The King's Players - Discussion/Planning Thread

[Mnemosyne]

I've moved things on to "later than noon"; I didn't know how long the set piece expedition was supposed to take. Pitch, if you'd like to tell Brinn what happened, feel free.

Phantom, depending on how we want to set up the timeline, we can make this evening already.

I look forward to moving this forward again.

[Anguirel]

phantom, Aldarion has his courier...

[Pitchwife]

I've moved things on to "later than noon"; I didn't know how long the set piece expedition was supposed to take.
Neither do I, to be honest, but seeing how narrow the Pelennor gets south of MA, Hallas' estate can't be so far away, so I'd guess it might be about 9 bells now - or whatever floats your respective boats.

Now, Coldan has already told the whole story to Amdír, and I think there's little point in repeating it all - or, from the immanent perspective, he's under the illusion that Brinn has already heard everything and is therefore rather tight-lipped. If Brinn wants to hear more from him, she'll have to do a little prying (which may of course turn out to be worthwile.)

If you feel, Mnemo, that this conversation could profit from being carried on by PM, I may be able to get on at work around noonish or early afternoon European time tomorrow, and I'll be home and available in the European evening from ~6pm GMT.

[Galadriel55]

Aww Coldan! :D


I take my words from before back: I can't post. I'll find the time, but I just don't know what to post about. It would be kind of useless to just repeat whatever was going on. If you want Thiliel to hang around, I'll wreck my brain to come up with something creative.

[Thinlómien]

Hi everybody,

I'm sorry for disappearing and I won't even try to excuse myself because there is no reason why I really couldn't have caught up earlier, but suffice to say I had first friends then family visiting and then I was just plain old busy.

However, I have now read everything you posted meanwhile - I liked everybody's posts, but I especially adored our triangle drama and cracked up at Boro & Ang's jokes - and Sereth should be back in action, not that she seems to have missed much which is relevant to herself. And *fingers crossed* from now on I should be able to keep up with the RPG normally up until its end.

This undeserving little soul has one small favour to ask though - I haven't read the posts on the admin thread for about the past month and I would rather not to, so if someone one would be as kind as to tell me if there's anything important discussed/planned/decided that I should know, I'd be eternally grateful... ;)

[Thinlómien]

There's your cue, Galadriel. Make something out of it. ;)

[Galadriel55]

There's your cue, Galadriel. Make something out of it. ;)

Thanks! :D

Thiliel could really do much more that bring a food tray for Sereth, considering her imagnation and love for adventure...
Sorry. Just "typing aloud" about what she could get herself into. :p

[Nerwen]

Mnemo, Asta has just shown Rollan the mysterious scrap of paper– contents are given in this post. (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=652316&postcount=142)

[the phantom]

All right then. As soon as I get a handle on a couple of details I will make my post, Ang.

[Pitchwife]

"People do exaggerate so, don't they?":D
(I briefly checked the Downs at work during a quiet evening shift and couldn't stop myself laughing out loud when I read Nerwen's last post. Comment from my colleague: "Ah, something happening in the theatre game again?")

And it looks like there's going to be an interesting party at the house of Burlach toNight; bet Aldarion and Vëandur didn't think they'd meet again so soon... Maybe we'll even get some clue about Sador's plans? Up to now, Ang has managed to surprise me every time I thought I was about to figure out what's going on.

Does anybody have a clue where the rest of our company is?

[Inziladun]

Are we heading to the party soon? I need to get caught up. WW will have to wait a bit. :p

[Anguirel]

yeah, this party should tie up pretty much every secret I've left dangling round Sador...

about the time...could we actually talk about that? According to Aldarion's reply to Sador's letter (which exists only in a PM though I've carefully not deleted it), Aldarion was to be met at "the eleventh bell" - is that actually equivalent to eleven o' clock? If so that seems quite late, but that's fine. Bet it's more complex, though?

Cirdacil and his long lost nephew are to turn up at midnight, and I want an opportunity for quite a bit of action before they do so (though certainly that action could be concentrated into less than an hour's space)

by the way, in case anyone was wondering, Aerwen is the second A. referred to in the scrap Asta found

[Mnemosyne]

Ang, the "bell" system is based on the old church bell system, in which each bell stroke is for the number of hours after sunrise: in this case, since we're close to the equinox, we're assuming 6:00. So the eleventh bell would be at 5 p.m.

[Anguirel]

Great, thank you; glad I decided to stay temporally non-specific (mindful of earlier hang ups when I had to change dusk to dawn etc) and resisted temptation to describe the majestically gleaming Minas Anor starlight...looks like they have more than enough time then, which is perfect really. Chit chat, banquet, then I thought maybe a round of, er, charades

Anyone read Mansfield Park lately?

[the phantom]

Ang- you need to tell me if Aerwen truly knows Aldarion's plays. If she does, then whatever answer you dream up for Aerwen to answer Aldarion's question with will serve as confirmation for Aldarion.

[Anguirel]

Aerwen is straight as a die (ahem), truthful and well-read, and not her kid brother's extension except in so far as she's agreed to come and grab Aldy

I'll write up a post tomorrow morning but after that may be less active till Sunday nightish

[Formendacil]

Well, I'm back in Boston. Today, and maybe even tomorrow, I'll be too jet-lagged/post-funeral exhausted to post, but I should be able to get back into the swing of things this week... if only to have something to keep busy with.

[Mnemosyne]

Hope all is well with you, Formendacil, and do take your time if you need it.

I'm going to be on the road for the next two days, but will post on Wednesday. I apologize for not posting, but at least it looks as if all the action tonight is not on my characters' end. Brinn is trying to jot down a general outline of the "real" plot, fuming that Aldarion isn't back with his information as promised, and Rollan, as usual, hasn't deigned to tell me what he's doing. So if anyone needs to borrow either of them for shenanigans, feel free to.

[the phantom]

Aldarion is lost in thought, currently. Feel free to have Aerwen jolt him out or let him be. Whatever you think she ought to do.

[Anguirel]

A literal, and plot, diversion...which I hadn't planned on till Aldarion's musing somehow brought it to mind...

[Pitchwife]

Lovely gatecrashing, Lommy (and thanks for giving me something to react to when I had succumbed to a bit of a writer's block)!

Mnemo, re-reading your last post for Brinn, I thought I'd made it clear above that Coldan didn't actually 'tell his side of the story', or at least not all of it - I imagined him only saying as much as I put between inverted commas in this post (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=654466&postcount=248) (because he thinks Asta and Aldarion had already told Brinn what happened). It's not a big prob, and we can assume he said a bit more between lines, but let's be clear that he didn't tell Brinn the details of his quarrel with Asta or her appearance in the common room last Night.

[Thinlómien]

Lovely gatecrashing, Lommy (and thanks for giving me something to react to when I had succumbed to a bit of a writer's block)You're welcome. ;)

And aww Galadriel, I was hoping you'd pile up the hysteria just like that, awesome! I pity Brinn and Coldan. :D

[Galadriel55]

And aww Galadriel, I was hoping you'd pile up the hysteria just like that, awesome! I pity Brinn and Coldan. :D

Yeah, poor adults... It's a wonder that they have patience for these teenagers. (yeah, like me :p)

[Nerwen]

Ah, good old hysteria! It only needs one more ingredient.

I'll be right back...

[Nerwen]

So, Mnemo, G55 and Lommy– any objections to how I've written your characters?

Also, Asta says Branor and Therian haven't been seen since last night– if that should be changed, Mnemo, let me know. I thought it was about time someone mentioned those two, but I actually lost track of what's supposed to have happened to them.

[Anguirel]

way too funny Nerwen, apparently I still can't rep you

[Nerwen]

way too funny Nerwen, apparently I still can't rep you
It's the thought that counts.:)

[Thinlómien]

Ahaha, Nerwen, I love it! What a nice surprise we have for Mnemo once she comes back from her trip. :D

[the phantom]

Just fyi- I'll be travelling for 2+ weeks, so I can't guarantee when I'll be on (but I'm fairly certain I'll be able to keep up). Just know that PMs may not be answered promptly.

[Pitchwife]

Ahaha, Nerwen, I love it! What a nice surprise we have for Mnemo once she comes back from her trip. :D
Yes, it's a wonderful surprise party. The more the merrier!
Mnemo, I've borrowed Brinn and had her start on damage control, but if you'd like her to react in a different way that can of course be changed.

[Galadriel55]

Nerwen and Pitch, your posts are absolutely amazing! :D

Ahaha, Nerwen, I love it! What a nice surprise we have for Mnemo once she com=Lommyes back from her trip

Seconded.

[Thinlómien]

Lol Pitch, even spammers like your posts! :D

I have written now and probably resolved (or worsened, just imagining what Asta could do in the worst case :eek: ) the situation. I will be away for the weekend, so if you need me, I'll be back sometime Sunday evening (European time, obviously!)

[Galadriel55]

"I found this outside Lord Sador's door– if he really is a lord– yesterDay.

I don't think Asta has ever played werewolf before, but she is quite certain that Sadorwolf killed Aldagifted. :D lol

[Anguirel]

I went there; a play within a (role)play about a play

[Nerwen]

I don't think Asta has ever played werewolf before, but she is quite certain that Sadorwolf killed Aldagifted. :D lol
Ooops. It gets to be such a habit when you play WW a lot!:o

[Nerwen]

I went there; a play within a (role)play about a play

Ah, but if you think about it, it's still only on the same level of sub-reality as the "War of the Ring" play. Now, if you were the have the characters in this play put on a play...

[Galadriel55]

Ooops. It gets to be such a habit when you play WW a lot!:o

It happens. ;) After half a year of typing Tolkien on the Downs I feel the urge to write LOTR instead of Lord of the Rings, and things like that.

[the phantom]

All right Ang- take Aldarion into the shop. You're the one who knows what's there. I'll have him react as soon as I am able.

[Anguirel]

I solemnly swear etc: either tonight or alla manana.

[Anguirel]

filled in; Romeo & Juliet plus Gondor plus pirates, by the mysterious Beren Lameleg...

[Galadriel55]

Great post, Ang! Where did you get the poetry from? Don't tell me you wrote it yourself! ;)


...by the mysterious Beren Lameleg...

Why do we even need all that mystery and intrigue? Trying to figure out all the Burlach family relations makes my head hurt.

And by now I don't remember what was Beren's - this one's or anothers - relationship to Cirdacil and Veandur. I don't even remember if his name was really Beren. :rolleyes: :p And I couldn't find the spot on the game thread for some reason...

[Pitchwife]

It's Romeo and Juliet, only Gondoricized.
And Lameleg = Sador, I suppose; must be his pseudonym.

[Inziladun]

Great post, Ang!

Seconded!

Why do we even need all that mystery and intrigue? Trying to figure out all the Burlach family relations makes my head hurt.

I sympathize with the last. :D

And by now I don't remember what was Beren's - this one's or anothers - relationship to Cirdacil and Veandur. I don't even remember if his name was really Beren. :rolleyes: :p And I couldn't find the spot on the game thread for some reason...

Beren was the name of Cirdacil's brother, and Vëandur's paternal grandfather.

[Galadriel55]

Beren was the name of Cirdacil's brother, and Vëandur's paternal grandfather.

Thank you. That just made my life so much easier, without that irksome detail bugging me. :)

[Pitchwife]

Forgot to say, Ang, I absolutely third G55's and Zil's applause for your last post. And come to think of it, Beren may well be Sador's real name, if he was named after his uncle.

Nerwen, I see Coldan is now developping a lisp on top of mispronouncing his double-u's and tee-aitches.:D (Don't bother to change it, it's OK.)
What's more important, he's starting to come around to Asta's conspiracy theory... Poor Brinn!

[Nerwen]

Nerwen, I see Coldan is now developping a lisp on top of mispronouncing his double-u's and tee-aitches.:D (Don't bother to change it, it's OK.)

Sorry!

[Galadriel55]

Poor Brinn!

Might as well add to it. :D

Honestly, Thiliel should really mind her manners. If you (or your character :p) think that she should mind her own business, don't hesitate to tell her so.

[the phantom]

I was trying not to read what was happening while Aldarion was gone so that I could be properly ignorant upon his return, but all of your comments... I can't resist reading. :D

Ang- I'm assuming your Írildë character was meant to be the noble lady in ancient Numenor, so I wrote that in. Please say so if you wish me to undo it. Also, I implied that in Middle Earth serious theater dramas generally favor prose over poetry. The poetic style is used to tell dramatic tales of course, but such things are performed by single speakers narrating the events. When it comes to theater, it has always been convention to speak as true to life as possible (though Aldarion implies that this is not necessarily true of comedies).

[Mnemosyne]

Started a post yesterday, finished it this morning, and found all of the more recent developments, so I had to cut out some ACTUAL PUNNERY from Rollan and Brinn idly wondering again where Branor and Therian are. If you want to add their absence to the conspiracy, go ahead.

Anyhow, Brinn is trying to rerail the plot to her own devices, feel free to heed or ignore as you see fit. :D

[Pitchwife]

so I had to cut out some ACTUAL PUNNERY from Rollan and Brinn idly wondering again where Branor and Therian are
Aw!:(:o But seriously, we're several players short. Do you have any idea whether Fea and Boro are going to come back? And what about Dim?

Anyhow, Brinn is trying to rerail the plot to her own devices, feel free to heed or ignore as you see fit. :D
You know what, last night I thought you must be feeling like the DM of the Rings (http://www.shamusyoung.com/twentysidedtale/?p=612) by now...

[Mnemosyne]

I'm not--in fact, more than anything, I appreciate you lot keeping things rolling while I've been busy or otherwise absent. In fact, setting things up so that Brinn wants to tear her hair out makes it a lot easier to write things. So no, I'm not feeling like a railroader, but Brinn certainly is.

I haven't heard a thing from Fea, Boro, or Dimturiel, though. Would it be considered rude to PM at this point?

[piosenniel]

It looks as if Fea, Boro, and Dimturiel haven't posted in the last 2 weeks. A PM to them would probably be a good idea.

Maybe they would okay their characters to be carried along until they can return to write for them.

~*~ Pio

[Formendacil]

I realise I qualify as an "AWOL" right now--I could blame real life, but while there's some truth there, it's mostly that Amdír and I are just waiting until toMorrow, since we don't want to delay toDay extraordinarily long.

However, I *am* reading along--even feeling guilty about not posting, now and again.

[Mnemosyne]

Formy, the way I see it, we have two plots going along right now: the intrigue higher in the City and whatever else we're doing down here. I'm basically waiting until the former plot resolves itself before moving to the next day, and since it's taking a while you should feel free to at least say what Amdir's doing. But you have a better RL excuse than most.

Thanks for the advice, pio.

[Galadriel55]

I'm wondering what to do with this post (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=655326&postcount=277). I wrote that Thiliel shouted, and then had her dramatic moment (:rolleyes:), but no one in the wagon seems to have noticed. I could change all that to thoughts, or I could move this post to a later point in the argument. Or just delete it, if it will make matters easier.

[Pitchwife]

In case you're about to post next, Mnemo, Coldan has no major problem with having either of his roles reassigned, but he's going to be adamantly on Asta's side in the matter of Smaug. (Speaking of him, I keep forgetting about his dratted accent.*goes to edit*)

EDIT: Sorry about that, G55 - I thought of writing some reaction into my post, but somehow it didn't fit in. I think your post is too good to lose, and it fits dramatically - maybe, Mnemo, you could edit your last one to have Brinn reassure the girls with a few words?
Anyway, it's bedtime for me. See ya.

[Galadriel55]

...he's going to be adamantly on Asta's side in the matter of Smaug.

I wonder why. :D

(Speaking of him, I keep forgetting about his dratted accent.*goes to edit*)

I like the accent! It makes your posts more interesting to read.

[Anguirel]

Forgot to say, Ang, I absolutely third G55's and Zil's applause for your last post. And come to think of it, Beren may well be Sador's real name, if he was named after his uncle.


If you were a baby named after the hero who performed the greatest Leap of Men and Elves, who also happened as you grew up to be definitely a cripple, would you by any chance rather adopt the name of, well, a cripple?

Ang- I'm assuming your Írildë character was meant to be the noble lady in ancient Numenor, so I wrote that in. Please say so if you wish me to undo it. Also, I implied that in Middle Earth serious theater dramas generally favor prose over poetry. The poetic style is used to tell dramatic tales of course, but such things are performed by single speakers narrating the events. When it comes to theater, it has always been convention to speak as true to life as possible (though Aldarion implies that this is not necessarily true of comedies).

actually neither I nor Sad...Mr. Lameleg had a historical character in mind - any more than Shakkers referred to any particular Juliet: BUT I'm amused that the historically scrupulous Aldarion makes this assumption, let's keep it; Aerwen will respond to it in my next post. By the way, has Aldarion made any speculations about the mystery playwright's identity or would you rather not say?

re poetry, there will be rhyming and blank verse, as well as prose COMING SOON in the Lameleg canon...

we have two plots going along right now: the intrigue higher in the City and whatever else we're doing down here. I'm basically waiting until the former plot resolves itself before moving to the next day, and since it's taking a while you should feel free to at least say what Amdir's doing.

sorry, my fault. Kind of got ambitious re: the endless Renaissance drama jokes (ironically originally largely for Formendacil's personal amusement) but I hope it's not boring

will write a decent post tomorrow, bringing Aerwen and her guest to the party proper

[Mnemosyne]

Thanks for the heads-up, G55 and Pitch. I'll edit something or other in tomorrow.

[Mnemosyne]

Galadriel, the post is now fixed. Again, sorry about that--as I said before, I had started that whole post before any of you had posted.

Also, my very devious mind is suggesting a covert evening "jailbreak" on the part of those who believe Aldarion to be kidnapped, if we want to make things even harder for the players. Just an idea which I can't introduce in the actual gamethread.

[Pitchwife]

LOL at Rollan's pun and misbehaving!
Also, my very devious mind is suggesting a covert evening "jailbreak" on the part of those who believe Aldarion to be kidnapped, if we want to make things even harder for the players. Just an idea which I can't introduce in the actual gamethread.
Great minds think alike...:smokin:

[Anguirel]

I wanted the party to be gatecrashable, ideally, hence the dropped note, but that didn't quite catch up in time. Someone can certainly decode it now in a stroke of genius, it says Get Aerwen to meet Aldarion at the Third Circle tomorrow, but that's only circumstantially helpful (maybe someone at the Third Circle knows the coach belongs to Aerwen?)

Probably easier for any SAS operatives to just go calling on Burlach residences; they'd find nothing chez Cirdacil (even the old man's at the Treasury) and everything chez Ecsichil. If someone barged into the treasury to talk to Cirdacil himself (actually Elanor has and could again) he'd tetchily disclaim all knowledge of any more ridiculous troubles involving players, but say he knows his children are having a party, etc

[Dimturiel]

OK, first of all appologies for being absent for so long without even letting you guys know. The fact is, I always thought I would post something soon, but I just could not get myself to do it. I'm kind of busy with end of the year exams at the moment, so I guess I'll only be able to post in the weekends. I've been following the game - and I must congratulate you for such a great job, guys:) - so I'll try to get something done by tomorrow evening. In the meantime, whoever needs Harrenon, feel free to use him.

[Galadriel55]

Thanks, Mnemo. :D

Also, my very devious mind is suggesting a covert evening "jailbreak" on the part of those who believe Aldarion to be kidnapped, if we want to make things even harder for the players. Just an idea which I can't introduce in the actual gamethread.

I'm sure excited for that!

I'm kind of busy with end of the year exams at the moment, so I guess I'll only be able to post in the weekends.

You are certainly more diligent than I ever was! My exams start in less than a week, and I'm spending most of my time goofing around on the Downs instead of studying...

Get Aerwen to meet Aldarion at the Third Circle tomorrow,

What?! It's THAT simple? No super-secret scheme involved?

[Nerwen]

Originally Posted by Mnemo
Also, my very devious mind is suggesting a covert evening "jailbreak" on the part of those who believe Aldarion to be kidnapped, if we want to make things even harder for the players. Just an idea which I can't introduce in the actual gamethread.
Believe, it or not Pitchwife and I were already planning this (his idea).

So, as of my last post, Asta has just suggested the "jailbreak" to Coldan.

I think, to speed things up, we should just "cut" to the two of them trying to sneak in to the Ecsichil residence, and we can just explain how they found out where to go.

Also, I'm wondering if any of the others would like to get involved?

[Inziladun]

What time is it now in-game, approximately?

[Galadriel55]

Awwww.... I feel so bad for Asta and Smaug...


Also, I'm wondering if any of the others would like to get involved?

I don't think I can do a decent job, since I'm having a hard time with Cirdacil's family... But Thiliel could "cover up" or something similar. Stay on guard, perhaps. Or stay at the inn and keep everything quiet. Whatever works.

[Galadriel55]

What time is it now in-game, approximately?

Very-late-afternoonish, going into the evening, I think.

[Inziladun]

Thought so. Thanks.

[Pitchwife]

I think, to speed things up, we should just "cut" to the two of them trying to sneak in to the Ecsichil residence, and we can just explain how they found out where to go.
I was thinking we could try to trace the carriage that collected Sador (i.e. ask around in the city who has seen it, which direction it went etc.), hoping that finding Sador would lead us to Aldarion.

Would one of our Gondorians recognize the swan device on the carriage and know about the Burlach-Dol Amroth connection? Formy? Dim?
(I'll have to draw a family tree of the House of Burlach in order to remember who's married/in-lawed to whom.)

We also might want to time our arrival with Cirdacil's and Vëandur's

G55, I think taking Thiliel along for this would get us kicked out of the inn, but having her cover up is a good idea.

[Anguirel]

I'll do my best to make that family tree here, for reference, though it's q hard to convey graphically -

Dol Amroths

Erchirion (I think?)

children, Amlach, Gloredhel

Amlach married to Circilie


Burlachs

brothers, Beren (see Pelargirs), and Cirdacil

Cirdacil's children by marriage to Aerin the first

Ecsichil (married to the colourless Lady Ecsichil, they have loads of (say, three or four) sons away serving as soldiers who aren't important), Aerwen

by marriage to Aerin the second

Circilie (married to Amlach), 'Sador'


Pelargirs

Beren, Cirdacil's elder brother, father of

Falastur father of

Vëandur

[Inziladun]

We also might want to time our arrival with Cirdacil's and Vëandur's

I think that would be a good idea. ;)

Vëandur is supposed to meet Cirdacil around midnight at, I think, the entrance to the Sixth Circle.

[Pitchwife]

Thanks, Ang, that's very helpful. (And about the question of Beren/Sador, I suppose I would - and compensate by engaging in mental/poetic athletics. Been there, done that.)

Vëandur is supposed to meet Cidacil around midnight at, I think, the entrance to the Sixth Circle.
Right. So I think it'll take one or two more posts from Nerwen and/or me till we're good to go, mainly because I'd like to involve Harrenon;) into the matter if Dim has time to post (and even if she doesn't) - which should give Ang/phantom/Zil some space to get the party/reading going and have Cirdacil pick up Vëandur, and then we should be ready to cut to Ecsichil's and burst into the party à la Dostoyevsky. Sound good?

(By the way, Nerwen, what colour are Asta's eyes?)

[Anguirel]

And re: complex family trees: I feel Game of Thrones gives me artistic support here...

[Galadriel55]

Thank you very much for the family tree, Ang!

G55, I think taking Thiliel along for this would get us kicked out of the inn, but having her cover up is a good idea.

She'd go willingly if she only knew what Coldan and Asta were up to. She would think that everything would go smoothly and Ingold won't notice her nightly absence, but seeing as this mission has to fail somehow (whatever the players do does) he'd probably know. And he'd hold the Players responsible no matter what. And he already has a bit of a grudge against them.

So perhaps just a cover-up at the inn. Thiliel would still need to know what exactly she's supposed to do, and who shouldn't know about the opertion at any costs.

So if you want, I can bring her to Asta's wagon so that you can tell her.

[Nerwen]

Right. So I think it'll take one or two more posts from Nerwen and/or me till we're good to go, mainly because I'd like to involve Harrenon;) into the matter if Dim has time to post (and even if she doesn't)
Oh yes. More opportunity for Asta to be spiteful about poor Harry!;)

(By the way, Nerwen, what colour are Asta's eyes?)

Ah, yes, I forgot to give her an eye-colour. Light greyish-blue.

So perhaps just a cover-up at the inn. Thiliel would still need to know what exactly she's supposed to do, and who shouldn't know about the opertion at any costs.

So if you want, I can bring her to Asta's wagon so that you can tell her.

Good idea.

[Dimturiel]

Would one of our Gondorians recognize the swan device on the carriage and know about the Burlach-Dol Amroth connection? Formy? Dim?

Yes, this could work. Of course, I can't say how much simple folk in Gondor would know about the doings of the upper classes, but I suppose I could have Harry speculate about the connection.

So I think it'll take one or two more posts from Nerwen and/or me till we're good to go, mainly because I'd like to involve Harrenon into the matter if Dim has time to post (and even if she doesn't)

Sounds good, Pitch. Since it's the weekend, I'll be able to find some time to post and I'll join the two of you (much to Asta's annoyance, it would seem ;) )

Oh yes. More opportunity for Asta to be spiteful about poor Harry!

Bring it on, Nerwen:D!

[Pitchwife]

SAVE (which wasn't really necessary, I suppose:o, except I wanted to get this bit in there and then) filled.
Yes, this could work. Of course, I can't say how much simple folk in Gondor would know about the doings of the upper classes, but I suppose I could have Harry speculate about the connection.
Or if Harry recognizes the device, Amdír might know about the connection (having been in Cirdacil's employ).

Sounds good, Pitch. Since it's the weekend, I'll be able to find some time to post and I'll join the two of you (much to Asta's annoyance, it would seem )
Definitely to Coldan's;). I hope we can pick you up tomorrow (Sunday). Any idea where Harry is at the moment?

G55, I think Coldan would appreciate it very much if Thiliel wouldn't show up at Asta's wagon quite yet.;)

[Anguirel]

hahahahasgfrr brilliant.

Ah, those moments of "total spiritual idealistic subjection"; paradise for a few seconds, pretty incompetent wooing device long-term...

[Pitchwife]

Quite. Not to mention that if he somehow manages to win her after all and walks into it open-eyed, he deserves what he gets (cf Meat Loaf's Paradise by the Dashboard Light Part 3).

[Nerwen]

Sorry for the delay– couldn't get online earlier. Okay, Coldan has now had his kiss.

G55, I think Coldan would appreciate it very much if Thiliel wouldn't show up at Asta's wagon quite yet.

I'm thinking a dramatic interruption from either Harry or Thiliel might be in order shortly, though?

[Dimturiel]

I'm thinking a dramatic interruption from either Harry or Thiliel might be in order shortly, though?

Done. But if it's too soon, or if there's anything wrong with my post you can tell me and I'll change it.

[Pitchwife]

Wonderful posts, you two!:D I'm so glad I stopped right there in my last one!

No prob with Harry having overheard the earlier scene in Brinn's wagon, I think - we'll just have to assume he stayed outside with Rollan and eavesdropped, as he surely would have been noticed if he'd tried to fit in there, too.

EDIT: Posted Coldan's reaction. G55, feel free to have Thiliel join the conspiracy now. And Nerwen, just in case you haven't thought of it - lockpicks and crowbars!

[Anguirel]

hate to be a trickling source of evil etc (this is a lie), but this could get deliciously nasty if Harry tactlessly reveals Coldan told him to watch Sador AND Asta...

I am very happy for that moment though. I think it's a really nice contrast to the long agonised upper class romantic manouevring, a good smackeroony

[Nerwen]

Re-reading, I find that Asta actually saw the carriage leave, whereas Harry possibly didn't, so I have posted accordingly.

[Galadriel55]

I thought you were going to associate the swans with the Swan Players, Dim.

[Pitchwife]

I just remembered that all of us would recognize the Dol Amroth device - we've been there only a year ago, haven't we? Duh. Forgetting our prehistory.:o

Dim, just to be clear, is Harry coming along all the way for the jailbreak?

[Dimturiel]

Dim, just to be clear, is Harry coming along all the way for the jailbreak?

Well, yes, I guess so. I think I'll manage to find some time to keep up with the game every two days or so. If I'm not around, feel free to use Harry as much as you need. As for all of us recognising the Dol Amroth device, I'll edit my post and say that Harrenon reminds you what the swans mean instead of actually informing you.

[Inziladun]

I love the mad conspiracy theories Asta and Coldan have got. Vëandur really needs to get to meet them. :D

[Nerwen]

Well, yes, I guess so. I think I'll manage to find some time to keep up with the game every two days or so. If I'm not around, feel free to use Harry as much as you need. As for all of us recognising the Dol Amroth device, I'll edit my post and say that Harrenon reminds you what the swans mean instead of actually informing you.

Thnks, Dim; I should have been clearer last Night about what I had in mind.

[Mnemosyne]

Working today on a lengthy post with Brinn and Rollan; in case it takes a while to get it up I just thought I'd let those of you who are staying in the inn area know what will be up.

Brinn's understandably upset at her husband and is banishing him for the night; he's eventually going to try to get Thiliel to look in on her. Hoping to get all that done for today.

[Pitchwife]

Poor Rollan! (And poor Brinn, too.) Looking forward to reading that!
Just don't come for Thiliel before we've briefed her. I'll try to get something written in the next three hours or so.

[Galadriel55]

he's eventually going to try to get Thiliel to look in on her.

Why not!

Just don't come for Thiliel before we've briefed her.

Yeah. If Coldan, Asta, or Harry want to give her instructions, go ahead. If Thiliel will continue to be conveniently ingnored... well, unnoticed :p, she'd just take up the task of "covering up" out of the blue. And Brinn, Rollan, Sereth, - Branor and Therian? -make her life difficult! :D

[Pitchwife]

Yeah. If Coldan, Asta, or Harry want to give her instructions, go ahead. If Thiliel will continue to be conveniently ingnored... well, unnoticed :p, she'd just take up the task of "covering up" out of the blue. And Brinn, Rollan, Sereth, - Branor and Therian? -make her life difficult! :D
Hang on just a bit, I'm working on it.

As for Branor and Therian, I considered including them in the kidnapping theory like Mnemo suggested, but Coldan probably hasn't even noticed that they're missing. (Last time we heard from them, Branor was going to look for Therian IIRC, and Fea mentioned that she had some kind of plan for Therian; would be nice to know what that was.)

EDIT: Thiliel's got her instructions. (Hope I haven't made Asta too mean, Nerwen.)

[Galadriel55]

(Hope I haven't made Asta too mean, Nerwen.)

Me too. It was fun writing about her like that. But if you don't like it, Nerwen, I'll take it out of my post.

I edited my post to add the whole Ingold thingy. Now Thiliel is in the common room, if Rollan - or anyone else - wants to find her.

[Mnemosyne]

G55, if you decide to have Thiliel come and check in on Brinn, she'll have mastered herself by that point and eradicated all traces of her earlier tears.

[Pitchwife]

Impressive stuff, Mnemo and G55! I love it how one after another of our characters has their own dark night of the soul - even Thiliel has just had an appropriate crisis with her uncle. A Cormare to remember!

And Coldan has just had a stroke of genius bordering on madness how to make it even more unforgettable. Let's hope it's going to rain toNight...

[Galadriel55]

Impressive stuff, Mnemo and G55!

Thank you, Pitch!

I love it how one after another of our characters has their own dark night of the soul - even Thiliel has just had an appropriate crisis with her uncle. A Cormare to remember!

It's one holiday that won't ever be forgotten!

And, you know, now that you mention it, it does seem a bit weird (or is it?) that all the characters are having their "dark night of the soul" all at the same time. :D

Let's hope it's going to rain toNight...

And that there will be a well nearby... wherever the diversion is going to take place.

Poor Harry. :D

[Thinlómien]

Sorry Mnemo, I'm probably just making Rollan's day worse and worse, couldn't resist it though. :D

ps. I love everything that's going on! Asta, Coldan & Harry = <3

[Pitchwife]

"It would be worth it just to see the looks on their faces!"
For clarity, how exactly did Asta understand Coldan's suggestion? I'm asking because I'm not sure myself whether he just means to start a little firework on the premises or to make Smaug himself in his full glory descend on the House of Burlach:eek: - which would be awesome, but even if Asta were reckless enough to take her mecha pet into danger, I don't see how we could move him without alerting everybody at the inn:confused:. If you think it can be done, though, I'd absolutely love to.

PS.- Thanks, Lommy!:)

[Nerwen]

No, just fireworks. The other hadn't actually occurred to me.

[Boromir88]

I've tried to make the switch to wi-fi, but for some reason the whole house seems like a dead spot or it's a malfunctioning device? The last two weeks my internet has been pretty much limitted to going to the library, but my library sets an 1-hr limit per day.

Long story short, if anyone can keep Branor's character around that would be greatly appreciated. Everyone's seen enough of his character and personality I think to do him justice. There was the recent complexity with Brinn and trying to find Therian, but Bran's major cares are the play and specifically his role in it. Anything else added, I'd consider a bonus.

I think Fea is gone for the rest of the weekend, I don't know her exact plans for Therian other than Therian's disappearance had an interesting reason. I'll try to get in touch with her to see what she wants to do.

Hopefully when a member of the geek squad comes out here on Monday this wi-fi malfunction can be solved.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'm around and have been keeping tabs for when we've progressed enough into the Day (or the next Day) for Therian to come back all proud of himself for his adventure (that I'm still keeping a secret).

Everyone can gossip about him as they like, and if they even notice he's gone, they could clearly hypothesize about his plans. Promise I'll jump in when it's time for Therian to get his self in gear again. For now, he's off having a rather tragic time that I'll deal with via flashback or dialog once he's with everyone again.

Xoxo,

me

[Pitchwife]

I'm around and have been keeping tabs for when we've progressed enough into the Day (or the next Day) for Therian to come back all proud of himself for his adventure (that I'm still keeping a secret).
*is curious* anything to do with the mysterious old man they met earlier?
Anyway, great you and Boro are still with us!

So, since Harry apparently doesn't want to get any Famous Last Words in, is it OK if I move our three jailbreakers to just outside Ecsichil's house later today? (Speaking of which, there's a party supposed to be going on in there, isn't it? Ang? phantom?)

[Anguirel]

I was waiting for phantom to respond to my last; I certainly strongly feel the party should be given some space to breathe before the gatecrashing.

What time are you planning on striking? At the moment we're about 6 in the afternoon, an hourish after "eleven bells" when Aldarion met Aerwen; Cirdacil and V. are only arriving at midnight; in between that I wanted to stick in a banquest, a theatricals, some flirting and Sador's Devious Proposition, but we seem to have slowed. I apologise for my part in that

Since I can see you're (rightly) eager to get going, I'll put down a save. I will fill it in either with the banquet stage or with an "extra" scene involving Cirdacil and the King I've literally just barely conceived, depending on how soon Aldarion checks back in and what phantom wants to write; I will fill this in...late tonight I think.

OK? That means if you feel you absolutely must press on now, I can make a lot of what I'd like to happen, if not perhaps all of it, be in my save

"I apologise for the delay, normal services will be resumed when the leaves have been removed from the line"

EDIT: if you do want to write it with our heroes following the carriage and finding the place easily enough, you should know that they'll find a luxurious, wide rather than tall, yellow sandstone mercantile mansion (I've described it a bit further up) at the top of the Sixth Circle where it meets the Seventh and the Citadel, and totally unguarded (Ecsichil and his wife are pleasure-loving nonentities who would employ lots of pompous liveried upper servants, but no armed security). Basically think less medieval/Renaissance, more Restoration/Regency

EDIT 2: main relevant films: Draughtsman's Contract, Barry Lyndon

[Anguirel]

actually, may I attempt to backseat drive with one further suggestion? It would be great if you could (maybe with some high-falutin' reference to Beren and Finrod's disguise) knock out some hapless servants, take their livery and mingle. My aristos with the possible exception of Aerwen wouldn't really care to tell one servant from another, and it would be a good way for your rescuers to witness the party's goings-on at a level pace

but I know, "less level, more haste" ...

[Pitchwife]

No hurry, Ang - it's just that nothing else has been happening for a few days (I've been a little lazy myself), and not being sure how extensively you and phantom intend to write about the party, I meant to get things moving again. No need to get hectic.
What time are you planning on striking?
I was thinking shortly after Cirdacil and Vëandur arrive. MA is a big city, and it'll take time to inquire after the carriage (even more after dusk - less people in the streets), so that should be realistic, no?

So maybe a post getting the three of us on our way (and maybe Dim and Nerwen can think of things happening along), and we can time our arrival whenever you see fit. We'll still have to stage our diversion and "sneak in", so there should be ample space for you to stick a number of posts about the party in between. OK?

[Anguirel]

Cool. And what about the disguise idea, do you like that? I've got this really insuperable image of Coldan in an eighteenth century powdered wig and loads of frogging

I noticed I used the very new coinage "banquest" earlier. A portmanteau word acting according to Doc. Freud indeed: epic adventure, legal chicanery and eating in one slow-simmered soup?

[Pitchwife]

actually, may I attempt to backseat drive with one further suggestion? It would be great if you could (maybe with some high-falutin' reference to Beren and Finrod's disguise) knock out some hapless servants, take their livery and mingle.
Ah, I had overlooked that one before. Like it! Imagine Aldarion's surprise...:D

[Anguirel]

filled. King Elessar talks in riddles (and incidentally, I confirm Sador's real name)

[the phantom]

All right- I have returned home, and I will try and get caught up on the story tonight or tomorrow.

[the phantom]

Aldarion has exchanged words with Gloredhel and is prepared to trade pleasant greetings with the rest of the company, Ang. Consider him to tactfully guarded but not unfriendly, as he does not know which folks are up to what things etc. No reason to be impolite unless there is a clear reason to be, not to mention Aldarion misses going to fancy parties.

[Pitchwife]

strip them, bind them, stuff them in a closest
Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew.:D
And I so love what you did with that Asta-Lúthien analogy. A jewel.

If nothing surprising happens in Coldan's absence, he'll be back in about ten minutes to report there is indeed a back door; it's locked, but that shouldn't be a problem.
(The clouds are obviously only there to prevent Asta's fireworks from burning down the house in an emergency; if they're not needed, they'll just pass on and shed their load later on Emyn Muil or wherever.)


PS. - Poor Cirdacil! And <3 King Elessar.

[Galadriel55]

filled. King Elessar talks in riddles (and incidentally, I confirm Sador's real name)

Your Elessar talks just like he would if Tolkien wrote that. :D

Kudos to Collie, Asta, and Harry! I love the rising action!


I'm still around, even though I didn't post for a whie. Thiliel is up for grabs (:p) if anyone wants... Rollan, Sereth? If she turned around doesn't mean that she left. :Merisu:

Boro, do you have any thoughts about what Branor was doing all day? We can't really write for him unless we know what you want it to be.

[Anguirel]

It seems to me it would be only traditional (Shakwise) for Coldan to overhear, somehow, some part of what Sador said to Aerwen in the garden...preferably a section open to maximum misconstruction...

[Anguirel]

by the way this is the Burlach coat of arms (nicked off the ur-Burlach Cecil family...)

http://www.british-history.ac.uk/image-thumb.aspx?compid=66239&pubid=528&filename=fig208.gif

so that's what the servants not in swan livery will have; basically lots of little black and white lions...

[the phantom]

Since Sador has given Aldarion a chance to have a brief chat with Gloredhel, I'm going to have the two of them go outside or near a window or something like that where Coldan or Asta or someone can give Aldarion some sort of "psst! Aldarion! what are you doing here?!" through the bushes or whatnot, and then Aldarion will respond and you can decide how they react. Sound okay?

[the phantom]

Okay! Post is up. Anyone wishing to spot Aldarion and flag him down- go ahead before he ends up back inside.

[Pitchwife]

Since Sador has given Aldarion a chance to have a brief chat with Gloredhel, I'm going to have the two of them go outside or near a window or something like that where Coldan or Asta or someone can give Aldarion some sort of "psst! Aldarion! what are you doing here?!" through the bushes or whatnot, and then Aldarion will respond and you can decide how they react. Sound okay?
And ruin our fun in breaking in before we find him?:D But why not, I'll give it a thought (unless Nerwen wants Asta to stumble into Aldy's and Glordhy's little tête-à-tête, which could be delightful).

But if you'd like Coldan to find you, do you think you or Ang could provide me with a very rough plan of Ecsichil's house and premises as you imagine them? I tried to piece it together from your post, but somehow my visualization fails me, and I'd rather not make Coldan walk through walls or get lost in non-Euclidean geometry if I can help it.

Oh, and it's a nice change to see Aldarion happy and light-hearted, if only briefly.:)

[Galadriel55]

"His highness's pants have been removed by parties unknown. Please inform a palace guard if you know anything of this outrageous crime."

Outrageous indeed!!! :D Fantastic!

Edit: I thought it would be helpful to have a visual representation of the Burlachs, based on Ang's post here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=655449&postcount=571). I think it's legible - as much as anything done on Paint could be. :p

http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb454/Galadriel55/?action=view&current=BurlachFamilyTree.jpg

[the phantom]

do you think you or Ang could provide me with a very rough plan of Ecsichil's house and premises as you imagine them?
Yes- good idea. Ang- you have final say, so feel free to undo anything I put forth.

I read that someone had mentioned a wall in their post, so I envisioned a wall (perhaps 8 feet?) going around the perimeter. There's a gap/gate at the front and a drive up towards the house. As one approaches the house wings extend towards the front on either side of the drive (with some amount of space between the drive and the wing). The wings come very nearly up to the wall allowing room for a narrow path between them.

The path that Gloredhel and Aldarion took would've been the one wrapping around the left wing (left as one looks from the street towards the house). So they went along the wing towards the road, turned right between the outer wall and the end of the wing, then right again at the corner of the wing where the outer wall also turns. At that point they are walking in the same direction as one would walk from the street to the front door.

When exactly they encounter the gate to the garden is open to debate. Is the garden a small indentation in the left wing, or does it cut flat across the rear of the house?

[Pitchwife]

Thanks, phantom, that's very helpful. Turns out I wasn't quite so confused as I thought - main thing I was unsure of is the garden in relation to the wings, but so are you, it seems:D.

The bad news is, I like the idea of having Coldan eavesdrop on somebody or the other and/or contacting Aldarion, but I somehow can't quite wrap my head around how or what to write tonight, and it's getting too late over here. I could do it tomorrow, but I don't want to hold you up if you feel like writing more tonight, or leave you folks in the house and my comrades in crime with a SAVE of uncertain content. Just go ahead if you want to, and we'll see what happens - or if you think you can do a decent Coldan impression, phantom, and feel like writing that interchange yourself from Aldarion's pov, you have my blessing.

[Anguirel]

all looks great to me. I'm having or beginning to have a dissertation burn down (as Mith said this game is sooo a postgraduate degree by any other name) and I hope the cackling villain speech I did last is q interesting and clarifying, so I probably won't post...all that fast. Late tomorrow?

[the phantom]

It's fine- I won't have time to write tonight anyway. I'll possibly have a window tomorrow afternoon, but nothing for certain until late in the evening. I can wait. It's not as if there isn't another BDs project in the works that requires my attention.

*wink wink* (the annual summer tradition is coming soon!)

edit: post 5000

[Pitchwife]

Here and writing;). And congratulations!

EDIT: So, more or less like this (http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad352/pitchwife/ChezEcsichil.jpg)? (That's what I'll work with in my post, corrections can be made later. The compass points are very much arbitrary, but I feel the garden should look south, so left wing = east, right wing = west for now.)

[Anguirel]

brilliant Pitchwife you did something for which I was far too lazy/incompetent and it's perfect. The Burlach architect was obviously a Dorwinian

The 'door' leading onto the terrace is in fact a 'Fornost' (read French) window

[Pitchwife]

brilliant Pitchwife you did something for which I was far too lazy/incompetent and it's perfect. The Burlach architect was obviously a Dorwinian

The 'door' leading onto the terrace is in fact a 'Fornost' (read French) window
Glad you like it (and thank phantom for his description)! Oh, and I thought Fornost = north = gothic!:D

EDIT: There you are, phantom. Sorry for the length, but that was quite a lot to cover in one post.
I'm leaving whatever Aldarion and Coldan have to say to each other to you, but I think we should keep it short - there are people waiting outside. (Maybe even some kind of interruption from outside would be in order?)

[Galadriel55]

Sorry, Pitch, I couldn't resist with the Easterlings! :Merisu::D

Mnemo, I didn't write about Thiliel's meeting with Brinn, because I wasn't sure how you wanted her to react to the intrusion. If you want, you can use Thiliel, or we could write the dialogue via PM.

[Pitchwife]

Sorry, Pitch, I couldn't resist with the Easterlings! :Merisu::D
"I! AM! NO! &%@§&?($?´€§#§! EASTERLINGGGNRRGGLBMFZ!"

... or in other words, I'm highly amused.:D

[Galadriel55]

... or in other words, I'm highly amused.:D

I'm glad you like it! I considered holding this conversation when Coldan would be around (the next day, most likely), so that he could overhear it, but I thought that would be too much.

[Inziladun]

Ang, if you'll give me a cue when midnight approaches I'll send Vëandur on his way to the rendezvous.

[the phantom]

All right, Pitch- Coldan's turn to speak. We may have to make quite a few short posts to put this conversation together, but I kind of like it that way.

[Mnemosyne]

G55, thanks for the cue. I'll have a post for Brinn up tonight, deo volente.

[Galadriel55]

Today I saw a car with a license plate ASTA108. Just thought I'd say that. :p

[Mnemosyne]

Finally up, and too short for my liking, but I didn't want to take liberties. Ball's in your court, Galadriel.

[Anguirel]

Inziladun, I know it's annoying being penned in the wings, so I will think of an excuse for Cirdacil - who has already been quite disturbed by the royal visit - to disrupt his timetable further still...I'll post this scene today. Another "extra" scene, I like it when C. develops spontaneously...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

*is curious* anything to do with the mysterious old man they met earlier?

Yes, actually.

I remain alive, by a thread. Life is eating me. However I still take pride in the fact that I wrote Therian's departure in a way that accounted for whatever ridiculousness came up. My goal is to be functionally active again after this weekend, at which point Therian shall be stumbling back with not a single idea what's happened without him, but he'll be extremely excited about what he's discovered about Life, the Universe, and Everything.

[Inziladun]

Right, Ang. V is ready for whoever's come calling.

[Nerwen]

So, Asta's had her fireworks now. I'd say the explosion follows the dinner-gong by no more than a few minutes.

(I'm assuming here that Coldan didn't leave through the back gate.)

And yes, I know this goes against the idea that we should wait for Cirdacil and V., but the way the conversation between Coldan and Aldarion went, I thought it was important that he have no chance to report back to the other two.

[Formendacil]

Okay, so I've spent the past week... waiting for the day I'd actually leave Boston and begin my close to a week-long drive back to Alberta for the summer.

It's a long story involving a broken-into van, a damaged ignition, and missing parts but 8 days later than planned I'm off tomorrow. If we have any luck, I'll have slept off my "van-leg" in Alberta just in time for toMorrow to dawn and have Amdír reappear "as though nothing ever happened."

In the meantime... I'll see you then.

[Pitchwife]

Whoopee!:D
So, Asta's had her fireworks now. I'd say the explosion follows the dinner-gong by no more than a few minutes.

(I'm assuming here that Coldan didn't leave through the back gate.)
No he didn't - which is to say, he hasn't yet.

And yes, I know this goes against the idea that we should wait for Cirdacil and V., but the way the conversation between Coldan and Aldarion went, I thought it was important that he have no chance to report back to the other two.
My thought exactly (as you probably guessed).


EDIT: Coldan has rejoined Harry and Asta in an, er, rather tempestuous way. Just to up the tension a bit more, he hasn't yet gotten round to telling them about Aldarion. He will, of course, but whether he'll manage to dissuade Asta from crashing the party is anyone's guess. (I think he'd at least try not to mention Gloredhel here and now, but, well...)
Oh, and if he can't stop Asta, I think you all know what he'll do.

[the phantom]

Ang- since the house is owned by your characters, would you mind setting the scene that Aldarion and Gloredhel have walked into after the dinner bell?

And feel free to write Aldarion's reaction to the big bad boom (I'm assuming we hear it inside). He would likely immediately recognize it as a calling card of Asta's powder prowess. In Gloredhel's company despite the seriousness of the situation I imagine it would strike him a bit funny, thinking of poor Harry being drug along by Asta to "rescue" him from a party. So, initial surprise at the sound followed by a grin would be likely. Gloredhel would be the type to laugh at such a thing anyway, so Aldarion would probably then laugh with her.

[Galadriel55]

Arrrrggh, I can't resist! :D I wanna play the servant that gets knocked out first! Probably his role will only last one or two posts, but it will be fun! I should be able to fill in the save in a couple of hours.


NAME: Belegon, usually addressed as “you! servant!” by the Lords and Ladies

AGE/GENDER/RACE/WHERE FROM: Late thirties/Male/Man of Gondor/Minas Tirith

APPEARANCE: Short dark hair, no beard. Grey eyes. Expressionless face.

BITS OF CHARACTER/HISTORY YOU FEEL MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN DEFINING THE CHARACTER: A character with no character (:p). Servant of Ecsichil’s house. Used to obeying orders, but cannot really think on his own. Dignified, and up to his neck in pride for his insignificant duty.



Edit: posted. It felt like writing what my computer thinks as I do work on it. :D Pitch, Nerwen, Dim - are we sticking to the idea that your characters knock out three servants to take their clothes? Your first one is here!

[Pitchwife]

Pitch, Nerwen, Dim - are we sticking to the idea that your characters knock out three servants to take their clothes? Your first one is here!
Well, since you've set him on us, we'll have to, won't we?:D Way to make Coldan's life harder!

[Galadriel55]

Well, since you've set him on us, we'll have to, won't we?:D Way to make Coldan's life harder!

I set him on you? I believe I just gave the steps that were approaching from the inside a character!

;) :D

[Pitchwife]

I set him on you? I believe I just gave the steps that were approaching from the inside a character!
Right, so you did, and quick thinking on the spot!
I hope I've made Beregon wooden enough for you (like you said, thinking doesn't seem to be his forte). Sorry about the headache.:p

[Galadriel55]

I hope I've made Beregon wooden enough for you (like you said, thinking doesn't seem to be his forte). Sorry about the headache.:p

That post was brilliant! :D I laughed so hard that its a wonder my head didn't fall off.

I think a couple hours of game-time later he'll get up with a very bad headache and no memmory whatsoever of what he's doing there. That should be fun as well.

[Anguirel]

I'm reading but not yet writing; I'll hope to have a post up tomorrow, probably one of those combined action long asterisk asterisk asterisk Sador/Cirdacil simultaneous jobbies. Sorry, this is the last weekend of my academic life...

[the phantom]

Galadriel- since you control the servant character, why don't you make him die from the blow to the head! That ought to make things quite interesting for the troop.

Kidding.

Or am I....

[Galadriel55]

Galadriel- since you control the servant character, why don't you make him die from the blow to the head! That ought to make things quite interesting for the troop.

Kidding.

Or am I....

A second attempt to murder my characters? ;)

As I said in Thiliel's case, as long as I'm not involved in writing the law debates that would follow, I'm ok with having my characters gruesomely murdered.

I can see Belegon saying this: "I felt something hit my head, and then I died. I did not live to tell the tale." :D

However, tp, your efforts are futile, since Coldan already confirmed that Belegon is just unconcious. But there's always a chance that he'll have a heart attack when he realizes that he's late for dinner...........

[Anguirel]

writing, honest

[Mnemosyne]

Any ETAs on the end of the Massive Party of Intrigue?

[Anguirel]

I'm sorry I didn't mean it to be a bore or take so long. Post some time today chronologically really

[Mnemosyne]

Ang, you haven't been a bore at all, at least on my end! The attenuated intrigues of toDay have been most helpful for me, actually, because I've been moving and getting settled in, and fortunately, there's not too much going on for my characters. It's this kind of initiative that I appreciate in games, because then the game's survival isn't dependent on one person.

Now that I have the time to return my attention to the game, I was just looking to see how much more time this was going to take--if it's going to take more time to get everything out in the air, then that's fine for now. All of this intrigue is adding more layers of depth to the game, and I look forward to discovering what all has actually happened (I've been only half-following what's been going on, both because of time constraints and because my characters know nothing of this).

[Pitchwife]

Any ETAs on the end of the Massive Party of Intrigue?
In Auden's words, "If I could tell you I would let you know". As far as Coldan and I are concerned, the ball is with Nerwen at the moment, but I'm afraid I've maybe complicated things a bit too much by deviating from the original jailbreak plan in the garden scene with Aldarion and then bringing Coldan back too soon and putting Asta in a tight spot.:o

To be clear, although Coldan is doing his darnedest arguing against it, I'd still love to write a cloak-and-daggery (read: crowbar-and-livery) party intrusion - but character-wise, I think Asta would have to sort of charge ahead somehow and thus force Coldan to go after her (yeah, I know - "let the women do all the heavy work"; sorry).

On the other hand, if our burglaring trio stands around quarrelling for a little longer, we could have more than another servant surprise them... just to toss that into the debate.

Anyway, I think we could actually wrap this plot thread up (or explode it and pick up the pieces) in a couple of days, except some of the people involved are also busy with the Arda Cup and WW - which is of course fine (no intention to play Urwen here), it just tends to slow things down, so I've no idea about an ETA.

EDIT:
Ang, you haven't been a bore at all, at least on my end!
I absolutely second this.

[Nerwen]

In Auden's words, "If I could tell you I would let you know". As far as Coldan and I are concerned, the ball is with Nerwen at the moment, but I'm afraid I've maybe complicated things a bit too much by deviating from the original jailbreak plan in the garden scene with Aldarion and then bringing Coldan back too soon and putting Asta in a tight spot.:o

To be clear, although Coldan is doing his darnedest arguing against it, I'd still love to write a cloak-and-daggery (read: crowbar-and-livery) party intrusion - but character-wise, I think Asta would have to sort of charge ahead somehow and thus force Coldan to go after her (yeah, I know - "let the women do all the heavy work"; sorry).

On the other hand, if our burglaring trio stands around quarrelling for a little longer, we could have more than another servant surprise them... just to toss that into the debate.

Anyway, I think we could actually wrap this plot thread up (or explode it and pick up the pieces) in a couple of days, except some of the people involved are also busy with the Arda Cup and WW - which is of course fine (no intention to play Urwen here), it just tends to slow things down, so I've no idea about an ETA.

Well, now that I'm out of the WW game due to being horribly murdered :mad:, I've got a little more time to spend on this.

So, it's up to you, now: either Coldan lets himself be persuaded to change clothes with the servant, or Asta will do it herself (which I suppose would fit in with Ang's endless Shakespearean references). Or, as you say, another servant might turn up to complicate things.

[Pitchwife]

Great - er, I mean, condolences on your gruesome death!
I love the idea of Asta doing a Cesario/Ganymede, and besides Coldan will look more convincing as a 'caught' burglar, won't he? Unfortunately I'm busy today & tomorrow, but I should have time to write on Sunday.

Or, as you say, another servant might turn up to complicate things.
Nah, repetitions are boring. What I had in mind (and apparently didn't phrase very clearly) was the idea that some loftier personage about to arrive at Ecsichil's pretty soon might happen on us - but I'm not sure that would be a good idea, more like instant catastrophe.

[Galadriel55]

Mnemo, I'm sorry I stil lhaven't replied. I'm going away for the weekend, so I'll do that on Monday.

(Blame the same WW game for not doing it earlier.)

[Thinlómien]

Just popping in to say I'm still alive, but meh, this game was supposed to be a short little writing adventure for me and now it's prolonged (which I think serves the game itself better so I have no complaints) and I find it difficult to have the time and energy to keep up... But I'm trying, maybe I'll even post again at some point. ;)

[Pitchwife]

SAVE filled. They're inside.
Dim, if you're around - I feel it makes sense to leave Harry behind at this point (and I hope we've handled him OK), but it's of course up to you to let him have a last minute change of mind if you'd like to.

meh, this game was supposed to be a short little writing adventure for me and now it's prolonged (which I think serves the game itself better so I have no complaints)
Yes, we've come a long way from the "short, intense game" this was supposed to be, and I feel in part responsible for this deviation from the original plan (I just love plot complications too much!) - but I also think it's more interesting this way. Still, once this Day is done (and we've hopefully avoided half the troupe being convicted for various crimes:rolleyes:) we'll probably do well to cut down on intrigues & shenanigans a bit and concentrate on preparing the play. After all, we want to finish this sometime before the next RPG reform, don't we?

[Anguirel]

I'm taking down my SAVE as its honouring today at least will be tricky

[Galadriel55]

I'm going away for 2 weeks this Sunday. If Thiliel doesn't report back to Rollan by then, I think someone will have to write for her. Or she could forget to do that (that would make next morning in-game more interesting...)

[Nerwen]

I'm without internet access except via cafe until the end of the week. Just letting you know.

[Mithalwen]

Master Anguirel.... must I seek my gauntlet? :mad::p

[Anguirel]

am not really an Oxfordian outside the educational/geographical sense but I like to think the Prof was...

[Mithalwen]

Hmmph as the Prof was near enough a Warwickshire Lad himself, he might have had some county loyalty even though not exactly a fan... :cool:

[the phantom]

All right Ang- I wrote one from Gloredhel's perspective to get things started. I'm assuming that there will be a few exchanges written in your play for Gloredhel and Aldarion to start off with? If so feel free to PM the first bit of "script" to me so that I can write a bit of Aldarion's outlook as the reading gets rolling.

[Anguirel]

um yeah I'll bowdlerise some more Shak - er Oxford, and send it to you, I just felt there was some important reacting to do first!

[the phantom]

Thanks, Ang!

Heh heh- and I see my last post was edited by the filter. I didn't realize that word wasn't allowed, but I'm certain you can tell what it is.

[Anguirel]

great phantom. I will write a post about Cirdacil tonight, and after that let's make our next Ald/Glor/Sador posts skip the rest of this run-through for drama and speed, and address the real performance to the assembled guests

[the phantom]

Don't let them skip over it entirely just yet, or at the least allow for Aldarion to make comments directly afterwards. He's going to like it generally but he will have a bit of a problem with something in particular that he will feel the need to comment on.

[Anguirel]

OK well I'll do Cirdacil as planned and then leave the next bit in your hands. As Sador doesn't perform till later in the script I sent you that all works pretty well actually

[the phantom]

Anguirel- I've decided that Aldarion would only make his comments about the reading at the end, but I'm not certain which individual he will address his concerns to. It depends upon how things are at the end, and I have no idea what Sador has planned for the end of the reading, so I think I'd like to have you set up the way in which we finish and then I'll decide how to get Aldarion's thoughts out there. (i.e. Does Sador ask for comments? Leave the room? Whatever...)

[Pitchwife]

Just popping in to apologize for my appalling lack of posting recently - between celebrating my Mom's 80th birthday last week (which involved a load of preparations) and getting ready for Finlandmoot, I just haven't been able to get my mind into writing mode. Once I'm back (which will be from the 12th onwards), I'll try to breathe some life into things on the burglars' side (and in the meantime, maybe Nerwen hasn't entirely abandoned the stage in favour of a movie career [read: WW];)).

Question for Ang to chew on while I'm away: would there be a dramatically ideal moment in Sador's play for us to interrupt it?

[Galadriel55]

So what's the plan? Let the party rock? :p I'll make sure to wake Belegon up in time to at least see the grande finale...

And - surprisingly - I still remember what I had in mind for Thiliel...

[Nerwen]

Just popping in to apologize for my appalling lack of posting recently - between celebrating my Mom's 80th birthday last week (which involved a load of preparations) and getting ready for Finlandmoot, I just haven't been able to get my mind into writing mode. Once I'm back (which will be from the 12th onwards), I'll try to breathe some life into things on the burglars' side (and in the meantime, maybe Nerwen hasn't entirely abandoned the stage in favour of a movie career [read: WW];)).

Question for Ang to chew on while I'm away: would there be a dramatically ideal moment in Sador's play for us to interrupt it?
I've just had too much on my plate as well– and this seems to go for everyone else, too.

Also we need the play to progress a bit further before we interrupt. Though, I could probably start start writing about what the burglars are doing in the meantime...

[Anguirel]

I sent a script to the mighty Aldarion. Basically there are two scenes and the second should be at least partly done ere the interruption...that's why I kind of wanted to 'skim' over the rest of the reading and 'cut' to performing it in front of the guests artificially quickly...as a result, maybe the phantom can delay Aldarion's emotional reaction to when we're writing the 'live' performance?

I'm sorry to have been hopeless - especially to Inziladun whom I left dangling very cruelly - I'm currently abroad which is not necessarily bad news for writing p&q, and aim to get back in the game in all senses

[Inziladun]

No drama, Ang. Whenever you're ready is good.

[Anguirel]

Really really quick one to advance the sailor-boy's tale!

[Inziladun]

All right, Ang. Cirdacil's going to love this. ;)

[the phantom]

as a result, maybe the phantom can delay Aldarion's emotional reaction to when we're writing the 'live' performance?
That's fine- if Sador already had it planned to perform the thing obviously there'd be no chance to change anything and Aldarion would recognize the pointlessness of voicing any complaints until after all is said and done (all it would do is encourage the actors to pull away from the performance), so yes, he'd continue with his fine dedication as indicated in my last post. (Though it's possible that Gloredhel would know that Aldarion found a couple things odd about the script, either due to subtle expressions or just from knowing his deep-seated likes and dislikes.)

But where are we performing precisely? Layout? Audience? Since the guests are yours, did you wish to determine reactions and such? Aldarion didn't plan any of this and is in unfamiliar territory, so I don't feel I can advance any of the action at this point, but I'll certainly react to what you put forth.

[Galadriel55]

Mnemo, tell me if you want me to change anything for Brinn.

[Mnemosyne]

Thanks for forcing me back into action, Galadriel55. In general, Brinn's going to be a bit gentler and probably painfully maternal. I'll PM you with some dialog, so that you can work in Thiliel's reactions to it.

[Formendacil]

Just posting to say that I'm alive, but after this gasp of air I'm diving again. I'm back in Boston after the summer, but with moving and such I won't have reliable internet until next week. At that point I *hope* to get back into RPing... but we'll see what happens. School also starts then...

[Galadriel55]

A revised version of my post is up.

[Mnemosyne]

All right, I had a rough semester, but now that things have finally cooled down I have the time to dedicate to getting this project back on the road (if anyone/everyone else is on board).

Anguirel PMed me letting me know he was withdrawing from the game, but he kindly left some notes regarding the plot of the rest of the day and I'll be forwarding them to the phantom.

After that (if we can get enough other people to sign on) I'd like to see if we can set a week of real-life time to roleplay one day... since the plot of the whole thing takes a week and we're already a few days in, this means we could draw this to an effective conclusion within a month.

Before we start up fully again, though, I'd like some input from everyone else, to see how effective we can make this, thanks!

~Mnemosyne

[Galadriel55]

I am most certainly definitely surely positively undeniably absolutely in. :D

I'm not sure I will be able to dedicate a whole week right now, only snatches. But in a couple weeks I should have more time. Though I am able to post at least once in 2 days for sure even now... so whatever works best. :)

I am quite hazy with which character is where and what were they doing there, but I think I'll get back on track once I reread a bit and start writing. Judging by my last posts on this thread, it's still the insane evening. Are we finishing that first, or moving right on to another Day, covering the rest in flashback?

Ang, whatever keeps you away from this game, good luck with it, and I'll miss your court intrigue posts...

[Inziladun]

Did Vëandur's last words move Cirdacil to a heart attack? :eek:

I'm very sorry to see Ang bow out too, for it's due to him I've got any notable part in this.

If there's any suggestions on what I could do now, let me know. I've had a lot of fun thus far.

[Pitchwife]

I'd definitely love to revive this, it's too good a story and was too much fun to write to leave it perpetually enshrined in its present undead state. So yeah, of course I'm in.

A week to a Day sounds like a manageable ratio. My personal problem at the moment is that I'm currently trying to start a Werewolf game, and once it takes off, I'll be busy counting tallies and writing narrations and such; on the other hand, signup has been rather sluggish and I'm still a player or two short, so I have no idea when it's going to start (if ever). I'm on some annual leave until the 23rd, and I think I can squeeze the odd RPG post out of myself between Modding until then, but after that not so likely. What this all boils down to is that it's at the moment difficult to foresee how much time I'll be able to dedicate to KP Reloaded in the next couple of weeks.

I am quite hazy with which character is where and what were they doing there, but I think I'll get back on track once I reread a bit and start writing. Judging by my last posts on this thread, it's still the insane evening. Are we finishing that first, or moving right on to another Day, covering the rest in flashback?
Yes, I think it's still the insane evening:), and as for my part, Coldan and Asta were just sneaking into the manor where they would meet Aldarion, Gloredhel, Sador and probably Cirdacil and Vëandur too, and everything would go POOF in one way or the other. Harrenon would probably be on his way back to the inn, where Brinn was having a motherly talk with Thiliel, and what the rest of the gang was up to is everybody's guess.

Much as I have to admit that the insane evening™ has already consumed an insane amount of time and words, I'd be loath to have it glossed over in a flashback. There's been a long buildup to this point more or less from Sador's first appearance, and giving it short shrift like that may be good for speeding up the game but would IMO mutilate the story. That's not to say we couldn't fast forward a bit - say, to the performance of Sador's play, which IIRC was to be the climactic point where everybody would confront each other.

I think one of the problems with the IE was that it left the rest of the p/Players hanging in the air with not a lot to do. Maybe this could be amended by, say, Harry turning up at the inn with news of Asta's and Coldan's secret enterprise, or maybe even better something unrelated happening like e.g. the return of Branor and/or Therian?

Anyway, pity Ang can't be with us anymore; the eloquence and quaint irony of his writing was one of the highlights of this game for me. I'm sure tp can handle the plot, it just won't feel the same. But whatever, Ang, good luck and best wishes; I hope we'll meet again!

[Boromir88]

If I can get a sparknotes version of where the troupe is at in regards to the performance/production Bran can weed his way back in.

I forget whether I told you Mnemo, if Bran fell deathly sick or if he was going to fix the bridge with Therian? I don't think Fea will be able to come back for Therian, but I'll ask her anyway.

[Nerwen]

Hey, I'd love to get this going again. :)

[Formendacil]

I would definitely like to see this RPG properly finish, but I have to admit that I have a *lot* of not-writing inertia to overcome. I've been out a bit longer than some, because it didn't make storytelling sense for Amdír to show up during the very dragged out evening. Couple this with the deaths in my family, and I've been out of it a very long time.

That caveat stated, I would definitely like to see this return, and I think I would probably be able to commit to it--assuming it doesn't run another year. If we wrap up April or May, I should be okay. With the wedding in June, it gets dicey thereafter...

[Boromir88]

Fea will be unable to continue with Therian, but I knew the general plan she had for the character and can use that to weave Bran back into the story, as to why he had disappeared for a time.

[Mnemosyne]

Okay, folks, here's an edited version of Ang's plottishness, so we can see if we can hammer out how to handle our resident antagonists. These characters are now up for grabs by whoever wants to play them.

Sador (real name Beren) is in love with Gloredhel and wants to show Aldarion up by making him too convincing in the part of Maeglin (a delusional plan worthy of a semi-mad playwright)

Sador, with his sister's help, is the Middle-Earth equivalent of Shakespeare, though not yet so successful

Aldarion was to be lured back to the Swan Players after Cirdacil was replaced as Master of the Revels by Gloredhel's father, leaving Gloredhel's brother in charge of the Swans, and giving Aldarion his old role back

Sador, finally, wanted to be the Swans' playwright too

Cirdacil - repentant after meeting his long lost great nephew - may be inclined to undo much of this plan.

I've also got a lot of lazy writer's inertia, so feel free to hold me accountable (aka harass me) for keeping this running.

[Galadriel55]

So are we doing this? I'm good with starting any time, but the main event of the evening doesn't involve my charcter.

If I can get a sparknotes version of where the troupe is at in regards to the performance/production Bran can weed his way back in.

Aldarion is at Sador&co's party. Asta and Coldan have gone to "rescue" him out of there. Harry is returning from Cirdacil's house. Brinn and Ronan are getting over their row - Ronan in the common room and Brinn in the wagon, talking to Thiliel. Everything has been shaken by the news that the plot is all wrong, and no new plan was made yet. No production is anywhere in sight. :)


Does anyone remember how many days we have until Comrare? (Judging by the progress, though, the Players would have to improvise :D)

[the phantom]

Ooo, there are posts on here since the last time I checked! A bunch of them! :D

Mnemo- just PM me when you're ready. I have an idea of which way Aldarion's going with Sador and the play-reading, but I want to be certain I don't skip a plot point that Ang has passed along to you.

[Mänwe]

And fortunately the premise of a moderator is such that unintroducing a character such as yourself is equally easy...

[Inziladun]

And fortunately the premise of a moderator is such that unintroducing a character such as yourself is equally easy...

"It" deserves Angband for raising my hope of a revival of this RPG. :(

[piosenniel]

Spammer banned....

Any hopes that this RPG will be brought to a conclusion??

[piosenniel]

~*~ Moving this thread to Elvenhome ~*~

Today is 5/29/2015 - last post to this thread was 11-09-2012.