The Hills of Evendim Planning/Discussion Thread

[Lumiel]

Just want to clarify something in case it's taken the wrong way: Lumiel is not copying Eswen. Lumiel has no hidden personality inside her. She's only acting like some crazy, psycho-killer elf to make the brigands afraid and shift their attention from Lira to her. She saw it work with Eswen, and realizes that almost certainly the men there know of the Dark Queen.

And also, in my post I mention that Eswen is a "dark force". I am not saying that she has become the Dark Queen (although maybe she has, that's up to Eswen :) ), but rather that even without being a Dark Queen, she's a scary lady in battle!

Just wanted to clear that up! :p

[piosenniel]

A number of Gamers have had problems with their PM’s filling up. Here is the reason:

For everyone’s information about PM’s

The new PM system has 3 folders in it:

Inbox
Save A Copy (Sent Messages are saved in this folder)
Request Read Receipt (Tracks Your Messages and Replies)

You are only allowed a total of 10 messages in the 3 folders. (Not 10 in each folder, but 10 PM’s for all 3 folders)

So, you can have ‘0’ messages showing in your Inbox, but have ‘5’ in your Sent Messages and ‘5’ in your Tracked Messages.

One of the big problems with PM’s filling up is that when you send a PM or reply to one, you need to look at those little OPTIONS below the box where you are writing the message.

You need to uncheck the last 2 OPTIONS – unless you absolutely want to use them. If you don’t uncheck them, then when you press SEND, a copy of the PM will be put in the SENT folder and another will be put in the TRACK MESSAGE folder. That’s how the PM total adds up, even though you think you are only dealing with one message.

It’s like rabbits – they multiply like crazy! :D

[Imladris]

I hate to be a pain, but I think there is some confusion here (I must not have been clear enough in my post)

First, Gorby's pony is shot and killed.

After that, Anson pulled Gorby behind him onto his pony.

Then Lira decideds to lead them to safety back towards Fornost. During this time, she is on Merkaliel and the two hobbits are on Anson's pony. As they are fleeing, she is watching their backs, killing as she goes of course....

Then Merkaliel is shot (I think the horse could possibly survive), Anson's pony is spooked, and Anson is winded near Lira. Gorby has disappeared. They were almost outside the circle when they fell...how far away that would be from Fornost I have no idea.

I'd assume that as the attack went on, the circle would grow smaller as the assailants converged upon the good guys, am I right? So Lira trying to get the hobbits to safety isn't so unreal is it even if they don't get to Fornost, right? There are plenty of places that the hobbits could lay low (the copse of trees, maybe a boulder, and whatnot). Or am I misunderstanding Falco's statement, LMP?

Again, my apologies.

Cheers!
Istawen

[littlemanpoet]

My sorry, Istawen. Remember, Falco thinks he knows everything, and he's sure of that, too. :D I'll fix my post to show that Lira and the hobbits are on their mounts yet. I'll figure something out for the rest of it.

Do remember, though, that the narration had it that the party was an hour outside of Fornost when the attack occurrred. So Lira and friends may need to hide. And by the way, Lira's idea to draw off some of the force and so divide and conquer is just as valid as Falco's idea of keeping everybody together. It's just a matter of who is expecting to win. Falco sees the good guys at a severe disadvantage and so thinks defensively, and doesn't want to be divided.

But by dividing the enemy into 2 groups, the good guys may have a better chance to wrap things up quickly. Not without taking a little damage, of course.

And where's Menel?

[Imladris]

*knocks head on walls* I'm sorry about the character thing with Falco, LMP! *blush* Thank you for editing...it's too bad that we couldn't use the ten men following them idea.... :(

Again, apologies!

[littlemanpoet]

Apology accepted and totally unnecessary, Imladris. :D

The ten horsmen are still coming. It's toward the end of my last post. They're not right on your tails, but they're coming all the same. And without Falco's help, this time. :eek:

[Nurumaiel]

I finished my post yesterday and had the opportunity to put it up today. Anson is unharmed, and he and Lira have found Gorby, who is also unharmed. They're now searching for somewhere to hide.

Imladris? Would you like to take it from here?

[Imladris]

Ah, very nice post, Nurumaiel! I shall have a post up tonight....hopefully, when I am not rushed and distractions do not cloud the inspiration....

Cheers!
Istawen

Edit: I did a little something with Lira and Co. If you don't like it, Nurumaiel, just tell me and I'll figure something else out or we can do a little conniving on our own.

[littlemanpoet]

Now I'm confused. I thought I was supposed to correct my post to show Lira and Anson and Gorby on horse, and now they're running on foot in Anson's and Lira's posts. Help!:(

[Imladris]

You did correct your post, LMP. Well, I think you corrected it since it's different than before. What you had said before you corrected that Lira and the hobbits were on foot all the way. What had really happened was that they had been on horse until Merkaliel had gotten shot, then Anson's horse spooked and ran off.

So now that all their horses are dead by the cruel hand of fate, they are hiding in some trees now...

[littlemanpoet]

Ooookay. Got it.

*sniff* :( You mean Merkelial has bought it? How sad! :(

[Esgallhugwen]

Yes, Esgallhugwen the Great Dark Queen has been injured, and to think some of you had your doubts. But notice how the Dark Queen has not truly shown herself yet to the horsemen, anyway she will survive and grudges the thought of retreating since it is not like her to do, but she'll do what's best for the company.

So where has dear old Corn got to havn't heard from him, hope he hasn't bitten the dust as well, that would be a pity, I must admit I was a little crushed to hear that Gorby's pony and dear Merkaliel have gone from Middle-Earth and will never return:(

Well that's the way the bal bounces. ta ta for now.

[Imladris]

Yeah, about Merkaliel...it just sort of happened -- I certainly never planned it that way. Once Lira fully realizes it, she'll be devestated. :(

Nurumaiel , I have Gorby and Anson up in a tree together...I don't know, do you have any ideas for them? Lira brought them into a copse (which was probably a stupid thing to do), and now they have nine men hunting them on the ground. I thought that I'd let you get a post in or something before I wrote a post with Gorby.

[Nurumaiel]

Imladris, the post is done. The three of them have had a brief moment to contemplate the loss of their steeds, and Anson is feeling the loss of his keenly though the pony did not meet as terrible a fate as the other two. Still, he regrets that his pony is gone, whether it was killed or ran away.

Count on Anson's full kindness and comforting towards Lira when this is all over. His soft heart with be able to understand her sorrow at the death of Merkaliel as well as may be expected.

[Meneltarmacil]

I have a few suggestions. Would you mind if I run them by you?

OK, I'll say 'em anyway.

I'm wondering who this "Master" is, and why he's doing the leeching. He seems to be some kind of dark sorcerer, and I can only come up with two possibilities (if you want to really make things interesting)

-One of the Blue Wizards (likely, since these men come from the same area they went to)

-The Mouth of Sauron (nowhere does it actually say he died, and things could get really creepy this way)

Just some interesting ideas from the top of my head. Feel free to accept or reject them as you like, but I want to know more instead of being stuck with a huge mystery.

[littlemanpoet]

Good guesses, Menel. :) Elora and I have the Master's identity worked out in advance, and it has been kept hidden, and we are dropping clues to the rest of you to slowly piece things together. Have fun with it.

[littlemanpoet]

What a blast! You guys kick! All right, I've reconstructed the melee based on all our posts, and found it necessary to have the leader hold 20 extra horsemen in reserve. I'll break this down into four "pictures".

Picture 1: initial layout (I've taken a few liberties for organizational purposes):

Thoronmir is in front. On his right flank is Falowik, who leads tethered a half dozen horses. Uien rides behind Thoronmir and next to Falowik. Lumiel rides just behind Falowik's horses. On Thoronmir's left flank is Finéwen. Eswen is just behind Finéwen, with Lira taking up the rear. The three hobbit ponies are surrounded by Uien in front, Lumiel on their right, Eswen on their left, and Lira in back.

They are faced with three hills, one in front (west), one on the right (north), and one on the left (south). The enemy are in companies of 10. We'll call them Companies A, B, C, D, E, & F, with G & H held in reserve. On the hill in front of them are 21 horsemen: the leader, and companies C & D; to their right are 20 horsemen, companies A & B; to their left are 20 horsemen, companies E & F. The leader holds a reserve of another 20 behind the hill, companies G & H.

Picture 2: first phase of the brigands' attack

Uien, Anson, Gorby, Falco and their mounts, and the six horses, are surrounded by the others. Company A charges Lira and Lumiel. Company B charages Lumiel and Falowik. Company C charges Falowik and Thoronmir. Company D charges Thoronmir and Finéwen. Company E holds back. Company F charges Eswen. The elves shoot arrows and take out 3 horsemen each from Companies A & B. Lumiel and Lira each kill 2 of Company A by the sword. Falowik kills 1 of Company B. Eswen kills 2 more of Company F. Thoronmir kills 3 of Company C. Finéwen kills 2 of Company D. Falco spends his energy making sure of all those wounded, so he gets no kills per se.

Then Lira takes herself away from the fighting to check on Gorby and Anson. Meanwhile, Lumiel kills 2 more of Company B. Falowik kills another of Company B.

Company A: gone
Company B: 8
Company C: 7
Company D: 8
Company E: 10
Company F: 5
Company G: 10
Company H: 10

Picture 3: Lira and hobbits head for the copse

The copse is up a fourth hill which the party passed on their right. It is the hill to the east, the one way that they have free, especially because most of the damage has been done to the enemy against the companies that were closest to the rear of the party.

Their numbers severely depleted toward the rear of the party, Companies B & C shift toward the rear.

Lira, Gorby, and Anson run for the copse. While Lira is doing this, she kills 2 more of Company B. Lumiel kills 2 more of Company B. Falowik kills 1 more of Company C. Thoronmir kills 3 of Company C. Finéwen kills 2 more of Company D. Eswen takes out 2 more of Company F.

Company E starts by shifting around to where it looks like most reinforcements are needed, which is by Lumiel and Lira, but on their way around they see Lira and the hobbits running for the far hill, and all ten give chase - but they've taken the long way around and do not catch up until the three have made it into the copse.

Company B: 4
Company C: 3
Company D: 6
Company E: 10
Company F: 3
Company G: 10
Company H: 10

Picture 4: The main group move toward the copse to rejoin Lira and the hobbits.

Lira kills 3 of Company E with bow and arrow. Thoronmir kills 3 more of Company D. Falowik kills 1 more of Company C. Lumiel kills 2 of Company B. Eswen finishes off Company F & B with bow and arrow. Finéwen kills 2 more of Company D.

Company B: gone
Company C: 2
Company D: 3
Company E: 7
Company F: 1
Company G: 10
Company H: 10

At this point the leader releases his two companies held in reserve (he waited way too long). Thoronmir calls for a retreat to the copse. Thoronmir is joined by Lumiel and Eswen, and Finéwen follows close behind. Falowik picks up Uien and follows the others. Falco is forgotten about, left among the horses and ponies; it is dark and he decides to stay hidden in the dark among the horses.

While they gallop up the hill, various of the party dispatch what is left of Companies C & D & F, and even manage to take out 3 of Company G. Thoronmir blasts through Company E, taking out one more of them, and everybody but Falco is within the protection of the trees, although Thoronmir's horse falls on him.

Company E: 6
Company G: 7
Company H: 10
Leader: 1

Enemy killed: 57. Left standing: 24. The party still numbers 10, and 3 of them are wounded. The remaining 7 have taken not even a scratch.

Here's the upshot. We're tougher (and luckier) than we think. ;)Now that we're among the trees, it will be even harder for the enemy to take us out; and Elven night vision will make the enemy easy pickings with bow and arrow. Yes, they have us surrounded (except for Falco), but the only way they can extricate us is to burn the copse down. They haven't thought of that yet, but it may not take long.

So, here's what I need from you guys: each of you please edit your most recent posts to take into account the fact that the force arrayed against us has been almost completely depleted, and they are likely to be severely demoralized.

[Esgallhugwen]

Hope i did ok on that last post of mine if not I'd be more then happy to fix it up for you.;) I'm not sure if i captured the situation correctly or not.:p

I'm quite the nasty Elf aren't I? I mean I just impaled someone in the throat with a spear on purpose!!:eek:

[Imladris]

I'm having a thought here....

How much food do they have left? How much of it was lost in the melee? They could probably starve to death as well in the copse unless they got out quickly...which I'm not sure how they will get out at this point.

But it would definitely be a consideration and a worry, I'd think...especially for the hobbitses...;)

I cannot believe that Lira forgot Falco...bad Lira!

[Lumiel]

Okay...I know that we're all supposed to be somewhat weary and fearful and despairing and the like, and that I had Lumiel kind of not doing that. Just want to explain:

Lumiel does fear what will happen and has a moment of doubt and despair. But she's the type of person who when things get tough, she gets tougher. She always has hope and will do whatever it takes to save those she cares about, no matter the cost to her. So...right now she's ready to lay down her life for those inside the copse.

Here's to hoping for back up. ;)

And here's an idea too: Maybe one (or more?) of the group could be captured. Might make things interesting...just a thought. :D

[littlemanpoet]

Hmmm.... seems I misunderstood. I thought we were all in the copse. But according to discussions and posts, it appears that Lira, Gorby and Anson, as well as Thoronmir and Lumiel, are in the copse, and the rest of us are not. That puts the brigands between us.

That means that down the hill and coming at the brigands are: Falowik & Uien, Eswen, Finéwen, and Falco at his own pace. Do I have that right?

[Esgallhugwen]

What?:eek: I thought I was already in the copse, unless i've made myself unclear but oh well no biggy:D If it woul dwork better for me to be outside the copse I'm all for it;)

[littlemanpoet]

Everybody be where you want your character to be, please just make it clear both here and in your posts which it is, and make them agree with each other. Okay? Thanks! :)

[Alatariel Telemnar]

I'm back! yes, I'm alive- er.. dead! sorry, been really busy... *nod nod* er... so, we are under attack? and battling our enemy, I believe, neh? okay... er... bit lost... but will just do whatever, and if somethings wrong, please do stop me! :) Thank'ee all so much for dragging Finëwen along! :D *hands everyone an acorn* ;)

[littlemanpoet]

Arg! I got hit with a virus. I'm almost done with the fix phase. I would have posted yesterday but my browser got eaten.

Just to update, I'm taking Lumiel at her choice to be down the hill from the brigands who have the copse surrounded, leaving Thoronmir, Lira, Anson and Gorby surrounded and alone.

Everybody else except for Falco is halfway up the hill, in bow range, putting their best face on a seemingly bad situation.

Let's keep it going, friends. :)

[Imladris]

Well, I thought the game was kind of lagging, so I mustered up something of a post. Esgallhugwen , let me know if I did anything wrong with your Eswen. :)

Thanks and cheers to all!
Istawen

[Lumiel]

Boo-yah! Lumiel's got a half-baked idea! :D

I edited my earlier post to reflect the fact that she isn't in the copse, and added a new post with a (hopefully) good plan for rescue. If I messed up with Falowik and Finewen, just tell me and I'll edit. Here's to hoping I don't get trampled by a horse....

[littlemanpoet]

Lumiel, did you know that we were close to Lake Evendim before Falco happened upon it? If not, please edit your post so that it has no reference to Evendim. Heck, I didn't know we were that close until I went to a map to see what Falco was going to stumble on!

I'm hoping we can get this melee wrapped up pretty soon, because I'm eager for the next stage. A couple surprises await. :D

[Lumiel]

Sorry about that. Saw a reference in an earlier post, so added it not realizing the error. Will fix.

[Imladris]

I did not take the liberty of ending the fight. The stillness that Gorby hears could be the eye of the storm for all I know just in case the fight is continued...

[Alatariel Telemnar]

I shall be away. I am going on a school trip to Washington D.C. The bus is leaving Sunday (tomorrow) morning and will get back Friday morning. Will try and find time to post then! and I shall come back bearing photos! hopefully... ;) :smokin:

[Imladris]

I hope my post is okay...what happens next?

Cheers!
Istawen

[Meneltarmacil]

I was just wondering, why do the other characters think I'm injured? I clearly stated that Thoronmir managed to get out from under his horse and back on his feet. I'll make that point clear in my next post.

[littlemanpoet]

Eswen, what are your intensions with the prisoner? Do you intend to write that? Do you want me to? Somebody else? What do you want to happen?

Sorry Menel. I thought you had maybe broken a leg or something. Glad to see you back again.

[Esgallhugwen]

Sorry, I could write up something i just didn't have any time this morning. I will though, unless you or anyone else wishes to contribute something that the prisoner might like to say to Eswen.

[littlemanpoet]

Eswen, go for it. I'll be interested to see what you come up with.

Menel, I like the plot development. Nice writing! Just one minor correction and it will fit the backstory we created in the first place: have the army come from the north.

[Meneltarmacil]

Post edited, new post made.

I don't remember seeing any indications in your posts of when the settlement was built, so I was somewhat surprised when Falco made the statement about the new wood. Is the age of the settlement really significant to the plot or something?

A large organized army from the north of Eriador...
Either Forodwaith, the hillmen of Arnor, or remnants of Angmar... I'd guess remnants of Angmar, but I've come up with another theory. Checking my Atlas of Middle Earth, I found that during the First Age, the ruins of Morgoth's citadel of Utumno lie almost in a direct line north-south with Lake Evendim. I know it's been a l-o-o-o-o-ng time, but is it possible???

[littlemanpoet]

Sorry to surprise you. I could have warned you. No, the age of the wood is not really signficant to the plot, but Falco's argumentativeness is. It was handy. Please don't interpret Falco's rough words as mine. It's all in the spirit of rpg fun. Conflict makes stories happen.

Just so you know how this whole thing with "from the north" worked out, your guesses are generally right on, except for the minor point of this having come from the north. You see, the Master, whose name shall not yet be revealed, took a very circuitous route to escape from the south and arrive in unprotected north lands. We're talking very far east, then north, then back west, passing the Iron Hills, the northern mountains, and so forth, arriving in the Hills of Evendim from the north. The Master doesn't have orcs, since they are currently at greatly reduced numbers and in hiding, but he does have men from wherever he could find the type who would serve him and do evil in his name. That does include men from Harad, as well as Easterlings, and bad types from the north, such as Boris from Bree. Hillmen from Arnor too.

Morgoth's citadel is an interesting notion, but who knows where it is? My guess is that it's much farther north than the northernmost hills of evendim.

Anyway, I hope that clarifies things.

By the way, don't expect your words to shut Falco up. There isn't any doing that unless you gag him. :D

[Alatariel Telemnar]

I am back! indeed I am! I shall go read over what has happened while I'm gone, and hopefully, if I can scratch up something for ol' Finëwen to do and something worth posting about, I shall! :)

[littlemanpoet]

Pio has reminded me that we have gone far beyond our 16 week course of time for this rpg, and she would like to find out from us when we think this rpg will wrap up.

I have been very, very busy with other projects and have not given Evendim the focus that I could have, for which I'm sorry. It has also been difficult with Elora gone.

That said, I'd like to hear from the rest of you how you feel about where things seem to be. My most recent post is designed to get things moving toward the end, as you may have noticed. Do you think we can wrap this up in another 3 weeks? 4 weeks? 5? More? What do you think?

[Imladris]

Three weeks should be good, I'd say. :) Four at the most.

Cheers,
Imladris

[piosenniel]

Originally posted by Elora:

Here's the plot outline, which I thought might be helpful. This outline is a guide which we'll use to move our story along and keep on track.

1.) Meetings

Characters arrive at Prancing Pony and word of the search party to be formed reaches those at the inn courtesy of Falowik and the Master of Buckland's Second, Doderic Brandybuck.

A party is formed of the disparite races, and the beginnings of both friendship and conflict begin. Not everyone will get along amicably. Each joins the party for their own reasons. Meneltarmacil is chosen as leader, and in that some differences emerge.



2.) Journey into the Wilds The party sets out, provisioned, to search the surrounding lands, heading west and north towards the Hills.

The party follows the Brandywine River, observing the ban on travel through the Shire, uncovering a disturbing lack of trail and signs. Doubt as to whether Falowik really saw what he did begins.

Whilst in the open land of the downs, the party undergoes it's first night attack. In the dark, chaos and confusion reign supreme. Doubt arises as to whether the source of aggression comes from within the group or from the mysterious men that were said by Falowik to have attacked Eodwine.

Falco suspects Falowik and his "cohorts" are responsible for the night attack but says nothing for the moment as he lacks proof. He resolves to watch even closer.



3.) Foul deeds will out
They reach Deadman's Dike and discover old signs of camp amid the ruins of Fornost. Disturbing evidence comes to light of those that made use of those ruins. (the remains of missing scouts, Rangers and messengers but not Eodwine)

The extent of danger is realised too late for the party to withdraw and summon more assistance. It is now ominously evident that they are dealing with something far more sinister than rougish bandits, although what precisely is still unknown to them all.


4.) Wandering the Ruins of Men

The party strikes west now, making for the Emyn Uial (Evendim Hills). They begin to discover the true extent of the menace in the north, but still do not know if Eodwine is alive or dead.

A schism splits the party. One group thinks it would be wiser to return to Bree now whilst they still can and muster a force. The other refuses to leave Eodwine out there, the memory of the discovery at Fornost too vivid in their minds. The party decides to push on.

The enemy has detected the party's presence at Fornost (Deadman's Dike) and now hunts them in a concerted, organised method.

Those who press on, push towards Annuminas and Lake Nenuial. There they find the central settlement camp of the mysterous villian. The Emyn Uial are infested with a warren of murderous fiends. It is worse than even their darkest fears. The group is beset and the schism worsens under the pressure.


5.) Valour in Desolate Places
A few believe that Eodwine must be located, somewhere in the ruins of Annuminas, despite the peril. They locate him with much difficulty, given the terrain and the danger, and unaware of whether he is dead or alive, resolve to bring him out and make a hard strike against the brigands and evil Men that are responsible for so much violence in the north.

They launch a raid, a small number against many, alone in the wilderness. Their aim is to retrieve Eodwine and incur lasting damage to the villians however they may. Not everyone in the group agrees, some have grave misgivings such that they ponder about turning back even then to seek more help. This goes far beyond the Master of Buckland's writ.

The raid very nearly ends disasterously. The party is split, some managing to escape and others forced to take temporary shelter in the Evendim Hills around Annuminas. The enemy hunts them with a vengeance. They flee back, through the hostile lands with either an alive and very injured Eodwine or his body, in a desperate flight, attempting to meet each other again. The only thing likely is that they will each meet their deaths.


6.) The Longest Road is that taken home
Not all may emerge, depending on skirmishes and encounters with an enemy now intent on not letting word of their presence and numbers reach the Thain.

Those that do survive flee to Bree in desperate flight. The Master of Buckland, aware of strife roused, is ready to receive their report.

Once in Bree, their part of the venture is over. Injured, weary and heart sore after so much evil, The Master of Buckland stands them down with thanks. With his allies, he can move against the threat within the Evendim Hills.


__________________________________________________ _______________

Where are you in the game at this point?

~*~ Pio

[littlemanpoet]

We're moving from #4 to #5, and have deviated from the outline in three primary ways:

1. The enemy still doesn't know about us, we've been too thorough.

2. We have our own little army ready to use if we want them, though their health is in question.

3. Someone claims to have a secret, which needs to be discussed. I can make this individual a remorseful type who is quite willing to help, to move the plot toward it's soon to be finish.

I think we can have this wrapped up in 4 weeks, with a concerted effort from all involved, who are actually available.

LMP

[Imladris]

I have a question, LMP. From my understanding of your last post, some people will be staying behind in the base to help Uien. Is this correct? If so, will those people there also be attacked?

Thanks,
Imladris

[littlemanpoet]

Good question, Imladris. Since the Master and his forces don't know "we" exist, the settlement is probably safe. That's the way it looks to me, anyhow. So whoever goes on the next phase of our expedition, will be the only ones in immediate danger - and those against whom they march may be in more danger, the way this group fights. ;)

I hope that answers your question. If you have any more, please bring them up.

[littlemanpoet]

I hope I did Thoronmir justice, Menel. Let me know if I need to change anything.

This is what I'm thinking for the next step...

Nobody's going back to Bree just yet. Everybody except for a small picked group is staying at the settlement, either to guard it, or to get well.

Furman is taken to lead a picked group to go north, including Thoronmir, Falowik, Falco, Eswen, Lira, and Lumiel.

If your character is not on that short list, and you would like her or him to be, please let me know.

Is there anything you want to add to this that I haven't mentioned?

I'll do the next post in three days.

[Meneltarmacil]

Maybe add a few of the freed captives to the list of people who are going, at least Awyrgan and a few others that are in reasonably good health. The others can stay at the settlement under Uien's care.

I admit, littlemanpoet, you really have me stumped on who the Master is. My best guesses (Blue Wizards or the Mouth of Sauron) would appear to be wrong so far, but I don't see anybody else who possibly COULD be involved, unless it be Radagast the Brown in a very out-of-character moment. ;) Or is this the little-known darker side of Tom Bombadil? :D

[Alatariel Telemnar]

I would like to add Finëwen to that group, LMP, if you don't mind. Unless she has been given orders that I have not read yet or missed...

[littlemanpoet]

Menel, Awyrgan is in, and how about two more Rangers if you like - with names?

Alatariel, Finëwen is in as well.

And it looks like Lira, Gorby, and Anson are all staying at the settlement for certain, considering the recent post.

Okay. In 2 days I'll get us going unless someone else wants to do the honors before then. I think all of our personnel decisions have been made. I tend to gloss over supplies, not being too knowledgeable in such areas. If someone wants to cover that, I'd be most grateful.

[Imladris]

And it looks like Lira, Gorby, and Anson are all staying at the settlement for certain, considering the recent post.

No, Lira will go. She doesn't want to (who can blame her? She's in pain, she just discovered that at least one of her parents are dead, and her horse just died), but she'll go anyway out of duty. Gorby would have gone too, but I can't think of reasonable reason for him to go within his character. Ah well, what can I say. ;)

[Nurumaiel]

Gorby would have gone too, but I can't think of reasonable reason for him to go within his character.

Besides, of course, that Anson would throw aside all timidness if Gorby announced he was going to go and tie his friend to a tree until the group was a good distance away! ;) :D

But I do have a question, littlemanpoet... Will those who stay behind at the settlement be doing anything special, or, to put it bluntly, will the story go on without them? I don't want to do an Anson post where it would be most inappropriate. Thanks in advance! I'm going to run off now and torture my brain trying to solve the mystery of 'the Master.'

[littlemanpoet]

Okay, Lira goes. No problem! :)

It still makes sense that Gorby and Anson stay at the settlement with Uien and the others.

As to what they do while they're there, I really don't see why you can't be as creative as you like outside the linear story line. You could have them do a Merry and Pippin discover-the-pipeweed (or whatever) type of scenario. You could have them get attacked. You could have them see something in the water, whether a swan that is a long lost descendant of Luvien Tinuviel's swans (did she have any? I don't know), or a wet balrog. Well, okay, I'm getting carrried away in those last couple. Keep it true to the fourth age, but heck, have fun with it.

I know! You could play a form of "20 questions" with the prisoners (former captors), trying to find out what and/or who the Master is and what he's up to, and I'll speak for them, and mayyyyyybe we'll find out early enough to have someone go galloping after the original party with "special intelligence". Or not. Just an idea. Do what you like, but feel free to post and have fun with it.

[Lumiel]

GRRAAARRR!!! :mad: *shakes fist at life in general for keeping her away from beloved rpg* :confused:

So sorry folks...things were out of my hands and I was forced to be away without warning. Been caught up to things though.

As for Furman Hunter, Lumiel trusts him for a couple of reasons. 1) she's very naive and too trusting in general. 2) She does seem to get the feeling that he is being sincere about his abhorrence of what he did under the "Master". I hope nobody minds me having Lumiel guard him.

[littlemanpoet]

That was a great post, Lumiel! You may of course be Fruman's captor. Make the most of it!

I just noticed how badly I messed up on travel time between Fornost and Lake Evendim. They are - ahem - about 100 miles apart from each other, yet we covered the distance in a matter of hours. *blushes* We - um - travel really fast, don't we? Well, let's just assume that we were actually on the road for two days instead of one night. :p

Anyway, we have about 120 miles to go, due north now, and on horse, staying out of the way of guard parties with Furman's help, we should manage this trip in 2 and one half game days. Say three days, just to be one the safe side.

Furman will tell the party what he knows, during which time the secret of the Master's identity will come out, as well as the plan for how to save Eodwine (and others possibly).

Here's our real time plan for it: I will post the "leave Lake Evendim post today", and will post the "arrive at the fortress" post precisely one week from today. Do whatever kinds of creative stuff within that framework you desire. Sound good?

[Meneltarmacil]

I will not be able to post at all until next Friday since I am taking a trip to Belize, just to let you know. I'm going to miss you all.

*continues to page through countless Tollkien books in a desperate attempt to find out who the Master is*

[Esgallhugwen]

I posted that a rain storm will be coming in soon. Hope thats ok, seeing as the weather has actually been relatively mild, during our journey. If their are any problems just let know.

[littlemanpoet]

Nice touch, Eswen. It's about time we had some weather. I keep forgetting that kind of thing..... :p

[Lumiel]

Sorry to say, but I won't be able to post for a few days, going to an open house at a college. Have fun while I'm gone! Though I won't be gone for too long. :)

[Esgallhugwen]

no problem, I'm glad to have added a little touch for once, hopefully it will get real stormy out! ;)

[Imladris]

Well, I thought it was awfully quiet from the hobbit end of things so I did a post for Gorby. Nuru, I left it hanging for you to fill in if you want to. :)

lmp! You've left me hanging! I don't know if I'm right or not! Aaargh! Of course, you had no choice to leave me hanging because Furman (?) doesn't know and if you posted it on the Discussion Thread, all elements of surprise would be gone...ah well. :) ;)

Cheers!
Istawen

[Lumiel]

Sorry if I'm on and off with my posting for the next few days...There was an incident where I live. Two students died. Car accident. Driver lived. Speeding and seat belts....that's what killed them. To put it mildly, things are very eerie at my school and life is not fun right now. But I'll do my best to keep up with the game.

And please, pray for them.

[littlemanpoet]

Great posts, all! Lumiel, that character exploration was excellent! And Imladris, I can't wait to find out what's behind the trap door.

I need someone to raise objections or ask questions, or something like that, to Furman, regarding his plan with the ditch and pipe.

[Meneltarmacil]

Hello everyone, I'm back and WHAAAAAT?!?! The Master is a woman? And not just that, some weird twisted vampire lady I've never even heard of? THAT'S NOT FAIR!!!!!!

*sees several swords, knives, arrows, axes, and other pointy objects aiming in his general direction*

Ummmm, sorry I blew up.

[Esgallhugwen]

Hope my post is ok. I kinda took the liberty of butting in on Gorby and Anson with Kildirak, I hope that doesn't mess with anything, if it does just tell me and I'll fix it.
If theres any issue with the way I handled Furman I'll fix that too! ;) :p

(I'm such a worry wort) :D

[littlemanpoet]

:D No problem, Eswen. You had me going there for a minute. I thought you had Kildirak on the inside of the Master's fortress, and he suddenly saw the dung ditch he had been blinded to from the first time he'd been made a prisoner there. Well, it didn't turn out to be that way, which is good. Phew!

Your handling of Furman was fine. Quite admirable! I hadn't even considered where the guards would be, and I'm more than happy to let your ideas be. Thanks for posting! :)

[Imladris]

I hope my post was alright...though I had thought that Falco had gone first and then Thoronmir...I took some liberties describing where the tunnel led out...

I'm sorry it took me so long to post...

[Esgallhugwen]

I must say Imladris, your quite discriptive. I absolutely love your writing!! :D Then again I love all of your guys writing. Thats very touching Lumiel, our characters have never really interacted, perhaps they will more now that its come close to the end of things. :(

I feel embarrased but did Thoronmir really have some underlying meaning, if so I'm assuming he implies the Dark Queen's resurgence when the time needs it (possibly to confront the Master, if we make it there alive) or is it something else I'm just not getting? Eswen's gonna kick some butt!

[Meneltarmacil]

She nodded once. Falowik could not tell if she had understood any special meaning from Thoronmir's words. He could not imagine what the Ranger had been talking about. As they took their turns shinnying up the pipe, Falowik wondered what they would find.

I agree with Eswen. Exactly what did I mean?

[Imladris]

Many thanks, Eswen!

Cheers,
Imladris

[littlemanpoet]

Hee hee! Sorry for the confusion. Menel, please tell me if I'm not using your character the way you want. Heaven forbid! Anyway, Thoronmir isn't exactly sure what he means either, but he does remember how Eswen did her Dark Queen thing before. Of course, he remembers Lumiel doing her dread madElfwoman thing, too, so if I was really consistent, I should have had him say something to her about that. So let's just say that Thoronmir had a moment's foreboding that this dark lord might turn out to be a tougher customer than any they've faced yet, and in ways that could prove beyond the ability of sword, dagger, arrow and whatnot to deal with.

I hope I've given enough description for anybody to feel like they can take the lead with this thing, especially because I'm going to a writers festival for three days, and may not get a chance to do anything.

So here's what's to be discovered by anyone - beyond which, do what you like. Eodwine is NOT going to be found among the other prisoners. I expect our group to take out the guards and free the prisoners without much difficulty, and with the knowledge (limited) that the prisoners are able to provide, to know exactly how many guards there are, and where, and what is to be expected regarding Eodwine.

Eodwine has been taken to the temple, which means he's in for it, this night. The Master is going to be leeching him and saving his blood. Please write as far as you like, getting to the temple, but don't enter it until I've set it up, if you don't mind. I have definite plans and ideas scurrying around in my brain on this, and I hope you will find it worth the wait. Heck, I'm excited. This is going to be - well - spine tinglingly awesome! (i hope) :D Anyway, have the party scour out the place or whatever you like. Just remember, it's pouring rain, and there's no sign of the storm letting up. Have fun!

[Meneltarmacil]

When we get to the temple, would you mind if I didn't go through the main entrance (which is sure to be a disaster) but instead tried breaking down the wall, climbing in through the roof, things like that? That could do things like:

A) Surprising whoever's inside.

B) Avoiding the Master's super-elite guards lying in wait by the door, as well as the booby-trapped hallway of DOOM or whatever else is in store.

C) Causing some confusion by coming in from several different directions

Anyway, it's just some random thought that occurred to me at one point. If this interferes with the plot, I'd be perfectly happy to forget it though.

[Nurumaiel]

Imladris,
Would you mind doing another Gorby post? Frankly I have no idea what to make the growling creature be! :eek: Hopefully it isn't too scary-looking or all Anson's courage may disappear. Then again he might be astoundingly brave... Or then again maybe it isn't a 'monster' at all.

Thanks! :D

[Imladris]

Frankly I have no idea what to make the growling creature be! Hopefully it isn't too scary-looking or all Anson's courage may disappear.

Hmm...I have no idea what is either! I was just kind of posting on the spur...Hmm...*ruminates* This will be quite fun to discover what Gorby and the others find...

I hope to have one up tomorrow at the earliest...sorry that I haven't been posting...my evening is full and I'll be out of town or else I would have done it tonight.

[Alatariel Telemnar]

wow.. after a few days, does it stop sending you emails notifications or something?

[Esgallhugwen]

I think it does Alatariel I didn't even know about all these posts in the discussion thread. But anyway, I want to add a suggestion to Imladris and Nurumaiel, since my ranger character Kildirak has sort of butted in on your little trap door adventure, how 'bout you make it some big nasty drooling dog or something (if you want to be scary about it) or perhaps just some dog thats hungry. What do you think? could that work?

[Imladris]

Thank you Eswen for the idea. I made it into a snarling wolf -- I thought about making it rabid, but wasn't sure the disease existed in ME :rolleyes: I wasn't sure if Kaldirik was armed, so I left the post open for you to continue. :) This is going to be good...

I also took the liberty of beginning the fight...

[littlemanpoet]

Menel, I like your ideas. Thoronmir's the leader. Do whatever you want to. All I ask is that you end your entry post with an obvious cue to me to describe what Thoronmir and party see inside, however they wind up entering. Okay?

Keep up with all the creativity, friends! It's great to see. :)

[Lumiel]

Okay, do we still have the element of surprise, as it were? Or is our prescence known? I didn't want to go further in my post b/c I wasn't sure, and I didn't want to intrude in case anyone had a specific plan for that.

Aw, don't kill the cute, loveable puppy you guys! He just wants to play... -_-; :p

[littlemanpoet]

Okay, I've set up the next sequence. Menel, I figure you want to take out the guards IN FRONT of the door to the temple before you try anything else. If that works okay for your ideas, great. If not, let me know and I can change my post.

Taking Menel's idea into account (which I admit I forgot over the weekend), I guess the idea is for the three different groups to do their parts, and then reconnoitre by the temple, and put Menel's plan to work from that point. If you have any questions or protests, please let me know. :)

[Esgallhugwen]

I finished up my post from yesterday. kildirak doesn't want to have to kill the wolf unless he absolutely has to. He's going to try to lasso the wolf (if such a thing exsisted in ME) so that he can tie it up and perhaps prevent it from killing them, so they can look in the bags and perhaps feed the poor thing. What do you think?, if not then I guess Kildirak going to have to kill it if it manages to get ahold of one of them. :eek: That could get messy!

[Meneltarmacil]

While Thoronmir and company enter by way of the front door as a distraction, I'm planning to send Lira, Eswen, Falowik, and Falco to break through the roof at the other end of the temple, the reason being that Eodwine is probably located as far away from the front door as possible. This would bring them almost directly to his location.

I had another idea. If Thuringwethil (sp?) is indeed the Master, then Falowik especially should take caution. I have heard (from one of my friends who happens to know about such things) that female vampires can take the shape of whomever their victim loves the most. If Thuringwethil takes the shape of Uien, Falowik may hesitate to attack and possibly order the others to do the same, which would definitely not be a good situation.

Of course, I shouldn't be making assumptions like this. The Master could be someone completely different.

[Imladris]

I hope that I did okay on my post...I wasn't really too sure what I was to do (I have a horrid blond streak)...

Cheers,
Imladris

[piosenniel]

I have heard (from one of my friends who happens to know about such things) that female vampires can take the shape of whomever their victim loves the most. If Thuringwethil takes the shape of Uien . . .

Please be careful about confusing modern day fantasy interpretation of vampires with Tolkien's few references to Thuringwethil.

See here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5890) - post #8. And here (http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/t/thuringwethil.html).

[littlemanpoet]

Hmmm...... I thought I left enough clues in Furman's second to last description - you know: from Mordor; having almost died in an earthquake; a lieutenant of Mordor; a sorcerer and black Numenorean. What more is needed to put it together?

Do you still need help figuring out who?

[Esgallhugwen]

Well perhaps we're playing with the idea of it being some other evil force. I know who it could be, but I'm still skeptical thinking its obvious so it could be right then thinking its too obvious can't be right. But I'm sure I know who it is, but my lips are sealed :p I have a feeling this confrontation is going to be a bit messy no matter who it is. hah. A bit messy thats probably the understatement of the century :D

[Meneltarmacil]

Hmmm...... I thought I left enough clues in Furman's second to last description - you know: from Mordor; having almost died in an earthquake; a lieutenant of Mordor; a sorcerer and black Numenorean. What more is needed to put it together?

So the Master actually is the Mouth of Sauron, is he? But you practically said he wasn't when I made my first guess! Why did you make me go off on a wild goose chase when I had been right about him?

OK, calm down, deep breath... *thinks about fluffy bunnies*

[littlemanpoet]

Sorry for misleading you, Menel, but your guess was just that, a guess, based on very stingy material, so I wasn't ready to give it out then, even though it hasn't really mattered much either way. Oh well. Live and learn. Messy? I dare say. ;)

[Meneltarmacil]

Now that we know he is the Mouth of Sauron, would Thoronmir have enough information to warn them before everybody goes inside? He's the only one who would be able to recognize the Mouth of Sauron, having been the only group member present at the Battle of the Morannon, so I don't think anyone else would know who he is when they see him. Please tell me before I do the "inform people of plan and enter temple" post, so I can work it in there.

[littlemanpoet]

Make it so you can see the Mouth of Sauron first, then you can give warning.

Just remember, he is a sorcerer. Look it up in the dictionary and be warned. :)

[littlemanpoet]

Yowza! I am psyched! I can't tell you how badly I've been waiting to get to this point. So, now, does everybody see what's going on? If you have any questions at all, hit me with them.

Eswen, it's time for me to understand how your Dark Queen aspect really works, so that I can compare it to my understanding of the Mouth of Sauron's sorcery. Right now I'm not sure whether the Dark Queen is likely to overcome the MS's power, or play into it. I'm trying to base this, as much as I'm able, on Tolkien's milieu, which means everything he has ever written about barrow wights, ghosts, evil Maia, sorcery, and so on. Thanks!

Let's rock! :D

[Meneltarmacil]

Alright, judging from that last post, Eodwine seriously needs some help.

We're going in, and we're going to give them the fight of their lives. I'm sending the Dark Queen in right on top of the Mouth of Sauron, so he'll have a reason to be scared.

As littlemanpoet has just said, "Let's rock!" :D :D

[Esgallhugwen]

Mwahahahahahahahaa. If you could see the gigantic grin I have smacked on my face you'd run for your lives! Ok have to gain composure. Well according to my recollection I believe the Dark Queen has only been summoned twice, and during those times Eswen's been a really naughty little Elf :cool: She seems to able to conjure her alter-ego whenever she or the company are threatened, and I think they have a pretty darn good reason to be threatened very soon. But to go up against MS, he's been around for thousands of years but I'm sure Esgallhugwen can give him a good jarring to keep him busy. He probably won't be too terribly pleased about the unexpected guests.... unless of course if he knew we were coming :eek:

[littlemanpoet]

Just a couple things...

Eswen, I still don't know enough about the Dark Queen. Is she elven? Is Eswen inhabited by an evil Maia? What is the nature of the Dark Queen?

Lira's broken neck - um - means that she's not dead, being an elf, but is incapacitated, at least in body.

Elves: you exist in two realms at once. Think of Weathertop, of how Frodo perceived. That's how you will perceive. You will see many dark things that the humans can't see, but they won't be merely dark to you - they will be perilous, and revealed for what they truly are! Think about it, and try to write at two levels at once, in terms of what your characters perceive. Man, I wish Elora was here for this. It's time I contacted her. I'll try.

You guys have decided that there are guards, and many of them (exact number to be determined on the fly :D), and that they knew we were coming. Okay, if that's the way you want it, that's the way you've got it! (sorry - lyrics running through my head today). Let's have at it, friends!

LMP

[Imladris]

Wait -- doesn't a broken neck usually mean death? She fell from quite a height (at least, I imagine she did if she needed a rope -- also, the word temple does conjure up a grand building in the imagination) on her neck...but no matter.

So, in her incapacitated state, can she still fight in the "spirit" world of the elves?

[littlemanpoet]

A broken neck doesn't necessarily mean death, but usually. If the blood flow to the brain is stopped, or the air passage is stopped up, then we're talking death.

From there, there's still the spirit world. My guess is that Lira's spirit would end up in the halls of Mandos... but I'm not sure if that would happen until after she faced the evil spirits under the MS's control. What do you think? It's up to you.

[Imladris]

Ooo....fighting in the spirit world and then going to the Halls of Mandos. Nice. How would it be like fighting in the spirit world? Forgive my ignorance...

[Esgallhugwen]

Hmmm, sorry LMP. It would be rather interesting for the Dark Queen to be an evil Maia or at least a Maia that likes battle and bloodshed a little too much.

I don't know if the Maia in her would be considered a true evil considering Esgallhugwen hasn't killed any of her companions yet, she's only gone after the bad guys, of course she could be trying to destroy the Mouth of Sauron before she deals with them.

So, since the Elves live in two realms at once they would be attacking things that the humans wouldn't be able to see, (that might be funny, watching someone swinging at nothing) and if thats also the case then Eswen will be able to see Lira fighting off the invisible evils in the spirit world.

I don't know if this is right I'm sort of taking it from the books and the *gulp* movies (please don't throw rocks at me :( ) But when Frodo percieved the Ringwraiths he saw these decrepid old men who were white and glowy;the white Kings I believe he called them, now from what I remember, or think I remember, his vision was smeared and blurred sort of dreamlike, but since these are Elves we're talking about maybe their vision might be clearer.

One last thing before I stop blabbing, since I've sort of been going on and on. When the Elves see through the MS's facade, I'm assuming he'll be wearing a cloak just for an example, he is not going to be a very pretty boy, try to keep from spilling your lembas girls.

[littlemanpoet]

I'm not sure you'd be swinging a sword at an evil Maia, Eswen. Not unless your sword was from an Elven smithy, and had been forged for such a purpose. The absence of wizards is quite a problem, I'm thinking. When it comes right down to it, once all the bodies are lying about, that's when the real battle begins, and I'm not sure how well the party can stand up against the MS's minions and slaves. Especially without any phials of Galadriel hanging about!

Here's how I see it for Lira:

Lira sat up, and was immediately aware that she had left her body behind. The head was at an odd angle from the shoulders, but this meant little to Lira, for she was fëa now. She had little time to think of it, for she was assaulted by a sudden awareness. A dread being stood between two of the black pillars, chained by strands not of bodily making, as if its very essence had been used against it to hold it as slave there, at the beck and call of the Master. It was not a Balrog, but it was evil and strong nonetheless.

Okay, use that as a basis if you like. Most of what's going to happen, seems to me, is battle of wills.

I take it, Eswen, that you're still feeling your way with the Dark Queen. Fair enough. We'll see how this goes.

[Esgallhugwen]

Its sort of ironic that I can't figure out where the Dark Queen comes from and I'm the one that made her :o But don't worry I'm in the continual process of poking her to find out. Her sword was made in an Elvish smithy but it wasn't forged with the intention of running around trying to hack apart evil Maia or any Maia for that matter.

But I think I might have confused you with my erratic way of speaking, I had no intention of attacking any Maia, I thought the MS was a Black Numenorean who had spirits and the like under his sway. I know I'm probably re-stating the obvious but I'm just trying to tell you what I know.

What I'm getting LMP in your last post is that once we kill all the living gaurds we're going to have to fight their spirits, along with all the other minions that the MS controls (which includes the multitude of slaves he has killed in sacrifice)

How are the mortals going to be able to fight if they can't see the spirit world? Will their weapons do anything to the MS's minions? The Elves that are still alive they'll be able to fight them off, right?

Sorry I've just become confuzzled! :confused:

[littlemanpoet]

that is.... I shall try to split apart into two separate branches, your confusion. :D

Answering in the order of your comments:

I'm not at all surprised or distressed that you don't know as much as I thought about the Dark Queen. Characters are like that. I've been writing for almost 20 years, and I'm still finding things out about my oldest characters!

What was Eswen's sword forged to be able to do?

I thought the MS was a Black Numenorean who had spirits and the like under his sway. Quite right. Well said, even.

...once we kill all the living gaurds we're going to have to fight their spirits, along with all the other minions that the MS controls. Right again!

Your question is apt: how will the mortals be able to fight if they can't see the spirit world? They can't. They will be unable to. Of course, spirits will be unable to directly affect them, either. Therefore, the Mouth of Sauron will have only one way to deal with this: give the spirits corporal forms so that they can attack, and once the mortals have been rendered corpses, then the spirits that are powerful enough, can start having at them, as it were. (yeesh! kinda gruesome, eh?)

The Elves have it both ways, and have a clear advantage. Um, I hadn't thought of this when I went and left Uien behind. You guys could use her right about now; not waying that Lumiel and Eswen can't do some valuable damage to MS and his ilk, but Uien still would have been a good asset right about now.

Any more questions, hit me with them.

[Imladris]

No no no! I'm still here...just a bit busy as it were...I was planning on getting a post done today for Lira...

Edit: I got the post done. Is it okay? If it is, many thanks to mark12_30 for helping me with it...

[Esgallhugwen]

Thank you very much LMP for that much needed info ;) It all seems so much clearer now.

So to answer your question:

What was Eswen's sword forged to be able to do?

Let's see her sword is named Nàrkir, which means flame cleaver it can become heated up by a fire very quickly but it is capable of withstanding the heat so it doesn't warp. I've mentioned it in an earlier post, when Eswen plunged her sword into our campfire and it became red hot still retaining the strength it had when it was cold, she then use it to skewer the men that ambushed us, mmmm human-cabobs, sorry my morbid sense of humour kicks in from time to time.

I'm not sure yet if it was made specifically for dispatching the undead, but its an Elvish blade and they might fear it none the less.

[Meneltarmacil]

I'm sorry to leave you at this critical stage of our journey, but I have been grounded and cannot get online until next Friday.

You may do what you want with my character, just don't kill him.

See you all next week.

[littlemanpoet]

Okay, Menel, we promise not to kill off Thoronmir, which may mean that he's the only one left standing! Just kidding. :p

Eswen, I can see Narkir being most effective in rendering the undead as Undead Kabobs, but we shall have to see if that actually stops them......

Imladris, that was one heck of a post! Yowza!

It's kind of interesting to see how this melee has divided nicely into two separate sets of events happening simultaneously. I look forward to further developments! Love the creativity, folks!

We're rockin' now! :) :)

[Imladris]

Erm...I hate to be a real pain...but I do have one small question. What will happen to the spirit now that Lira has called upon the name of Elbereth. I was just going to have flee...but then I realized that he was chained between the pillars. Which then leads to another point: how can he fight if he is bound to the towers?

Cheers,
Imladris

[Esgallhugwen]

Well I'll assume it'll just qauver and try to hide, I don't think it could vanish still being bound by the MS's power. But in the post I'm writing up at the moment I'm letting him/it loose if thats ok, if not then I think its about time that those evil spirits start coming up and they could just start fighting with Eswen and the other Elves both living and dead.

That of course is just my opinion, what do you think LMP? :D

[Imladris]

Yeah, the MS could release the spirit.

Forgive my ignorance, but can spirits die? Can Lira and Esgallhugwen and Lumiel kill the with human blades? Or is it still a battle of wills? And if it is still af battle of wills, is there a way that the three elves can kind of combine their wills?

Again, forgive me of my ignorance.

Cheers,
Imladris

[littlemanpoet]

Eswen, awesome answer to Immy's question. It stands as far as I'm concerned.

Spirits are immortal, but can be enslaved. This Maia is enslaved to Herugor; it intends to enslave, and feed upon, Lira, and Eswen, and Lumiel.

The three elves can use Osanwe Kenta (mind communication of the elves) to merge their wills and combat the Maiar. It may not be enough. Plan on it. But there's Uien back at the stockade, and there is no spacial limit upon Osanwe, as far as I've been able to discern from the great and wise Mark 12_30 aka Helen. If you have any questions on its use, I refer you to her.

[Imladris]

After great pondering I mustered up a very small post. Let me know if it is alright, LMP and Lumiel, and Eswen. :)

Cheers,
Imladris

[piosenniel]

Hi

I had planned for this game to be done by the end of May.

How is the storyline coming along with regard to this deadline?

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator

[littlemanpoet]

It will be done by May, one way or another. However far we get in story form, I'll post a conclusion on May 31. I sure do hope we can actually tell the story instead of wrapping it up with some kind of half-baked epilogue, but if that's what it ends up taking, I'll do it.

[littlemanpoet]

Whatever happened to that bird, the pet of one of the Elven ladies, I believe?

[piosenniel]

End of May is an arbitray end we had agreed on.

Do you have an idea of what sections of the story still need to be covered? Can you outline them here and then decide what it really would take to get through each of them in an adequate manner?

That would give me an idea of exactly when I can expect the game to come to an end.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[littlemanpoet]

The story outline consists of these points:

1. Battle with Mouth of Sauron - and his defeat or the party's escape.

2. Reunions at the Lake Evendim stockade.

3. Return to Bree with report.

That's it. We really ought to be able to get that much done by the end of the month, if we all post once every 1, 2, or 3 days. Right?

[Imladris]

Corn! *gasp* I completely totally forgot about Lira's Corn...oh dear.

EDIT: LMP I did a bit of something with Lira and Corn...I decided to leave off Corn's attack of the MS to you, since I'm not sure how te MS will react. *evil Calvin grin*

I cannot believe I forgot about Corn.

Cheers,
Imladris

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks, Lira. I was casting about for how to deal with the Master. Now we have a way. I'll post up tomorrow. I'm way past my bedtime already. Cheers!

[Meneltarmacil]

I managed to post about Thoronmir's role in the battle, and I will bring his story to a close after the group reaches the settlement. At the beginning of the RPG, I said that he had given up being a Ranger, but since the events in this story, he's had a change of heart. With the remaining Rangers at the settlement being somewhat in need of a strong leader at the moment, I believe Thoronmir could stay with them as their new leader while the rest of the party returns to Bree.

[littlemanpoet]

Friends, I have a feeling that I wrapped things up too quickly and nicely. All I needed was Corn to distract Herugor, and bingo. So there you have it.

From here on out, it seems to me that the story is going to revolve around mourning for Lira, reunions at the settlement, and report back to that 1st cousin Hobbit of Merioadoc, whose name I can't even remember off hand..... :eek:

Lira, your latest post was a thing of beauty. Truly Tolkienian in spirit. I'm a happy game owner. :)

[littlemanpoet]

Eswen, that was a beautiful post! I'm hoping to hear from Lumiel and Gorby yet, and maybe something from Anson too, for that matter. And my dreams would come true if Elora would post for Uien, but I'm not going to hold out for that one. I'll give it two more days and then move us to the reunion at the settlement.

[Esgallhugwen]

Thank you LMP! :D I was worried on account that I don't think I made it quite sad enough.

What are we going to do with Lira's body? I know its a bit rude to ask, but are we going to burn it on a pyre, or are we going to bury her and if so where? Should we bury her in the Shire, so that Gorby and Anson could visit their beloved friend's grave, or should we lay her body to rest in one of the Evendim Hills?, so that her tomb may be acknowledged by others that an Elven Lady aided in the destruction of the Mouth of Sauron to keep the lands of Middle- Earth safe. That is of course if her tomb is marked.

Its sad that things are finally coming to a close :(

[littlemanpoet]

Good question, and I have given it a wee bit of thought, but nothing decisive.

Burning on a pyre is out. Even though that fits Celtic mythology, it doesn't fit Tolkien's construction because burning on a pyre carries the meaning that the spirit is rising with the smoke and flames into the great beyond, and Elves know better.

It is more in keeping that Lira would be buried, since Elves are (as well as being so in tune with the spiritual dimension) very much in tune with root and leaf and ground. Think of Arwen in Lorien at the end of her days, for example. But Lira? Where did she call home? That would be the most appropriate burial ground, unless there was a place that meant even more to her.

Your suggestions raise an interesting question to me: were Elves buried in terms of what they meant to others, or in terms of what was most dear to themselves while they were alive? What would an Elf think about this? Any guesses? Wow! Sounds like a discussion thread topic for Books, no?

Yes, it is sad that things are coming to a close, but they needn't for the characters. I can imagine Falowik and Uien carrying on, somewhere, somehow, and Falco has learned just enough tolerance for Big People, as well as a new sense of just what he's capable of, that he might get it into his head to go on a journey, and maybe with some Big Person that he knows better than most. I wish I had gotten to develop more of a softening in Falco's outlook, but that can happen beyond this story. And heck, I really like Eodwine a lot. He was my firstest rpg character here at the Downs. :D

[Imladris]

As for Lira's home, that would be Mirkwood. :) Even though she travelled abroad she always went back there.

[piosenniel]

Please remember to refer to Mirkwood now as Eryn Lasgalen - it was renamed after the War of the Ring, when the Shadow that infested it was lifted.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks for the kind reminder, Pio. :)

[Esgallhugwen]

Your suggestions raise an interesting question to me: were Elves buried in terms of what they meant to others, or in terms of what was most dear to themselves while they were alive? What would an Elf think about this? Any guesses?

I'm not sure, it may depend on the situation. If conditions allowed they would probably try to bury them in a way and a place that was dear to the deceased. But if that wasn't possible I'm sure they would try to find a means that would still be respectable. Like when Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli sent Boromir down the river Rauros.

But since the company doesn't seem to be pressed by any great matter, it would not be a bad thing for Eswen and perhaps one other to travel to Eryn Lasgalen to return Lira to her homeland. That could be a possible way to end this RP, the group splitting up once again with the bulk going to Bree and the Shire while three or so make their way south to Eryn Lasgalen.

Unless of course it would be best for Esgallhugwen to return with them for her side of the report, then she can go, but I don't think its a very good idea (not to mention least respectful) to be carting around a dead Elf body.

What do you think LMP and anyone else?

Yes, I can actually see all the characters carrying on, somehow. I would really love for Esgallhugwen to be in another RP, she's my very first character that I've made, and this was my first rpg that I've ever played in! :D

[littlemanpoet]

I'm thinking Eryn Lasgalen is the right home for Lira. I think your point, Eswen, is quite valid that Lira's body should not be carted through Bree. The Elves in the party would find it necessary, it seems to me, to seek out other Elves, using Osanwe, to form a funeral march to Eryn Lasgalen, that would have the feel to it that is seen at the end of LotR when Gandalf, Galadriel, Elrond, and Bilbo pass quietly (like flitting moonbeams) through the Shire at night. So it seems to me that Lira will be borne to the settlement, where Eswen and Lumiel will meet Uien, and there Gorby and Anson and everyone else will be allowed to pay their last respects. From there, the Elves, I think, would make their way to Rivendell, accompanied by any of the party who wish to go there, while the remainder return to Bree. Sound okay?

By the way, Eswen, I've really enjoyed your role in this rpg. Thanks for being a part of it. And I hope that maybe Falowik and Eodwine may meet her again on the road that goes ever on and on. Come to think of it, I'll have to think about what Uien would want, compared to what Falowik would want, in terms of whether to go to Bree or Rivendell! Hmmmm......

[littlemanpoet]

Please do post, Evendim friends. I realize that I sometimes get carried away with supplying all kinds of action, but you can tell me you want to do something different than what I write for your character. And if you're okay with the actions I've described, feel free to fill in details, or to move the story forward. We have one week left before this is complete. We're on schedule, and I'm happy about that.

[Esgallhugwen]

All your ideas are absolutely lovely LMP, it sounds good to me and I like how you've portrayed my character in your post hopefully Lumiel will agree, so that perhaps we could work together on a post, if not I could make up one for the both of us ;) If thats ok with her.

I'm probably going overboard but I've decided to make a lament (or at least a snippet of) for Lira. I've never really written a lament before but I do write poems and prose occasionally, and I'm thinking of doing it in Quenya (just to be complicated), I'm using "Ardalambion of the Tongues of Arda" for reference. I've never written in Quenya, so my rhyming skills could be a bit iffy. Haha, my actual rhyming skills in english are probably a bit iffy too :p

However, if you find that this could be a bit too much, feel free to stop me, after all it might wind up being a botched attempt.

[littlemanpoet]

Glad you like what I've been doing, Eswen. And by all means, Eswen, proceed with the lament! I'm eager to see what this looks like! I'm wondering if you'd care to present an English translation on the discussion board? Perhaps you'd be willing to entertain suggestions for the lament once it's up?

[Imladris]

Yes I like the idea of a lament and I think it would be in the true spirit of Tolkien.

I doff my hat to you, Eswen, for being able to write elvish....

[littlemanpoet]

Imladris, your post for Gorby just about brought me to tears. Very good!

And yes, I'm a sucker that way. :D

[Esgallhugwen]

Sure once I get the lament done I'll post it up to take ideas. I don't know how long its going to be and I decided I probably won't have it ryhme, only becuase it would be difficult for me to do so in Elvish. But I hope its still good, I'll get it up soon. ;)

[Elora]

I realise that my name is mud, and rightly so, owing to my loooooooong absence.

I posted in homage and to convey the high regard I hold you all in. Having read through your wonderful work, I hope that I may say:


CONGRATULATIONS! :D :smokin:


Well, having emerged from enforced isolation, I suppose I should stick around long enough for you guys to throw rotten tomatoes at me for abandoning you all.

Not that you needed me. Far from it. Such fine writing, I am simply over the moon and astounded at the quality of work and story telling (and more than a little miffed at circumstances that led me to absent myself for so long - boy, did I miss out!)

Let the tomato throwing begin


:)
*Elora holds arms out and resigns herself to a pelting with good cheer*

[Esgallhugwen]

Ok, I have two versions, I've been trying to think really hard on this but lots of other stuff is going on. Like my grad this saturday for instance, but thats besides the point.

Hope you think there fairly reasonable, please feel free to make suggestions to me, this is the first time I've written a lament and I have no idea what I'm doing :eek:

First one:

Lira Nen where now does she dwell?
No longer in Eryn Lasgalen or Fair Ithilien
Her sweet voice will not be heard in these lands again

In the raging storm doom called her
Alas! That her body was broken in that evil place,
That her soul was imprisoned in the shadows.
In the darkness the red demon came but she defied him.

A! Elbereth Gilthoniel!
silvren penna míriel
o menel aglar elenath,
Gilthoniel, A! Elbereth!

Her very essence was star and moonlight
And so she quited the earth when dawn rose.

The sea calls, white shores and emerald fields
Silver and gold flowers sway in the ocean breeze
Birds sing enchanting melodies.

No more tears shall be shed from her crystal blue eyes
No longer will she weep from despair in these mortal lands,
No longer will she feel the pain of death around her

Rest now in sacred Valinor, beloved Lira
Rest now away from the toils of Middle- Earth
In the land of eternal twilight.

Second one:

Light fades, sun sets, twilight breaks, night rests as the shadows come.
To the dark gate the company marched
A storm roared in hunger, doom called Lira Nen
Alas! That her body was broken in that cursed place

The blood of others was the evil ones undoing,
Now the enslaved are set free.
Behold the light of Valinor, dearest Lira
Go now and dream in harmony
No more troubled by the perils of mortal lands.



**Well there they are I'm not sure about some of the lines, but tell me what you think and what I should change (if anything, though I'm sure there are a few things that could be improved) Then I'll translate it into Quenya :D

Oh and by the way, I would never want to throw tomatoes at you Elora, I can understand how busy things can get sometimes. And I think even though you havn't been here alot you've still contributed nicely to the story! ;)

[Alatariel Telemnar]

*feels bad about how little work she put into the RPG* *wouldn't be suprised if her name was mud, too*

[Elora]

Esgallhugwen , appreciate your patience. :)

Alatariel, when I said everybody, I meant to include everyone who posted to this RP. I hold your contributions in no lesser light. Of that you can be assured. Now hand me back that mud you were making your name out of. I need to build a mud wall to defend myself from the barrage!

:p


Forgive me if my last 2 posts seem to add nothing by way of forward momentum. I am loathe to sail in and forward things along - it would smack of rudeness and arrogance for me to do so.

I gather that events will go now to Bree, where a report on the events of Eodwine's rescue shall be made.

Will the tale beyond that also be told in this RP - such as the escort with Lira's body?

Just idle questions rattling around, rather loney, in the drafty space my brain once inhabited (if scientist interpretation of fossilised evidence can be held as reliable and accurate). ;)

My 2 cents, worth really 1.4 US cents roughly, is that events following on from Bree may well fall outside of the scope of this RP, particularly if time pressure to wrap it up is being felt. If not, and people are willing, the post Bree report "chapter" could continue on in this RP.

What do the rest of you fine folk think?

[Esgallhugwen]

Please people I would love for you to look over my two laments and say which one you'd prefer more, and any lines that should be revised, changed, or added in any way so I can get on the translation, I'm afraid I might not have any time to do so on Saturday because of my grad.

It would be greatly appreciated to hear what you think or if you think its best to drop the whole idea.

Eternally,
Esgallhugwen :)

[Imladris]

*smacks head* Forgive me, Eswen, for not getting back to you. I was thinking about it and it....sort of slipped my mind.

I prefer the first one. It has lots of elvish themes to it. Not crits at all. :D

Cheers,
Imladris

[Elora]

The first seems more in keeping with the style of Elvish laments to my mind also, and so my voice is added to Imladris'. :)

Both are fine work, just a sense of more Elvish-ness in the former is all.

[Nurumaiel]

I think I'll go along with Imladris and Elora and say the first song, Eswen. I like both and considered it carefully, but I agree that the first sounds more Elvish.

By the way, Elora, it's good to 'see' you again! I hope you're doing well! :)

[littlemanpoet]

Eswen: The first Lament is the more lyrical and Elvish sounding. The second one reminds me of the Norse, so that would more likely come from someone from Rohan. Unless that's the Dark Queen. I like them both in their own ways.

One change or so I would make before you edit the 1st version into your Eswen lament post:

Her very essence was star and moonlight
And so she quited the earth when dawn rose.

Elves probably wouldn't talk about "very essence", so... how about.....

Her heart was star and moonlight;
She quitted earth when dawn rose.

Another suggestion; instead of

Birds sing enchanting melodies.

how about....

Birds sing songs of enchantment

....I don't know - mine's not much better, it's just that I'm looking for a more flowing feel to the line.

And I'm sorry but the next line always reminds me of a shampoo...

No more tears shall be shed from her crystal blue eyes
No longer will she weep from despair in these mortal lands,
No longer will she feel the pain of death around her

How about....

Never shall her crystal eyes be stained with tears
She shall weep no more from despair in mortal lands
No more shall she feel the pain of death

I'm not exactly sure why I prefer the latter to the former. You decide.

The parts that I haven't commented on for suggestions, are exquisite!

Elora (and others):

Time is indeed pressing on this rp. I plan on a final closing post to be uploaded on May 31, which will include the journey and report in Bree, and the denouement in terms of each character.

It seems that the preferred method of keeping various characters going is to go to the Inn of either the Shire, Gondor, or Rohan, and branch off from there. An alternative to that, is to request permission from an appropriate rp leader to dove-tail into that rp. Yet another alternative is to beg, borrow, and plead with Pio for the mercy to follow the progress of various characters to wherever they're going until they arrive at one of the three Inns, or another rp.

[Elora]

AH, then to the Inn shall Uien go, for she gave her word to return to those she left to commence this venture. :)

[littlemanpoet]

Eswen and Lumiel, it's in my head that Lira's body, and Eswen and Lumiel, will not be there in the morning, and that Uien will know that they have left, and when, and any other details, etc. Sound good? If you haven't gotten back to me by tomorrow, that's what will be written, although I'm sure I can change it from that if you want.

[Esgallhugwen]

Thanks for your input guys, it helps me continue with my work to know that other people like it! LMP your critiques are appreciated, I'll change those lines it sounds better with them, way more Elf like, more flowing. :D

Ha, I guess those lines do sort of sound like a shampoo commercial.

New Herbal Elves formula doesn't burn sensitive Elven eyes and keeps hair silky and clean when fighting orcs.

Anyway, sounds good to me LMP, Eswen and Lumiel will more than likely be gone before the rest wake up. Now I have to start on the translation. :smokin:

[littlemanpoet]

Hmmm... I thought Finëwen was going to go with Eodwine! If she goes with Eswen and Lumiel instead, Eodwine is going to have something on his mind.....

[Esgallhugwen]

whoops sorry I just edited it and got rid of Finewen, but if she does go it might make things interesting as to what Eodwine would want to do. We'll have to see what she thinks about it.

[piosenniel]

As littlemanpoet has put up the epilogue, I have closed the game to posting. I will leave the game in the Shire for a few days, should someone need to tweak a post. You can just leave a note for me here on this thread.

Nice game everyone!

~*~ Pio

[littlemanpoet]

Pio, can I still edit my final post with the thread closed?

Elora, sorry for not waiting for, or including, Uien's revelation to Falowik. If the epilogue can still be editeed, we could include it there, or you could post at The Green Dragon.

Any other issues or concerns?

[piosenniel]

I'll open the game for 24 hours.

Please do all your edits by then. Once I send the game to Elvenhome, noone can edit but Mithadan, or an Administrator.

~*~ Pio

[Elora]

No need to apologise, LMP! :)

No harm, no foul.

I'll detail that at the Green Dragon Inn. Seems fitting as that is where Falowik and Uien first met.

:)

Wonderful work one and all and many hearty thanks to Pio, wonder Mod, for helping and guiding us along the way.

:D

[Esgallhugwen]

So can we still edit our post? I would like very much to edit my last post so that I may include the Lament for Lira, its almost done. And since some words in english don't exist in Elvish, I'll will be borrowing words from another language, I havn't decided on which one yet.

Its been great playing with you all, perhaps we'll meet up again sometime ;)

[piosenniel]

Please get your edits in as quickly as possible.

I am closing the game at midnight tonight - about 14 hours from now.

~*~ Pio

[littlemanpoet]

Thanks for leaving it open for today, Pio. You are very kind. :)

With Elora's decision to take care of the "final stroke" at The Green Dragon Inn, the only edit I'm really concerned about is Eswen's Lament, to be added to her last post. I hope it's enough time for you, Essy. (Essy? :eek: )

Thanks to each and every one of you who has made this little adventure such a great success. I've enjoyed it, especially getting to know you guys.

Cheers! And I'll see you around on other rp's. :D

LMP

[piosenniel]

Esgallhugwen

The game thread is now closed.

Post your Elvish Lament here on the discussion thread and tell me which # post you want it put on.

Please do that before Friday.

I am moving the game to Elvenhome on Friday morning along with the Planning and Discussion threads. Once that is done, only the elvenhome moderator can place your post for you.

~*~ Pio

[Esgallhugwen]

Grrrr. Sometimes I ask myself why? Then I remember if anything can go wrong it will go wrong! I would have had this up earlier but a storm, light on rain heavy on lightning decided to strike causing a power outage. I think I'll just go into my room where nothing too bad could possibly happen to me, and leave the social world for awhile, but thats impossible so I'll just have to deal with it. :mad:

Can't wait till you guys start to tell the tale at the Green Dragon, too bad my character couldn't be there too, but she had more pressing matters, don't forget to mention her, please :D
Here's the Lament, I used Italian for the words that didn't exist in elvish and improvised a little as well to make things work:

Nairë an Lira (Lament for Lira)

Lira Nen yassen si lei nórë?
Là andavë sé Eryn Lasgalen var vanima Ithilien
Lei dolce óma nira là na hlarë sé questi nórë ata

Mi ormë rauma mandë denominato lei
Ai! Quello lei hroa era rácina sé quello úro nómë
Quello lei Fëa era incarcerato mi ungo
Sé i mórnië i carnë rauco é venuto mal lei sfidato a lui

A! Elbereth Gilthiniel!
silvren penna miriel
o menel aglar elenath,
Gilthoniel, A! Elbereth!

Lei órë era silmë ar isilmë
Lei rinunciato ambar quando àra ortanë

Ràsa chiamate, ninquë falassë a laica campi
Tinda a laurë fiori ondeggiamento mi ëar hwesta
Lindo lindë di lúcë

Mai fare lei mírë hen na vaxë lacrimenen
Lei fare nyényë lá lillor nyérë sé firima nórë
Lá lil fare lei sentire i nwalya di anqualë

Sérë sé sacro Aman, melda Lira
Sérë si oallo i móta di Endor
Mi nórë di oira lómë

(Its a fairly rough translation, but I did my best, its probably botched to pieces though)

[piosenniel]

~*~ To Elvenhome ~*~