The Ambassador's Son Discussion Thread [Archive] - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

piosenniel

10-05-2003, 02:51 PM

Maikafanawen's Character - Devon

NAME: Devon Thrann, the Ambassador’s Son

AGE: 17 ½

RACE: Mostly Middle Man, Númenoréan on his great-grandfather’s side

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Devon’s weapon of choice is his cut-and-thrust sword. The pommel, cross-guard, and knuckle bow are made of a light steel and weighs perfectly with the rest of the weapon. The single-edged blade is well tempered and balanced at thirty-seven inches long, forty-four overall. Sometimes, in a mêlée with local brigands, Devon will employ the use of his sword-hilted dagger in his left hand while he fights with his sword in his right. The double-edged blade, crossguard and pommel are made of steel, and the leather-wrapped grip is of wood.

APPEARANCE: Devon is a handsome young man of medium height. He has chin-length reddish-brown hair and a goatee that covers just above the upper lip and the base of the chin with a bit of stubble under the bottom lip. There are also side burns that run down in front of the ear to just under his jaw-line. Devon has soft grey-blue eyes and a honeyed complexion. Not being knowledgeable in politics as his older brother, Geoffrey, is, Devon wears the garb of a regular boy his age as he wanders around finding ways to occupy his time. Over his crisp white swordsman’s shirt with billowy sleeves and open neck, he usually wears a dark brown jerkin with split sides for easy riding and fighting and four frog-knot closures in the front. His trousers are of a snug brown colored material that tuck into his black fold-over calf-high boots.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Devon cares little for the political tribulations but has a tremendous sense of honor towards his kingdom. Even though he is extremely talented at swordplay, he is not allowed to fight against the occasional outlaw corsair. Instead, his father dispatches the royal guard, keeping his son safe inside the embassy. Personality-wise Devon is a carefree boy who yearns desperately for sea-faring adventure. He talks often with the sailors who come in from Harlond, Edhellond, and other ports along the coast of Middle Earth. Occasionally he has met a sea captain who is willing to take him on board as part of the crew. His father refuses incessantly and Devon is left to occupy his time else wise listening to the fascinating stories and walking about with his few friends. He reads often and sometimes writes his own fantasies of sea faring adventures.

HISTORY: Devon is the second son to Maurice and Rhoriel Thrann, and the younger brother of Geoffrey Thrann. Rhoriel died when Devon was three to an illness; she was never a strong woman. At age seven, his family moved to the embassy in Umbar where his father was to take on the role of Gondorian Ambassador to Umbar where the city was being renovated under Gondorian rule after the assertion of King Elessar to the throne after the War of the Ring. He is educated strongly in history, astrology, language and other such subjects by a tutor and scholar from Gondor. He has been taught the way of the sword since he was very young and is the best of his age and has been known even to better those older and sometimes stronger than he in a fencing match.

His interest in the sea began at age nine when his father entertained a rich merchant and his family for a spell. The most respectable of the merchant’s crew was asked to dinner one evening and later, when they had gathered around for stories and spirits, they had told young Devon of many adventures—greatly exaggerated—and sparked his interest in the sailing profession.

Since then, young Mr. Thrann has read many books on the subject and spoken with many a mariner about their experiences. He even learned how to read nautical charts and work the many instruments. His friends poke fun mostly, but say that should he ever have an adventure, they’d be sure to hear about it when he returns instead of join him.

Maikafanawen’s post - First Post for the game:

Jythralo stood in the office of his seaside townhouse, staring absently at the message that lay open on the desk before him. His sea captain’s jacket was draped across the armrest of his settee and his ruffled shirt was un-tucked. The captain hadn’t been able to sleep and a half drunk glass of rum sat nearby. The moon’s beams shone into the room lit by a single candle, leaving shadows on the floor and cushions of the unkempt window seats. The almost inaudible sound of crashing waves drifted in and Jythralo’s nostalgic feeling of sea faring returned.

Abandoning his seat behind the desk he walked out the door onto the balcony overlooking the beach. It was dirty from storm debris that had been left unattended and the perceptible crunch of dead leaves could be heard from under his boots as he walked. A light breeze blew, rustling the diaphanous curtains that flitted out of their open windows, and brushed some of the rubble from the railed in balcony.

He began to hum...Drink of the finest rum around,
Drink it up until it’s gone.
Me bones are wake me Captain!
Aye would it were dawn!

Aloft I’d climb to see across
The sea below so perilous
Though sleep is scarce I shan’t fuss
Heyho me Captain! Privilege us!

Yo ho...yo ho...yo ho...

Jythralo sighed a breath of release and made his way back into his office, taking a hearty gulp of his rum, finishing off the beaker, he looked over the notice. He had read it over countless times that evening and was contemplating its immediate importance.

We bring to the attention of Captain Jythralo Doran of his trial tomorrow evening at the city court square issued by the representatives of Gondor and the ambassador himself, Maurice Thrann. His crime is close interaction with the corsair peoples of Umbar who have committed countless acts of piracy against the free peoples. He is accused of identity standing in such a delegation. At this trial he will be given the chance to deny his past of disobedience and pledge allegiance to the new kingdom of Gondor.

Cordially,

Maurice Thrann,
Ambassador of Gondor to Umbar

The corsair captain ran his fingers systematically through his hair as he thought of the appropriate course of action. He couldn’t run. He’d tried three times already and had always been caught up again soon. The only way, he decided, was to join them for the time being until the watch upon him was lifted. Only then could he continue with his plan of recovering his beloved Umbar to its rightful state. Folding up the letter he walked over and stuffed it into the breast pocket of his captain’s coat and wandered into his room.

His bed was unmade and the pillows were flat. He hadn’t had anything decent of his own since he’d been caught for the third time by Gondorian authorities two and a half years ago spending the last year and a half in jail. Now that he was back he wouldn’t dare send for his things aboard the Rapscallion, safely harbored leagues south of Umbar. He’d wait patiently this time.

*-- -*- --*

*Five years later*

Seventeen-year old Devon was coming home from a party one night when he first discovered his father’s delegate, Jythralo Doran’s true identity. The indigo sky was covered in lavender clouds, signaling the coming fall of rain. No stars were visible and the moon found an opening every so often in a cap between the thundering fog. As his booted feet walked quickly down the cobblestone road, Devon pulled his coat fixedly around his body to keep out the spiraling wind. He had refused a cap on his way out so his auburn hair was pulled back in a short ponytail that whipped incessantly against the wind.

He was a block or two yet from home when he heard the two figures approaching. Thinking them to be local footpads out for the hunt, Devon hid in an alleyway and waited for them to pass. As they drew closer, however, their voices began to be distinguishable over the wind and the boy identified the two as Captain Doran and one of his men.

“But Cap’n, Master Thrann is sure to catch ye should ye be doing yer dealings right thar under his very nose! The crew and I is very concerned Cap’n if I’m not too bold to say so.”

“No, Agdar, not bold at all,” answered the Captain. “But I’ll hold ye remember one thing.” The ambassador’s son had to strain in order to hear and decipher their hushed southern accents. “I’ll be the one to keep the politics under me control and ye’ll be the one ter keep your head in the care of me ship and let me deal with the politics. Savvy?” Agdar nodded timidly and the two continued to walk closer.

“Hows’a everythin’ comin’ then if I might ask,” whispered Jyrthralo’s companion. The captain shrugged.

“It’s just fine. I’ve got the ambassador put in me pocket, and no one suspects a thing. Umbar shall be restored to its proper glory under our administration yet again mate. The corsairs have ne’er been routed, and ne’er shall they! Not as long as I’m Captain!” They were close enough now to the boy hiding just in the shadowed street to see triumphant grins spread across each of their weather-hardened faces.

“ ‘Umbar shall be restored’ says you,” Agdar began nervously. “ ‘Not before we’re caught’ says I. Anxious I am, Cap’n.” The barrel Devon was standing behind took that moment to topple and roll into the path of their feet.

Picking up his feet, Devon ran down the alleyway as the two men pursued. “Get ‘im!” shouted Jythralo. Young Thrann ran down the next street and turned a sharp corner trying the first back door her came to. Locked. He ran on, keeping to the shadows. The thunder cracked as a cloud burst open and the rain came down in torrential sheets.

“Here now! Boy!” yelled Agdar. “Come back ‘ere!” Devon’s footing gave way on the slick rocks and he fell, hitting the street with his shoulder. He scrambled up again and continued to run, holding his right shoulder now with his arm and Agdar gaining on him. As Devon turned a second corner he caught the glint of steel of Agdar’s knife in the light from the window he had just passed.

Just then, Devon ran into a guard, who was out patrolling the streets, toppling him over. The boy got up and ran again while the guard scrambled to his feet just as Agdar came around the corner.

“Say now!” said the guard, grabbing Agdar’s collar. “What’s this? A brigand! What is the manner of this? Who is that boy?” The shouts of the guard were drowned out in the pouring rain as the boy ran towards the embassy.

The black iron gates to the estate were open on orders for the late return of the ambassador’s son from his party. They clanged shut as he ran through them and up the stairs to the large double doors of the house. Two imposing statues of grim looking historical figures were there to meet him towering ten meters above him.

Devon finally pushed poen the doors, and entered the foyer where he was met by Adolfe, his father’s servent. The man looked down his crooked nose and peered at him with his beady black eyes. His thin hair was, like always, plastered back on his head and tied with a small ebony ribbon.

“You are positively filthy Master Devon,” he drawled in oily tones. Adolfe hadn’t ever liked Maurice’s youngest son for his independence and apparent disregard for his father’s rules. Any chance the man got to discipline the boy was gratifying.

“Not now Adolofe,” said Devon earnestly. “I must see Father!” He ran past the servant who pursued.

“Your father’s engaged at the moment Master Devon! Wait!” Ignoring the shouts, Devon ran on until he got to his father’s study
.
“Father!” he shouted to the mahogany door. “Father quick please! It’s Devon!”

“Calm boy,” said Maurice as he opened the door to reveal a man in his mid-forties standing in the smart uniform of the Gondorian nobles. His hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and he held a small beaker of sherry in his right hand. He was a no-nonsense man who had a great “sense” of devotion to his sons, even though it was very misguided. Maurice Thrann was very intent on etiquette and the political situation of his family and spent little time indulging in the frivolous luxuries of letting go and getting out with his boys. His view of devotion and paternity was focused completely on raising them to be successful and well-learned gentlemen.

“What is it? I’m sort of busy,” he said motioning to the men waiting within. “Can it wait?”

“No! It’s important father,” said Devon. “They can hear too,” he added as an afterthought.

“Son, why don’t you tell me once they leave. It shan’t be long.”

“But—!” The door to the study closed and Devon was left standing in front of it, a very put out Adolfe staring at him.

“Now come with me Master Devon and we’ll have ye cleaned up before your father’s delegates leave so you’re at least presentable.” The boy slumped his shoulders and followed the servant reluctantly allowing to be cleaned and changed into a soft and comfortable tunic with split sides and a pair of loose trousers to be ‘presented’, as Adolfe so bluntly put it, to his father.

“It’s too late for that sort of meeting,” protested Devon. “The men will be gone now, I’d like to hurry!”

“Your father insists your clean and not offensive to look at when he sees you,” said Adolfe cheerily, thoroughly enjoying making Devon uncomfortable. At fifteen after ten—as it was—Devon made his way back to the study and waited for the gentlemen to leave. At ten and thirty they finally did and Maurice permitted his youngest son into his small conservatory next to his study.

Maurice Thrann took a seat in a plush chair with fine embroidery and brass nail heads, propping his feet up on a matching foot rest. Devon, to make a point that he was terribly serious, took up the most uncomfortable chair across from his father and looked at him imperiously as he spoke.

“Father, as I was walking home from the social this evening I encountered Jythralo Doran and his man Agdar walking my way. Assuming they were footpads, as I could not see them just yet, I hid in an alleyway for them to pass since I was without my sword. As they drew nearer I could hear of what they were speaking. Agdar began talking nervously and asking Jythralo—”

“Captain Doran, if you please Devon.” The boy, beginning to get frustrated consented and continued what he had to stay.

“Agdar asked Captain Jythralo if he knew what he was doing and telling him that he should mind where and when he conducted his business so as not to let you, father, know what he is up to.” Expecting his father to lean forward in interest, Devon was quite disappointed to see his father take just a lingering sip of his sherry and mutter ‘go on’.

“Then, when asked of how his dealings were coming thereupon, Captain Jythralo said something of this sort, ‘It’s just fine. I’ve got the ambassador put in me pocket, and no one suspects a thing. Umbar shall be restored to its proper glory under our administration yet again mate. The corsairs have ne’er been routed, and ne’er shall they! Not as long as I’m Captain!’” Devon’s temper flared as his father began to laugh.

“There, there boy. I’m glad to see that you certainly enjoyed yourself at the social but I think that a good sleep and a cup of coffee in the morning should do you well to cleanse your mind of the wine they were serving.”

“You don’t believe me?! Father I’m not jesting! I swear it!!” Maurice chuckled and ushered his boy, now rigid with rage from the room.

“Go on Devon. Goodnight,” he said and walked his way to the room.

Furious, Devon took off down the corridor until he reached his own chambers, and stormed to the very back window where he looked out over the wall of the embassy to the sea. The waves came and crashed against beach as the gulls cried in the darkness, diving into the sea for their late suppers. He then walked to the window that faced the south towards the docks and looked down into the harbor. No ships were coming in this night and all were secured in place. The crew of The Silver Wyrm had been kept aboard for repairs after their encounter with the sea-storm and Devon could see them bustling around in their wet cloaks, kept awake by the spirits they hid in their shirt pocket flasks.

He untied the top of his tunic and pulled it off over his head replacing it with the billowy shirt he slept in. Then, after removing his boots and trousers, slipped under the covers, watching as the rain continued to fall. His mind swirled with the thoughts of Jythralo and the threat he imposed on his father’s joining up Umbar with the rest of the Gondorian kingdom. Even though there was much he’d have liked to think about, it wasn’t long before he fell asleep.

In the morning he dressed quickly and skipped breakfast going out early to tell his friends of what he’d discovered. Hopefully they’d believe him...

*-- -*- --*

Merriment filled the inn on the westernmost corner of Styrn Square that evening as Jythralo passed by. The gaiety had only just begun to die down as he and Druks Agdar made their way towards the docks. Their words were hushed, but not so much as to keep them from reaching the ears of a boy hidden in the alleyway. The identity of their eavesdropper was unknown however as they continued to walk on.

“ ‘Umbar shall be restored’ says you,” Agdar was saying as the two men walked by the place where their listener hid. “ ‘Not before we’re caught’ says I. Anxious I am, Cap’n.” At that precise moment, the barrel had rolled into the street as the sound of feet slapping the ground ran in the opposite direction.

“Get him!” shouted Jythralo, giving Agdar a shove into the alleyway. The sailor pulled a short knife out of his boot and gave chase as the boy ran. The captain’s extensive knowledge of Umbar’s layout told Jythralo the probable course the runaway would take and he hurried in that direction. As he passed the guard house he rapped quickly on the door. “Authorities!” he bellowed. A smart looking man in his early forties opened the door.

“Why Captain Doran! What’s the trouble?” The rain had begun to fall.

“Footpads,” said Jythralo importantly. Immediately five guards shuffled out of the house and followed the captain as he led them to the place he expected his man to chase the fugitive. Not half a minute after they’d arrived a teenage boy came running around the corner and barreling into the first guard. He was knocked clean off his feet and it didn’t take any time for the boy to scramble up again and run on his way. Then Agdar came, trying to skirt the guard to get after the boy.

“Say now!” said the guard, grabbing Agdar’s collar. “What’s this? A brigand! What is the manner of this? Who is that boy?”

“Ah, Mr. Deffins, that’s my man Druks Agdar. That boy is a pickpocket,” lied Jythralo. “I sent Agdar after him for his legs are faster than mine.” The guards believed him on account of his authority in the city and went on their way back towards the guardhouse.

“Sorry Cap’n,” said Agdar, walking stiffly up beside his master. “I slipped along the way.” But Jythralo wasn’t listening to the man’s excuse beside him. His mind was reeling at what he was to do now that someone had overheard his conversation. “Did ye see him anyhow?” Oh yes, he had seen the boy very clearly.

“Yes, Agdar. I saw him alright. And we have ourselves a bit of a predicament,” he turned and began to walk quickly back to his townhouse, a very anxious Agdar on his heels.

“Who was it?” he whispered.

“It was Devon Thrann,” Jythralo answered stiffly. “The ambassador’s son.”

piosenniel

10-05-2003, 02:52 PM

Maikafanawen's Character - Capt. Kent

Name: Captain Kent Avershire

Age: 45

Gender: Male

Race: Gondorian, from Dol Amroth

Weapons: His sword is very old but trustworthy. It’s a standard cut-and-thrust much like Devon’s. The pommel, cross-guard, and knuckle bow are made of a high carbon steel and weighs perfectly with the rest of the weapon. The single-edged blade is well tempered and balanced at forty inches overall and a 34” blade. This is his only current weapon at the start of the game.

Appearance: Kent has dark blue eyes, thick, shoulder-blade length, dark brown hair and tan, leathery skin. His handsome features are very pronounced and he has that rugged manly façade about him. He wears the tough clothes of a sailor: a white, billowy shirt; beige, knee-length breeches; a wide leather belt; black, calf-high fold-over boots; and because of his former status, an old-fashioned styled cuffed and collared coffee colored corduroy captain’s coat (yes that is the best unintended alliteration ever!) with delicate gold and black trimming.

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: He is a very brilliant man with cunning ideas and a bewildering intellect. Avershire knows things about the sea one would never find in books. His agile frame and incredible strength is valued in every mariner. However, the past five years of drinking and self-neglect, Kent’s steadfast assuredness have faded slightly. The purposelessness of his current situation is very depressing for him and he is quick to anger at anyone to poke fun at him (this might be a problem when Devon comes to ask for his help).

History: Kent grew up the son of a pirate—no kidding. He was a cabin boy on his father’s ship and learned the ways of the sea at a very young age. However, unhappy with his life of rampage and destruction, he fled to Dol Amroth and later offered his service to the king after the War of the Ring. For twenty years of captaincy, Kent would hunt the pirates whose ships hadn’t been taken by Lord Aragorn after the Paths of the Dead. His ships would escort merchants traveling up and down the coasts and send search and rescue parties out for missing vessels.

All this stopped when a jealous rival uncovered his pirate lineage and he was dismissed from the navy. He now takes up residence in Gondor’s new Umbar where he sits in his townhouse by his self mostly, just reading, drinking, and telling stories to anyone who will listen in his pub of choice: the Beast’s Lair. Deep in the back of his mind still dwells the nagging thoughts of sea faring adventure and the life he led five years ago. He hasn’t forgotten a thing and yearns to be able to captain a crew just once more...

No First Post Needed For Kent Yet

piosenniel

10-05-2003, 02:53 PM

Nuranar’s Character - Calnan

NAME: Calnan, son of Terendul, attaché to the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Umbar

AGE: 20

RACE: Gondorian - Man of Ithilien

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: He is most skillful with his longbow. Following the traditional pattern, his is made of yew and fully six feet long. In Umbar, however, he scarcely uses it and almost never carries it. Most of the time his only visible weapon, when he bears one at all, is his sword. Calnan wields it proficiently, but gets only infrequent practice, most often from thieving Umbarians who see a vulnerable target. When outside the embassy he always carries – usually concealed – a short, single-edged hunting knife given to him by his father. It, too, has more than once been an unpleasant surprise to would-be highwaymen.

APPEARANCE: Calnan is fairly tall, about 6’3”; in build, lanky without awkwardness. His hair is dark blonde, bleached lighter on top by the sun, and trimmed short. His eyes are dark brown. His face is naturally fair, despite its suntan, and his expression calm, if not serious. Casual observers often dismiss him as placid and bookish, overlooking his firm chin and the strong lines of his jaw. When fulfilling his duties as attaché, Calnan wears black trousers, a fine white cambric shirt, and a dark over-tunic with long sleeves slit a short way up. When traveling or otherwise off-duty, he favors dark brown suede breeches, a tan or colored shirt, and well-worn brown leather knee-high boots. For rougher conditions he has a dark green lace-up jerkin and a navy cloak as well.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Calnan is valuable to the Deputy Secretary, for he is hard-working and intelligent. Fair-minded and judicious, he is also a quick thinker and makes up his mind rapidly. Once a decision is made Calnan sticks to it with a tenacity that has before earned him the soubriquet ‘stubborn.’ He is politically aware and astute, yet he is now sure that politics is not his calling. After years of city life he has come to the realization that his love for the outdoors and elbow-room is a deep longing that cannot be eradicated. He thoroughly enjoys archery; from his childhood his father has trained him in the use of the bow. Even before Calnan reached maturity his skill with the longbow had become celebrated in his part of Ithilien Although for the last several years he has had little need to use his bow, in private he continues to hone his ability. Yet Calnan has little combat experience. His desire for all the facts might hinder his decision-making in stressful situations, something else that only experience can remedy.
HISTORY: Terendul, his father, is of the gentry of South Ithilien and served as a Ranger during the war. Calnan was born there. When he was young he occasionally visited his aunt’s family in Minas Tirith. Calnan and his cousin spent many hours in play with the boy next door, Devon Thrann. They became good friends, as small boys will, and despite the three-year differences in their ages.

At home, Calnan’s father trained him in the arts of war, but encouraged him to find a nonviolent occupation. Thus at age 16 Calnan left his parents and went to live in Minas Tirith with his aunt’s family, believing that to be the best place to be fitted for a peaceful life. There he entered upon society, made friends and contacts, and trained in diplomacy. For the last two years Calnan has been the attaché to the new Deputy Secretary, living in Umbar.

There he was brought into close quarters once more with Ambassador Thrann’s household. Calnan and Devon immediately renewed the friendship that had been severed ten years before. Devon’s exuberant desire for adventure often leads the two into interesting situations in and around Calnan’s duties.

These duties are beginning to weight heavily upon him. In the diplomatic universe his star has begun to rise, and he feels satisfaction at the success his hard work has met. Nevertheless, Calnan has begun to feel a stronger pull than the distant prospect of status and reputation. His periodic forays with Devon on intensify this realization. He knows his father Terendul would have him be free to find his own employment, and he will try to keep to the path of peace. But Calnan realizes that finding-elbow room may compel him to take up arms in earnest – just as his father did.
_____________________________________________

Nuranar's post

The just-risen sun was shedding its golden rays on the city when Calnan let himself out the front door of Secretary Ciryatan’s house. The crunch of his footsteps on the gravel drive was the only thing to disturb the stillness of the elite residential neighborhood. As he strode briskly into the narrow lane between high estate walls, Calnan noticed the scarcely-cool morning air. It’s going to be a real scorcher, he reflected.

A small object in the road, opposite a wooden gate in the wall on his left, caught his attention. As he drew nearer he identified it as a small change-purse. Without breaking stride he shot a suspicious glance at the impassive barrier next to him. Reaching the purse, he dropped to one knee and stretched out his hand for it.
Abruptly he threw himself back, just as his ready ear caught the rustle of clothing on wood. As he rose he contemplated with interest a large jet of water that had apparently launched itself from the private side of the gate. Soaring gracefully through the air in a gentle arc, it finally alighted squarely on the abandoned purse with a resounding splat.

A small boy’s head and upper body now extended above the gate, both hands clutching a small pail. Calnan chuckled at the eloquent mortification on his face.

“Julius, did you seriously expect to catch me with that? Why, it’s the oldest trick in the book!”

Impudence replaced mortification. “You know I’ll get you sooner or later, Mr. Calnan. Why don’t you surrender? The sooner you surrender, the easier it’ll be for you.”
“Right, Julius, right.” Still chuckling, Calnan deliberately turned his back, took a step – and then dodged to the right, hearing a projectile whiz viciously past his ear.

“Never give up, young man! Until the next time, farewell!” He raised his hand in a mocking salute, then swaggered jauntily but circumspectly down the road to the corner that marked the limit of his young assailant’s range. The youngest scion of a noble Gondorian house, Master Julius was possessed by the imp of mischief day and night. His recent vendetta against Calnan had afforded that gentlemen much amusement and kept him on his toes for the last several months.

* *

Thirty minutes later found him treading absently up the Embassy drive. Thinking about the day’s work ahead, Calnan was blind to the impressive façade that rose before him. While halfway up the steps he was brought quite down to earth by another object which force itself upon his notice in no uncertain manner, to wit: A scarcely-remarked blur resolved into an agitated ambassador’s son careering precipitately down the house steps and climaxed in a magnificent collision.

Flung backwards for the second time that morning, albeit this time not of his own power, Calnan flung out a desperate arm and seized the iron rail. Pivoting around with his antagonist’s momentum, he grasped the young man’s arm in time to prevent him from executing a head-first dive to the ground.

Within two seconds both had regained their balance. Calnan grimaced at his friend, having recognized Devon in that split-second of revelation that invariably precedes a disaster. “You lunkhead, don’t you ever look where you’re going? You—” The unaccustomed grimness of Devon’s usually cheerful face stopped him. “What’s going on?”
_____________________________

Maikafanawen's post

"I'll tell you what's going on," said Devon rather heatedly. "That Captain Doran is what's going on!" Calnan shook his head. He had misinterpreted the source of Devon's anger. "No," Devon interrupted. "It's not the usual government nonsense I can't stand, and no I haven't been assigned to apprenticeship with him—thank Eru! It's something much worse." Calnan raised a concerned eyebrow. "Come on," Devon beckoned. "Let's go see Callath. I'll tell the both of you when we get there. We won't be overheard in the stables."

_____________________________________________

[ October 20, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

10-05-2003, 02:54 PM

Amanaduial’s Character - Callath

Name: Callath Harres

Age: 18 (6 months older than Devon, only just 18 a few weeks ago)

Race: Man

Gender: Male

Weapons: Callath has skill with both a slim, flat bladed fencing rapier of medium flexibility (not as solid as a usual sword blade, but with a little flexibility, as suits such a blade, but will with much power); the blade, in width, is about an inch, narrowing to the top, and just over 40 inches in length, an extension of his arm when he fights with it; it was made especially for him, as an 18th birthday present, and so is perfectly balanced, made of light steel. At the hilt, his knuckles, most of his fingers, and about half of the back of his hand are covered by a curved, silver filigree cover, and the small pommel is perfectly round, set in with a misted glass crystal through which the light comes through in a perfect circle, something Devon insists is perfectly impractical. When practising with Devon, Callath will use a blade similar to Devon’s own, and he wields more than adequate skill with it from so much practise with his rather zealous friend, but prefers the lighter flexibility of the rapier. In more ‘below board’ fights, Callath is less of a fair fighter though – he carries a small knife with him at all times, insisting it is a pen knife, but rarely is a pen knife quite so sharp, and, being ambidextrous when fighting, the young man can switch between hands with both sword and knife, and doesn’t have a problem with picking up anything else that’s lying around if desperate.

Appearance: Medium height, about 5 ft 10, and with what might be called an athletes build. Callath has flaxen blonde hair which he keeps quite short, down to just above his jaw line mostly, with softer, longer curtains; he leaves his hair down usually, as it is really too short to properly tie up. His dark, earnest brown eyes usually contain more than a hint of a smile, and his strong boned profile, with high cheek bones and an sharp nose, and strong jaw line, is rather striking, making him quite handsome. Quite fair skin, but unfreckled or burnt, to match his light hair, and mostly clean shaven. He, like Devon, wears a loose, rather billowy sleeved swordsman’s shirt, with a short, V-necked tunic over it (down to about four inches above mid-thigh), split from the waist down. Underneath this, he wears dark, quite tight trousers, with high boots resembling riding boots, which reach up to just below his knee.

Personality: Callath is a good friend of Devon, and has been almost ever since he came to Umbar at age seven, when there seemed a much bigger gap than six months between them, something Callath used to tease Devon about, and still does, but simply jesting. He is usually smiling, or grinning rather, as he loves to jest, and possesses what might be seen as an overly sharp tongue; although he usually means no harm with it, he can be excessively catty if he wishes. His anger is not easily sparked off, and he will put up with a lot, but if anyone attempts to put down or physically harm his friends, they generally come off worse. Not a rash individual, he will think his actions through quickly, but for all of this, his plans usually end rather sharply at a point, so he has become accustomed to making things up – as his friends have found, the trick is to work out exactly when his plan has come to an end. He is usually quite mild with the older generations, finding that if you are polite, they will not usually question your actions with too much fervour, and Devon’s father the ambassador seems to like him in a confused sort of way, as Callath is always perfectly well mannered. But when the young man is fighting, it is quite a different story – Callath seems to go wild when he is fighting in ‘less conventional’ spots, although he often practises fairer fighting with Devon. He writes well and reads often, and his passions also include horse-riding and sword fighting, both of which he does well. He is rather popular in Umbar, as there is something about him that is immediately appealing, but has just a few very close friends. Easily trustworthy, but not so easily trusting.

History: Callath has lived all of his life in Umbar, apart from a very few brief trips to Gondor. He is the only and therefore oldest son of his father by his father’s late wife, who died a few years ago when Callath was fourteen, something he and Devon share. Since then, he has never been particularly close to his mother-of-step, confiding scornfully to his few closest friends that he can never regard as a mother one who is young enough to be his wife. He and his father have drifted apart, his father being a rich merchant who travels often and far, taking with him Callath’s younger brother-of-step, who shows much more interest in trading, although occasionally Milar Harres will remember is oldest son and come back to the estate with a birthday gift such as the rapier, but mainly Callath is as happy as can be staying in the estate. He is constantly either the bane, or the best of friend, of the servants in the largish house by the sea, but generally is a good master, as he doesn’t make any pretence of having any power whatsoever.

Since he met Devon, they have got on together, after an initial stage of competition through sword fighting, a competition which remains between them. The younger boy’s enthusiasm with all things nautical by the time they were nine has become contagious, although Callath insists he would be entirely useless should Devon’s plans to have a ‘sea-faring adventure’ ever get off the ground, although this is probably mainly a lie, as the youth is a strong swimmer and can more than defend himself, although his experience of being on a boat is rather little, but so, he points out, is Devon’s own. However, he would back his friend all the way. (He is rather taken with the idea of the corsairs, as something in him is appealed to by this, thought…) He has been tutored since he was young in history, English, and maths, and other such subjects, and he speaks several languages other than the common tongue well, as he is naturally bright, and has an inquiring mind into many things other than what his tutors may wish often.

_____________

Amanaduial’s post

Callath was up as early as ever, and was in the stables only two hours or so after the cock crowed. But this morning the stable-boy had had to rise even earlier than usual, much to his annoyance. Still, it couldn’t be helped; there was a new horse in the stables and, much to Callath’s chagrin, it was he who had been assigned, unwittingly, to look after it.

Wrestling with the wily stallion’s head, the young man fought to get a halter over his ears – he had given up trying to soothe the horse long ago, deciding there were quite probably dragons more good-natured than this horse. Not that it wasn’t a magnificent animal; a bay, his dark brown fur silky smooth and darkening around his nose and legs, nearly seventeen hands high and quite obviously Rohirrim. But, despite having the looks of a god, it had the temper of a demon.

“Get your head down, you bleedin’ monster,” He muttered angrily through gritted teeth. The horse glared at him, continuing to toss it’s head, before it made an attempt to escape the youth’s grasp altogether. “I swear, Captain Doran chooses his horses on bad tempers as well as looks.” He continued as he glared after the horse, halter in hand and arms crossed, as it stood quivering at the back of the spacious pen. The stallion glared back. The staring match did not last long as, with a derisive snort, the horse seemed to dismiss Callath and began to sniff at the hay which had been hung up for it, as if wondering whether it was good enough for him to eat. Shaking his blonde hair out of his eyes, Callath leaned against the door, wondering how exactly he was supposed to get the accursed halter onto the bay, and cast a angry look skywards…and inspiration came to him.

The central stables of Umbar were used by many, and also kept horses of it’s own, and so was no small matter. There were usually five or six stable-hands scurrying around the place seeing to the animals, from mighty stallions from Rohan, kept in livery for the nobles of Umbar, to mules and goats, kept overnight for a sailor who would be taking them off on a ship tomorrow. Because of the vast range of beasts it catered for, and the sheer numbers of them, the stables were no small matter, sprawling out over quite a wide area, with a paddock in the centre and a fields surrounding it (although not all of them were owned by the stables). There were two central buildings running side by side, with the tack room at the end of them. These buildings were partly stone, but mainly wooden, and all the way along, wooden rafters were above the stables, easy to get up to, if you knew how.

Callath himself knew all the ins and outs of the stables, and the rafters were often a good place to relax; they were quite shadowed at the sides, and people often wouldn’t spot him as he sat up there, the soft, soothing sounds of horses moving around beneath him. But he would not be using them to relax today…sighing angrily at the horse as if giving up, Callath left the pen, careful not the turn his back on the stallion – he wouldn’t put it past this one to give him a kick as he left. Then he cut sharply around into the empty pen two down from that one and, grabbing one of the ropes that always stayed there, he weighted it with an unused, but full, hay net. Swinging it around three times, he let the rope go, swinging it up to go over the rafter just above the wall of this pen, and got it the second time he tried. He fed the rope over the rafter until the hay was level with his head again, and took the hay net off it. Attaching the halter to his belt, and then attaching one end of the rope to his halter, he got a firm grip on the other end of the rope, braced one foot against the wall and, in the manner of absailing, began to walk up the wall.

Reaching the top, the stable-hand balanced there precariously, arms out for balance, then, wrapping both ends of the rope around his hands, he pulled down, pulling up his legs, and effectively swung himself up, upside down, onto the rafter above him. He paused to catch his breath and thanked providence that he was agile, then, standing, he began to walk very carefully along the rafter which ran down the middle of all the others down the centre of the room, biting his lip in concentration. Turning so he was above the stable of Captain Duran’s ‘monster’, he continued along, then stopped, just above where the beast was now placidly munching hay. The distance between him and the horse’s back was about six feet. If he managed to swing down, then drop the last few inches onto the stallion’s back, he would be able to get the halter onto the horses head from behind. A good plan. A good plan with a few points left out, such as how the horse would react, but ah, you can’t be expected to cover everything.

Crouching down, Callath took hold of either side of the rafter, preparing to drop under, before a voice nearly made him lose his balance all together.

“Callath!”

Almost jumping slightly, Callath managed to hold onto the rafter. The horse, however, looked up at the voice, in a way Callath suspected was suspicious, and the stable-hand, poised above him, froze. He could still do this.

“Callath Harres! Where are you?”

“Well, now you’ve given the game away…” Callath murmured, closing his eyes and cursing all at once the horse, the horse’s owner, and the voice’s owner, before standing. Looking down the length of the long stable building, he saw the owner of the voice, a young man whose face was as familiar to Callath as his own. Devon. And beside him was Calnan. He put his hands on his hips, and replied, just as Devon seemed about to turn and leave, or to shout again.

“Thank you Devon, you could not have come at a better time,” he replied, exasperated. Beneath him, the horse’s head shot up, then up again as it realised Callath’s voice was coming from above, before it started to move away to the other corner of the stall, where the stable-hand absolutely could not get onto it. Callath glared at it, before walking briskly and light-footedly along the rafter at the centre of the stables to be almost in front of his friend. Devon watched him all the way, one eyebrow raised.

“Can I ask why exactly you are up there?”

“I was trying to outwit Captain Doran’s monster, actually,” Callath replied evenly and with utmost dignity, sitting down on the rafter. “And may I ask why exactly you are down there, at such an early hour? Hello Calnan." The attaché nodded his greeting.
“Captain Doran.” Devon spoke angrily, his fists almost clenched. Wondering what it was that had got his friend so irritated, Callath nodded sagely. “We have something in common then.” Looking around, he sighed, then looked back at Devon. “You want to come up here, or shall I come down?”

piosenniel

10-05-2003, 02:55 PM

Earendil Halfelven’s Character - Jythralo

Name: Jythralo Doran

Age: 47

Race: Man (Corsair)

Gender: male

Weapons: He carries a sword with him, from his days of debauchery as a corsair, and also a dagger inside his coat. He is very skilled with both. He has no arrows, but he has some skill with them when he needs them. He doesn’t attack people though. He does have hitmen from his corsair allies that do his work for him. He has many powerful allies in the pirating business, but also a few enemies.

Appearance: Jythralo has brown eyes and black hair with light streaks of gray hair on the sides, giving him a kindly grandfather look. He is 5’11’’ tall and his lean muscular appearance is evidence of his corsair days. Since he makes a good living as a politician in Umbar, he wears clothes common to the Gondorian nobility, but he doesn’t like to flaunt his riches, so I guess you can say that his clothes are the ones that the nobility “might” buy, if they felt like it. He wears black leather boots, dark green pants, a very nice shirt, and a long black coat with gold trim. His clothes are plain clothes of the nobility. Overall, he looks like a pretty nice guy, but looks can be deceiving…

Personality: He has two sides to him. One side is that he is a kind man that is a politician to help the common people of Umbar. To all the citizens of Umbar, he is looking out for them. But to the corsairs, he is his true self. His true side is that he is dishonest, cares only for himself and the corsair population, and is a little greedy. So I guess you can say he makes a good politician. His motto is- “Once a corsair, always a corsair.” His plans for Umbar will ultimately end in the fall of the Gondorians and the rise of the corsairs, with him in charge. He is loyal to the corsairs and to the corsairs only. He does consider human life expendable if it will help fulfill his plans. If you do stuff for him, he’ll do stuff for you, but try and betray him… let’s just say that if he was alive today, he’d be the Godfather of the Mafia. He is willing to do anything to help his people.

History: He is the son of a corsair. Him and his mother lived in Dol Amroth while his father made a living aboard the pirate ship, but she wouldn’t allow him to go aboard with his father. His mother died when he was 9 years old, so he left with his father to become a corsair. He was the cabin boy, until he was 15, when he killed his first man. During a battle with an enemy ship, his father was killed. He killed the man who slew his father, and his ship was able to win the battle. He took his father’s place onboard, and when he was 27, he became captain of the notorious “Black Wayfarer.” After the War of the Ring, he “retired” from a successful life of pirating and become something even worse-a politician. Despite his favorable political views, they are a little part of his plan of retaking Umbar and making it into the port city that a corsair has always dreamed of.
_____________________________________

Earendil Halfelven’s post

He sat at his desk, rummaging through the many papers that sat there. The candles burned dimly among the furnishings of the room. It wasn’t that nicely decorated; just a few things here and there to give the room a little personality, but not much. Not many of his possessions had survived his past, and the few things that had, he kept at home. It was late, but he had to finish the day’s agenda.

Umbar, his beloved city, was being turned back over to the Gondorians and their new king, Elessar. He knew of the legends of the Heir of Isildur returning one day to retake the throne, but he didn’t expect it to be now, his time. The Gondorians had re-entered the city after the War and had declared it a part of the new kingdom. In order to peacefully change the city over, a council was created to form the new laws and policies of the city. Since then, refugees that had been displaced from the War had resettled in Umbar to start anew. But the corsairs still remained, and they weren’t happy with the change that was being forced upon them.

That’s why Jythralo Doran had been appointed to represent the corsair population within the Council. He was an experienced corsair captain that had been on many an adventure (some of the Gondorian Councilmen preferred to use the term “murder spree” in reference to his days of debauchery). After his captain days were over, he had settled down in Umbar as a respected and liked member of the community. He had grown to high political status among the people and things were looking good for the city. Rumors of the Shadow in the East had grown and a great battle fought in the northern land of Rohan had spread but Jythralo did not worry, that is until ships had passed by on their way to Minas Tirith with banners bearing the White Tree. He knew then that Gondor’s problem was going to be his problem soon enough. As Umbar began to muster a defence in preparation of the fall of Minas Tirith, word came that the King had returned and that Mordor was overthrown. Then, the Gondorian Army came knocking on his door. Some wanted to resist, to fight against the invaders, but what could they do against a battle-tested and veteran army? So, peacefully, Umbar had been taken.

When the Council was formed, all of the men appointed to re-organize Umbar were from the nobility of Gondor, not one a citizen of Umbar, or in that case, a corsair. They had protested, and they had been heard. Some men of Umbar, corsairs, had been appointed to the council also, Jythralo Doran being the first among them. Now, he sat at in his office within the Council building, going over more proposed policy. To him, it seemed that all this new policy, (the word “tyranny” suddenly popped into his mind), was slowly constricting the corsairs ability to do business within the city. And with each new policy, (tyranny), Jythralo felt that the rights of the corsairs, his people, were slowly being smothered. He did have allies within the Council. Other corsairs had been appointed to the Council, but the Gondorians outvoted them. They were the minority in a land of majority rule.

Well, despite his small amount of allies within the Council, he did have allies elsewhere with power unlike political power. There was a soft knock on the door.

“Enter,” he said. He looked up to see his young aid enter the room.

“Sir, it is past midnight. Shall I summon your carriage?” the young man asked.
Jythralo sighed and placed the papers down. All of this can wait, he decided.

“Yes, go ahead and summon the carriage. I think I shall retire for the night.” The young man nodded and closed the door softly.

Jythralo rubbed his eyes. He did not realize that it was so late. He had been lost in his thoughts and concerns regarding Devon's awareness of the Captain's true loyalty position. Well, tomorrow was a new day, a new plan. The war with Sauron was over, but his was just beginning.

piosenniel

10-05-2003, 02:59 PM

Here is the list of needed characters:

Characters Needed

FOR CORSAIRS - 2:

1.) *Co-conspirator – male – I’m going to leave this open for broad consideration; so please be very creative (but realistic)

2.) *Co-conspirator – female – I’m going to leave this open for broad consideration; so please be very creative (but realistic)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

FOR GONDOR - 2

1.) *Third Ally – female – friend of the Ambassador’s son; same age; childhood friend; (could be a love interest); BE CREATIVE but realistic

2.) *Fourth Ally – PREFERED male - You may submit the bio of any race of any history for me to decide from. (Chose from Dwarves (must have a realistic reason for being in Umbar), Silvan Elves (also must have a realistic reason for being in Umbar), men from Rohan, Gondor, and Eriador—includes Rangers and Dúnedain). MUST BE CREATIVE and REALISTIC

Note:

Once your character has been accepted for play, then you will need to be thinking about the carry-along characters that the owner has requested:

*Extra crewmembers and allies of Jythralo Doran – (these will be made up and carried along by the 3 pro-corsair players).

*Extra acquaintances and helpers of Devon Thrann & Company – (these will be made up and carried along by the 6 pro-Gondor players).

Each will need a very brief character bio:

Name:

Age:

Race/Gender:

Weapons:

Any pertinent personality traits:

Any pertinent history the other players need to know:

piosenniel

10-05-2003, 03:05 PM

Here is the Character Description Form for your main characters:

It is a requirement that all potential game players will either have posted in one of the RPG Inns (preferably in The Green Dragon) or have played in an RPG on the Barrow Downs.

Please use this form for creating your character to post on the discussion thread.

Those who have not played before in a Barrow Downs' RPG will be given preference. Final preference, though, will be at the discretion of the Game Owner.
_______________________________________

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES/NO - Which one?

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?

List them, please:

Please note you may play in only 3 games at one time.

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES/NO – Which one?

_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME:

AGE:

RACE:

GENDER:

WEAPONS (No magical, super-hero, mithril weapons. Just good solid Middle-earth weapons and armor only that is appropriate to the race of the character and the time period.):

APPEARANCE:

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: (No half-Elven characters. No mixed-type characters. No super-heroes. No assassins. No one all powerful, martial arts proficient, or having any magical traits. Just regular characters with normal abilities for their races only):

HISTORY:

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

A FIRST POST FOR YOUR CHARACTER MUST ACCOMPANY THIS FORM.

It is a requirement for this game. Character Descriptions without a First Post attached will be sent back to the writer. They may be submitted again, once there is a First Post to go with them.

~*~*~*~

About First Posts for the Game - from Maika:

I do want first posts. The first posts do not have to be interaction with other characters unless specified why they would be in interaction. The first posts should incorporate a typical event in that person’s life that will help the other players to get to know that character. (Allies 1, & 2 should be somewhere where Devon can find them and tell them what he knows at the end of their first posts. Same for #3, but she’ll find him while #1, #2, and Devon are all talking—probably by the stables. Ally #4 will be entering Umbar for his said reason and getting an inn. His second post will include his views on the chaos).

*** PLEASE READ ALL THE INFORMATION BEFORE SUBMITTING A CHARACTER BIO AND FIRST POST. THANKS! ***

[ October 05, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

piosenniel

10-05-2003, 03:13 PM

This Discussion Thread is now open to take on characters.

Have fun! Let's make this a good game! smilies/biggrin.gif

~~ Pio, Shire Moderator

[ October 10, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Arien

10-10-2003, 09:31 AM

Maika, for your consideration.

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? Yes

Which ones? Road to Erebor, Quest for the Ainerg, Escape from Nurn, Dark Seduction, Truth in a Dark Place, Sailing Away, Corsair and Corsets and The Fall of Greenwood the Great.

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?None

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? –

Yes – Which one? The Green Dragon Inn.

~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+

Maika, here is Acacia’s new bio and post below:

Name: Acacia-(pronounced- a-KAY-sha) Ratan

Age: 30

Race: Corsair

Gender: Female

Weapons (No magical, super-hero, mithril weapons. Just good solid Middle-earth weapons and armour only that is appropriate to the race of the character and the time period.): Acacia wields a sword that was inherited from her father. The hilt is plain and wrapped in worn brown leather, and the pommel and sharp short blade are both made of light steel. Though she could get her hands on a much better weapon she seems to be attracted to this one. Acacia also carries two daggers, both have a rosewood hilt and both blade and guard are made of similar steel to her sword. Acacia is also skilled at using throwing knives and carries a small set with her when she deems them needed. She hates to use bows and axes, as she was never taught how to manipulate and is too set in her ways to learn now. Acacia prefers to wear no mail to protect her as she feels that is restricts her movement.

Appearance: Acacia reaches a height of 5ft 9, and is of a medium build. Her hair is a dark brown, and has a slight wave to it; her hair reaches her waist but is seldom let loose as it cause great annoyance to her. Her eyes a brown, with a soft hew of green that accent her skin. It is lightly bronzed from the sun and free from blemishes and marks apart from a scar that reaches from her right ear to the base of her neck.

Acacia either wears a selection of dresses. They are often plain in colour with a simple skirt and a sung corset. She does have one or two dresses with elaborate designs but they are rarely worn. However when at home or away from authorities eyes she prefers to wear plain, tight brown trousers with brown light leather boots. She wears a white shirt over her trousers that come ¾ length down her arms and then is held tightly with cuffs. Shirt has a plunging neckline but it is tied with a series of strings. She wears no coat, as there is no need for her to wear such a garment

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: (No half-Elven characters. No mixed-type characters. No super-heroes. No assassins. No one all-powerful, martial arts proficient, or having any magical traits. Just regular characters with normal abilities for their races only): Acacia has a very misleading personality; which is dangerous to someone who might take advantage of her. Upon the surface she is merely an average member of the council and her only real purpose there is to please those who wish there to be Corsairs on the council. Acacia comes across a timid being with no real personality or emotion. She rarely speaks her mind and agrees with everything that is put forward for suggestion

However under the camouflage that she holds over herself she is a vicious woman. She believes in Umbar and the Corsairs and those who dominate them in the name of Gondor should all be eradicated. She is strong-minded and succeeds at everything she sets her mind too; and ever since Gondor has had control she wishes to over throw them. Acacia is also loyal to Jythralo Doran and has faith that he will be the man to lead them against their oppressors.

Acacia’s main weakness is her sarcastic rage. She will speak her mind and if she feels that the other person is wrong she will reply to them with the lowest form of wit: sarcasm. Often it has gotten her into trouble both on the sea and on land. Acacia also had tendencies not to take others thoughts into consideration and will do what she feels right at the time; although that does not mean she is always right. . Acacia also has a tendency to flirt a lot, sometimes she cannot help herself and other times she is bored; so she does it for fun. She does not value this trait but considers it as a part of her and will not change.

Apart from her personality flaws she has a few physical flaws. Acacia’s first problem is that she is a woman; and although she is taken seriously by most; it doesn’t stop people overlooking her and her mind. Acacia is only used to use sword, daggers and throwing knives and finds herself in hopeless desperation when she cannot fight with any of these three weapons. But with them she is quite skilled for a woman.

History: Acacia was born and bred as a Corsair; with both her parent as Corsairs it was hard for her as a child to escape their influence and their way of thinking. Therefore Acacia grew up with the values and the power of the Corsairs in her mind. Acacia’s father had been the first mate of a Corsair ship until he was caught by the Gondorian authorities and was put into jail for a few years until Acacia was 15.

Meanwhile her mother, Veda, taught her various things concerning ships and weapons. Veda basically brought her up as a child. She believed strongly that one day her daughter would be able to ride upon the waves of the sea without Gondor chasing behind them condemning every act of piracy that they did. Acacia often was able to go upon smaller boats when she was young but it was never as large as the ships that both her mother and father had served on. She was a natural and instantly loved it.

At the age of 15 Acacia first met her father, Solomon, when he was released from imprisonment. Even at such a young age she was bitter towards those who had jailed him and swore she would avenge their time lost together one day.

As soon as her father stepped out from the jail he was aboard another Corsair ship; and naturally both Acacia and her mother joined him. This particular Corsair ship was under the charge of Jythralo Doran a corrupt and dishonest captain and he immediately entranced Acacia. He cared for the Corsairs and Corsairs only and Acacia loved how his mind worked.

For five years she served on his ship and she absolutely loved it; to be free and to do what you wanted was her idea of peace.

The lives of others did not concern her and she cared not for the people that they terrorized. Unfortunately both her parents were killed in the five years by men of Gondor and her hatred for the bubbled
beneath the surface.

Then when King Elessar came to the throne she was forced to give up her glorious lifestyle and withdraw to a more sombre occupation.

Acacia eventually became part of the Council that governed Umbar. She quickly became a respected member of the council and Gondorian Sociaety. Acacia was forced to make friends with the various council members and keeps herself busy during the day with matters of Umbar. And although she hates it with a passion she has to keep the veil covering her true wishes. For under the covers she is still loyal to Jythralo and she hopes to help him to a victory over Gondor.
_____________________________________________

Arien's post

Acacia let the sand run through her right hand as she picked up again. The sea breeze blew softly across her face and caused the sand to blow on to her midnight blue skirt. She sighed and brushed away the sand and leaned back on both her palms. The sunk slightly into the sand; but she stayed upright. The moon shone brightly and caused silhouettes on the waters surface.

Acacia listened as the waves broke slowly onto the beach and she glared out into the ocean. Oh how she would love to be out there now on a Corsair ship again! But of course it was not possible; at least not yet. Soon they would rise to power and she would be able to rejoin the Corsairs, she could not wait. To be rid of the burden of pretending would be bliss and to be rid of those idiotic Gondorian Councilmen would be bliss.

The breeze picked up again, but it was stronger and it ruffled the leaves on the trees near by hard. Acacia shivered and slowly rose brushing the sand from her skirt and bodice. She looked sorrowfully out to the sea and the whispered, soon. Soon I will be free from this life! and then she left and made her way back to her estate. It was only a few minuets walk through the dark winding ally’s until she reached the front gate of her home.

It looked marvellous at night; the torches lit it up and the grounds expanded into the darkness. Sometimes she wished she did not live here; but with the rest of the Corsairs, in squalor. It was not enough for her to have all this and not be able to sail. However her estate was a main ground for meetings between the various Corsairs and not only was Acacia part of the council, a lot of Corsairs held her in high regard.

Acacia pushed the iron gates open and made her way to the entrance. With a brief goodnight to both her maid and butler she way up the stairs and to her bed. She fell asleep almost instantly and was woken by her maid calling the next morning.

“Madame Ratan, you have a visitor.” Came Blaine’s voice into the room.

“Yes, I’m getting up now,” she replied wearily wishing Blaine could leave her in bed for another hour at least. “Blaine who is it?” If it were a visitor of no importance then she would simply bid them go away and tell them that she was busy.

“Madame it is Jythralo Doran; it seems as though it may be urgent.”

Acacia waited till her Blaine had closed her door; then she got out of bed. Her hair fell limply in knots to her side and she scratched her head in thought. She cursed softly under her breath as she donned a crimson dress with a matching corset; Jythralo better have had a good reason for coming so early in the morning. And she did not doubt that he did.

Acacia quickly tied her hair back and freshened herself up; and before leaving she took a drink of water from a flask on her bed. Acacia walked casually down the stairs as she could see Jythralo’s back turned on her. Her was staring at a large painting of a ship that hung a wall opposite.

“So you are up?” He said turning slowly on his heels to face her.

“Yes I am,” She replied leaning on the banister when she reached the step bottom step. She looked over his face briefly, “I was told it might be urgent, is it?”

“I deem that it is,” he replied walking closer to her.

“Oh,” Acacia raised an eyebrow.

“You of course know Devon Thrann?” Acacia nodded and wonder what anything had to do with that boy. He was rarely ever mentioned in their conversations and he was no one of any importance to them. “Well he knows…” Jythralo’s eyes were cast downwards and then meet Acacia’s. Her face was stony and showed no shock, in fact there was nothing.

“How much exactly…”

“Enough,” sighed Jythralo turning his back from her and walking away.

_____________________________________________

[ October 12, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ October 17, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

piosenniel

10-10-2003, 10:19 AM

Durelin

Please check your PM's.

Amanaduial the archer

10-10-2003, 12:48 PM

Just to drop in to say I'm present, and get notifications going.

I am looking forward to this game so much!

-Aman (Callath)

Durelin

10-10-2003, 03:42 PM

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – Yes. Wolf Run, Search for the Lost Messenger, Quest for the Ainereg, Truth in a Dark Place, Gondorian Housecall (sort of), Dark Seduction, Corsairs and Corsets, Brotherhood, Resistance

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? - 2 (I'm pushing my limit… smilies/wink.gif

List them, please:

Brotherhood
Resistance

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – Yes, the Green Dragon Inn.
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Rytin (long 'y', 'i' pronounced like 'ee') Cristale (short 'i', long 'a', e pronounced like 'a')

AGE: 16 and three months!

RACE: Gondorian, of Minas Tirith

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: Table dagger, and her stubbornness.

APPEARANCE: Rytin is of normal height and build, with shoulder-length, thick dark hair, brown eyes, and thin lips. She is quite pretty, though she definitely does not see herself that way. Her milky white skin and darkness of other coloring gives her an exotic beauty.

In her choice of dress, Rytin will always choose red first, her favorite color, usually bedecked with white patterns. Red and silver is her choice in jewelry. Besides red, she stays with dark colors, dark blues, greens, purples, and black. The only light color she likes is white, and it is usually found somewhere in her dresses. Light colors on the darker make for nice patterns and such, though she does not like much décor, or she feels it is overdone. Plain, unadorned dresses of a rich and lavish style are what she desires. She detests frills and low necklines, as she feels straight cuts and high collars give her a stately image. Occasionally, though, an oval cut out below the high neckline makes up for the lack of a low cut one.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: An inborn stubbornness overcomes any other characteristic, and though it impedes her very often, it is the only thing that gives her spirit. The stubbornness overwhelms the self-consciousness, and does a great deal of good. She is able to assert herself, regardless of what she thinks of herself. Still, as she has lived all her life with a good deal of money, she is a bit selfish, and is all too used to an easy, city life (not that all city life is easy). Her father loves her dearly, and she can usually get anything she likes from him. It has developed her into a very materialistic person, and a very 'grabbing' person. She loves to have lots of expensive and inexpensive things, though, truly, she is not all that reluctant to give a few things away. She does not get along well with her mother, who wishes to marry her off. Rytin has always had a great interest in many men, but especially in Devon. Unfortunately, many other young women hold that interest too, and Devon doesn't seem to return any interest (he doesn't seem to with any, though, which heartens Rytin). Consequently, Rytin's mother wishes her to marry Calnan, whom she met through Devon. She and Devon have been friends for a good number of years, though Devon has always treated her as a sort of younger sister, and one that needed watching out for. Calnan has also been a friend for years, and he too treats her in this way. Her age, in comparison with her friends, is another thing that annoys her.

Though she was never educated as much as her brother, Rytin has a sharp mind, if not one filled with knowledge. She is cunning, even if she lacks a bit of common sense. She is able to read and write, and is very interested in many of the romantic tales of old. She is embarrassed by this, as well as by her daydreaming. Her imagination seems to have grown because of her lack of knowledge. When she is not daydreaming, Rytin can sometimes come across as haughty. Really, it is because of her lack of self-confidence that causes this. At times, Rytin will feel the need to glow with pompous arrogance, reacting indignantly to the smallest infraction upon her 'rules,' and staring down at those below her, equal to, and even above her. Most people survive these moods fairly easily, especially those who are accustomed to them.

Thought it may be surprising for many people to find, Rytin is extremely patriotic, strongly supportive, if not loudly, of Gondor, and its rise in power. She has listened to the Gondor extremist with interest, never truly considering joining that party, but interested all the same. Much of it might have to do with living in Umbar most of her life, a conquered region of Gondor. She knows of the Umbar extremists, and loathes them, as she grew up hearing the horror stories surrounding them.

HISTORY: Born in Minas Tirith to a very successful merchant, a rich, upper class household. She spent her early childhood there (living there till she was 6), and then moved to another large city, to another luxurious household: Umbar. Her father wished to expand his trade to new boundaries, and, though she was quite unhappy about it at the time of their move, Rytin is now very glad her father did so. There she met Devon, and later Calnan.

Rytin was raised to be nothing but a good wife to a rich man, and knows this. Her own ambitions make her father's career appealing, as well as her friends'. Whether debating diplomacy or haggling a sale, it is very interesting to Rytin. Unfortunately, she is also beginning to find the twists and turns, the webs, the backstabbing, the frauds -- all of these awful dealings of politics. In her tales of romance, the sad stories or stories with problems are becoming more interesting than the 'happily ever after' ones. All of these things, and so many more, make her uncertain of what she wants out of life, what she wants to do with her life, adding even more to her self-consciousness and lack of confidence.

Her father is Nicean Crystale, a well-to-do native of Minas Tirith and the son of a merchant who aspired to his father's career. Nicean is far more successful than his father was, though he did have much more to begin off of. He married Farinthaeil when he was thirty-four and already successful, and she twenty-two. After building a strong financial foundation beneath him, Nicean looked to new horizons, and saw a newly conquered Umbar as the newest. Farinthaeil would go wherever her husband wished, clinging to the man in a mix of love and greed. Coming from a farmer's family, of which she is ashamed, she did her best to rise up in society, and has accomplished many of her goals, the greatest one being riches. She has always despised the life of a pauper, and has tried to bestow that disposition upon her children. To a certain extent, she has been successful in that, too. Her brother, Calithai, was raised as an educated man, but turned away from his parent's hopes to begin the life of a soldier at age 17, four years ago. His name is hardly spoken in her household anymore, and it has been quite a while since she has seen him. She misses her brother, but almost hates him with jealousy. He has gotten away from their dreadful parents, and has pursued his dreams of being a soldier. In the past four years, she has received five letters from him, each containing news of a promotion. Startlingly, he has made his way in this career, and much to his parent's dismay. Unfortunately, Rytin has no dreams and hopes matching those her brother did, and also lacks the ambition. Plus, there is no reason to abandon luxury just yet.
_____________________________________________

Durelin's post

Lacquered fingernails making soft clicks against the oak, Rytin unlatched a small chest, plain wood but for a gold lock and a thin border of imprinted gold, that rested on a large writing desk. It was the most unadorned object in the large bedroom. Large rugs of a heavy material covered the polished stone floor, with delicate patterns of birds in flight and flowers in bloom. Mainly there were swans on cool, slow rushing streams within the deepest part of some magical and mysterious forest. Perhaps it was supposed to be an elfin wood, those were always filled with magic. Silk tapestries of any of the same things draped upon the walls in various places. One in particular had always stood out to her: one of a scarlet rose, but without thorns. It seemed so real, even lacking the thorns. It seemed…natural, that a rose was meant to be this way, that roses were not supposed to have thorns. Perhaps they had been a mistake, thorns.

Thin lace hung covering a large canopy bad that four people could have slept in, and velvet pillows of a soft but deep purple lay atop silk bed sheets. The winter months were coming on, and so were the night chills, but Rytin refused any other blankets. She just had sixteen silk sheets, and they kept her nice and warm. An ornate oak door led to her anteroom, carved with a variety of shapes, mainly those of flowers that Rytin was not sure existed. The anteroom was less ornate, if not less luxurious. Mainly, it had been decorated to be more sophisticated, not flaunting wealth, but certainly not hiding it, and with straight lines and edges giving it a elegant, yet demure, feel. Chairs and couches, also of oak, with scarlet satin cushions and silk feather pillows, and severe vertical patterns racing up the arms and legs. Tapestries lined the walls in there also, but all were a plain, and matching the cushions and pillows.

Rytin stared at the contents of the small chest. Smoothing her dress, she wondered just why she had opened this box. And why she had all those times in the past few days. It was just a letter, and yet… She glanced down at her skirts. No wrinkles among that sea of red. Rytin was quite fond of red. Red and white went best together, she thought, and a white vine pattern ran down the sides of her skirts and around her high collar. Wide sleeves, a trailing skirt, and white slippers made it one of her favorites. But, there were so many. A ruby encased in silver hung on a silver chain to dangle in the middle of her forehead. It was just a letter…

Plucking a piece out of the carefully arranged stack of folded parchment within the chest, Rytin turned it in her hand several times before unfolding it. She did not have to think to pick out this paper. She did not even need to read it. She thought her heart skipped a beat as she ran her eyes down the page, skimming across round, careful, small script, so delicate, she ran some of the words through her head, the important part. And, for some reason, the part that lay closest to her heart, deepest in her memory.

My father is now blind, and it is hard for me to cope. I must adapt to this new lifestyle, aiding my father so, or doing his duties myself. The latter is the simpler path, on both our parts. But to do all his duties myself? I seek aid in this, friend. It is the simple thing of friendship that leads me to address my plea to you, and I hope that simple thing will lead you to my side.

Now, Rytin was not a lackwit, and she was well aware that much of what the letter appeared to be was, in truth, a shroud. The true content of it had taken time to decipher, but she had discovered it, and was very proud of herself for that. Luckily, she had connections. Her father sat high in status in the city, and he knew the goings-on, especially high up. It was a simple matter to get him to speak of them in a dinner conversation. Devon did need her help. She only knew a bit, as her father didn't hear everything -- or perhaps did not voice everything at table -- but she did know that if the little she knew sounded a bad situation, the whole of it must be ten times worse. Ambassador Thrann really was muddling this up. Rytin was not entirely sure of what 'this' was, but she got the gist of it. That told her enough: 'this' was a very large matter.

With a sigh, Rytin replaced the letter. Her heart had not skipped a beat. The boy had been encoding a message. She felt a tingling form at the pit of her stomach. No! He had not said that he wished for her at his side. She knew what it meant, she had deciphered it. The box slammed shut with a clomp of strong wood, and Rytin rose from her writing desk. Running fingers through her hair, she calmed herself, and straightened the ruby hanging down on her forehead. Oh, why couldn't he have meant it! her mind cried out. For a moment she stood there, slumped over and frowning starkly. Devon… She shook her head, coming to her senses, and whooped a laugh. She laughed at herself, a silly little girl. Calnan was right to treat her like one. Now, but Devon was not! A new heat of anger rose up. He was barely over a year older!

The door slammed shut behind her, and Rytin mumbled in growling undertones using some very rare and remarkable words. She barely saw the long hall she walked through, wide and well lit, decorated with tapestries and small stands holding porcelain and other fine, precious materials. All in this home was made to delight the eye, just as Rytin liked it. It had always been that way for her, after all. Soft swishes of her skirts resounded off the stone walls, echoing down the hallway, though the fall of her steps was not heard; she was a graceful young lady. And she would soon be married… Her mouth was set with a grim determination, and she brought her head up high, so she could stare haughtily at anyone passing by. She felt the need to, today.

Her father was not in his chambers, of course. It was late in the morning, and there were fine objects to sell, and to buy. Still, it was easy enough for her to get into them. Nicean Crystale's anteroom was much plainer than his daughter's, though much larger. Plain, dark colored tapestries lined these walls too, but the furniture lacked any decorative carving. It was quite boring, in Rytin's mind. It needs much more red, she thought with a smile. But what was not boring, was what lay behind the beautiful stained glass doors: the garden patio. There was red there, Rytin's rosebushes, as well as her mother's lilies, along with a wide array of flowering plants. Really, the rest consisted of whatever the gardener wished to plant.

Rytin strolled aimlessly, letting her mind be wiped of any real thoughts, escaping from all the troubled ones that threatened her. Whenever she allowed it, her mind would wander back to memories, mostly of Devon and Calnan, but also of her old home, of Minas Tirith. It was her birthplace, had been her home until she was nine. She had told herself and others that she was glad she lived in Umbar, but…what would her life have been like in Minas Tirith? Who would she had known, whom then would her mother wish her to marry. She could hardly remember the place, except that it was very beautiful, and, yet, she wished to live there again. Perhaps it was just that she could not. She had always wanted what she could not have, as well as what she could.

A stirring behind her made her jump, dropping the white lily she had just picked. Turning around in a whirl of red and white silk, Rytin came face to face with a very skinny, comely old woman in servant livery, frowning in a very apologetic and, at the same time, worried way. "Shari! Please, do not do that! You startled me out of my wits!"

Rytin's maid's frown grew even more worried. Anxiety overcame remorse. "Forgive me, please do, young Mistress." Rytin sighed. There was that word 'young,' again. I would not have come up on you so, but was not certain if I should disturb you. You see, when I found you not in your rooms, I came here." The old woman hesitated. She did not sound too sorry, or too worried about disturbing her Mistress. Shari did not care all that much about the expected lowliness of servants. But she was worried about something. "Mistress…" Rytin was thankful for the missing word. "Yes," she said, rather impatiently. After giving Rytin an indignant look, Shari continued. "You had said you wished to see Master Devon today, on important business."

"Oh yes!" Rytin stooped to pick up her lily. "Please, notify Jinto. It is very important business. Oh, and have a message left for my father," she added as an afterthought. As the maid turned to go, Rytin said a hurried "And thank you, Shari," before rushing off herself. As she walked those all too familiar halls again, she placed the lily in her hair, styled in a neat, somewhat ornate bun on the back of her head. Lilies certainly were not meant to have thorns, and Rytin would just bet that Devon liked flowers without thorns. Suddenly she frowned, stopping in her steps. Actually…she hoped he did not. She may not have been meant to have thorns, but they were there. Soft swishes began again, this time sounding at a much faster pace.
_____________________________________________

Okay, you said 'be creative,' and I hope I was. You also said to be realistic, and I hope I was that too. I tried very hard in both aspects, I assure you! But, if anything in my bio or post is unrealistic or not in synch with the plot or other characters, I am sorry. I had trouble deciding how Rytin would meet different people and when in her lifetime and etc, etc. Still, I hope you like her!

Thanks!

-Durelin (who is excited, because this is her first 'good-guy' female character!)

P.S. - Please forgive that very childish earlier post! smilies/frown.gif

[ October 14, 2003: Message edited by: Durelin ]

[ October 20, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

maikafanawen

10-10-2003, 04:24 PM

I'm really not supposed to be on the computer but I simply had to! I'm just really looking forward to this RPG.

Anyways, I looked over the two bios submitted very briefly. They have spectacular potential and I will be on either later tonight or tomorrow morning I believe to go over them and get to each of you, Durelin and Arien, with comments/questions etc. Thanks for submitting them!

I look forward to more creative bios from anyone else out there! Remember that bios may still be submitted for any of the four characters not yet etched in stone. I also will not turn away a bio pointblank. I will most definitely go over what I was looking for and find a way for one to weave it in with their character before he/she is dismissed entirely. It's just the nice thing to do. smilies/biggrin.gif I'm really just shaking w/ excitement! I am obsessed with pirates...

Oooh fudge I was caught! Later!

-Maikafanawen

Brinniel

10-10-2003, 09:47 PM

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – Yes- The Blue Mountains, The Shadows of Umbra, and Escape from Nurn

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? one

List them, please: The Threat of the Trees

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – Yes – In the White Horse, though only briefly

_______________________________________

My Profile for Third Ally of Gondor:

Name: Adeline Montrés

Age: 17

Race: human

Gender: female

Weapons: Adeline has little knowledge in weaponry. What knowledge she does have was taught to her by Devon. Adeline does not own a sword, though she does conceal a small knife beneath her skirts at all times, and is ready to use it if ever need be.

Appearance: As a girl blooming into womanhood, Adeline is considered rather pretty. Her skin is fair, her eyes grey, and her hair is a wavy deep brown that falls to her waist. She rarely leaves her hair down in public though, and prefers to tie it back in a delicate fashion with strands of hair falling down in ringlets. Adeline stands at 5’6”.

Clothing- The dresses Adeline wears are long and flowing, but still practical. They are made from simple fabrics and patterns, yet they remain elegant. The colors Adeline is usually seen in are faded blues, greens, and crèmes. Occasionally, she will wear deep reds and violets, but only on special events, as these dresses are her finest garments. All of Adeline’s dresses are low cut and are suited to the latest fashion in Umbar. Due to its discomfort, Adeline refuses to wear corsets, except for special occasions. Adeline owns a tunic and pair of trousers, but has almost never worn them, save for the few sword practices she has had with Devon. Though she finds this type of clothing more comfortable and practical than her regular garments, Adeline does not wear them in public, as it is considered improper for a lady to wear trousers. On her neck, Adeline displays a precious silver locket, given to her as a child by her father.

Personality: Adeline is the type of person who is easily liked. She is patient, respectful, and an attentive listener. If anyone is ever feeling down, she is always there to cheer them up. Often Adeline is seen with a smile on her face. Despite her sweet personality, Adeline has also been known to have a quick temper. When she is angry, she is unable to control herself. Those who have managed to get on Adeline’s bad side know she has a fiery tongue and a swift hand. And if there is something she disagrees with, she is not afraid to publicize it. She has a tendency to blurt out words before she thinks, which she discovered can often cause trouble. Adeline is also a bit of a loner. She has few friends, and what friends she does have are male. She dislikes all other girls her age, thinking them as conceited.

Having been educated in a variety of subjects, Adeline is a highly intelligent girl. She is able to speak in several languages, and like Devon, she is an avid reader. Many of the stories she has read, have left her wondering what an adventure of her own would be like, though Adeline does not desire to participate in any type of adventures. In fact, she has only stepped foot on a ship once in her entire life, which some find rather odd considering her father was a captain. The reason is this: Adeline believes the sea was simply meant for looking, not for sailing on. Her single experience on a ship was not a pleasant one, for Adeline had never quite managed to develop her sea legs. Since then, she has kept her feet on land.

History: Adeline was born in Umbar and it is there she has spent her entire life. She is the only child of Captain Gareth Montrés and his wife, Rhoswen. Montrés was well known as a captain, and more than that. Not only had he participated in the War of the Ring, but was known for capturing many corsairs at sea, who had been troubling the shores of Umbar for some time. He was the first person able to catch Jythraro Doran and see him locked away. It was because of Gareth Montrés that the renovation of the city began.

Though Gareth was often busy with his career, he always found time for his wife and daughter. Adeline adored her father like no other. She admired his bravery and his talents. Unfortunately, Gareth Montrés’s life came abruptly to an end when one his ally ships wandered astray one foggy morning and collided with his own vessel. Adeline was only eleven at the time. The peoples of Umbar were very apologetic of this accident, and large donations of money were given to Adeline and her mother. For many years, the two of them lived well money-wise, but since Rhoswen and Adeline did not earn their own wages at the time, save an occasional trading, their money has begun to run short. Though they have not reached the stage of being poor quite yet, they both fear they are on the verge of doing so. Lately, Rhoswen has been working as a seamstress, while Adeline searches for her own way of earning some wages.

Adeline first met Devon when she was nine years old, two years after he had first come to Umbar. The Ambassador Thrann had invited Gareth and Rhoswen to supper one night, and he thought it best for them to bring Adeline along as a playmate for Devon. The two became fast friends and have been close ever since. Adeline’s mother often comments on how the ambassador’s son would make a fine suitor, but Adeline has never thought of Devon as anymore than a friend, or so she claims.

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_____________________________________________

Brinniel's post

The sun hung low on the eastern sky, revealing that the day was still young. The air was damp and cool, and delicate white clouds were scattered throughout the sky. On the shores of Umbar, sailors and fishermen could be seen preparing for the new day. And as all this was happening, a young woman stood on the southern beach, a solitary figure gazing out at the vast sea. Adeline Montrés was her name, and it was often that she came to stand on these beaches to watch the sun rise.

Adeline closed her eyes, allowing a slight breeze to blow across her face and tousle the ringlets that descended to her jaw line. She licked her lips ever so briefly, and could taste salt. Adeline had lived in Umbar her entire life, but it wasn’t until recently that she was able to appreciate the beauty of the city. The beach was a peaceful place and often Adeline came here not only to stare at the sunrise, but also to daydream and read her favorite stories.
“You waste too much time of your life dreaming,” her mother once commented, “much like your father did when he was a young man. I swear, you get to be more and more like him everyday.” Adeline had simply smiled at this.

Adeline was brought back to attention by the sound of a child’s laughter. She turned around to find two young boys chasing each other with sand, both with large grins planted on their faces. Adeline gave a slight smile, remembering the days of her childhood as she absentmindedly fingered the silver locket that hung around her neck. Then, lifting up the hem of her long, pale blue dress, she turned away and left the beach, before she could get hit by any flying sand herself.

As Adeline strolled past the docks, she could see out of the corner of her eye Captain Jythralo Doran speaking privately with another man. Adeline had never met Captain Doran, nor did she care to for she always had feelings of hatred towards him, for Doran had once been a corsair. When she was just a toddler, her father had managed to capture him, though that was not enough to stop him. Once Adeline’s father heard the news that Doran had agreed to give up his corsair ways, he only chuckled grimly.
“A pirate will never surrender his ways,” he had once told Adeline. “Especially not Jythralo Doran. I do not know what he is up to, but I don’t like the look of it. I honestly believe Ambassador Thrann is making a mistake, allowing Doran to live a free life. Doran is not a man to trust.”

Adeline remembered those words and made sure to pay heed to them. At all costs, she had avoided Captain Doran and his men, which had not been difficult. She often stated her opinion of Doran to her best friend, Devon, though he had never said much in response, perhaps because he was the son of the ambassador.

Adeline saw Captain Doran’s eyes shift towards her direction when she realized she had been staring at him. She quickly averted her eyes, then glanced back at him, giving the captain one last dirty look before continuing on.

When she left the beach, Adeline had intended to head straight for home, for she had many chores to attend to. She hated to neglect her duties, especially now that her mother was so busy working as a seamstress. But as she passed the stables, her ears picked up the sound of voices coming from inside. Though, she could not make out what they were saying, Adeline could easily recognize the voice, one of them belonging to Devon. Strange, she thought to herself. Why would Devon be out at this hour? Curious on what Devon was up to, Adeline forgot about her original plan of going home and stepped inside the stables.

_____________________________________________

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If anything needs to be added, removed, or edited, just let me know. Hope you like it. smilies/smile.gif

[ October 12, 2003: Message edited by: Brinniel ]

[ October 20, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Elfwine

10-11-2003, 12:32 AM

-Apllication for the role of Fourth Ally- {I’m currently involced in the Setting Sails for Valinor RP, and it will be my first, and I do believe that answers all the questions}

Name: Talis Doran

Age: 19

Race: Man, of mixed origin

Gender: Male

Weapons: As a child wandering the docks of countless coastal seaports, he picked up various arts of weaponry at a startlingly young age. As it was the only thing he owned, young Talis became most familiar with the short blade; something between a dirk and a cutlass. Later in life, when he traveled inland for his own reasons, he reverted to using the long blade, as it was more appropriate for the woodland setting and the enemies lurking within. The sword he wielded and still wields is a fine one, two inches wide at the base, and crafted of white metal – tainted in old age. The hilt, wrapped and rewrapped in stalwart bore’s hide is both comforting to the hand and pleasing to the eye, capped with an ornately carved knob of ivory bone, also stained in old age.

Appearance: Tall, as it would seem appropriate, he stands at an even six feet. Long legged and lanky in figure, he is of muscular build and fit as any wanderer of the wilds should be. Hair of wheaten blonde (like his mother’s) falls evenly in an unintended bowl cut, parted at his brow, and slightly longer at the nape of his neck. His eyes, however, he inherited from his father; a soft, nut brown, rich in color and emotion. Sun-touched in complexion, with tall and angled features, he is an attractive young man. His attire is that of a wanderer’s, composed of a worn leather jerkin with braided collar and buttons, over a sag-sleeved shirt of creamy hue – tall black-weave boots cause his dark leggings to bunch at the knee, and a heavy weather-beaten travelor’s cloak, drab in color, hangs back against thin shoulders, providing a small bit of protection for all.

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: On the contrary of a harsh upbringing, Talis is really quite genial and understanding towards others. Though he is not as bold and boisterous as some, he is quick-minded and in control of a quick tongue. In turn, he is rather smooth with his words and can, more importantly, hold them. His greatest weakness, as he perceives it, is his belief in his luck and his love for money. The blood of the Corsairs and their ‘culture’ in running fluently through his veins, he can’t help but once in awhile put his fortune and future on the line for a few gold pieces in a game of dice. He knows full well that it is an inhonorable habit, and his being concious of his wrongdoings like so is perhaps another one of his weaknesses. His virtues, however, lie in his strength of spirit, his perpetual poise, his faith in others, and his ability to understand the feelings of those around him.

History: The illegitimate son of the Corsair and current prominent politician, Jythralo Doran and his young ‘misstress’ Iyevnna, Talis’ childhood was one of unpleasant memories. From the moment Jythralo knew of the child Iyevnna carried, the pirate decided then and there that no one else must know, that this child was merely the brat of some wench, a ‘motherless goat’. And so, Iyevnna was mistreated and shunned during the nine long months of her pregnancy, only
to pass on, a wary, hollow creature, at her son’s birth. The bawling infant in his hands, Jythralo could not bring himself to kill his son. And so he left young Talis in the care of a trusted sea merchant, to hire him as a hand just seven years later.

There were no secrets kept, and though he did not understand it, the boy knew that Cap’n Jythralo was indeed his father. Stern glares and a few belts across the jaw helped conceal the fact, and quickly, both father and son became professional players on deck, around the crew. A few years passed, and adolecence plagued their masked relationship – harsh words brought on a bitter parting, and Talis, at fourteen years, left the deep blue for the north; inland.

In the wilds where it was pure forest, untouched by the wrath of civilation, he uncovered a new side of himself; a new way of life. It was there that he rid himself of Corsair ideals and set for himself his own morals. It was there that he honed is skill with the blade, and discovered his connection to the wilderness; his ability to survive. Days to months, months to years, he became a self-christened ranger, and has been ever since.

Gossip traveled throughout the country as quick as lightening, and news of the mysterious contender Jythralo’s election reached the Talis’s open ears in the blink of an eye. A politician. He was not surprised. No doubt the old man was planning something nasty. Perhaps it was time for the young man’s return to the coastal region.

_____________________________________________

Elfwine's post

The sound of silence, which was so familiar, was but a distant dream. Even as the red sun woke the moon and its children, the city buzzed with life and the distant waves of the ocean crashed. The comfortable darkness that had become his blanket on lonely midsummer evenings was weakened by the blaring lights of center town. As far as the young man’s keen eyes could see, nothing had changed at Umbar. Sighing a heavy sigh, Talis reslung his satchel over a tired shoulder and continued down the cobblestone path towards the tavern ahead, bursting with merry yellow light.

Nearing the entrance, sharp ears caught the tidbits of peoples’ conversations; gossip on the Ambassador, whose name was apparently Thrann, and one of his kindred called Devon. Another name also caught his attention, that of Lord Jythralo’s. “I’m impressed, old man.” He mumbled to himself as he reached for the rusted latch on the double doors of the Inn. Inside, the tavern was busseling with energy; a roaring fire reached its many arms towards the heavens, while faces, flushed with merriment, bobbed about gleefully to the sprightly music coming from the bearded man managing a fiddle.

This brought a warm smile to the wanderer’s pale lips, and he took a seat at a table near the door. As soon as he felt the hard wood, a young barmaid emerged from the throng of customers, a wide grin stretched across her pretty face.

“What’ll it be, outlander?” She asked in a perky voice, strained with youth and too much cider.

Outlander? I haven’t changed that much, no?, he thought to himself, staring down at his heavy clothes and hearing his voice, which had long since adopted the northern accent. “A pint.” –he nodded, confirming his decision- “Yes, I’d like a pint.” He looked up at her from his stool at the hardwood table.

She smiled foxily and winked at him, “Right away!” With a muffled giggle, and the twirl of her long skirt, she was lost in the crowd.

His ears the picked up the same voices babbling on about the government and lords and ladies, “I ‘ear the boy master hates ‘im, what with risin’ to ‘is pater’s level an’ all. I say it’s about time that someone from the slums make it with them high-nosed politicians…”

“But ar’n’t them pirates nasty people? Inhuman even! Real ruthless they are, says ol’ Gran; manslaughterers!”

“Ol’ Gran’s a bag ‘o rubbish, and a rotten one ‘o that. Now them pirates might not be the properest people around, but this Jythralo character, I 'ear says ‘e took some oaf-“

“Oath?”

“Aye, aye ‘sposed t’be one ‘o them sacred ones that cause ye to burn t’ashes if ye break’t.”

“Ashes? …” The conversation trailed on, but that was all Talis heard.

Your supporters may be blind, but I can see, I can see. -His eyes narrowed and became distant- What’re you up to, old man? No good, that’s what… And I’m going to stop you.

_____________________________________________

{ Lord, now I wish I had started one this character earlier. I really had no idea what to do, and I really don't think what I did was the right thing. All right, so it isn’t the best of what could have become of the idea, but I thougt a lot about it, and spent a good four hours on my rump trying to figure it out. I really do hope you like it, and if there’s anything, anything at all, let me know and I’ll to’t, ESPECIALLY you, Earendil. Anyway, thank you for your time.
Waiting and hopeful,
Elfwine}

[ October 11, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

maikafanawen

10-11-2003, 11:45 AM

Wow! Yes, yes, this is, absolutely fantastic!

Brinniel: VERY nice. It's almost exactly what I had in mind. I'll get back to you as soon as I can with questions. Brilliant!

Elfwine: I love this idea. I absolutely love it. I'm not sure if that's how I want the Fourth Ally to be used but I like the idea so much that I think I'm going to find a way for it to fit in. I think, to keep the drama level in this RPG at a minimum, it would work best if Talis kept his identity a secret when he joined Devon's party. He could possibly overhear their conversation in the pub that one night and work something out in his head. I do have a question real quick before I go: Is Talis interested only in personal vengence? or Is he sort of half in half, he wants political justice and personal vengence? Either one's fine I'm just trying to figure out how I can put him in the story. Excellent job!!

Arien: Check your PMs in about five minutes after I post this! smilies/wink.gif

Splendiferous work everyone! Keep them coming!! smilies/biggrin.gif

-Maikafanawen

piosenniel

10-11-2003, 12:08 PM

Maika - check your PM's please.

Elfwine

10-11-2003, 02:45 PM

Maika,

That is exactly what I'd intended! - to keep Talis' relation to Jythralo a secret. And how personal you want his yearn for vengeance to be is all up to you, but how I perceived it is that he himself wants only to have nothing to do with his father, but hearing of his election, this conversation, and knowing him so personally drives him to return to the Umbar and save it and the people in it. Finding out about the details of Devon's plan one way or another (this will be later, obviously) will play into his mindset, and ofcourse, push him to conceal his being Jythralo's kin even more.

...??

maikafanawen

10-11-2003, 06:43 PM

Thank you for bringing that to my attention Pio. Your words of advice have not fallen upon deaf ears. smilies/wink.gif

Elfwine: Please check your PMs. smilies/frown.gif

Arien, Brinniel, & Durelin: Please check your PMs.

IMPORTANT: I really want to bring everyone's attention to the required time of commitment for this RPG. It says 3.5 months. If this is impossible for you I strongly advice reconsidering submitting a character layout. Also, because of the level of involvement that I've packed into this story, it's going to be important that you can check up with the RPG and Discussion thread every three out of four days. If you are unable to commit to these time constraints then you should reconsider joining the RPG. Thanks!

-Maikafanawen

[ October 11, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Arvedui III

10-11-2003, 11:27 PM

Heheh, this look awesome. Might you guys have need of a corsair?
-----------
Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES - Road to Erebor, Reclaiming the City, Truth in a Dark Place

How many RPG's on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? 2- Resistance, Resettling the Lost Kingdom.

Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? –NO
_______________________________________
For your character please include:

NAME: Menelcar

AGE: 38

RACE: Gondorian Male, Middle-man.

WEAPONS: Menelcar wields a double-edged dirk with some skill, but his weapon of choice is a ironwood mace slug comfortably across his back at all times.

APPEARANCE: Bowed with a myriad of scars, most of them disfiguring his once handsome face, Menelcar's eerily tall and powerful form is not something one would wish to come across in a dark alley of Umbar, where he is wont to spend his nights. He stands about 6'3"; and his cropped black hair, stiff with spray, and even darker eyes help him blend easily into the shadows when it suits his needs.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Menelcar has the look of someone used to frequent outbursts of rage, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Reserved and calculating, Menelcar likes others to fight his battles if he doesn't have to. And therein lies his essential failing: Laziness. Menelcar, unless he uses great strength of will to turn his resolve to other purposes, would like to do nothing else besides lean back against his great sandalwood chair and do nothing. Amazingly jocular if given the right amount of rest, Menelcar would make any hobbit proud. However, he does know when to put his nose to the grindstone, and once he commits to something, Menelcar is unrelenting in seeing it through.

HISTORY: Born in Dol Amroth, Menelcar was originally the son of a widower fisherman, but was taken in bloody corsair raid along the coast of his home at the age of twelve; and enslaved as a cabin boy on the infamous corsair vessel, "Back Wayfarer" In time, the love of the sea his father imbued in and the thrill of life onboard a ship mixed, and Menelcar willingly gave up any desire to escape and return to Dol Amroth. From that time on, he served one Capt. Jythralo Doran, moving up though the ranks and eventually becoming a coxswain. The war of the ring came and went, and, like all his brethren corsairs, Menelcar renounced his life as a buccaneer and settled on the isle of Umbar. After a few years of wandering aimlessly throughout the island, he began working as a harborman, finally giving in to the fact that he would have to labor legitimately for once. However, with the help of his former captain, he was quickly promoted to the rank of harbor master, and allowed in on Doran's plot to return to the sea. Now, sitting comfortably in his warf-side cabin, Menelcar waits patiently, not noticing certain activities and taking stock of others when it suits the plan, the plan foremost in his yearning mind, now alight with a new fire.
_____________________________________________

Arvedui III's post

The harbor stunk; It was a simple fact.

However, to the ruddy figure settled comfortably behind a worn and slovenly desk, the rotting planks, waste-filled shore, and ships bobbing evenly outside his cabin produced the most intoxicating aroma ever to be taken in by men. The honorable harbor master Menelcar couldn't have been enjoying himself more when the rat crept almost reverently into his office. Well, perhaps office was too strong a word for the disorderly mess of a room he called his cabin. The sticky, sea green shades suffered no light to pervade through the room, save a hungry yellow torch stuck on the right wall that seemed to leer at all who entered. Smiling wryly as the rat tripped over a pile of cargo reports he had been meaning to organize, Menelcar rolled his shoulders back, creating an ominous snap that seemed to echo.

Satisfied with the effect, the harbor master took up his usual act, one that he had perfected long ago. He grabbed a disjointed quill and began to scratch out the heading for the report that would inevitably follow whatever information was coming. At the sound of the rat's timid, "Pardon Sir," he looked up in annoyance and barked, "What?". Eyeing the bedraggled boy bitting his lips was more enjoyable than he had thought, and Menelcar did not bother holding back the smirk that crossed his face. As if encouraged, the rat gulped and started speaking. "Sir, well, Mr. Rolen wanted to report, sir. The Estel's left sight of port now, and," "When?" Menelcar barked tersely. "At first light, sir." Came the prompt reply.

Oh, of course. While I'm still asleep.

"Who gave it clearance, then?" He said, narrowing his eyes in distaste. "Mr. Cullom, sir." "Cullom?" Menelcar echoed, brows arching in surprise. "Yes, sir." Licking his lips, the harbor master made a mental note to question Cullom later. No ship was supposed to leave port without him knowing, and if Cullom was getting sloppy, or even worse, getting cold feet...

"Is that all?" Menelcar sighed, dipping the broken quill into ink and continuing to scrawl on a tattered piece of parchment. "Well, sir, well, there is, that-I," The rat began to stutter, "What?" He barked, showing more ire than he intended to. "The cove, sir, Mr. Rolen thinks that," "Oh does he now?" The harbor master hissed dangerously through gritted teeth. "Well, you tell Mr. Rolen from me that I don't pay him to think, I pay him to do, and if he's so set on thinking, you tell him that he can think about doing without this job. Fathom that, ye worthless cull?"

At that last statement, the boy's eyes expanded to the size of saucers and Menelcar winced and cursed himself inwardly. This rat had never heard him dip back into his seamen's tongue, and would no doubt report that to Rolen. He would have to watch his temper. "Well? Aught else for me, boy?" Menelcar barked, looking up from his notes to the harbor rat again as if nothing out of the ordinary had been said."Nn, no, sir." The rat bumbled, still looking at his master in shock.

"Then get you gone." He ordered and didn't give the boy another glance. Mayhap that would be enough to keep the lad quiet, but Menelcar doubted it. Silence ruled the office for the next hour, the harbor master plotting who best to deal with Cullom and Rolen, and maybe that harbor rat if the price for such a deed was good this time of year. Then a rap on the knobby door jerked his attention away from the report he had just finished with a flourish."Enter" He drawled imperiously, wondering if he wouldn't have to pay for dealing with Rolen after all."You know," Said an amused voice that Menelcar recognized immediately and sent shivers like cold water down his spine. "Were anyone important to stop by the honorable office of the harbor master of Umbar, you'd be out on your arse, ‘Car."

"Captain!" Menelcar cried happily and rose quickly out of his chair. "What an unexpected surprise, sir." "How's business?" Jythralo asked his former thrall as if he was a father inspecting a son's new trade store."Can't complain," Menelcar beamed, "May have to find a new west warden, though." "Tolram Rolen?" "Yes, sir." Dalon nodded sagely. "Well, I trust you have the contacts to take care of that,"Then, adding a lopsided grin to his face, he continued, "Or mayhap ye'd liefer add a notch to that club ‘o yours, belike, coxswain?" Both men chuckled at the statement, each reminiscing about a time when such speech was heard all over Umbar. "Aye, sir. I've not chosen which yet, but I'd love to take the latter, so I would. But, why are you here, sir?"

At this Dalon frowned. "Mayhap ye'd do me the pleasure of adding two notches to that club of yours ." He said conspiratorially, arching an eyebrow.

The harbor master only smiled in response.

_____________________________________________

I hope that works.

[ October 15, 2003: Message edited by: Arvedui III ]

[ October 20, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Arien

10-12-2003, 02:06 PM

Maika, My new post and Bio are up after the revisions. They are situated in the original posts place.

maikafanawen

10-12-2003, 07:42 PM

Thank you Arien.

Just to recap here let me organize my thoughts for a moment before I to bed.

Characters Needed / Players Interested

- Female Corsair -
Arien's Acacia (Replied)

- Male Corsair -
None

- Female Gondor Ally -
Brinniel's Adeline (Replied)
Durelin's Rytin (Replied)

- Fourth Gondor Ally -
Arvedui's Menelcar

All right, I just feel better organized having that up there. smilies/biggrin.gif I haven't missed anyone have I? I took Elfwine out because I cannot consider her *sniff* vignette for reasons PMed to her. Sorry again. smilies/frown.gif

Arvedui: I don't have time right now but I will get to your character bio asap tomorrow.

...d'accord...oui...

Bon soir!
-Maikafanawen

Himaran

10-13-2003, 12:29 PM

This game is so incredibly awesome, and has so many of my gaming aquaintices in it, that I couldn't help but play....

Note: I put this together pretty quickly as I was worried the place would be taken. I will do as much editting as necessary to make it fit if need be.

I will be applying for the Male Antagonist position that still remains open.

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES - The Hobbit’s Gift, The Road to Erebor, Quest for the Ainereg, Sailing Away, The Summons, In the Shadow of the Star, Flight from Rohan, Resettling the Lost Kingdom.

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in - 1

List them, please:

Resettling The Lost Kingdom.

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES – BOTH
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Jurex Quetell

AGE: 30

RACE: Man, (Corsair)

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Jurex is a knife fanatic, and has an enormous collection (many of which he has taken from his victims). As a rule he carries three with him at all times, hung individually on a strap across his back and chest. A hefty scimatar is his battle weapon, but it is usually kept at his small hut along the docks.

APPEARANCE: Jurex gives off a sense of a battle-hardened warrior that has seen far too many winters at see. Both his piercing brown eyes survived his years of warfare, but his left ear was lost and his entire body is covered in deep scars. His long, black hair is braided, and his three golden teeth add to his fiersome appearance. Tattoos are frequent over his arms, chest and back. His clothing is slightly better; there are few holes in his pants and shirt, but there is a gash out of right boot. His swashbuckling appearance is added to by the black bandana that is held tight around his forhead; the sign worn by one of his past crews.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES:

Jurex is a man who cares for no one but himself. He is not purely evil, but the fact that he murdered his father and elder brother over a miniscule heirloom does not paint him in a very good light. Though he is not a well-known criminal, most honest citizens give him a wide berth. This appeals to Jurex, as it makes him feel power over them. He is fairly quiet, and ignores anyone that cannot bring him profit.

HISTORY:

Jurex grew up living and working on the docks of Umbar, as his father forced him to do so. Neglected by his remaining family, he grew up in a world of loneliness and despair. However, the treatment slowly taught Jurex how to survive on his own, and he became a notorious thief at a young age.

After the family dispute that ended the lives of his last two bretheren, Jurex left Umbar and began his life as a corsair. This career continued for nearly ten years, until the fateful battle with a Gondorian cruiser which sunk his vessel and destroyed the entire crew; leaving Jurex floating on a hunk of the wreckage in a hostile ocean.

Eventually reaching land, Jurex began to scrape out a living as a handyman on the docks. But his fortune began to turn when he met a man that became his greatest ally. Together with another conspirator, the corsair was confident that they could carry out their scheme successfully.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
_____________________________________________

Himaran's post

The knife sped out of his hand and into the target on the wall. Dead in the center.

A mixture of cheers and boos ensued, and the challenger reluctantly pushed the pile of gold and jewelery across the table. It was but another successful bet for Jurex, the champion knife thrower of the Black Keel Tavern. Chuckling inwardly, he patted the man on the shoulder and snatched a sack from another table to collect his coveted loot.

The crowd dispersed quickly, the interested patrons soon moving off to watch and join in other card games and contests. Glad to see them go, Jurex retrieved his knife from the wall and gathered up his few posessions. Satisfied with his winnings for the day, the corsair decided to return home; but not before he had treated himself to a drink using his new earnings.

As he sat at the bar enjoying his mug of brandy, a new customer entered the room. From the corner of his eye Jurex could tell that it was a woman, but he did not recognize her until she got closer; Acacia. After scaning the room, she sureptitiously proceeded to amble over to the bar. Seating herself next to the man, she ordered a small drink and sipped it slowly. Speaking in a low tone, she addressed Jurex. "Jythralo wants to speak with you; he is certain that someone knows."

"How much does - "he" - know?"

"My exact words to Jythralo when I spoke with the man a few a hours ago. 'Enough,' he claimed; but more important to the problem is who knows." Here she paused, possibly for effect.

"Devon Thrann, Jurex ... the ambassador's son knows."

Jurex inhaled deeply, sucking air between his teeth. Lovely, the ambassador could be alerting the authorities as of this minute. "Strictly speaking, it Devon Thrann knows much at all, we're doomed."

Acacia continued; "Not true. We may be able to discredit the boy, or deal with the matter through a slightly more efficient method..."

Jurex nodded. "I will speak with Jythralo. Hopefully, we can develop a quick plan to effectively end the matter; whether or not the use of force is necessary." The conversation over, the two conspirators left individually, taking separate exits. But a single question burned in the minds of each.

How much is 'enough'?
_____________________________________________

[ October 21, 2003: Message edited by: Himaran ]

piosenniel

10-13-2003, 12:34 PM

All who post a character and First Post will notice your posts have been edited - it's just me setting the First Posts up to be transferred to the game should they be accepted by Maika.

Earendil Halfelven

10-13-2003, 04:37 PM

Himaran & Arvedui III-nice to see you two again. Its been awhile since Road to Erebor, but let the good times roll! Arvedui- too bad Rangar and Turthol can't be here smilies/frown.gif but now I'm the bad guy!!!!! smilies/evil.gif It's about time too!

[ October 13, 2003: Message edited by: Earendil Halfelven ]

GaladrieloftheOlden

10-13-2003, 07:50 PM

A question: may I post a bio for co-conspirator number 2, or has the spot already been taken for sure?

Thanks. smilies/smile.gif

maikafanawen

10-14-2003, 02:19 PM

GaladrielOTO: Feel free to submit a character bio. I am not making my final final decision until Thursday. I really like a couple of the bios submitted very much already though so we'll see. But you may of course still submit one! smilies/wink.gif

Characters Needed / Players Interested

- Female Corsair -
Arien's Acacia (Replied)

- Male Corsair -
Arvedui's Menelcar {In progress)
Himaran's Jurex (In progress)

- Female Gondor Ally -
Brinniel's Adeline (Replied)
Durelin's Rytin (Replied)

- Fourth Gondor Ally -
No one

Alright, I'm just checking up.

Now to PM Arvedui and Himaran.

-Maikafanawen

PS I'm sorry you won't be able to join us Eladain.

GaladrieloftheOlden

10-14-2003, 04:53 PM

Character Description Form:
1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs?

Yes.

Which one?

Reclaiming the City, In the Footsteps of the Grey Company, and The Summons.

2.) How many RPG's on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?

None.

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan?

Yes.

Which one?

Both, but it was a few months ago.

_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Hessa Taiel.

AGE: 21.

RACE: Corsair.

GENDER: Female.

WEAPONS: Hess owns a tiny but very sharp blade concealed inside one of her rings. She has never had occasion to use it, and nor wishes to, as she is rather squeamish of blood. It was given to her by her father when she turned 13. She treasures it more for how elegant it looks on her finger, and for the memory of her father that lies with it, than for its possible usefulness, but understands that as well.
She also has a small dagger, but does not carry this around with her, as she thinks it a nuisance, and does not feel that she will ever need it. She keeps it at home, under her bed, and rarely even takes it out to clean.

APPEARANCE: Hessa has long and flowing black hair, naturally tanned skin, brown eyes, and a small, often-pouting mouth. She is quite vain, and considers herself beautiful, often finding an hour to spend making faces at her mirror, but is really not more than just pretty. She is rather petite, standing at only 5’3”, but does not care, having never envied those taller than her their height. Hessa would like to wear bright dresses, or tight ones to show off her figure, more often, but, as, financially, this is hard, she makes due with boring and plain ones most of the time, unless she has a chance to do otherwise.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Hessa is a rather vain young woman, self-confident and self-centered often to the point of conceit, and feels that she does not receive all the admiration which, in her opinion, is her due. Hess is sometimes, when in the mood, a shameless flirt, but has only recently discovered this side of herself, and, though quite comfortable with it, tries not to let it show too often, because she feels that it is not worth a bad reputation. Occasionally, when she does not get what she wishes, Hess is not above throwing a hissy fit or sharply doing away with a friend or two with sarcastic, scathing words, snide remarks, and scornful glances. She cannot be said to be very intelligent, and is certainly rather featherbrained. She feels that books and studies are simply a terrible intrusion into her time. She is also very much a gossip, and will, at almost any given point, know all the talk of the town.
Hessa does not really have many strong points, but those that she has are readily noticable. She can be quite loyal if somebody is interested in achieving the same goal as she is (Umbar for the corsairs, in this case) for example. Also, she has a talent for loosening tongues and receiving all the information she could wish for. She can be quite persuasive when she wants to. And, occasionally, though rather rarely, she can develop attachments which help her become more determined- for example, she has a great love for her mother, and when she feels that she is dong something for her, she does it with much more conviction.
As mentioned somewhere above, Hess is vain, and often self-centered. This means that she is easily prejudiced against those who have obviously better clothes or looks, and also is vulnerable to flattery. By way of sweet talking, if it is well enough "crafted," almost anybody could win Hessa’s trust and esteem. Also, although she is good at hearing all that there is to be heard, she can often not distinguish between truth, rumor, and blatant lie. Lastly, Hess is very squeamish about blood or gore, and once passed out when she witnessed a street brawl, so, though she wishes for Umbar to come back to the corsairs, she knows that it cannot be done without violence, and secretly dreads the possibility of it happening.

HISTORY: Hessa was born to a well-off and moderately well-known corsair captain, a friend of Jythralo’s, and his wife, a constantly ill woman at least a few years older than her husband, somewhere in Umbar. When Hess was almost a year old, her father, who had left off sailing shortly before she was born, sold his ship and decided to accept a "mission" to spy in Minas Tirith. So he took the family (his wife, little Hessa, and his teen-aged son), changed his name, and moved them all to Minas Tirith. Things went peacefully for a long while. Hessa grew from an infant to a toddler, from a toddler to a child... she was spoiled and used to dressing well, and to getting what she wanted, and hungered always for more tales of the brave corsairs, to whom she knew she belonged. Her father and brother, meanwhile, were constatnly busy, working out strategic friendships with important officials, or reading stolen documents, or something of the sort. But when Hess was 10, the clouds began to gather. More efforts were being taken to root out spies, and all foreigners were suspect. Many were charged with spying, even those who were not, but somehow Hess’s father avoided apprehension for a few more years. When Hessa turned thirteen, her father gave her a ring with a tiny but terribly sharp blade inside which is still her only weapon, and which she treasures.
About 3 months later, Hessa’s father and brother were taken away on charges of spying and being unfaithful to the city where they resided. Hess never saw them again. She and her mother fled the city and came back to their homeland, Umbar. There, they found themselves a new home, and managed to scrape by with "donations" from old friends, though Hessa’s mother was continuousy ill. As Hessa grew older, she decided that she wanted to help out the efforts of the corsairs still left in the town to bring it back under control, but, though she asked to help, there was really nothing that she could do. However, being the social butterfly she is, she hears all the talk of the town and passes on any which concerns the corsairs or the Gondorian army to Jythralo, directly or through others, and is determined that if she can find something more helpful to do, she will do it.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
_____________________________________________

GaladrieloftheOlden's post

Hessa awoke to the sound of hacked coughing from the next room. She debated for a few seconds the idea of curling up and going back to sleep, but a louder cough pushed the measure to the other side, and, her eyes still heavy with sleep, she threw off the warm blanket and rose, shivering. Grabbing a worn shawl quickly from a chair she pulled it tight around her shoulders, over her slightly threadbare nightgown, and softly opened the door to the next room. "Mother," she called. "Are you alright?" Another bout of wheezing followed, and then her mother’s hoarse voice: "Quite alright, Hess, quite alright... go back to bed, dear." "Well, call me if you need me," Hessa said, unconvinced, in an unusually gentle voice. She walked out of the room and shut the door carefully behind her. Sitting back down on her bed, she wrapped herself again in her covers against the cold, but did not take off the shawl, brooding. Then, swinging her legs over the side, she lay down, hoping to catnap, at least. But slumber did not come, though her eyes were long closed. She strained to hear any noise from the next room, but it seemed her mother had settled down. She hoped so, at least. Concerned, she wondered how she felt. And why she even cared. She would not have cared had it been anybody else. Why should she? Nobody else mattered. She shrugged in the darkness of the windowless room, then chided herself for her silliness. Nobody was there to see her gesture to the walls. Finally, she slid into a doze...

She was 6 again, living in Minas Tirith. She was at home, twirling about in front of her parents and older brother, her crimson dress billowing about her childish form. Her mother was laughing, and her father was just sitting still, his dark eyes alive with humor. Her brother merely, stood, fidgeting. She was joyfully running into her mother’s arms and twisting her fingers into her dark hair. The picture changed. She was 9, reading from a piece of parchment, her brows furrowed, her eyes darting out every so often to check on her mother, waiting for her to doze. 11, running through the town and hearing news of traitors rooted out, spies caught, and then coming home, hearing tales of the brave corsairs to whom she belonged, whispered, from her brother. 13, her birthday, her father giving her, solemnly, the ring with the hidden blade... and then the day, a few months later, when the men had come to take away her father and brother...

She realized that she was no longer dreaming, but remembering, sitting upright in her bed, her teeth chattering still with the morning cold. She did not want to remember it all again, but the painful images seemed to burst through a wall in her mind, coming to a skidding halt just before her eyes. She remembered the days when she and her mother had run from Minas Tirith. She remembered how she had missed the half of her family that was now gone, in those first few months. She remembered how they had reached Umbar and settled down in the city, helped along by friends and relations, her mother now ailing. She remembered how she had wished to help the corsairs, because of her fiery hatred for the men who had taken her brother and father. And how, in time, she had forgotten most of it, and entered the life of a young woman in the town, and enjoyed it immensely. But she had not forgotten, she chided herself, she remembered it all... but really, her father and brother did not matter. Long dead, probably, she thought. None of it mattered. She couldn’t help the efforts of the corsairs, really, no matter what little things she heard in town and brought back to them, or what rumors she could spread for them, because she had no mind for politics.

But then, unused to such lengthy contemplation of serious subjects, she jumped off the bed, and, calling to her mother that she was going out for an hour or two, turned to find a suitable dress. She cringed a bit as she looked at those she had, because all of them had somewhere or other a worn spot or tear, no matter how skillfully stitched up. Then she wondered if she might find one somewhere else. Looking around the rather small room, she checked in the corners, the chest, even. Finally, sighing, she got down on her knees and reached under the bed, squeamishly and abruptly drawing back her hand at every dust bunny she caught by accident. Then, reaching what she had meant to, she grabbed hold of a basket and pulled it out. Heaving it upwards, she placed it on top of the bed, and began to look through its contents. There were a few dresses inside, two of them untouchable for the time, being those she wore only on special occasions. There was one, however, which was quite decent, clean and tight and a dark reddish maroon. She pulled it out, but did so carelessly, and a dagger clattered to the floor. She swooped down gracefully to pick it up, frowning. She didn’t know why she still had the thing. She was far too afraid of blood to ever use it, anyway. She dusted it off and put it back in the basket. Then, she went to change.

Emerging from a darkened corner a minute or two later, she cast a sidelong look in the mirror and smiled from under her eyelashes, as though flirting. Then, remembering her dream, she twirled, beginning to laugh. Taking a comb from her bedside table, she ran it through her long black hair, pushing its weight behind her shoulders, where it swayed softly. Then, putting on her ring, the blade inside hidden by a large stone, she took a last pleased glance and smile into the mirror and was gone before the door slammed, all thoughts, unpleasant and not so, left behind for the whirling and speeding world of gossip and the streets outside and screaming vendors in the marketplace...

_____________________________________________

Hope that's alright. smilies/smile.gif

-Menelien

[ October 14, 2003: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ]

[ October 22, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

maikafanawen

10-14-2003, 06:02 PM

Salut

D'accord, I got done with Arvedui's critique and I was moving on to Himaran's when the computer froze at my dad's office. So Arvedui, your character bio and my little comments are on a disk at the offices downtown. I'll get them to you tomorrow. smilies/smile.gif Je regrette! smilies/wink.gif

Himaran, I had time to do yours before 7:30 when I promised Mr. Schetski I'd do his art review. It should be in your PM box.

Menelien, I'll get to yours asap tomorrow. It looks good!

A demain!
Maikafanawen

(I'm studying for a French I exam tomorrow--every little bit helps!! smilies/wink.gif )

maikafanawen

10-15-2003, 04:22 PM

D'accord, Arvedui, you can check your PMs now. I got the disk with your "critique" or whatever one wants to call it.

I'm working on yours right now Menelien.

-Maikafanawen

[ October 15, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Arvedui III

10-15-2003, 05:36 PM

Earendil:Indeed. Se le bon ton ruele! (Please forgive my horrible french.) smilies/biggrin.gif

Maika: I posted the corrections. Hope that works (again).

piosenniel

10-15-2003, 05:44 PM

smilies/wink.gif ~*~ Laissez les bon temps roulez! ~*~ smilies/wink.gif

Earendil Halfelven

10-15-2003, 07:26 PM

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Too much french! I had 3 years of that for HS. Please, no more...I beg you... smilies/biggrin.gif

maikafanawen

10-15-2003, 07:48 PM

WHOA!! Lots of big french! I only know a few little things relating to school! Like telling people what classes I have etc ... smilies/wink.gif

I AM CLOSING IN ON MY DECISIONS AND EVERYONE'S WHO'S SUBMITTED A BIO PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO BE HERE FOR THE WHOLE TIME. Of course there will be a week or two when one has holiday vacations etc...but none of this multi-weekly absences that I'm not told about. This RPG cannot afford it. If you cannot be here the whole time please let me know!!!!!!

D'accord, finally I've gotten Menelien's thing to her. So you can check your PMs now Menelien.

-Maikafanawen

Amanaduial the archer

10-16-2003, 10:39 AM

J'ai un vacation en le vacation de toussaints pour sept jours, le 25-2 Novembre, je sait - je vais aller au Italy. Pardon, mais c'est le temp unique je vais prendre le vacation, je sait.

Ca va? smilies/wink.gif

Ahem: I have a holiday in the October half term for seven days from 25th October to 2nd November I think - I'm going to Italy. Sorry - but its the only time I'm taking a holiday think (in the span of this RPG).

maikafanawen

10-16-2003, 01:44 PM

C'est d'accord Aman. smilies/biggrin.gif Yeah, and that's all I know...

Arien & Earendil: Please check your PMs.

-Maikafanawen

Nuranar

10-16-2003, 01:59 PM

O merciful Maika,

I shall be camping for three weekends:

October 17-19
October 24-26 (possibly just 1 or 2 days - don't know yet)
November 21-23

Those include the days I leave and get back, so I'll be gone just over 2 days, aggregately.

My apologies for these absences!

~ Nuranar

maikafanawen

10-16-2003, 06:32 PM

Characters Needed / Players Interested

- Female Corsair -
Arien's Acacia (Replied)
Menelien's Hessa ( ½ way through)

- Male Corsair -
Arvedui's Menelcar (Replied)
Himaran's Jurex (Replied)

- Female Gondor Ally -
Brinniel's Adeline (Replied)
Durelin's Rytin (Replied)

- Fourth Gondor Ally -
No one

Okay, this is the current situation and I've just realized something frightening. No one's auditioned for the Fourth Gondor Ally. smilies/eek.gif

Once there is a good vignette for him I will make the grueling decision. *bites lip*

Anyone feel like advertising for the fourth spot so we can get started with the RPG? smilies/biggrin.gif

-Maikafanawen

Brinniel

10-16-2003, 07:22 PM

I'm rather appreciating all this French. For once I'm semi-understanding a foreign language. Ah, the wonders of being a French 1 student. smilies/biggrin.gif

maika- I don't know if it really matters yet since you haven't made your decision yet, but if you want a heads up on when I'll be gone anyway, here it is:

-January 9-11
-January 30 - February 1

Those two weekends are my scheduled dance competitions, but they may change. Otherwise, I'm planning to be home, even for the holidays. smilies/smile.gif

Amanaduial the archer

10-17-2003, 12:02 PM

Oops, as Maika pointed out, I made a mistake...prepare to be crucified by my french teacher, as I have a feeling I made that mistake all the way through my last homework...urk...

[ October 17, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

maikafanawen

10-17-2003, 03:52 PM

Aman: That would be a good idea but I had something certain in mind for the fourth ally and I'd really like him to be a part of the RPG. What I'm going to do is pick from what I have so far so that someone who doesn't get the part they want will have a chance to be a fourth ally.

This is going to be a very hard decision and I'm going to take care of it by PMs.

-Maikafanawen

piosenniel

10-19-2003, 11:29 AM

Everyone

There are new rules in effect for all the forums which will be enforced by the administrators and moderators. Please familiarize yourselves with them here:

NEW POLICIES (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=19&t=000124)

maikafanawen

10-19-2003, 11:52 AM

Everyone, please check your PMs. I have sent out notes on your character and whether he or she will be in The Ambassador's Son.

It was very dificult and I didn't intend to insult or offend anyone. It was NOTHING PERSONAL. I know most all of your RPGing skills very well and both of us know that each and every one of you are fantastic writers!

We still have a place left for the Fourth Ally. Since he is not needed until a little while after the rest of us have posted, we can start soon w/o him.

Pio: When do you want the order of the posts to go on the RPG thread?

Fondly,
Maikafanawen

piosenniel

10-20-2003, 10:20 AM

Maika

Go ahead and put the order for posts on the Discussion Thread.

I have to work today - so it will probably be tomorrow before I can transfer them (or very late tonight).

Once they are placed - shall I leave the game open for play?

maikafanawen

10-20-2003, 02:52 PM

Posting Order:

Earendil - Jythralo
Arien - Acacia
Himaran - Jurex
GaladrieloftheOlden - Hessa
Nuranar - Calnan
Amanduial - Callath
Brinniel – Adeline

Pio—Let's wait to open the RPG for another day or so. I want everyone to get a vague idea of where this is going since it's not one of those Beginning/Journey/End RPGs.

Okay kids, here is the outline for this RPG. It is subject to change under ideas and suggestions given! But this is more or less what I had in mind. PLEASE feel free to give ideas that will put more action/adventure into the PART I. It's a bit standard from where I’m sitting.

OUTLINE:

PART I: Act I

*Devon tells his friends about Jythralo.
*We meet Ally #3.
*Devon has to go home for his lessons but meets up later with his friends again for dinner at an inn.
*Corsair Allies #1 & #2 are at the same inn—They know that Devon knows and plot to kidnap him under Jythralo's orders.
*So while Devon's on his way home—this time armed—they try to kidnap him. It doesn't work and Devon gets away.
*He goes to where Callath is in the stables to tell him what happened. Callath convinces him to stay the night in the stables in case they try something in his house.
*Jythralo begins his plan in the inn after Devon has left.
*The Gondorian dies

Act II

*Devon & 3 friends go to the embassy where Mr. Thrann is working to pass harsh laws against the Corsairs who are being v rebellious and wreaking havoc. Devon tries to tell him that it was Jythralo but he doesn’t believe him and tells him to leave him alone.
*Devon & three friends do what little they can, mostly just staying out of trouble.
*Jythralo finishes up the last of his plan and confronts the Ambassador, requesting protection because he claims that lots of corsairs are branding him a traitor and threatening him.
*The Ambassador consents but Jythralo stages his own kidnapping. At the failure of even the Ambassador's protection, all the politicians leave in a frenzied rush to save their own skins.
*Madness ensues.

Act III

*Ally #4 rushes in to see the Ambassador. He tries to help but no one will listen to him b/c he's a foreigner and because their too worried about their own safety.
*Devon introduces himself and his friends and tells Ally #4 about Jythralo Doran. Ally #4 has heard of him and agrees to help and tells them that they need to do some spying. Ally #3 volunteers.
*She will get into Jythralo's office and look through the papers and things in his desk. She finds the map of The Bay and copies it, taking it back to Devon.
*One of the allies has seen her and that night they kidnap her. Jythralo leaves a pretty note.
*Outraged, Devon swears to rescue her and the v next day, the four men left decide to find a captain, ship, and crew!

Act III

*We meet Ally #5
*It takes some convincing to get him off his lazy butt and back on a ship with crew but he does finally.
*Devon also needs to come up with money to help pay the crew.
*Then they're on their way to The Bay.

PART II: Act I

Will be pretty much erratic and open to whims and impulses! smilies/wink.gif I will lay out steps once we finish Part I and are ready to move on.

Another thing on the outline: If you don't like some of the things I've got your character doing, speak up and I'll take care of it. For example, if Himaran or Arien, either of you don't want your characters in an inn the night when Devon is there, we can whip up a few secondary characters working under Jythralo to take care of it.

Also, Brinniel: Adeline may or may not be kidnapped. It was just something that sort of came to me. You can decide when we get to that part.

Earendil: I hope you're thinking about Jythralo's plan. One of the first things Acacia, Jurex and Jythralo do in the RPG is putting it into action.

Any questions anyone?

-Maikafanawen

[ October 20, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

GaladrieloftheOlden

10-20-2003, 03:10 PM

Very simple question- just, where is Hessa while all this is going on? I'm a bit disoriented. smilies/wink.gif

-Menelien

Himaran

10-21-2003, 09:56 AM

I'm alive.....

For some reason, I could not log on to the BarrowDowns for several days.

I'm fine with Jurex being at the inn, and being one of the *rueful glance* unsuccesful kidnappers. I'll hang around and wait my turn to post.

Himaran

Himaran

10-21-2003, 10:30 AM

Pio: I made some corrections to my first post; could you please transfer them to the post you placed in the game?

Thanks, Himaran

piosenniel

10-21-2003, 10:56 AM

Himaran

Your edited post is on board.

Arien

10-21-2003, 01:49 PM

I am happy for Acacia to be at the Inn the night Devon is there. However I think it would be more appropriate if she did not attempt to kidnap Devon alongside Jurex. It would probably seem very suspicious if a Council member was to take part in the kidnap of The Ambassadors son.

Could she stay in the Inn and maybe send a secondary to help Jurex?

[ October 22, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

maikafanawen

10-21-2003, 01:59 PM

One thing I'd like to clear up is that just because you are not having a specific part in the RPG right now that is in the outline, you can always keep your character involved by keeping him active.

This IS still an RPG even though we've got a very profound collection of characters so feel free to write for and develop your character whenever you feel like it during the course of the game.

Menelien: Hessa will be with Acacia most of the time, but there will be times, of course, when she'll be given her special duties and sent off on errands for PART I of the game. We'll be coming up with intricate ideas on how to keep things as adventerous as possible! So always be thinking about it! smilies/wink.gif

As soon as I hear from the others (Nuranar, Earendil, Arien, and Aman) about the outline, I'll post again and we'll get started.

Nuranar and Menelien: Can you come up with last names for your character? Things will play deep in this game and a fair deal of personal information will be needed. Thanks!

One last question, on average, how often will each of your be able to check up on both threads per week? I'm wondering how I should pace the game.

Thanks!
-Maikafanawen

maikafanawen

10-21-2003, 02:05 PM

Ah! Corresponding posts! As rare as they sometimes are they're still aggravating! smilies/wink.gif

Arien: I agree with you. That's actually why I brought the point up. When I had first drafted the outline I was planning on having both corsair allies be male, but that would have made for a tedious RPG IMO. Anywho, send on in a secondary. We'll be using quite a few of them I believe.

Fingers itching with anticipation,
Maikafanawen

P.S. Arvedui: Do try and hurry with our little favor. *Puppydog eyes*--you have no idea. smilies/wink.gif

GaladrieloftheOlden

10-21-2003, 02:13 PM

Last name... eh... Hessa Taiel? smilies/smile.gif

-Menelien
__________________________

EDIT

I put Hessa's last name up on the list. smilies/smile.gif

~*~ Pio

[ October 21, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Arien

10-21-2003, 02:36 PM

Maika, just to let you know I will probably be able to check up on both threads nearly evryday (I hope!).

Amanaduial the archer

10-21-2003, 03:19 PM

As soon as I hear from the others (Nuranar, Earendil, Arien, and Aman) about the outline, I'll post again and we'll get started.
Oh, I do apologise. If you mean the outline posted here, I didn't realise we had to comment, I was just sitting back quietly admiring it... smilies/smile.gif I'm good with all of that, it fits together nicely. Excellent.

Raring to go,
Aman

Earendil Halfelven

10-21-2003, 03:35 PM

The outline....peachy!
I'm feeling a little bit of the stomach flu thats going around here, but hey! I never get sick, just feeling a little nasty. So I'll be on here regularly.

Nuranar

10-21-2003, 06:48 PM

So sorry, I wasn't aware that my input on the outline was requested. Although I was meditating something...

At this point, I'm just a little concerned about the attempted kidnapping (how DO you spell that?!) in Act I. Calnan's the type to see the very imminent danger to Devon if Jythralo knows who heard him. I deliberately wrote Calnan as the eldest of Devon's friends - and by a good bit, I might add - to make such a realization consistent with his, shall I say, savvy character. (It also comes, on my part, from a mind enriched by many detective and espionage books. smilies/wink.gif)

That being said, I feel it would be inconsistent with the abilities of the allies to just bop around without protecting themselves, much less to let Devon ramble around on his own. Not to mention that that was just what he was doing when he got involved in the whole mess.

Any thoughts? Am I getting through?

I shall edit in a last name for Calnan as soon as I find/make one - I agonized over "Calnan" as it was. I wasn't aware one was needed - most of Tolkien's characters lack them, especially as we use them.

[EDIT: Calnan is now "Calnan Dontal," for those who are curious. smilies/smile.gif]

And finally, I anticipate being able to at least check the threads at least once a day (with the exception of a few weekends). Just don't count on me being able to post every day - I am still in school, as patient Pio can attest. smilies/biggrin.gif

Many thanks!

Edit: Re-reading the outline, I'm a bit concerned about the lack of action on the Allies' part. They basically do nothing (except for what seems a rather haphazard raid on Jythralo's office) until Jythralo acts and they lose the initiative. The initiative - very important in military matters, as I am learning. But I digress.

If Devon's story is true, some very decisive action is needed very quickly. Since the authorities won't do it - at the present time - I see two alternatives: (A) Try to put a spoke in Jythralo's wheel themselves, or (B) Find out all they can about his plan, his preparations, and especially his own allies; then, depending on the strength of the evidence they gather, they can again approach the Gondorians with a case worth looking into (and in a manner very different from Devon's first attempt), or they can implement a modified Plan A.

How's that?

[ October 22, 2003: Message edited by: Nuranar ]

Brinniel

10-21-2003, 07:49 PM

Also, Brinniel: Adeline may or may not be kidnapped. It was just something that sort of came to me. You can decide when we get to that part
I actually really liked that idea the moment you mentioned it. Adeline seems the type who would get stuck in that position....and make sure the corsairs regret every moment of it. smilies/tongue.gif

As for checking threads, I should be able to do so almost everyday except for Monday; it is rare you'll find me on that day. As for posting, I think I can do that 2-3 times a week. Of course, like I mentioned once before, my schedule can be erratic, and there may be some days I can't get on. *sigh*

Arvedui III

10-22-2003, 06:08 PM

At your request, Maika, here's the fourth ally. I do apologize for being so late, my homework has been stupid of late and wouldn't get done.
----------------------
Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES, Road to Erebor, Reclaiming the City, Truth in a Dark Place.

How many RPG's on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? 2- Resistance, Resettling the Lost Kingdom.

Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? –NO _______________________________________

NAME: Telson

AGE: 29

RACE: Man of Gondor.

WEAPONS: Telson wields two short swords slung comfortably at each hip. Although he's not shy with a bow or lance if it presents itself, he prefers close-quarter combat.

APPEARANCE: With ice blue eyes and a sallow, pocketmarked face, Telson has a habit of attracting unwanted attention. He stands about 5'11", and his lithe frame and long, loose black hair only adds to his somewhat peculiar demeanor, although the ratty brown cloak he wears often helps him slightly. But, perhaps his most distinguishing feature is his smile, which is very rarely not in place.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Telson, quite simply, is a dreamer. He prefers hearing of great deeds rather than preforming them, and curling up with a good book as opposed to experiencing the dangers of the world. He has a ready, often sardonic wit, and a need for laughter. When called upon, though, Telson can devote himself completely to a cause he believes in. He has a strong love for his country and those who lead it. And, while he is no orator, Telson has a gift for tongues and a weakness for words. And wine. Well, cheer of any kind, really. Telson loves a good time, and a good nap, and while he frequently belittles his fighting ability, he's not a shy warrior. Even if he chooses not to be.

HISTORY: Born originally in Minas Tirith, Telson's mother died in childbirth leaving him to be raised by a father engrossed in service to the citadel guard. He was sheltered in the southern fiefdoms with other women and children during the War of the Ring, and then moved to Ithilien with his father and the white company after it was over. Growing up in Emyn Arnen, Telson studied both lore and warcraft, although there was no doubt in his mind that he wanted to be a scholar. This presented somewhat of a problem, as his father had no doubt that he was meant to be a soldier.

After many lengthy arguments, Telson gave into his father's wishes and served a small commission at the crossings at Poross, which lasted about a year until he was transferred back to Emyn Arnen as a supply officer. This suited Telson just fine, as the cushy post gave him more time to read and write freely. His stories and notes gained some notice as well, for he began to be given special assignments and extra work that, for the most part, required his ability to observe and then write about what he saw. The latest in these is a trip to the isle of Umbar, to assess the possible aid it might send in time of war.

_____________________________________________

Arvedui III's post

As the creak of the deck of the Miranel swayed and finally stopped, a shaky, stooped, figure clutching dearly to the port railing had finally decided on one thing: He hated ships. And oceans. He hated oceans too, which was two things, really, but he supposed that was irreverent. The cargo vessel lurched horribly as it dropped anchor into what looked like lurid, black, and, there was no other word for it, chunky water; The mingled smell of dead fish and alcohol was near palpable in the humid, windless night, and the stars seemed to glare at him rather than twinkle. As he stepped unto the warf, it creaked ominously under him.

Telson Telemarson's first impression of the isle of Umbar was not a kind one.

He rubbed the stiff parchment tucked rather haphazardly into his belt with one sweaty palm and somehow felt comforted by its presence. Standing nervously on the warf, the figure dressed in a tattered, brown, now wet cloak shifted his weight several times before a equally ratty looking seaman tossed him a rough haversack from the ship. "Such care," he muttered under his breath and without waiting for a word from anyone set his bag on his back and started walking as quickly as he could away from the port. The street he found himself traveling on was lit with sickly yellow street lamps, and the uneven cobblestone road looked like rough obsidian in the dim light. The path seemed devoid of people, although the dull sounds of drunkards and dullards babbling in distant alleyways mixed eerily with the squeaky signs hung above various shops and smithies.

If Telson had known what part of Umbar he had entered, he might have gladly traded the five minutes he had spent walking for another five days onboard ship.

Eventually, an overtly noisy sign in the shape of a tankard caught his attention and he squinted up to the figure which read, "Low Tide Inn: Hearty Food and Spirits". With a sigh he muttered, "Charming, I'm sure," And pulled the handle. The pub was lively enough. Unlike the street outside it was well lit and warm, and full of noise. About ten men were drinking and laughing at different tables, with another three at the bar. The place itself was shabby, with pealing, stained walls and a floor seemed to tilt in some places. The wood of the tables was gnarled and rotting, but, he noted that the shelf holding rum behind the bar was elegant and smooth, finished with a fine veneer.

Chuckling softly, Telson set himself comfortably into a lopsided seat and licked his lips. If the low tide inn did indeed serve hearty food and spirits, he intented to sample some. A ruddy bartender with a wholly unnecessary number of tatoos on his face came over and smiled broadly at him. "What can I do fer yeh, good sir?" He asked in a raspy voice. "A room, and a brew if you have both." The man chuckled. "Aye sir. I have both if your coin's good." Nodding, Telson plunged a hand into his shirt pocket and produced two silver coins stamped with the likeness of the king on one side and the white tree on the other. The bartender gave a low whistle.

"Those'll do jus' fine, sir." He said, briskly sweeping them off the counter. Drawing himself up, he added, " What'll it be?" "Whatever's a bargain." Telson shrugged. He was not in the mood for expensive ale tonight. That only lead to trouble. After about five minutes the bartender returned with a frothy mug in hand. " ‘Ere, mayhap that'll redden your checks a bit." Telson smiled self-consciously, remembering that his pallid face was not a regular at this bar. ‘I doubt that, meaning no offense to your ale, good sir." The bartender nodded sagely. "Course, sir. Er, beggin' your pardon, sir, but, you ain't from round ‘ere, are yeh?"

"Is it that obvious?" Telson responded with a sigh and a smile. "No. Well, yes. Well, well it's just that not many a man with a fair face comes round the low district, much less buys whatever's cheap, if you take my meaning, sir." The bartender bumbled and grinned apologetically. Telson only laughed. "Guess I should of known better. No, I'm not from around here." The bartender nodded and then bit his lip. "Er, if you don't mind me askin', sir, who are you?" Telson looked and the bartender slowly, appraising what type of answer he should give. "Oh, nobody, really. Just another lowly, lazy, ne'er do well trying to make a way in the world." He shrugged and laughed. The bartender joined in. "Well, you'll fit in quite nicely here, then. What're yeh tryin' ta do in Umbar, Mr. Nair do well?"

Telson again let a silence stretch out before answering. He supposed it could do no harm, after all, he'd need all the help he could get, and making a few friends, a few friends with knowledge of the island, would be invaluable. So he answered,

"Oh, I count things." "Count things?" The bartender echoed, confused. "Yep. Ships, arms, men, wood, stone, things like that." The bartender still looked confused "Why and who in middle-earth would pay yeh to do that?" "That's the steward's business, not mine." He answered and took a slip of his mug. The old barkeep's eyes near doubled in size. "You're a steward's man?" He asked incredulously. "Sure." Telson replied offhandedly, enjoying the bartender's reaction. "Got a note to see the ambassador about my business, too." He added for the effect. The reaction wasn't quite what he expected. The man snorted.

"You aren't from ‘round ‘ere. That ambassador, Thrann? E's worthless, to be shure. Now lord Doran, e's a good man, so he is, why if I has a coin fer every man e's helped on this isle, why," Sensing a rant on politics that he did not, nor wanted to understand, Telson interrupted the man with an overly loud cough. It was too late for this, he'd deal with whatever Umbar had to bring in the morning.

"About that room, sir?"

_____________________________________________

--------------------------------
Hope that works

[ October 23, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

maikafanawen

10-22-2003, 08:45 PM

The point of replying to the Outline, was mainly to take attendance.

That being said, I feel it would be inconsistent with the abilities of the allies to just bop around without protecting themselves, much less to let Devon ramble around on his own. Not to mention that that was just what he was doing when he got involved in the whole mess.

I never intended for them to "bop around". Obviously they're going to be very self-conscious with a nervous eye turned behind them incessantly. The three of them are not going to grasp the enormity of their situation right away. How do they know that Jythralo's words aren't just talk? It's been five years since he's done anything out of character. He's getting older and the four Gondorians have always seen him as nothing more than just an elderly government official. That doesn’t oppose much of a threat.

The whole POINT of the kidnapping attempt is to jerk the Gondorian youths into realization that what they're dealing with goes a little farther than just political discontent. Since Devon will be relaying his story to Calnan, Callath, and Adeline, the tone he adopts and the urgency he speaks with will have the initial effect on his friends. They did not hear Jythralo speaking with Agdar so they can't be sure of his intentions. They might even have doubts towards the importance of what Devon is saying.

After the kidnapping, they will be much more cautious, but Devon will not submit to solitude no matter what Calnan says. smilies/wink.gif He is capable of defending himself to a point and it is necessary that he is able to be out and about doing his share.

Re-reading the outline, I'm a bit concerned about the lack of action on the Allies' part. They basically do nothing (except for what seems a rather haphazard raid on Jythralo's office) until Jythralo acts and they lose the initiative. The initiative - very important in military matters, as I am learning. But I digress.

THE outline, open to discussion, is a VAGUE idea on what I intend to happen. OBVIOUSLY we have a good deal of time for an RPG chock-full of adventure. I don't intend to waste a moment of it. While Jythralo and his crew are meddling in their unwholesome affairs, the Gondorians will be antagonizing his efforts and causing a good deal of trouble against him as well as developing their own counter-plans. JUST because I do not have their every little step specified on that PRIMITIVE outline DOES NOT mean they are doing NOTHING. I'm sorry I wasn't clear...

(A) Try to put a spoke in Jythralo's wheel themselves, or (B) Find out all they can about his plan, his preparations, and especially his own allies; then, depending on the strength of the evidence they gather, they can again approach the Gondorians with a case worth looking into (and in a manner very different from Devon's first attempt), or they can implement a modified Plan A.

Let's assume Devon overheard Jythralo and Agdar's conversation on Day 1. Okay. The morning of Day 2 he tells his friends. Devon heard no date in their discussion and since things had been EXTREMELY dormant for FIVE YEARS, it would be most acceptable that they settled on an indecisive idea and decided to present it to authorities or whoever TOMORROW (Day 3). The EVENING of Day 2, Jythralo makes his moves and any preemptory attempts at diversion the youths might have had is DASHED. They now are caught up in the madness of Corsair Rebellion as the Gondorian guards try frantically to regain power.

The reason the Gondorian guards fail is because after five years of substantial peace they have grown fat and bored. In their shock, they arrest too many people, overflowing their jails, and even most of the corsairs get away unmolested. It is a futile effort. The pompous Ambassador is just as scared and he and his few delegates are frenzied in their attempt to restore order. Eventually in a matter of three days OR LESS, most government officials, wealthy upper classmen, or foreign merchants have evacuated the city, fleeing for their safety, and leaving it to the few people brave enough to face Jythralo and his rebellious Corsairs.

These few people consist of four Gondorian youths, a retired Navy Sea-Captain, his crew, and (possibly) a handful of others (secondary characters yet to be named). Not very many. So far it appears that Jythralo has even won. But to make sure, he retreats to his Bay to retrieve his ships and bring them to oppose any last-minute (speaking v figuratively) Gondorian efforts to reclaim Umbar. His fleet may consist of only ten or more ships (this is as reasonable as I've decided it can be), BUT they are of the best make, with the most talented crews, and their sea-maneuvering capability exceeds that of any other water-traversing ships. It's a real threat.

How will one sleek ship under Avershire's command defeat Jythralo's modern armada? That remains to be seen... *mysterious smile*

Arvedui: Very nice. Have you by any chance read The Belgariad by David Eddings? Telson reminds me a lot of my FAVORITE character from his books: Silk, or Prince Kheldar. I'll PM you tomorrow, er, actually, maybe Saturday morning.

This weekend is going insane on me. The RPG will probably open Sunday.

Have I covered everything? If there are more questions, do not hesitate to ask, I will not hesitate to answer.

-Maikafanawen

Nuranar

10-22-2003, 09:07 PM

Maika,

Please accept my most sincere apologies for the harsh tone of my comments on your outline. I was just writing down some thoughts and apparently was too blunt in making sure I was understood. I am extremely sorry for offending you in any way.

Thank you very much for the clarification of the rationale behind the events. I assumed that since so much was happening, a correspondingly long amount of time would be needed. I take it the "Acts" in Part I stand (roughly) for days?

Everything really looks terrific. I'm getting very excited to be finally on our way - especially once my math test is over!

Pio: I guess you didn't see that I had edited in my character's last name - he is now "Calnal Dontal." Thanks!

Most sincerely,

Nuranar

piosenniel

10-23-2003, 12:37 AM

Final Character List

Pro-Corsair

Earendil – Corsair enthusiast - Jythralo Doran – male
Himaran – Co-conspirator – Jurex Quetell – male

Arien – Co-conspirator- Acacia Ratan - female
GaladrielOTO –Co-conspirator – Hessa Taiel – female

Pro-Gondor

Maikafanawen – Devon Thrann – male
1st Ally – Nuranar – Calnan Dontal - male
2nd Ally – Amanaduial –Callath Harres - male
3rd Ally – Brinniel – Adeline Montrés – female
4th Ally – Arvedui III - Telson Telemarson – male
5th Ally - Maikafanawen – Captain Kent Avershire – male

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Maika

Let me know when you are ready.

Shall I put Arvedui's post on - or will she place it later?

[ October 23, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

maikafanawen

10-23-2003, 02:11 PM

Nuranar: It's alright. I hope everything is clear now. smilies/biggrin.gif

I take it the "Acts" in Part I stand (roughly) for days?

Yes, and some even stand for only a few hours. Many things will be added at our discression of course so who knows where this will lead us... smilies/biggrin.gif

Pio: I'm working on the post where Devon tells Adeline, Calnal and Callath about what happened. After that is up here we can open the thread. You can go ahead and put Arvedui's post up now at the very end of all of our's. Also, I think Arvedui is a "he". smilies/wink.gif

Thanks!
-Maikafanawen

maikafanawen

10-23-2003, 04:06 PM

Alright Pio, here's the post. Once you put this up we can begin playing.

Devon kicked absently at the straw-littered ground with his boots, making scuffmarks in the packed dirt. Early April brought a cool breeze up from the harbor and the faint scent of salt tingled his nose. The familiar odor of marsh and rotten things hauled in from the south also wove into the stable and the ambassador's son was constantly blowing air out his nose to rid of the stench.

He looked up as Adeline entered the stables. A loose dark brown curl fluttered across her fair cheekbones and the pale blue dress she wore swayed as she stepped down from the doorway into the hall.

"What's going on?" she asked inquisitively eyeing the agitated expressions on the youths' faces. Devon's eyes especially were dark with repressed anger and he nodded curtly, deciding he was not the one to speak just yet.

"Devon's a bit upset by something he overheard last night," Callath explained calmly. "He was just going to tell us." Calnan moved aside so that Adeline could walk past him and sit on a stool beside an empty stall.

Resisting the urge to kick the wooden gate to splinters, Devon took a deep breath and relayed everything that had happened last night. He explained in as much detail as possible doing his best to choose just the right words to depict the exact scenario. When he was finished, Callath let out a low whistle and as a second thought, stepped away from the traitorous captain's black stallion with a look of profound distaste.

"Did they see you?" Callath asked, a thousand unreadable emotions running across his face. Devon hesitated and then shook his head.

"No, no I don't think so. He seemed to think I was a pickpocket. Anyways, they didn't come after me." Calnan's brow was furrowed and he looked very nervous. There was a pause as Devon's story sunk in.

"What do we do?" Adeline breathed.

"Well, as long as the most powerful man in Umbar is wrapped up with the idea that pirates never lie, there's not much we can do," Devon pointed out impulsively.

"Unless we do it ourselves," Callath said. He smiled mysteriously and it was obvious the beginnings of some wild idea was beginning to take place in his cunning little mind. Calnan immediately shook his head.

"No," he said firmly. "We need to be careful, and there are other government officials who can help us besides Devon's father. We'll talk to them."

"What makes you think they'll listen?" Adeline countered. "Doran is a very powerful figure. Almost everyone trusts him. And those who don't wouldn't raise a finger against him anyways. I doubt we'll get very much help from them Calnan." She smoothed a fold in her skirt and began to fiddle with her locket.

"What about people who aren't government officials?" Callath offered, disappointment written slightly on his face at Calnan's immediate dismissal of his incentive adventure. "You know like merchants or aristocrats."

"I don't think so," Devon said. "They're pretty content with the blossomed trade and business opportunities opened in Umbar. And since Doran's helped so much to make their dreams a reality, they've absolutely no reason to hate him." Devon uttered an awful malediction and slammed the oak beam he leaned against with the side of his fist. "He thought of everything I bet! Oh sorry Adeline," he apologized quickly seeing the girl's eyebrow shoot up at his curse.

The attaché shook his head and began to pace in thought. "There's got to be something he missed. I just can't put my finger on it."

"Well, can we think about this over breakfast? My stomach is just as nervous as the rest of us, but it'll be furious with me if I starve it." As if on cue, a low gurgling sound came from the stable-hand's belly. Callath smiled innocently and the four left the stables for a light breakfast at their favorite inn and pub: Snifter and Song.

After greeting the bartender, Mister Rheels, the four took a corner table by the window and enjoyed a steamy meal of sausages, biscuits, eggs, and cheese. So absorbed in the delectable meal the Snifter and Song chef provided for them, the problem of Captain Doran seemed to be less insistent of their concern and the traitorous sun, casting the shadow of the windowpane on their table, captivated them and turned their thoughts away from the treacherous pirate.

"Do you have the whole day, Devon?" Callath asked, washing down his breakfast with milk (Adeline had forbidden them to consume ale so early in the morning: much to the stable-hand's contempt). "I haven't got too much to do at the stables today."

Devon shook his head regretfully. "Unfortunately no. I have three classes and a fencing lesson."

Callath rolled his eyes and pulled apart his second roll. "That will keep you penned up until late this evening!" he complained, mopping up the last bits of gravy from his plate with the bread. Devon snorted.

"In that case I'll just tell my tutor that Mr. Harres insists I join him for a day of pointless wandering around the streets of Umbar. I'm sure he'll understand." Calnan chuckled and Callath smiled sarcastically.

"Calnan?" he asked hopefully. The attaché shook his head. "Sorry." Sighing disappointedly, the stable-hand leaned back, folding his hands on his satisfied stomach. "Looks like it's just me and you, Adeline." The girl looked up from her glass of hot tea and smiled feebly, "You know I've got to help mother Callath." Callath shook his head and sat up, looking at them all accusingly. "I don't believe this! You're going to just leave me?" The three repressed their smiles and found sudden interest in the bottoms of their empty glasses.

"Well, look on the bright side," Devon said with a humorous twinkle in his eye. "You've got that swell new horse to get acquainted with." Calnan burst, laughing into his napkin. With a look of childish disappointment, Callath slumped back in his chair, his arms akimbo.

"There is still an hour or so to go before any of us are really needed anywhere," Adeline offered, trying to cheer her discouraged friend. "We could go down to the beach."

"That sounds good," Devon agreed. "What do you say Callath?" The youth nodded his consent and the four paid for their breakfast before making their way through the city down to the shore.

-Maikafanawen

[ October 23, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Earendil Halfelven

10-23-2003, 07:53 PM

Maika-check your pm's.

I don't know if you got it because there was a little technical problem with sending pm's. Hopefully, you did, because it was a pretty long one.
smilies/biggrin.gif

[ October 23, 2003: Message edited by: Earendil Halfelven ]

Brinniel

10-23-2003, 08:13 PM

maika- I couldn't help but notice a mistake in one minor detail.

A loose blond curl fluttered across her fair cheekbones
Adeline actually has dark brown hair...

maikafanawen

10-23-2003, 08:44 PM

Oooh, and I meant to recheck the Bio! Sorry about that! Corrections of the sort are MUCH appreciated! smilies/biggrin.gif

Earendil: I got it but I don't quite understand exactly... I'll PM you in a moment or two specifically.

-Maikafanawen

piosenniel

10-23-2003, 08:48 PM

The lock of hair is now brown.

The Game is now open for play.

Remove all your signatures from your game posts - including any SAVES.

Amanaduial the archer

10-25-2003, 02:45 PM

Just a reminder - I will be away from tomorrow morning until next Sunday.

Apologies again smilies/frown.gif I really really hate missing the start of games... *hopeful*

[ October 25, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

maikafanawen

10-25-2003, 03:19 PM

Aman: Right. Have fun and we'll all write accurately for Callath while you're gone!

**Make sure one re-reads Callath's Bio and knows how Aman wants him to act etc. before one starts posting a lot of him.**

GaladrielOTO's Character: Alright Earendil, Arien, and Himaran, here's what we've got in mind for Menelien's character if you all consent:

Hessa's mother is ill—doh—and pretty soon she's going to need medical attention. The Taiels, or what's left of them, aren't really in the position to pay for a physician. So Jurex, who, if it's okay with Himaran, will be a friend of the Taiels (maybe he knew Hessa's brother and father), and he will try to help. He'll go to Hessa and tell her about what Doran is doing. He says that he can try to see if Doran will have something for her to do. Hessa agrees, "Anything for mother."

Jurex goes to see Doran and tells him of Hessa's situation. Doran, who is sympathetic towards his people, (and young ladies! smilies/wink.gif ) will give her a job with pay. Her job is to be an assistant to Acacia, Doran's first mate aboard The Rapscallion. Hessa will run errands for her and help out with things that Acacia's in charge of. In turn, Acacia will teach Hessa how to survive as a Corsair of Umbar: fighting w/ a cutlass, speaking eloquently, etc.

The two may not start out as that swell of friends because Acacia is used to giving orders and having them followed while Hessa in used to be fawned over and adored—but not spoiled. There's also the problem of Hessa's issue with blood that will have to be overcome or whatever.

So what do you four think? Does this sound like a doable plan? If so, feel free to start writing this out on the RPG.

Earendil and I have finally gotten Doran's plan of action together and we're going to get it up on here as soon as he gets back to me with his final say-so's.

-Maikafanawen

maikafanawen

10-26-2003, 12:51 PM

Doran's Plan of Action

Day 1

Under Doran's authorization, Jurex and two secondary characters under his command will attempt to kidnap Devon after he has dinner at the Snifter and Song with Calnan and Callath. Devon tells his friends that he is going to hang around a bit longer, have another drink, and start his way home in about another hour or so. Calnan protests and Devon reminds him that Doran has NO idea who he is, so he's in no danger at all. Still unconvinced, Calnan and Callath leave.

An hour later Devon gets his coat and sword and leaves the inn. He is cutting through allies on his way back and is ambushed by the three men. He fights them and escapes narrowly. Devon runs all the way to the stables where he finds Callath mucking out the last stall. He tells him what happens and Callath offers to harbor him in the stables for now since he can't go back to the estate: they'd be waiting for him.

* * *

For the past month or so, things have been acting up between the ex-corsairs and Gondorian common folk and many fights have been breaking out in inns and streets throughout Umbar. People have been getting slightly uneasy, but the officials are unaware of most of it since no organization has been shown and the threat remains inauspicious.

The night of Day 1, at the Low Tide Inn, Doran's plan is being put into action. A fight has been set up and two 'ex-corsairs' take on a Gondorian peasant for commenting on their raucous past. The Gondorian, Tomis Predd, is killed and the 'ex-pirates' flee leaving both sides at the inn fighting. More casualties are suffered until the authorities arrive. Finally the guards come and break up the fight. After interrogating the witnesses and seeing that the wounded are taken care of, they then take their report to the ambassador who is wakened and informed of the murder.

Day 2 beginning at 1:00 am

Thrann gathers together is delegates, and they discuss what should be done. Doran is among the group. The ambassador says things like: "Things have gone too far this time," and "It's time for us to put a stronger chain on these rebels." So Acts—strongly influenced by Doran (and unapproved by the king)—are drawn up against the 'ex-corsairs'. Some of these include:

If an Umbarian citizen has had connections with the Corsairs of Umbar in the past, it is required that [some symbol] is stamped on a sheet of paper that must be presented when applying for a job or buying/renting a home.

No Umbarian citizen who has had connections with the Corsairs of Umbar will be allowed in inns past the hour of 9 every day.

No Umbarian citizen who has had connections with the Corsairs of Umbar will be allowed to purchase weapons without liable reason.

These are only a few of the illegal Acts passed by the ambassador, and inscribed on parchments and posted up all over the city. Doran then sends Jurex to advocate to the corsair folk of Umbar, convincing them to rise up against the Gondorians and that they shouldn't put up with such tyranny. They like this idea, and begin to take matters into their own hands. Many resort to stealing and pilferage to get what they need since most Gondorians won't have anything to do with them.

So begins the Corsair Rebellion.

By Day 3

Chaos is wrought and the officials are constantly harassed by bandits in the streets and many of them leave. As the government falls apart, Doran stages a "kidnap" of himself and he goes to the Bay to pick up his ten ships and the crews and captains that will man them. After the kidnap of one of their most trusted and beloved delegates, the last few officials flee North.

Everything is going very nicely for Doran.

* * *

It is now up to Devon, and his friends to stop him. After employing Captain Avershire and obtaining a crew, they pursue Doran to the Bay hoping to head him off so that he cannot come back and make the conquer of Umbar final. Only once that is done can they worry about restoring the now anarchic Umbar.

Doran's Squadron

At the Bay, Doran will have six ships plus his own: The Rapscallion. Each ship will be crewed by approximately 60 men (25-30 of which are archers for distance combat) plus a captain. Doran's ship, however, will have about 80 men and will be the highest quality of the seven. Even though it's not a very large amount of ships, each one is very fast and nearly invincible.

Smeared with tar to ensure lasting, all seven have a dreary black appearance to them. The canvas of each ship is also black. Each of his small squadron is very much like the frigate style of the British Navy in the 1700s. What is most notorious about these ships however is the fact that their bows and hulls are lined with iron, in select places to avoid sinking, for battering purposes. It is a sailor's nightmare in sea combat. Doran is in a very good position to take on the Gondorian navy with even so small a group of ships and the captains are very confident with themselves.

Any questions? Fell free to post or PM concerns. Let's get going! smilies/biggrin.gif

-Maikafanawen

Arvedui III

10-26-2003, 04:26 PM

Wow, that's great Maika. *twitch, twitch*

Umm, if the murder that helps spark the whole revolt thing happens at the Low Tide Inn, do you want Telson to do anything? OR not do anything? Or even be there?

maikafanawen

10-26-2003, 07:15 PM

I thought I'd let you decide, Arvedui. *mysterious smile* I didn't put that there by sheer coincidence you know. But I guess you sort of figured that out. smilies/wink.gif If Telson wants to do anything that's great. He can't get too involved though that would through off THE PLAN but feel welcome to sort of see something unusual that could be of use to Devon when they meet up. From the looks of it, the Gondorians are going to need all the help they can get. This Doran is a genius! smilies/wink.gif

-Maikafanawen

maikafanawen

10-26-2003, 08:11 PM

Let's get going everyone.

Nuranar: If you have not posted by 12:00 am on October 27th, then we're going to have to move on. The way this RPG works, I doubt that SAVES will be able to be used so often. We won't forget characters and posts can be added to the beginning or end of posts as we move along if necessary. Sound good? Usually, SAVES should be filled in within 24 hours of its posted date.

Allons-y!

-Maikafanawen

Nuranar

10-26-2003, 11:31 PM

Maika,

Please accept my sincerest apologies for leaving the SAVE up so long; I know about the customary 24 hours. It shall not happen again. I was caught by a combination of circumstances, to wit: a wicked math test and packing and leaving for one of my weekend absences.

Be as that may, I have now filled in the SAVE and await with great anticipation any comments. If there's any of Devon's dialogue that you would like to replace or anything else, just let me know and I'll be happy to change it.

~ Nuranar

Earendil Halfelven

10-27-2003, 08:19 AM

This Doran is a genius!
I know. smilies/biggrin.gif

Anyways, about the way Doran speaks, I don't really think he should talk like a pirate, i.e. "argh," because he is a diplomat after all. He should be able to speak proper English, or the Common Tongue, or whatever its called in LOTR. What does everyone else think?

[ October 27, 2003: Message edited by: Earendil Halfelven ]

maikafanawen

10-27-2003, 02:58 PM

I was thinking about that too, Earendil and I agree with you that he probably shouldn't have the customary blaggard speach. Not only is he a diplomat, but he's also a pirate captain and they almost never adopted the crew's accent and slang. Good point.

Oh yeah! I'd forgotten that you'd mentioned an absense, Nuranar. You have nothing to be sorry for then! smilies/wink.gif Great post too!

Pwressing on!

-Maikafanawen

[ October 27, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Earendil Halfelven

10-27-2003, 09:55 PM

Himaran & Arien-I got you two to go and kidnap Devon. Work it however you want. I got Acacia doing negotiations with the ambassador too but of course it fails.

Come guys! Let's get this show on the road!

Himaran

10-28-2003, 02:16 PM

Aha! Nothing like nabbing a protagonist!

About Jurex's non-pirate-like speaking: He was brought up in a properly-speaking family, and never really became accustomed to corsair slang. Therefore, I think it best that he be fairly well-spoken, unlike
Adgar.

By the way, is anyone actually playing Adgar? If not, I will deal with the bungled kidnapping myself...

[ October 28, 2003: Message edited by: Himaran ]

maikafanawen

10-28-2003, 02:42 PM

Devon's a grown boy and he will be difficult to kidnap. The corsair contingent realizes this when they fail. smilies/wink.gif So, Himaran, you might want to take along a few extra men (2-3) including Agdar. You may write for him and the others you choose. Names, ages, short physical and personality descriptions will be needed. Histories aren't really necessary I think for them.

Earendil: Wait, what negotiations is Acacia doing?

-Maikafanawen

Earendil Halfelven

10-28-2003, 07:07 PM

Devon's a grown boy and he will be difficult to kidnap
Too bad Jurex can't just throw a nice shiny knife at him... smilies/frown.gif *sigh*

Maika-Acacia will be doing the negotiations for the return of Devon and how much gold we'll get in return. Of course, it doesn't get to take place. Negotiations will be through anonymous letters. Maika just needed to know that!
smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/wink.gif

[ October 28, 2003: Message edited by: Earendil Halfelven ]

Himaran

10-29-2003, 08:12 AM

Excellent, then I can blame Adgar for the whole thing! I hate to make my personal character look stupid... smilies/wink.gif

Okay, Maika, I will think up a few characters and descriptions. I am busy through Thursday, but will get the stuff up on the D.T. and get my post into the game thread by friday evening.

Himaran

maikafanawen

10-29-2003, 04:52 PM

Sounds great Himaran!

Where is everybody?? Aman's on vacation. But Arien (silent 8 days), Brinniel (silent 6 days), and GaladrielOTO (silent 8 days)? None of them have posted yet on the thread. *taps fingers* Maybe I should send PMs ... Or maybe I'm being impatient ...

Or maybe, does anyone not know what to do ...?

Hmm-ing,
Maikafanawen

[ October 29, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

GaladrieloftheOlden

10-29-2003, 04:55 PM

I'm here. smilies/smile.gif
I'm sorry, I'll post as soon as I can. I've been having writer's block, and have been overloaded with school work for end of quarter. Will post as soon as possible, though. I'll try for... by Sunday? Is that alright? And, of course, earlier if I can manage. smilies/wink.gif

-Menelien

maikafanawen

10-29-2003, 05:00 PM

Oh yay! That's fine GaladrielOTO! Looking forward to it.

Don't forget to go and see Hessa about her mother Jurex! smilies/wink.gif

I'm going to pull Devon back to his lessons by the end of the night. Just so's ye know!

-Maikafanawen

Brinniel

10-29-2003, 05:17 PM

Sorry, I haven't been posting for the same reasons as GOTO. (Actually, I'm not supposed to even be on the computer right now. smilies/rolleyes.gif )

I'll get on to posting as soon as I can (which should be sometime in the weekend).

Earendil Halfelven

10-30-2003, 07:43 PM

I was just wondering that since the kidnap doesn't work out, can we kidnap one of his little buddies? Is that ok with the Gondorian ally people? I think Doran and the others would like to get some gold, even if we don't get Devon. smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/wink.gif

Brinniel

10-30-2003, 10:10 PM

You may kidnap Adeline if you like (but not yet)....

GaladrieloftheOlden

10-31-2003, 12:03 PM

Question: How much should actually happen in my post? What I've outlined for myself so far is that Hess goes to the marketplace for a while, comes back, sees her mother sick, and doesn't know what to do. Is that all, or should she do anything more?

Thanks smilies/smile.gif,
-Menelien

maikafanawen

10-31-2003, 05:26 PM

Bonne Fête d'Halloween!

Earendil: The circumstances being what they are, I don't think kidnapping one of Devon's friends would be a realistic plan of action. What do you think would be the purpose--gold?--not a very sensible reason to risk exposure. Especially when Doran's pretty stocked up to begin with. Who would pay the ransom? I'm not so sure if anyone would really be willing to pay the release sum for one of his friends (maybe for Calnan, but still...). The corsairs want Devon chiefly because Devon knows their little secret. The money isn't the necessary part. Doran has plenty of that and he's only concerned that Devon might alert the authorities with his acquired information.

Adeline will get captured later on during her second trip to The Rapscallion for information. So kidnapping her twice would be sort of boring... That's my opinion anyways.

GaladrielOTO: Just write whatever you feel Hessa would do in the morning. What you have is all right and you could develop Hessa a lot if you ellaborate what she does in the marketplace and how she reacts to the people she meets and the things she hears etc. Looking forward to your post.

-Maikafanawen

[ November 01, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Himaran

11-01-2003, 09:09 PM

Maika: I thought about it and came to the conclusion that it would not be like Jurex to take more than two other people with him on the job. He prefers solitary work, and was quite unhappy to have Adgar along as it was.

Anyway, here are the *brief* descriptions of Blain and Adgar.

Name: Blaine

Race: Man (Corsair)

Age: 28

Weapons: A standard cutlass.

Description: Fairly handsome for a corsair, Blaine is a man unscarred by his vilainous career. He has short blond hair, and wears standered Gondorian clothes. His piercing blue eyes shine with almost boyish innocence. In fact, he could pass as a citizen of Gondor in the eyes of the King himself!

Personality: Blaine is well-liked among both corsairs and Gondorians. He is friendly, outspoken and quite social, and is a favorite among female patrons at several taverns. But to Blaine, human life is of little value; and he feels no pity for the men, women and children he has slaughtered through his career.

Name: Adgar

Race: Man (Corsair)

Age: 42

Description: Short, hairy and muscular, Adgar is a typical corsair. His long, braided black hair and tattoos help him to blend in with the common rifraf, as do his ragged shirt, pants and boots

Personality: A corsair to the bone, Adgar will fight to the death for his captain. Fairly stupid and uneducated, the man follows the whims of his superiors without question. He is well versed in corsair slang, and uses it frequently.

Note: feel free to use these characters in your posts; they are up for grabs as far as I am concerned.

[ November 01, 2003: Message edited by: Himaran ]

Earendil Halfelven

11-01-2003, 11:51 PM

Hey,
How can I type in those accent marks for elvish? Its not for this rpg but I just need to remember where on the Downs I can find now to type those accent marks.

piosenniel

11-02-2003, 01:33 AM

Everyone who wants to know those Elvish Squiggly Marks, otherwise known as the diacritical marks, look here:

Squigglies . . . (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=19&t=000125)

smilies/smile.gif

Himaran

11-02-2003, 09:26 AM

Maikafanawen: My post is up, and the plot can continue. Pm me if you want me to change anything.

Himaran

maikafanawen

11-02-2003, 08:39 PM

Himaran: Check your PMs please.

I didn't have time to read Aman's post but I will tomorrow afternoon.

Cheers!
Maikafanawen

Amanaduial the archer

11-03-2003, 12:07 PM

Cheers for that Pio. And thanks for editing my post as well. smilies/smile.gif

All the recent posts have been brilliant by the way. Nuranar - I loved your last post especially smilies/smile.gif

Brinniel

11-03-2003, 06:56 PM

Darn. I was about to post, when I realized I have to be off in five minute. Luckily, I have no homework tonight so I will hopefully be posting in a few hours. It depends on how cooperative my parents are... smilies/rolleyes.gif

piosenniel

11-04-2003, 03:33 AM

Please put OOC comments on the Discussion Thread, and not on the Game.

Thanks!

Pio

maikafanawen

11-04-2003, 05:05 PM

Sorry Pio. I was in a hurry and didn't have time to do get to the discussion thread. Won't happen again. smilies/biggrin.gif

Okay, Earendil, we're ready for Jythralo to put his plan into action!!!

And for the benefit of everyone else, here is what Earendil and I have pieced together:

Doran's Plan of Action

Day 1

For the past month or so, things have been acting up between the ex-corsairs and Gondorian common folk and many fights have been breaking out in inns and streets throughout Umbar. People have been getting slightly uneasy, but the officials are unaware of most of it since no organization has been shown and the threat remains inauspicious.

The night of Day 1, at the Low Tide Inn, Doran's plan is being put into action. A fight has been set up and two 'ex-corsairs' take on a Gondorian peasant for commenting on their raucous past. The Gondorian, Tomis Predd, is killed and the 'ex-pirates' flee leaving both sides at the inn fighting. More casualties are suffered until the authorities arrive. Finally the guards come and break up the fight. After interrogating the witnesses and seeing that the wounded are taken care of, they then take their report to the ambassador who is wakened and informed of the murder.

Day 2 beginning at 1:00 am

Thrann gathers together is delegates, and they discuss what should be done. Doran is among the group. The ambassador says things like: "Things have gone too far this time," and "It's time for us to put a stronger chain on these rebels." So Acts—strongly influenced by Doran (and unapproved by the king)—are drawn up against the 'ex-corsairs'. Some of these include:

If an Umbarian citizen has had connections with the Corsairs of Umbar in the past, it is required that [some symbol] is stamped on a sheet of paper that must be presented when applying for a job or buying/renting a home.

No Umbarian citizen who has had connections with the Corsairs of Umbar will be allowed in inns past the hour of 9 every day.

No Umbarian citizen who has had connections with the Corsairs of Umbar will be allowed to purchase weapons without liable reason.

These are only a few of the illegal Acts passed by the ambassador, and inscribed on parchments and posted up all over the city. Doran then sends Jurex to advocate to the corsair folk of Umbar, convincing them to rise up against the Gondorians and that they shouldn't put up with such tyranny. They like this idea, and begin to take matters into their own hands. Many resort to stealing and pilferage to get what they need since most Gondorians won't have anything to do with them.

So begins the Corsair Rebellion.

By Day 3

Chaos is wrought and the officials are constantly harassed by bandits in the streets and many of them leave. As the government falls apart, Doran stages a "kidnap" of himself and he goes to the Bay to pick up his ten ships and the crews and captains that will man them. After the kidnap of one of their most trusted and beloved delegates, the last few officials flee North.

Everything is going very nicely for Doran.

* * *

It is now up to Devon, and his friends to stop him. After employing Captain Avershire and obtaining a crew, they pursue Doran to the Bay hoping to head him off so that he cannot come back and make the conquer of Umbar final. Only once that is done can they worry about restoring the now anarchic Umbar.

Doran's Squadron

At the Bay, Doran will have six ships plus his own: The Rapscallion. Each ship will be crewed by approximately 60 men (25-30 of which are archers for distance combat) plus a captain. Doran's ship, however, will have about 80 men and will be the highest quality of the seven. Even though it's not a very large amount of ships, each one is very fast and nearly invincible.

Smeared with tar to ensure lasting, all seven have a dreary black appearance to them. The canvas of each ship is also black. Each of his small squadron is very much like the frigate style of the British Navy in the 1700s. What is most notorious about these ships however is the fact that their bows and hulls are lined with iron, in select places to avoid sinking, for battering purposes. It is a sailor's nightmare in sea combat. Doran is in a very good position to take on the Gondorian navy with even so small a group of ships and the captains are very confident with themselves.

Any questions? Fell free to post or PM concerns.

-Maikafanawen

[ November 04, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

maikafanawen

11-04-2003, 06:21 PM

Okay here are the secondary character bios I feel are necessary since I'll be using these characters often.

Name: Master Ordir Pearlle

Age: 52

Gender/Race: Gondorian Male

Appearance: Pearlle is a heavy-set man to start with, but his titanic diet of red meat and brown ale adds considerably to his weight making him extremely large. He has thick black hair around most of his head and the top is a shiny level of baldness. Under thick bushy eyebrows are intelligent green eyes. Pearlle's nose is long and sharp and sets over a strait mustache. He wears the traditional brown robe of a tutor that, when he sits, opens to reveal an enormous stomach concealed by a white linen shirt and a pair of black pants covering his ham-sized thighs.

Personality: He's a very intelligent and exceptionally friendly man with a remarkable capacity for information both the meaningful and insignificant. He spent the first 20 of his years in schools studying studiously to become a well-learned person. At the age of twenty-five, he was employed as an accountant. Unhappy with his profession, he left and took up cartography, finding erratic employment aboard ships as a navigations engineer. When his size began to get in the way of his mobility, he settled in Gondor where Thrann employed him to tutor his sons. When the Thranns were sent to Umbar, Pearlle went with them.

Name: Pollc Wilton

Age: 74

Gender/Race: Gondorian Male

Appearance: Pollc is a rather short old man with a bit of a paunch. He has a kind round face and bright, almost youthful—despite his blindness—blue eyes. His close cut grey beard and chin length grey-white hair gives him a loving, grandfather look. His beaked sort of nose gives an uncanny resemblance to the old wizard who helped in the last War of the Ring.

Personality/History: Pollc is a simple-minded old man who loves his gardens and enjoys being close to nature. He hardly ever leaves the little cottage-like house he occupies just outside of the embassy grounds except to attend the ambassador's vast gardens. His wife owned a floral shop in Gondor for fifty years before she died. Through her, Pollc learned to love the flora and fauna of the gardens. Pollc had then been the gardener for the Thranns in Minas Tirith. Since Maurice had always liked the man, he convinced him to take the boat with them to Umbar and tend the gardens there at the embassy. So he did.

Name: Adolfe Riese

Age: 31

Gender/Race: Gondorian Male

Appearance: Adolfe is very tall and sinuous. He has thin black hair that is usually slicked back over his head revealing his exaggerated widow's peak. His features are soft and pleasant. Relatively, he is quite handsome and when necessary, he fits right into the high society formals held by the ambassador. It is a common thing too that Adolfe is sometimes asked to leave his servant position and join the festivities as a friend—much to Devon's disgruntlement.

Personality: The personal attendee to Devon Thrann, and an old family friend, Adolfe enjoys chastising the young man and revealing his many misgivings to his father. He is the son of a previous servant to the Thrann family and his history pretty much stops there. Unlike the other servants in the Thrann household, Adolfe holds a high position and the only regulations of formality he has to demonstrate is his uniform and addressing the Thrann family and their friends by their titles: Master, Lord, Sir, etc. He is free to reprimand and talk back to the family members, pointing out their qualms with an infuriatingly pleasant tone. However, Adolfe is very cunning and has an excellent memory. He keeps the Thranns together and without him, they would be utterly lost.

-Maikafanawen

Nuranar

11-04-2003, 07:45 PM

Just a question about ordnance:

Since Doran's ships are like British frigates, should I assume they are also armed like frigates - i.e. at least 28 guns. Or are they unarmed except for the archers and the ramming capabilities? Just wondering. smilies/smile.gif

~ Nuranar, who is pleased with how Calnan has been employed in recent posts *thumbs up*

[ November 04, 2003: Message edited by: Nuranar ]

Earendil Halfelven

11-05-2003, 01:02 AM

Since Doran's ships are like British frigates, should I assume they are also armed like frigates - i.e. at least 28 guns

I don't think they had gunpowder in ME except for what Saruman invented and that was all blown to smithereens at Helms Deep.

Acacia, go do your thing, girl. smilies/wink.gif

Himaran

11-05-2003, 08:24 AM

Earendil Halfelven:

I set you up for a post in which you BURN Adgar. Remember, you trust Jurex, and as far as you are concerned Adgar bungled the whole thing.

Himaran

maikafanawen

11-05-2003, 01:47 PM

Ah--wait! Burn Agdar? As in, kill him? Let's hold off on that for a second please. I don't want us to get too carried away with the disposal of characters. Especially a good one like Agdar!

Himaran: I noticed you've been spelling it "Adgar". It's actually Agdar, the 'g' before the 'd'. smilies/wink.gif

The reason I have archers on the ships is because they do not have guns in Middle Earth.

Shoot, I've got to get off now but don't kill anyone until I get back--around 5:30 or 6:00.

-Maikafanawen

Amanaduial the archer

11-05-2003, 02:04 PM

Maika, was that post ok? I was a little confused about the time scale I'm afraid - did we jump a few days? I apologise if so, just check if the time for mine is OK.

Cheers.

maikafanawen

11-05-2003, 05:32 PM

Nope, Aman, you're sense of time it's actually correct.

It had been a few days since he had sent Jurex and Adgar on the mission to kidnap Devon Thrann.

Actually, Earendil, it's sort of important that the skirmish at the bar happens the same night Agdar (note the spelling smilies/wink.gif ) and Jurex fail to kidnap Devon. I was thinking that after Doran decided to have Devon kidnapped, he'd move right away in case things failed. Otherwise, Devon would have too much time to gather allies before Doran made his move. If you could, perhaps, edit it, that would be great. Thanks!

Arvedui: You're a gem!! I love Telson.

Acacia: Also a very nice post. I was thinking, if you want Russ, Vernt, and Malc to be crew members, let's remember them for later.

Aman: Oooh! Awesome post! This is getting exciting!! smilies/biggrin.gif

Earendil: Check your PMs please!!!

EVERYONE: Take another look at the outline before you post again. This RPG is a bit complicated and I really should have probably opened it in Rohan--but I wanted NURANAR!! smilies/biggrin.gif Anyways, in order for things to work out, we need to follow the outline somewhat closely--that's why it's there.

Just so everyone knows, it is now a bit past midday on Day 2. I need to get up a post where Ambassador Thrann--Doran should be there--has an emergency meeting and puts up the regulations etc. I'll have that posted before Aman's most recent asap.

Okay...

-Maikafanawen

Earendil Halfelven

11-05-2003, 06:53 PM

I have a question of the outline-Do the days, like Day 1, Day 2, stand for actual days in the rpg? If it does, isn't that kind of fast if Umbar goes from civilized to anarchy in 3 days?

[ November 05, 2003: Message edited by: Earendil Halfelven ]

maikafanawen

11-05-2003, 07:35 PM

Don't underestimate pirates. If you have enough people in just the right places doing things to encourage rebellion and if Doran can sort of plant the seed of anxiety in the officials and politicians minds convincing them to flee for their lives--realistically--it's very believable. This is medeival times with pour communication and unrevolutionized thinking--we can establish anarchy in three days!!! If Earendil, you can write it -- remember our conversation smilies/wink.gif -- this will be a cinch! Himaran and Arien: It's going to be important to pay attention and help out. This will be awesome if it works out. I have faith in you corsair writers!!! smilies/biggrin.gif Let's get this corsair bandwagon on the road.

-Maikafanawen

GaladrieloftheOlden

11-06-2003, 08:28 PM

Much overdue though it is, my post is up. I apologize for lateness, my teachers and writer's block were conspiring to stop me from posting entirely. smilies/wink.gif I'm not sure if it in the right place, though, because the time in it might be different than in the previous post. smilies/confused.gif

-Menelien

Himaran

11-07-2003, 04:18 PM

Ah... Ah, aha. I meant burn as in "reprimand sharply," not a the literal meaning.

Himaran

maikafanawen

11-07-2003, 04:55 PM

Himaran: I was sort of kidding, but you never know. smilies/biggrin.gif I think Earendil's taking care of it though. smilies/wink.gif

*sighs* I'm going out tonight and tomorrow night but I'm sure I'll find time to check, or write if necessary. I usually do smilies/biggrin.gif

Oh yes, and I'm going to get the post where Maurice puts up all the Regulations before I leave.

-Maikafanawen

Nuranar

11-07-2003, 07:17 PM

Just read your post, maika. What an oration! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Would you like Calnan to have been present at that meeting? I think it's quite possible as far as his position - he's more than just a personal secretary.

Thanks!
~ Nuranar

maikafanawen

11-08-2003, 01:41 PM

Nuranar: Yes! Have Calnan there! That would be fantastic! Then he could tell Callath and Devon what he heard. I was wondering how they were going to find out. Yes that's a perfect idea! Go ahead. I'm glad you liked the little speech. I was in a mad hurry and I wasn't sure if it flowed well enough. I think it got the point across. smilies/wink.gif

-Maikafanawen

maikafanawen

11-10-2003, 09:56 PM

We should get going soon here. We've only done a teensy bit so far. Jurex and Acacia need to rile up the mob and begin the quest for anarchy. Keep in mind the common corsairs don't know of Doran's plan entirely but they suspect it. They're not in on all the details is what I mean: what they don't know, they can't tell.

Himaran: Get Jurex to Hessa's. She needs to come on board and meet Acacia and Doran asap. Then she can start getting active.

Just wondering where everyone is....

-Maikafanawen

Nuranar

11-10-2003, 10:55 PM

Nuranar reporting for duty, sir! (Er, that is, Maika ma'am!)

I've sketched out what I want to cover in Calnan's post (it'll be a long one) but haven't been able to get to it today. Studying for two tests will do it to you. But I hope to have it up tomorrow.

Also, when will you write the posts wherein most Gondorians flee Umbar? Calnan's going to resign and that interview with his boss needs to take place after their decision to leave but before they actually depart.

Carrying on,
Nuranar

maikafanawen

11-11-2003, 10:51 AM

Nuranar: I know what you mean, I've got a fancy load of essays and projects I should probably get to. smilies/wink.gif If it would easier for you, you may go ahead and put their departure in your own post. If you'd rather not, I'll put something up whenever you want me to so that it works with your post. Sound good? We've pretty much covered all that was set down time-wise so we can add on a few fantasy days to our RPG in which chaos gets worse and the Gondorians flee. Whatever works is good! smilies/wink.gif

-Maikafanawen

[ November 11, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Nuranar

11-11-2003, 09:48 PM

I've got my post up. Any comments?

I'd appreciate it if you could put in a few "chaos days" for the Gondorians to get the wind up. I'm envisioning Calnan tendering his resignation when Secretary Ciryatan announces the ambassador is leaving and he's going with him. So do whatever you think; I can work with it. You could even edit it in if that'd be easier.

Wordily,
Nuranar (I'm a little played out smilies/wink.gif)

maikafanawen

11-12-2003, 07:16 PM

Nuranar: That was a splendid post. Absolutely flawless. I commend you!

Now, here's what we've done. We have fabricated a Middle-Earth Tortuga. Chaos only lasts a day or two before the most wicked and determined usurpers take control. The common bandits are having a field day don't y' know and Doran is positively elated.

Good job Aman, except the three men really need to get to Adeline. God knows what the girl is doing right now amidst this disaster. They need to go see that she and her mother are safe. Adeline will then go with Devon, Callath, and Calnan when they visit the embassy and Devon tries to get his father to take back the laws. (He cannot convince him not to pass them, because they were passed immediately. Remember Doran took quick care of that. But they can yet be annulled if Devon can convince his father—which of course, he can't—but that's what Callath is saying they've got to try to do right now, that's what he's looking at anyways). I sort of expected Calnan to come up with something like that. Good one Callath! smilies/wink.gif

So, Gondorians, what say you that we come to Adeline's rescue? smilies/wink.gif I might be able to post tonight, but if not, Brinniel, feel free to do so and take us to the embassy, securing Adeline's mother first. Otherwise I'll post soon.

Arvedui: Get Telson somewhere where he can find the group of young men (and lady). You could have him going to the embassy or whatever you deem appropriate. Mayhap Telson should know of Doran to save us the trouble of Devon etc. having to convince him? I don't know, we'll see.

This is starting to roll!

-Maikafanawen smilies/biggrin.gif

Amanaduial the archer

11-13-2003, 02:22 PM

Its all good, I'll go and edit now - 'pologies for the confusion, it just seemed more in keeping with the...rush. 'Tis all good anyway.

EDIT: Ca va? smilies/smile.gif

[ November 13, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

Earendil Halfelven

11-13-2003, 11:37 PM

Alright, I've posted. Sorry that it took awhile. A bunch of mess has been going on and today I took the ASVAB test for the army. But now I'm rolling! smilies/wink.gif smilies/cool.gif

Acacia: check your pm's.

Amanaduial the archer

11-14-2003, 01:09 PM

Brilliant post smilies/smile.gif Ooh, heating up now *rubs hands together delightedly*

Arien

11-15-2003, 04:29 PM

Here is the secondary character bio for Russ as I will be using him alot.

Name: Russ

Age: 34

Gender/ Race: Corsair Male

Appearance: Russ is tall and stands at a height of around 5ft 11. He has straight dark black hair that falls to his shoulders, which is sometimes loosely tied back. A black moustaches covers his upper lip, however his face is free from any other facial hair. His eyes are grey and normally have an air of weariness about them. He is well built and very handsome, nevertheless he does not appear to be attached to anyone.

He wears a white shirt, with a plunged neckline and plain black trousers with light leather boots.

Personality/ History: Very secretive and protective of what he holds close to him. He often finds new people highly suspicious and sometimes he finds people he knows doubtful as well. He would rather not trust anybody; just to be on the safe side. He is however caring for all that which he prizes and even if these are only few things. Strangely he does trust Acacia, she does not know why but suspects it was because they were somewhat of an item before the restoration of Umbar began.

Russ runs the central ‘hire’ area for hit men ect. He has various patrons such as Acacia and Jythralo. It’s a very successful business, and Russ also experiments with poison making and selling in his spare time.

He, like Acacia, was a born and bred Corsair. He was already present on Jythralo’s ship when she joined. He learnt to fight at a young age and was taught by his father. Unusually both of his parents are still alive and they live in Umbar, they cared not for the Corsair lifestyle in their old age and so left him to fend for himself when the restoration of Umbar began.

maikafanawen

11-15-2003, 07:10 PM

Earendil: Awesome post! Very nicely done. I'm glad you put a few of the laws up there. Very holocausty wouldn't you say? smilies/wink.gif Excellent.

I put up a post that got us to Adeline's house but I think it would be best if Brinniel did the next part since it is her character's house and all. If you can't do it soon, though, we'll just put in a save and then whoever wants to can take the four of them to the embassy.

Arien: Are you going to write for the stalker? You sort of just left your post open with that man wandering around. That's another thing, Acacia got the names you never said how she knew what they looked like. Was that part of the man's job: to find out who they were by their names and then find them? We can assume it was. Hopefully, he won't be too successful though eh? smilies/wink.gif

Has anyone seen Master and Commander? It's absolutely fantastic! I saw it last night and I am so ready for the high-seas adventure in Part II!!! smilies/biggrin.gif I've seen only a few movies just as good. Absolutely fantastic.

-Maikafanawen

Himaran

11-15-2003, 10:29 PM

Hey,

Can Jurex be of any use to the Corsair cause at this time? I know that Jythralo is disappointed with him, but he DOES knows that Jurex is one of his best men...

Let me know when my assistance is needed.

(BTW Great post Earendil!)

Himaran

maikafanawen

11-16-2003, 01:57 PM

Himaran: There are two imperative things Jurex needs to be doing. First of all, he needs to visit Hessa. This is extremely important to Menelien's character!!!! Also, Earendil included this in his last post: He had sent Jurex on his mission to talk to the corsair population into revolting. So you could take care of that asap as well. Thanks!

Everyone, please take another look here so we all know where we are:

OUTLINE:

Act II

*Devon & 3 friends go to the embassy where Mr. Thrann is working to enforce harsh laws against the Corsairs who are being v rebellious and wreaking havoc. Devon tries to tell him that it was Jythralo but he doesn’t believe him and tells him to leave him alone.
*Ally #4 rushes in to see the Ambassador. He tries to help but no one will listen to him b/c he's a foreigner and because their too worried about their own safety.
*Devon introduces himself and his friends and tells Ally #4 about Jythralo Doran. Ally #4 has heard of him and agrees to help and tells them that they need to do some spying. Ally #3 volunteers.

Act III
*She will get into Jythralo's office and look through the papers and things in his desk. She finds the map of The Bay and copies it, taking it back to Devon.
*One of the corsair antagonists has seen her and they kidnap her. Jythralo leaves a note for Devon, letting him know that he has Adeline. The motive behind this is to get the man to follow him so he will not be able to convince anyone of Jythralo's identity.
*Outraged, Devon swears to rescue her and the four men decide to find a captain, ship, and crew!

Act IV

*We meet Ally #5
*It takes some convincing to get him off his lazy butt and back on a ship with crew but he does finally.
*Devon also needs to come up with money to help pay the crew.
*Then they're on their way to The Bay. [This will be a lot more detailed once we get to it]

PART I . . . . .

And finally, Arvedui, Brinniel, and GaladrielOTO, please check your PMs.

Any questions? Comments? Concerns?

smilies/biggrin.gif
-Maikafanawen

[ November 16, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

GaladrieloftheOlden

11-16-2003, 05:48 PM

Just a note: I'm still here and ready to post when needed, despite my lack of activity for the last ten days. smilies/wink.gif

-Menelien

Earendil Halfelven

11-16-2003, 06:06 PM

Hmmm, does anyone object to having Jurex kill some more Gondorians? Maybe he can murder a few of the city guards. That would be nice... smilies/evil.gif eh, Himaran?

Brinniel

11-16-2003, 06:51 PM

My apologies to everyone. smilies/frown.gif

I've come down with the flu and have been unable to do much of anything for the past several days. I'm still very sick and unable to do any posting, but I decided it'd be best if I let everyone know where I've been. I'll read all the latest posts and write my own once I'm feeling better and am caught up with my schoolwork.

Arvedui III

11-16-2003, 08:08 PM

Herm, sorry Brinniel about your flu, the rest of my family's suffering through it right now and I'm kinda nerviously awaiting my turn.

Sorry all for not being around lately. I am still here, just maybe not all that together. smilies/rolleyes.gif

Anyways, I posted and Telson's heading to the Abassador's, where he'll be promptly snubed and then meet Devon and his friends. Hope that works.
Arvedui

maikafanawen

11-18-2003, 05:25 PM

Hmmm, does anyone object to having Jurex kill some more Gondorians? Maybe he can murder a few of the city guards. That would be nice... eh, Himaran?

Hmm, that's an idea, Earendil, what do you think of having a few men (If Jurex wants to lead them AFTER he visits Hessa) and break into some Gondorian-held arsenals. Doran's men might do well to being sending more supplies to The Bay by way of smaller messenger ships. And maybe as they were doing this they did have to fight some guards and suppose some guards did get killed. As long as it looks organized --and for some other purpose than killing-- I think that would do more to discourage the Gondorian civilians and scare them more than it might unite them. What say you to that?

Let me point out that the arbitrary murder of innocent Gondorians would be a bad idea because that is running the risk of uniting the Gondorians against the corsairs. It also might give the Gondorians the idea of killing corsairs, and as heartless as some of us are making the pirates out to be (:rolleyes smilies/smile.gif, I'm sure they'd mourn the losses of their own brethren.

Let's consider the corsairs' community for a minute. (Like the Wreckers of Scotland who survived on pillaging ship wrecks. Or cannibals whose ways are loathsome but second nature.) The corsairs are men, human. They feel love and compassion just as they feel hate and greed. For the sake of a fun and untraditional RPG, let's throw away the concept that the corsairs are solely killing machines or lumbering thieves and let's work to bring out their true human side. I wanted to try something different from the Good vs. Evil plot. So let's give it a go.

Thank you for checking in those of you whom I PMed. Brinniel I hope you feel better soon! Flus are no fun!

GaladrielOTO: I replied your PM.

-Maikafanawen

[ November 18, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Earendil Halfelven

11-18-2003, 09:20 PM

Is it just me or is there a little Gondorian bias within your posts, Devon Thrann!!!!!!!!! smilies/biggrin.gif
So I guess Jythralo should start making plans to raid some armories? YES!!!!

maikafanawen

11-19-2003, 06:12 PM

Is it just me or is there a little Gondorian bias within your posts, Devon Thrann!!!!!!!!!

Earendil, duh. LoL That is the point. My character is Gondorian. smilies/biggrin.gif Did I misunderstand you or was that what you really meant to say ... I'm worrying, I am. How can you handle C-4s when you don't think straight? *shakes head and worries* smilies/wink.gif Unfortunately there's no 'concerned' smiley. smilies/wink.gif

I'm going out of town for Thanksgiving weekend Wednesday morning and'll be back either Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon. Just so's everyone knows.

-Maikafanawen

[ November 19, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Nuranar

11-20-2003, 10:38 AM

Oh, that reminds me. As I already said several weeks ago, I'm leaving Friday morning and getting back Sunday afternoon. I'll be camping, so no, I won't be checking the threads.

I'll be home for Thanksgiving - technically leaving town - but I'll have Internet access there, so no worries.

Carry on!

Earendil Halfelven

11-22-2003, 03:29 PM

I'm worrying, I am. How can you handle C-4s when you don't think straight?
Don' worry, Maika! I'm not a combat engineer after all. smilies/frown.gif So I won't be handling explosives. smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif I'm a chemical operations specialist instead!!! smilies/cool.gif I'm the guy on the front lines looking for those elusive WMD's. AND...I've been sworn into the army today!!! I'm attached to the 143rd Medical Detachment. I shipout to basic in august.

Anyways, I think we're waiting on Himaran to post about getting those corsairs to raid some armories and cause some more mischief, and especially to get the corsairs to want to rebel even more.

maikafanawen

11-22-2003, 05:38 PM

Congratulations Earendil!! My brother says that's still cool. His words were: "Oh-hho," (in a low awed voice) "WMDs are baaaaaad." So you've got his approval on that! smilies/wink.gif Mine too actually! smilies/biggrin.gif Well, this isn't RPG stuff, so I'll save it for later. smilies/biggrin.gif

Arvedui: I love your posts!!! I can't wait for when Telson's going to be really involved!! smilies/biggrin.gif

When I posted I'd be out I meant that for next week, not this week. I got a bit disoriented I think.

I don't want to have to keep moving this along with my big long posts. Since it doesn't seem like Brinniel will be posting until she gets over her flu ( smilies/frown.gif ) and I don't know what Himaran's doing, if anyone wants to do whatever they're supposed to do for them, it's fine with me.

Aman Since you've got a little post started anyway as the last one up there, you could go ahead and make it longer, taking us to the embassy. If you don't want to, let me know and it won't be a problem for me to whip us over there. You, Nuranar, and I need to remember to keep Adeline in our posts until Brinniel gets back. Also, Check your PMs.

I'm going to check up again on Sunday evening and assess the progress we've made thus far. By then I'll be able to decide how much more time we should have to spend on Part I of the RPG. It's allready been a month and I'd like to be into Part II by AT LEAST Dec. 1st. And with Thanksgiving just before, it doesn't look half-plausible. We'll see though. There isn't much left to do.

smilies/biggrin.gif-Maikafanawen

Himaran

11-22-2003, 10:06 PM

Very sorry, I've been extremely busy with school and have fallen slightly behind.

Maika: I a bit confused about Jurex's business with Hessa. Actually, I'm not even quite sure who Hessa is (I didn't see any posts from Melenian).

As a side piece, I can have Jurex kill a few guards, and rally the corsairs (midnight meetings, bonfires, mugs of ale, and inspirational speeches emphasizing the return to normal corsair life).

If you can, just clear a few things up for me, and I'll get cracking on it!

Thanks, Himaran

GaladrieloftheOlden

11-23-2003, 02:15 PM

I a bit confused about Jurex's business with Hessa. Actually, I'm not even quite sure who Hessa is (I didn't see any posts from Melenian).

I'm here, I'm here. And yes, I've only got two posts up for her because there's nothing she can be doing at the moment. What do you mean by not knowing who she is, though? The bio is up if you've forgotten. smilies/wink.gif

-Menelien

[ November 23, 2003: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ]

maikafanawen

11-24-2003, 05:24 PM

Himaran: If you would review the parts of the discussion thread you've missed, I’m sure your questions would be answered for you. smilies/smile.gif I think part of your confusion is the fact that you did not know Menelien and GaladrielOTO were the same people?

GaladrielOTO: That probably being the case I hope you don't mind, if I use GaladrielOTO instead of Menelien on the discussion thread since it's your user name and is identifiable with your posts. smilies/biggrin.gif It's just convenient. Also, perhaps if you sent Himaran the questions you asked of me and the answers we worked out together he'd be better enlightened. smilies/biggrin.gif LoL

Himaran: If you end up killing a few people in your raid fine, but try to avoid it. It's too barbaric IMO. smilies/biggrin.gif

I haven't had time to check my pms or the rpg today what with last minute essays, projects, fencing tournaments, oh among other things! (I think my boyfriend's beginning to wonder if I’m doing all these things to avoid him—oh wait, I am! smilies/wink.gif just kidding, I think, smilies/biggrin.gif ) LoL. Anyways, what with the holidays coming up I should have time Wednesday morning for all this catching up to do. So ta ta for now!

Before I go though I want to say that ya'll are doing absopostivetutely brilliantly! Your posts are fantastic and the writing exceeds anything I've ever been involved in before. It just *tear* really chokes me up guys. smilies/wink.gif LoL – lata!

-MaIkAfAnAwEn smilies/biggrin.gif

Himaran

11-25-2003, 01:26 PM

I believe I understand well enough, but I have one final question: Where exactly should Jurex send Hessa? Where will Doran and Acacia be?

Himaran

Arien

11-26-2003, 01:33 PM

My post concerning what Acacia has found is up. She is now retuning to Jythralo’s.

Just to summarise, she has found out:

· Who his closest friends are.
· She knows who Calnan and Adeline are, but she does not know Callath’s name or WHO he is. She just knows him by appearemce alone.
· She knows they regularly go to that Inn (I can’t find the name of it….is their a name?)
· And that they sometimes go on the bay.
· And She knows where Adeline lives.

Doesn’t look much but its a lot more than what they did know.

Just to let you know. I am currently taking my Mock GCSE’s, so I will be busy revising, (last minute..). So even if I don’t post I am still here, just keeping up. If I do need to post I will put in a SAVE and try to fill it A.S.A.P.

[ 3:39 PM November 27, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

Amanaduial the archer

11-26-2003, 01:39 PM

Ooh, good luck on your mocks, sweetie!

Hmm, doesn't know Callath's name...interesting...would be more interesting if I could think of a post where it would be sufficient...

maikafanawen

12-01-2003, 03:37 PM

Himaran: Looks like Acacia is on her way to see Jythralo right now. If you get there a few moments after she does, you can address both Captain Doran and his first mate at the same time about Hessa. Sound good?

-Maikafanawen

Earendil Halfelven

12-04-2003, 07:02 PM

I know Treebeard said not to be hasty but nobody can post until Jurex gets his post up. This seems to be slacking along. I don't want to be pushy but there is a rule in the Shire saying that you need to post a few times a week, if my memory serves me. So...let's hop to it!

[ 8:03 PM December 04, 2003: Message edited by: Earendil Halfelven ]

Himaran

12-05-2003, 08:25 PM

I will have Jurex send Hessa over to Jythralo's

Maika: Jurex is about to create complete chaos. With his forged "laws" and eloquent nature, he can easily bring about an uprising in the corsair population.

My question is - when that happens, can the extent of the uprising be on a high level?

For instance - Guards are attacked, and soon lock themselves in their barracks. The streets are deserted, except for corsair militants. The gate to the palace and political arena is shut and barred.

This is what would only seem realistic during true anarchy - does it fit in with your plot?

Himaran

Himaran

12-05-2003, 09:02 PM

Either way, Jurex has given his speech. Let the good times of Anarchy roll!

Himaran (Sorry about the double post, it was quicker)

maikafanawen

12-05-2003, 10:35 PM

That's fine Himaran, and yes we're going to take the anarchy to its high-level. Good job.

I've been gone for the past four days out with a violent flu and raging fever. I haven't completely recovered but I am well enough to get to the computer. I'll do what I can to get something up tonight or tomorrow morning. It's the best I can do, sorry.

But there is something I'm going to address.

In the proposal for this game, I asked the players to make sure that they could commit the time needed for play. I also stated that each character was important and indispensable to the game and that that consideration should also prompt a commitment to schedule adequate time for playing this game.

So saying, I want to ask all players to start posting twice a week at minimum to the game, starting the week of 12/07. More often is also acceptable if the spirit moves you.

Shire RPG rules state that if a game player has not posted in a two week period, then it becomes the Game Owner’s decision whether that player will continue in the game or have his character taken over by the game owner or some other player appointed by the owner. I will start watching this more closely, and will seriously consider having another player assume the character belonging to a reluctant poster. I really would like to avoid this, but I want to keep the game moving along at a good pace – it is my intention to have us on the ocean by Christmas time.

If you absolutely feel you cannot keep up the pace to post twice a week or even the barest minimum of once a week, then I would ask that you consider withdrawing from the game.

I hope we're all clear on that now and I look forward to more posting!

Thank you!
-Maikafanawen

[EDIT]: Okay, Post is up. We're ready for you to make your entrance Telson.

[ 12:16 AM December 06, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Brinniel

12-06-2003, 02:57 PM

Well, I managed to crawl my way back to the computer. It took a while for me to recover from the flu, but I am better (let's just hope I don't relapse). I was actually planning to get caught up with everything during Thanksgiving break, but I found myself rather busy with arriving family and can you believe it- over 6 hours of homework. Grrr... smilies/mad.gif But I'm back now, and I don't intend to make a long absence like that again.

maika- Sorry that you got the flu as well. I know, it's terrible. smilies/frown.gif
I'm going to try my hardest to get as much posts as I can. I hate that I was absent so much this past month, and I'll try to make it up. The only week you may not see me at all is the 15th to the 20th. I just realized a moment ago how crazy that week will be for me and it'll be almost impossible for me to get on the computer.

Errr...perhaps I'll wait until Arvedui has posted...

maikafanawen

12-06-2003, 07:08 PM

Brinniel, I would suggest that you post now and give Adeline's view on what's going on in Umbar and in the embassy. It's hard to include her in the posts because she hasn't been posted on very often and her demeanor, and relation with the other people is quite vague.

-Maikafanawen

[ 8:09 PM December 06, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Arvedui III

12-07-2003, 04:37 PM

After a really...incredibly...ridiculously long post (which I do apologize for), Telson has made his entrance.

On with the game! smilies/biggrin.gif

Himaran

12-07-2003, 08:20 PM

Earendil: Do you have any more work for Jurex to do? If so, he's on his way to your house, so given him orders if you can think of something.

Maika: Sorry about the lack of posts - I have been extremely busy on week days and have been away for the past four weekends. However, I will make time, and post on a regular basis from now on.

Nuranar

12-08-2003, 10:42 AM

My sincere apologies, Maika. (And thanks to Pio for her e-mail!) I've tried to post just when my input was needed and forgot about the twice-a-week requirement.

It'll be finals for the next week and a half, but it's not too bad this semester and I sha'n't fall off the edge of the world. smilies/wink.gif

maikafanawen

12-09-2003, 06:56 PM

All right, Nuranar, Aman, Brinniel, and ARvedui: We are ready to take on our fifth ally. We can carry on the conversation until we reach that point (how's by Friday?). And then Adeline will snoop out Doran's plans (is that okay?). Just remember that we don't know Doran intends to act by ship as well. As far as we know he wants to take Umbar completely by land.

Post-wise is everything all right? PM me if you would like changes concerning the portrayal of your character, it was a bit rushed.

Arvedui: I couldn't entirely adapt Telson's speech mannerisms and I wasn't sure how much info, if any, you wanted him to reveal so I sort of left it hanging. You can decide what comes out and what doesn't in your next post and ifyou want you can PM me with things ot add to my post.

Great work everyone!

-Maikafanawen

Amanaduial the archer

12-10-2003, 04:56 AM

Sure, sounds good Maika. I won't be able to post on the RPG today and will be pretty hard pressed for time tomorrow, but I'll try to get a post in there.

Earendil Halfelven

12-11-2003, 09:43 PM

Arien and Himarancheck your pm's. got ourselves a new plan! smilies/evil.gif

maikafanawen

12-12-2003, 05:40 PM

Oooh --- very interesting Earendil.

So this means that Adeline will have had to go back to her house that night. At the discussion I want them to come up with a plan. It will pretty much be vague, simple, a bit typical. They will need to get more information on Doran's strategy. Devon knows where his house is (Adeline will be sneaking in there instead of his ship--makes more sense yes?) So Adeline will offer to go (All right Brinniel?) and they'll send her. They decide on this, only resolving to meet again when Adeline has accomplished her goal and go from there. How about during the day when Doran is at the embassy? Then they can meet later that same night at the stables? Perhaps Telson has a room at an inn somewhere? So, when the four Umbar-Gondorians and Telson finish their wee talk, they will all retire and Devon will escort Miss Adeline back to her house. Then he'll go home and get ready for whatever he can do to help the next day.

The night after their talk, Adeline will find the bodies. She can go on her errand in the morning then. No one will see her or suspect her ever being in Doran's house.

I guess we can go from there. Brinniel: You are still with us? The things of importance Adeline will need to acquire is a sketch of Doran's map of The Bay. Maybe she'll come across a letter to him from a captain waiting for him there? On it he will mention the 10 ships including The Rapscallion that are ready for his employment. No description of the ships will be given though. I want us to be v surprised when we see them. smilies/wink.gif If you think of anything else that might help them but not too much we could add 'em.

Earendil: Mind sharing your new 'plan' with me please? smilies/wink.gif

If no one else (Aman, Nuranar, Arvedui, or Brinniel) is going to post for our discussion by tonight I'll move it on.

-Maikafanawen

Earendil Halfelven

12-12-2003, 06:34 PM

I have a question: How come Adeline is able to sneak into Doran's house, find all the info she needs, and escapes unnoticed? Right after talking to the ambassador, Doran headed home and he's stayed there, mostly in his office talking to Acacia, so it looks pretty impossible for Adeline to get in and not get caught. Doran knows that Devon and his gang are up to something so he would logically up the security at his house to prevent such an excursion. And, its only logical that sometimes, Devon's plans should fail because not everything works out, especially when one is working against an evil mastermind, like Doran. Is something bad going to happen to Devon and his friends because so far, all the kidnaps attempts against them have failed but their plan of Adeline sneaking into Doran's house is supposed to go off flawlessly?

Himaran

12-12-2003, 06:51 PM

Earendil:

"Have you heard about Jythralo and the guards?"

It should be "Jurex and the guards," correct? It was a little confusing to read at first - but great post!!

Nuranar

12-12-2003, 09:54 PM

I've just carried through the discussion in a somewhat lengthy post. I tried to include everyone in it, writing their characters in an appropriate manner. Please let me know if there's anything you want changed.

And if the plan itself isn't what you have in mind, Maika or anyone else, just say so. I had to come up with reasons why these four guys would let the girl do the dirty work. It weren't easy! smilies/tongue.gif

Thoughts?

Earendil Halfelven

12-12-2003, 09:55 PM

smilies/biggrin.gif woops!
Its fixed.

I don't want to seem like a party pooper but part of the plan that I've pm'd Arien and Himaran about is that Acacia is still having Devon and his friends followed. Telson is still free of that, for now. But with Devon and the others being followed, the corsairs are going to know when Adeline breaks into the mansion and she will get caught. If you guys are willing in letting her get caught then go right ahead!-I won't stop ya. Its not like she is going to get killed or anything-even though that would be pleasant smilies/evil.gif But I'm just letting you guys know the situation and that if she goes in there, she will get caught.

Himaran and Maika check your pm's

[ 11:10 PM December 12, 2003: Message edited by: Earendil Halfelven ]

[ 11:19 PM December 12, 2003: Message edited by: Earendil Halfelven ]

Nuranar

12-12-2003, 10:36 PM

I know, I figured on that. I'm thinking of an earlier post concerning the subject of follwoing, actually. *mysterious smile*

But seriously, we're still in charge of these characters. It's still entirely possible that Adeline's shadow can either lose her in a mob (truly accidental) or be lost by her (way to go Adeline!).

I think she does need to get in and back with some information, though. At least, that's what I understand from Maika (see above). Any ideas, Madame Game Owner?

maikafanawen

12-13-2003, 09:46 PM

the owners have had a row smilies/wink.gif

MUST READ Slight change in plans (with everyone's consent that is)

great post Nuranar (i read it quickly since it's late). now we can wrap that up, and take it to bed. later, we'll get a shock. adeline will never really get to go snooping. ehem, see below!

how's this?

we're going to stuff all the politcalness of this blasted rpg ;-) and get right to the stuff that makes an rpg good. doran will kidnap devon, calnan, callath and adeline. (not telson.) He will bring them to his house and sit them down (forcefully) in his office where he will tell thim this:

"you are in my house. i have complete power. here is my proposition by teh standards of the fairness of the pirate code:" (if you want i can explain that) "I will give you a week to come up with as many captains, crews, ships etc. as you can. with you will be one of my men. at teh end of the week if you have come up with a minimum of 1 ship, 1 captain. and at least 30 crew members i will meet you on the ocean to decide the fate of umbar. my man will tell me if you have met these requirements. if not, i will let you be and umbar will be mine in all fairness and you will ahve nothing to say against me."

Devon and friends will tell Telson what happened. they have no choice but to fight for Umbar. they get avershire, a good ship and some crew members and prepare to face Doran's armada of 10, seemingly invincible ships. they will go from there. they will barely survive, obtaining 1 of doran's ships as their own and using it against the others. since avershire is a very crazy but skilled captain (thank god) he will save their butts. in the end, however, avershire's ship will sink and they will be stranded on an island where they will ahve to hide from Doran. 1 of Avershire's crew will have left on a jolly boat for gondor, telling the people what is going on and begging that they send the gondorian fleet. Avershire and crew pluse devon etc. have to depend on this. in the end, the fleet arrives, doran & crew is arrested. doran will be freed though leaving room for a sequel if it possesses us to do such a crazy thing. smilies/wink.gif

if there are any doubts of the realisticalness of this idea i recommend that you stuff them too. smilies/wink.gif we are going to embark on a perilous, unreal journey. if you are suckling the idea that the good guys always win clear and easy, be prepared for a shock. Avershire and Devon will get their buttocks whipped v nicely by "Mad" Doran. it will be fun you will enjoy this. smilies/wink.gif lol i'm kidding of course no one's forcing you smilies/wink.gif but this is what we think will make the rpg more enjoyable. i don't like doing too much thinking for fun and 'pointy end of sword into enemy' sounds pretty nice right now? smilies/wink.gif

it's tres late and i completely just whipped this up. i will get on tomorrow and explain it further if need be. but for now we'll keep the allies thinking of the original plan and earendil will have doran get devon etc. soon at his will. well any comments/questions? good! then let's go. smilies/biggrin.gif

-Cap'n Maikafanawen, Yo ho, a pirate's life for me...

PS I also wanted to appologize for my horendous grammar and bluntness. when i good idea hits, i need to type fast. smilies/wink.gif okay, clarity will come with the dawn! 'night

Brinniel

12-14-2003, 04:54 AM

Hmm. Wow. That was a sudden change. I have to say I do like the idea of getting on with the RPG. I like action and I think your idea sounds good, though I do see a problem.

As exciting as all that is, I just don't see Adeline's personality working for it. I don't think she'd be much help in finding a crew and then fight, especially since she hates ships. Actually, I was thinking that we should still have her kidnapped, but instead do it on the current night. I mean, there are enough reasons for the corsairs to kidnap her; not only is she a friend of Devon, but she is also Captain Montrés's daughter. That way, the action can start immediately, and when Doran sits Devon, Callath, and Calnan down, they can also discuss the fate of Adeline. This way we could forcibly get Adeline onto a ship and into the action, and perhaps have some interesting interactions with her and the corsairs. Meanwhile, Devon and friends would have more than one reason why they must fight Doran.

Does that make any sense? (It's 3:30am here, so... smilies/rolleyes.gif )

If you don't like this idea, that's fine. It just happened to be a thought that suddenly popped into my head...

Himaran

12-14-2003, 10:06 AM

Maika - I like your idea. Adeline can be kidnapped first, followed by Devon and his other kiddie friends. Then, Jythralo will have REAL bartering power - the life of their friend.

Here is my proposition - an agreement with Brinniel You mentioned that Adeline might attempt to sneak into Jythralo's house and find evidence? Why bother kidnapping her? The corsairs can capture her in the attempt.

Himaran

Himaran

[ 11:09 AM December 14, 2003: Message edited by: Himaran ]

Nuranar

12-14-2003, 07:44 PM

Hey, I'm all for the action here! You're right, Maika, this is supposed to be fun. So whatever you decide is cool with me. I've actually been uneasy with Adeline being the one out of all these guys to get stuck with the most dangerous (and fun) part. Dang the plotlines! Full speed ahead!

Just one proviso, Earendil: Calnan may not be a General Blood 'n' Thunder, but he's no wuss, either - Doran's people aren't going to take him easily. smilies/wink.gif Consider yourself warned! smilies/biggrin.gif

Arvedui III

12-14-2003, 09:17 PM

Herm, that's different, but I'm all for unrealistic action and naval battles and stuff. smilies/evil.gif Heck, if Adeline still gets kidnapped, it could add a whole winner's prize to the deal. Don't think Telson will have a problem with the changes either. On with the game! smilies/biggrin.gif

Nuranar

12-15-2003, 05:28 PM

Aman, your PM's are full. smilies/smile.gif

maikafanawen

12-15-2003, 07:32 PM

I'm not understanding what Himaran and Brinniel, you two are saying exactly but I think I get some of it. So how's this: I don't want anything else ot happen right this minute (With exception of GaladrielOTO getting Hessa up) unless its Doran getting the four people into his house for his game plan. But I have a solution typer thing that I think is what Himaran meant...

How about Doran keeps Adeline with him while Devon & the rest look for what they need. That way they can't escape to Gondor and it will give them more of a reason to meet Doran's challenge. Adeline will be much like a hostage that way.

Does that take care of it Brin? Hope so... This game MUST go on NOW. smilies/biggrin.gif

I'm working out how we'll do the ships. Instead of guns we'll have catapults and instead of flint-locks, bows & arrows. The swords'll be the same though: standard cut-thrust or cutlasses. I'll be back with information on the ships. I'm looking at a [naval] sloop for Avershire's first ship until he gets one of Doran's. And maybe brigantines for Doran? I don't remember how many crew members we're given for those ... I'm thinking about loosing the archers though. If we dedicate the archer places to catapults, it'll be more like a real sea battle. I like it.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? SUGGESTIONS?

-Maikafanawen

Himaran

12-16-2003, 10:09 AM

Aharr! Time for some seafairing fun! Blood an' thunder t'all yee Gondor Scum!

So, Adeline is captured and held prisoner UNTIL Devon and his pals can round up a ship or two. Correct?

Amanaduial the archer

12-16-2003, 12:46 PM

Nuranar: Cleared. Thanks for letting me know smilies/smile.gif

maikafanawen

12-16-2003, 06:42 PM

Himaran: That will be what Doran tells them (right Earendil?). But he may keep her afterwards? Or he will give her back? We can decide when the time comes.

Arvedui, or Brinniel: You two would be ideal posters to move us out of the meeting and to bed. Telson could return to an inn, Callath to the stables, Calnan to wherever he stays, Adeline to her house (don't forget to find the dead guy) and Devon'll stay at the embassy. Then Doran will get us all! smilies/evil.gif

-Maikafanawen

maikafanawen

12-18-2003, 07:15 PM

Earendil's going to get up a post tomorrow where Doran kidnaps Devon, Calnan, Callath, and Adeline all at once and brings them to his townhouse to tell him the game plan.

Let me remind you that Doran, Jurex, and Acacia shouldn't be evil. They're just the bad-guys. But not EVIL, entirely.

-Maikafanawen

Earendil Halfelven

12-19-2003, 08:47 PM

Ok, post is up. I left a few days time in between the threat against Adeline and the kidnapping in case you wanted to post something before that.

maikafanawen

12-20-2003, 08:13 PM

HAHA! YES EARENDIL!! That is awesome. Do you want us to post about our character's waking in Doran's TOWNHOUSE ( smilies/wink.gif) or what? Whatever we do do you want to post the part about the demands? I could if you didn't want to but you get first pickin's smilies/wink.gif

Yeah, that's the only other thing:
into Doran's mansion It's a townhouse buddy. smilies/biggrin.gif Coastal city=townhouses. But don't worry it's a pretty posh house. Most of Doran's things would have been confiscated after he was apprehended as a corsair. Yeah.

But awesome post. We are so ready to get going. I'm about to take care of RL right now so I'll post tomorrow. No school for the next 2 weeks. I will be going out of town the 26th-3rd but I am counting on computer access. I am so ready for this!!! Pirates rule. smilies/biggrin.gif Yeah....

GaladrielOTO: Please check your PMs and just post whatever you want because Hessa technically shoudl be in Doran's employment when he talks to Devon etc. because he is smart and probably wouldn't hire well nevermind it woudl jsut be better if she was. Oh well. Just hurry please.

-Maikafanawen

Earendil Halfelven

12-20-2003, 11:24 PM

Yeah, y'all can post about your character's reactions and stuff. I figure that would be good but it doesn't matter to me who posts about the demands and stuff. But do I get to keep somebody just to "motivate" the others to do my evil bidding? smilies/evil.gif

GaladrielOTO check your pm's

Arien & Himaran I don't think that the change in plot changes the plans of you two attacking and stuff. You guys could lead the battle on land while I take care of the sea. Sound good?

[ 12:30 AM December 21, 2003: Message edited by: Earendil Halfelven ]

Amanaduial the archer

12-21-2003, 09:13 AM

Apologies for my absence - I've been in Northern Ireland at very short notice and wasn't able to get onto the internet before I went.

Himaran

12-21-2003, 04:04 PM

Maika: Possibly - it depends on what Earendil wants to do.

Earendil: So, Jurex and Acacia stay at Umbar, while he sails into battle, correct? If so, we will seek a larger prize: The Embassy itself!

I will pm Arien about it.

Himaran

Himaran

12-21-2003, 10:32 PM

Earendil and Maika:

I posted: Jurex helped to kidnap Adeline, but did not know of Jythralo's full plan. In my post, Acacia enlightend him to the greater scheme.

ARIEN: Can you "inspire" the mob to become an organized fighting force in Umbar, lead by Jurex? As soon as you do, I can begin the BLOODY REVOLT!!!!

yeah.... its about time.

Himaran

maikafanawen

12-21-2003, 10:38 PM

But do I get to keep somebody just to "motivate" the others to do my evil bidding?

I'm afraid I don't understand that one...

Maika: Possibly - it depends on what Earendil wants to do.

Hmm, I'm not figuring this one out either (?) ...

Hey, Earendil, actually Jurex and Acacia are going to have to come out to the ocean with Doran. I don't want to have two plots going on land & sea. Just the waters. Besides, Acacia is your first mate, remember? Yeah, Acacia and Jurex will have to come with Doran.

Where is Arien by the way? Did she mention an absence?

Anyway, my post is up. Let's go!

-Maikafanawen

Just a Reminder:
Let me remind you that Doran, Jurex, and Acacia shouldn't be evil. They're just the bad-guys. But not EVIL, entirely.

Himaran

12-21-2003, 10:43 PM

Maika: If Acacia and Jurex are going with Jythralo, then my recent post (following Earendil's idea) should be removed, correct?

Himaran

Arien

12-22-2003, 10:26 AM

First off Maika: Sorry for the absence. I didn’t actually go anywhere, but sorry about the lack of posting.

Ok then, I just posted. If I understand rightly everyone is still on land. Devon & Co. have been kidnapped by Jythralo. Acacia and Jurex are still going to organise the militia attacks on certain compounds in the city, when they have done this they will join Jythralo and go to sea. Is that right?

If it is Himaran, you don’t need to remove your most recent post. You just need to change it slightly. We could complete these assaults in one night. Nice and swift, they won’t know what hit them especially with three organised attacks at the same time in different parts of the city. And then we leave for the sea.

I don’t know if this is what Earendil meant, but this would incorporate the attacks without leaving Acacia and Jurex on land. Sound good or not?

maikafanawen

12-23-2003, 12:48 PM

Sure, Arien, that'll be good. Makes sense to me anyways. We'll see what Earendil thinks of it too.

Earendil: Check your PMs please. smilies/smile.gif OH, and I just figured out what you meant by what I didn't understand above. Yeah, you get to keep Adeline. And you'll probably have her throughout the whole seabattle too. We'll see.

-Maikafanawen

[ 1:50 PM December 23, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Himaran

12-23-2003, 04:37 PM

I posted: The army is raised and Jurex has the orders from Acacia.

Arien: Can you post about getting the much needed Embassy key from the same councillor?
And, if so, should you recieve some help from Jurex?

maikafanawen

12-23-2003, 08:31 PM

The Embassy key? Hmm, why don't you just force your way in. Getting the key would be near to imposssible (I'm still unsure about the other keys but oh well). They're corsairs--they can force their way in and it'll be okay.

-Maikafanawen

Arien

12-24-2003, 02:49 AM

Embassy Key? I didn't know that they were going lead an assult on the actual Embassy. I thought it was just a Councillor's estate and two officer barraks...

But yeah, it will be hard for Acacia to get the Embassy Keys. It would be better just to force your way in. Or you could get in by stealth...

[ 7:16 AM December 24, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

piosenniel

12-24-2003, 02:00 PM

The BW has done something different with the "edited by" note at the end of posts. As you can see, if you go back and look at one of your recently edited posts, it is an html command.

If you decide to re-edit something you've already edited - please scroll to the bottom of the post box and delete the html string. It makes the game a cleaner read.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

Otherwise - it looks like this:

[ 3:04 PM December 24, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ 4:58 PM December 25, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

maikafanawen

12-25-2003, 03:23 PM

I'm not sure about the assault on the embassy. Let's just go with Arien's plan of the Councilman's estate and the two barracks okay?

I'm going to get Avershire's post up when I get to Washington. Then we've GOT to get to the ocean battles. I think we're supposed to have just a month left and I'd like to at least be close to finishing up by then.

-Maikafanawen

Himaran

12-25-2003, 09:39 PM

Sounds good; after the barrack attacks, Jurex will turn on Councillor B...something's home, and.... to what end?

- The counciller is murdered

- The counciller is kidnapped

- The entire household is held hostage

- The counciller's documents, money, etc. are taken and he is left unharmed

- The counciller and his family are left unharmed, but everyone else (aids, guards) are brutally murdered

Which would you prefer, Maika, Earendil?

Himaran

Earendil Halfelven

12-26-2003, 05:49 PM

I'd say kill all of the men but leave the women and children unharmed. If thats too bloody, then just take the councilor hostage and keep him as a POW.

Nuranar

12-28-2003, 02:00 PM

I've posted, pretty much just elaborating on the tail end of yours, Maika. I'm not sure how you want to run your captain to earth, so I left that open. And as always, if anyone wants me to change anything, just let me know.

A word of explanation for the future: It has proved unexpectedly difficult to even get to a computer, now that I'm at home. And once I figure out what post I can do, it's hard to find time to write it and get back on to post it with any degree of timeliness. So your patience, I pray of you, and my assurance that I'm still with you! smilies/wink.gif

Carry on!

maikafanawen

12-28-2003, 03:25 PM

I hope I'm not too late to express my opinion on your plan Himaran. I'd say that if they fight back aggressively kill them but not brutally. Do not kill the women, children, or the Councilman though. You may keep him as a POW if you so wish. And take the money, silver and jewels the raiders might find as well. That is what I think sounds reasonable.

Now I'm going to read the most recent posts. I'm out of town you see and I had to fight my way onto the computer. I am not brave enough yet to even consider trying my hand at dueling for the phone! (I hope the one of you whom it concerns can interpret that hint, smilies/wink.gif lol!) Ah, the cleverness of me.

[EDIT]: Ah yes, very nice post Nuranar. And I can sympathize with computer unavailability at the moment smilies/wink.gif. Anyways, I am working on Avershire right this moment and will do my best to get it up asap! That is all.

-Maikafanawen

[ 4:31 PM December 28, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

maikafanawen

12-28-2003, 04:41 PM

Here is Avershire's Main Character Bio:

Name: Captain Kent Avershire

Age: 45

Gender: Male

Race: Gondorian, from Dol Amroth (of Corsair lineage)

Weapons: He has a 28 ½ in. cutlass with a steel basket handle to use like an iron fist in sea-board combat. He carries a boot dagger too.

Appearance: Kent has dark blue eyes, thick, shoulder length, dark brown hair and tan, leathery skin. He is 6’4” at approximately 210 lbs. His handsome features are very pronounced and he has that rugged manly facade about him. He wears the tough clothes of a sailor: a white, billowy shirt; dark red, knee-length breeches; a wide leather belt; black, calf-high fold-over boots; and because of his former status, an old-fashioned styled cuffed and collared chocolate colored corduroy captain’s coat with delicate gold and black trimming.

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: He is a very brilliant man with cunning ideas and a bewildering intellect (bordering insanity). Avershire knows things about the sea one would never find in books. His agile frame and incredible strength is valued in every mariner. The purposelessness of his current situation is very depressing for him and he is quick to anger at anyone to poke fun at him (this might be a problem when Devon comes to ask for his help). When he returns to the sea alongside an aged but loyal crew, we find that five years of drinking and dormancy have added an insane twist to his ingenious plots.

History: Kent grew up the son of a pirate--no kidding. He was a cabin boy on his father’s ship and learned the ways of the sea at a very young age. However, unhappy with his life of rampage and destruction, he fled to Dol Amroth and later offered his service to the king after the War of the Ring. For twenty years of captaincy, Kent would hunt the pirates whose ships hadn’t been taken by Lord Aragorn after the Paths of the Dead. His ships would escort merchants traveling up and down the coasts and send search and rescue parties out for missing vessels. All this stopped five years ago when a jealous rival uncovered his pirate lineage and he was dismissed from the navy. He now takes up residence in Gondor’s new Umbar where he sits in his townhouse by his self mostly, just reading and drinking in his pub of choice: the Beast’s Lair. Deep in the back of his mind still dwells the nagging thoughts of sea faring adventure and the life he led five years ago. He hasn’t forgotten a thing and yearns to be able to captain a crew just once more...

And here's Meri, an important secondary character:

Name: Meri Loliway

Age: 37

Gender: Female

Race: Gondorian from Dol Amroth, (moved to Umbar with Avershire)

Weapons: Bandoleer set of twelve black throwing knives, and a 28 in. cut and thrust that hangs from her left hip.

Appearance: A resplendent wavy mass of hair darker than sin tumbling waist length. A shapely figure; tall, and on the slender side. She has impressive sea-blue eyes with a burst of hazel in the right making her eyes look almost like two different colors. Her facial features: strikingly handsome with a nearly strait, small nose, bold cheekbones, and full, dusty rose-pink lips. She could not be called beautiful in the strictest sense of the word, but her features do have an awe-inspiring effect that make her look imperious as well as exceptionally attractive. Her skin tans easily, and blemishes caused sometimes by the sun are not uncommon. She usually wears tight leggings, a white, billowy sleeved cotton shirt, and a low cut, rust-colored jerkin that closes up the front in gold clasps.

Personality: Meri is tough but not overbearing. She is very quick to earn people's respect and she treats others with a good deal of courtesy. She is very dedicated to Avershire and does all she can for him. She is quiet though and a great singer and dancer (mostly for Avershire‘s eyes only though).

History: She was born the daughter of a merchant sailor in Dol Amroth--the youngest of three children. She had one older brother named Dirk, and an olders sister named Lotte. Her family is still alive but living in fine style in Dol Amroth. They offer her haven if she should ever need it, but she chose to sail with Avershire instead. Her family secretly disapproves of Kent and Meri’s relationship but they love her anyways and are kind to him.

She has only ever sailed under/with Avershire and is an able first mate to him agile aloft, and imperious on deck. Thanks to her steadfastness he experienced very fair sailing for fifteen of his twenty years abroad.

She moved with him to Umbar five years ago.

Avershire's first post is up and Devon's is in progress. More later though, I'm going iceskating now!

-Maikafanawen

Himaran

12-28-2003, 09:03 PM

Ok - the barracks fell easily and Jurex is turning on the councillers home next

Arien - post about Acacia giving Jurex the following orders:

- Attack counciller Br-somthing's home during the night

- Take the counciller and his staff captive, sparing women, children, and his servants.

- Kill all guards

- Take any and all plunder for yourselves.

Sound good?

Meanwhile, I have a few problems to sort out with the garison...
Himaran

Arien

12-29-2003, 09:37 AM

Ok I've given the orders to Jurex.

One question, is Jurex still recruting Hessa?

Earendil Halfelven

12-29-2003, 10:23 PM

IMPORTANT!!!!
HIMARAN and ACACIA read this before posting about the attack!

Ok, we have a plan to get Hessa into this game. GaladrielOTO and Himarancontact Arien about the plan. Sorry that this took so long but I couldn't think of a good way to get Hessa into this without having to change a lot of whats already happened. But now I got it!

Arien check your pm

[ 11:24 PM December 29, 2003: Message edited by: Earendil Halfelven ]

maikafanawen

12-29-2003, 10:48 PM

Share with me too Earendil, if you don't mind.

-Maikafanawen

Arien

12-30-2003, 12:15 PM

GOTO and Himaran check your PM's for details on the "Plan".

I'm going to edit my post now so it fits in right with the new developments.

[edit]: I have changed my post. Acacia and Jurex are now heading off to the Sea Dog Inn.

[ 4:07 AM December 31, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]

Earendil Halfelven

01-01-2004, 12:21 PM

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE! smilies/cool.gif

Anways, Arien, Himaran, & GaladrielOTO, don't forget that the attack on Bassington's place must happen in the week that Devon is searching for ships and men to fight, because then after that, we take to the sea! And I figure that Hessa must come along for the boat ride also because after her cover is blown, there's no need in staying behind. I think she would much more enjoy going out with the rest of us.

Himaran

01-03-2004, 07:06 PM

Arien: Once the the meeting with Hessa is posted, I will begin my attack.

Himaran

Amanaduial the archer

01-04-2004, 06:03 AM

A little late, I know, but I haven't been able to get on as much as I would have liked these past few days...

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! smilies/biggrin.gif

maikafanawen

01-04-2004, 04:18 PM

I'm home finally. School starts tomorrow and fencing tomorrow night. If time permits I'll get on later this evening. Right now though I have to unpack and get all my things in order for school again.

GaladrielOTO: Could you please post something on the discussion thread so I know that you're still with us please? Thanks!

La Ta,
Maikafanawen

Fire-Galad

01-05-2004, 06:03 PM

Has anyone signed up to be the 4th Ally yet? If not give me an MP. I want to give it a try.
_____________________________________________

Check your PM's, please!

~*~ Piosenniel, Shire Moderator

[ 2:33 PM January 06, 2004: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

GaladrieloftheOlden

01-06-2004, 09:04 AM

I'm alive. So sorry, I've been sick and unable to be around. Nasty flu-ish thing. smilies/frown.gif Anyhow, I'm trying to write again.

-Menelien

piosenniel

01-06-2004, 02:51 PM

maika

Check your PM's please! smilies/biggrin.gif

~*~ Pio

Arien

01-06-2004, 03:04 PM

GOTO, could you start the meeting off between the three? Is that ok? If not, just tell me and I'll post.

GaladrieloftheOlden

01-06-2004, 03:24 PM

Sure. smilies/smile.gif Busy just now, but is like... four to five hours from now okay?

-Menelien

maikafanawen

01-06-2004, 04:59 PM

Pio: smilies/biggrin.gif What an honor! I will get right on that!! smilies/biggrin.gif

Earendil: Check your PMs please.

I've got the outline up and I'm going to run it by Earendil first. I'll post it in segments too since it's pretty long and detailed. And I don't want to ruin anything for the players! This is going to be absolutely exciting!!

-Maikafanawen

GaladrieloftheOlden

01-06-2004, 07:53 PM

I wrote up a (granted, somewhat short :/) post for Hess, leading up to the moment where she meets "the associates, smilies/wink.gif" but I wasn't sure if it was right, so I thought it might be better if I posted it here first to see if it was okay. =)
Hessa had risen out of her lethargy for long enough to run for water, clothes, and the warmest blankets she could find, but the scene in the little house little changed since we saw it last, days ago. Hess still sat next to the bed, leaning over occasionally to look concernedly into her mother’s face. Her appearance, however, was noticably changed, her eyes red from lack of sleep, the edges of her always-laughing cherry mouth turned down, her usually glossy long black hair in unkempt clumps, and her face uncommonly sunken and pale. She barely moved from her stuporous pose when she heard the downstairs door slam, and stood up only when a shadow slowly projected itself from the entrance to the room.

"Letter for you, Miss Taiel," said a slightly rasping voice. A hand reached out from under the cover of a cloak and dropped a piece of heavy parchment on to the floor just in front of Hess. She opened the envelope bemusedly, looking up only when she had the words of the letter itself blinking in front of her eyes. But the man was already gone. Shaking her head at this, she began to read:

To Miss Hessa Taiel:
I have heard about your misfortunes and your mother’s illness, and realize that you have urgent need of money at the moment, so I am offering you a job on the corsair side of the current conflict. If you would like to find out the particulars, please come to the Sea Dog Inn tonight to meet my two associates, who will be sure to brief you in on your role.
Jythralo Doran

Hess rubbed her eyes. This all seemed almost unrealistic. And, casting a concerned eye on her mother, possibly dangerous. But then… maybe she could go to the inn and be back in a few hours if anything went wrong. Yes, that sounded good enough... leaning down to push her mother’s graying hair from her eyes, she whispered: "I’ll be back soon, mother." Then, walking quietly into the next room, she looked around. Finding the mirror, she almost gasped and quickly ran a comb through her hair, wincing as it got caught in the knots. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she bent down and pulled out her dagger and, sliding it next to her leg in her boot, made sure that her ring was still on her finger, blade safely inside. These safety precautions taken, she uncertainly looked out the window, and then, making her mind up totally, clattered down the stairs leading to the outside street.

Opening the door to the Sea Dog Inn, she carefully looked in. Raucous laughter resounded inside, and the establishment certainly wasn’t lacking in dodgy-looking types. She lifted her skirts and, swallowing her slight fear, walked in, looking around. Suddenly, she remembered that she had no idea who she was supposed to be meeting anyway... straining her mind, she could only recall that there would be two of them. Sitting down on the edge of a rather grimy wooden seat, she could only wait.

-Menelien

[ 8:54 PM January 06, 2004: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ]

Earendil Halfelven

01-07-2004, 09:08 PM

Hessa is already supposed to be on the "inside" of Bassington's mansion when she goes to meet Acacia and Jurex. I would just say that she's been a servant at the mansion for at least a few weeks in order for her to help the corsairs get into the place.

Himaran

01-08-2004, 01:53 PM

After Hessa meets with Jurex/Acacia at the inn, Jurex can begin his attack. It will involve possible drugging of the guards and household by Hessa during the evening meal, and letting the raiding party into the mansion. This would make for a fairly easy assualt.

Himaran

Arien

01-08-2004, 02:17 PM

GOTO check your PM's.

I'll post the three's meeting tomorrow or Saturday and then Himaran you can post the attack on Bassington's Estate.

[ 7:23 AM January 10, 2004: Message edited by: Arien ]

maikafanawen

01-08-2004, 06:35 PM

So as not to ruin the whole story for everyone and leave room for improvission, I'm going to release little parts of the outline at a time. The first relevant part is this:

- Avershire is 'employed' by Devon. No one knows exactly how many ships Doran has.

- Avershire is after finding himself a crew and ship. Devon goes to look for other captains/ships and tells Avershire that he will gather them all to him the day before they are set to meet Doran on the ocean. Avershire has a feeling that Devon's luck will be sour but will be surprised to find that he recruits no others.

- Avershire attains a single 113 ton, 65 ft. sloop, a small crew of 48 men (the sloop is made to be manned by 70 men), and 12, nine pound catapults (five on each side, and two on either side of the bow; the aft side catapults are able to be moved quickly for backside firing). This will be Devon & his companions' only ship.

- So, meeting the time requirement, Doran will plan to meet them on the sea to settle the fate of Umbar.

More will come later.

I'm working on a Devon post now and Arvedui, Aman, or Nuranar, if you guys want to do any posting they're welcome too.

OH hey! Devon, Calnan and Callath have to tell Telson about what's happened don't they. Without Corac finding out? Hmm... any ideas?

Corsairs: Do you think that getting on the sea by the 13th or 14th of next week will be doable?

-Maikafanawen

[ 7:37 PM January 08, 2004: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Amanaduial the archer

01-09-2004, 03:31 PM

If they split up, surely he couldn't follow all of them. Ooh, a plan - it is probable that Callath is seen as being the smallest threat, plus, to avoid suspicion, the corsairs can't stop him from going to work - could Telson have a horse?

Maybe if Devon/Calnan went to where Telson was staying and let him know that at the Umbar stables, his horse was ready; yes, so he doesn't have a horse, but hopefully he'll pick up on the hint and get over there. After splitting up to their blameless positions, Calnan and Devon would then meet with Callath and Telson at the stables.

Sound alright?

Arvedui III

01-09-2004, 08:20 PM

Sounds fine to me. Telson could bump into them even, with his lodgings being so sporadic and all.

Amanaduial the archer

01-10-2004, 04:21 PM

There you go, I've brought The Ambassador's Son back up there - lets get this show back on the road!

(Wow, a cliche, but what a cliche...)

maikafanawen

01-10-2004, 07:25 PM

Good idea Aman. I figured that Doran would probably have sent a few men about at least but I've gotten rid of one of Devon's and sent the last one astray. I also made it so that Callath more or less figured out who his follower was (since Callath is quick like that smilies/wink.gif ) and got rid of him for the moment. Realistic? Probably not but it's going to work for us at the moment until Telson is informed.

Then once Calnan meets us we can all make up our plan and meet later at the Snifter and Song. But Devon still thinks that he has a guy on him so he's going to be careful and Calnan's guy will still be there too. Corac will catch up with them later as well.

Is that cool for now? They can run into Avershire when they go to the Snifter and Song tonight (RPG wise tonight that is). And what do you guys think of having Pearlle aboard as the navigationalist person and for other scientific reasons?

Ta!
-Maikafanawen

piosenniel

01-11-2004, 12:52 AM

~*~ Congratulations to Maika! ~*~

She now has a Personal Title:

~*~ Tears of Simbelmynë ~*~

~*~ Pio smilies/biggrin.gif

GaladrieloftheOlden

01-11-2004, 07:48 PM

Hey guys, I'm really sorry but I don't think I'm going to be able to post the next few days, as my computer has been infiltrated by a nasty virus which refuses to let me go on Internet Explorer. >.< Very sorry, I'm going to have it repaired as soon as possible.

And congratulations on your title Maika! smilies/biggrin.gif

-Menelien

Earendil Halfelven

01-12-2004, 02:25 AM

YEAH for personal titles!!!!!!

maikafanawen

01-12-2004, 04:57 PM

Right, right, so what needs to be done now? Telson needs to be informed (Aman and Arvedui).

Then the three have to gather at the stables (?) to disucuss their course of action.

Then they will have dinner that night at the Snifter and Song (why not?) and they will meet Avershire--I'll set it up fancily so that happens.

And then we'll go from there. If Aman and Arvedui can't post by Wednesday (?) I'll just pick it up and move us along to the Snifter and Song. Sound good?

Ta!
Maikafanawen

Himaran

01-13-2004, 10:13 AM

Maika: Any way that you could put up one or two saves for Galadriel and Arien? Because I would like to get the attack on Basington's Mansion up as soon as possible.

Himaran

Himaran

01-13-2004, 10:22 AM

sorry, double post

Maika Earendil, Arien, or Menelian:

After Hessa lets the corsairs into the estate, and they perform their assigned tasks, Jurex will mention that Hessa will have to come with them. To make the story more interesting (and realistic), could Hessa NOT want to go with them? After all, she wants to stay with her mother.

Of course, Jurex will not take no for an answer, and forces her to go with them. Perhaps in the sea battle, Hessa could betray the corsairs in some way, turning the battle in Devon's favor?

Himaran

maikafanawen

01-13-2004, 04:18 PM

That sounds like an interesting idea, Himaran. Of course you'll have to ask GaladrielOTO about that one.

And I can put up Saved Posts for who you want and where, or Pio could just plug them in when they've got 'em ready. Whichever you decide. Just tell me where if you want me to do it and when.

Ta,
Maikafanawen

Arien

01-13-2004, 04:27 PM

I put up a SAVE post for GOTO and then posted. Sorry I didn't post when I said I would I have alot to deal with lately so I apologise.

So Himaran you can go ahead and post.

[ 5:31 PM January 13, 2004: Message edited by: Arien ]

Arvedui III

01-13-2004, 05:30 PM

Telson knows and now he and Devon and Co. can get to plotting in the stables or in the Snifter and Song or wherever they meet Avershire.

GaladrieloftheOlden

01-13-2004, 08:02 PM

Computer fixed, virus gone- I'm back. Sure, that idea seems fine to me. Hess will be unwilling. smilies/wink.gif I'll start writing again- my new almost finished post was deleted when the virus came- but I'll likely be able to write a new one tomorrow.

-Menelien

Amanaduial the archer

01-14-2004, 02:59 PM

Apologies about my unforeseen absence - all ye who fall under the species of 'student' may understand my problem. English coursework + English presentation + (IT coursework x 2) + usual homework
= a calculation to recoil from in horror
= strange things done with Aman's time. Strange how it can come to '0'.

Anyway, am back and homework free for tonight smilies/smile.gif

Congratulations on your PT, Maika smilies/smile.gif Lovely title, m'dear.

-Aman

Nuranar

01-14-2004, 07:24 PM

It's looking good, peoples. Just a question - What exactly is to be discussed in the stables? Why will there be a meeting at the Snifter and Song later that same day?

And most importantly (to me), Where do you want Calnan coming in on this? I can have him show up right now, but with Garth in there...I'm not sure what direction this meeting is going to take.

Any input would be most appreciated. smilies/wink.gif

Carry on!

Himaran

01-15-2004, 10:37 AM

Got my first post up -

GOTO

Did you see my earlier post?

Let me know which side you want Hessa to ultimately take so that I can fill in my save.

Thanks,
Himaran

Amanaduial the archer

01-15-2004, 01:49 PM

Garth won't be there long - he'll send one of the stablehands to the police (possibly Callath, who knows how Garth's mind works smilies/wink.gif ), then manhandle the unconcious corsair out into the yard with another of them (he wouldn't dream of asking one of his highly-esteemed visitors to help) and dump the man into one of the troughs of water, I shouldn't be surprised, then stand by mancingly with a pitchfork until the police come - and considering the fact a corsair is involved and even more that the several of the finest horses ever bred, belonging to some of the nobles, and also involved, I don't suppose they'll be too long a-coming.

Calnan, there is another way in, which Callath has probably showed Calnan, as they have been friends for more than a wee while; I mentioned in the first post that there were two main stable blocks in the Umbar stables, side by side - if he approached from a different direction and got himself slightly disorientated, possibly in an attempt to throw off the pursuers, he might stumble into the wrong one (we're currently in the right one, Calnan might arrive in the left one?). He would hear Garth's voice maybe and stay quiet for a while then, when it had died down a wee bit and Garth was happily busy menacing the corsair, he could come into the other one.

This is just an idea smilies/smile.gif whatever.

As for the meeting in the Snifter and Song...well, in Arvedui's post, Callath gave Telson a quick run down on what had happened, so its not that; maybe we were meeting to discuss it more fully? Although the stables will do for a quiet place to talk without (generally) being disturbed.

GaladrieloftheOlden

01-15-2004, 02:23 PM

Himaran- the one referring to whether Hess will be willing or not? If that, then unwilling is fine... seems more realistic. smilies/smile.gif

-Menelien

maikafanawen

01-16-2004, 05:56 PM

Great posts!

What exactly is to be discussed in the stables?

They haven't talked on what they're going to do about the situation they're in at all so they need to do that. Devon is just going to review it all and suggest finding a captain, ship, crew etc. He's driven by the need to save Adeline.

Why will there be a meeting at the Snifter and Song later that same day?

It's not a meeting, they're just having dinner.

And most importantly (to me), Where do you want Calnan coming in on this? I can have him show up right now, but with Garth in there...I'm not sure what direction this meeting is going to take.

Go with what Aman suggested. That sounds good. And the meeting will just be them planning out what they're going to do.

Another thing I've to address. Brinniel has not posted on the Discussion thread for over a month and her PM box is full. Therefore I will be taking over her character. I'm PMing someone right now to see if she would be interesting in writing for her though since she was interested in the place earlier. If not though, I'll take over Adeline.

Also I've bad news. I had a wee bit of an accident over here on my end of real life and one thing led to another and I've landed myself in quite a bit of trouble. So I'm very grounded. However, my mother is not so unforgiving that she will keep me from my responsibilities and I am allowed to keep up with the RPG. I don't know how much time I'm going to be given but I will take every chance I get to write, read, and post. I don't think it will be a problem but just so's you know.

And I believe that's all. I've got some things to take care of tonight and tomorrow though so I won't be able to get up the post I wanted. I'm really sorry guys! I know this is going slow but I hope to get back on with things. It may very well turn out that I've got more time since I'm grounded from everything else except for eating and sleeping. *sigh* Well, on we go!

-Maikafanawen

Himaran

01-17-2004, 06:15 PM

SAVE filled. Bassington and his family are in Jythralo's dungeon, and Hessa in also in his house. To stay until we go to sea.

To SEA!!!

Himaran

maikafanawen

01-17-2004, 10:02 PM

Earendil, didn't we decide that Doran doesn't have a mansion. He isn't important enough or even wealthy enough for a mansion. I thought he had a typical town house. I mean he is an ex-corsair, only rich Gondorians are able to have mansions and even so there are only 2-3 in all of Umbar. Coastal cities don't even have lots of mansions, and certainly not Umbar (a Middle-Earth Tortuga). Why don't we just keep the Bassington's in their own house while the corsairs run it. But Doran really really shouldn't have a mansion.

Otherwise, great job Himaran! Now that the corsair side is all ready to put to sea (Earendil can you wrap up a good Doran post for us?) I'll write up a summary post and get us out there too as soon as I can.

-Maikafanawen

[ 11:05 PM January 17, 2004: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Himaran

01-19-2004, 02:10 PM

MAika: Confirmation on your last idea? Once Earendil responds, I can change my post...

Himaran

Earendil Halfelven

01-19-2004, 08:16 PM

Ok, post is up and its time to fight. smilies/evil.gif

EDIT: Maika-check your pm's.

<--------- Look! I'm shade of carn dum! hmmm... smilies/biggrin.gif

[ 9:38 PM January 19, 2004: Message edited by: Earendil Halfelven ]

[ 11:45 PM January 19, 2004: Message edited by: Earendil Halfelven ]

Durelin

01-20-2004, 06:43 PM

Howdy, all! I'm here, as Maika so asked of me! And here's the bio again (some slight changes may be made a little later):

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – Yes. Wolf Run, Search for the Lost Messenger, Quest for the Ainereg, Truth in a Dark Place, Dark Seduction, Corsairs and Corsets, Brotherhood, Resistance

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? - 1

List them, please:

Brotherhood

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – Yes, the Green Dragon Inn.
_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Adeline Montrés

AGE: 16 and three months!

RACE: Gondorian, of Minas Tirith

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: Table dagger, and her stubbornness.

APPEARANCE: Adeline is of normal height and build, with shoulder-length, thick dark hair, brown eyes, and thin lips. She is quite pretty, though she definitely does not see herself that way. Her milky white skin and darkness of other coloring gives her an exotic beauty.

In her choice of dress, Adeline will always choose red first, her favorite color, usually bedecked with white patterns. Red and silver is her choice in jewelry. Besides red, she stays with dark colors, dark blues, greens, purples, and black. The only light color she likes is white, and it is usually found somewhere in her dresses. Light colors on the darker make for nice patterns and such, though she does not like much décor, or she feels it is overdone. Plain, unadorned dresses of a rich and lavish style are what she desires. She detests frills and low necklines, as she feels straight cuts and high collars give her a stately image. Occasionally, though, an oval cut out below the high neckline makes up for the lack of a low cut one.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: An inborn stubbornness overcomes any other characteristic, and though it impedes her very often, it is the only thing that gives her spirit. The stubbornness overwhelms the self-consciousness, and does a great deal of good. She is able to assert herself, regardless of what she thinks of herself. Still, as she has lived all her life with a good deal of money, she is a bit selfish, and is all too used to an easy, city life (not that all city life is easy). Her father loves her dearly, and she can usually get anything she likes from him. It has developed her into a very materialistic person, and a very 'grabbing' person. She loves to have lots of expensive and inexpensive things, though, truly, she is not all that reluctant to give a few things away. She does not get along well with her mother, who wishes to marry her off. Adeline has always had a great interest in many men, but especially in Devon. Unfortunately, many other young women hold that interest too, and Devon doesn't seem to return any interest (he doesn't seem to with any, though, which heartens Adeline). Consequently, Adeline's mother wishes her to marry Calnan, whom she met through Devon. She and Devon have been friends for a good number of years, though Devon has always treated her as a sort of younger sister, and one that needed watching out for. Calnan has also been a friend for years, and he too treats her in this way. Her age, in comparison with her friends, is another thing that annoys her.

Though she was never educated as much as her brother, Adeline has a sharp mind, if not one filled with knowledge. She is cunning, even if she lacks a bit of common sense. She is able to read and write, and is very interested in many of the romantic tales of old. She is embarrassed by this, as well as by her daydreaming. Her imagination seems to have grown because of her lack of knowledge. When she is not daydreaming, Adeline can sometimes come across as haughty. Really, it is because of her lack of self-confidence that causes this. At times, Adeline will feel the need to glow with pompous arrogance, reacting indignantly to the smallest infraction upon her 'rules,' and staring down at those below her, equal to, and even above her. Most people survive these moods fairly easily, especially those who are accustomed to them.

Thought it may be surprising for many people to find, Adeline is extremely patriotic, strongly supportive, if not loudly, of Gondor, and its rise in power. She has listened to the Gondor extremist with interest, never truly considering joining that party, but interested all the same. Much of it might have to do with living in Umbar most of her life, a conquered region of Gondor. She knows of the Umbar extremists, and loathes them, as she grew up hearing the horror stories surrounding them.

HISTORY: Born in Minas Tirith to a very successful merchant, a rich, upper class household. She spent her early childhood there (living there till she was 6), and then moved to another large city, to another luxurious household: Umbar. Her father wished to expand his trade to new boundaries, and, though she was quite unhappy about it at the time of their move, Adeline is now very glad her father did so. There she met Devon, and later Calnan.

Adeline was raised to be nothing but a good wife to a rich man, and knows this. Her own ambitions make her father's career appealing, as well as her friends'. Whether debating diplomacy or haggling a sale, it is very interesting to Adeline. Unfortunately, she is also beginning to find the twists and turns, the webs, the backstabbing, the frauds -- all of these awful dealings of politics. In her tales of romance, the sad stories or stories with problems are becoming more interesting than the 'happily ever after' ones. All of these things, and so many more, make her uncertain of what she wants out of life, what she wants to do with her life, adding even more to her self-consciousness and lack of confidence.

Her father is Nicean Montrés, a well-to-do native of Minas Tirith and the son of a merchant who aspired to his father's career. Nicean is far more successful than his father was, though he did have much more to begin off of. He married Farinthaeil when he was thirty-four and already successful, and she twenty-two. After building a strong financial foundation beneath him, Nicean looked to new horizons, and saw a newly conquered Umbar as the newest. Farinthaeil would go wherever her husband wished, clinging to the man in a mix of love and greed. Coming from a farmer's family, of which she is ashamed, she did her best to rise up in society, and has accomplished many of her goals, the greatest one being riches. She has always despised the life of a pauper, and has tried to bestow that disposition upon her children. To a certain extent, she has been successful in that, too. Her brother, Calithai, was raised as an educated man, but turned away from his parent's hopes to begin the life of a soldier at age 17, four years ago. His name is hardly spoken in her household anymore, and it has been quite a while since she has seen him. She misses her brother, but almost hates him with jealousy. He has gotten away from their dreadful parents, and has pursued his dreams of being a soldier. In the past four years, she has received five letters from him, each containing news of a promotion. Startlingly, he has made his way in this career, and much to his parent's dismay. Unfortunately, Adeline has no dreams and hopes matching those her brother did, and also lacks the ambition. Plus, there is no reason to abandon luxury just yet.
___________________

And don't worry! I promise my version of Adeline will be a lot more likeable than she seems, I will make sure!! smilies/smile.gif

[ 6:16 PM January 21, 2004: Message edited by: Durelin ]