

But then again Tancred had wisdom to call him to cut it... and in the end (after the general scorn) he called for listening what the Mead Hall people had to say.


So it was probably my fault as well to give a too harsh picture of these noblemen in their first post - even if I thought they would all have different personalities and backgrounds and act accordingly. It's clear that can't be known by you if you just read one post...

They're not nice guys anyone, I can tell you. But let's just assume they're no fools to make their position unbearable (well, Faramund might be stupid enough but the other two would hold him back and let him know about it afterwards).

[Thinlómien]

Okay, then one word from me - sort of in defense of Groin - I don't think what the writers write is the objective truth, rather their character's subjective interpretation. Erbrand, a common man could find a not-so-happy-looking bunch of warriors threatening and get a bloodthirsty impression of them. And likewise, if there was just a little talk when Saeryn had sort of taken the floor (or whenever it was) Erbrand could just imagine they're talking about her in an ugly way (Groin said he didn't hear the words) even if they were really talking about the general condition of Scarburg or even grumbling about the lousy weather. :D So I wouldn't take these subjective hostile/bad impressions as the truth, especially from characters like Erbrand who is slightly paranoid and hot-headed anyway. :p

So in short - I would say, Groin, of course edit your post if you feel Nogrod's description/explanation made you feel you should, but if it's characteristic of Erbrand to take this kind of view, just ignore his whining. :p

[Thinlómien]

See, the boys aren't up to making too much trouble... yet. :p

It just occured to me that it might be more helpful if the player/character list was arranged so that the old and the new folk would be separately. Does anybody else think it should be so, or is it good the way it is? (Because if many agree with me, we can ask pio to change it, but if not, let's let it be, it's understandable enough like that. :))

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

It just occured to me that it might be more helpful if the player/character list was arranged so that the old and the new folk would be separately. Does anybody else think it should be so, or is it good the way it is? (Because if many agree with me, we can ask pio to change it, but if not, let's let it be, it's understandable enough like that. :))

I would call it discrimination :p But really, I don't have a preferrence, but then, if somebody thinks it will be somehow helpful... but then again: you "old" people would know who is "new" and who is "old", and for the "new" people, everybody is new anyway, so it does not make much sense.

Also, it would be slightly confusing if somebody, f.ex. Nogrod, has characters in both the "old" and "new" bunch, and how would you want to do that - you would only have two Nogrods on the player list, which will just create confusion.

[Nogrod]

So in short - I would say, Groin, of course edit your post if you feel Nogrod's description/explanation made you feel you should, but if it's characteristic of Erbrand to take this kind of view, just ignore his whining.Heh... exactly.

*"Whining"? :)*

Okay, I might have taken Erbrand's description of the scene also containing some "objective descriptions" of it, but it's just fine and dandy to think of them as Erbrand's POVs. So no problem there.

But it was probably good that I had the reason to write what those landlords and their soldiers are so that we'd all be at about the same wavelength with them (and that doesn't mean all our characters would have to share the same POV - just that we writers see it).

Nice post Lommy...

[Thinlómien]

*"Whining"? : )*Just making fun of you, as always. :p

But it was probably good that I had the reason to write what those landlords and their soldiers are so that we'd all be at about the same wavelength with them (and that doesn't mean all our characters would have to share the same POV - just that we writers see it).Yes, I think it was good you wrote that (somehow I managed to leave that out from my whining ;)).

And just in case it isn't clear from my post, the ones in the hall are: Saeryn and Thornden (of course) and Raedwald and Matrim as the "senior" "officers" (:D) and Ginna and Modtryth as servants (although Ginna is right now to serve ale with Kara) + the three landlords and their advisors (probably one advisor each). Any protests/suggestions about the people present are welcome.

PS. Eönwë and Gwath, when you have time, please come up with bios for Wilcred and Raedwald.

[Folwren]

It all sounds good. I really don't know where to go from here. I wouldn't mind if Nogrod wrote another over-arching post that described what happened in the meeting and we simply had done. But if others want to play this out, it's all good.

-- Foley

[Thinlómien]

*is soon going to spam the four tentative writers to get some bios and greetings to the thread*

Nerindel, if you're around, mind doing bios for Balvir and Matrim? :)

And pio, if you could add Balvir and Matrim to Nerindel's characters for although mostly used as minor characters/NPCs, they're still in the hall and they should not be missing from an official list. :)

Actually, I wonder if we also should make some NPC list and add there Osmund and Athelstan and a description: two young soldiers.

[Durelin]

*is soon going to spam the four tentative writers to get some bios and greetings to the thread*

Oh dear, good thing I beat you to that... :p Not that I have a bio but I got a little further toward one, eh?

Anyway, I'm going to be one of the new arrivals at the Meadhall - Athanar's 'right-hand man,' in fact, if he will accept me.

A bio will come very soon...

Thanks again for the opportunity!

-Dury

[Nogrod]

Love you Dury!

You're warmly welcomed!

And the right-hand man was just whom we needed the most!


I really don't know where to go from here. I wouldn't mind if Nogrod wrote another over-arching post that described what happened in the meeting and we simply had done. But if others want to play this out, it's all good.I was actually thinking the landlords would have just sat on their horses and after exchanging a few words going off with scorn... or something.

But now as they have been forced into some real discussion we should probably play it out at least a few posts...

So let me see you writing something on it - just reactions, feelings, the household stuff being busy with serving - or Foley writing something Saeryn or Thornden woulds say to them as opening lines.

I will try to bring things forwards in something like 24 hours... not necessarily to the end of the discussions but at least making a post for the landlords (and trying to take into account all that you others have written by that time).


PS. Foley: If you can't write a post for Saeryn or Thornden, you could PM me any points or phrases / wordings in which they would address the landlords or which arguments they would make...

[Folwren]

Anyway, I'm going to be one of the new arrivals at the Meadhall - Athanar's 'right-hand man,' in fact, if he will accept me.


His right-hand-man, hey, hey? Good! You'll make him be an interesting antagonist for Thornden, I'm sure. ;) I was eager to see who played that character, since he will be taking Thornden's place and therefore getting into Thornden's particular way.

Nogrod, I'll post today sometime. I'm not quite sure what to have them say, but I'm sure I'll figure something out.

[Nogrod]

Nogrod, I'll post today sometime. I'm not quite sure what to have them say, but I'm sure I'll figure something out.Go ahead.

I'll postpone mine to see first what you wrote.

[Folwren]

Whoops. I didn't make it. Post, if you want to. I'm at school now and won't be able to post today after all. Sorry.

-- Folwren

[Nogrod]

I'll try to write something in the evening (+3GMT) as I have a busy day ahead. If anyone has time or a wish to write something, just go on with it.

Let's get this wrapped up as we have new people waiting to get themselves to write in. :)

[Durelin]

Here's my bio...let me know if it looks okay.

NAME: Coenred (Coen) son of Eadric

AGE/GENDER/RACE/WHERE FROM: 35ish, Male, Eorling, spent his family life in a village to the east of Edoras fairly close to the Entwash, but later spent much of his time in Edoras.

APPEARANCE: Reddish-blonde hair, which is naturally quite wild with lots of cow-licks that he can do nothing about, and a slightly darker (heading toward reddish-brown) beard to down below his throat. Hazel eyes. He is quite tall, but not of very large build. The majority of his strength is in his long legs - he is still an excellent runner. He has what some people call a "wicked grin," but he has no idea what they mean by it.

BITS OF CHARACTER/HISTORY YOU FEEL MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN DEFINING THE CHARACTER: He answered the call of duty during the War of the Ring, and fought (if it could be called that, he always says) in the Pelennor fields as essentially a farmboy recruit. He owes his life to Athanar, who saved him in the battle. He is extremely dedicated to Athanar, and admires him greatly. After the War, he spent much time in service (though not close service) to the new king Eomer, as Rohan regained its strength. He rose steadily in the ranks of the Rohirrim, as his nature made him a well-disciplined soldier, and he was always well-loved by his men. In this time he also attempted to serve Athanar in any way he could, because he felt he owed him great service in return for his life and because he greatly respected the man.

(Outward) humility is extremely important to Coenred - partially because he is a man who takes the ideas of pride and shame very seriously. He is happy being in the service of someone, and is not a seeker of power - however, he would never truly deny an appointment, such as the one given to him by Athanar, because of his pride and the desire to please. He does not come across as a very intelligent man, but he is. He understands that he should take what is given to him to maintain and upgrade his position, even though at this point in his life he has no one to tend to but himself. He is by nature a 'workaholic.'

Athanar, has chosen him as his 'right-hand man,' placing him in charge of the new Eorl's men.

- - - - - -

LINKED (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551131&postcount=2) ~*~ Pio

[Eönwë]

NAME: Rædwald

AGE/GENDER/RACE/WHERE FROM: 29, male, Eorling man from Edoras (Though originally from the Mid-Emnet).

APPEARANCE: He is taller than average, and a muscular man. His eyes are still sharp and keen, and he hasn't got the weight of the war on him that the older soldiers have.

BITS OF CHARACTER/HISTORY YOU FEEL MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN DEFINING THE CHARACTER: He was originally brought up in the countryside of the Mid-Emnet, but at age 13 ran away from home and moved to Edoras to try to become a soldier in the king's guard.

A year later, he tried to join the forces gathered to fight the Pelennor Fields, but was not accepted into the army because he was too young at the time. He has had training, but has never actually participated in any fighting.

After continuing to hassle the king (Eomer now, even after the war, which made it unnecessary) to be in his guard, King Eomer eventually sent Rædwald to join the fledgeling Lord Eodwine to help him organise his Eorldom, as he had previously lived in the Mid-Emnet.

Now that he's back in the Mid-Emnet, he thought he would feel back at home, but now he has realised that Edoras has become his home, even if he was born in the Mid-Emnet. Places and people have changed, and he is just as much a stranger to it as any new arrival.

He is ambitious and determined, and likes to have his own way, but as a soldier he has learned to hide these qualities- mostly. He resents being sent away and sees it (rightly) as a way of getting rid of him, but he tries to make the best of any situation.

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

LINKED (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551131&postcount=2) ~*~ Pio

[Folwren]

I have posted a brief post. Let me know if it's realistic. If so, I'm ready to move on, if everyone else is.

[Nogrod]

Ooops!

A long time and no posting, then basically cross-posting three posts! :rolleyes:

Okay. Let's read them and check for any discrepancies and how to combine them...

[Nogrod]

With a first glance Groin's post is okay eg. it fits well with Foley's and mine.

Foley: we could possibly emerge our posts into one? I think there are no discrepancies as such but we could trim it into one post for the story's sake.

I have no time for it right now as it is 1AM and I have an early morning call, but for my part we can call it a deal now and edit the posts in a day or two.


Anyone else wishing to make their contributions to the situation? Please write what you have in mind for your characters.


The next thing I think would be that the landlords and their party would leave. And if you want to write for any reactions after they have left, feel free to do it. I'll try to bring up a post at the weekend that will introduce the new people in (and jump in time like two weeks or something).

How would that sound?

[Folwren]

Foley: we could possibly emerge our posts into one? I think there are no discrepancies as such but we could trim it into one post for the story's sake.

I haven't looked at your post yet, but yes, we can probably merge them.

The next thing I think would be that the landlords and their party would leave. And if you want to write for any reactions after they have left, feel free to do it. I'll try to bring up a post at the weekend that will introduce the new people in (and jump in time like two weeks or something).

How would that sound?

Do you mean to introduce the new landlord and his train? I would think that would take a lot longer thatn 2 weeks. Maybe more like a month. That is the least time I would give it.

I'll go look at the posts...

-- Foley

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Also if there's a one month jump it makes it a lot more plausible for my characters to arrive rather than me still having to wait until a reasonable amount of time has passed before they get the word there's a problem, take care of pressing business at home, make travel arrangements, etc.

So I vote a month so I can start playing again. :)

[Groin Redbeard]

Since lots of the new characters are coming from Edoras, Lithor can bring some with home on his return journey of Edoras.:) Eonwe's, Dury's, and a few other characters I believe, have talked about King Eomer assigning them to Lord Eodwine, so it would make sense.

I think I'll start a post for Lithor (two days should be enough time to get to Edoras). If it's alright Nogrod/Lommy, some of the new characters could converse with Lithor, Balvir, Æđel, and Wilcred when they arrive.

[Folwren]

I've sent Nogrod a PM with a mixed and fixed up randition of our posts. I've left it up to him to post it, when he has fixed it to his satisfaction. I have also removed my old post.

-- Folwren

[Nogrod]

Thanks Foley also in public! :)

A new post to appear there hopefully quite soon.

I'll be commenting on the general suggestions after finishing with the post first....

[Nogrod]

A new post is in for the discussions between the landlords and Saeryn & Thornden. It's much better either of the two posts were initially. Writing things with two minds working on it is just great! And the situation looks interesting indeed right now. :cool:


What comes to the timeline I'm all for taking a jump of a month in gametime. It is more plausible and as Fea said, it helps also her to write Degas and Rowenna back in time.

What comes to Groin's suggestion that Lithor would already take some people back to Scarburg I'm kind of ambivalent towards. If you think it a good idea then you should do it.

The slight reservation I have against it is that king Eomer would then have had a reason to send someone to the Mead Hall before he has any time to think about what to do with the Mead Hall in general or whether he should act on it in the first place as lord Eodwine is still ill in Edoras. Maybe he recovers and nothing needs to be done?

So if you come up with a reason why he should do that go for it.

Also Foley should think if Saeryn wishes to visit lord Eodwine in Edoras - before he is taken to Minas Tirith (which Saeryn naturally doesn't know in advance).


But whatever we decide there is now room for a few posts if you want to write them, like...

- Lithor & co. at Edoras.
- Saeryn visiting Edoras.
- Anyone discussing or doing something at Scarburg as the landlords go away / after they have gone.
- The Mead Hall people receiving the food-aid from the landlords (they would not personally deliver that to be sure but some of their workers would).
- Degas and/or Rowenna hearing the news.
- Degas and Rowenna coming back to the Mead Hall.
- People of the Mead Hall discussing their future with the landlords / the fate of lord Eodwine.
- Whatever you come up with...

So actually anything you might think of before the new eorl comes.

I only would like the new eorl -stuff to be a secret to everyone's characters. It's a lot more fun to enter them if the "Scarburgians" don't know they're coming. More interesting reactions to write...

Maybe we will not make a deal that the new eorl will be written in during the weekend to come? Especially if some of you had time to write a post on the current situation - or anything between the "now" and the entering of the new eorl - during the weekend.

I can think of that initial post during the weekend and post it (early) next week.

[Folwren]

I can think of that initial post during the weekend and post it (early) next week.


Sounds fine. I will post for Saeryn sometime in the mean-time. For now, school is pressing.

-- Folwren

[piosenniel]

Come, have some fun with us! Durelin has put together a short, informal game just in time for Halloween.

Wight Fright: “Fog on the Barrow–Downs”

All are welcome! Please read the Discussion Thread first; then dive into the game.

Discussion Thread – HERE (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=15856)

RPG Thread - HERE (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=15855)

[Lhunardawen]

I'm sorry it took me more than a few days to get back to this. Before anything, I would like to express how proud I am of all of you for getting this back on track after its not-so-brief hiatus. :)

So for the past few days I've been without internet access out of necessity and choice, which is why I wasn't able to get Lommy's giant nudge over Facebook right away. I realise that it's only going to be more difficult than that to force me to (at the very least) get me over here so...

*sighs* This is tougher than I thought.

Even if I had the time or energy, I know I won't be able to write for Harreld. When I developed Ginna, it was with the idea of writing with Elempi in mind. I could never write for Harreld the way Elempi did, and I can't even imagine trying. If ever, someone else would have to take over.

Moreover, I don't want to let go of Ginna, really. She's the most long-lived character I've had thus far, and more than that, some of her experiences during her time in the Mead Hall have paralleled mine in real life. I'm sure you all understand why that makes it so much harder for me to cut ties with her (I won't even consider having her killed off).

But I can't go on ignoring the fact that I can't commit to this as much as I'm expected to anymore. It would be unfair for me to keep on keeping you waiting for me to post when I know I can't - or if I tried, it wouldn't be up to my standards. Right now I'm at a loss with what to do with her (and him), so I'm open to suggestions.

[Folwren]

Lhuna,

I would say, don't drop your characters. Leave them there, and come write for them when you can! Give us a general direction that they're going to be taking, so when we mention them, we know what's going on, but come back to write on occasion, please!

And I hope the Holloween game doesn't stall this Scarburg game. :(

I want to post for Saeryn tomorrow.

-- Foley

[Nerindel]

Here is Balvir's Bio I'm not sure howoften I will be able to post but when I can I will :D


Name: Balvir of Ithilien (Captain and friend to Mordavim of Arnen)


Age: 48 Race: Gondorian


Gender: Male


Appearance: Balvir is not only taller than Matrim he is also broader in shoulder and has large muscular arms which make him a formidable opponent to face weather with blade or bow. As a seasoned Ranger of Ithilien he is always aware of his surroundings, making his deep blue eyes appear ever vigilant. His dark hair currently lemon rinsed a dirty blonde frames his weather worn features to sit neatly just below his broad shoulders and recently he has taken to growing a bread which sits darkly on his oft stern face. He also has burn scaring down his left shoulder.


Like his younger companion he is also dressed in the fashion of a Rohirrim guard, but unlike Matrim he would not be parted with his Ithilien blade, to all appearance it would seem non-descript; even ordinary; but carefully and delicately etched down the centre of the blade on both sides are the names of friends and loved ones lost to war and injustice. Among those names are his wife and three children lost to him when the dark horde of minas morgal began to rape the rich farm lands of Ithilien. Also and yet unknown to young Æðel is her father’s name, who had been one of Balvir’s closest friends. Balvir also carries an Ithilien long bow and a short knife.


Character: Balvir is true and extremely loyal to those he calls friend and although he can often be quite serious in nature he is not without a sense of humour. Ever vigilant is a motto he and many other rangers live by and it has helped keep him and his companions alive. Balvir’s main charge at the moment is the Protection of Æðel, but the honourable man that he is feels indebted to Lord Eodwine and as such has fledged his allegiance to the lord for the length of their stay, providing of course that it does not compromise Æðel’s safety.


History: Balvir was once a family man with three children and a wife he loved dearly. Like his father and his father before him he farmed the lands Northeast of Osgiliath across the Anduin, close to Ithilien’s majestic forests. But one autumn night just after a particularly fruitful harvest Balvir's farm was raided by orcs, they sealed him in the barn where he had been unloading the last of the harvest and set it alight. The flames quickly engulfed the dry crop but Balvir’s only thought was his family and that he must get to them. He threw all his weight against the burning doors until they finally gave way, still coughing and spluttering from the smoke and unaware of how badly burnt his left shoulder was, he looked up to see smoke coming from the farm house and with a cry he grabbed the heavy axe from the nearby chop block and ran , his heart had thudded so loudly in his ears that he had not heard the whistle of arrows that came from the forest nor had he cared when men garbed in green and browns charged out of the forest into the quickly retreating orcs. His only thought was to find his family, one orc then another fell under the swing of his axe but as he was about to run head long into the burning building someone grabbed him and wrestled him to the ground, it took several more men to subdue him when he was told that his family was dead.


It had been Aeol’s father (Arethil) who had wrestled him to the ground and Matrim’s Father (Mordavim) who had given him the bad news and it was those same two men that saved his life, for Balvir in his anguish was ready to hunt down every last orc, a feat that undoubtedly would have lead to his own death. Instead Arethil and Mordavim helped him to bury his dead and convinced him to come to Henneth Annun, where they became close friends and experienced rangers of Ithilien . Balvir even became captain of Mordavim’s house after the war.

- - - - - -

Linked (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551131&postcount=2) ~*~ Pio

[Folwren]

I posted...but it was a very 'blah' post, and I really didn't accomplish anything except getting Saeryn to Edoras. Perhaps when I have more time, more energy, and more inspiration, I'll write about how she speaks to the king or something...

-- Foley

P.S. That is what needs to happen, right? She needs to talk to the king about the guys not paying their taxes, and then he'll send someone in Eodwine's place?

[Nogrod]

Good to see you back on track Nerindel!


That is what needs to happen, right? She needs to talk to the king about the guys not paying their taxes, and then he'll send someone in Eodwine's place?Well, it need not happen but it could... Like you can all presume, the landlords would pay a visit to the king as well at some near future and present their view of the case as well (which will be behind the scenes of the thread anyway).

But the fact that Saeryn might be able to present her case first might affect Eomer's perception of things.

Anyway.

Sorry but the pile of essays I had to grade basically took the whole weekend and I have not been able to write anything. I'll try to write the new eorl in within a few days...

Meanwhile the old writers might still add some posts. I had some suggestions on what they could be a few posts back there - and Foley could either continue on her own in Edoras or co-write something with Lithor & others there.

Speaking of which, sorry Groin, you had a nice idea but I have no time to write for Athanar any additional posts even if your guys were overnight there... if I wish to write the new eorl in as soon as possible to get the new writers in. So maybe it would be better that Athanar and his nearest household were somewhere off (maybe some servants would have lodged you for their kind heart or something)? And in a way it would be more interesting if they would be total strangers to the people in the Mead Hall as they arrive? I don't know.


Happily all this kind of orchestrating the turns of the plot will be over and the normal game will start / continue in a few days! :)

[Nogrod]

Btw. If you Fea wish to write Degas and / or Rowenna in, this might be the time - or do you wish to wait until the new eorl is in?

Yes, the thread is still on the same day / the next day when lord Eodwine fell ill but the next post I will do will take us forwards a month... So you Fea could also jump forwards a bit if you wish...

Somehow I think it would be better if they were there already when the new people arrive, but your choice / RL timetables to be sure...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Would you like me to do a time jump with Degas and Rowenna? I can bring them in/move time forward, and then you can bring in the new Eorl?

[Nogrod]

Would you like me to do a time jump with Degas and Rowenna? I can bring them in/move time forward, and then you can bring in the new Eorl?How about if you waited, let's say to Tuesday, and posted Degas and Rowenna in then? That way anyone could have time to make any additional posts they would like to do before that storywise.

Then anyone wishing to greet the two would have like a day or two (Tue - Wed) to post a hello-post for their characters and I could then either move it one day further (gametime) or write the new people in while the people are greeting their old friends?

Would that sound okay? Then we'd have clear timelines and all the new players would know they can start writing on let's say Thu-Fri onwards?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Sounds good.

Anybody who wants to finish up this 'Day' has until Tuesday evening (though it's not like I can't edit you in later if need be) when I'll move the time line forward.

After which the New Folks will be joining us.

[Folwren]

Great. I'm getting really excited about this. :D

[Thinlómien]

The few next days are a busy mess for me, but after that I should have time - so alert me when action starts! *is looking especially at Nogrod* :D

PS. Great bio for Balvir, Nerindel, it's always nice to get to know old characters better. :)

[Groin Redbeard]

Someone repped me for my post and didn't leave their name. Could they please PM me, I think we just found something in common!:D

[Gwathagor]

Sorry, that was me.

[Nogrod]

Yay Groin!

We need to get that grumpy old man on board! What a character! Just a few lines and I can see him alive before me! * Great job!

If no one will wish to take him I'll do it, but for now he is up for grabs...

And what a post... how can one wed Shakespeare, Hair-musical and an old rohirric soldier in one post that neatly? Just awesome!

* like Senilix in Asterix cartoons... ;)

[Nienna]

Here is my bio for the daughter of the new Eorl and his wife. If there is anything that needs to be changed please let me know.

NAME: Ædre

AGE/GENDER/RACE/WHERE FROM: 12, female, Eorling, originally from Edoras

APPEARANCE: Ædre is a nice combination of her parent’s features. She is growing and will probably be as tall as her mother one day. She has her mother’s blond hair and her father’s quiet power. She has the grace and poise expected of her and blue eyes.

BITS OF CHARACTER/HISTORY YOU FEEL MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN DEFINING THE CHARACTER: Ædre is the youngest child and five years younger than the younger of her brothers. Since she is the baby of the family she is used to getting her own way. She also has a hard shell from the constant torment of her older brothers. She was never really able to fight back against her older brothers so she can take out this aggression on children younger than herself and many see her as a bully. Her one passion is for horses and she sees them as the one creature with which she can be herself. She is mainly attention seeking to try and find the understanding that she never really found with her family.

- - - - - - - - -

Linked (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=551131&postcount=2) ~*~ Pio

[Groin Redbeard]

Yay Groin!

We need to get that grumpy old man on board! What a character! Just a few lines and I can see him alive before me! * Great job!

If no one will wish to take him I'll do it, but for now he is up for grabs...When beginning this post, I was actually thinking about taking on a new grumpy character. In the end I decided against it. I don't want him, he's yours as far as I go.:)

Speaking of new characters, welcome Nienna! We definitely need an active girl in the RPG. Give those boys another reason to fight.:)

[Folwren]

BITS OF CHARACTER/HISTORY YOU FEEL MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN DEFINING THE CHARACTER: Ædre is the youngest child and five years younger than the younger of her brothers. Since she is the baby of the family she is used to getting her own way. She also has a hard shell from the constant torment of her older brothers. She was never really able to fight back against her older brothers so she can take out this aggression on children younger than herself and many see her as a bully. Her one passion is for horses and she sees them as the one creature with which she can be herself. She is mainly attention seeking to try and find the understanding that she never really found with her family.

A twelve year old girl who may be a bully, wot wot? Sounds fun. Looks like Javan and the boys have something new cut out for them. They won't quite know how to deal with this.

[Nogrod]

Looks like Javan and the boys have something new cut out for them. They won't quite know how to deal with this.Exactly! I love the idea!

And good to see you Nienna taking that role!

Just a few days and all this will break loose... :D

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

*looks at watch*
*sees 27th*
*looks at Mac screen*
*sees Tue*

Oh my... It's somehow already Tuesday.

I'll be gone from around 4:30 to 7:30, then I'll get writing. So the post should be up late tonight.

Any special requests should be either posted here or PMed to me within the next five hours, and I'll incorporate them into my time lapse post.

Anybody who wants to slip something in before I post, you've got at least six hours to do it.

[Folwren]

Hm....I'm not exactly sure what to do with Saeryn. I think that she should be somehow connected to what happens with Degas, but I don't know how. Right now, I'm not thinking exactly clearly nor well, so I can't analyze things quite right. Could Saeryn somehow not arrive at the hall until after the new eorl gets there? I doubt she could be somehow oblivious to what is actually happening for that long, so never mind....just thinking outloud....

I don't have any special requests, Fea. :)

-- Foley

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Okay, so fail on my part for thinking I'd get writing done on a night with a two hour So You Think You Can Dance. I'm totally beat and anything I try to write is going to be horrible, so I'm going to crash early and then get up and write in the morning.

Which gives you guys another half day if you want it to play around with this last Day.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Change of plans. I decided not to put it off.

Of course now I'm really tired.

Let me know if there are any glaring errors and I'll fix them tomorrow.

[Folwren]

Got a post up. It was the best I could do with the farewell between Saeryn and Eodwine. This is actually taking place a little while before Degas and Rowenna arriving at Scarburg. They'll have been back at least a few days before Degas and Rowenna arrive. Will Degas and Rowenna be there before or after the new Eorl arrives? Because obviously, Saeryn will be back before the new eorl comes.

Let me know if anything needs to be changed.

Groin, I brought Lithor and Balvir back with me, is that okay?

[Groin Redbeard]

You did what?!:mad:

:DThat's fine with me Folwren. Perhaps Nogrod's old man could come with us, or will he be coming with Athanar?

[Folwren]

You did what?!:mad:

Haha. Don't scare me like that. :p

[Groin Redbeard]

I was doodling around a month ago on a piece of paper and something along the lines of an archer cam out of it. I continued drawing until the archer reminded me of Erbrand and eventually I thought of this RPG. I thought about it for a long time until I finally got the motivation to draw some of my favorite characters. It has taken me the entire month to complete this set of pictures, ergo the varying styles of drawing. Hope I didn't ruin your imagery of your characters, this is just my personal imagination of them. Thought y'all would like to see them.:)


Erbrand (beardless) in hunter attire
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/Groin_Redbeard/Erbrand.jpg

Harreld caressing a new sword
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/Groin_Redbeard/Harreld.jpg

[Groin Redbeard]

Lady Saeryn with Kara on her wedding day (sorry if she doesn't look to happy:) I couldn't draw her smile right).
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/Groin_Redbeard/LadySaerynandKara.jpg

Crabannan during the sword duel
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/Groin_Redbeard/Crabannan.jpg

[Groin Redbeard]

Lithor riding to... somewhere
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/Groin_Redbeard/Lithor.jpg

I started this with Ginna in mind, but now, when it's finished, it reminds me of Modtryth. I guess Ginna and Modtryth look similar to me.:)
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/Groin_Redbeard/Ginna.jpg

[Groin Redbeard]

The top picture is Erbrand how I currently imagine him. The bottom is Stigend (it looks like he's glaring at his kids:eek:)
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/Groin_Redbeard/Erbandbeard.jpg

Thornden in battle
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/Groin_Redbeard/Thornden.jpg

[Folwren]

Wow! These are fantastic! You are an amazing artist. :D

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Groin, those are amazing! I had no idea you could draw. The changing styles add so much, as well. I love that you're so competent with the range between intricate line drawings and deeply rendered washes. I can't even express how much I love these. I'd totally buy several of them. The horse's face? So expressive, so detailed. Harreld? I'm in love with the style. Thorden? Brilliant. Such clean lines.

I'm pretty much in love with your precision and your obvious dedication to creating an entire series.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

:eek:

(a pause)

:eek:

Groin, you have made these yourself?

(Well, of course you did.)

I don't get it. Why are you not having a job in some international... painting... something... :D

Just amazing. I knew you can draw, but if somebody has shown me those, I would not have believed that it is not from some famous illustrator. Confess, whose alter ego are you?

Anyway, from the perspective of a newly arrived player like me, I wonder if it is good or bad that Groin posted these. It will be certainly far easier for me to orientate among all the characters, but of course now I will be basing my imagination of them on these illustrations...

[Nogrod]

Whoa Groin!!!

Plain marvellous!

And I must say Stigend is just superb! I had thought of him a bit leaner in overall appearance but more or less along those lines... Great!


On other news... The new party will enter today. I'll write the post in the coming hours after doing away with a few smaller assignments relating to my work.

[Groin Redbeard]

Thanks y'all for the kind comments--I thought you'd like them.:)


Anyway, from the perspective of a newly arrived player like me, I wonder if it is good or bad that Groin posted these. It will be certainly far easier for me to orientate among all the characters, but of course now I will be basing my imagination of them on these illustrations...
That is one of the main reasons I drew these, so that it could help me remember what the characters look like (I hope that the drawings aren't too far off). Glad it helps you too, Legate.


And I must say Stigend is just superb! I had thought of him a bit leaner in overall appearance but more or less along those lines... Great! He's just got a fat head, that's all.:p ;)


On other news... The new party will enter today. I'll write the post in the coming hours after doing away with a few smaller assignments relating to my work.In that case, I'm going to do a quick post for Erbrand early in the morning. Eonwe and I are doing something with Dan, Erbrand, and the Oeric character (I've PMed Shaggydog twice about it, no response).

[Nogrod]

The new eorl and his entourage is finally in! :)

I tried to write that post in a way that everyone could have a chance of getting something to do with some other writers.

There are the "important people" planning things in the Mead Hall, there are the kitchen-things to unload with kitchen staff (and a feast to be prepared), there are the supplies for the craftsmen to unload as there are horses to tend as well. Aedre and the grumpy old "uncle Fulcher" (thanks Groin for the great character!) are just idling about for anyone to contact them.

Or if anyone wants to make a contact to any "unknown soldier" - either one who is going to stay or one who is going to leave tomorrow - just invent things!

Have fun!


I'll send a few thoughts / ideas concerning that table of the leaders in the Mead Hall in a short while... but others should feel free to post whatever you think would be fun!

And when will Erbrand - or anyone else talk about our "old friend" E just met in the morning? Up to you guys...

[Nogrod]

Fea & Foley!
I need to know all you can tell me about these landlords and on the advancement of the building efforts; of the staff you have here and of any problems or shortages we might have.Don't take this literally... Pick any of the things mentioned or start a totally new discussion... We can take many of those things Athanar listed as "granted" in the actual thread.

Also Lommy & Dury & Mnemo - feel free to write your characters into that discussion...



Everyone:

Relating to those question cited above by Athanar: what comes to the stage of the building-work we could come up with some common consent on those here in the discussion thread.

Also Erbrand's experience should be brought forwards one way or another at some point - well, wherever. You can also discuss it outside the Hall itself to begin with... it should be the talk of the place anyway alongside the new eorl and his entourage,

Also feel free to come up with any suggestions on what else to bring forwards...


And really, from now on we're back to interaction with less pre-planning and more like giving others some bites and reacting to things.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

less pre-planning and more like giving others some bites and reacting to things.

Here, fishy fishy fishy...

[Nogrod]

Here, fishy fishy fishy...And then rodenty, rodenty, rodenty... :rolleyes::D

[Groin Redbeard]

Also Erbrand's experience should be brought forwards one way or another at some point - well, wherever. You can also discuss it outside the Hall itself to begin with... it should be the talk of the place anyway alongside the new eorl and his entourage.I'll PM Eonwe. I'll see if we can do a flashback post between Erbrand and Dan and lead up to the present.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Oh snap!

[Nogrod]

Oh snap!Heh... fun indeed... :)

But just a little thought on your last post Fea...

You write about Athanar's men raising up in anger. Actually there are only his wife, his two boys, and his right-hand man present.

I don't think Lommy would think it a bad reaction if you changed the "Athanar's men made to rise angrily" into "Athanar's sons made to rise angrily"... What I know of them it would actually look like a perfect reaction for them... :p



PS. I can see the beginning of a wonderful friendship here... :)

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

You write about Athanar's men raising up in anger. Actually there are only his wife, his two boys, and his right-hand man present.

Obviously me thinking of too many things at once. I'll fix that.

PS. I can see the beginning of a wonderful friendship here... :)

Hecks yes. :cool:

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Okay, and here we go with some of the "simple(r) folk".

I figured out that Firefoot is not around much, so I let her character just to sort of pop in now, and disappear to the stables for the time being. I don't know what you are planning, Fea (if anything), I guess the people might be starting to flood the stables (or try to) after time when Degas has walked there, or whatever is fine with you (it is clear that they need to get there at some point, anyway).

As for the ending of my post, I hope I am not making too much of "action" for start, but I think it may be a good way to give people a nudge to get together: basically anything might have happened, somebody approached the mare too close (perhaps she's a bit touchy to foreigners or does not like how somebody smells of garlic or whatever), or some prankster is responsible, or whatever. I think whoever thinks of what might have happened can post it (and that way probably get very soon acquainted with Hilderinc, who is going to rush back to see what's going on).

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I sent Degas to the stable as an easy way for Nienna to post, since her character seeks out the company of horses when she's upset, and Degas is good with children, and new writers could always use some huggles. If she doesn't want to use the opportunity, that's totally fine, and I can write it that a) it was one of the other kids, b) it was somebody's escaped parrot! gasp! (okay, so maybe not), c) he was hearing things, d) whatever.

If everybody wants to flood the stables before Degas gets there, that's fine, and anybody should feel free to do what they like. I just left a little something something there if somebody wanted it.

Now wouldn't it be interesting if Degas hit it off immediately with some of the new Eorl's men? They become, perhaps, fast friends, and then New Person finds out Degas isn't on the Good List?

[Folwren]

Good gracious me! One will have to post FAST to keep up in this new environment!

How could they treat Degas like that!!!! Saeryn might blow her top! I'm about to blow mine. :mad: Urg.

Okay, post time.

-- Foley

[Folwren]

Pio,

Would it be possible for you to change something in the character's list? On some of the characters, you noted in parenthesis beside the name what relation they had to the new eorl. Could you do that with all the new comers? Please? It would help me a great deal, personally, especially if some of the new players don't end up playing much. It's slightly like the request Nogrod first threw out, about making a separate place for all the new people's characters to be, but everyone thought it'd be best if all characters were in the same place...

If you would rather not, that's fine, too. I just thought it'd be helpful...especially as we're just starting out.

-- Foley

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Ooh, ooh, ooh, can somebody *cough Athanar cough* be like, "Degas seems pretty bent on getting involved. How about he donates some food and clothing from his lands?"

Then he can have to admit that he doesn't really have any, because there was a peasant uprising.

And then somebody *cough Athanar cough* can be like, "Told you he sucks."

And then Degas can be like, "Wasn't my problem at the time!"

And somebody (possibly not Athanar this time) can be like, "And how was the state of your family's land not your problem?"

And he can be like, "I am the younger son, and my brother ruled heavy handedly but competently (at the time I left). I was neither needed nor desired there until recently."

And then somebody (I'm definitely thinking Athanar for this one) can be like, "And just what were you doing when your home was burned, your brother was killed, your sister was off god knows where, and etcetera?"

And Degas can be like, "I WAS ON A SHIP IN IMRAHIL'S FLEET SCOURING THE HARAD COAST FOR MURDEROUS PIRATES THAT KEPT ABDUCTING THE YOUNG WOMEN OF SOUTH GONDOR, WHAT WERE YOU DOING, DANCING AT A DINNER PARTY IN EDORAS?"

Ahem.

I mean... really, Degas totally was off killing pirates with Lin's brothers, and I'd love to see him be all, "Who are you, in your fancy clothes doing what, talking? While there are people in the world suffering, and you think the way to fix it is to talk out your nether regions instead of acting according to honor and duty? Oh, what, you think honor and duty say you have to bather on all day? When was the last time you played midwife in a breach birth? Hm? How about the last time you save children from raiders? Recently cleaned up a coastal town after a flood, when dead bodies are bloated and rotting in the streets?"

But sidenote for those interested: the easiest way to get Degas's temper to flare is to suggest that the state of his lands is somehow his fault, because he completely blames himself, even though it really wasn't actually his fault.

You know... just for future reference.

(If you can't tell, I'm officially re-amused by the Mead Hall and its events and occupants.)

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I sent Degas to the stable as an easy way for Nienna to post, since her character seeks out the company of horses when she's upset, and Degas is good with children, and new writers could always use some huggles. If she doesn't want to use the opportunity, that's totally fine, and I can write it that a) it was one of the other kids, b) it was somebody's escaped parrot! gasp! (okay, so maybe not), c) he was hearing things, d) whatever.

If everybody wants to flood the stables before Degas gets there, that's fine, and anybody should feel free to do what they like. I just left a little something something there if somebody wanted it.
Well yes, that was how I read it as well. And it does not need to be ruined, I think it is only about how fast people manage to post. That's also part of the reason why I did not make Hilderinc enter the stables yet. I think there is nobody right now who would want to go to the stables, so you can treat the timeline in the stables however you want until somebody has the reason to make the soldiers appear there. You can use them to your advantage in interrupting something or whatever, you'll probably know better yourself.

Now wouldn't it be interesting if Degas hit it off immediately with some of the new Eorl's men? They become, perhaps, fast friends, and then New Person finds out Degas isn't on the Good List?

That could indeed be fun. You can then stage up something with random soldiers, or wait for Hilderinc and see whichever way the wind takes us.