Wight Fright: "Fog on the Barrow-Downs" Discussion Thread

[Durelin]

Wight Fright: "Fog on the Barrow-Downs"

Wight Fright: "Fog on the Barrow-Downs" (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=15855) is an informal RP, which takes place in the Barrow-Downs around the year 2939 of the Third Age. A group of kids from Bree (a range of ages, but Edwin I suppose is about 13), have decided to go into the mysterious Downs for the sake of adventure...which they may well find.

Will they keep their wits about them and leave well before the sky begins to darken? Will they even find the Downs to be a safe place during daylight hours? Must they disturb a tomb to awaken the Barrow-wights, or are the spirits aware of their presence as soon as they step near their mounds?


Join the adventure, as a member of the party, or as a worried parent back home (especially as it grows later in the day...). Or, there's another way you can participate: roleplay the environment. What do our adventurers hear, see, or feel that might send chills down their spine? Maybe think of it in the style of a haunted house.*

Since this is an "informal RP," you do not need to post bios for your characters - just come up with a character in your head and post as them. Also, I may use 'Edwin' as my character at other times, but feel free to use him at will!

Anyone may post (regardless of whether or not you are a 'roleplayer' or are of 'Rohan status') - just follow the basic RPing rules for posting found in The Red Book of Westmarch (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=10581).


Much credit to Bethberry, the originator of the past holiday informal RPs: The Veil Lifted ( http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=13350), The Yule Log ( http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=12478&page=1), and the Snowed Inn ( http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=5651).

Just like Bethberry did, I am passing this completely off to the gamers. I'll try to participate as much as I can because I think it shall be fun, but this isn't a game that is run by anyone - all the writers will just work things out with each other as they go, and even if everyone ends up a little lost, it will be fun!

*(But on that note: No Barrow-wights popping out of tombs...yet? This isn't Zombieland, as much fun as that would be...if our adventurers were properly armed at least.)

Happy Halloween!

**EDIT: With the altering of the RP forums, this game falls under the "Character Driven" (or what have you) type game. It is still open to players and is also still open to people posting as the environment as described above.**

This RP will end once the children (Edwin, Jessamy, and whoever else if someone joins us) make it back to Bree-town to their parents.

Current Characters:

Edwin - Boy (Race: Man), about 12 or 13. -Durelin
Jessamy - Girl (Race: Man), a little younger? -Mithalwen
Karl - Man, upper 30s maybe. -Durelin
--Duke - Karl's dog
Willem (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=650002&postcount=66) - Man, mid-50s or so. -Evinyatar
--Jumble, Willem's dog

Current Time and Location:

Somewhere along/near the East Road near the Downs. Evening, about full dark. Perhaps starting to snow.

[Mithalwen]

Presumably the youngsters may be either big folk or little?

[Durelin]

Certainly! I don't see why not.

If anyone has any other questions or feels like I didn't give enough to start on, just let me know. I haven't set this sort of thing up before myself. :)

[Bêthberry]

I think this is splendid, Durelin. My compliments for a great idea and a wonderful contribution to the rpg forums. (fora?)

This past week has been absolutely mad for me with little time for any kind of fun writing activities but I hope the coming week will give me some time to participate. I've an idea or two for some posts.

Looking forward to seeing others join in as well!

EDIT: Hadn't realised it at the time, but this was my 5000th post!

[Mithalwen]

Splendid... just for info which is Edwin. I have a character but prob won' tbe able to post for her till Monday now :( ..we I thought seh was mine but it occured to me when she was formed in my brain that she has some elements of Violet Elizabeth Bott ;). Maybe we'll find out if she can thcream and thcream until she's thick...

[Durelin]

Edwin was just the boy I made up and used in my first post. He's about 13 years old, I'd say. I made him sorta the ring-leader/instigator, but he doesn't have to remain in that role. You can use him however you'd like.

Thank you so much, Bethberry! I'm very glad you like it, and I hope you don't mind me 'using' your idea - the credit for this kind of game is all yours.

[Thinlómien]

I hope I'll be able to come up with a character and write a few posts, but I may be too busy... let's see. Anyhow, it looks wonderful! :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Great idea, Durelin! Your encouragement to write as the environment inspired me to write from the point of view of an object. However, a post like that is not a good way to start interaction, so I will wait to put it up after at least one or two more "normal" posts are on the thread.

[Mithalwen]

Edwin was just the boy I made up and used in my first post. He's about 13 years old, I'd say. I made him sorta the ring-leader/instigator, but he doesn't have to remain in that role. You can use him however you'd like.



Sorry, I realised that, I just wanted to know if he is a hobbit or big folk! I may be being thick but I didn't get an indicator from the post and since Bree is a mixed community... :cool:

[Durelin]

Sorry, I meant big-folk by saying 'boy,' but of course that's not specific at all. And you're absolutely right, it's not at all clear in the RP post...

And sorry for telling you again the obvious in my last post here. I'm just never sure if my RP posts are clear at all since they always feel vague and jumbled when I write them.

So Edwin is one of the big-folk. Sorry about that.

[Mithalwen]

Don't worry I could have been a lot clearer in my question.. using correct punctuation for a start. :o If I had had to guess I would have thought big folk but I wanted to get it right when my character catches up with yours :D .

[Bêthberry]

Thank you so much, Bethberry! I'm very glad you like it, and I hope you don't mind me 'using' your idea - the credit for this kind of game is all yours.

Not at all--ideas are for sharing, especially rpging and a great deal of credit belongs to you for starting this. I'm dragging but still hoping to post.

[Mithalwen]

Sorry - I remembered that having all the paperwork ready to roll was not exactly the same as completing and filing my tax return...and with a threatened postal strike I couldn't push the deadline as much as usual :rolleyes:. Anyway my fiscal duties now done I shall get on with my planned post...

[Durelin]

Lol, I don't care if this thread sits with now...one reply to it (yay Bethberry! creative character, as usual...she'll be an interesting 'encounter,' hehe) and doesn't go any further. I have been crazy busy myself lately...I just have been in a creative, RPing sort of mood, and am using RPing stuff to avoid doing work. ;)

[Mithalwen]

Don't say that Dury, I ended up writing screeds longhand last night, far too much for a first post but all of which may come in handy later. :D Now to type some of it up.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I have followed up on Bb and Mithalwen's posts with one written from an unorthodox point of view. (The italics were used to show that these are unspoken, unnarrated thoughts.) I hope you enjoy it!

[Durelin]

Hahaha, I like it! Oh the worry and stress of a bodice...I've shoved myself into the same one a couple times each year for 5 years now and some years it's more of a struggle than others... :D

Thank you for posting and for your creativity everyone!

Edwin's seen something (maybe someone?), and been bumped into...the easiest way to initiate interaction, the ol' bumping into someone trick...

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I just realized that my rep status is "trapped in the barrow" - how appropriate!

[Mithalwen]

Just a note.. Jessamy is one of the big folk... not a hobbit despite living near Staddle. Sorry.

[Durelin]

:o Fail. Sorry. Fixed it.

[Mithalwen]

No problem... one day I must try to write a hobbit but I have a mental block about hairy feet... :o

[Bêthberry]

Wow, I'm away for a weekend and this game starts moving! Great posts--and a hilarious pov, Esty!

I'll have to clear some space on my work table before I can write another post . . .

[Durelin]

I hope my post is actually good for continuing. I didn't want to take it any further myself. And apologies - it is 1 am here, so I blame that for crazy ideas and anything that doesn't make sense.

And sorry it took me a bit to respond.

*general poke around* Anyone even glancing at this want to join in? There's sooo much room! :D

[Mithalwen]

It would be nice to have a couple more at least and not too late at all for people to post as children. *looks hopeful* :Merisu:

[Bêthberry]

I second--third--the invitation to others to join in. :)

And I also hope my latest post isn't a stinker. :D

Sorry it's so short, but the action seemed to require speed rather than deliberation.

[Mithalwen]

Um so the creature is a skunk? How big are they - I've only seen cartoon ones... wikipedia time.... ok so could be anything from a squirrel on steroids to a small badger ...eeek

[Bêthberry]

Well, I think I extradited the plot from the skunk, but who knows?

I'll wait for others to post as I don't want to run the plot my self. :)

[Durelin]

I apologize for not posting for so long. Nearing the end of the semester, and I'm letting all the work and stress rule my life a bit. I'll try and post tonight.

And thank you both for the fun posts. :) I promise I haven't abandoned this!

[Mithalwen]

Sorry I haven't gone either -it is just that I have been unwell - hopefully I am now on the mend and will post .

[Bêthberry]

Glad to hear you are on the mend, Mithalwen. And Durelin, don't add to the semester's stress. We can enjoy this game and not feel pressured. I just didn't want it look like I was hogging things.

[Mithalwen]

Ok I have posted for Jessamy.. and am preparing a "meanwhile back on the farm " post which I will try to put up tomorrow.

[Durelin]

Well, I'm not quite sure what I'm doing, but I posted. Haha. I'll try and get some actual plot going myself...I just need an idea that will work to bring everyone back 'together' in some way or another...

[Mithalwen]

Ok have posted for Jess and I have assumed that there have always been Butterburs at the pony.... I didn't forget the date!

[Durelin]

Hmm. So I think I am going to introduce a new character. Hopefully that will come soon, and it will be interesting.

Btw, anyone can still jump in at anytime and even completely hijack this thing. Well, don't use anyone's characters (except you may use mine), but go ahead and throw a major wrench in things! What else lurks in barrows besides skunks? Do wolves really leave the Old Forest to hunt in the middle of the afternoon?

Unless you all (you all meaning you two) are ready to call this quits. I'm not asking because I want to call it quits, just asking because I am afraid this hasn't been as interesting as I would have liked it to be...and it is all of a sudden December... ;)

[Mithalwen]

No I don't .... I just kept forgetting my data stick with half a post on. I wish there were more involved but I am enjoying it...

[Bêthberry]

Sorry, December means a busier season but count me in still. Will try to post something soon.

Nice work on the recent posts, too. I'll have to put some thought to this. *mad laughter* :D

[Mithalwen]

I think Jessamy may be deceived by the lie of the land and perhaps a spur of the forest at its top edge (Barbara Strachey shows a bulge in the wood line and I will take the liberty of thinking maybe 80 years earlier it was greater...) or maybe her fears are realised and the old forest isn't such a fixed entity!

Jessamy has managed to land herself in my consciousness so clearly, dragging her family and backstory that I will have to write her story regardless.. at the moment I "know" more about what will happen when her family realise she isn't where she is supposed to be than about herself but I am getting a few ideas now between wolves and wights and wandering woods... :D

[Mithalwen]

Ok sorry for the delay...I had the foolish idea of trying to make a few presents and I may have been too ambitious :( Hope to post something tomorrow that doens't exactly raise the alarm but indicates that Jessamy isn't quite where she is thought to be

[Durelin]

I'm sorry it's been so long. Hope you're having good luck with those Christmas presents! I always love the idea of making gifts but am really the least crafty person. I can manage...cards? (I can't believe it's Christmas eve tomorrow!)

I admit completely that I am not paying much (any?) attention to geography...or realism...or avoiding cliches...

I have posted nothing very exciting. But my new character may have heard Jessamy, and the dog may have heard/smelled her and is interested. Perhaps she could be familiar with him?

I'm not really sure about Karl. He's from Bree, but I have him in my head as an oddball, old enough that he should be married but lives alone, no family connections that anyone knows of, etc. He ventures regularly into the Old Forest, he's got to be a bit of an odd duck. And of course he has the typical, loveable would-be hunting dog that's really just more interested in licking and cuddling with things. :rolleyes:

Leaving it open (the dog could run into someone completely new...! what better introduction than an also cliched spin on the ol' bump-into by chance someone important to the plot intro), and meanwhile trying to think of more interesting things/any sort of direction for this!

(this is about to get longer than my RP post...)

Thought - since it's nearly Christmas, maybe it should snow and we combine/transition into a spooky winter holiday? Do I sense a happy ending involving a snowball fight? :p

[Mithalwen]

It gives me some ideas but I have snuck on to someone else,s puter to escape the culinary hell that is christmas pudding.. will try to prep something but may not actually get to post for a couple of days yet *sigh*. Sorry .. did get present done just but was knitting like a loon til gone three.. so not up to posting now.. :(

[Durelin]

Please! It's the holidays. I shouldn't be on here either. :D

[Mithalwen]

I have added a post for Jessamy to my last one as an edit...

[Mithalwen]

Gagh computer ate post .. should be thurs at latest ..fingers crossed... sorry :(

[Mithalwen]

I have a post on my data stick for Jessamy's brothers on the look out but idiot me saved it in the wrong non Windows friendly format but I hope to get it sorted tonnight and post tomorrow.

[Durelin]

Boo, seems like computers hate you. :(

I'm sorry I've been so very very slow to post.

[Mithalwen]

Well I should know by now that the library pc won't open my Appleworks file... but I am too used to screaming for the technicians at work :o

Anyway becasue of length and timing I split that post and edited into my two previous posts .. Shall I have Jessamy and Karl find Edwin or have you got something planned for him first?

[Durelin]

Ah I love the brothers! I love their interaction. And Filbert as sort of the Edmund type... :D

Yes, feel free to have them find Edwin! Or run into something else if you'd prefer, first.

I'm going to try to come up with something else going on in Bree...at least maybe I should do something with Edwin's parents...

Perhaps another kiddie who went out to the Downs could run into the brothers as he/she is on his/her way back to Bree, if the brothers decide they must go looking for Jess?

[Mithalwen]

Yes I thought that might happen ..hope rise at the sight of small figures on the road but Jessamy not among them.

Cheers, I feel a bit mean regarding Filbert but that is how he is :D little skunk. But I am sure Jessamy can be a right royal pain in the whatsit... I am having such a blast with them. The elder brothers will go looking.. I guess word will spread in Bree quite quickly. I imagine in a small place like that. filbert will have to stay behind as a punishment ..feel free to make things more difficult for him.

Only other idea was if there might be a ranger at the pony that could be enlisted but maybe with Karl + dog that isn't really necessary. Hmm... what might they find.. *ponders*

[Mithalwen]

Can't believe I have neglected this so long. I have so little online time that I have been trying to write at home but have needed about 4 goes to get windows to recognise what I have done on the mac.... gah! Anyway.. seem tohave found a way after a fashion so will put the brothers post up Thursday...

[Durelin]

Please it is no problem...as you can see I have been quite active here...lol. I will post asap!

[Durelin]

I know you write a lot and only get the chance to type up and post periodically, so I wanted to ask before I did this:

Would you like me to write as another one of the children coming back on the Road, whom Jessamy's brothers run into? Or do you have the next installment written/planned out?

[Mithalwen]

I had meant to put that at the end of my last post but it slipped my mind. It wasn't earthshattering so you can do it if you like..else I will put it on the beginnint of next post which should be soon. :D

[Durelin]

So I just realized we're at Halloween time of a new year...haha!

I wish I had more time to put into posting and just more creativity to put into this in general...but maybe I'll come up with a post just for the sake of it.

[Mithalwen]

Sorry Dury, I didn't realise it had been quite so long - I still ahve my post to do but my dad has been very ill and I haven't been able to concentrate. But I can do it this morning I hope.

[Durelin]

Please don't apologize! Nothing to apologize for. Only post if you want, when you want, etc! I've neglected the Downs in general lately... Anyway, it's just good to...'see' you? Haha.

And I am very sorry to hear that your dad is still doing poorly. My prayers are with you.

[Mithalwen]

Well it has been a bit of a rollercoaster...he got better got worse has just spent three weeks in hospital and should be out monday much improved ..though nothing can be odne about the underlying condition or Anno Domini.. :( Anyways....

[Mithalwen]

Gah ..I did the second part of this in the reply box not in word and have jsut lost it... could weep but too late here now to retype tonight. But I have posted teh bit I did do in Word before I lose my nerve ...

So sorry for the delay but I haven't felt up to it til now. Bereavement isn't conducive to creativity. Not over it but hopefully getting better at coping with it... :cool:

[Durelin]

Nooooo...losing things tends to end with me screaming and throwing things :(

And please, no apologizing.

*hugs*

[Mithalwen]

I would have done if I weren't so damn tired. I nearly did the same thing with my Measure of Success ramble but managed to get it back. My mother used to say the sign of an optimist was doing a crossword in ink - I am beginning to think doing a post of any length straight on reply is more so. gah and I was pleased with that bit too.. hopefully I will remember most anon.

Thanks for the hugs.. I do feel guilty. I love these characters and I feel I am letting them down as much as anything. Anyway... I'm getting my weird back :D

[Envinyatar]

Karl looked around him. He knew what direction the Old Forest was in even if he could not make out any of the trees on its edge. It was strange; it was not so dark yet, but everything already seemed to be a little hazy. He got his bearings and headed in what he determined to be south toward the East Road.

I'm looking at a map in the Atlas of Middle-Earth - Karl, Jessamy, and the non-responsive Edwin are heading south, right, from the Barrow-Downs, right?

South is actually toward the Old Forest - yes?

Just trying to clarify the "where" of the present plot . . .

:p

[Mithalwen]

Hello, fancy seeing you here! This is completely my fault. In post 22 where Jessamy planned to turn her back to the sunset, despite the fact that I had been gawping at a map ("Journeys of Frodo" in my case) I actually originally wrote that she would bear right not left - which would put the downs and forest north of the East Road rather than south. I much later and noticed it and changed it but didn't ask Dury to change her post either because it seemed a pit nit-picky or because I was embarrassed that I still struggle with left and right after all these years..possibly a bit of both.

So actually Jessamy, Karl, Edwin & mutt are heading North with the Forest to the West not south of the Downs (at least according to Mrs Strachey)!:D

And when it is real light morning rather than insomniac morning I will try to remember the lost post.. :rolleyes:

[Mithalwen]

Oh and Master Envinyatar are you planning on joining us or just correcting our geography?:p

[Envinyatar]

I was thinking about joining when I thought you were lost in the fog and somehow headed toward the Old Forest. Now I'm not quite sure what sort of character I could think up if you're headed back towards the Road.

Let me think . . . :smokin:

[Mithalwen]

Oh I wouldn't let that inhibit you . I have the feeling on the Downs where you think you are heading and where you are going aren't necessarily the same thing. Especially in the dark and snow and all.. They may have a way to go yet. But certainly they were close to the Forest and aren't moving fast. However strong Karl is, Edwin even if slight is going to be a deadweight . Unless Dury objects of course...

[Envinyatar]

I think I've sorted out the characters now - working on a post which will hopefully be up no later than tomorrow.

[Envinyatar]

I know this isn't required, but after slogging through all the posts to get an idea of what the characters might be like, I think this will be an easier way to get that sort of info.

Name: Willem

Age/gender/race/where from: Mid-fifties or so/male/Men/forgotten

Appearance: Tall, ‘thin as a beanpole’, wiry muscled, craggy face. Scraggly dark hair usually tied back. Short, dark beard. Old, well-worn leather hat, favors dark breeches and shirts, has a dark blue thick woolen cape

Bits of character/history you feel might be helpful in defining the character: Wanderer, itinerant peddler, mender of all sorts of things; silversmith/jewelry crafter. Has a light dappled grey female horse named Catkin. A scruffy mongrel of a dog named Jumble – fox-like ears, longish snout , bushy tail. Lives on the road. Drives a small caravan – painted dark blue; rough shingled wood roof. A bright red door at the rear of the van set with a small jeweled window – a window on each side of the van each flanked by bright yellow shutters adorned with curious curlicues of red and green.

[Mithalwen]

Shall I have Jessamy Scweam and scweam and scweam until she is sick? :D But presumably it is Karl & Jessamy you are going to catch up with?

[Envinyatar]

I left it somewhat vague as to where Willem was. So, it might be plausible if Karl and Jessamy somehow got turned about a bit, that they might hear his van. I think, besides the crunching of the leaves and the horsey snorts, they might also hear the clink-clanking of various tools, pots to be mended, chains, whatever, that are probably hanging on nails just under the van's eaves.

Could sound like some old wight or other creature rattling chains or sword as he clomps along in search of a victim. :eek: That could set the girl off screaming and possibly raise the hair on Karl's neck.....:p

[Mithalwen]

Indeed... it probably won't take much at this stage... full Violet Elizabeth Bott (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_William_series)mode... :p

OK wilco

[Envinyatar]

I had completely forgotten Just William!! Perhaps I should write in that scruffy dog, Jumble! :D

[Mithalwen]

Fox terrier ears, retriever nose, collie tail... I happened to buy a copy as a present yesterday and haven't got around to posting it yet... :D

[Envinyatar]

^..^ Right then.....Jumble is on board.

:)

[Mithalwen]

Splendid... *grins* and congratulations..Jumble is possibly the only creature in Middle Earth to be in possession of a bladder:eek::p.

[Durelin]

Hey Evinyatar! Glad to have you jump in. I'll try to post ASAP, but feel free to move things along as you both see fit.

Also, to respond to the earlier question -- I'm totally cool with them actually being lost in the fog (and not that I was just lost in the fog when writing my posts). But I guess you've probably already moved on from that idea.

Anyway....yay, posting. I'll do that soon too! :x

[Mithalwen]

Jessamy has freaked out. I don't think she is cowardly just been a bit of a day and she is on the edges of hypothermia. She has only fainted and prolly just turned her ankle but it isn't going to make Karl's life easier.

[Envinyatar]

Durelin

Do you want to jump in here with something from Karl???? :p

[Envinyatar]

Now i'm the laggard!!! :rolleyes:

Will try to get something on board tomorrow.

[Mithalwen]

Was beginning to worry you had been mown down by a marauding caravan :eek:

[Durelin]

Obviously I'm in no rush... :rolleyes: lol. Btw, sorry I didn't take things any further in my post, but I wanted you to be able to write your own official entrance rather than have Karl take some of the dramatics away by seeing Willem first. :D (PS, try not to run over Duke, the dumb dog)

[Envinyatar]

Hey - we've made it to Page 2 of the RPG!!!! :D

So, I've made it that Karl and Willem are acquainted. You can make that part up as you wish.

I'm not really sure about Karl. He's from Bree, but I have him in my head as an oddball, old enough that he should be married but lives alone, no family connections that anyone knows of, etc. He ventures regularly into the Old Forest, he's got to be a bit of an odd duck.

Willem's an odd duck, himself. :p

[Mithalwen]

Hey - we've made it to Page 2 of the RPG!!!! :D

Willem's an odd duck, himself. :p

Hurrah! And this should get us to Page 3 of discussion....rattling along now

I wonder what Jessamy's brothers will think when they catch up and find her in such company ..but that won't be just yet.
Or though if Willem turns out to be the fabled mad axe murderer it might never happen...

Meanwhile I'll have Jessamy come back to her senses a little - or as much sense as she ever had...

Edit... which isn't so much really. She now has a notion that Willem is Gandalf

[Envinyatar]

We're going into the caravan. Feel free to describe what Jess sees - you can make it as exotic (gypsy-like) and wondrous as you like.

We can either travel on immediately - or make a little fire and brew up a bit of tea with honey. Willem has a carved chest somewhere in the van filled with all sorts of teas and types of honey. and other things to eat - though no meat; he's a vegetarian.

Have at it :)

[Mithalwen]

Because he loves animals or because he hates plants I wonder...

Tea is good.. still can't quite believe people add honey to it... but I shall have fun with the caravan :D

[Envinyatar]

He is quite fond of animals - they're like family to him. Not a vegan, though. I see him enjoying dripping honeycomb, eggs, cheeses and other milk products.

I thought a little tea with honey might give a carb boost and help warm up those who've been out in the cold. You could find a loaf of whole grain bread, however and spread honey on it . . .

[Mithalwen]

It's fine, it will do her good and she should be grateful for anything! Too much of a cultural stereotype to be English and talk about the proper way of taking tea . :o It would only lead to biscuit / muffin issues anyway. :rolleyes:

Edit: not so far on as I had hope but really stupid o'clock now . So bearing that in mind let me know if I should change anything

[Mithalwen]

Rewritten ... but caveat still applies.... I have just been looking at it so long now that I can't see the wood for the trees...

Edit: In the interests of research I have tried putting honey in tea and it isn't as peculiar as I expected. However even though I used a fairly bland honey and a robust breakfast tea made stronger than usual the tea taste got rather overwhelmed. Which could be a good thing in some circumstances. :D

[Envinyatar]

So, Willem's dosing the poor boy up with a little something.

Hope poor Jess isn't too frightened! :eek: She asked the question, and being an honest man - he answered...

[Mithalwen]

About Edwin? probably not since she has got to that point where nothing could be worse than what she is fearing. However she may get a bit freaked because of all the stories seeming to be true unless the idea of elf magic is too appealing .. but I'll wait to see what you are posting now first.. :)

[Envinyatar]

Should we have the characters stay put for the night? Or push on toward Bree?

[Durelin]

I think I'll have Edwin wake up a little or show signs of improvement or whatever to help the others feel like they can move. And I'm thinking Karl will just want to get them back to their parents before the parents come running with torches and pitchforks... :p

Will probably post again today. Yay for spring break!

And I think Karl's the one who's going to be really freaked. :D

Thanks Mith and Evinyatar for the fun!

[Mithalwen]

Blimey.. I have just lost my post to wretched explorer crashing again.. It hates me.

I managed to savage teh bit I could see when it froze... But it was just a post for Jessamy answering Willem. I thought I'd post for Jessamy's brothers too later - they did hear the scream and now I think the fire will attract them. They may well have pointy things of all descriptions on their cart. But Bryn will get there first and is least likely to overreact!

OK i'll go and redo my post. While I still remember.

[Mithalwen]

Oh and Dury, you know how much I have enjoyed this despite the evidence of my posting count but since the tardiness meant we got Master - E - back I don't regret it. :D

[Envinyatar]

Awwww...shucks...*blushes

Just to let you know, since we are moving on to Bree, Jess will never find out she has been keeping company with a wandering Beorning . . . :p

[Mithalwen]

Ah well that depends on the extent of Willem's honesty cos she has just asked him a direct question, pert little miss that she is, I'm thinking Karen from "outnumbered" a few years on...:cool:

Also it must be nearly night now - won't he just turn into a giant teddy?

[Mithalwen]

I managed to savage teh bit I could see when it froze... .

That should have been salvage...at least I hope so!

[Durelin]

I've taken the liberty of suggesting that Willem seems more 'wild' in the evening than earlier in the day, early affects of the coming night...let me know if I should get rid of that idea...though that is of course only Karl's perception :D

Feel free to take liberties to stall them or whatever else. And it certainly will be interesting when/if Jessamy's brothers show up!

[Envinyatar]

I've made it early night if that works for you all. Willem has excused himself and is going out to 'check out' the perimeter.

I suppose if Jess peeked out one of the little windows, she (and Karl, too) might see something odd leaving the camp site and patrolling in the shadows of the trees. :p

[Mithalwen]

And there was me thinking you were joking!!! *giggles*, well I need a bit more sleep but in the meantime don't eat Jessamy's brothers.... you can devour Filbert later if you must but I rather like these ones!

[Mithalwen]

But off course now I see the clues were there. :eek:

Ok only thing I need to know is where the dogs are

[Envinyatar]

Jumble is most likely indoors - he likes his comfort. :D

Duke could be anywhere - your choice.

[Envinyatar]

These are Jess' brothers, yes?

Silas
Bryn
Seth
Filbert

The first three are more or less adult and Filbert is ?around Edwin's age??

And all four are searching for her on the Downs?

[Mithalwen]

Silas is 25 , married, woodman,
Seth 22/23 works the farm with his Dad
Bryn 19-20 apprentice smith
Filbert is 15 dogsbody at the pony

Do you need any more? I don't have to invent it only write it down!

Only the eldest three are searching... Filbert is sweating it out in Bree having to explain the situation to their Pa...

I am in the midst of their (eldest three's) post - shall I get them to the van or are they likely to be intercepted by a tall, dark stranger?

Oh like the new sig btw - to mark Owen's birthday on Friday?

[Envinyatar]

Let Willem find them a little ways away from the van and 'herd' them toward it. He'll know by their scent they have something to do with Jess as well as him overhearing them talk about her.

I actually was unaware the it was Owen's birthday :rolleyes:

I do enjoy his poetry and I thought it fit well with the character I'm bringing into the Lamedon Market.

[Mithalwen]

I must admit I googled him - I knew it coudn't be deathday since I remembered he was killed just before the armistice. Did shed loads of WW1 poetry at A level and though I haven't looked much at it since, it sticks in the mind.

Ok will lead them near .

[Envinyatar]

I see the brothers are traveling in circles :)

Will be back later this evening to see about getting a post up.

[Mithalwen]

I see the brothers are traveling in circles :)

Will be back later this evening to see about getting a post up.

I have a little more to write but it posted itself and woudn't let me back to edit.. hoping that a reboot and cache clear might do the trick.. fingers crossed ... pio'll skin me if I can't delete the sig..

[Mithalwen]

I deleted the wrong post!!! I really could weep. I did it straight to screen and so I have no draft nothing... unless by some miracle Pio can resurrect it I will try and redo tomorrow. Should prolly sleep before I do anything else stupid :(::o

[piosenniel]

All done!!! Posts are fixed!!

:)

[Mithalwen]

Thank you so much!!! You have no idea how happy that makes me.... Pio you are my cyber version of St Anthony....

love, love, love


Envinyatar and Dury:

I have got the boys to where Willem's 'van left the forest and assume that there is some mound or geographical quirk which is stopping them seeing the caravan though they aren't too far.

[piosenniel]

Ah, the Patron Saint of Lost Things! I remember my first grade catechism teacher wore a St. Anthony medal. She taught us this little rhyme

St. Anthony, St. Anthony
Please come down
Something is lost
And can't be found.

:)

[Mithalwen]

I'm not Catholic but my mother had her primary education at a convent school and that "give me a child 'til it is seven" theory works.... She passed on her devotion to St Anthony which has endured despite me being otherwise lapsed Anglican.

[Envinyatar]

So, Willem at least has the horses convinced of the way they need to go . . . I'll leave it to one of you to get the brothers and their wagon to the caravan and their reactions to what was happening, what they thought they saw.

Willem will come back to the caravan once he's found where he's stashed his clothes! :p

[Mithalwen]

Ah yes the eternal problem for the itinerant shapeshifter... OK time for a bit of a family reunion...

[Durelin]

Yay Pio <3

I recall my grandmother calling on St. Anthony when my cat was missing and all of a sudden he was wandering across the backyard...of course he was a smart cat who used to live outdoors (in a less urban area)...but I was impressed :D

Gone a day and things are getting exciting!

Karl just told Duke to 'stay' outside. So if he's not been distracted by something already then he could 'attack' the boys' cart in excitement. Unless he is scared of moving carts. Hmmmm... :p In other words use Duke as he happens to be useful!

Edit: LOL, Mith, 'lurked awkwardly in the doorway' is perfect!

[Mithalwen]

Ooh I'll write in a Duke attack :D

Well I didn't want to bunny him and I think the Woodeaveses can be a bit intimidating en masse. And who wants to get involved in a family argument especially when it is someone else's family?

Oh, my mum's theory was you had to really believe and he would do his stuff. I won't have a word said against him but cats are quite clever on their own account.

What I am curious about, Envinyatar, is if Willem was always going to be a Beorning when you started writing him?

[Envinyatar]

Willem was first just written to be an eccentric/interesting person. But then, I was re-reading The Hobbit and got to Queer Lodgings. Thought I'd inject a bit of magic into little Jess' life and make him a skinchanger.

:)

[Mithalwen]

Then I won't feel so bad about not making the link sooner despite thinking "ooh that's specific" and "like Beorn" when I read the directions on honey and vegetarianism... :rolleyes: not my brightest hour. But it worked so well I thought it had to be pre-meditated.:cool:

[Durelin]

Sorry for doing the whole recap sort of thing in my post, I know that can be irritating. I just enjoy seeing Jessamy through Karl's eyes, haha.

Anyway, the only part that prompts any response is the second to last paragraph.

At this point Karl is a little paranoid...and of course I'm hoping that might spark a mention of the bear :p (if they identified it as a bear, I forget...)

Edit: I didn't make any connection to Beorn until the reveal...and I was just looking at the Middle-earth atlas at the diagram of Beorn's house with all his beehives.

[Mithalwen]

Yep, Seth did - the others are a bit more in denial! I think Jessamy is still young enough to believe grown ups can sortjust about everything and to find all the stories real - especially with the "proof" of Edwin's state that she is more reassured than freaked out by Willem. She accepts him as a wizard whether he is or not - and really Bree must have been such a limited place that he would seem magical to her even if he didn't have furry pyjamas ..:p And she knows and trusts Karl and he has vouched for Willem...

So not annoying at all.

[Envinyatar]

Will get a post up later today bringing Willem back to the caravan.

Is the wagon the brothers brought an open one or covered?

[Mithalwen]

I thought of it as an ordinary open one. Silas wouldn't really need a covered waggon in his line of work just a few tarpaulins to cover stuff if it was really wet.

Glad to know Willem has now located his trousers...:p

Or at least I hope he has...:eek:

[Envinyatar]

He's ba-aa-ck! And yes, he's dressed and c*o*l*d!!!!

[Mithalwen]

Poor Willem. Those transitions must be the devil... especially when it is nippy...

But that was very funny. At least noone stole his boots like in Tess of the D'Urbevilles...

Edit
Sorry for the delay - I am working on something but I made a rod for my own back and handling four characters in one context is proving a bit of a challenge. Hopefully before the end of my day..

[Envinyatar]

Take what time you need to get it as you want it.

I'm writing in the Market thread with Pio - working on some character types we might bring to the King's Players once it gets nearer to the play being performed.

[Durelin]

I am going to be a little slow in posting since my break is over and, well, as you know I am usually slow... I don't have a huge workload but my time management has been awful lately!

Anyway will do my best to keep up!

[Mithalwen]

Thanks, I will take a little longer, just didn't want to lose the momentum. The weekend didn't quite work out as expected... :cool:

[Durelin]

Yes, as always take your time, Mith!

I was inspired to post instead of doing reading for class this evening...and so I also have a post waiting for an opportune moment when Karl accidentally wakes up Edwin. :D

[Mithalwen]

Oh that is the worst thing to say to me...I respond well to deadlines :( ma faute, ma faute, elle est tres grande ma faute. But many apologies - RL got in the way in various not all of which were unpleasant.

And after all that, not much further on... though Willem has his coat back and the sincere thanks of the band of brothers even if their social graces are somewhat lacking...

[Durelin]

Poor Jess! Karl will have to come visit her in her 'cage'...though he wouldn't dare help her escape for another adventure. :( Unless it was unwittingly. ;)

I'm about to post. Let me know if you want me to remove it for later if more of the current discussion was desired before this interruption...

[Mithalwen]

Poor Jess! Karl will have to come visit her in her 'cage'...though he wouldn't dare help her escape for another adventure. :( Unless it was unwittingly. ;)

I'm about to post. Let me know if you want me to remove it for later if more of the current discussion was desired before this interruption...

Poor Karl! Jessamy still thinks he's great if it is any consolation. and she might have a certain power over Edwin if he doesn't want everyone to know he fainted and had to be carried :p.

Oh I can break up the brothers bickering if it is preferred.

[Envinyatar]

Your back! YAY!!

:cool:

I'll be able to get a post on this evening.

[Mithalwen]

Indeed - really sorry for making you both wait. :( Not done a purpose but I won't bore you with the details.

[Mithalwen]

Ooh Willem is much more of a grizzly than a teddy bear now. Wonder if all the bear references will click into place for someone :eek: Wonder if legends of skin changers have reached Bree?

[Durelin]

Aww. *sniffs* This is heading toward a happy ending...

Wonder if all the bear references will click into place for someone Wonder if legends of skin changers have reached Bree?

I do wonder that. I always find it hard to judge what my characters may pick up on, when I have more information than them I try not to put that information into their heads but I think sometimes I might go too far and make them a bit thick... :D Not in this case, though...Edwin and Karl definitely missed a lot of the clues hehe.

[Mithalwen]

Still time for things to go awry but I suppose the fat lady may be starting her vocalise :( Have got rather fond of of this crew.

Seth's being a bit quiet and he got the full force of Willem's wrath. He is also the source of many of Jess' stories and has more imagination than his brothers. He is my best bet to guess. And be very freaked out. Or maybe Jess will and keep it to herself.

I keep thinking Jessamy is impossibly gullible and naive but she is still very young and has been sheltered. And clearly hasn't been taught not to talk to strange men...

Edit. Spooky, I have just looked at the first page of the thread and noticed that I felt Jess had a dash of VE Bott back at post 5 - which I had forgotten.

[Durelin]

I am in no rush to *wrap things up*, and perhaps there is the possibility of another adventure in the future!

I keep thinking Jessamy is impossibly gullible and naive but she is still very young and has been sheltered. And clearly hasn't been taught not to talk to strange men...

I've not been able to help it but to think of Karl as the lone, creepy older man sort who's really not creepy but just misunderstood (like that's some shocking revelation...really what he's been like from the start). I wish there were more Karl's and Willem's in the world. :D Though I think there are more than get credit.

[Envinyatar]

I am in no rush to *wrap things up*, and perhaps there is the possibility of another adventure in the future!

I'm also enjoying this collection of characters!

Before we end this RP, I think I'll give Jess a little something as a remembrance and as a possible safeguard in times of dire need. I was thinking that it would be interesting if the characters were to meet when Jess was older and on her own - maybe on some adventure. She could use the memento to call for help and see who answers . . .

:cool:

[Mithalwen]

A few Willems in the world would be interesting! Envinyatar's new avatar reminded me of one of our local characters, the snake catcher, Brusher Mills (http://www3.hants.gov.uk/biographies/brusher-mills.htm). When people asked him why he lived his life as he did he'd answer "I was born a gardener", but he was also born with a cleft palate and even if there wasn't quite a "Precious Bane" level of prejudice, it must have had an isolating effect.

I like the idea of Jess having another adventure. Despite the frights of this one I don't think she's put off them permanently. Need to think what might set her off again. And while she is unlikely to forget Willem she would love a keepsake. Especially since she didn't find any treasure in a barrow.

[Durelin]

I like the idea of an adventure when they are older. Got a hint of Narnia at the thought but really not the same. :D

Sorry for not posting; lost my momentum and got busy with other things but I will post tomorrow!

What do you think we should do next? Start them heading back toward Bree and see if anyone can start a snowball fight? :p

[Mithalwen]

Not too Narnia-ish I hope - I went off them deeply rereading them a year or so ago. Had to stop before I got to the Silver Chair since I couldn't bear it if I found I no longer liked Puddleglum.

I can tell you for sure that Seth for one is nowhere near brave enough to lob a snowball at Willem at the moment.... D But Bryn might easily lob one at a sibling...

[Durelin]

Well I'm a big liar. I suddenly started to realize I have just a few weeks left of the semester and that's made me even worse at time management. I'll post ASAP. If either of you feel like just moving things forward/starting something interesting before I post please of course go ahead. XD

[Mithalwen]

Well I am in no position to object! You do what you have to do. I might do a " meanwhile back at the ranch" type post somewhen.

Hope Master E hasn't been eaten by a bear though.:eek::(

[Durelin]

Well I had the inspiration, shockingly. Didn't really move things forward, though, just added in some absurdity.

Yea, I do hope Evinyatar hasn't gotten bored of us, hehe.

[Mithalwen]

Yes it would be much better for our egos if he has been eaten by a bear... Poor Envinyatar ... really hope he is just busyor bored and nothing bad has happened.

So.... just to check since natural history isn't my strongest suit Duke has found a porcupine?

[Durelin]

Well of course I wouldn't rather he was eaten...fine fine, as long as he's safe and happy, I don't mind if he's bored of us. (Grudgingly, of course.) ;)

Yea, sorry, it was a porcupine! Meant to actually specify...I know a dog who experienced such so I went with that so Duke would have an interesting re-entrance, lol.

[Mithalwen]

Well of course we mind, just trying to see the bigger picture and all :rolleyes:

Dogs really are daft creatures... but we don't have porcupines here so I thought I had better check.

[Envinyatar]

*checks bare limbs for evidence of bear bites..... :eek:

I'm here......lurking.....have not been ravaged by anything ursine :p

I was just waiting for someone to move the storyline along. Once the dog is de-quilled do you want to get the troupe on the road back to Bree? Or we could have a wheel fall off one of the wagons and have to spend the night. Have a snowball fight in the morning?

Shall we dream up one last scare?

[Durelin]

Aha! Didn't mean to call you out as if you should be posting or something; was just observing the last login date!

Quills...that's the word... ><

Anyway, I don't really have a preference. One last scare might be fun; I'll think on it. But whoever posts next certainly feel free to get them on the road to Bree. Sorry I still didn't manage to do that....

[Mithalwen]

Just bored then.


Phew... :S
Sensible Bryn has a way of conveying a bit of reassurance back to town stashed on teh waggon (along with food and blankets) if you fancy a night on th Downs. And Silas' waggon could be covered if it makes that easier. Don't think it contradicts anything atready written.

Anyway glad you aren't eaten.

Really. :cool:

but need more sleep.

[Envinyatar]

Not bored - just couldn't figure out a reason why Willem would be prompting the group to get on the road. I think one of the brothers might need to start that dialog.

:p

[Mithalwen]

Not bored - just couldn't figure out a reason why Willem would be prompting the group to get on the road. I think one of the brothers might need to start that dialog.

:p

What beyond the fact that rescuing silly children wasn't on his to do list for the day and could they be removed ASAP so he can be left in peace to put his paws up in his caravan with a belated cup of tea? Jess may have even have left him a biscuit or two.

Anyway I have been mugging up wheel/wain working and am working on something. Will try and get it done tonight or tomorrow morning before Easter gets in the way.

[Mithalwen]

Ok ..well Silas has suggested they get going, Seth is getting paranoid and Bryn has sitll got his hands full .... so as for the waggon related mishap - either a wheel can come off or Silas' might have damaged a strake during that carreer away from the bear. Prolly not designed for crossing country at speed. So either they can discover the damage before they set off ..or if not til they get to the road (I am not sure any of them would be keen to ride across the Downs alone even if they joke about 'Seth'sbear') then one of the brothers can ride back to Bree to put parental minds relatively at rest and bring back any necessary spares (strake, nails) in the morning. Meanwhile the others can have another scare and snowballs?

[Envinyatar]

Just a quick hop through the Downs before heading off to Easter dinner with the family. I'll get a post up later this evening.

Have a good day, all!!!

:cool:

[Mithalwen]

Ah well just returned from "lunch" (took all afternoon) with my lot... pogged...

Thank you and "Happy Easter".

Edit: Hop? Playing Easter bunny now? :P

[Envinyatar]

So, that post I mentioned will have to be done tomorrow :rolleyes:

Just got back from dinner and visit with the fam and I'm definitely all 'hopped' out.

(Always wondered if 'bear' was the only form skin-changers could take . . .)

[Mithalwen]

No problem.... sounds like you need a bit of recovery time :D ...

Hmm not sure. Elwing transforms into a bird but that is perhaps a rather different set of circumstances - by "grace" of the Valar rather than as an inherent quality. I know that Beorn seems to be a bigger bear than he is a man but somehow to me I find it harder to get my head around transforming into a creature of a radically different size - which is a bit silly if you have suspended disbelief enough to accept skin changing. I just have an image fixed in my mind of a six foot rabbit like in the James Stewart film "Harvey".

[Envinyatar]

Posted!

Not the most brilliant offering, but it give the brothers room to consider camping there for the night.

:cool:

About Skin-changers/shape-changers - there was an interesting, unfinished Gondor RPG that dealt with shape-changer history, culture, etc. - Here There Be Dragons (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=5664)

Not the most canon of games, but I really enjoyed reading it . . . wished it had played out to the end.

[Durelin]

I remember the shape changers...Pio played her shape-changer character in The Fellowship of the Fourth Age, as well...

I'll try to get a post up today or tomorrow...have two weeks left of the semester and then you'll have to put up with me more often...

So everyone will hang around for a bit while Duke is tended to and then they'll set off and we'll see if they make it back?

I'm looking forward to Edwin being returned to his father...hehe. Finally got an idea of who's waiting at home for him! Well, he's probably not at home yet but out drinking...so he hasn't noticed Edwin is gone hehe. And don't worry it's not an abuse story...

[Mithalwen]

Well they came prepared to stay out if they had to so unless Dury has other plans we can find out what supplied they brought from the Prancing Pony and the waggon can malfunction another time.

I will have a look at Here be dragons - I hope the end isn't too tantalising...

And on the subject of ends - any more thoughts on the next Adventure?

[Mithalwen]

Oh cross post - I got distracted in the middle! - I'll work with whichever you want.

Dury let me know if you need me to go back and alter anything if Edwin's dad is out drinking since Jessamy's dad was last seen at the Pony and her brothers left from there?

[Durelin]

Oh it's no big deal, I'm sure I can BS the times so that Edwin's father arrived at the Pony later, after the boys left. As for Jess' dad...if he would have heard Edwin was the one who sort of lead the gang and is missing, too (which I'm guessing he has), well I suppose he could have had an interesting conversation with Edwin's dad... What do you think? No need to go back and edit anything in, though, can just refer to it having happened if it works out in the timeline. (Which I do not have a grasp on, at all, through entirely my own fault...)

Of course it’s likely the news is all over the Pony…so I suppose he’s probably heard regardless. Not sure if Edwin's dad would do anything other than mope about the possibility of losing his son as he did his wife. (Yay sob story)

Sorry for not having as clear an idea what's been going on back in Bree as I should. I really need to re-read your posts, Mith. :o

As for the next adventure...I had a couple very vague ideas cross my mind but nothing that's really stuck. If Edwin and Jessamy continue to keep in touch with Karl a bit (I was planning on Edwin doing so), then something could happen to him on his wanderings haha. I also thought of Edwin deciding he was leaving Bree for good or some such, of course I haven’t come up with where or why…

Any thoughts on what Jess might get up to in the future? Or Willem?

Okay back to homework...><

[Mithalwen]

Admittedly it is a long real world time since the brothers were in Bree which is largely my fault :o however her Dad only went up to Bree when the brothers weren't back as expected so there is a window of opportunity there. Filbert knows Edwin was the ringleader and when I left Erling he was asking Filbert what was going on. The remainder of the group may have got back to Bree by now.

So it may well be that the fact that only Jess and Edwin are still missing is only just known in Bree and if Edwin's dad is self pitying and self concerned he may just be coming up to speed. Do imagine a conversation if you wish. I don't think Erling would blame Edwin but he might get a bit annoyed that HIS sons are out in the Snow on the downs doing the looking while E's dad is moping. And of course he has already lost the family he was born into - though that isn't widely known, and Jess is the pet lamb so he may not be very sympathetic.

Oh you did have Edwin worry about what his mother would do when he got back (post 17!!)so that should be changed to Father (I read through over the fourday weekend!!! )Don't feel bad -not your fault Jessamy came with such a large supporting cast.

As to the future I have been a bit stumped because Bree is such an isolated, limited place and Jess would need very strong reason to cause so much upset again. She would definitely want to keep up with Karl. She might have learnt a trade and be "let out"! to go to a market in the Shire or somewhere and use it as a cover to visit the Elves or something - but I can't imagine what dire danger she might meet there.

Perhaps if her father died in the interim, her mother would be very keen to have her "settled" (ie married) and Jess would be very keen not to be. With her father gone and brothers mainly by then more occupied by her own families she might have a huge row with her mother and make a bid for freedom - maybe go south and try to see where her father came from. That would be potentially more dangerous but exactly how it would manifest I don't know,

[Durelin]

Yes I can imagine him not having any patience for Edwin's dad! Who really needs a name...

And thanks for pointing out I mentioned a mother! I wasn't sure if I had...might have mentioned plural parents too... Can't believe it took me over a year to come up with what was waiting for Edwin at home...

she might have a huge row with her mother and make a bid for freedom - maybe go south and try to see where her father came from. That would be potentially more dangerous but exactly how it would manifest I don't know

Well that definitely sounds like it has potential! Finding out half her heritage...some mystery to it perhaps hehe. If Edwin could work as a sort of encouragement for that? I see him wanting to get out of Bree, you know, get away from home and whatever reputation he might have there heh... So he might seize on that as a good excuse/somewhere to go. I don't know, I could see him maintaining a sort of awkward friendship with Jess, where he doesn't like anyone knowing they can get along and share things in common but he likes her and can confide certain things in her.

[Mithalwen]

I had a vague idea that between them they might have a "what happened on the Downs, stays on the Downs" policy and that if she does not broadcasting that Edwin spent most of the adventure unconscious (and she hasn't really made that clear to even her brothers as yet) she might have a little leverage with Edwin in the future if she ever needed his help. So yes that would work. :cool:

Names ..yes well since it started out as an informal RPG I didn't worry so much about plausibility and merely ripped off the likes of "Precious Bane" and "Cold Comfort Farm":o

[Durelin]

Haha, yes definitely a "what happened on the Downs, stays on the Downs" policy... Yea she has serious leverage. I also forgot he got sprayed by a skunk so should still smell like heck, woops. (And also I've managed to bring two animals into this RP which aren't in Tolkien's homeland...oh the uncanonicity!)

I hope I was right in assuming that we were going to continue with this little stall for a bit before getting them moving toward town. (And then an accident gets them stuck, too? Or should we just have them get back since we're already drawing things out?)

Feel free to sketch out a plot for the next adventure if you get the inspiration, Mith! I think it would be cool and fitting if Jess was sort of the start of the next one. :D

Also I'd like to apologize that I always start these RPGs and then have characters that fall out of the story or take supporting roles and can't lead or direct things...not that I want to be in control, but I feel like I leave a lot of the 'burden' of moving things along to others because of that...

[Mithalwen]

I don't know what is happening now. I think I had better go back and edit my last post to fit because it doesn't really fit with the following ones. I'll try and do that today since if I don't it prolly won't be til at least Saturday hangover permitting.:cool: But I relaly feel a bit clueless at the moment. Plotting isn't really my thing...

[Galadriel55]

(And also I've managed to bring two animals into this RP which aren't in Tolkien's homeland...oh the uncanonicity!)

Maggot had dogs, if you're referring to them.

[Mithalwen]

Hi Galadriel, I think Dury is referring to the skunk and the porcupine which are not native to Britain though possibly the porcupine is to South Africa. Neither are bears any more (apart from the ones that hang around street corners waiting for people to tread on the cracks in the pavement).

[Durelin]

Yep, those two critters...

Oh dear, what did I mess up? You shouldn't have to edit your post. The boys suggested Willem and Karl go back with them, and then Willem basically said they should wait until Duke is de-quilled (so essentially accepting that he and Karl will go back with them), and in the meantime...

But duh, I forgot to write Seth into my post. I'll edit! Sorry, shouldn't have posted that late at night...

[Mithalwen]

Yep, those two critters...


But duh, I forgot to write Seth into my post. I'll edit! Sorry, shouldn't have posted that late at night...

Seth isn't a problem. I need space for Silas to say or think something before he is taken into the caravan if they are staying. Sorry but he said that he really felt they should go home and been ignored/overruled which isn't a problem itself but it feels wrong that he is just doing as he is told without a quibble. He isn't a six year old, he is a grown man and is very conscious of the family waiting at home. Also the brothers have brought their own provisions which they would surely offer to share if they are camping. Can you split your post to let him respond maybe before taking him off to the caravan? Cheers. As it is I dont' know what to do with him that makes any sense to me.

[Durelin]

Oh totally, understood. Sorry. I actually had left it with just Edwin considering things and nothing about actually going in to the caravan, but then added on... It seems like whenever I decide to 'move things ahead' in my posts it ends up at the wrong time... XD

[Mithalwen]

No, sorry to be a grump. I was already thrown a bit when Envinyatar, having said that he thought one of the brothers should get them on the road, then kept the group in place when I had one of them suggest it! So I jsut wanted a bit of clarification about where I was meant to be going and then when Silas got carried off it all felt out of joint. Anyway I will sort him out in a minute. :cool:

[Envinyatar]

Mith

Hmmm . . .

I don't see any reason for you to edit your post.

"I don't know, Bryn, Jessie's done in, maybe we should get on our way straight away - it's getting late and the sooner she is safe home the better . "

. . . but the reviving effects of the tea and biscuits had worn off and she rested wearily against Silas . . .

That's what I cued in on. And the offer to take Jess and Edwin into the caravan was more to get them warmer. I then added:

‘The night’s dark is well upon us,’ he said. ‘And it looks like the snow is starting to come down more heavily.’ His hands gestured about the small camp. ‘You’re more than welcome to share this little camp . . . if you wish.’

The brothers can still make the decision to leave - it was only an offer. But with the dark and the convenient change in the weather so it's snowing more heavily they could choose to wait 'til day.

It's still up the Silas and his brothers at this point what happens.

No one's gone into the caravan - they're still standing about as they were . . .

[Mithalwen]

Dury has edited in the interim so they aren't. I just haven't done my post yet. I will try to now if hte caffeine does its stuff.

[Mithalwen]

Done, probably not worth the wait especially since Silas hasn't ended up saying much:o. Really sorry for getting ratty.:(

[Durelin]

You were not ratty! I hate when people trample over other people's characters in order to move on or accomplish what they had in mind... I just wasn't thinking.

Okey......yea can't think of anything else to make this post accomplish anything more.

I've been thinking about our sequel for this though and will write some ideas down soon. I really have to work to be coherent sometimes...

[Mithalwen]

I've been thinking about our sequel for this though and will write some ideas down soon. I really have to work to be coherent sometimes...

Ooh exciting.... but no I do feel I overreacted and feel bad because of the state of flux rl is in at the moment I couldn't cope well with feeling out of control here too. Which is really unfair to take it out on you guys when having this to escape to has been such a comfort.

[Envinyatar]

RL is intruding on my fun time at the moment!

I'll try to get a post up sometime tomorrow, most likely later than sooner.

Mith - ain't real life grand sometimes... Feel free to over-react as needed :) or throw some horrid monster at us - rend us stem to stern... :p

Looking forward to seeing your ideas, Dury :cool:

[Mithalwen]

Bless you, I suspect I am already the horrid monster. ;) Take your time, and take care of yourself until RL starts behaving itself. :cool:

[Durelin]

Sorry, sorry, sorry... I'm back after dealing with the end of the semester and graduation and have some time on my hands...so I will get back into the whole RPing thing! Maybe it's time for some caffeine so I can get started on that...

[Mithalwen]

No need to apologise! Congratulations! Assuming that Master Envinyatar's Real Life continues to take priority, shall we do something with the fathers back in Bree. I feel I should do something that end...

I did think that Bryn might have taken some fireworks to signal back to base but if it is snowing again they wouldn't be seen so I guess they will be sweating it out.

As for a final fright... I was reading some stuff about Herne the Hunter which led to finding about "the Wild Hunt" ... it would be about the right time of the year - in the UK it was meant to happen around Halloween though elsewhere it would be Yule:
"When the winter winds blow and the Yule fires are lit, it is best to stay indoors, safely shut away from the dark paths and the wild heaths. Those who wander out by themselves during the Yule-nights may hear a sudden rustling through the tops of the trees - a rustling that might be the wind, though the rest of the wood is still.

"But then the barking of dogs fills the air, and the host of wild souls sweeps down, fire flashing from the eyes of the black hounds and the hooves of the black horses"

It seems it needn't be personally fatal to the obsever if they avoid looking at it but is a harbinger of fairly major disaster like war or pestilence and since we are at the point where Sauron is searching the Anduin and Bilbo is shortly to go off on his adventures it might be relevant. Anyway .let me know what you think.....at least I think they need a meal first ..I found it quite scary and they might lose their appetites.... Which reminds me I am expected elsewhere for supper... laters...

[Durelin]

Well I fail.

Something with the fathers sounds like it'd be very interesting! I'll figure out Edwin's dad and get a post up soon, and if you feel like it you can post for Jess and the boys' father. But it can just as easily be a lone post if we get the kids, Willem, and Karl going again.

Also that sounds like a brilliant idea to me, the spotting of a black horseman...

I need to get my head back into RP stuff and get some ideas fleshed out for a 'sequel'...

And thank you for the congrats!

[Mithalwen]

Yay... :D I knew I owed you a lot of patience after my months of absence but I was beginning to fret and am happy to see you back. Hope Envinyatar is alright...

I'll send Silas out with the provisions so Jess can fill in some of the details
Might be several black horsement - foretaste of the Nazgul!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Hunt

[Mithalwen]

sorry Dury I will get a reply done tomorrow.

Envinyatar - if youhappen tobe lurking, do you have any preference as to whether Jessamy realises the connection between William and the bear or if you have plans for this information to be known another way or saved for the next episode in their adventures. But don't feel pressured if RL is too pressured.

[Durelin]

No, no apology, I was supposed to do a post for the dads anyway but I haven't bothered.

[Envinyatar]

Quick reply from a friend's computer (mine has uttered it's last gasp - will have a new one up and running soon...money, money, money, sigh...has to be scraped together for the one I want.....) :rolleyes:

It's fine if Jessamy figures out the connection. Will she share it with the others, I wonder. Or keep it secret. :)

Must get off and go home now. Will look in when I can :cool:

[Mithalwen]

Yay!!!!! But condolences on the 'puter's demise. What a nuisance.:( Good luck with the scraping, rummaging around the back of the sofa. etc..

I think unless forced by circumstances she would keep it to herself. I don't think she would trust her brothers or Edwin to "be cool about it". Karl, already an outsider himself, might be a possibility especially if she thought he knew already. William has helped and protected her and I think she would feel obliged to return the favour... not that her inclination wouldn't be that way anyway. I suspect she will be delighted if her instant conviction that Willem is a bit "magical" is confirmed but I won't really find out til I try and write it....

[Durelin]

I tossed something out about Edwin's father who's apparently named Tate. I am so awful with names. Anyway, let me know if it's a good enough lead in to a possible (ridiculous) conversation of sorts. I mentioned Erling 'standing over' him so let me know if I should change that.

[Mithalwen]

Yes I think I can do something with that. Assuming that Tate would perceive any comment as berating.... What sort of shop does he have?

[Durelin]

Yea, he probably would. Hahah. Not that he's really a formed character... Oh yea, I glossed over that didn't I...totally not on purpose because I'm completely un-creative... I was actually thinking he was a cobbler at one point. So he has a cobbler's workshop that may or may not be at the front of his house. Yea. :D

[Mithalwen]

Yes Dury of course you are uncreative.... :rolleyes: Right ho..well will skim back over what I have already posted for ERling and try andpost tomorrow but I won't guaruntee it as have a ton of stuff to do and then taking my godson out.

[Mithalwen]

OK well I will try and do Jessie tomorrow but Sunday is more likely. I may slot it in before the post for Erling. Let me know if I need to change anything. :D

[Durelin]

Just to let you know I'll be gone from the 14th-19th!

Maybe when I get back we can talk about that sequel again. :D

Hope life is treating you well, Mith, Evinyatar!

[Mithalwen]

Sorry I keep meaning ot post then get distracted. but I am nearly there... Sorry I am so damn lazy. I have been thinking about it a lot but forget that I can't just get the puter to process my thoughts...:rolleyes: I have also been thinking about the sequel but haven't got much further than the circumstances that might conspire to make Jess leave. Anyway... I should maybe stop talking about the post in hand and get on with it... and hope Envinyatar will be able to join us soon :D

[Mithalwen]

I Thought reviewing events for Edwin's benefit might lead Jessamy to twig about Willem - but he will have to agree to her conditions. :p

Let me know if I need to change anything particularly as concerns Edwin's dad - I amy have made too many assumptions. Such as Cassy being dead rather than otherwise lost.

There is another mother reference in p23 you might want to correct in case anyone else reads this. ;)

Hope you enjoyed your gallivanting!!

[Durelin]

Oh geez...thanks Mith for noticing another reference. I should read the whole thread over but I kind of dread doing that for fear of noticing all the discrepancies on my part...

But yes, I was thinking Cassy was dead. Illness when Edwin was very young or something.

I really should read the thread over and maybe get some ideas about Part 2...you been thinking about it at all, Mith?

And thank you, I did enjoy my adventure! Except for it being very humid and getting lots of bug bites... Great company though so it was fun.

[Mithalwen]

I don't know what insects live on when I am not around. I left Venice with bites the size of fifty pence pieces all over my arms and looked like I had a medieaval disease. Awful. So the next time I went to somewhere hot and insecty (Florida Everglades) I covered myself with so much DEET all the lettering came off camera. I daren't ever go somewhere they have malaria. But it is so cold here I might be grateful for any warmth - I even turned the central heating back on yesterday. :(

Anyway hmm I don't know... I can see clearly circumstances which would cause Jessamy to leave, stifled and unappreciated but after not sure... as far as I have found out so far any survivors of Tharbad pretty much hid themselves away in teh Eryn Vorn so if they found noone around there they might carry on south. Now if I have got the dates right Thengel is Lord of Rohan and Saruman is starting to cause trouble for them having declared himself Lord of Isengard and started causing trouble. Might get something out of that? Dunlendings maybe... Plot isn't my strongest suit.

[Durelin]

Sorry for being MIA for a bit! Have you had some warm days up there yet? We've finally been having some pleasant days in the upper 80s rather than upper 90s :D

Posted for Tate and Edwin; I'll try to do a post for Karl soon, too.

As for Part 2! I suppose it depends on how many years we want to skip ahead in their lives. From what I found online, Saruman claims Isengard in 2953. So that would be 14 years. It would certainly work fine, except that it might be unrealistic that Jessamy's avoided marriage for that long.

I'm sure we can assume there's other trouble stirring in the meantime, as well...

I suppose for Edwin the is his father dying, once his liver gives out. Edwin would want to move on, probably, to get away from his father's legacy. And because of his friendship with Karl, who also doesn't belong in Bree. So he'll maybe convince Karl to finally move on to somewhere else, travel further since he doesn't really have a home there to begin with.

I'm having these ideas that really aren't very lore-friendly. I'm thinking it would be too much for (one of) them to have a run in with a Black Rider and (of course no one takes them seriously round Bree)...then I guess there's two possibilities. The more realistic (by a little) is them being afraid it's after them and wanting to flee their little town so it won't terrorize people or something. The other might be that they want to find out what it is and warn someone important about it. But I'm not entirely sure where that would send them.

Sauron didn't know Bilbo had the ring until 3017ish, but I imagine the Nazgul were up to something at this point. I imagine they could have been searching for the ring rather than just sitting around in Minas Morgul? But each on their own, not in a group, and scattered all over.

I know we were talking about the last fright maybe being seeing a Black Rider, so it might be redundant. But it also might make it all the more concerning for whoever runs in to the Black Rider (sees it, speaks to it?) that this Rider has been around before.

[Galadriel55]

*sticks her nose in*

I'm butting in again. Sorry. But I had an idea. What about a visit to the mysterious Deadmen's Dike, aka Fornost?

*disappears*

[Mithalwen]

Do you wait for the rare evening when I am gallivanting?

Fornost Erain is a possibility but need motivation for going there... . *yawns* sorry a bit late for me but it is nice of you to take an interest Gally - though possibly inhibiting to thing someone actually reads this..

I'll answer properly when I have slept. Lovely to see you back.... :D

[Mithalwen]

Sorry I got distracted as per usual.. I think other stuff would have been going on .. 14 years hmm I hadn't thought quite so long but it isn't impossible. After all I imagine there was a very limited choice of spouse for anyone. It is a small half hobbit inhabited place with no human settlements within easy travelling distance so unless death creates an unexpected vacancy or a traveller stays around there may have been only a handful of candidates for any given person. Jessamy is limited by being too wilful, spoilt, and generally a bit odd by Bree standards and generally more trouble than she is worth. Could easily see her missing that particular boat.

We did have some fantastic weather - almost too hot but cold now and tomorrow will be very wet alas....

[Durelin]

Thanks G55 for the comment! And for paying any sort of attention to this little RP, I'm honored :o

Fornost would be pretty cool. But I am not at all averse to jumping ahead 14 years. Though it might be torture for Edwin to hang around Bree that long. :D I suppose he could leave and come back having seen a bit of the world? Hmm...I like that idea, if you like the 14 year jump.

Really I think Jessamy's desire to find out where her father came from is enough to start with, and then we have them run into trouble associated with the rising of the War, which could be Dunlendings. It's been a long time since I did an RP involving Dunlendings, would be fun. ;)

[piosenniel]

~*~ Sending this thread to Elvenhome ~*~

Today is 5/29/2015 - last post on this thread was 09-09-2011.