Discussion Thread for THE ANCILLARION: Of the Silmarkenstone Conspiracy, etc.

[Morthoron]

Welcome to the Discussion Thread for --

The Ancillarion: Of the Silmarkenstone Conspiracy and the Incidental Fellowship -- Their Trials, Tribulations, Loves Lost and Found, and Their Salvation of Middle-earth (as utterly unlikely as that may seem)

The actual story is found here: http://forum.barrowdowns.com//showthread.php?t=15053

A long and pompous title, surely, but given the material we shall be exploring, quite appropriate; as a matter of fact, it is perhaps not long enough, and certainly every bit as meaningless and overwrought as this complex sentence I am weaving at the moment, full of colons and semi-colons and maybe even dashes -- as if such separations inhibit rambling -- that occur when one is being garrulous and verbose with nothing of actual import to impart, and...hmmm...I've even added ellipses, as if I've hesitated, realizing subconsciously that the gag has somehow spread itself to thin; however, you'll notice that really doesn't stop me (like the tale you'll soon be reading, I don't know when to quit).

*sighs*

Okay, obviously you are wondering about Morth's frame of mind, and are saying to yourself, 'Morth, what the 'ell are you on about, and why are you referring to yourself in first person?' Well, we often have these moods, particularly when we are gearing up for a fan-fiction on such an epic and importunate level. Literally speaking, it will be a roleplaying fan-fiction of roleplays and fan-fictions that vaguely resembles Middle-earth, but has become so convoluted in being the mirror of a mirror of the original, it may well be that we shall be offering more cannon than canon (if you follow me) -- more Muddled-earth than Middle-earth (you're intelligent, I think you get my drift).

And so, without further ado, the players in this Passion Play:

Nerwen
Mithalwen
Kitanna
Lalaith
Morthoron

We do have room for 2-3 more players (after all, what good is a fan-fiction when you can't muddy it up with too many characters). So, if you'd like to join, please add your post here (don't just barge into the story). Also, we'll be having a couple guest stars popping in to add to the mayhem.

Some rules:

1) Although this will be a parody bordering on farce, it will be literate; therefore, if you have difficulty with spelling or punctuation, use a word processor.

2) Paragraphs are your friends, use them. There is nothing worse than trying to struggle through a solid block of text that runs longer than Achilles did after Hector around the walls of Ilium.

3) That's it for now (see? that wasn't so bad).

Now, I'd like to firm up a skeletal outline of at least the first few chapters, so comments from the other contributors would be appreciated.

P.S. Thanks to Lush for starting the "thread that started this whole debacle", found here -- http://forum.barrowdowns.com//showthread.php?t=14933
-- and to Thenamir for making the offhand (and obviously daft) suggestion that a story might contain all the stereotypes ever written in Tolkien fan-fic.

[Nerwen]

Where does the quest begin?

I guess we have a choice of three locations– Bree, Rivendell and Lórien.

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

I would volunteer to participate, but alas, I think it wiser for me to remain an observer. Although I have role-played quite extensively, I've never done so online, and I am not familiar with the protocols (and such). Perhaps if I observe long enough, I will get the hang of it, and can join the merry band at some later point. There are always new characters popping into bad fanfic at much too convenient moments. :D

That said, I might suggest that Bree is a logical starting point. I think the more relaxed atmosphere of Bree would be an easier spot for the intrepid Sues to surreptitiously get wind of the Real Quest, so that they can get their own misguided notions, let them grow into certainty en route to Rivendell, and then present them to someone like Elrond ("But the Company has already left, my daught-- wait a second, you're not my daughter! Who the...???") ;)

[Lindale]

I would volunteer to participate, but alas, I think it wiser for me to remain an observer. Although I have role-played quite extensively, I've never done so online, and I am not familiar with the protocols (and such). Perhaps if I observe long enough, I will get the hang of it, and can join the merry band at some later point. There are always new characters popping into bad fanfic at much too convenient moments. :D

I say the same. Basically my RP experience is limited to moderating little kids' pseudo-historical-Japanese play in Gaia online, where my role is to correct any political inaccuracy. And I've only just begun reading fan-fic.

But I look forward to this thread all the more!! :D

[Mithalwen]

Where does the quest begin?

I guess we have a choice of three locations– Bree, Rivendell and Lórien.

Well I had envisaged my character as a Rivendell resident but would it be over egging the pudding to have my librarian type moonlighting as a Ranger She-Elf?

I have been considering Lalwende's request for a Pwinceth as a second character in which case the lisping silly creature might have some how made it to Rivendell by following literally in the footsteps of her increasingly exasperated cousin Boromir. :p

I shoul dbe able to do the bio over the weekend.

And I doubt that lack of experience is really going to be a handicap.... listen to the voices... you know you want to....

[Morthoron]

Where does the quest begin?

I guess we have a choice of three locations– Bree, Rivendell and Lórien.

Why not all three? Very clever Middle-earth roleplays have characters starting at separate points by way of prologue chapters, and they merge at the starting point for the quest. After all, the members of the Fellowship of the Ring came from dissparate regions, met in Rivendell, and then departed for their quest.

In this manner, backstories can be developed for each character prior to the quest without the requisite flashback scenes thrown annoyingly into the quest itself (ie., "Glorfinrondel fell in into a deep reverie as he gazed at the dying embers of the camp fire, his troubled mind harkening back to his carefree days as pool boy in Menegroth. Ah, the grotto of Menegroth! So many lithe figures splashing about, undulating provocatively beneath the dark waters," etc.).

That said, I might suggest that Bree is a logical starting point.

As I stated in the "thread that started this whole debacle", Bree is the quintessential starting point for all roleplay in Middle-earth, and it doesn't seem to matter what race one is, they all seem to be at ease in the Painted Pony (even though an Elf wouldn't be caught dead among that riff-raff). Some more canonically correct roleplayers do not have their Elf actually hanging out in the Inn, but atop a branch of a majestic tree just outside of Bree, where he/she greets the other characters with an appropriate "Mae govannen, mellon! Elen síla lúmenn’ omentielvo!" (or some such greeting culled from an online Sindarin dictionary).

[Nerwen]

Some more canonically correct roleplayers do not have their Elf actually hanging out in the Inn, but atop a branch of a majestic tree just outside of Bree, where he/she greets the other characters with an appropriate "Mae govannen, mellon! Elen síla lúmenn’ omentielvo!" (or some such greeting culled from an online Sindarin dictionary).

Ah, but an Elf(ess) staying at the inn would be in disguise as a Mysterious Cloaked Figure™... giving him or her the opportunity to a.) upstage Strider and the Ringwraiths and b.) do a dramatic "reveal" to the other characters.

[Morthoron]

Ah, but an Elf(ess) staying at the inn would be in disguise as a Mysterious Cloaked Figure™... giving him or her the opportunity to a.) upstage Strider and the Ringwraiths and b.) do a dramatic "reveal" to the other characters.

*Chuckles*

Ah. but the Mysterious Cloaked Figure™ cannot escape the ethereal traits of his/her lineage, as those bar patrons who are not too sloshed to notice are unnerved by the Mysterious Cloaked Figure's™ cerulean orbs (or storm-tossed gray, forest green or ultra-violet, etc.), which gleam preternaturally from their foreboding cowled countenances in the shadowed recesses of the corner of the inn (as, of course, all Mysterious Cloaked Figures™ sit in shadowed corners of a pub, their backs to the wall).

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

Ah. but the Mysterious Cloaked Figure™ cannot escape the ethereal traits of his/her lineage, as those bar patrons who are not too sloshed to notice are unnerved by the Mysterious Cloaked Figure's™ cerulean orbs (or storm-tossed gray, forest green or ultra-violet, etc.), which gleam preternaturally from their foreboding cowled countenances in the shadowed recesses of the corner of the inn (as, of course, all Mysterious Cloaked Figures™ sit in shadowed corners of a pub, their backs to the wall).

Which, I suspect, is why so many Sues who aspire to be a Mysterious Cloaked Figure™ also "suddenly" develop -- or realize they have always had and unconsciously used -- the Ability to Cloud Unfriendly Minds, Divert Suspicious Eyes, Shapeshift, or do anything that is necessary to short-circuit nuisancy intrusions of reality or pesky plot holes.

And the stomach turns... :D

[Kitanna]

I say Bree is a good starting point, though I do support the everyone can start elsewhere as well. But that could lead to issues getting everyone settled in one place. Another suggestion is to start in the Shire. Then our Fellowship could be watching Frodo from the very beginning.

[Lalaith]

Sharpairien and Daemion would like to set out from Rivendell if that's ok with everyone else. But we could meet up with the rest of the gang in the Painted Pony pretty quickly.

[Morthoron]

And forth comes the flood...

Alright, I began with a short prologue. I really like the idea that we, as a fellowship, are an annoyance to our leaders (ie., Elrond and Galadriel), and that our quest actually begins because there was no other way to get us out of their hair.

Thoughts?

[Mithalwen]

Splendid.

I always wondered if Legolas got sent as a favour to Thranduil and the Rangers were repaying years of hospitality by taking Elladan and Elrohir along despite the inherent risks....

[Gwathagor]

This looks amusing. I really wish I had time. :confused:

[Mithalwen]

So are we all going ot be mysterious cloaked figures tottering unsubtley after Aragorn and Co? Could be the real reason he went into Midgewater ... ?:p

Python did an Island full of Whickers didn't they?

[Morthoron]

So are we all going ot be mysterious cloaked figures tottering unsubtley after Aragorn and Co? Could be the real reason he went into Midgewater ... ?:p

Well, I don't think we'll all be 'mysterious cloaked figures tottering unsubtley after Aragorn and Co.' I think a few folks inferred they'd be mysterious cloaked figures in Rivendell or Lorien.

Now that I've introduced Amarthanuin the Noegedhil (how's that for some bastardization of Sindarin?) at the Prancing Pony, I think he'll enjoy the sight of Hobbits in Bree, rather like the height-obsessed Napoleon (Ian Holm) in 'Time Bandits', who was only truly happy when watching little people hitting each other.

I suppose we need to know where each of our characters will be starting off, so as to better mesh our stories. I think the idea is to have all of us eventually meet in Rivendell so that the exasperated Elrond can give us our walking papers so as not to impede the 'real' Fellowship any more than we already have.

[Lalaith]

Okay, if the idea is to go to Rivendell from Bree, that's where you will pick up my lovely pair. As it were.

[Nerwen]

Sorry for neglecting this thread– I've had a massive lot of deadlines to meet.

Okay. I believe my character will also show up at the Pony, having run away from home to prove her independence.

[Nerwen]

Character Description Form:


(Your-Name)'s character

NAME:

AGE (chronological):

AGE (mental):

RACE(S):

GENDER:

SPECIAL WEAPONS/JEWELLERY/OTHER ITEMS:

RENOWNED CRAFTSMAN WHO MADE THEM:

SPECIAL ABILITIES:

SPECIAL PET(S):

RELATIONSHIP TO TOLKIEN'S CHARACTER(S):

IS IN LOVE WITH:

IS LOVED BY:

APPEARANCE: (No grey-eyed, dark-haired Elves. No Hobbits with curly brown hair and furry feet. Please pick an appearance which will show that your character is really special.)

TOKEN FLAW/WEAKNESS (which proves that your character is NOT, repeat NOT, a Mary Sue!):

TRAGIC PAST/OTHER REASON FOR ANGST:

(OPTIONAL) REALMS TO WHICH YOUR CHARACTER IS THE RIGHTFUL HEIR:

REASON THE FATE OF MIDDLE-EARTH DEPENDS ON YOUR CHARACTER:

[Kitanna]

Oh my, I need to hurry with my character profile so I can join in the fun of all this as soon as possible.

[Nerwen]

Please do! I need to know how many extra aunts and sisters my character has.

[Nerwen]

Character Description Form:


Nerwen's character

NAME: Alatariel Moonflower.

AGE (chronological): 513.

AGE (mental): 14.

RACE(S): Half-elf(ess).

GENDER: Female.

SPECIAL WEAPONS/JEWELLERY/OTHER ITEMS: A golden amulet that warns her when evil is near (by going "ping" loudly). A mithril bow studded with rubies.

RENOWNED CRAFTSMAN WHO MADE THEM: Celebrimbor. Originally they were a present to the Sue's grandmother, Galadriel.

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Really good ESP, which enables her to be a skilled warrior despite her total blindness. Archery (best bow-elfess in Middle-earth). Healing. Magical singing (of traditional Elvish ballads like "May It Be", "Into the West" and "The Wind Beneath My Wings").

SPECIAL PET(S): Sparklehorn, her unicorn– the last unicorn in Middle-earth, naturally. They can communicate telepathically.

RELATIONSHIP TO TOLKIEN'S CHARACTER(S): Elrond's younger daughter.

IS IN LOVE WITH: Glorfindel. But he has barely noticed her existance.

IS LOVED BY: No-one... no-one at all... *sob*

APPEARANCE: Golden hair shot with silver– just like her grandma. Emerald-green eyes which are "more beautiful than eyes that see", as I will remind you all at frequent intervals. They turn silver when she is using her ESP at full power.

TOKEN FLAW/WEAKNESS (which proves that your character is NOT, repeat NOT, a Mary Sue!): Well, she's blind.

TRAGIC PAST/OTHER REASON FOR ANGST: She was scarcely more than a babe when her mother, Celebrían, for some reason decided to take her on her ill-fated trip over the Redhorn Pass. The infant Alatariel Moonflower had to witness her mother's torture– until the Orcs blinded her, using the proverbial "poke in the eye with a burnt stick". (Somehow™, this did not disfigure her eyes at all.)

Since then she has had to suffer both her father's overprotection... and the contempt of other Elves, who, it turns out, hate blind people. Oh, and they despise her for being a "mongrel", too.

No wonder her only friend is her unicorn.:( Oh, and her grandmother– see below.

(OPTIONAL) REALMS TO WHICH YOUR CHARACTER IS THE RIGHTFUL HEIR: Lórien. Her older siblings are out, due to a law which bars dark-haired people from inheriting. ("It's the golden house of Finarfin, geddit?" Galadriel was heard to remark.)

REASON THE FATE OF MIDDLE-EARTH DEPENDS ON YOUR CHARACTER: She's the ideal backup Ringbearer. Since she can't see, she can't be dazzled by the Ring's evil beauty. Not only that, but like all handicapped people (in fan-fiction), she is noble and unselfish enough to be trusted with an object that gives virtually unlimited power. Honestly. You believe her, right?:Merisu:

[Kitanna]

Please do! I need to know how many extra aunts and sisters my character has.
Defiantly an aunt in me. I was thinking a possible Galadriel-Gandalf love child just to shake things up.

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

I was thinking a possible Galadriel-Gandalf love child just to shake things up.

Because Galadriel's the only person (well, female, anyway) in Middle-earth who remembers what he (Olorin) really looks like, right? :D

[Kitanna]

Because Galadriel's the only person (well, female, anyway) in Middle-earth who remembers what he (Olorin) really looks like, right? :D
A valid reason too, but I was thinking more along the line that Celeborn just doesn't support her and her elven ring of power.

[Kitanna]

NAME: Astalder the Valiant One

AGE (chronological): 600

AGE (mental): 15

RACE(S): Half-Elf

GENDER:Female

SPECIAL WEAPONS/JEWELLERY/OTHER ITEMS:A mithril tiara, a sword crafted in the glory days of Gondolin that Gandalf gave to her, a very special Lorien bow Galadriel had made for her in secret it shines purple when Orcs are about

RENOWNED CRAFTSMAN WHO MADE THEM: The finest smith Turgon had (though she of course never knew him personally)

SPECIAL ABILITIES: The gift of foresight, the ability to shape shift into various different animals

SPECIAL PET(S): A hound named Scout who speaks for other animals to her, she of course can understand his barks as if they were speech

RELATIONSHIP TO TOLKIEN'S CHARACTER(S): Galadriel and Gandalf's secret child

IS IN LOVE WITH: Men (a tragic Luthien figure who will give her love to a man, any man really, though I feel she will lean more toward the gruff and unruly Boromirs and Eomers of the world)

IS LOVED BY: Everyone

APPEARANCE: She has long, flowing golden locks that befit the princess of Lorien. Her eyes are a stunning aquamarine that are as lovely and deep as the sea on a clear day.

TOKEN FLAW/WEAKNESS: A long white scar that runs from the corner of her right eye down her otherwise perfect cheek.

TRAGIC PAST/OTHER REASON FOR ANGST: Astalder's angst starts before her birth. Galadriel was disenchanted with her husband, Celeborn, he could not understand her plight as the bearer of Nenya. In her own angst she found comfort in the arms of one who could understand, one the elves called Mithrandir. When Galadriel knew she was carrying the child of the Grey Pilgrim she set off straight for Rivendell. In Elrond's house she gave birth to Astalder.

Elron agreed to rear the child in his home and to keep her secret from Celeborn. But Astalder would always be somewhat of an outcast. As she grew older and lovelier the elf princess began to wander about Middle-Earth. Joining the northern rangers for a time she received the scar on her face in an Orc attack. She was also known to mingle with the dwarves. On occasion she would go with Gandalf to visit the gentle Hobbit folk of the shire. But in the years before the Fellowship she found herself in Gondor and Rohan, entranced by the world of man. To Boromir, son of Denethor, and Eomer, son of Eomund, did she find her heart fluttered to the most though. She wished to stay among the men, ever making them love her, but her gift of foresight warned her of trouble abroad and she knew she had to return to Rivendell.

(OPTIONAL) REALMS TO WHICH YOUR CHARACTER IS THE RIGHTFUL HEIR: Lothlorien, she is Galadriel's other daughter after all

REASON THE FATE OF MIDDLE-EARTH DEPENDS ON YOUR CHARACTER: Only her fiery spirit can encourage the men of the west to keep fighting. And her gentle heart can teach them all to love again. Plus she has such a fondness for Hobbits.

[Morthoron]

Morthoron's character

NAME: Amarthanuin the Noegedhil

AGE (chronological): 1st Age (several thousand years)

AGE (mental): about 16

RACE(S): Half-dwarf (half-Sindarin)

GENDER: Male

SPECIAL WEAPONS/JEWELRY/OTHER ITEMS: The Naugrond -- Hammer of the Dwarves.

RENOWNED CRAFTSMAN WHO MADE THEM: Created by Telchar in the deeps of time (he actually whittled it on a lunch break during the days he was crafting Narsil).

SPECIAL ABILITIES: A dwarf's endurance and drinking ability, with elvish acuity and fashion sense.

SPECIAL PET(S): having also the dwarvish ability to speak with birds, he has as his companion the foul-speaking myna named Harlotesse'.

RELATIONSHIP TO TOLKIEN'S CHARACTER(S): He once saved Elrond from a bad hair day (with his Dwarvish crafting ability, he has learned to make intricate Elvish braids).

IS IN LOVE WITH: An unrequited love for the elf-maiden Rintintinavulaossea-Estelauder, whose father refused his proffer of marriage because of his unseemly height.

IS LOVED BY: No one, he does not fit in with the elves, who mock his shortness, nor the dwarves, who laugh at his parti-colored robes (Particularly the ones with the satin hoods).

APPEARANCE: He has smoldering green eyes flecked with black that turn a fiery red when he is angered. He is blessed with a wavy mop of brown hair that has silken strands of blond highlights that glisten in the early morning sun. He has a five-o'clock shadow even though he shaves constantly (having inherited a beard gene from his unknown dwarvish father). He's about 5'8'' with the gnarled muscles of the dwarven race, but his movements are agile with the predatory grace of a feline.

TOKEN FLAW/WEAKNESS (which proves that your character is NOT, repeat NOT, a Mary Sue!): His height, which is a constant cause for melancholy.

TRAGIC PAST/OTHER REASON FOR ANGST: His mother, a Sindarin elf, was raped by a dwarf of Tumunzahar during the sack of Menegroth after the death of Thingol. His mother, though wane from grief and embarrassment, still bore the cursed child out of a sense of duty and faith (Tolkien being Catholic and all). As she lay dying from blood loss, she uttered the famous prophecy:

All that is withered is not necessarily old,
Not all that ponder do deeply think.
Some haven't the sense to come in from the cold
Because they've had far too much to drink.

From the squat gawking up at the world --
Sorely mocked for his poor lack of height --
Shall get all the cool stuff and the girl,
In spite of his measure so slight.

(OPTIONAL) REALMS TO WHICH YOUR CHARACTER IS THE RIGHTFUL HEIR: His mother, who just happened to be Eol's sister, was heir to Nan Elmoth. At the end of his days, Amarthanuin shall steal a rowboat (knocking some Hobbit named Sam into the water), and sail out into the West. Unfortunately, he won't find Nan Elmoth because it is, of course, submerged.

REASON THE FATE OF MIDDLE-EARTH DEPENDS ON YOUR CHARACTER: Malbeth the Seer (under the influence of egg-nog well past its expiration date), mumbled this prophecy in the midst of vomiting:

Amarth the half-Sindarin
Never gained full Elvish height
And if you ever saw him
You would even say he's slight
All of the other Elflings
Used to laugh and call him names
They wouldn't let poor Amarth
Play in any Elvish games
Then one foggy yule-tide eve
Gandalf came to say
Amarth with your fashion flair
Won't you braid poor Elrond's hair
Then all the Elves, they loved him
And aplogized for their sport
But Amarth the half-Sindarin
Is and always will be short.

Ummm....sorry.

[Mithalwen]

Since Morth grabbed the cloaked figure at Bree ... I am going to make my elf geek one of those who rode out from Rivendell to seek the fellowship. Obviously Elrond didn't send her and she has all the inherent power of a fieldmouse but she has read a lot about Nazgul in the library...;)

[Morthoron]

So...while we wait for the rest of the group to make their introductory posts, I will amuse the crowd with a magic trick.

Hello ladies and germs *ba-dump-bump*

I, Mortho the Magnificent, shall endeavor -- for your mordant stupification -- to make myself disappear.

My voluptuous assistant, Bambi Vixen, shall place me in this nearly airtight, polystyrene container (which looks amazingly like a large beer cooler) and close the lid with a lethal combination of wood glue and and scotch tape. Before the count of three I will have indeed totally vacated the premise. Ready Bambi?

*A drum roll reverberates from the orchestra pit*

ONE...


TWO...

[Mithalwen]

Sorry Morth .. is Bambi Vixen perchance any relation to the lovely Samantha of ISIHAG fame?

[Mithalwen]

Character Description Form:


Mithalwen's character

NAME: Aglariel Faelivrin (Liv)

AGE (chronological):519

AGE (mental): 12

RACE(S): Technically Noldo but allegedly tainted by dowdy silvan blood.

GENDER: female

SPECIAL WEAPONS/JEWELLERY/OTHER ITEMS: A fiendishly sharp paper knife and a bow (home made)

RENOWNED CRAFTSMAN WHO MADE THEM: Maeglin did a little known sideline in stationery in Gondolin.

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Can make people disappear by talking to them. Clever but not in a useful way.

SPECIAL PET(S): A remarkably intelligent Fell pony, Denis. (Fell as in hill not demonic).

RELATIONSHIP TO TOLKIEN'S CHARACTER(S): Niece of Erestor through her mother. Glorfindel is a distant cousin on her father's.

IS IN LOVE WITH: Elrohir or maybe Elladan .. possibly both but doesn't matter since they don't notice her at all.

IS LOVED BY: Oh come on....

APPEARANCE: A plain elf. Brown hair, pale eyes of mirky grey-green. Not particularly tall not particularly anything.

TOKEN FLAW/WEAKNESS (which proves that your character is NOT, repeat NOT, a Mary Sue!): See above..and did I mention she was Erestor's niece?

TRAGIC PAST/OTHER REASON FOR ANGST: So impossibly dull that her feckless but more glamourous parents abandoned her at the age of 10 in Erestor's care with the excuse that they HAD to accompany Celebrian to Eressea.

(OPTIONAL) REALMS TO WHICH YOUR CHARACTER IS THE RIGHTFUL HEIR:
The library at Rivendell?

REASON THE FATE OF MIDDLE-EARTH DEPENDS ON YOUR CHARACTER: Ummmm ... she might have unwittingly read some crucial piece of information the significance of which she didn't appreciate at the time. Oh and she fancies herself as a healer. Inadvertant poisoning or at least heartburn may follow.

[Morthoron]

You know, we are merely playing immortals in a fan-fiction, we are not, in fact, truly incredibly long-lived. Therefore, if anyone can nudge the story along before we are indeed ensconced in the bowels of the Barrow Downs, it would be much appreciated.

[Nerwen]

Well, I was giving other people a chance to post...

But now that we've got three characters lurking in dark corners of the "Pony", maybe we can just proceed from there.

If this isn't too precipitous, Moonflower could ask after Aragorn (only human she knows) and that's how our heroes first get to hear there's an adventure in the offing...

(This scene should then be set a few days after the hobbits and Strider have left.)

And we need to work up to a Dramatic Reveal scene, where we all finally take our hoods off.

And Kit– how about my character and yours can't stand each other? ("Oh no... Auntie Astalder!")

[Morthoron]

Good ideas, Nerwen. I was thinking that Amarth is the one who accidentally trips Frodo. Either that, or he bravely chases off the Nazgul when Merry is hit with Black Breath. I can also see him complaining to Butterbur about the noise at night coming from the Hobbit section of the inn. How is anyone to get proper sleep with such unruly guests?

[Nerwen]

These are good ideas, too. So you think our lot should be there at the same time as Frodo et al? I was thinking of having them trail after them...

Anyway, I'll be out of town for a few days. I'll post if I can get to an internet cafe in that time– but you'd better start off.

[Kitanna]

And Kit– how about my character and yours can't stand each other? ("Oh no... Auntie Astalder!")
That would be wonderful given the fact Astalder loves and is loved by everyone. She could be that dreaded aunt that no one likes at family reunions. The one that gets drunk and sets the cat on fire. Or in this case the one that can constantly reminds Moonflower she's blind and then sets the unicorn on fire (all the while being drunk of course). But seriously it would add to the angst if they at least had a mild dislike for each other.

I was thinking that Amarth is the one who accidentally trips Frodo. Either that, or he bravely chases off the Nazgul when Merry is hit with Black Breath. I can also see him complaining to Butterbur about the noise at night coming from the Hobbit section of the inn. How is anyone to get proper sleep with such unruly guests?
And someone can tip Aragorn off to Frodo's coming. I mean the future king could never have found Frodo without their help.

[Morthoron]

These are good ideas, too. So you think our lot should be there at the same time as Frodo et al? I was thinking of having them trail after them...

Well, I consider imposing our flawed characters into the actual story is entirely part of the agenda, and gives us the patina of a truly wretched fan-fic (much in the same way everyone is the sister, brother or cousin twice-removed of some important character). We must keep reminding ourselves that it was our Fellowship that saved Middle-earth, but unfortunately Frodo got better press.

It reminds me of the time I helped plug that leaky ship Arvedui eventually sailed in. I was never really comfortable with that patch job.

[Mithalwen]

Well I won't come to the Pony with Liv, but I will do a post assuming that teh messages from Gildor's company have reached Rivendell and lead her to go to the rescue. I know that she and Denis will play a vital part at the ford of Bruinen and possibly at Weathertop.

[Morthoron]

I've decided that it would be appropriate to have 20 or so Mysterious Cloaked Figures™ lurking about. It gives the inn a nice, sinister ambience. The visual cracks me up.

[Kitanna]

Is there any sort of plan on how our merry band of Sues will meet up at the Pony?

[Morthoron]

Is there any sort of plan on how our merry band of Sues will meet up at the Pony?

I think Lalaith and Mithalwen are in Rivendell. At least, that's what they said originally. In any case, its not necessary for everyone to be in Bree at the beginning. Part of our party should be spreading angst about in Imladris in preparation for the all-out angst-fest when we arrive (thus Elrond, wishing to be rid of the whole lot of us in one fell swoop, will, in his anxiety, invent a quest to send us as far away as possible).

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

I'm a little bit leery about committing to this, since I've never done an online RPG and my overall creative levels are pretty low right now, but if I can figure out how and when to enter gracefully, how would this character sound?

NAME: Súlómëa (though she prefers to go by Súlaurëa. When the Elves gave her a name, she thought it was Súlaurëa, golden wind, because of her appearance, and was rather disappointed when she heard it was actually Súlómëa, gloomy wind. In ME, she will try to go by Súlaurëa, but anyone who has ever been in Valinor – Galadriel and Glorfindel and even the Balrog included – will know her real name.)

AGE (chronological): Subject to debate

AGE (mental): About... 17, human-wise, sort of that snotty/pouty high-school cheerleader full of herself and "nobody understands the real me" age

RACE(S): Maia

GENDER: Female

SPECIAL WEAPONS/JEWELLERY/OTHER ITEMS: a golden staff, much better than any of the Istari have, because she knows how to use it like a proper quarterstaff – when she isn’t tripping over it, getting it tangled in her long golden tresses, or knocking herself in the knee, foot, or jaw with it. It will also act like a lodestone for magical items, so there should never be a problem keeping track of the Ring and its bearer (theoretically).

RENOWNED CRAFTSMAN WHO MADE THEM: She tried to wheedle Aulë into making it for her, but he didn’t have the time, so she whined until he caved and told one of his lesser Maiar to make something quick for her to get her to go away. She will claim, however, that it came to her from the hands of Aulë himself, since he was the one who handed it to her when she came to pick it up.

SPECIAL ABILITIES:

1. Whining until she gets her way (she calls it “encouraging cooperation”).

2. Singing in minor keys – even if the song is in a major key, she will sing it in a minor key, or sing louder until everyone has to sing in a minor key to stop the dissonance. This can prove remarkably effective in dispersing crowds and breaking up brawls, because people will run from the sound of her singing. Unfortunately, it also can break glass and cause deafness or insanity if it goes on long enough.

3. Since she wasn’t sent as one of the Istari, she’s not in a real mortal body, so she doesn’t feel the need to follow their restrictions. She particularly likes popping in and out of places with a thought (or without a thought, which is all too often the case).

4. She can do a remarkably good imitation of Námo's trademark Voice Of Doom.

SPECIAL PET(S): Pet? Aren’t all these silly Eruhíni creatures supposed to be pets? Especially Hobbits?

RELATIONSHIP TO TOLKIEN'S CHARACTER(S): She thought she would be one of the people of Manwë and Varda when they first entered Ëa, and though Manwë put up with her for a while, he wound up fobbing her off on Námo and Nienna when her singing started a plague of depression with the rest of his servants. When Nienna gets tired of her, she sends her to Námo, and when Námo gets sick of the constant griping and moaning, he sends her back. They sent her to Irmo for a while, hoping that the atmosphere of Lórien would improve her mood and disposition, but Estë declared that Súlómëa’s part of the Music was undoubtedly the root of the Children’s Seasonal Affective Disorder, and told Irmo to send her back to his siblings. Unfortunately, when she got back to Mandos, she heard that her brother Pallando had been sent away as one of the Istari, and she was livid that A). he didn’t tell her, and B). nobody asked her to go, since she had always been much wiser than he.

IS IN LOVE WITH: She fell for Olórin when he was studying with Nienna, and tried to get him to notice her while she was in Lórien. It drove him crazy, which (aside from his wife's insistence) is why Irmo agreed to send her back to his siblings; he couldn’t get in even a ten-minute session with his Counselor without Súlómëa showing up to swoon.

IS LOVED BY: Nobody, absolutely nobody, they don’t understand her, and she just doesn’t know why *sob* *sniff* But she’s bound and determined to get Olórin to give her a good requite – once he gets out of that rather disturbing and icky mortal body. She could even get used to that, though, if he made it worth her while.

APPEARANCE: Tall, taller than Galadriel or any female Elf, with perfect porcelain skin (luminous, clear, and pasty white), LONG (down to her ankles) luxurious golden hair that always seems to be flowing in the wind, and amethyst eyes with golden flecks, brighter than the stars. Sometimes TOO bright (they glow in the dark). She always wears sky blue, partly because her brother was one of the Blue Wizards, and partly because she still thinks she should be one of Manwë’s people, so she will NOT blend into the scenery, unless they happen to be in ME’s version of Hawaii or the Caribbean.

TOKEN FLAW/WEAKNESS (which proves that your character is NOT, repeat NOT, a Mary Sue!): She whines if things aren’t going her way. She can depress anyone with more than a minute of her singing. She trips over her own hair a lot of the time (especially when trying to use her staff). If she braids it to get it out of the way, she has a tendency to knock out other people, or herself, when she tosses her head. She also ticked off the Valar when she left Valinor without permission, so even though they won't come after her directly, one never knows when she might get struck by lightning, or caught in a sudden flood, or tangled in a web of vines that wasn't there a second before, or knocked over by an earthquake....

TRAGIC PAST/OTHER REASON FOR ANGST: She is SO misunderstood by just about everyone in Valinor, especially the Valar, who just can’t seem to see why she’s so terribly special and deserves a better job than running messages between Námo and Nienna (which they could send just as well in osanwë, if they wanted). If Sauron would recognize what she’s really worth, she’d consider throwing in with him – if she didn’t have that unrequited crush on Olórin.

REASON THE FATE OF MIDDLE-EARTH DEPENDS ON YOUR CHARACTER: Well, Alatar and Pallando disappeared on some beach in the East and haven’t been heard from for just ages, Curumo is an arrogant SOB who thinks he’s so smart, he’ll wind up making a mess of things just to show off, Aiwendil is a literal bird-brain, and poor Olórin just shouldn’t have to do all this without the help of at least one Wizard who isn’t all tuckered out after nearly two thousand years stuck in that old mortal body, the poor dear. If she doesn’t give him a hand, who will?

Just a thought... not sure I could pull it off, though this would leave an opening for her to come and go, as I might need to. Any thoughts?

[Nerwen]

Sorry for the delay in posting... I've had heaps of work on.

I'll get something up in the next few days.

EDIT: Ooo, a Maia-Sue! They're the pits... mainly because one can make them ridiculously hyper-powered, and still claim it's "canon".

Just a suggestion– I think Súlómëa should be the sixth member of the Istari. It's one of the classic types. She's just Somehow™ not subject to the same rules. (No Sixth Istar has ever had to appear as a wrinkly old crone...)

[Morthoron]

*Snickers malevolently*

Yes, where would our flailing Fellowship be without an insipid Istari? That coming and going bit will work out fine, as you can say it has a relevance to canonicity given Gandalf's frequent bouts of secretive flightiness from Bilbo in The Hobbit and Frodo in LotR. It's just that in this case, Súlómëa (or Súlaurëa, rather) tends to go AWOL for no apparent reason (save pouting perhaps).

Excellent, Ibrin!

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

Yeah, and people can even call her "Sú" without inspiring confusion or pouting (unless they mean she's a windbag). :D

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

Just a suggestion– I think Súlómëa should be the sixth member of the Istari. It's one of the classic types. She's just Somehow™ not subject to the same rules. (No Sixth Istar has ever had to appear as a wrinkly old crone...)

Not a bad idea. Heaven knows, I've seen enough of that sort of tripe, especially when the Sixth Wizard is female. Though I rather like the notion that she did this without permission and ticked off the Valar, so she never knows when they'll do something to try to cook her goose to get her to go back where she belongs. Throws in an element (or four elements :D) of uncertainty that will also make it possible for her to depart the scene for a while without having yet another pout or hissy fit. Getting struck by lightning out of a clear blue sky can do that to a person. ;)

[Morthoron]

Not a bad idea. Heaven knows, I've seen enough of that sort of tripe, especially when the Sixth Wizard is female. Though I rather like the notion that she did this without permission and ticked off the Valar, so she never knows when they'll do something to try to cook her goose to get her to go back where she belongs. Throws in an element (or four elements :D) of uncertainty that will also make it possible for her to depart the scene for a while without having yet another pout or hissy fit. Getting struck by lightning out of a clear blue sky can do that to a person. ;)

What color Istar is she? We have white, gray, brown and blue already taken. Fuscia? Mauve? Something to highlight her eyes or skin tone? Ecru would be good. The Ecru Istar. Nice ring to it.

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

Well, since she's a very bright sky blue, I should think Cerulean would be the most appropriate. :D Teal, Turquoise, Aquamarine, or any other overused synonym in the blue spectrum would go. But given how overused Cerulean is in bad fanfic, I opt for that. It would offset her flowing golden hair so nicely, too. :p And she is Pallando's sister. Also, this allows the potential for confusion as to whether or not she is one of the two Blue Wizards who disappeared and Do Not Come Into These Stories. (As a matter of fact, I seem to recall at least one piece of lousy fanfic in which one of the two Blue Wizards was declared to have been a woman, who of course came back to rescue the Fellowship, or to defeat Sauron in the Fourth Age because the company had actually somehow botched the job and didn't really defeat him completed. Ack.)

[Morthoron]

Yes, but won't cerulean clash with the other two blue wizards? It's getting awfully crowded in the azure camp. My daughter is blonde and black velvet suits her well as a contrast. There can't be enough ebon'd accoutrements in fan-fic. A black wizard -- to match her foul mood?

All that is black aint so scary
For every day has its night
Contrast is the point which marries
A chiaroscuro of dark and light.

Bah...never mind.

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

Do you think she really cares about clashing? Especially since her wussy brother and the other guy just toddled off somewhere and didn't bother to leave a forwarding address? ;)

Well, one could go for amethyst to match her eyes, but only if it's a really bright, oversaturated, day-glo kind of amethyst. Possibly bordering on Barbie Pink. :D Or perhaps she's sort of a mood ring wizard, and changes color from day to day. Or minute to minute. Saruman of Many Colors, right, I'LL show him how to do it right....

[Lalaith]

I am painfully aware of my failure to post a character profile, despite the fact that everyone has shown such forbearance and not subjected me to personally directed chivvying. I am now on a week's break, so I WILL have time to post it in the next two days. On my honour.

[Morthoron]

I am painfully aware of my failure to post a character profile, despite the fact that everyone has shown such forbearance and not subjected me to personally directed chivvying. I am now on a week's break, so I WILL have time to post it in the next two days. On my honour.

That's nice to hear, Lalaith. I was concerned that a great idea (or, rather, a bad story made splendiferous through new paint and window treatments) would fall to the wayside.

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

Oh, I'm thinking about it. I just have a rather full plate at the moment with a bazillion doctors' appointments, and I'm getting ready to go on vacation next week. I'm hoping that the nice, relaxed atmosphere of a week away from assorted craziness will be conducive to creativity, even warped. :)

[Lalaith]

Ok, I've got two dear friends to throw into the mix.

NAME: Sharpairien

AGE (chronological): like, SO much younger than Moonflower

AGE (mental): 15

RACE(S): Peredhil, Pertheril, Peverell. I misspell, therefore I am.

GENDER: girly-girl girl.

SPECIAL WEAPONS/JEWELLERY/OTHER ITEMS:
The necklace of the Dwarves

RENOWNED CRAFTSMAN WHO MADE THEM: I am like, so excited ever since my Daddy told me the necklace came from Dior.

SPECIAL ABILITIES: When I am wearing Dior’s finest, no-one can withstand me. Man or Elf.

SPECIAL PET(S): A puppy called Morcair-shu. I keep it in my handbag, er, saddle bag. He has special powers too, because he ALWAYS knows if someone is mean. And my milk-white steed Shimmershine, who loves me and rescues me ALL the time.

RELATIONSHIP TO TOLKIEN'S CHARACTER(S): Elrond’s daughter, by his beautiful second wife Ivanariel. (He couldn’t stay moping for Celebrian for ever, you know)

IS IN LOVE WITH: No-one, right now. I am saving myself. I may even have a Silver Ring. We will see.

IS LOVED BY: Almost everyone, sometimes against their will because of my whimsical and wayward antics. But I am so cute. Even camp Daemian might, er change his spots for me.

APPEARANCE: (No grey-eyed, dark-haired Elves. No Hobbits with curly brown hair and furry feet. Please pick an appearance which will show that your character is really special.) glossy auburn locks, a smattering of cute freckles and luminous amber eyes.

TOKEN FLAW/WEAKNESS (which proves that your character is NOT, repeat NOT, a Mary Sue!): Well, I am spoilt and willful.

TRAGIC PAST/OTHER REASON FOR ANGST: The sibling rivalry with Moonflower. And Arwen, of course, who is SO boring. Elladan and Elohir have a Bill & Ted/ Missy thing going on with my mom and by association think I am adorable. My father’s over-protectiveness.

(OPTIONAL) REALMS TO WHICH YOUR CHARACTER IS THE RIGHTFUL HEIR: My mother has persuaded Elrond to leave Hollin to me. I think Hollin sucks.

REASON THE FATE OF MIDDLE-EARTH DEPENDS ON YOUR CHARACTER:
OMG! I don’t know??!!! It’s such a responsibility!!!!! I love exclamation marks and will use lots of them.

Next.....


NAME: Daemian

AGE (chronological): 2000 (and do you KNOW what that is in camp-elf years? OMG!)

AGE (mental): 21

RACE(S): Elf
GENDER: ho-hum

SPECIAL WEAPONS/JEWELLERY/OTHER ITEMS:
I have the sharpest tongue east of the Misty Mountains, and the best eleven eye for a complimentary shade or fabric.

SPECIAL ABILITIES: Dressing well. Encouraging others to dress well.

SPECIAL PET(S): I love helping to look after Morcair-shu but Shimmershine scares me.

RELATIONSHIP TO TOLKIEN'S CHARACTER(S): Oh plu-eese. These are not the Secret Diaries, you know.

IS IN LOVE WITH: my love for Shairpairen is purely platonic.

IS LOVED BY: No-one- for obvious reasons I am always the bridesmaid, never the bride

APPEARANCE: (No grey-eyed, dark-haired Elves. No Hobbits with curly brown hair and furry feet. Please pick an appearance which will show that your character is really special.) I have fine features, dark blond sculpted hair and a mole over my upper lip, on the left-hand side.

TOKEN FLAW/WEAKNESS (which proves that your character is NOT, repeat NOT, a Mary Sue!): I throw tantrums. I dislike getting wet or untidy.

TRAGIC PAST/OTHER REASON FOR ANGST: Where to begin. I’ve never really been able to settle down. And I am getting very depressed about that 2000 year thing.

REASON THE FATE OF MIDDLE-EARTH DEPENDS ON YOUR CHARACTER:
I will stick by Sharpairen through everything. I am a good friend, if a rather high-maintenance and shrieky one.

[Mithalwen]

Sorry I realise I have neglecting this - I have been ill, nothing serious fortunately just a bug but since I usually shake such things off I tried to tough it out which was a wrong move since it really took hold and I lost my voice for over a week and coughing so much. As a result I haven't had the energy to do anything but work and the most essential domestic stuff and have only had short spells of net access in environments not conducive to creativity. However I seem to be bright eyed and bushy tailed again and will catch up ASAP.

[Nerwen]

I'll echo Mith's apology– I've been sick too, and I've had a nightmare run of bad luck involving deadlines and computer failures and... *shudders*:eek: Hence my absence from these forums.

Anyway, here's one thing I think needs settling: to what extent are we allowed to interfere in the actual story? I mean, we were all last seen in the Pony at a rather critical moment... very un-Sueish not to jump in...

[Nerwen]

*bump*

Morth?

Kit?

Where are you?

[Morthoron]

*bump*

Morth?

Kit?

Where are you?

*blinks*

Ummm...coma? Brain fart?

I thought I'd give the other folks a chance to post, but seeing as that doesn't seem to be happening, I shall post again...perhaps tomorrow.

[Kitanna]

Sorry. I have an idea for my next post, but I got caught under a pile of homework. Soon I'll post again and by soon I mean before a week has passed.

[Mithalwen]

Sorry ... yes I havent forgotten ..I don't think I will be actually in the inn .... I thought I might inadvertantly be the true reason all the horses disappeared but I have managed to catch up a bit on my other RPG commitments and so I am hoping to post tomorrow - when I should eb able to get a reasonable amount of net time.

[Lalaith]

Right - I'm ready to post. I am assuming that it's ok for my pair to just flounce around Rivendell for now, getting on everyone's nerves until the rest of you show up?

[Morthoron]

Right - I'm ready to post. I am assuming that it's ok for my pair to just flounce around Rivendell for now, getting on everyone's nerves until the rest of you show up?

Oh, most definitely, Lalaith. By having a whole mess of story threads twisting and turning in cobwebbed convolutions, we further prove our fanfic prowess by eschewing linear storylines and electing to drive the plot in abstract and avante garde directions. That, and ignoring each other's stories and centering on our own bloated egoistic characters is a hallmark of bad Middle-earth roleplay.

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

I'm still observing. Perhaps I shall write a paragraph about observing...:D

[Kitanna]

I put up a save, though this isn't fast moving enough to warrant a save. However, I'll actually contribute to this silliness if I have a save up.

[Oddwen]

Pardon my thread necromancy - but I noticed that your story is lacking a huge part of the fanfic base...any mention whatsoever of Legolas.

[Nerwen]

Pardon my thread necromancy - but I noticed that your story is lacking a huge part of the fanfic base...any mention whatsoever of Legolas.

Oh, I had that one planned for the future.;)