Here There Be Dragons - Discussion/Planning

[Child of the 7th Age]

Many thanks to everyone for their patience during my lengthy absence. Things are slowly falling into place so I have a bit more time. My last save between Ráma and Aiwendil is finally filled in and revised.

Hilde - thanks for carrying on with day#2.

Nerindel - please check your pms. I have a question about how to proceed with a possible dialogue between Sorona and Ráma about a future trek to the south to visit the wisewoman... Please let me know how you'd like me to approach this. If you prefer that I edit or eliminate Aiwnedil's final statements about Sorona, I can also do this.

~Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

Addendum to above: Shall I do a save and begin working on the summary post for day 3 of the funeral, or are there other things that need to go in first?

It is taking a while for my old brain to get creaking again!

Cami

[piosenniel]

My post #305 for Piosenniel is now filled in.

When will Rama and Aiwendil start toward the southern mountains to look for eagles? I want Rôg to be back before they set out.

[piosenniel]

Bringing this forward:


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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

-- Eagle SC's in the coastal mountain range
Ayka - older female Azar - young male

-- 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

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

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Glad to see you back in the desert Child. I hope that all went well.

Just a bit of curiosity here, but which characters are to be involved in Ráma’s search for the wise woman. It is sounding at present like Ráma, Aiwendil and possibly Sorona. Am I right in assuming it will be a small group?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Thinking out loud....

I had envisioned the Elders' meeting eventually deciding to send a group to the south to recruit from the other tribes. Aiwendil and Ráma would be part of this larger group, but at some point would turn aside on their particular mission in the mountains to make inquities about the talisman. Sorona would be with them. At the end of this sequence, they would return to the larger group or head back to the clan, whatever worked best.

I don't think we'd want the entire search party to go on this side trek, but it is possible that another character or two could join, openly or surreptitiously, if there was a good reason for this. This "good" reason could be positive or negative: supporting the mission or having doubts about a particular character and wanting to keep an eye on them.

I think the Elders will know something of Ráma's errand but may be less than supportive..... So there is even room from this angle to have someone "assigned" to come along, or being encouraged to spy.

Finally, none of this is written in stone. If you or anyone else sees problems or would prefer a different approach, there's lots of wiggle room if we discuss it. I have alluded to some of this in the story, but really haven't sat down and hammered out specifics with others. But that was the heart of what I was thinking. And if anyone would like to join in this side quest for whatever reason, please let me know.

The other thing is I am not sure how Pio (as a character) or Rôg tie into this time wise: where they will be at this time. And I also assume that if posters were actually off recruiting, they'd want to elaborate their own subplot. Or it's possible the "recruiters" could be carry-alongs if everyone else wants to run off with some other line of the plot. We haven't talked too much about what will happen after the meeting. And while we probably don't want to spell out too much, it might be good if we had a vague idea what comes next.

Any other ideas, Hilde or anyone else? I will get a save up for day 3 of the funeral to push us ahead. I can always leapfrog forward if there is a timing problem.

Cami

[piosenniel]

I guess what I need to know is - do you want Rôg going with Aiwendil and Rama to find the Eagles?

If not then I'll have him hang out for a longer time with his own clan . . . or think of something interesting for him to do.

As for the Elf, she and her party can arrive anytime - her only real concern being the finding of and retrieval of Mithadan.

[Ealasaide]

Does anyone have any plans/ideas as to where Airefalas & Mithadan fit into all of this? I'm kind of at a loss there.

[Mithadan]

I'll PM you privately, Ealasaide, but at the moment Mith and Airefalas do seem to be effectively sidelined. If anyone else has any ideas, please voice them. Otherwise, Ealaside and I may go off on a tangent. ;)

[Child of the 7th Age]

More stream of consciousness.... I'm no 'authority' on any of this. Excuse the pun, but I am really 'winging it' here. :rolleyes:

My initial feeling is that Rôg would likely come with the smaller group because of his desire to keep Aiwendil out of trouble, a role he's performed from the beginning. Don't know if Rôg may also begin to suspect that the old fellow has more to him than first meets the eye..... So, Pio, if it fits into your own plans for Rôg, I definitely think it would work. How many days would you need/want to get Rôg back to the main camp? (Of course, there's always that mythical time condense post....)

Does anyone have any plans/ideas as to where Airefalas & Mithadan fit into all of this? I'm kind of at a loss there.

Aren't there three questions at issue here that will determine their fate?

Do Airefalas and Mithadan decide to "throw in their lot" with the Eagles in their struggle? If so, why?
Does the Council of Elders agree to accept the help of the men, at least grudgingly? Perhaps there is some special expertise the Gondorians bring to the table such as familiarity with warfare in terms of a walled city? The SC would not have this.
Once the question of accepting help from the "foreigners" is settled, then the main issue is what happens next with the plot, at least in a general sense. Wouldn't Mithadan and Airefalas be part of whatever that is?


I am guessing that the first two points will be settled by the end of the Elders' meeting and there should be some decisions made on the plotting issue as well. While one option is to have real posters go south and recruit, that could be handled as a brief "carry along" subplot with ghost people (written by those going to the mountains) with the "real" posters going elsewhere with the story.

Another possibility is to get the main plot into direct action perhaps by a little 'trip' to Maenwaith city for a snooping and dirty work. That could include the Eagles and Gondorians (and Wolves as well if that fits.) I mean how can we fight the enemy when we know so little about her and her resources. What has she got hidden in that blasted city?

That option would have the advantage of pulling Wyrma and the baddies more into the story, pushing the story on a bit faster, and getting into a more action oriented mode. We'd have two subplots rolling:


The main one that would be into maenwaith city and beginning to dig out Wyrma's secrets and hunt for a way to bring the city down both in terms of fortifications and turning the sentiment of the other maenwaith.

The second group with Aiwendil, Sorona, Rôg, Ráma, (and perhaps another character?) along with some ghost carry-alongs. Their task is to get the resources needed--the conventional ones like allies and the two special ones that Ayar mentioned: Giant sized Eagles and perhaps a sympathetic dragon.


Of course at some point, we would join up...

Any reaction or feeling about this? Do you want the main plot to focus on Wyrma's city, or do you prefer to deal with the actual recruiting trip first? I am thinking the former would give us more adrenaline, but all this is very much off the top of my head.

EDIT: Hi, Mith. We cross posted....

[Ealasaide]

Mith - ah, great! Thanks! :) I will be looking forward to your PM.

Child - All three questions re: the Gondorians raise excellent points, but I think I will wait to see what Mithadan has to say before trying to plan anything further from my standpoint. :D Thanks very, very much for the comments & input!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sounds good...

Cami

[piosenniel]

Bringing this forward:

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 DONE

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

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

~*~

8.) Summary post for day three following the outline for the funeral (Cami – SAVE on board)

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

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** Cami **

I think Rôg should return at the end of Day 6. He will have more than an inkling of who Aiwendil is. ;)

Did you want to have Rama and Miri speak about Rôg being gone at some time? It will set Rama wondering how he's gone and come so far, so quickly. If you'ld like I'll write the scene, or you can.

If you want me to do it - leave me a hook in one of your next few posts so that Miri can run into Rama.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio,

Did you want to have Rama and Miri speak about Rôg being gone at some time? It will set Rama wondering how he's gone and come so far, so quickly. If you'ld like I'll write the scene, or you can.

This sounds good, especially the part about you writing the scene. At some point after the end of day 3 (if I ever get down to filling in my save!), Ráma will also have a conversation with her sister. So we'll need to make sure that she's not in two places at the same time talking with two different people. Other than that, I see no problem at all.

I am quite fond of Pio's point #11 in the outline:

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 slip out, and we finally decide what we are going to do for the rest of the game.

This is a most excellent synopsis of our plotting for the game..... :p

Cami

[piosenniel]

I knew you would go for the ME writing of the scene - - :rolleyes: Lazy! :p ;)

And I'd love to take credit for this outline, but it was from a few pages back - and you wrote it! So, 'Good Job! to you!

~*~ Pio, the Recycler

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Ealasaide, let me know if you want a change of plan regarding Airefalas.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde,

Please let me know should any of your characters be interested in a little mountain vacation at any point.

Pio,

I wrote that? How embarrassing! Now that you remind me, I have the vaguest of memories.

Cami

[piosenniel]

** Ealasaide **

Please take a look at Nerindel's post on this page (#499). You will need to cut and paste her game posts around the post of yours that she mentioned.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio

[Ealasaide]

Yipe! :eek: I saw those days ago and was waiting for you to do the cut & paste! I didn't realize that was my job. I'll take care of it right away.

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

Okay! Tis done. Sorry for falling asleep at the switch.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Child- It had crossed my mind, but I can not commit just yet. :p

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I have partially filled in my save (post #308) for Wyrma; it will be continued as soon as I have checked out further plans with Nerindel.

As to general planning, I would hope that all plot threads will come together sometime soon. It is difficult to post for a character who's mostly alone, when the others are interacting on several other stages simultaneously.

[Ealasaide]

Hilde - your post has been placed at the beginning of my post #311. :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Many thanks as always Miss Ealasaide!

[Ealasaide]

Anytime, Hilde!

Nerindel - I have FINALLY filled my save at the end of #303, picking up the conversation between Fador & Hasrim. Sorry I was so slow about it, but I had been at a loss as to where to go with it. I have found some direction at last & direction, happily, has found me! If you need me to change anything, however, please let me know. Thanks! :)

[Ealasaide]

Ah, well, it seems I have made a mistake in my last Fador post (#303) regarding that confounded incense pot! :rolleyes: I will have to do a little reading & checking and make a few changes to my post. I'll make a note here when the edit is complete.

[Ealasaide]

Just to let everyone know... I have **finally** completed the edits to my last Fador post in #303.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Well....finally filled in Latah's post #312. :p (I promised myself I'd finish this off before viewing RoTK EE, and I think it worked!)

Ealasaide & Child, please let me know if you need any changes made.

Happy Friday to you all, and to all a good night (or good day as the case may be)!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Please no one faint, but I have written the day 3 post for the funeral. I am a little uncertain where to put it.

I am thinking that I should not put it in the middle of the current ongoing conversations (where my save is), but wait till these conversations have ended. The post has a certain air of finality about it. :(

What think you? Since I wasn't sure about where the conversations were leading, I wanted to check with you.

In any case, here it is....

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

EDIT: draft post erased after placement on the game....

[Ealasaide]

Child - Anywhere you place it would be fine with me, although I do agree that you are right- it does have an air of finality about the final paragraph. Maybe you should place it at the end of the thread as it currently stands?

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Yes, putting it after Ealasaide's saves sounds good to me also. We can always fit in a few more posts in the preceding blocks if need be.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde, Ealasaide,

Thanks for the clarification. I've erased my save and placed the post at the end of the string. I'll also erase the draft post earlier in the thread.

I wasn't sure if your final save post was part of a continuing conversation. But you are certainly correct in saying that, if needed, more than one post could be out in that slot.

Cami

[Ealasaide]

Sorry I have let my Save languish so long. I willdo my best to have at least the first half of it filled in the next day or so.

[Ealasaide]

This is just to say that I have filled the Airefalas portion of my Save. I will fill the second half, Fador's half, once Nerindel is able to conclude the conversation between Hasrim and Fador back in #303. :)

[piosenniel]

Cami

About your SAVE titled: A conversation between Ráma and Narika

Is this taking place during Day 4?

If so, I'll do a post for Miri talking to Rama about Rôg

~*~ Pio

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I have added some writing for Tinar to post #308. Since nothing is happening there, and I can go neither forwards nor backwards with him, I let him express the frustration of that situation! I will await developments before writing a new post.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio -

The conversation between Ráma and Narika will take place late on the evening of the third day, after they get back from the funeral rites. The post will end at dawn of the fourth day when Narika overturns the pot of water, and the mourning period officially draws to a close. Hope this helps.

~Child

[piosenniel]

Yes, I'll take it from there with a short conversation between Miri and Rama about Rôg.

~*~ Pio

[Child of the 7th Age]

Save #314 is filled in. I have purposely down pedalled any conflict between the two sisters. Given that there are others opposing Thorn, I thought the poor fellow would have his hands full.

Regarding that noise heard at the door..... I know there's a "spy" out there who will spill the beans at the Elder's meaning, but I can't remember which character that is. Please identify yourself. :D

Are we now free to go forward with the posts for the Elder's meeting?

[piosenniel]

Cami

Post 316 is filled in. Let me know if I need to change anything about Rama in it as I used her quite a bit. :)

[Ealasaide]

Regarding that noise heard at the door..... I know there's a "spy" out there who will spill the beans at the Elder's meaning, but I can't remember which character that is. Please identify yourself.

Child - that would be one of my Elders - I am thinking probably Harith.

[piosenniel]

Everyone

I've posted for Rôg in #317. His Elders will be sending him back to help Aiwendil. I'd like for him to arrive the morning of the day Rama and Aiwendil and whoever else is gathered to be able to go with them.

In an effort to move the game along, I would really like to see us getting to this point (leaving to seek the Eagles in the mountains) by the middle of next week.

-----

I'm going to do a time jump forward for Piosenniel, Baran, et al soon for them to meet up with Rama and Aiwendil just as they are heading south to find the Eagles.

Mithadan - do you want Baran to go with this group or . . .?

-----

If there are any imminent subplots hatching, perhaps they had better be put in motion soon.

Eala and anyone else who needs to - Please carry along Nerindel's characters as needed to get yours and Mith's and Esty's subplot going?

-----

Any ideas on how we could compress a little game time to accomplish moving the action along?

Here's the original plan from the previous page of the DT -

1.) Elders' meeting (DONE)

2.) Sorona shares her vision (DONE)

3.) Elders react (DONE)

4.) Those outside the meeting react (dONE)

5.) Individual evening posts of Day 1 -- One of the things Child wants to do is to hook Ráma up with Aiwendil (DONE)

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

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

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

9.) Day four - tying 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.... IS THIS DONE?

10.) Day 5 - 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

Can we squash something together here?

~*~ Pio

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio,

I haven't had a chance to run this by anyone but could we go into the Elder's meeting directly on day 4 and skip the day of planning? The wedding could then be the next day. I suppose if we were really desirous of condensing things, we could have a "shotgun" wedding on the night of Day 4 ( :D ), thus emphasizing the gravity of the situation---the fact that the clan is going to war. In times of war, people have a way of getting hitched up very quickly and simply, rather than the elaborate rituals they normally use.

Give me a chance to discuss these ideas with Hilde since she would be very involved in the writing. If anyone else sees alternatives, please feel free to throw them out.

Cami

[piosenniel]

~*~ HUZZAH!!!!! ~*~

I have found the map I was looking for. It's pages 38 - 39 From Fonstad's Atlas of Middle-earth. It's the one I've been using to figure out where everything is. HERE (http://students.sivan.co.il/itamar_b/TolkienontheNet/NewFiles/maps/map4.html)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio -

That's a beauty of a map. I'm glad and surprized you found it. I thought that all the map sites had been shut down.

Yes.....we have decided to do the "big squash". The contents of days 4-6 will be boiled down to one day. Hilde and I have spoken and we are getting with Ealasaide. Basically, there will be a series of posts on the Elders meeting (about 4-5) that includes an eventual declaration of war, and this will lead directly into a very brief and hasty ceremony, something less elaborate than would normally happen but to be expected on the eve of war. Any character is welcome to come, attend the meeting, and speak up.

I am putting up a save for the first post.

Cami

[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

-- Gadi & Haleel - Pio and group's 2 trader guides

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

-- Eagle SC's in the coastal mountain range
Ayka - older female Azar - Pio's guide; young male (Head, chest, and underbelly are white, back and wing feathers a darkish grey. Legs featherless, ending in large, sharp talons.)

-- 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).

ANOTHER MAP (http://students.sivan.co.il/itamar_b/TolkienontheNet/NewFiles/maps/map4.html), too -- same, but a little clearer.

[Ealasaide]

Ah, great! Thanks, Pio. I was just looking for the latest version of that. :)

Just for the record... I should have my Fador Save filled by Thursday at the latest. Sorry for the delay.

[piosenniel]

Piosenniel et al are in a vague place and time at the moment in the deserty foothills of the coastal range. I'll leave her there for now.

Once the Eagle party heads south to find the Eagles in the mountains, I'll have her meet up with you.

By that time, Mithadan and Airefalas should have left the Eagle encampment, correct? And for an unknown destination. So there will be no point in Piosenniel continuing on to the Eagle camp or going any further northward.

[Child of the 7th Age]

I filled in my save and got Ráma to the point of hearing the decision of the Elders' private meeting. My second save will be her plea to the council.

Any of the Elders attending the meeting -- please eyeball what I have said so far. If there is any general description you want altered, just let me know...

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

I am hacking out my post bit by bit in the second save space. I hope no one will object. For some reason, it writes itself a lot faster this way than if I tried to do it on my own word program. I'll let you know when it's finished --hopefully tomorrow--so feel free to ignore it till then. ;)

Cami

[Ealasaide]

Pio said: By that time, Mithadan and Airefalas should have left the Eagle encampment, correct? And for an unknown destination.

Yes, that is correct. My sincere apologies for taking so long to get them moving. I will do my best to finish my Fador post today.

[Child of the 7th Age]

My save is filled in. Ráma has made her request to the council. If there's anything that should be changed to fit better what others plan to say, please let me know.

If not, let's plough ahead through this meeting with the disputes and eventual "resolution" so we can reach the point where our two subplots can take off.....

[Ealasaide]

Believe it or not I have finally filled the Save for Fador at the end of #312. Deepest apologies for being so slow about it, but I had some personal issues that I had to contend with. Hopefully, they have been dealt with now so that I will not be so slow in the future.

Mithadan - I left the conversation between Fador & Mithadan open-ended so that you could pick up with Mithadan's side of it. If you need me to change anything, please let me know. Also, look for an e-mail from me expressing a few further thoughts as far as Fador is concerned. :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thorn's save has been filled in. :)

And many congratulations on reaching Mt Doom, Esty!!!!! :eek:

[Ealasaide]

This is just to let everyone know that I have placed a post from Nerindel at the end of my Post #303, which concludes the conversation between Hasrim and Fador on the evening of the Second Day of the funeral.

Also, my apologies for holding up the Elder's Meeting. I have been waiting for Mithadan to post as his interaction with Fador the day before may color Fador's behavior at the meeting.

[Ealasaide]

Does Wyrma's Walled City have a name?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

No, it doesn't yet have a name; it's so new that it is only called "the city" so far. We have been referring to it as "Maenwaith City", but that is not official.

[Ealasaide]

Thanks, Esty! I had thought that was the case, but I wanted to make sure.

Okay... I have finally finished the interaction between the Gondorians and Fador way back in Post #312 (Page 8.) I had been waiting for Mithadan to post, but he has been tied up with RL concerns & unable to post. So...

Sorry for making y'all wait so long. I will do my best to have my Save for Fador & the Elders filled today, too. Since that looks to be a long & complicated post, I may not make it, so it may be tomorrow before that one is finished. It will definitely be up there by Sunday at the outside. :)

[Mithadan]

I will be away through tuesday at the keys where I will try to decompress and clear my mind from real life. When I return I will hopefully have time to jump back into this rpg.

[Ealasaide]

Have a good time! :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Child- I have put up a save for the wedding for either you or me to fill in, just so that this evening doesn't pass us by without a place for it. If anyone feels it too awkward, let me know.

And Mithadan, somehow decompressing while in the Keys sets me in mind of deep sea diving! :cool:

[Mithadan]

Some snorkeling, kayaking and fresh seafood would be fine enough for me. Yes, I am ignoring your pun... ;)

[Ealasaide]

Ooohhh... sounds great! Can the rest of us come along too? :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Enjoy Mithadan! :D <*)))><

[Child of the 7th Age]

Mithadan -

Hope you are enjoying yourself!

Hilde, Eala -

Check your pms please.

Child

[Ealasaide]

Calloo, Callay, oh, frabtious day - I've finally filled my Save!

Child, Hilde- I hope that's okay. If you need me to change anything, please let me know. :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Eala,

Many thanks! I am working on the reply at the from Narika and Ráma. The usually mild Narika has visions of ripping your nasty sneaking character in two! :eek:

I will post the final post on the discussion thread and you (or Mithadan--whoever gets there first) can paste it in the box.

Cami

[piosenniel]

Mith

I wrote a post for 'Mithadan' , #324, a traveling along sort of post . . . go ahead and edit as you wish.

~*~ Pio :cool:

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

That came out nice Ealasaide! Looking forward to seeing the response.

[Ealasaide]

Thanks, Hilde. I'm looking forward to the response, too! :D

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sometimes I find it easier to write long things in smaller chunks....

Here is the first half of my post. I will work on the second part---Ráma's response--tomorrow.

Eala, Hilde -- Let me know if revisions are needed.

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

Child's post for Ráma and Narika

As soon as Barakah had posed her question, Narika slipped away from Thorn to come and stand near her sister. She leaned close to Ráma and confided, “You must share mother’s wishes with the assembly, but first let me deal with this troublemaker who has his nose in places where it shouldn't be.”

Narika stepped forward and politely bowed before the Council in the manner that she had learned as a young girl. Her voice, though firm, showed no hint of fear or anger. “Elder Barakah, I would gladly discuss this with you. Indeed, I intended to do so in private once our clan had made its declaration of war. The tale that Harith weaves is true, yet only in part. He speaks like a child who has overheard a few fleeting words from his parents and, understanding little, can only guess at what these words mean. Ráma can best explain what happened that afternoon, since she was the one who sat with Mother and heard her final request.” At this revelation, murmurings and hushed whispers spread through the crowd. Narika waited a moment for the noise to subside and then continued, "Now I would speak of Harith, for his conduct raises a point of honor that not only concerns me and my sister but the honor of our clan.”

Narika fixed a firm eye on Harith. Their accuser stood on the far side of the circle, looking decidedly uncomfortable. Turning from the Elders, she addressed him directly. “Since when does one maenwaith spy on another under cover of darkness? Ráma and I spoke inside the tent with the leather flaps drawn down and securely fastened. Even later, when Thorn and I met, we made sure to secure the tent flaps tightly. You must have come spying as a sand rat or crawling pest and, under cover of darkness, squeezed beneath the flap. That is the only way you could have overheard our conversation.”

“Are you certain, my lady?” Barakah pressed. “Perhaps Ráma discussed these things with others?”

Narika emphatically shook her head, “There were no others, at least not within the Eagle camp.”

“But none of this is true!” protested Harith. “Not true at all. I never intended to spy on the women, and I certainly never put on a different form.” Harith shifted uneasily from one foot to the other, refusing to look up and meet Narika’s eyes. He continued in a whining voice. “I was just searching for my special ivory dice, the ones I received as a wedding gift. They had slipped out from beneath my sash somewhere in front of the tent. I was crawling and feeling my way along the ground. My ear was close to the small crack at the bottom of the flap. Not on purpose of course,” Harith hastily added, “I merely wanted to find my dice. Then I heard Ráma speak and her sister answer, just as I have told you.”

Harith looked straight at Ráma and pointed an accusing finger, “This one is mad. Her sister protects her in her madness. You all know this. You were there when it happened, but everyone was afraid to say so for fear of offending Ayar.”

There was an uncomfortable silence before Barakah broke in, “That is enough! Ráma is not on trial for her mistakes as a child. Nor is this about anyone’s ability to shift forms. I only wish to know the truth about these charges concerning the preparations for war. For the moment, we will set aside the question as to how Harith came by this information, although what Narika has said does concern me.”

“Daughter of Ayar,” the Elder turned to face Ráma speaking in a gentle tone, “tell us of your mother's wish and whether Harith speaks the truth. Do you or your sister intend to run off on some fool’s errand as your accuser claims?”

[Ealasaide]

Child - Looks good! I have now placed this first installment on the thread at the end of Post #322. :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Sorry about the delay in my active involvement - a big real life project has kept me very busy the past weeks. It's finished now, so I will try to get back into an evil state of mind and - oh, guess I don't need to do that, since Tinar is my character who's next in line for a post. ;)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

That's wonderful, Child.

Estelyn, I have wondered what would happen if Surinen were to run into Tinar as a dog! :p

[Child of the 7th Age]

Many thanks. Here is the second part of my post. Please let me know if there are any problems and then paste it up.

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

“A fool’s errand? This is no fool’s errand.” Ráma strode forward to Barakah and directly addressed her. If she was upset by Harith’s charge of madness or his comments on the incident from her childhood, her speech and demeanor did not show it. She quickly explained, “ Narika and I only seek to carry out the wishes of Mother who talked with me at length the afternoon before she died. Yalisha, Miri, and Claris were there for part of that time and can vouch for much of what I say. They heard mother speak in urgent terms of the clan’s need to go to war and how it was time to take a stand against Wyrma’s enslavement of the maenwaith . Mother said Narika and Thorne must be given the headship of the clan and that we must ride out and call upon the other clans to join us in the fight.”

After listening to Ráma, Barakah directed a question at Yalisha who stood nearby, “Did Ayar speak clearly at this time, or were her wits already addled by the poison?”

Yalisha responded without hesitation, “No. I am certain Ayar knew what she was saying. Until she slipped off into her final sleep, Ayar was perfectly aware of what was going on around her. She said these things just as Ráma has reported. I was inside the tent with Claris and Miri and heard her words with my own ears.

"What of the Great Eagles?” Barakah pressed.

“I do not know. I heard nothing about them. But at the end, Ayar asked to be left with Ráma to speak privately with her. I saw no reason to deny such a request and left for a few minutes. When I returned, mother and daughter were hugging each other, and Ayar was lying down to rest. She seemed happy and relaxed, more so than I had seen her for the past week. It was as if a great weight had been lifted from her heart. A few hours later, the poison returned and by morning she had passed.”

“Elder Barakah,” Ráma interrupted, “I can tell you more about this. After Yalisha left, mother spoke to me about several things, and one of these was the Great Eagles. There is certain lore passed on through the line of the head of the clan. This lore says that, years ago in the midst of another war, the clan had done the Eagles a service and had been promised aid from them if there should ever be a pressing need. For the same reason, these mighty creatures taught our ancestors how to take on our special Eagle shape. As a token of their promise, the Eagles gave the clan a jeweled band that could be returned to them when help was needed. As a child, Mother had actually seen this band and thought that Ayka might have it or even know where the Eagles' aerie lay. Ayka is an Eagle herself, one of our own who withdrew to the mountains when she understood that Sauron’s might could threaten the clan’s well being. She saw what was coming and left years before the actual trouble started. Mother suggested we simply stop and talk with her on the trip south when we journeyed to rouse the other clans.”

Barakah shook her head and noted, “I am trying to remember. Years ago, I remember a teller of tales who visited us on occasion and told stories around the campfire, wonderful stories that I had never heard before. I believe her name was Ayka. But I was young at the time and can scarcely remember what she said.”

“Teller of tales? Ráma would have us put our doom in the hands of a storyteller? This is nonsense.,” Mumtaz’s voice rang out harshly over the group. “It is unfortunate that Ayar’s wits left her in the final hours, but she is not to blame. Anyone might have such an ill fate befall when poison overtakes the mind. It is Ayar’s daughters who should have known better. If they are not mad, then they suffer from a total lack of good judgment . It makes me shudder to think that the well being of the clan lies in the hands of such easily deluded fools.”

‘Watch yourself!” snapped Ráma. “My mother’s wits were perfectly fine. Nor were these stories foolish. The Eagles are real. They exist. They are part of our past and who we are. If you deny them, you deny a piece of yourself. Mother was quick to realize that we must not rely solely on such special help. We must use every bit of our own strength and wit. But if there is a chance, even the smallest chance, that these mighty creatures could come to our aid, we should not hide our heads in the sand.”

“Really now, Ráma,” Mumtaz drawled, “I am surprised at your stubbornness. Have you yourself seen these creatures? Has Narika? Has anyone here had the pleasure of meeting a giant Eagle?” The hubbub in the air died down and was replaced with complete silence. “Come now, friends, speak up. If no one has even seen these Giant Eagles, I do not think it wise to put our faith in them. How sad it is that the two daughters of Ayar have been taken in by a fanciful story. And I am even more stunned that Thorn would have given any credence to their words.”

Ráma stood silent and perplexed, uncertain how to respond. Suddenly from the back of the gathering, emerging from the shadows, a tall man strode forward to the front of the assembly with a heavy wooden staff in his left hand. Even those who had seen and known him from before marveled at the sight of his eyes, so deep set and pensive were they. He bowed respectfully to the Council. “Elders, I ask your leave to speak. I believe I may be able to aid you with this matter.”

“But you are not a member of this clan,” Fador objected.

“That is true, but I come from a land where many have the ability to change form. I have sometimes thought of my kin as being specially close to your own because of that. And there are even those in this gathering who can attest to my skill in taking on more than one shape, including that of an Eagle. ”

“Yes, I have heard that you possess such skills," Barakah interjected. "Someday, I would hope to speak with you at greater length.“

Fador responded with some reluctance, "We do permit maenwaith other than Eagles to stand before our Council. Since you have mastery of forms, I grant you permission to speak.”

Mumtaz stared at the old man and scowled in disgust, glancing around to meet the eyes of his friends, just as the tall figure began to address the assembly, “My name is Aiwendil. I have lived among you in recent weeks and have seen the goodness of your ways. I tell you that the Giant Eagles do exist. I myself have stood in their presence, speaking to them just as I speak to you now. I have also heard of promises made to this clan long years ago: that if your people were ever in peril, they could call on the Eagles for aid. This is no small gift. Indeed, it is an extraordinary thing. I know of no other people in Arda who have received such a promise. Ayar spoke the truth, and her daughters were wise to heed her words, as was Thorn. If there is any chance that the Eagles could lend aid, you would be foolish not to request such assistance.”

Barakah stepped forward intending to ask Aiwendil another question but before she could do so there was a series of shouts heard from the back of the assembly, “Look there! The herders have returned upon their camels.”

Two men hastily dismounted and made their way to the front. With grave faces, they announced to the Elders, “We bring news....dire news.”

[Ealasaide]

Child - Great post! I will place it on the thread at the end of the first installment. I have one request... do you mind if we attribute the following line to Fador instead of Barakah?

“But you are not a member of this clan.” Barakah objected.

Fador is the one "chairing" the meeting, so I think that he would chime in on matters of speaking and protocol, letting Barakah carry on with the general questioning. After Aiwendil explains himself, Fador would grant him permission to speak by a nod or a gesture, then Barakah could continue with her speech as you have it written.

Please let me know if that would be all right!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Eala,

Sounds good. Please look at my revisions above just to make sure we are on the same page now. I think Fador would have granted Aiwendil permission but with some reluctance....

Once I'm sure this will work, I will get started on the wedding....

Child

[Ealasaide]

Perfect! :cool: Thanks very much.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Eala,

Shall I do the ceremony only, or do I need to include the decision that the wedding be held "hastily" because of the situation that the clan is in? Or will the latter be part of your post? Either way is fine. Just let me know what you prefer since I want to start working on it.

Child

[Ealasaide]

I was planning to include the decision to move hastily as part of my post. If there is anything you would like for me to be certain to mention, please let me know!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Eala,

Can't think of anything in particular. Once I manage to get writing, I'll let you know should anything specific come to mind.

Child

[Ealasaide]

Okay - thanks, Child! In the meantime, I have come down with a rather nasty case of the flu. I'll try to get my post done as soon as my head clears up a little, but right now I don't think I can be coherent for any more than a few sentences at a time. :p

[Ealasaide]

My Save at the end of #322 has been filled. The Elder's Meeting has ended.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I have written the first part of my post for Tinar and Co. Sorry about the delay in filling my save - an unexpected workload came my way this week, and I had to concentrate on finishing it on time. I will continue ASAP...

[Estelyn Telcontar]

In trying to continue with my post, I've encountered a problem - Tinar would be recognized as Wyrma's son by Mithadan and Airefalas, wouldn't he? And what with the Eagle's hatred of her, would the accompanying Eagles not suspect something right from the start - as would the Gondorians...

Kor was their host back in the Corsair city, and he is not known to them for any connections with Wyrma, so it might be better to just have him meet them casually, apparently being on a trading journey. I could go back and edit the first part of my post to send Tinar back to his mom after all... :( Since Kor and Hasrim are now NPCs, I can write a post for them to meet up with the Eagles and Northerners.

Any ideas?

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I do not think the eagles present would recognize Tinar, though they might know his name. The Gondorians might present a problem, though.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Precisely what I was thinking, Hilde! That journey won't take them long, story-wise, so I think I will send Tinar back with his brother and have him meet them in the city. I will write a post for the other two to meet the Eagle/Gondor delegation at the watering place - my save should be well-filled (and edited for those changes) within a day, I hope.

[Ealasaide]

Hmmm... I seem to have arrived to the discussion late.

I was under the impression that part of the plan was for the Gondorians to recognize Tinar. The way I see it, Surinen - if he had recognized Tinar - would have been the only real problem. The other two Eagles know what they are about, which is handing the Gondorians over to Wyrma. While there might be some tension between the clans, I don't think that Tinar's presence would have bothered them in any way. As for the Gondorians, yes, they would recognize Tinar, but they feel friendly toward him and, not knowing the full complexity of the situation, would not know to think anything ill of encountering Tinar, et al, in the desert.

That being said, do what you think works best for your character!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hmmmm......

I'm just wondering about Surinen's reaction - he would definitely be hostile to any member of Wyrma's family/clan, wouldn't he? (There's no way to avoid introductions, and though using a false name might work for the Eagles who don't know Tinar, the Gondorians would know something's fishy.) And it might give away too much too soon to the Gondorians. Do the others of you that are involved intend to spend much story time on the journey to the City, or will it be summed up briefly so that the plot can carry on? I would go for the latter; then it wouldn't matter if Tinar goes on ahead, since he would meet the others at the destination soon. It seems to me that this would simplify things, and as I see it, they're already complicated enough! :rolleyes:

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I'm wondering if Tinar and his brother might run into Narayad and aid him in some way, if/when they go on ahead. That would help set Surinen questioning his more immediate response to Wyrma’s sons...at least temporarily...when he hears of it.

My main concern regarding the Gondorians is that they are aware of a connection between Falasmir and Wyrma. I don’t think they would want news to get back to Umbar of where they are. But along those same lines, anyone could carry that news back to Falasmir.

[Ealasaide]

Good points, Hilde & Esty.

I am inclined to agree with you that perhaps it would work better after all to have Tinar show up later on. I, too, would be inclined to skate through the travel portion in order to get into the action more quickly. :)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hilde, as I'm not sure what Narayad is up to, I'll leave that part to you. (*Esty takes a deep breath, fervently hoping that she hasn't mixed up the characters' writers...) I'll just get things moving, and if there's anything that needs to be changed, let me know and I'll edit.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

OK, I'm finished with the post. The new/edited part begins with the paragraph "Within minutes". I hope that's enough to get the ball rolling for those involved!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Don't worry Esty, I am not exactly sure what Narayad is up to either. :D I do have a good hunch though! Now off to read the rest of your post....

Edit: Ah yes, before I forget, skating through the travel section is quite alright from this quarter.

[Child of the 7th Age]

I hope no one will object if I construct this post on the discussion thread in stages. This is the "first" segment of our wedding sequence. Hilde will be doing the actual ceremony, I believe.

I have had multiple technical problems this week. Despite normal precautions, my computer (admittedly an ancient model) caught a virus. This was removed Tuesday but the cure proved worse than the disease. Microsoft word and Adobe mysteriously vanished and, despite all efforts to locate them, continue to play hide and seek. I have been using wordpad to pull up files and type documents. This morning I discovered there are other applications and documents missing. :mad: Rather than risk a disappearing post, I will be typing this online while I look to purchase a new computer.

I'll put up a big note when the post is finished and can be transferred over to the game thread......

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



Child of the 7th Age's post: Ráma and Narika

Ráma stood on tiptoe as she slipped the traditional filigree over Narika's brow, carefully centered it, and then stepped back to view her handiwork. The band was fashioned of silver, engraven all around with a medley of birds, beasts and other living creatures of the earth and the heavens. At its apex was an Eagle outlined in tiny jewels with wings and talons extended as if about to pounce on its prey. Thorne would be wearing a similar headpiece. Used only for ceremonial purposes, these treasured bands passed from one clan leader to the next and were said to depict all the true forms that had been granted to the Eagles at the beginning of Arda.

Ráma finished adjusting the long silken veil and spoke to reassure her sister, "You are lovely. Beautiful inside and out. Mother would be so proud."

"But...?" Narika could hear the unspoken reservation underlying her sister's tone.

Ráma's voice quavered as she responded, "Mother is not here. And this is all so different than what we imagined. No time to sew the traditional gowns. No time for the display of the dowries or the days of feasting. You deserve more."

Narika shook her head, "No one can replace mother, and the shadow of war hangs over all our heads. Yet otherwise I am content. I love him, Ráma. I would happily marry in rags. All these years, you and he would ride out together to tend the herds and only, at the very end of the day, would he stride into the tent to bid me an awkward and solemn goodnight. I did not even know how he felt. It was only after he voiced his intentions to mother that I understood the meaning behind his silence."

"I am happy for you," Ráma responded without hesitation. "Once I dreamed and thought it might end differently. But in my heart I knew even then. I am not ready to settle in, not with Thorne or anyone else. I only wish I understood what I am meant to do."

The silence between them hung heavy in the air. Finally, Narika spoke, "You did not listen to what that fool said in front of the Elders, surely? All that was long ago. We have had no time to talk, but Yalisha said that you had mastered another form during the time you spent in Umbar."

"Mastered another form? I would not quite put it in those terms. The forms seem to come and go at their own bidding, and I have little control over them. In any case," she added, "it was not one form, but two."

Narika stirred uneasily and wished she had more time to help her sister. The Elders maintained that, with the exception of the clan leaders, no Eagle could hold onto more than three changes in shape. With Ráma there had been the one unfortunate incident from her past and now these two in Umbar. Clearing her throat, Narika continued, "When things settle, I will certainly help you gain more control over your skills. Perhaps one of those two in Umbar was the Eagle shape?"

"No," responded Ráma tersely. Unwilling to talk about the subject any further, she handed her sister the few paltry blooms that Miri had found at the edge of the waterhole. "It is time for you to go. The whole clan awaits you. With so much sadness and doubt, we all need something to bring hope. Your love and concern for each other is a clear token of that hope." With that Ráma kissed her sister and guided her over towards the spot on the edge of camp where the rest of the clan had already gathered.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hilde

That went pleasantly faster than expected. Could you drag it away to the game thread in the appropriate box?

If you need me to make any changes, just let me know. I will start working on the ceremony after the wedding where the two are acclaimed leaders of the clan. I expect it to be simple and brief. You had once mentioned having them match forms and fly away. You might want to do that part after they are acclaimed as leaders. If you have any other suggestions or would like to approach it differently, just drop me a note by pm or here. Otherwise I'll get started on the other.

Wherever the flying away goes, I will leave writing that particular incident to you! :rolleyes:

Cami

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thanks Child. I have moved the post over. Haven't had a chance to read it though. I have a couple of young 'uns waiting for the computer. :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

OK, the next installment of block 325 has been filled in, and Narika and Thorn are (finally) married. ;)

[Ealasaide]

Sorry to have let my Save languish for so long. I should have something up in the next day or so.

[Ealasaide]

My Save has been filled.

[Frodo Fudgepacker]

Deleted by Mithadan pending discipline.

[piosenniel]

Just checking into the thread.

~*~ Pio

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio,

I know that Hilde is working on a piece that goes before the scene where Narika and Thorne are confirmed in the headship. When she finishes that, the ball will be back in my court to tie up the naming of the leader with a short post.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Should have the post up Saturday night at the latest.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Well, I was planning on the post being a little 3 paragraph one, but it just kept on going! :eek:

Block #325 has been expanded to include what Latah is up to. Sorry if it it a bit tedious to read.

Esty, are you planning on posting for Tinar anytime in the near future? I didn't know if I should be polishing up the post for Narayad next. (It looks like that one might prove long as well!)

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I can post for Tinar soon, telling of his and his brother's arrival in the city. However, I won't have time the next couple of days, since I will be busy with the Barrow Birthday Party.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Ealasaide - Please check your pms. I want to check with you about Fador and see if this is how we should handle this.....

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"Thorn, although time is short, there is something I would share with you." Fador stepped over to the young maenwaith, leading him to a spot a few paces distant where few guests lingered, and then spoke in a lowered voice. "We must start the ceremony. Yet I would be remiss if I did not mention one thing. The times are difficult. It is hard to know what to do. You are brave and hardy, yet still young. I merely want to let you know that I am here to help. If you should need me any time, day or night, do not hesitate to ask for counsel. For my own part, I will do everything I can to support you and your wife, to offer sage advice that will bring our clan through this time of trouble. But now it is time for us to begin. Step forward with your chosen wife to assume the leadership of the clan." He turned and smiled encouragingly at Narika who had walked up in silence during the latter part of their conversation.

The young couple made their way over to the embroidered mat in the middle of the gathering on which Barakah had already set out the few simple things that would be used in the naming cermony. On the rug sat a beaker of water, a pearl of great beauty and luminescence, and an ornate dagger with its hilt emblazoned in jewels.

Fador hurried to the front and, hastily brushing Barakah to the side, raised his hand to the assemblage asking for silence. "We come now to our final task," he continued. "Our dear leader Ayar is gone, but she has left us with good counsel. It was her wish that Thorn and Narika should wed, and that these two jointly take on the headship. Narika will protect our customs and lore that we may follow the ways of our ancestors, while Thorn will be the bulwark of our defense, shielding the clan from its enemies. Together, with my assistance and that of the other Elders, these two will make the decisions that must be made in these hard times. Narika, my lady, would you go first?"

Narika walked onto the mat and sat down cross legged. She reached over and picked up the pearl cradling it gently against her body as she intoned the traditional words, "May I guard and protect the traditions of our clan just as I shield this pearl today within the safety of my palm. For like this gem, our traditions once gone can never be replaced. They are part of who we are and, without them, we are but shifting sand."

At that moment Thorn came over and sat beside her, reaching out his hand to lift up the dagger and brandish it before the assembled guests. "May I fulfill your trust in me. I will not take up any weapon lightly, but when danger assails the clan--whether from beast or invader--I will stand true until that danger has passed. And I pledge to do so even at the cost of my life."

Finally, Thorn picked up the cup of water and drank from it, and handed it to Narika who did likewise. For a final time, she spoke: "This cup is filled with water, that which is deemed most precious. For desert dwellers, it represents the boon of life. May Thorn and I make wise decisions that will preserve the life of our clan as well as the lives of all who make up this circle today."

Fador stood forward and placed a hand on each of their shoulders, urging them upward. Then he turned the couple around to face the crowd, calling out in a loud voice, "What say you then, Eagles, would you confirm the choice that Ayar and the Council have made?"

A cry went up from the gathering, a cry of jubilation and hope that rang through the assemblage and thundered out onto the sandy reaches that surrounded the camp. Holding his hands above his head, Fador responded in kind , "It is so ordered then. May Ayar's wish, and that of the Council and the people be honored. Thorn and Narika, you are awarded the headship of the clan. Your fate and that of the Eagles is bound together as one. And may I be the first to share my best wishes."

The Elders crowded in to offer congratulations. Barakah was the first to reach Narika and extended her hand in welcome, "You are our hope, little one, a promise that better times are possible. May that hope find its fulfillment in the coming months and years." Then she turned and hugged Narika and Thorn as the crowd surged forward to offer its good wishes and support.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Thanks, for the preview Child.

Birthday party? Is it that time of year already! :D

[Ealasaide]

Thanks for the preview, Child. Looks great! :)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Thanks, for the preview Child.

So you thought I was doing this to be nice? Actually, I had hit a writing block. Sometimes it helps if I compose on the screen (and pray that AOL or my computer doesn't crash!) :eek:

Hilde -

You have the post, just altered by a few words, in your mailbox. Please paste it up. Many thanks.

YEAH! - We are now free to get on the road. Ráma is impatient and has decided not to wait for the rest of the crew who will be going out to rouse the other clans. She will be leaving in the morning (game time at least).

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Got the PM Child, and I am putting the post up now.

[piosenniel]

For the time being, this game will be stashed safely in Elvenhome.

Both it and the Game thread can be resurrected upon request.

~*~ Pio