Here There Be Dragons - Discussion/Planning

[Child of the 7th Age]

Ráma and the men are now within an afternoon's ride of the Eagle camp.

If anyone needs to do an earlier post, just let me know and I will hopscotch over you.

I hope to fill in my one remaining save tomorrow....

~Child

P.S. I gathered some excellent recipes for rattlesnake from the internet. I assume that we could use a similar method of cooking on our particular snake. And just a side issue.... If you step on the fangs of a dead snake, you can be poisoned for up to 3-4 hours later, or so the websites say!

[piosenniel]

Just a suggestion for the snake's head:

It needs to be buried. If a protein eating wasp of some sort eats the head it can take in the poison, then pass it on if it stings someone or something.

~*~ Pio, from rattlesnake country

[Nerindel]

I have put up a save for Sorona and Korpúlfr and hope to have it filled some time tomorrow.

However I still need to know if it is possible for Kor to hear some word of Bird. Unlike Rama he will not be avoiding dessert camp's as he will be using his position as trader to gain fresh supplies and information. ;)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Ooh, Pio. That's interesting. I will dig a hole. What a great thing to remember for an RPG where you want someone to bite the dust!

*******************************

Nerindel - I will try to check on the other.

******************************

Later edit: Snake head buried. I also added a sentence that Ráma is looking up in the sky for sign of the eagle but has not seen anything so far.

[Mithadan]

FYI, everyone, I will be on vacation from 6/14-6/21 and will have no internet access.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nerindel,

On the other question you raised, I touched bases with Pio and Mith. We would all prefer that you hold off on this for now. (Not that it wouldn't be possible at a future date...)

We're still trying to nail down some things on the characer "Bird" and her possible whereabouts and will let you know as soon as we figure it out!

Hope this helps.

[Ealasaide]

FYI, everyone, I will be on vacation from 6/14-6/21 and will have no internet access.

I hope you'll remind us all again shortly before you go - I for one will probably forget by then & start wondering what has become of you! ;) Have fun! :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Whew! Save #212 is now filled in for Thorn.

Pio/Child do you have plans for that gruff voice Rog heard? I'm sorry that I am running behind here. Hope to catch up soon. (One can always hope can't one?)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde,

Check your pms.

[Child of the 7th Age]

My save is filled in. In order to make the sequence fit better with Rama's later post, we may want to continue this discussion as a series of posts within my single box. What think you?

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Child, I have edited #212 for Thorn so that it fits in with Narika's.

And Pio I'm very interested to hear Rôg's explanation of himself. Narika's not the only curious one!

[piosenniel]

Poor Rôg has dithered a bit and missed the train of thought Narika was trying to get across to him. The poor dear is flustered . . . :p

[Nerindel]

Child I pm'd you Sorona's post.

I will fill Kor's post as soon as possible.

[piosenniel]

I'm going to start moving Piosenniel and Baran south toward Umbar. Faragaer and his ship will accompany them.

Piosenniel will speak with Elessar before they leave.

The Star and the The Scuppered Gull won't dock south of Umbar's bay until the gametime has moved forward somewhat.

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Hilde and Child

About Rôg - Thorn and Narika can always press him for a more complete answer. They may not get completely what they want, but they may get something to chew on.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Child I have PM'd you a post for Thorn. Hopefully, Rog will give us a little something more substantial to chew on! :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde,

Many thanks. Your post is up in square #214. I have also inserted mine immediately below yours.

Pio,

I think my post covers everything we had discussed. You are welcome to finish out the conversation or to open it up to other things, whatever works best.

~Child

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nerindel,

Please check your pms.

[piosenniel]

OK, then, Rôg has put in his two maenwaith-dinar's worth! :D

~*~ Pio

[Nerindel]

Kor's save (#216) is now filled, sorry it took so long.
Korpulfr is now at the same time as Rama and the Gondorians and about half a day behind them.

Child check your pm's

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Wow Pio, that 2 maenwaith dinar's you mentioned must be in Rôg's time! Worth quite a bit more these days. I think post #214 is going to keep right on growing! ;)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Tinar has joined Kor and Hasrim at the watering hole and will proceed to the Eagle encampment with them. It is very unlikely that anyone would recognize him there, but it might be a good idea for him to assume a different moniker, if Narika is so good at remembering Maenwaith names...

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

The save for Surinen (#219) has been fulled in.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nerindel and Hilde,

Remember those posts I promised to send you and/or get up on the thread??? Eeer, well, I guess I'll have to write them over the weekend. (Child slinks off with a guilty look on her face.)

***********************************

Rumor has it that Child was playing hookey at the Harry Potter movie along with her kids (who begged and pleaded with her to go), standing in a long long of crazy people who wanted to get into the theater the first day it was showing since they were handing out freebies to local moviegoers.....

***************************

Serious edit:

Hilde -- I will send my post to you by pm.

Nerindel -- Do you want me to put both our posts up on the game thread, or will you put up your own first and I can then add mine?

[Nerindel]

lol Child,
Potter mania strikes again! :p my two are driving me crazy harry this and harry that! :eek:

But back to business, I thought you were going to add both posts to Rama's last post, but if you rather we open a fresh post thats ok, I can do that. ;)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

No problem Child. Actually, it is debatable whether I will get Thorn's post done this weekend, due to an unexpected visitor. (Also we will probably be making our long trip to the theater shortly! :D )

[Child of the 7th Age]

No problem, Hilde. I'll pm the post tomorrow. Enjoy the movie. I do think it's better than the earlier ones....

EDIT ON CHANGE OF PLANS: Nerindel - Since my post is done, I'll go ahead and put yours up under your name with mine coming immediately after. Hope that works for you. Since the time line in the desert has not advanced, I'll put it at the end of the current posts.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Two more posts -- Hilde's and mine -- have been added to the lengthening conversation in space #214.

Pio - You may have a smile on your face when you see the end of Thorn's post. I know Aiwendil does!

[piosenniel]

I posted to #214. Rôg hopes he has answered the bulk of your concerns . . . but probably not, eh? ;)

[piosenniel]

Cami

I need to clarify a timeline point with you:

Since the dinner at Korpulfr's and the escape of The Star - how many days have now elapsed?

I know Rama and party are within a few hours of the Eagle encampment.

Has it been 5 days? A week perhaps?

I need to know this to coordinate a report from the failed assassin to Wyrma.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio,

I am going to address this question purely from the view of Rama and the two travellers with her.

I know that it is just three days from the morning when Mithadan and Airefalas reached the caves where Ráma was. That would make it three and a half days from the dinner with Korpulfr.....

Actually, I based this on the information you had given me concerning how fast camels could travel and how quickly they were likely to reach the encampment in the foothills of the mountains.

As to how time is spinning out within the Eagle clan, that is less clear. I am hoping we are all on the same page!

If there is a problem with this or something else, we could conceivably alter a sentence or two in the earlier posts to make Rama's journey somewhat longer. Let me know what you prefer...

**************************

Hilde and I are agreed that, for now at least, we will wrap up the conversation with Rôg. We're just consulting on how best to do that and will post or let you know shortly...

Can we now push forward into the Eagle camp itself? It would be about the dinner hour. I was waiting for all the earlier loose ends to be tied up, but I think that has happened. The only other possible loose end is the incense pot itself. Do we need to deal with that before the arrival of the travellers, or can further discussion of the pot be pushed off till after Rama and the men have arrived?

Ealasaide - Would you be able to incorporate our movement into camp in the save space you've put up? Or shall one of us do that with a post after your own?

~Child

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

It is fine with me, if we leave the matter incense pot alone for the moment.

[Ealasaide]

Child - Yes, I can do that. I was planning to to do my best to get that Save filled in today & can incorporate the movement into the Eagle encampment. Could you or Hilde give me some idea as to what kind of reception they would get? That would help quite a lot. Thanks! :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I think that it would be a very guarded reception Ealasaide, but since they will be accompanied by Ràma, I believe that the initial response will be a confused and cold one, rather then outwardly hostile.

What say you Child? Does that sound about right?

[piosenniel]

Esty

Desert time is about 1 week behind Gondor's storyline

When Rama, Mith, Airefalas reach the Eagle camp, the assassination attempt on Elessar will just have taken place the previous night, and Wyrma's one remaining assassin will just have left Minas Tirith.

He leaves the morning Baran is arrested - and will bring her news that: 1.) unfortunately the king is not dead, but 2.) some sort of northern skin-changer has been arrested for the attempt.

At the very least it will take him 5 days to get back to you.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde,

I agree. Narika will be happy to see her sister but will inwardly not be pleased at the entourage she is bringing. I do believe we may later see a sister-to-sister spat that will occur behind closed doors. :D

I hope to do a short wrap-up post later today to that long conversation between Narika, Thorn, and Rôg.

[Ealasaide]

Thanks, Hilde & Child. I'm off to work on my post now! :)

[Mithadan]

:smokin:

Gone fishing, be back soon

[Ealasaide]

Hi, all! Sorry I missed my self-imposed deadline for filling my save yesterday. :eek: I am having lots of RL complications right now and PROMISE to have it filled no later than tomorrow evening. :D

*************************

Monday... ack! Looks like Sunday has slipped past as well. Sorry for holding things up! The problem is that Ealasaide the Hermit suddenly has a teenager living in her living room and can't seem to slip away to get any writing done. :p I will do what I can at work today toward finishing my post. Hopefully it will be up by this evening. Sorry, sorry.

[Child of the 7th Age]

I have completed Thorn and Narika's reply to Rôg in post #212. Our conversation is finally wrapped up!

Ealasaide I do want to do one final post where Aiwendil speaks with Ayar. I am going to put that post in the space after your own. Please don't bring the three travellers directly to Ayar's tent. Lead them to any location but that, since the two of us will be in 'conversation'. At the end of my post, I will have Aiwendil hear a commotion outside and rise to look out the tent flap, seeing a big 'ruckus'.

[Ealasaide]

Child - Okay! No go to Ayar's tent. Big ruckus outside... got it! :D

[Ealasaide]

I have finally filled my save. Child, I hope how I handled it works for you! If there is anything you would like for me to change, please let me know.
Thanks! :)

Also, Child & Hilde, I have no idea whose tent it is that our fine Gondorians have just been deposited into. Please feel free to run with it!

[Child of the 7th Age]

There is a lengthy discussion between Ayar and Aiwendil in post #225. Poor Aiwendil!

P.S. I also have no idea whose tent that is!

[piosenniel]

Cami

Don't do your post with Miri yet . . . wait until my post above it for Rôg is up ;)

Poor Aiwe! Will his promises to this Lady see completion? :D

[Child of the 7th Age]

Will wait to see your post. In any case, I have to run off and cook dinner.

As to your other question, "tune in next week same time, same place..." :eek: (You know, I always thought there was a future for me, writing soaps!)

[piosenniel]

On a more minor scale - Rôg has also made a promise to a Lady. But one just as binding! ;)

The Star is heading south now . . . and probably won't be heard of again until time in Umbar catches up to Gondor time.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Would it be acceptable to every one if the tent our Gondorians were in happened to be Fador’s (Surinen's uncle)? And if so, he would like to extend his invitation to stay with him for as long as they would like.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sounds good to me....

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Another question if I may... actually a couple of them. Does anyone happen to have the time? In the Eagle camp that is. :p I am a bit muddled, as it appears that Rama and Co. have arrived but haven't been received yet, and Aiwendel and Rog seem to be in the afternoon but I'm not certain if it is the same day.

If it is the afternoon, is it the same one during which Rama arrives?

[piosenniel]

I assumed the Rôg/Miri scene was the same afternoon as the arrival of Rama and gang.

Rama has rushed off from her guests to find where her mom is and what has happened. I am supposing she might see Miri sneaking off from Rôg's tent and speak with her . . . or . . .?

Ball in your court, Child . . .

[Child of the 7th Age]

Yes, I did envision all this as happening in the same afternoon. And I do believe that Ráma will be running into Miri.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Many thanks for the clarification! And so quick too!

[Nerindel]

Sorry I haven't been around lately. :( I lost my land line at the weekend and for some reason the public terminal that I tried to use to let you guys know of the problem would not let me login to this site *shrugs helplessly* But my service provider now assures me the problem is fixed, Yay!!! :D

But I have not been Idle as you will see, save #224 is now filled and I have put up a second post for Sorona.

Hilde is it ok if the dog that has cornered the eagle is Surinen, after all she was watching his uncles tent.

I am currently working on a post for Korpulfr and co, but as it is still afternoon in the eagle encampment and the traders seem to have already reach night time I will hold off until the eagle camp catch up. ;)

Esty I have again been thinking about Tinar and Korpulfrs introductions when they enter the eagle camp. Korpulfr's name would be known among some of the older members of the clan (Child correct me if I'm wrong), But I am hoping that if he simply introduces himself as Kór the connection will be missed, without drawing the suspicions of the Gondorians, who know the names of both young men. But what of Tinar?

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Sure Nerindel, I was wondering if that might be him! :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sorry for foot dragging on that save for Miri, Rama, and Ayar. I hope to use this weekend to catch up.

Mithadan, Pio - Please check your e-mail for a question regarding Aiwendil.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Nerindel, that's an excellent point! I hadn't thought of the fact that the Gondorians know Tinar by name as well as his relationship to Wyrma. It would certainly be disastrous if he was made known to the Eagle clan! I'm not sure how to handle this best; so far, I would just like Mithadan and Airefalas to either 'forget' his name when he's introduced, or not to be present and then not mention it later. I'll have to figure out a reason he can tell them not to use his real name. If anyone has good ideas there I'd welcome them.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Surinen's save is now filled in, with apologies for a rambling post. And sorry too for the awkward ending Nerindel! :p This is what comes of trying to think like a dog....

A word of warning about the custard I mentioned, if it is anything like the one I had made of water buffalo milk, if will taste wonderful - if you can get it past your nose. Smelled exactly like an over ripe barnyard! But it was an honor, and I had to eat it. :D

[piosenniel]

Poor Eagle Clan! :(

It never rains but it pours . . . and they are certainly beset with 'guests', aren't they?! :eek:

[Child of the 7th Age]

I have filled in my save at #227. Have pity on Narika. Her reckless sister is not only begging to take in the visitors from Gondor, but for some strange reason has decided to plead Miri's cause to Narika as well!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Aiwendil's save (233) is filled in....

[Child of the 7th Age]

I have edited post 224, the original conversation between Aiwendil and Ayar, to include a reference to the boiling cauldron that is about to explode.

I have also slightly edited the post I put up from late last night....

*********************

I will be on vacation from July 4-9 (this coming Sunday through Friday). I expect to have some internet access but I am uncertain whether I'll be posting. If you need to manipulate my chacters, feel free to do so while I am gone, as long as they manage to survive.

[Nerindel]

I have deleted my save and put Sorona's post after Mithadan's. (#235)

Child I did not have the eagle address the Istar for the moment as she is still under Surinen's custody, but as soon as she is able she would speak with him.

Hilde it is back to you to decide what Surinen is going to do with his new guest, but I should imagine that the presence of an eagle would raise a few eyebrows.

[Ealasaide]

I have filled my Save #237. The girl is Latah.

Child - Latah took Ráma's knife with the intention of returning it to Ráma at the first opportunity.

Hilde - Sorry, I was unable to get Fador into this post. Unless something else comes up, I will try to bring him into the next one.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I'm away over the weekend, coming back Monday evening. After I catch up then, I'll post next week.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

That is alright Ealasaide. I am sorry that I have been taking so long to fill in my save. It has been a bad week to find free time, but it is almost ready.

[Nerindel]

Ok I have some bad news, as from monday I will have little to no internet access as my computer will be in shop being repaired, we have just discovered the Floppy drive isn't working. :rolleyes:
My advice to anyone planning to buy a new computer is Don't!
I miss my old system, it might have been an ancient relic and had a connection sped of a snail but at least it worked! :(

I can keep an eye on the threads using the public terminals at my local library, but the last time I was forced to used their systems it would not allow me to sign into the downs, so I do not know if I will be able to post.

I will also be on vacation from the 20th to 31st July, but I should have a little more internet access in this time.

[piosenniel]

Nerindel

Would it be OK with you if Hilde carried along your Eagle character as needed? It sounds as if you might still have email access at the library - yes?

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

*good luck on getting your computer fixed!

[Nerindel]

Yes Pio I will still be able to access my hotmail account.

Peco_uk@hotmail.com

The only problem with someone else carrying Sorona is that Child is the only other person that knows her history and her links with, Awendil, the eagle clan and Korpulfr, this problem could not have come at a worse time! :eek:

But if Hilde is willing to carry Sorona I will certainly try to pm her the details over the weekend.

As I have mentioned before I was working on a night time post for Korpulfr, if I can manage to get that finished before monday I will pm it to someone, probably Esty? after which she should be able to carry him along with Tinar, until I can return.

Sorry about this but I will try to keep up as best I can.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nerindel,

First, my guess is that the game will move slowly the next few weeks. I am away with limited internet access July 4-9 and July 16-23.

Secondly, I do have some access and will work with Hilde as needed to fill her info on Sorona. Of course, I do not know her as well as you do but perhaps if she has questions I can try to help.

Would it be possible for you to suggest one or two broad ideas for a post or two? That would give her something to work with.

*****************

Pio - check your pms please.

[piosenniel]

Nerindel

I can e-mail you the posts from the game and, where pertinent, the discussion thread. That way, you can continue to write your own posts and send these back to:

piosenniel@barrowdowns.com.

How would that work for you.

You can also email me the post for Korpulfr, if you wish.

~*~ Pio

[Nerindel]

Pio

That is wonderful thanks! :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Yes, I will be happy to help as best I can, snail that I am. And me ask questions...never! ;) (Child, I see you know me only too well! :D )

PS Surinen's post is up.

[piosenniel]

While Child is gone, I'll post for Aiwendil with her OK as far as any interaction between The old fellow and Rôg is concerned - with her permission of course. :)

~*~ Pio

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thorn & Narayad's "Save" is now filled in. :D

[piosenniel]

Note for Mithadan and Ealasaide - from NERINDEL:


On hearing Korpulfr's name Sorona will become distressed as she remembers who he is. Kórpulfr is Sorona's son! she will not understand why the wolf clan ally themselves with the wyrm clan or why they would be in the city at all, before her capture and imprisonment in Mordor, The eagle and wolf clan had a strong friendship, brought about by her marrage to the leader of the wolf clans son. She will try to deny that her little raven would be part of Wryma's plan, and will likely wish to speak with either Aiwendil or the elders of the clan at once, I think she would do this through Surinen.

NOTE:

New post for Sorona is on the game.

[Ealasaide]

"A dream!" Airefalas interjected incredously, Sorona's looked at him sharply, but to her surprise it was Mithadan who spoke, "you should not underestimate the power of dreams my friend," he whispered sternly to his first mate, then turning back he urged her to continue.

"Sorry, Dad," said Airefalas, sheepishly twisting his school beanie between his hands. He bowed his head and took a seat in an out-of-the-way corner so that the grownups could continue their talk in peace... :p

HeeHee... sorry, Nerindel... I just couldn't resist! ;) :D

[piosenniel]

Ealasaide and others-

Don't forget that Nerindel is unable to access the Forum for 2 weeks - so can you email her your comments:

Peco_uk@hotmail.com

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Ealasaide]

Oh, yeah... D'oh! :eek:

Thanks for the reminder. :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Thank you Pio for handling Aiwendil. Please make sure the poor fellow does not come to any harm.

I have put in a save for Ráma's conversation with her mother. I will have intermittent access to the Downs but not to a word processing file where I can save things. So I may compose my response on the actual thread. I will let you know when it is complete and edited. Meanwhile, don't bother looking at the draft which may be very rough indeed.

~Child

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Child, should Narika and Thorn be away for a while yet? Or will it be alright to think about heading back as long as Narika does not meet Rama yet?

[piosenniel]

Child

Rôg will guard the dotty old fellow with tooth and claw if need be! ;)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde,

Please feel free to have Thorn and Narika return. In my last post Ráma had Claris send out a messenger to the couple. That messenger should get there very quickly since he is flying so you are welcome to latch onto this if it is helpful.

Pio,

That sounds most encouraging!

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

EDIT: POST 244 is filled in. I have put up another save which should finish off the conversation.

Pio,

I'd like Aiwendil to have dinner with Mithadan and crew. Do you want to set that up (or even post it) or do you prefer that I handle that after I return?



~Child

[piosenniel]

Mith

Would you like to set up the dinner with Aiwendil? And I'll bring the old fellow in to it.

~*~ Pio

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Yes, I had noticed the messenger, Child , very nice!

[Child of the 7th Age]

I have finished editing post #244 and have made one addition worthy of note: the stipulation that Thorn and Narika will marry and jointly inherit the headship of the clan. I will wait till I get home to work on my last save space.

Thanks, Pio, for the note to Mithadan.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Just a couple of things I wanted to mention/question. I seems that Airefalas and Mithadan were on the verge of a conversation, and now Sonora is in the midst of one with the two of them, but I'm unsure if any replies are in the works, now there is a save for Aiwendel and dinner. Is it there something going on? I feel we are on the verge of appearing choppy. Surinen had wanted introduce Sorona and Aiwendel, is it acceptable to everyone to do this at dinner? And what are the health and hygiene ramifications? :p

[Ealasaide]

Yes, I had been wondering what is going on, too.

Mithadan - I was waiting for you to post before I stepped up to the plate again. Since it's been a little while, I'm assuming that you've been tied up with other things. Should I just pick up and carry on? Please advise! I don't want to tread on any toes. Thanks! :)

[piosenniel]

I have removed the SAVE for Aiwendil at dinner with Mithadan.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mith

When it seems timely, please go ahead and start the scene where Aiwendil comes to sup with Mithadan and Airefalas.

Either Child or I can then pick up on it as needed.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Child of the 7th Age]

Save 246 has been filled in. I have done one more save. I take a solemn oath that this will end the conversation between mother and daughter!

~Child

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thanks Pio and all for the feedback. I will wait a little longer for Mithadan and Ealasaide before attempting to write for Surinen.

[Child of the 7th Age]

My last save is finally filled in. I would ask your help regarding Ayar. No one else is to talk with her. She will fall into a deep sleep and will not waken in the morning.

In the long run.....Once Ayar dies and other story lines are resolved, we will need to arrange for a funeral, the marriage of Narika and Thorn, and their assumption of the leadership of the clan....as well as some discussion concerning the fate of the strangers. At some point, I will have Ráma share her mother's words with Thorn and Narika.

Hilde -- Did you have some ideas on the wedding?

Pio -- Please refresh my mind. How long (game time) till your namesake arrives in Umbar, floating in on that disgusting ship?

Also, am I correct in saying that we should each mail all our posts to Nerindel?

[piosenniel]

Everyone will need to email their Discussion Thread Posts to Nerindel - if they need her attention.

I'll email all the Game Threads.

As to the timeline - I'll have to forage about for my legal pad - I haven't a clue 'when' we are . . .

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Hilde -- Did you have some ideas on the wedding?

I did a little browsing of desert and tribal weddings, almost all of which were North African or from the Arab Peninsula. In what was dug up, most of these things were/are long drawn out celebrations with henna parties, fixing a bride price and so on. I think some of this could be adopted such as camel races, drumming, drinking, sword dances and so on. But then again they could always have a sparse and simple to do, viewing the circumstances. Or they could elope. :D I think an lively celebration would give the characters time to intermingle and talk easily, though. And give everyone the opportunity to see another more fun loving side to these folk.

Does anybody else have other thoughts or ideas? Perhaps modeling after a different area of the world? Ealasaide, would it be appropriate to model this after a Native American marriage? I have no idea what that might be like.

Do we have a funeral ritual picked out then, Miss Cami?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Do we have a funeral ritual picked out then, Miss Cami?

Not in the slightest. If anyone has ideas please share them on the thread. I am running around trying to pack to go out of town.

I will be away for the coming week, July 16 through the 23rd (Friday through Friday). I should have some computer access starting next Monday, but less time to write than usual.

At least I am going where it is cooler. It hit 110 degrees on the heat index today. Sometime I feel as if I'm living in Umbar!

~Miss Cami

[Ealasaide]

Hilde - I will look into Native American marriage ritual. There should be one we can borrow from. I'll get back to you!

Child - But at least it's a dry heat! ;)

[Ealasaide]

Traditionally, Native American wedding practices were treated as a contractual agreement, usually involving the negotiation of bride price and occasionally dowry. Also, not that it necessarily has any bearing here, but most tribes practiced polygamy, as, due to hardship and warfare, there were usually more women around than men. Also, it helped to break up the workload for the women and gave them someone else talk to when the men were away at war or on prolonged hunts. Again, not that it matters here!

Some Upper Plains Tribes - a thumb of each the bride and the groom was cut slightly and the two thumbs tied together. As the blood mingled, the person officiating declared that the two were now as one, just as the blood was one. They were commanded to to "live as one flesh" ever after.

Sioux - The groom makes a gift of horses and clothing, which he sends to the bride's brothers. Then groom's family gives a feast. The bride's brothers put the bride on one of the gift horses and bring her to the feast. Many people attend the feast, but there is no formal speech or ritual other than the gifts and feasting. Once the feast is over, the couple is considered married. (Cheyenne, Shawnee and Shoshone custom is very similar, as is Apache, except that the bride would be delivered by female relations and there would be a formal speech.)

Excert from an Apache wedding ceremony:

Now you will feel no rain,
for each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness,
for each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two persons
but there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling to enter into
the days of your life together.
And may your days be good,
and long upon the earth.

Commanche - The prospective groom delivers a gift of horses to the girl's door. If she rejects the gift, the boy goes away. If she accepts the gift, they are considered married.

Navajo - The ceremony must start at sundown. The groom enters the hogan (ceremonial dwelling) and walks to the south. His relations sit by him on his left. The bride and her family enter, carrying food. She wears her finest clothing and all of her jewelry. The bride carries a shallow yucca basket in which there is a layer of cornmeal mush. The bride sits on the groom's right, with her family on her right. The guests brings gifts of food and other items, which they place on the floor. The medicine man tells the couple to wash their hands in a cup of water he has brought. Then he takes corn pollen from a pouch and makes lines representing the four directions in the mush. Some lines are in white cornmeal, some in yellow. As the medicine man tells the couple of the responsibilities of marriage, he shifts the position of the yucca basket in order to turn the bride's and groom's minds toward each other. Then the couple eats some of the pollen.

Eastern Cherokee - a wedding vase, one with two spouts, is filled a liquid important to the tribe. The bride drinks from one spigot, the groom from the other. A blanket is tied around the couple, biding them together as one. (Pueblo marriages are very similar to this only don't use the blanket.)

This is probably more than you really wanted to know, :eek: but that's all I could come up with on short notice. Please feel free to make use of any combination of rituals as you see fit! I hope it helps. :)

Also, don't forget that Child mentioned in an early post, something about wrists being bound together and walking around the fire as part of the wedding ritual.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Goodness! Thanks Ealasaide, that should be most useful. And thanks also for the reminder.

Have fun Child! Hope you enjoy the change.

[piosenniel]

Esty

Ball in Wyrma's court . . . Wasim has made his report . . . :D

~*~ Pio

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Wyrma has reacted to Wasim's failure and has left the city to return to her own. As to Wasim, his situation is not enviable!

[Mithadan]

I have added on to Ealasaide"s post 237 and filled in my save at 249. I apologize for my absence. Unfortunately, I had to deal with a higher authority for about ten days and it took longer than I thought.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

The save for Surinen as been filled in. Sorry for the delay.

[piosenniel]

Hey, Miz Bird, if you're still checking in every so often . . . Post 253's for you! ;) :p

~*~ Pio :D

[piosenniel]

Child

Dinner is ready whenever you and your Gondorian guests . . . and the eagle(?) arrive. :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde, Nerindel,

Please check your pms and/or e-mails. I have sent you a synopsis of my post with Sorona and Surinen. See if there is anything you'd like to change.

********************

I hope to have both saves filled in by tomorrow evening.

~Child

[Child of the 7th Age]

Since I received a reply from Hilde, I have gone ahead and filled in save 226. I do believe Aiwendil will have an apology and explanation to give Sorona before our game ends!

Nerindel, Hilde -- If you see anything that needs changing, let me know, please.

EDIT: Nerindel - I received your e-mail. Your comments were very helpful and I have made a few changes to bring the post even closer in line with what you said....

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Mithadan, Airefalas - Would anyone care to take up the dinner conversation?

[Nerindel]

Thanks Child. :D

Hilde something else you need to be aware of is that Sorona is prone to muttering, usually to herself. A result of only having herself for company for so long and in a language none of the desert people will understand. It will sound to them vaguely like bird calls.

[Mithadan]

I will be travelling Tuesday through Thursday. I may or may not have internet access.

[Ealasaide]

I can take a shot at picking up the dinner conversation! It's been a little while since I posted with Airefalas & I'm beginning to miss him.

Please PM me (anyone) if there is anything you would like me to include or avoid in my post. THANKS! :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Sorona is prone to muttering

Thanks for the tip, Nerindel!

[Ealasaide]

I have now filled my "save". Let the dinner conversation commence! :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Surinen's post is filled in. Sorry that Sorona didn't have the chance to mutter.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sorry about that empty save.... I had all these good intentions today, but I have come down with a summer flu and I am wobbling around. Will post when I can see straight again.

~Child

[Ealasaide]

Sorry about my empty save too. I had hoped to fill it yesterday, but now it looks like it will be tomorrow before I have any writing time. I will do my best to post then! :)

Later:
I have now filled my save, but I wanted to say a quick word about the relationship between Airefalas & Isabel: In my original profile for Airefalas, I wrote that he and Isabel "love each other very much." Since then, the terms of both the situation and the relationship have been evolving in my mind, so, now I think would be more accurate to say that while they are fond of each other, they are totally unsuited for one another as a couple.

BTW... I am going somewhere with all of this... ;) ...eventually...

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hmm...very interesting Ealasaide.

You can scratch my discussion post from yesterday. I was so zonkered out that I didn't erase the save. I am up and wobbling around now. Save 257 is filled in and Narika is back in camp.

[piosenniel]

I've filled in Rog's continuance of the conversation with Airefalas. And brought in Mithadan and Aiwendil to the conversation . . . ;)

Perhaps Airefalas could use the services of a maenwaith goodwife? :D

Matchmaker, matchmaker,
Make me a match;
Find me a find;
Catch me a catch . . .

:p

[Ealasaide]

Perhaps Airefalas could use the services of a maenwaith goodwife?

ooh...um..eh... heh heh heh... :D
We may already have something in the works... ;)

[piosenniel]

:smokin:

hmmmm . . . I shall just have to sit and quietly speculate then . . . :cool:

[Ealasaide]

After considerable discussion back & forth with Hilde, I have decided to pick up the character of Fador as a regular character. He is maenwaith, the father of Latah, and the uncle of Surinen.

If anyone has any issues or concerns with this idea, please PM me. Otherwise, I will go ahead and work up a profile for Fador and get him moving. THANKS! :)

Also...provided this meets with everyone's approval... please PM me rather than Hilde regarding any plot developments involving Fador. THANKS! :D

[piosenniel]

:eek:

I for one should like to say that I have deep . . . not to mention abiding . . .issues with this . . .

Let me just work up a detailed little treatise containing them . . . ;) :p

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joking, of course -- looking forward to seeing the work-up.

~*~ Pio

[Child of the 7th Age]

Ealasaide - Looking forward to learning more of your new character.


I have filled in Aiwendil's save. He has raised a question and I would be very happy to have someone take up the bait and continue.

Alternately, I am working on a post for Ráma. She will shortly be bursting in on dinner and posing a few queries of her own as well as sharing information. If necessary, she will interrupt :eek: whoever is speaking!

[Ealasaide]

I for one should like to say that I have deep . . . not to mention abiding . . .issues with this . . .

Yipe! For a minute there I felt like my grandmother everytime something came in the mail for her from her bank: uh-oh, I'm in trouble now... :p

I should be able to post a profile for Fador (I hope) by Tuesday. :)

[piosenniel]

Rôg has managed to say something . . . a little incoherent . . . and his line of reasoning is certainly spotty . . . but not bad for a woolgatherer . . .

Can edit, of course, if necessary . . . :)

~*~ Pio :D

[Nerindel]

Save #264 is now filled, sorry for the wait!

Hilde for the moment I decided not to mention her fathers name, Although Sorona's name is not familiar with them, her fathers might be, so she will keep it to herself for the moment. But do not be afraid to ask her questions of her past.
She will not voluntarily give up anything of her past, but if asked she will answer. It is not in her nature to lie but she may leave things unsaid.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thanks Nerindel. I have put up a save for the moment, and I will be e-mailing you shortly. ;)

[Ealasaide]

I just wanted to mention that I live somewhat in the track of an oncoming catagory 2 (possibly catagory 3 by landfall) hurricane. I don't know if or how much that will affect my internet access over the next several days, but if I disappear for a little while that is why. Hopefully it will not affect Orlando too much! I hope, I hope...

Since the eye of Hurricane Charley is likely to pass to the west of me, I expect to miss the worst of the destruction, but, as I said, I don't know what the storm will do to internet access, or power and phone connections in the area. Since we are on the "leading edge" of the storm they are predicting tornadoes and heavy wind and rain in my location.

Wish me luck! :D

[Mithadan]

Take care Ealasaide! I've been there and I wish you the best.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Best wishes, Ealasaide! I will be away next week plus a couple of days, so just imagine Wyrma still scheming, and Tinar will tag along with Korpulfr and Co. until I'm back.

[Ealasaide]

Thanks, everyone, for your kind thoughts and well wishes. As it turns out the storm made a direct hit over Orlando. The metro area is a mess - lots of power & phone outages, structure damage & trees down - but I made it through okay. :)

Thanks again for all of your kind wishes! :)

[Mithadan]

I am glad to hear that all is well, Ealasaide!

I have filled in my dusty old save. Forgive me for the delay (again).

[Nerindel]

Sorona seemed to hiss at the mention of the name

Mithadan She certainly would have if she was actually there! :p But she left with Surinen when the Gondorians arrived at Aiwendil and Rog's tent. She is currently dinning with Surinen and his cousin. ;)

[Mithadan]

My bad. I'll edit.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

The save for Surinen, # 270 has finally been filled in, with humble apologies for my tardiness!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Poor Aiwendil! His reply is up along with a rather critical question from Ráma to the men of Gondor. I am definitely interested in seeing how they answer her.

[Mithadan]

I have a bad feeling about this... Somehow, I would guess that Rama and her clan may not appreciate the answer to this question.

[Mithadan]

OK, Mithadan has spilled the beans... Go ahead. Lock him and Airefalas up. See if we care.... :(

[Child of the 7th Age]

Mithadan,

I really like your post! It has just the right tone. (Of course, the next scene will be Mithadan dragged off in chains.)

There is just one small change I am wondering if you can make. You would have no way of knowing this, but Rama does have an incident in her past--a very important incident that pertains to dolphins. It is something she was eventually going to share with Aiwendil. (She was very young and dwelling on the coast when this dolphin encounter occurred.)

Could you simply erase Rama's name and leave Miri's in? Rama and Narika are the only two in the clan who have ever seen a dolphin so you can truly say that such an acquaintance in rare. Later on, at some point, Rama may reflect on the dolphin issue and discuss some things with you. Without knowing it, you have actually given me a "hook" for something I had already planned. Actually, Rama is even more likely to help you now that she knows you are friends with a SC that can take on dolphin form.

If there are any problems, let me know.

[piosenniel]

My SAVE for post 275 is now filled in.

[Ealasaide]

Sorry I have been so horribly slow in developing Fador. (I'll bet you thought I meant that Tuesday when I said I would have a profile up by Tuesday a couple of weeks ago! ;) ) All I can say is that it has been an interesting couple of weeks. I will do my best to get him up and running this week. :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Surinen's post is filled in.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Ráma's response to Mithadan will go up later today. Unless someone needs to say something further at the dinner itself, I will post my answer after Pio's and promise to aid Mithadan in his quest. Then I will bid everyone return to their beds.

Just a day before, Rama would have given a different answer. But she has just finished speaking with her mother who has told her to search for the "other" dragons. It would seem that Bird fits that description....

[piosenniel]

Cami

Once you've written your response to Mithadan, I'd like to follow it with a post from Miri . . . walking back to her tent with you . . . ;)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Funny....I had the identical thing in mind. I'll send you a pm on this to see if we're on the same page.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Poor Mithadan and Airefalas may have gotten more than they bargained for from Ráma!

**************************

Pio,

Could you tuck this in right below Rog's last post (Post 274)? The day has changed so it will fit better there.

I will erase the post from the discussion thread later....

*********************************************

Child's post for Ráma


Ráma did not move her eyes from Mithadan's face even when Rôg dumped the tray on the ground and Miri scurried forward to retrieve the fruit. The Man from Gondor could be lying or confused, but Ráma did not think so. There was a calm assurance and honesty in both his tone and demeanor that convinced her he was speaking the truth. If he said Bird had mastered five shapes and that one was an Ent and another a dragon, then it must be so.

Ráma was less certain how others in her clan would respond to Mithadan's plea. However softly phrased, his description of Bird implicitly challenged some of the Elders' teachings. She was not sure whether the Man from Gondor even recognized this.

She had apparently been taught things that weren't true. Not all dragons were base and dishonorable. And there was at least one talking, sentient creature whose form had been taken on by a maenwaith . Quickly, her mind made another giant leap. It wasn't only the Ents. In the ancient tales, the wyrms could speak to each other and even with Men. Why had she never made this connection before and recognized that the limits about talking creatures had certain exceptions? She had always accepted what the Elders said about who she was and what she might and might not do. It was not that they had lied to her. They were good Men and Women who knew a great deal more than she did. But they did not know everything.

The Elders had constantly drummed a simple dictum into her head: only clan leaders could take on four shapes; all others, including herself, were restricted to three. The message had been clear: do not squander your forms, or you may find you have none left when it comes time to take your place among the adult Eagles of the clan. You will be one of the dispossessed who harbors an Eagle spirit, but with no physical form in which it may find its expression.

Perhaps, the Elders had been mistaken that day on the beach when they had scolded her. And her own mother had been right to urge her to look for help among the wyrms. Maybe the key to her past as well as the fate of her people lay in accepting the same hard lesson: although goodness never changes, ways of thinking and acting do, and we must master those changes with grace and an honorable heart, just as we master changes in our form.

Impulsively lurching to her knees in front of Mithadan, in full view of her astonished dinner guests, Ráma spoke loudly so all could hear: "Man of Gondor, you say more than you realize. But I believe you. I swear that I will not rest until I help you and Airefalas find this Bird. For your search and mine have become one. Perhaps this Bird was sent to us for reasons we cannot altogether know, perhaps even to lead us to her other Dragon kin who have not forsaken the old ways. Tomorrow, we will speak more on this and see where we will begin this search. For now, it is late, and I would ask you to return to your tents. Say nothing more of this to anyone until I have had a chance to speak with my sister." With that she turned and, beckoning Miri to her side, quickly left the tent.

****************************


Miri looked up hesitently at her older friend as Ráma took her by the hand and briskly whisked them out of the tent, preparing to take her home. The girl was not certain exactly what to say. So much had happened between her and Rôg, and now Ráma was acting in a way she could not understand.

They stopped for a moment by a large barrel that stood nearby to ladle out two small cups of water. After they had drunk, Ráma threw her head back, looked up at the stars, and began humming a song to herself. Miri could see that she was acting very strangely.

"My mother will be pleased!" Ráma confided. "I know she will be excited to hear about Bird." Perhaps, she mused silently to herself, Ayar will feel better after she's rested and I can speak with her in the morning. As they reached the end of the row and stood in front of the tent belonging to Miri's family, Ráma halted for a moment to speak with the girl, "I wanted to see if Rôg would be willing to help us recruit among the tribes to the south. But so much happened at the end that I never had time. I know you are close friends with him. Perhaps you can tell me. Do you think he would be willing to speak with his clan so that they could help us? Do you know what form his clan takes to defend itself?"

Miri hastily shook her head, looking uncomfortable. "You'll have to ask him. I don't know much about this. Anyways, I'm not sure if he can help. He's going to visit his family."

"The ones he mentioned earlier who are camped south of here."

Miri shook her head, "Not exactly. Some other relatives.....very old ones." She was feelng a bit uncomfortable and hoped Ráma would stop questioning her. "I think his whole clan is going for a visit. They live in some caves on the rim of the northern desert. Not too far from the Sea, I think. Anyways, ask him yourself. He'll only be gone a little while."

At that point Rána's face blanched. "But that's not possible. There is no place like that in Harad."

Miri shrugged her shoulders, "Well, he never said it was Harad. Maybe it's someplace else."

"Miri, look at me!" Ráma commanded. "I want you to repeat exactly what Rôg said....."

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I'm back from my trip to England and need a couple of days to catch up with reading here as well as with real life. As soon as I know what's going on, I'll post for my characters...

[piosenniel]

Cami

Your post is on board. I'll see what I can get out of Miri later tonight. ;)

~*~ Pio

[piosenniel]

*hands round the black crepe armbands :eek:

Cami

Rama is now hurrying off to the tent . . .

[Nerindel]

Oh! dear Sorona will be devastated, she was hoping to see her old friend one last time before she passed on! :(

She was just waiting for Fador to arrive before making her excuses, but I see how my posts for Kor and Hasrim have created a problem. I can take them out and put them back after Ayar has passed away if that helps.

I have just had them ready for so long, forgive my impatience.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nerindel,

Let me check on some things and get back with you....

~Cami

[Ealasaide]

Again... sorry, Nerindel, that I have been holding you up. :eek: I have the Profile done for Fador and, once that has passed muster, I will get my Save filled in. Right now, Hilde & I are having another round of discussions regarding my plans for Fador. Once that has been ironed out in one direction or another, I should be able to get to work on a post.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nerindel,

Pio and I have popped our last posts forward on the thread so that the time sequence will be less of a problem. I probably won't get to Ayar's death scenes till Sunday or Monday, so if you or Hilde or Ealasaide need more saves before Ayar dies and the morning comes feel free to reserve them now.

If you'd like to have Sorona say goodbye to Ayar, you could look over the earlier thread and see where something like that would fit in. If you want to have Ayar actually respond to you, you'll have to go back a ways on the thread since she has been in a deep sleep and unresponsive for some time. You could post on the discussion thread and I'm sure Mithadan could paste it in. (Or if it's in one of my boxes, I'll be glad to do that as well.)

If you just want to go into Ayar's tent and quietly say goodbye to a dying woman who is unconscious, you could go ahead and do that now by putting up the saves.

Hope this helps. If anyone has more questions or concerns about the sequencing , just post them here or send a pm and we'll work something out.

~Cami

[piosenniel]

At the behest of my historian friend ;)

Here’s one of my infamous lists for your perusal – if you’d like to add anyone/thing let me know. Do you want the writer’s initial added?

__________________________________


CHARACTER LIST – with a few places and other assorted things added on for ease of reference

~*~

GONDOR

-- Mithadan – Captain/The Lonely Star
-- Airefalas – First Mate/The Lonely Star
-- Avarlond – Airefalas brother
-- Lady Isabel - Airefalas’ fiancée
-- Saelon – Helm’s-man/The Lonely Star
-- Ardil – sailor/The Lonely Star
-- Duilin – sailor/The Lonely Star

-- Piosenniel
-- Cami, Isilmir, Gilwen – Pio and Mith’s children
-- Derylin – friend of Pio and Mith
-- Hester – Pio/Mith’s housekeeper-cook
-- Sinda – Pio’s horse/male

-- Baran the Beorning

-- Morien – Innkeeper/The Seventh Star Inn
-- Mirenin – serving-girl/The Seventh Star Inn

-- Faragaer – Captain/The Scuppered Gull
-- Haladan – First Mate/The Scuppered Gull

-- Tavar – Captain/The Windrunner whose crew is manning the Star’s return to Umbar

-- Hamar – First Mate/The Sandpiper/one of Elessar’s sailors sent to assist in the return of Mithadan and Airefalas

xxx Places/Things xxx

-- The Seventh Star Inn

-- The Lonely Star – Pio and Mith’s ship/renamed (see following entry)
-- The Sandpiper - Star renamed for rescue trip south/old ship which used to sail the coasts to Umbar
-- The Windrunner - Capt. Tavar's ship/crew is manning The Sandpiper

~*~

UMBAR

The Dragon Clan

-- Wyrma
-- Tinar - Wyrma’s youngest of four sons
-- Markal – Wyrma’s 1st son
-- Walat – Wyrma’s 2nd son, serves under Halfr/Wolf Clan
-- Kumat – Wyrma’s 3rd son
-- Elsta – Wyrma’s maid

-- Falasmir – ruler of Umbar
-- Galandor – Falasmir’s right hand man/Wyrma’s dalliance
-- Kalir – Falasmir’s servant
-- Raal, Mahal, Seft – Falasmir’s guards for the Gondorians

-- Musad and Nizar – odd jobbers for Wyrma
-- Wahid and Wasim – Wyrma’s would be, now dead, assassins of Elessar

__________


The Wolf Clan

-- Korpulfr (25) – only child of Halfr
-- Hasrim (35) – Korpulfr’s cousin
-- Isram (30) - Korpulfr’s cousin
-- Jahr (17) – Korpulfr’s cousin
-- Asrim – Korpulfr’s cousin
-- Halfr (52) – Korpulfr’s father/Clan Chieftain/overseeing building of maenwaith city
-- Audulfr – Halfr’s now deceased father

xxx Places/Things xxx

-- The Cat’s Paw Inn
-- Wyrma’s maenwaith city/under construction (I’m still unclear where this is in relation to Umbar)


~*~

THE DESERT

The Eagle Clan

-- Rama
-- Narika – Rama’s twin
-- Ayar – Rama’s mother – now deceased
-- Claris – Ayar’s grey-haired serving woman
-- Ayka – ancient Eagle crone/lives in the mountains to the south
-- Kyelek – Rama’s trusty steed

-- Thorn – marrying Narika/was spying at Falasmir’s court
-- Yalisha – herbalist-healer/Thorn’s sister

-- Surinen
-- Dinsul – Surinen’s father
-- Mirya – Surinen’s sister
-- Fador – Surinen’s uncle

-- Narayad
-- Latah – Narayad’s wife/Fador’s daughter

-- Sorona – trapped in Eagle form/mildly amnesiac
-- Freya – Sorona’s cousin

-- Miri – 7y/o girl/has a brother

-- Kron, Zed, Garel - Eagle tribesmen

~*~

ODD AND ASSORTED CHARACTERS

-- Aiwendil

-- Rôg
-- Abar, Uriyat, Dairaphel (Daira) – Rôg’s father/mother/sister
-- The Elders of Rog’s clan – a curious lot who will appear soon

-- Hazad – Ayar’s assassin

-- Lena – Innkeeper at the Cat’s Paw in Umbar

-- Waitimu – leader of the Bakhpusta/Haradwaith nomads/non-maenwaith

-- Bird – Skinchanger/close friend of Mithadan and Piosenniel/whereabouts unkown

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a MAP (http://brendoman.com/honzo/lotr/AGE2ARDA.JPG), too.

One of the few left to link to . . . :(

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Thanks for all that research, Pio! What with our list of characters, both allies and enemies, growing longer all the time, that's very helpful!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio,

Your historian friend who can't keep her characters straight truly thanks you!

I will print it out and keep it handy. If and when other characters are added, let's try to keep it updated.

**********************

Tehe....Aiwendil is listed as an "odd and assorted character". I definitely knew he was odd, but had never heard that he was "assorted"!

[piosenniel]

Will do!

And if anyone sees something missing - or adds a new character or place - please alert me.

By the way - where exactly is the maenwaith city in relation to the Bay of Umbar (if you can tell me in reference to the map I've provided that would be great).

Aiwendil is a bit odd and by the end of the game I hope to have him sorted out at least as far a Rog's understanding of him. :rolleyes: :p ;)

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Estelyn Telcontar]

If I remember rightly, we decided that the city Wyrma is building is east of the Havens of Umbar, though we didn't choose a precise location or distance.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Just a quick and belated note to say that the term Meldakhar, meaning ‘dear lady’, is a term of affection rather than I title, so on Ayar’s death I do not know if it will carry on to Narika or not, but certainly would not be used for Thorn. ;)

[Nerindel]

If you just want to go into Ayar's tent and quietly say goodbye to a dying woman who is unconscious, you could go ahead and do that now by putting up the saves.

Thanks Child, I think a quiet goodbye would be best. I have added a save to my last post so it comes directly after Ealasaide's for Fador. I will move Kor and Hasrims posts once the Meldakhar has died.

[Mithadan]

I will be out of pocket from tomorrow through friday, as i will be in Tallahasee before the Florida Supreme Court. While I might be able to check threads, I will not have time to post.

[Ealasaide]

Okay... aforementioned discussion with Hilde degenerated (briefly) into an internet slap-fight :eek: so the Profile is not forthcoming after all. I will continue to work on that, but I will have my Save filled by THIS Wednesday at the latest. I will do my best to get it done tomorrow (Tuesday) ... if I don't actually have to work while I am at work.

(BTW - I'm joking about the slap-fight ;) )

Good luck in Tallahassee, Mithadan! I hope it goes well.

Pio - Thanks for the MARVELOUS list. I had been struggling trying to keep all the Maenwaith straight. That helps a lot. :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I'm glad you were joking Ealasaide! For a rather long hour or so I thought I had entered an episode of 'The Twilight Zone'.

[Ealasaide]

Sorry, Hilde. I always forget that a sarcastic sense of humor is only sarcastic in print... the humor gets lost in translation. It gets me into trouble all the time.

Anyway, the bottom line is that I am still working on Fador. :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

No problem Ealasaide, and I'm much obliged for your taking up the character! :)

EDIT: Please note that a few changes have been made to post #276 to reflect that the Wolf clan has been associated with the Wyrms for a longer time than I had originally thought. (And also to fix an annoying spelling mistake! :p )

[Ealasaide]

Well, allrighty, then - I have finally filled my Save #277! Fador is up & running!

Also, I seem to be right in the track of yet another oncoming hurricane. This time it is Hurricane Frances. She's not due to strike my location until sometime on Saturday, but, as before, if I disappear for a while after that, it is due to the storm. I was lucky last time & never lost power, while some of my family were without power or phone for over a week. Frances looks to be "bigger n badder" than Charley was, so I hope my luck holds! :D

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Wyrma's plan has been executed - as have, possibly, some of Falasmir's soldiers and/or servants... (Is he sounding too much like the Queen of Hearts?! "Off with their heads!")

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Pio many thanks for the list of the cast of characters. It is very helpful.

I did though want to mention though, that Surinen's relationship with Fador and Latah is not quite as close at it appears there.

Fador is Surinen's mother's cousin, so that would make Fador Surinen's first cousin once removed (though he calls him his Uncle out of respect).

Latah is Surinen's second cousin.

I don't know if you want to change the designation on the chart, but did want to clarify things a bit. In hind sight it probably was not a wise move to have them written this way, but it seemed to shape itself. :p

[piosenniel]

Edited character list as noted above.

~*~ Pio

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thank you Pio.
In hind sight it probably was not a wise move to have them written this way, but it seemed to shape itself.

I meant to say that it wasn't a wise move on my part to make it so complicated. :D

[piosenniel]

Cami

Please check your email - your PM's are full. :D

~*~ Pio

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio and everyone else,

Serves me right! Now I get one of those notices about pms, which I have frequently dumped on so many other heads.

I will get with you shortly on the contents of your e-mail.

But what the hay.....at least we finally killed Ayar off. When Mithadan and I first discussed her death, we thought it would happen very soon and would be a way to ease us into some early action.

Who knew that the woman would hang on so long? Now I know where Ráma gets her stubborn nature!

Oh, yes, Hilde and Nerindel , please check your pms too...

Cami

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Child, read your PM's and will try to respond to it over lunch. (Hmm..I wonder if that could be considered a business lunch? :cool: )

Thanks Pio, for adding Surinen's post to #283. :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

With the death of the Eagle’s leader, it has come time for a ritual to ease the transition for both Ayar and her clan/family. The scene is one of mourning, but keep in mind death is not fearful to them, but rather considered a final transformation.

The proposed rites to follow this death are outlined below, though they are certainly open for discussion. We had thought that days 2 and 3 might be covered rapidly as extended narrative posts to advance the time frame (if everyone is agreeable). Days 1 and 4 could be dealt with in more detail. Does this sound practical for everyone?

*******

The day of the death:
-A small pot of water would be placed outside the tent were Ayar died.
-A high bier would be constructed outside the camp and Ayar’s body washed.
-Thorn would carry Ayar to the bier and place her on it, followed by Ráma and Narika, and then the rest of the clan.
-Narika and Ráma would arrange their mother to be comfortably facing west.
-All remaining possessions belonging to Ayar would be burned in front of her body at sunset, so that nothing might keep her from flying free of her body.
-The clan would join in songs to encourage Ayar to leave for the west, and assuring her that they will be all right.
-A smoky fire is kept near the body, for the next few days.

Day 2:
-At sunset the clan would gather again to sing this time in camp, once more encouraging Ayar to leave as well as recounting tales of her ancestors.

Day 3:
-The body is burned and the remains buried.
-At sunset again the clan would gather in camp singing about the ancestors and adding a new song about Ayar.

Day 4:
- The pot of water is symbolically upturned by family members, and the clan is now free to move on.

[piosenniel]

Cami

Dig out Fonstad, my dear Rama, and look at page 53 - where on there is the present Eagle camp?

~*~ Pio :D

[Child of the 7th Age]

You are on dangerous ground when you ask Cami for geographical data. The last time one of the Shire founders took my advice about which way to go, their game wandered in circles for 32 days!

However, I may have an answer for you. Take a look on pages 38-39 in the atlas. I had carefully preserved a memo from the illustrious Piosenniel in my filing cabinet: She who is renowned for her geographical insights. Here is what Pio said in her e-mail about the location of the Eagles:

Right now, the Eagle Clan is just south of the Largish word Umbar and near the foothills of the northern Grey Mountain chain.

This appears right to me. Pio is fairly reliable about these things, and I think we can rely on her insight. :D

~Cami

[piosenniel]

Ah, good! I thought that's where they were . . .

But you Eagles are flighty critters - I wasn't sure if you'ld pulled up your tent stakes and moved a bit . . .

:cool:

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Better late than never I hope! Here is the Bio for Thorn.

Name: Thorn

Age: around 30

Race: Man of the Maenwaith, Eagle clan

Gender: Male

Appearance & Weapons:
Of middling height for one of the Maenwaith, Thorn has somewhat a comely demeanor, and his deep brown eyes betray little emotion. Tied back with a leather thong at the nape of his neck, his black hair falls in long waves between his shoulder blades. His hands also are long, but rough and calloused.

Thorn often wears traditional robes in muted colors, but prefers loose pants and a tunic, particularly when working with horses. His belt is an ornate strip of knotted leather, and hanging from it by a similarly worked cord, are a curved dagger in an unadorned sheath and a sword. A blank metal disk is ever present on a plain black string around his neck.

Personality:
Overall Thorn is a rather serious person. Skilled in weaponry and horsemanship, and after having lived in Umbar for sometime, he is tolerant of ‘outsiders’, less so than his sister, Yalisha, but weighing what he might learn from them to help his people.

History:
Thorn’s childhood was overshadowed by turmoil in the Eagle clan. In the years leading up to the War of the Ring, the Haradrim grew increasingly more warlike and brutal, and many of the clans of maenwaith chose to move further south at that time. But the eagle clan along with some others did not flee, forming rather, a network of alliances to defend against any Haradrim raids. This strategy they learned through bitter experience, did not protect them sufficiently. And so the Eagles moved, inhabiting the most marginal lands of the desert for two years. During this time their ranks dwindled, but when they emerged after the raids were no longer a threat, and the war in the north had become a part of the past, they flourished once more.

As a youth, Thorn was one of the children selected for further training in the customs and ancient ways of his people. Coming from a respected family who had been staunch supporters of Ayar and the leaders before her, he was following in his father’s path. For Thorn and Yalisha’s father had been expected to become an elder of the clan, but the hale man had succumbed to a virulent illness that swept through the encampment, leaving wife and children. Thorn felt set adrift after, missing his father’s company as acutely as his steady wisdom. Noticing the change in her brother, young Yalisha tried her best to console him. But though he cared greatly for his sister he grew to feel that they were they not only distant in age, but also outlook also.
It was not until Thorn became helper to Surinen, a young boy and servant of Thorn’s family, that he found his bearings. Stepping in after the boy’s designated teacher succumbed to the same illness that had taken his father, Thorn and Surinen encouraged each other, and the two became close friends.

Gaining also the confidence of Ayar, Thorn was proud to stand at her side during the last gathering of clans, and spent much of his spare time with the leader and her family. Realizing that he was growing close to Ayar’s young daughters, when the leader suggested to him that someone be sent to Umbar to glean what information they could, he volunteered to go. For though he felt protective of Ráma, as if he were an attentive brother, he became aware that his devotion to Narika ran much deeper.

Thorn spent a year homeless in Umbar, taking odd jobs. During that time he returned to the encampment frequently to visit Narika, and their affection for one another became evident. But after laying the groundwork, and through the help of friends he had made while in Umbar, he succeeded in securing a position as a horse trainer in Lord Falasmir’s stables. Since that time he had not returned home, until now.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde -

Thanks very much for that.
*************

In my last post, I made reference to a naming ceremony that would shortly occur where Narika and Thorn would be named the new clan leaders. Ealasaide will be working on this post, and giving us a more concrete look at an Elder or two. So far, we've only known them generically! Many thanks in advance, Ealasaide!

~Cami

[piosenniel]

Cami

I was perusing one of the old pre-Star/Barrow Downs Birthday threads.

Came across your mention of that rather lengthy treatise and couldn't resist the urge to put it into a post! :p :rolleyes:

~*~ Pio ;)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Oh, Pio.....that is sooooo funny. I have a vague memory of having Cami say this. It was a time when we were having many earnest discussions in Books about whether Frodo had actually accomplished his task and what sort of character was he. I remember defending Book Frodo from the charge of being a wimp!

But I can't find the original birthday thread. Can you give me any pointers or a link?

.......To tie this post into the RPG, let me add that anyone is welcome to post for their characters on the general atmosphere in camp and/or the grieving that is going on. You can use examples from the outline or anything you want as long as it doesn't contradict the outline.

Cami, author of many fine books

[piosenniel]

I stumbled across it and can't refind it myself (despite using the search engine). :(

I know that Cami was distracting Mith with that particular volume (a purple bound tome, gilt edged, 2000 pages!), while Bird and Pio did something nefarious . . . :eek:

~*~ Pio

[Nerindel]

Korpulfr's save #285 is finally filled.

and here is a brief outline of the members of the wolf clan.

Wolf Clan

Audúlfr -Father of Halfr, Grandfather to Kórpulfr. Audúlfr pledged an alliance with the Wyrm clan after they helped to save the wolf clan from extinction, but came to regret this decision when he realise what Wyrma’s true plans were. However before he could tell anyone of his fears, he became mysteriously ill eventually dying.

Halfr - (Age 52) Korpulfr’s father and Sorona’s husband. After losing his wife in the great Haradrim raids, he became mad with grief blaming the eagle clan, the Haradrim and anyone else who does not agree with his thirst for revenge, even his own father at one point!

Korpúlfr - (age 25) Halfr and Sorona’s only son. A prominent merchant of Umbar and a loyal member of his clan. (see Bio for more)

Hasrim - (Age 35) Wolf clan Warrior and Kor’s older cousin (Halfr‘s Sisters son). Hasrim lost his mother, father and both his sisters in the Haradrim raids and now brands anyone who will not stand and fight cowards. He believes in Wyrma’s ambitions and plans to be key figure in her new order. However, he keeps these ideals a closely guarded secret especially from his Cousin!

Asrim - (Age 30) Kor’s cousin (Halfr’s brother’s eldest son). Asrim is a merchant of Umbar, he looks after the business when Kor is away, he has adapted well to this way of life and enjoys being a respectable merchants and if forced to choose he would not return to the nomadic life of his ancestors. But he is a strong believer in choices and if he knew that Wyrma was forcing her people into the cities he would be against it, as a confident negotiator he does not hold with violence, but will defend himself or his people if he is called to do so or if left with no other option.

Jahr - (Age 17) Asrim’s younger brother and wolf clan messenger. Jahr loves his brother and looks up to both him and Kor. being young Jahr is not sure what he wants out of life, he often dreams of becoming a powerful merchant like his brother and his cousin. However, when in the city for to long he feels caged and trapped, feeling the call of the desert and the freedom it holds deeply.

[piosenniel]

My SAVE for post #287 is now filled in.

~*~ Pio

[Ealasaide]

Sorry I have been so pokey. I will have my oldy-moldy Save filled in no later than tomorrow sometime. I am working on it! :) Really...honestly... I'm not a complete slacker! :D

[Estelyn Telcontar]

...winking apologies to Mith and Pio for (mis-)using your characters for parodic purposes here (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=352432#post352432)... ;)

[piosenniel]

Esty

Have mercy! That was funny! :D

-----

Reading on:

. . . Ent Surprise . . . Cirkdan . . . gasp . . . choke . . . You dare to parody the holy of holies to an old Trekkie :eek:

~*~ Pio ;)

[Ealasaide]

Child and/or Hilde - I'm almost finished with my "Meeting of the Elders" post and have hit a snag.

Is there a ceremony in which the leadership of the clan will be formally passed on to Narika & Thorn? Also, how does this ceremony (if there is one) and the wedding of Thorn and Narika fit into the timetable, considering the fact that the funeral is going to last four days?

Once I get this sorted out, I can finish my post. HELP!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I would think that the wedding would happen immediately after the funeral, as planning for both should be progressing at the same time. The shifting of leadership should come directly after that. I imagine there might be a bit of a rush to fill the vacuum, but the two must be married, and that can't happen until Ayar is officially gone. After that things will be one right after the other. Does that sound about right Child? Can’t trust my memory these days! :p

Hope that that helps.

[Ealasaide]

Thanks, Hilde, that helps quite a lot. My Save has been filled. I got a little carried away there, so if anyone needs anything changed, please let me know. :)

Per Child's request, here is a cast of the significant elders:

Fador - Chairman, so to speak, of the counsel of elders. Profile will show up eventually. (Sorry!)

Barakah - a widow, she is small and thin and very old, with bright dark brown eyes and flwoing white hair. Very traditional, she distrusts the Dragons, the Wolf clan and the outside world as a whole, believing that isolation is the key to the survival of the Eagles.

Dakarai - basically, he is Barakah's protector and supporter. He shares her views on isolation as the Eagles' best chance for survival. Of medium height and weight, he is of rather dour countenance and wears a full white beard.

Harith - a small, wizened old fellow with very few teeth. He spent a good bit of time in his youth interacting with the outside world as a trader. He misses the excitement of the city and would prefer that the tribe cast aside their traditions and move in a new direction. He speaks in a high-pitched quavering voice and loves to gamble. Cheats.

Muntaz - very fat and, motivated by an abiding interest in trade and commerce, would like to see the Eagles embrace new ideas and interact more with the outside world.

Hadya - Muntaz's younger sister and Fador's long-time mistress. A widow, she is a sweet and simple soul. Gray-haired and plump, she believes whatever Fador tells her she should believe. She is intensely loyal to Fador and frequently at odds with her brother, although she does agree with him that the Eagles should interact more with the outside world.

**********
Not an elder:
Salihah - Barakah's granddaughter and the best friend and confidante of Fador's daughter, Latah. She is 19 nineteen years old, married, and the mother of a one-year-old child. She is rather plain, but good hearted and wise for her age. She harbors a very deep love and respect for her grandmother.

[piosenniel]

Bringing this forward:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHARACTER LIST – with a few places and other assorted things added on for ease of reference

~*~

GONDOR

-- Mithadan – Captain/The Lonely Star
-- Airefalas – First Mate/The Lonely Star
-- Avarlond – Airefalas brother
-- Lady Isabel - Airefalas’ fiancée
-- Saelon – Helm’s-man/The Lonely Star
-- Ardil – sailor/The Lonely Star
-- Duilin – sailor/The Lonely Star

-- Piosenniel
-- Cami, Isilmir, Gilwen – Pio and Mith’s children
-- Derylin – friend of Pio and Mith
-- Hester – Pio/Mith’s housekeeper-cook
-- Sinda – Pio’s horse/male

-- Baran the Beorning

-- Morien – Innkeeper/The Seventh Star Inn
-- Mirenin – serving-girl/The Seventh Star Inn

-- Faragaer – Captain/The Scuppered Gull
-- Haladan – First Mate/The Scuppered Gull

-- Tavar – Captain/The Windrunner whose crew is manning the Star’s return to Umbar

-- Hamar – First Mate/The Sandpiper/one of Elessar’s sailors sent to assist in the return of Mithadan and Airefalas

xxx Places/Things xxx

-- The Seventh Star Inn

-- The Lonely Star – Pio and Mith’s ship/renamed (see following entry)
-- The Sandpiper - Star renamed for rescue trip south/old ship which used to sail the coasts to Umbar
-- The Windrunner - Capt. Tavar's ship/crew is manning The Sandpiper

~*~

UMBAR

The Dragon Clan

-- Wyrma
-- Tinar - Wyrma’s youngest of four sons
-- Markal – Wyrma’s 1st son
-- Walat – Wyrma’s 2nd son, serves under Halfr/Wolf Clan
-- Kumat – Wyrma’s 3rd son
-- Elsta – Wyrma’s maid

-- Falasmir – ruler of Umbar
-- Galandor – Falasmir’s right hand man/Wyrma’s dalliance
-- Kalir – Falasmir’s servant
-- Raal, Mahal, Seft – Falasmir’s guards for the Gondorians

-- Musad and Nizar – odd jobbers for Wyrma
-- Wahid and Wasim – Wyrma’s would be, now dead, assassins of Elessar

__________


The Wolf Clan

-- Audúlfr -Father of Halfr, Grandfather to Kórpulfr. Audúlfr pledged an alliance with the Wyrm clan after they helped to save the wolf clan from extinction, but came to regret this decision when he realise what Wyrma’s true plans were. However before he could tell anyone of his fears, he became mysteriously ill eventually dying.

-- Halfr - (Age 52) Korpulfr’s father and Sorona’s husband. After losing his wife in the great Haradrim raids, he became mad with grief blaming the eagle clan, the Haradrim and anyone else who does not agree with his thirst for revenge, even his own father at one point!

-- Korpúlfr - (age 25) Halfr and Sorona’s only son. A prominent merchant of Umbar and a loyal member of his clan. (see Bio for more)

-- Hasrim - (Age 35) Wolf clan Warrior and Kor’s older cousin (Halfr‘s Sisters son). Hasrim lost his mother, father and both his sisters in the Haradrim raids and now brands anyone who will not stand and fight cowards. He believes in Wyrma’s ambitions and plans to be key figure in her new order. However, he keeps these ideals a closely guarded secret especially from his Cousin!

-- Asrim - (Age 30) Kor’s cousin (Halfr’s brother’s eldest son). Asrim is a merchant of Umbar, he looks after the business when Kor is away, he has adapted well to this way of life and enjoys being a respectable merchants and if forced to choose he would not return to the nomadic life of his ancestors. But he is a strong believer in choices and if he knew that Wyrma was forcing her people into the cities he would be against it, as a confident negotiator he does not hold with violence, but will defend himself or his people if he is called to do so or if left with no other option.

-- Jahr - (Age 17) Asrim’s younger brother and wolf clan messenger. Jahr loves his brother and looks up to both him and Kor. being young Jahr is not sure what he wants out of life, he often dreams of becoming a powerful merchant like his brother and his cousin. However, when in the city for to long he feels caged and trapped, feeling the call of the desert and the freedom it holds deeply.

xxx Places/Things xxx

-- The Cat’s Paw Inn
-- Wyrma’s maenwaith city/under construction - east of the Havens of Umbar

~*~

THE DESERT

The Eagle Clan

-- Rama
-- Narika – Rama’s twin
-- Ayar – Rama’s mother – now deceased
-- Claris – Ayar’s grey-haired serving woman
-- Ayka – ancient Eagle crone/lives in the mountains to the south
-- Kyelek – Rama’s trusty steed

-- Thorn – marrying Narika/was spying at Falasmir’s court
-- Yalisha – herbalist-healer/Thorn’s sister

-- Surinen
-- Dinsul – Surinen’s father
-- Mirya – Surinen’s sister
-- Fador – Surinen’s cousin once removed - mother's side, whom he refers to as 'Uncle' (Elder of the Tribe)

-- Narayad
-- Latah – Narayad’s wife/Fador’s daughter/Surinen's second cousin

-- Salihah - Barakah's granddaughter and the best friend and confidante of Fador's daughter, Latah. She is 19 nineteen years old, married, and the mother of a one-year-old child. She is rather plain, but good hearted and wise for her age. She harbors a very deep love and respect for her grandmother.

-- Sorona – trapped in Eagle form/mildly amnesiac
-- Freya – Sorona’s deceased cousin

-- Miri – 7y/o girl/has a brother

-- Kron, Zed, Garel - Eagle tribesmen

Elders of the Eagle Clan

-- Fador - Chairman, so to speak, of the counsel of elders.

-- Barakah - a widow, she is small and thin and very old, with bright dark brown eyes and flwoing white hair. Very traditional, she distrusts the Dragons, the Wolf clan and the outside world as a whole, believing that isolation is the key to the survival of the Eagles.

-- Dakarai - basically, he is Barakah's protector and supporter. He shares her views on isolation as the Eagles' best chance for survival. Of medium height and weight, he is of rather dour countenance and wears a full white beard.

-- Harith - a small, wizened old fellow with very few teeth. He spent a good bit of time in his youth interacting with the outside world as a trader. He misses the excitement of the city and would prefer that the tribe cast aside their traditions and move in a new direction. He speaks in a high-pitched quavering voice and loves to gamble. Cheats.

-- Muntaz - very fat and, motivated by an abiding interest in trade and commerce, would like to see the Eagles embrace new ideas and interact more with the outside world.

-- Hadya - Muntaz's younger sister and Fador's long-time mistress. A widow, she is a sweet and simple soul. Gray-haired and plump, she believes whatever Fador tells her she should believe. She is intensely loyal to Fador and frequently at odds with her brother, although she does agree with him that the Eagles should interact more with the outside world.

~*~

ODD AND ASSORTED CHARACTERS

-- Aiwendil

-- Rôg
-- Abar, Uriyat, Dairaphel (Daira) – Rôg’s father/mother/sister
-- The Elders of Rog’s clan – a curious lot who will appear soon

-- Hazad – Ayar’s assassin

-- Lena – Innkeeper at the Cat’s Paw in Umbar

-- Waitimu – leader of the Bakhpusta/Haradwaith nomads/non-maenwaith

-- Bird – Skinchanger/close friend of Mithadan and Piosenniel/whereabouts unkown

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a MAP (http://brendoman.com/honzo/lotr/AGE2ARDA.JPG), too.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thorn's save (#290) is now filled in.

[Nerindel]

Freya – Sorona’s cousin

Just to clarify Freya's spirit has flown unto the west, she died delivering Sorona's message, this hopefully should become more clear as the story progesses, but I thought I'd better mention just it in case her name came up in passing! :eek:

[piosenniel]

Rôg is leaving to visit his clan late this gametime night.

He'll be gone about 7 gametime days.

[Ealasaide]

Hey! It seems that I am having another hurricane this weekend. Hopefully, I will be lucky (again) and not lose power or phone connections. As usual, please bear in mind that if I disappear for a few days, it is due to the storm. I'll be back! :)

[Mithadan]

Take care! Jeanne looks as if she might head right towards you. Hopefully she will veer away and bother some nameless and deserted rocky isle in the North Atlantic. We're thinking about you!

[Ealasaide]

Thanks, Mithadan! :) Fortunately, the eye of the storm missed me this time. I have a new leak in my roof, courtesy of Jeanne, but aside from that, all is well. At least I have a roof! ;)

[piosenniel]

Once the death observances are done - about how long game time before

1.) Rama heads out to find help from the Mountain Eagles

2.) the clan decides to contact other clans to form an alliance

?

~*~ Pio

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Is that where we are headed? :D :D :D ~Kidding, of course~

Seriously, I bow to Child and the other eagle players for an answer to that one. I will float along which ever way the wind blows.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Let me throw my two cents in on this planning tomorrow as well as put up my own game post.

Sorry I am late. But, sigh....it never fails! Everytime I try and post for Rama, something else comes thudding in. I am going to sneak my little notebook in to work and see if that does the trick.

[piosenniel]

Ooh . . . Cami! You need a Dell pocket PC . . . take it to work with you or wherever and never be more than a tap of your stylus away from your Word program and the 'net . . . :cool:

~*~ Pio :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

But wouldn't
your posts
look sort of
narrow, and
hard to read?

I wish that I
had something
portable, other
than a notebook
so that I didn't
have to retype.

[Child of the 7th Age]

A laptop or a Dell pocket pc would indeed be nice! If you saw how garbled my own handwriting is, you would agree that even that funny, skinny type is better than my illegible script. However, I think the true answer is to add more hours to the day, and I haven't figured out how to do that yet.
Meanwhile, I am popping this planning material forward:


*******

The day of the death:
-A small pot of water would be placed outside the tent were Ayar died.
-A high bier would be constructed outside the camp and Ayar’s body washed.
-Thorn would carry Ayar to the bier and place her on it, followed by Ráma and Narika, and then the rest of the clan.
-Narika and Ráma would arrange their mother to be comfortably facing west.
-All remaining possessions belonging to Ayar would be burned in front of her body at sunset, so that nothing might keep her from flying free of her body.
-The clan would join in songs to encourage Ayar to leave for the west, and assuring her that they will be all right.
-A smoky fire is kept near the body, for the next few days.

Day 2:
-At sunset the clan would gather again to sing this time in camp, once more encouraging Ayar to leave as well as recounting tales of her ancestors.

Day 3:
-The body is burned and the remains buried.
-At sunset again the clan would gather in camp singing about the ancestors and adding a new song about Ayar.

Day 4:
- The pot of water is symbolically upturned by family members, and the clan is now free to move on.

*********************
Now, let me get writing and see what comes out....

[Ealasaide]

I put up a Save for Airefalas that will take place in the Evening of Day One. If anyone has something planned that needs to come before that, please let me know. I can relocate my save! :)

EDIT: Oooh... upon re-reading Child's outline, it looks like there is a lot to be done prior to that. Yikes! I'll just delete my save and wait to place my post until the right moment arises.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

However, I think the true answer is to add more hours to the day, and I haven't figured out how to do that yet.

Cut and Paste? :p

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde,

If you can do that, please be my guest.... :p

Ealasaide -

I have the same problem you do. My post for Rama will be in the early evening. I am hesistent to put it up mainly because there should presumably be some reaction to Sorona's vision by the Elders and the community at large....

How about if we posted several saves for this reaction, and Ealasaide and I then went on to put up our evening posts? Will that work for other people?

Would the outline below work for people? Are there other things that should go in here? I thought it would be easier to discuss this if we at least had someplace to start. I don't think we want to dwell too long on any one day, as we could get bogged down in talk instead of action....but there are things that need to be covered.




Elders' meeting (done)
Sorona shares her vision (save up)
Elders react (perhaps a save as stated above?)
Those outside the meeting react (perhaps a save?)
Individual evening posts of Day 1 -- One of the things I want to do is to hook Ráma up with Aiwendil
Rog leaves at the end of Day 1. Is that right???
Summary post for day 2 following the outline for the funeral (Hilde?)
Summary post for day three following the outline for the funeral (Child?)
Day four will be individual posts that tie up the funeral and set the scene for coming action and conflicts, e.g., Rama talking with her sister privately about what Ayar said, preparations for the wedding and the official naming of the new leaders....
Day 5 would be individual posts for the wedding and naming
Day 6 would be the BIG meeting of the Elders where everyone is screaming at each other, Rama is officially declared a lunatic when rumors of what her mother said slips out, and we finally decide what we are going to do for the rest of the game :D


We'd do our long range game planning at the same time as the Elders are screaming at each other. How does this sound? Suggestions, reactions?

If people want to revise or add to this, let me know and I'll stick other things in....

Help Wanted: please apply by pm :


I need someone to overhear part of the conversation between Rama and Narika where my character tells her reluctant sister their mother's requests regarding wyrm's and great Eagles. This conversation is supposed to be private, but I think it might be interesting if it were overheard and somebody spilled the beans in the Elders' Meeting on day 6. Any takers? This could presumably be someone who liked to stir the pot and cause trouble....

[Ealasaide]

Child - Sounds like a plan to me!

Also, I can have one of my Oldsters (not Fador) overhear the conversation between Rama and Narika, if that would work for everyone.

EDIT: Oh, oops. I didn't see that part about respond by PM. Sorry. :o Please let me know by PM if you want me to do that. :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Ealasaide

Oh, good. One of the oldsters would be fine! I'll send you a pm with a draft post when we get closer to that point....

I'll leave my plan up a bit, and see if anyone has anything to change or add.

Cami

***************

Further response to Ealasaide's edit.... The note on the thread is fine. We'll exchange pms later.

[piosenniel]

Yes, Rôg is leaving at the end of day one - in fact, I'll put up the 2 saves mentioned for the "reaction" posts.

Then I'll have Rôg leave supper and a note for Aiwendil ( Where is the old fellow at present, btw?) Following that - the skinchanger will definitely beat feet . . .

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Child, I am currently working on a post for Thorn that would take place around the same time as Sorona's revelation. I don't know when I will have it ready (my brother and his wife are arriving from overseas this weekend...house is a mess....), but would it be possible to tuck it in somewhere on the the thread, if it has already become night?

After that I will start on day 2.

[Nerindel]

Ok I have finally managed to filled Sorona's save! (#290). Sorry it took so long and if anyone see's any changes that need made please feel free to let me know and I can edit!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nerindel,

Great post! Looks as if we are full steam ahead now.

Pio,

Thanks for that string of saves.

Hilde,

We can put an unlimited number of posts in those save boxed that Pio posted. So just put yours on the discussion thread, and tell Pio what box you would like it in.

Rôg,

Aiwendil will emerge shortly. :p Actually, in the afternoon, he will have shifted into another form and be winging upward for some serious thought. He will be pretty shaken up to hear of Sorona's dream, as he will implicitly understand that it has been sent from the West. By evening when Rog leaves, he will be talking with Rama and reluctantly agreeing to come through on his promise to her.

Use him as needed or leave the note and I will respond to it -- whatever works for you.

Cami

[piosenniel]

My post for Piosenniel is now filled in - #295.

[Nerindel]

Ealasaide I have edited Korpulfr's last post to give us a little more time for the interactions we discussed between Hasrim and Fador.

“I need to rest, both of you eat and make ready to leave, by evening you both will return to Wyrma and inform her of what we have found!" Korpulfr said then returning to his un-slept in bedroll he lay down and drifted off into an uneasy sleep.

[piosenniel]

MY post for Rôg #298 is now filled in.

~*~ Pio

[Ealasaide]

Okay, Nerindel! Looks like I have a little reading to do. :) ..and writing..

[Child of the 7th Age]

Save 294 is filled in.

Err....Aiwendil has done something rather foolish. In his joy at regaining his skills as a Maia and his keen desire to honor the fair lady, he has circled the funeral bier twice in the guise of a Great Eagle. :eek: Presumably this will be passed down in legend as evidence of the woman's greatness!

[piosenniel]

Kudos to Aiwendil on his avian epiphany! :D

Aiwendil, oh, you ain't gettin' no younger
Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home
And freedom, oh freedom well, that's just some people talkin'
Your prison is walking through this world all alone . . .

-- with apologies to the Eagles, "Desperado"


-- Rôg ;)

[Ealasaide]

I plan to have the Elders' reaction to Sorona's dream filled in by sometime tomorrow, and, if I'm lucky timewise, Airefalas as well.

In the meantime, I have a quick question for Ayar's Funeral Directors: Does the wailing of the official mourners continue every night until Ayar's spirit takes her final flight? Or is that just something that takes place on the day of her death?

EDIT: I just found out that Hilde is also working on a post in which Thorn reacts to Sorona's speech. Since hers seems farther long than mine and would over-lap timewise, I will hold off with my post until Hilde has time to post hers. :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thanks Ealasaide! Here's the post for Thorn to be placed in post #296. If anyone needs me to change something, please just let me know!
-------------
Thorn

The place picked for Ayar's bier lay in a shallow depression within sight of camp. It was a quiet spot, protected from the wind by a small rise, yet one that afforded a full view to the westering sun. Already a large pile of dry and weathered poles stood ready, and many men were scattered between the camp and this collection, carrying yet more. No one had asked them to bring these things; they simply brought them of their own accord. Whatever they found they could spare, they set there, to be used in the construction.

Thorn was upon the growing structure; working with two others who had volunteered to lash together the last resting place of the Meldakhar among her people, when he saw that an armed man ran from the camp toward them. Shouting in a rapid tongue, the man dodged past those who bore heavy burdens, and the children who gathered dry grass and branches, as he told of a strange eagle forcing its way past the guard outside Mumtaz's tent, intent upon speaking to the gathering of elders there.

Swinging down off the bier to meet the guard, and after a brief exchange, Thorn found that all was well, and that this eagle had something of great import that she felt a need to share immediately. And he found that Narika was already there, when he rushed back the camp to see what this might be. She stood speaking with one of the guards posted, for she too had been called to the tent of Mumtaz, the elder. Without a word he drew back the tent flap, so that they might enter the assembly together. The tent was orderly, and the body of elders grew quiet as they came in. All was as it should be, but there standing poised before the group, a large bird stood, silhouetted against a shaft of light that slanted down from the roof vents, falling brightly onto the table of brass all were gathered around. The fragrance of incense still hung heavily in the air. "We came as soon as we were told," Thorn said eying the eagle warily, as he moved to the spot where, at Fador direction, a place was made for them within the ring of elders.

When they were well seated upon the floor, opposite the table from him, Fador proceeded, explaining that they were just ready to hear what this eagle, Sorona, was eager to relate. Noting the name, Thorn glanced briefly to Barakah, who patiently awaiting the message. And Amalik, a thin and quiet member of the group with an equally thin beard, seeing that the younger man’s eyes searched the faces around him, leaned over, so that his lips were near Thorn’s ear. "This is the lost daughter of Thoronda, who has come seeking the counsel of the elders," he heard the man whisper. Nodding his understanding, Thorn too turned his attention to her, wondering that she should choose to present herself before them in this aspect. But soon he was taken up by her words, and found her vision both strange and troubling.

Sorona ended with a deep bow of respect, extending an offer of help. A murmur arose as the elders spoke to one another discussing what she had told them. Thorn took the opportunity to question Amalik, speaking behind the back of his hand. “Is this truly the same Sorona who was given into the wolf clan? Or could it be that this woman only claims her name, as Dakarai suggests, and is actually a spy or perhaps comes to draw us more peacefully within Wyrma’s grasp.”

“She possesses the same turn of phase, and despite her form, her manner speaks much of the young woman she was, as well as of her father. I do not doubt that it is Sorona, though she has changed greatly. But having said this, she is no longer one of us, but of the wolf clan, and that gives me pause.” Thorn nodded again, looking down at the floor as he listened.

“We have heard rumor of this new city,” Mumtaz spoke, his deep voice rising above the others. “But it does not mean it is the city of your vision. Perhaps it was Umbar you saw, for that town is known to be dangerous.”

“It was not before the gates of the port, that this battle took place, but those of another walled city, and with a great loss of life,” Sorona said. “Can you not see that this is a warning to us all? Surely we must do what we can to stem this and without delay!”

Fador then spoke, “We do not interfere in the business of those of us who have chosen to leave our traditional ways.”

“And we prefer they not interfere with us, but if they would wage war among themselves, whose side are we to be on?” Hadya added, looking around to all the elders. “How could we hope to stop what we cannot understand?”

“Perhaps there is no need to take sides, indeed our odds would be better if we did not,” Harith interjected. “This is what you mean, if I am not mistaken?” he said addressing Sorona, who nodded to him in return.

“But what if in trying to avert this thing we are the ones to bring it about?” Thorn mused. “We are not much loved by that city’s founder.”

Barakah also gazed at the eagle thoughtfully. “Though it may appear so, Sorona,” she finally said, “we have not abandoned our fellow maenwaith. But it is our belief that to hold any in this unnatural cage Wyrma is building, will led to death. It is inevitable, though by what means it arrives I cannot say. And yet some clans will still choose to live within those confines, thinking they will prosper. We have tried to dissuade some of those who would go, and with some success. This has always been our strategy, but of greater concern to me is the shadow you speak of.”

[piosenniel]

Hilde

Your above post is on board! :)

~*~ Pio

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thank you Miss Pio!

[piosenniel]

My pleasure, HB! :)

My post #300 is now filled in.

~*~ Pio

[Nerindel]

I have added this post for Hasrim to post #285

~*~*~

Hasrim


Hasrim’s outward expression remained the usual unreadable blank canvas that betrayed nothing, As he watched his cousin lay down to rest. But inside he was reeling! It seemed his young cousin was developing a conscious, or at least a doubt, that he had failed to prepare for and now the young man was determined to stay out here letting that doubt feaster and infect him and the fact that Kor had also questioned him openly in front of Tinar grated at him. He could ill afford to loss his cousins trust not now, not when they were so close…But that Kor still did not trust the Gondorians was the only consolation in this unfortunate turn of events.

As he rolled up his bedding and securely strapped it to his horse he silently contemplated how he could turn these events to his advantage. The slight vestiges of a sly grin escaped his lips as he remembered his uncle telling him that not all of the eagles were their enemies, there was one he said who was sympathetic to their cause and would help if he thought it to his advantage! And even as Hasrim sat down to eat the cold breakfast young Tinar had prepared his thoughts cunningly turned to how he could use this information to his advantage and how he could slip away to speak with this friend amongst traitors, without rousing the suspicions of his cousin or the young wyrmling!

[Ealasaide]

Sorry I did not get my Saves filled as planned. I had a problem come up late Sunday with my health and have spent the last several days kind of goofy from the medications that were prescribed as a result. Hopefully I will be getting my brain back soon! :)

Sorry to be holding things up. I'm done with the worst of the meds now, so hopefully I will be back to writing by tomorrow & will be able, at least, to fill in the reaction of the Elders.

[piosenniel]

Hope you feel better soon! :)

~*~ Pio :D

[Child of the 7th Age]

Ealasaide -

Sorry you don't feel well.

Pio -

Could you please put this in your save for the evening? I believe it is #299. Many thanks.

I have also put up another save....

***************

Aiwendil awoke with a start and sat upright, staring off into the shadows. The glare of the mid-day sun had vanished, replaced by a sky that was dusky grey with the first stars of evening visible overhead. For a single instant, the old man forgot why he was sitting here and what had happened earlier in the day. Then he glanced down and spied a lone grayish brown feather of considerable length half buried in the sand. The istar bent down to retrieve it and tucked the plume well under his belt as a silent reminder of the pledge he had made that afternoon.

Aiwendil turned and trotted towards the lights of camp, anxious to hurry back and talk to Rôg. Cutting through the tangle of tents and maenwaith , he overheard snatches of conversation between friends and family who were gathered near the funeral bier. People spoke of Ayar’s warmth and kindness and how much she was already missed. They also railed against the villian who had done this thing and exchanged puzzled whispers about Sorona’s dream and what it might mean to the clan.

Several onlookers mentioned a rumor that a Great Eagle had been spotted at mid-day, tracing majestic circles high over the camp at a time when most maenwaith were inside eating their noon meal or resting from the heat of the day. Only a few had actually seen the great bird, and many who had not argued that these others were wholly mistaken: it was nothing more than an illusion brought on by grief or an over lengthy stay in the sun. Yet some disagreed and said that the Eagle was a positive portent for the struggle yet to come.

Aiwendil cringed a bit when he heard this part of the discussion. Lengthening his strides, he soon arrived at the tent, which was set back a ways from the main bustle of the camp. He pushed aside the flap and walked inside. Inviting odors coming from a small stewpot on the coals greeted him, but his companion Rôg was nowhere nearby. Nor did he see the guard who usually stayed somewhere in the vicinity of the tent. Aiwendil bent down to retrieve his heavy cloak that had somehow come to be sitting on a mat in the middle of the floor. To his surprise, a piece of parchment fluttered out of its folds, revealing a short note written in a scholar’s neat script. He picked it up and read.

Some minutes later, the istar set down the note and sighed. He had known for some time that Rôg planned to leave. Despite the young man’s reticence to speak too openly, he could clearly read it in his restless eyes. Something was bothering Rôg, and it was not something that Aiwendil knew how to fix. The istar hoped that his friend would be able to find his answer by returning back to his family and clan.

Still, he knew he would miss him even more than he cared to admit. Aiwendil had managed on his own many times before and had usually sought solace by seeking out the companionship of birds and beasts. This time, though, his thoughts were quite different. His fingers strayed to the grey and brown feather hidden underneath his belt. The istar let his mind drift out over the camp and tried to pinpoint the one person he most needed to see. He glimpsed her standing off by herself perched on a rock and peering up at the stars. Aiwendil buried the last of the smoldering coals under a handful of sand and then hastily sprang to his feet. His cloak lay tossed on the floor, his dinner untouched and forgotten, as he left the tent and went off in search of Ráma.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde, Nerindel-

Have we left the morning meeting of the Elders too open ended as far as Sorona's report of her dream goes? Do we need more of a resolution here, even a temporary one?

Please check the pm I sent this evening and see what you think. Thanks.

~Cami

[piosenniel]

Cami

Your post is placed. :D

~*~ Pio

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio -

Thanks Pio for doing that. Here's hoping that Rôg has a good trip!

Nerindel and Hilde -

That was fast! I have another pm winging back to you.

Cami

[Ealasaide]

Child~
Originally posted by Child :Hilde, Nerindel-
Have we left the morning meeting of the Elders too open ended as far as Sorona's report of her dream goes? Do we need more of a resolution here, even a temporary one?

I was planning to post here, too, with Fador and the Elders. Do I need to know anything of what is happening in the PMs??

Thanks, Pio! Feeling better already. :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I will fill you in Ealasaide. E-mail on the way!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Ealasaide,

My apologies Ealasaide... I wasn't sure who was doing what and didn't know that you planned to do more.

The only thing that was mentioned in the pms (by me) was eventually to get some sense of overall closure to the scene. I had mentioned to Hilde and Nerindel that this might simply be to have the Elders, whatever their individual disagreements might be, agree to deal more throughly with the issue after the days of mourning. (This was the meeting we'd discussed earlier where decisions will be made on what the clan is actually doing.) But none of this is set in stone and you can spin it any way you want.... :D

I know how crummy it is to try and write when you feel slightly under the weather. So take your time to do this until you are feeling better.

Cami

[Ealasaide]

Thanks Hilde and Cami! I will do my best to have something up in the next day or so. :D

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nerindel

Your pms are full. (So were mine!)

Cami

[Nerindel]

ok my pm's are now cleared. ;)

[Ealasaide]

Okay, here's my post... finally! Please place it in #296, immediately following Hilde's post. Thanks!

If anyone needs me to change anything, please let me know, including my references to the Dreamtime and Guardians of the Dreamtime. The Dreamtime is a very aboriginal concept and, while it seemed very apt to me, may not fit with the maenwaith culture as others see it. I will be happy to edit it out if needs be!

*********************************

Fador & the Elders

Maintaining his silence, Fador watched as Mumtaz shook his head. "While we have always put great trust in guidance that comes to us from the Dreamtime," said Mumtaz, choosing his words carefully as he addressed the assembly. "How do we know that this is even a real city that Sorona speaks of? For all we know, this city and the shadow alike could be merely symbolic. Or memory intertwined with fear."

The eagle shook her head. A touch of frustration, almost desperation, crept into her voice as she replied: "It is not memory or fear. It is a warning. I beg that you heed it."

Barakah nodded sagely. "A warning from the Dreamtime should never be taken lightly, Mumtaz. If Sorona says that it is a warning, then I am inclined to believe her.” The white-haired woman glanced around the troubled faces of the assembly, her gaze finally settling on Narika’s fair countenance. “We have seen the signs of approaching evil already in the slaying of our beloved Ayar. While I have no proof, I believe Wyrma and her city somehow to be behind it. We must flee into the deep desert to save ourselves and all that we hold dear.” Her gaze slid smoothly over to catch the eyes of Thorn, who nodded his understanding, though he did not speak either in support of her or against her.

“And leave the other clans to fall subject to Wyrma’s machinations?” asked Fador. “We saw what happened to the Wolf clan when we did not go to their assistance at the time of the Haradrim raids. Shall we flee again and leave the others to their fates?”

Across from him, the eagle’s feathers ruffled tensely.

Dakarai frowned through his beard. “You know that is not what Barakah proposes. I think she means that all of those who oppose Wyrma’s city should move quickly out of her reach.”

“Her reach is very long,” said Fador. “She has already demonstrated that much, if she is indeed behind the slaying of Ayar. If that is the case, then how far should we flee? And for how long? If she is truly behind this evil, she will hunt us. We cannot hide forever.”

“Yet we should not rush into war,” said Barakah. “Nor should we embrace a city that would be nothing more than a prison to us. No, what I propose is that we flee deeper into the desert for the moment, only until we can determine what is really happening and who our allies are. When we know these things, only then can we take the proper action to avoid the horrors of Sorona‘s vision.”

“How do we determine who our allies even are?” demanded Mumtaz.

“Perhaps we should not flee,” said Harith. “Perhaps we should stay and send outriders to the other clans, see what they think of this city, if any of their people have had visions. If this thing is really so evil, why should a vision come only to Sorona? Surely the Guardians of the Dreamtime would warn more than just one.”

Fador nodded. “Elder Harith speaks wisely. What I propose is this: We concentrate now on bidding farewell to our dead and seeing that the marriage of Thorn and Narika takes place as planned.” He looked from face to face.

“Each of us,” he said, “Goes from this place to think and mull over Sorona’s warnings separately. We will see what the Guardians of the Dreamtime have to tell us separately, if anything. Then, in three day’s time, when we meet again to pass the mantle of leadership from Ayar to Narika and Thorn, we will decide what action to take. We will decide then how to determine our allies and whether we stay or flee. Agreed?”

A general murmur of agreement rippled through the tent as the elders, the two young leaders, and Sorona all stirred to depart. Spreading her wings, Sorona hopped to where Fador stood.

“Do not take these warnings lightly. I beg you,” she said softly. “The danger is dire and it is growing.”

Fador gave her a considering stare, then smiled gravely. “I take nothing lightly,” he reassured her. While he lent his voice a comforting tone, Fador’s thoughts were anything but comfortable. He indeed took nothing lightly, the eagle’s warning least lightly of all, but not for the reasons he would have the others believe. Already his mind whirled, trying to determine how he might turn the eagle’s dream and the accompanying fear to his own advantage. It was not something he had planned on having to deal with, but surely he could find some angle, some advantage hidden therein.

The eagle hesitated for a brief instant, then folded her wings. “It is all I can ask,” she said with something almost akin to resignation.

Fador nodded and watched as she moved away, wondering if she knew something more or if she had shared with them all that there was to share. Only time would tell.

[piosenniel]

Ealasaide

Post placed in slot 297! :D

~*~ Pio

[Ealasaide]

Thankee, Pio! :D

I will be away from the computer for most of today as I have jury duty, but have high hopes of getting my other Save filled by tomorrow sometime... if I don't get picked for a jury! :p

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Just in case you're wondering, I'm still here! I'm following the current sub-plot with interest, but feel that it's complicated enough without any interruptions by Wyrma - fortunately for me, as a big, real life creative project is taking quite a bit of my creative energy at the moment. Also, I'm waiting for an appropriate moment for a new Tinar post - as the three young men aren't moving at the moment, there's not much for him to do. I have further developments planned, but for them to take place, Tinar needs to get going in the direction of 'Maenwaith City'.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying reading all of your posts! :)

[Mithadan]

I'm here too. I have, at last, filled in my save at post 292. Sorry for the delay.

[Ealasaide]

Hi, hi! My civic duty has been done - verdict was guilty - and my Save #301 has been filled. :D

Mith - I have no idea what Mithadan wanted to speak with Aiwendil about, presumably just to continue the conversation from the evening before, but I can change that if needs be. Mostly I just needed someplace for the Gondorians to go! Please feel free to run with it if you like. It won't cross me up.

Child - Likewise, I have no idea where Ailwendil might have gotten off to. For my post to work, I needed him to be away from his tent, but I can change things around if this disrupts anything you were working on.

EDIT:
Well, if I would read a little more closely, I would know exactly why Aiwendil was not in his tent!
His cloak lay tossed on the floor, his dinner untouched and forgotten, as he left the tent and went off in search of Ráma.
Never mind, Child! :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Er, uh...I have a post ready for day 2 of the funeral, but don't know if I should just hold on to it , post it here or on the story thread. Could have sworn there was a spot on the story thread reseved but can't seem to find it now. :)

[piosenniel]

1.) Elders' meeting (DONE)

2.) Sorona shares her vision (DONE)

3.) Elders react (DONE)

4.) Those outside the meeting react (DOES ANYONE STILL NEED THIS? PUT A POST ON THE DISCUSSION THREAD - I'LL MOVE IT TO #297 ON THE GAME)

5.) Individual evening posts of Day 1 -- One of the things Child wants to do is to hook Ráma up with Aiwendil (SAVE IN PLACE FOR AIWENDIL/RAMA) * (ANY OTHERS NEED TO PLACE A DAY 1 POST? -- PUT IT HERE ON THE DISCUSSION THREAD)

6.) Rog leaves at the end of Day 1. (DONE)

~*~

*** FLASHING LIGHT *** -- We are now here:

7.) Summary post for day 2 following the outline for the funeral (Hilde?)

8.) Summary post for day three following the outline for the funeral (Child?)

9.) Day four will be individual posts that tie up the funeral and set the scene for coming action and conflicts, e.g., Rama talking with her sister privately about what Ayar said, preparations for the wedding and the official naming of the new leaders....

10.) Day 5 would be individual posts for the wedding and naming

11.) Day 6 would be the BIG meeting of the Elders where everyone is screaming at each other, Rama is officially declared a lunatic when rumors of what her mother said slips out, and we finally decide what we are going to do for the rest of the game

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hilde

As the story line stands on the game at present - we are at #6 - which should just about wrap up DAY 1.

You're up with #7! Go ahead and post it to the Game!

~*~ Pio :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Is that alright with everyone? Or did we want to include a bit of what happened out at ye old bier on the first night?

[Ealasaide]

Nerindel & I have one more brief interaction that needs to take place on the evening of the first day. I will be writing a post for Fador to set it up, which I will place at the end of my post for Airefalas. It will not deal very closely with the events around the bier, however.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

So Ealasaide, shall I hang on to this post for a wee while longer, or do you want to included both sides of the interaction in Airefalas block?

[Ealasaide]

Hilde - I've thrown in a Save for the Fador/Hasrim interaction. Please feel free to go ahead & place your Day 2 post. :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thanks Miss Ealasaide, day two is now on board.

[Mithadan]

As if I have not already been busy (and remiss in posting) due to work and Red Sox (fan since 1967) I will be unavailable through Monday due to business travel. I hope to be more active when I return.

[Ealasaide]

Sorry my Save for Fador has been languishing! I have been having to deal with some RL setbacks this week that have chewed up a good bit of my writing time.

I will do my best to have my Save filled sometime tomorrow, but if I miss, I'm afraid it will be Monday again before I will have any time to write as I will be away vending at a Pow-wow all weekend: outside in a tent - no computer access.

****************************

EDIT: Ah, glory be! I got it done tonight. Okay, Nerindel, you are all set to proceed with Hasrim. Sorry for the delays!

[Child of the 7th Age]

I just wanted to say I am sorry for being such a laggard of late.

My daughter's bat mitzvah is in two weeks and, with that, plus other normal hassles, I have found free time very scarce. (I have tacked up a large sign in front of my house saying that no one will be admitted except on party business!)

There's never a dull moment. My daughter goes in tomorrow for oral surgery: four extractions and multiple repairs that could not be delayed. So mom will be pacing the floor until the anesthesia wears off.

As soon as my last relative departs on November 22, I am hoping to settle down again to writing. I filled in half of my one save: Rama and Aiwendil. I plan to finish the post in the next few days.

If anyone needs to "borrow"any of my characters, you are welcome to do so. Just let me know on the thread or by pm.

Mithadan, I never got a chance to say congrats about the Sox victory. Some people have all the luck.

Still in mourning for the Astros..... :(

[Nerindel]

Hey hey hey I am finally back! and come bearing gifts... well posts at least :p

Ok first is Korpulfrs post which I thing needs to go before Ealasaide's post #303

Korpulfr

It was quite late in the afternoon when Korpulfr finally awoke. Slowly opening his eyes he rose a dusty hand to shield against the glare of the westerning sun. Turning his head he saw the lean form of Tinar tending the dusty gelding he and Hasrim had conscientiously thought to bring for the young wyrmling, two more horses, packed and saddled stood nearby under the cool shade of the rocky overhang. The first a sand coloured gelding was his own mount and the other was the tan steed that Hasrim rode, looking around he suddenly became aware that his cousin was nowhere to be seen. Brushing the fine layer of sand that covered him from head to toe, he rose and headed towards his young friend.

“Any to spare for a parched friend?” he asked jovially seeing that the young Meanwaith was watering the horses.

Tinar’s head turned to greet him with a broad smile, “So you’ve finally decided to join us, I was beginning to think you would sleep the whole day away,” the young man laughed handing him the half filled water skin.

He drank deeply wetting his dry cracked lips, “Where’s Hasrim, you haven’t talked him to death have you?” he grinned handing the skin back to his young companion.

“Talk! I don‘t think he would have heard me even if I did?” Tinar said cocking a bemused eyebrow, “he spent most of the morning deep in thought, muttering to himself as he packed his own and your mount, then a few hours ago he said he was going out to look for fresh water and to scout out the desert movement, movement! I ask you for days I’ve see nothing out here but the sea of sand.” he continued shaking his head.

Kor laughed clapping Tinar on the shoulder, “Ha my friend that’s my cousins way, always thinking ahead and if he was here I am sure he would now be giving you a quick lecture on the unseen dangers of the desert.”

“Then I am glad he is not here,” the young man laughed jovially.

As they waited Hasrim’s return the two men finished making preparations to leave and enjoyed a cold supper of flat bread and salted pork, the conversation remained light and cheery like two young friends simply enjoying each others company with no political or outside influence at work, but as the sun began to sink below the western horizon the talk turned again to the matters at hand and the barely perceivable guardedness of each man returned.

“You must make sure your mother hears of the death of the eagle leader and the arrival of the northerners to their camp, it may all be coincidental but let her know that I will remain to make sure!” Kor said turning to look the young man squarely in the eyes. Tinar paused for a moment then nodded and as Kor turned away the young man asked him if he had any message for his father.

“Just let him know that I am fine and know what I am doing.” he answered after a moments contemplation. Tinar frowned not understanding and Kor shook his head and explained, “He has his grievances with the eagle clan, he still holds them someway responsible for my mothers death and won’t be please to heard that I am here!” he sighed wearily.

“And you?” Tinar asked cautiously, “Do you too think they are at fault?”

“hmm I don’t know… maybe they could have helped or maybe not I really don’t know it all happened so fast… I… only re…..” with a shake of his head Korpulfr stopped talking and got up and began to walk away.

“Where is that cousin of mine it is time we where away from here before we are discovered by outriders!” he said decisively changing the subject and looking out into the distant darkening horizon. But he could not hide from the memory that haunted him, clinging to the branches and safety of the trees as his mother was hauled off dying by the crimson warriors, he swore to himself not long after that day that never again would he hide from those who would attack his people, he would be strong, but still he felt like he had not upheld that promise, hiding in the city of his enemy at the insistence of the very people he wished to protect. With a heavy sigh he walked up to the sandy gelding and lightly scratching the animals ear he re-checked the straps adjusting his pack and the saddle baskets that carried the goods for trade, while he waited for his cousins return.

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And second is Hasrims post which needs to come after Ealasaide post #303 :D

Hasrim

The quiet sound of leathery wings flapping against the cool evening air echoed in small furry ears as a small heart drummed with each exuberant beat, the ears twitched as the sound of raised voices whispered on the light winds of the Haradwaith desert, murmuring of sadness and of loss. But as the small desert bat drew closer, the sadness melted away to joy and praise bringing a dark and menacing scowl to the creatures dark features. Small beady eyes that should see very little, infact carefully scanned the horizon as the lightly billowing tents of the Eagle encampment drew steadily closer, carefully flying between the many tents avoiding the gaze of the sullen but vigilant outriders and guards the small bat looked for a familiar face.

The actual camp was strangely still, with nearly all the clan gathered at the brier of their fallen leader only the stragglers and those chosen to keep guard still remained, so he flew on following the voices cringing as they praised the wisdom and kindness of their fallen leader. Wisdom! Too live in the past and remain victims of the power and greed of others pfft…. But off course the eagles were never victims, they ran and hid while others died and suffered at the hands of the Haradrim and their dark master! feelings of great hatred and bitterness suddenly filled the small creatures mind and it struggled to hold on to the image at the forefront of it’s mind the one that kept him in the air unrecognised and unnoticed, he perched in a nearby tree and took a deep steadying breath, pulling the image forward once more, reminding himself of the purpose of this visit. Looking out from between the leaves he saw a familiar figure rise and move away from the others. With a wry grin the small bat again leaped into the air following discreetly the dark robed figure.

He stopping to watch as the robed figure hesitated at the edge of the camp, silently witnessing the older mans grim smile as he gazed up at the darkening sky in contemplative thought, but the small bat was forced to move quickly as the robed figure briefly glanced back towards the funeral brier of the woman he had helped to murder! Irony twisted the bats lips into a sly and cruel grin as he wondered if old fool was having doubts or regrets, for he knew it was already too late for the old eagle! for if it was discovered that he was in any way responsible for the death of his leader he would most certainly be cast out if not worse! But to betray Wyrma or her allies would be an even greater folly he had now witnessed how easily and deadly the old Wyrm could strike! As the figure walked on he followed, then when the camp was firmly out of sight he choose to speak.

“The wind whispers of ill tidings a great eagle has fallen and it’s clan stands leaderless!” He squeaked coming close to the Elders ear .

The figure stopped but did not turn, “The winds do indeed speak the truth, but not for long do the eagles remain flightless and without leadership!”

Flying around to come before the older man the bat let go of it’s current form to reveal the middle aged Wolf clan warrior. “Greetings to you Fador, wolf friend!” he said with the customary hand to forehead gesture of his clan his eyes firmly fixed on the older man revealing neither true hostility nor friendship, this man may have his uncles trust but he would reserve that judgement for himself.

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Thanks!

Esty - I also have a post for Halfr I would like you to browse through before I post I will pm it to you and you can let me know what you think.

[Nerindel]

oops nearly forgot I have also finally finnished Sorona's bio :rolleyes:

Name: Sorona

Age: Unknown

Race: Maenwaith

Weapons: Sorona carries no other weapons but her talons and a razor sharp beak that can do considerable damage if necessary.

Appearance: Sorona takes the form of a beautiful golden eagle, dark brown with a soft wash of golden feathers over her head and down her neck. Her large round eyes are a sharp but warm gold-flecked brown and she boasts a wingspan of nearly 7ft.

It has been about 18 years since Sorona last took her mannish form and then she was a slender 5ft 6" with a warm coppery olive complexion. Thick dark brown curls cascaded down her back and her eyes were a rich chocolaty brown, flecked indiscriminately with gold that conveyed great warmth and wisdom.

However, with the passage of time; her appearance will have changed somewhat. Her face and body will have aged with the passage of time, her coppery complexion paled through lack of exposure to the elements. The warmth of her eyes lost to fear and sorrow and her dark curls streaked white from the fear of the things she has seen and been forced to do during her servitude and imprisonment in Mordor. Sorona's body is also marred with many scars, reminders of the numerous beatings inflicted upon her during her stay in the darklands.

Personality: Sorona was once a sweet, caring, kind young woman. A free spirit among her people and even although her open-mindedness was always a cause for concern among the elders of her clan, she was still well liked and respected. She always looked for the best in people and had a great love and respect for the knowledge the Storytellers and elders had to share.

But now she is withdrawn and filled deeply with sorrow and guilt, her curiosity and thirst for knowledge still remain , but her openness is now marred with fear and doubt. The traumatic experiences in her life have caused her to block out and forget most of her past in an attempt to put behind her the horrors of her imprisonment and the tragic events that lead to her escape.

Sorona's main strength is her ability to listen and her extensive knowledge. Her main weaknesses is her lack of faith in herself and her inability to take any other form than the one she now holds.

History: Sorona was born to the eagle clan her mother died when she was still very young, so with the help and support of the clan her father looked after and raised her as best he could. Growing up Sorona had many friends but the strongest of these friendships was with her Cousin Ayar, the two girls were roughly the same age and barely separable they both studied under her father (Thoronda) the traditions and lore of their clan and while her more sure headed cousin took in all they were taught, Sorona strayed more towards lore, becoming enthralled by the Storytellers and their tales. Oft she would confide to her cousin her dream of one day being the one that the young and old alike gathered round, listening wide eyed to the tales and lore of their people. More and more was the time she spend with the storytellers debating and quizzing the deeper meanings of their tales, gaining what wisdom she could from them.

The tellers humoured and even encouraged her eagerness and inquisitive nature, but the elders of her clan (her father included) became concerned that her thirst may one day overwhelm or consume her, so for a time they sent her with the outriders and the herders to learn the more traditional skills that keep the clan thriving year after year. Reluctantly she went and with time she did come to understand the importance of such things, she learnt almost as much from them as she did from the elders, she enjoyed their company and got satisfaction from knowing that by helping them in their chores she helped not only them but the clan as a whole. She still missed the teachings of the Wise ones, but learnt that ensuring the clans future was every part as important as remembering it’s past and her cousin made the long nights tending the herds easier by keeping her company and sharing with her any new tales told by the tellers.

The eagle daughter as she was oft affectionately called learned well, grew in beauty and came to love her people and their ways very deeply, so deeply that for a long while she knew no other place she would rather be. But Sorona had a free spirit and spoke always from her heart and many worried her seemingly unquenchable thirst for knowledge would eventually lead her astray! So it came after a time she became restless and often she would travel with the traders of her clan to seek the lore masters of the desert tribes and other maenwaith clans to feed her appetite and learn more of the world and in particularly the history of the maenwaith people. It was on one such journey when she and her kinsmen suddenly found themselves caught in a sudden sandstorm, her horse spooked by the whipping sands suddenly bolted and although she tried hard to hold on she could not control the terrified beast and was eventually thrown from the saddle but not before she was separated from her kinsmen. As the winds abated she called out the names of her kinsmen in the hopes that they were somewhere nearby but alas no reply was heard and she knew she was alone with no water and no idea in which direction she had come! All she knew was that she could not stay were she was. It was getting hotter , she needed to find shade and wait till nightfall when she was sure the stars would guide her back to her people. But as she looked around all she could see was the vast sandy expanse of the desert in every direction, even the sun had made her peak so that guessing east and west was made impossible. For several hours she wandered aimlessly in search of water and shade before she finally passed out. She did not know how long she had been unconscious when she awoke to see a young mans face at first she thought it was a mirage till she felt cool water on her dry blistered lips and his strong arms lifted her up, she saw his lips moving before she slipped again into unconsciousness.

When she next opened her eyes she was looking up at the pale canvas of a small tent, “ah you are finally awake” a deep but soft voice whispered beside her and she turned to see the smiling face of the same young man who had saved her in the desert. She began coughing dryly as she tried to sit up to thank him, “No don’t try to talk just yet your throat will still be sore from the heat, here drink,” he said with genuine concern as he held a wooden cup to her lips she took it from his hands and began to drink the cooling water within. He watched her for a moment then telling her that she should get some more rest he turned to leave, but as he turned she reached and caught his hand, he turned and smiled with a nod as he understood the gratitude in her eyes.

It was several days before Sorona was again well enough to travel and in that time she had learned that her saviours name was Halfr and that he was the youngest son of the tribe leader a tribe that had been kind enough to nurse her back to health and to which she would always be grateful. She learned much of there ways but like her own people they were guard when she asked of their past and she soon came to wonder if these people where not also Maenwaith. He friendship with Halfr blossomed and the became quite close, the night before she was due to leave she took a big chance and confident in Halfr telling him of her clan and her maenwaith heritage, to her surprise Halfr already knew apparently during her fever she had assumed several different forms. Halfr and several other outriders of his clan escorted her home, to the adulation of her father and others of her clan.

When it came time for Half and his people to leave Sorona was filled with sadness, but Halfr promised to visit her again and he kept his word and both clans watched as they grew to be more than friends. Sorona often petitioned her father and the Elders to consider reviving old ties with the wolf clan as Halfr did with his father and elders so eventually a strong friendship was reached between the two tribes and Halfr and Sorona were married to celebrate the new friendship. Sorona often confided in Halfr her hopes that one day all the friendships of the elder days would be renewed and that all the squabbling and differences that divided their race would be forgotten.

They lived happily together, Sorona still though less often travelled with the traders of both clans when and were she could trying to help settle the differences among the clans and bring peace to the maenwaith people, several years later they were gifted with a baby boy who they named Korpulfr, meaning Raven wolf after his shock of raven coloured hair. But even while Korpulfr was still young dark times began to befall the maenwaith people and at the insistence of both her husband and her father she stopped travelling between the clans as it became dangerous to do so with the coming of the herewith raiders, the clans spread out as they attempted to avoid being found by the raiding parties but the wolf clan and the eagle clan stayed close. But tragedy fell one morning while the wolf clan hunters were out hunting for the winter ahead the haradrim struck and they struck fast. Sorona sent her cousin feya who was visiting back to warn the eagle clan, ordering her to tell them not come for them they would hid in the forest not far from the camp. Then spreading the word to the wolf maenwaith she picked up Korpulfr and ran to the safety of the forest. But the haradrim had horse and sought to separate them and bar their way many of them made it into the forest but the haradrim followed and eventually Sorona was separated from them, realising she was cornered she hid her son high in the branches of a tree and turned in wolf form to protect her son or at least lead them away! After being wounded she and many others were taken prisoner (mainly children) and taken to the dark and frightening lands of Mordor were their worst nightmares where finally realised!

Of all the Maenwaith that where captured Sorona was the only one to survive and escape. The events proceeding and during her escape were both traumatic and horrifying she was badly wounded and much of her memory of her life before Mordor was temporarily lost and she lost all will to live, but she was saved and she spent her life in the northlands studying the people and cultures of those lands trying hard to put behind her the guilt and pain of her time in darkness. She choose to observe life and took no part in it until she could bare it no more and helped a fishing town out of hardship.

Then she did something that was forbidden for men to do she sought to look on the lands rumoured to be across the sea a place of reputed beauty and peace a peace that Sorona craved more than anything the world could offer her . For her Crime she incurred a punishment more harsh than the spirits could have imagined, A dream that jogged her fractured memory reminding her of the lands to the south and of kin and family. But the dream was a nightmare, dark and terrifying. Sorona could not bare another nightmare so she tried at first to hide from the vision shutting it out but she could not so she eventually and reluctantly came south to find answers and warn someone of what the vision pertained.