Corsairs and Corsets Discussion Thread: Part 2

[piosenniel]

Since the old Discussion thread was acting very odd, I am starting a fresh one and leaving the old one closed.

~~ Pio

[piosenniel]

Here are all the posts for 07/28 - in order:

_____________________________________________


Elora

Well now, here's the last gasp from me for a few weeks (absent from 7/29 to 8/8 as I earlier mentioned).

I would like to add my 2 cents worth, well, 0.8 cents by the time I do the currency comversion, to Snowdog's comments.

Natural flow is really important to RP's, or so I've found this to be in the past. In each post should be a "hook", something the next writer can grasp onto to link their post to the one before it.

Of course, we've got action going on in a few "locations" throughout Minas Tirith. It may be necessary to make sure those reading find it clear that the attention is switching to another location.

When a fluid and coherent flow is going, it becomes evident who should be posting in what order, and it comes together. I sense that we're still sorting out the rhythm and flow of this RP.

Leaving room within a script for characters to surprise us is another treasure of writing and reading role plays too. How many times do we start with our character poised in one direction and end up with them striding resolutely in an unplanned but equally interesting direction (or is it just me that has such shoody control over her imaginary characters)?

It's this spontaneous aspect of characters and action that impart a great deal of a role play's intrest and intrigue. This, of course, is just my opinion. It may only reflect my love of surprises. Let's just say that a healthy balance between setting the overall "rules of engagement" in this rp and over-planning creates interesting, creative and enjoyable writing and reading, according to my opinion.

Now, I've not had a chance to do an overview of the Morthaniawen Estate. I trust that those who reside apart from Ruiel there can probably describe something as well, if not better, than I can. My concept, though, is of a wealthy manor that speaks of Gondorian class and status. Beneath that facade, though, are elements of Umbar. In private rooms, such as bedrooms, more Umbarian decor could be present.

Ruiel certainly would not sleep well in a Gondorian bedroom. The decorations would gall her sense of superiority.

There are also necessary ammentities such as store rooms, private offices and libraries, workrooms and secure and unobserved access to the stables on the 6th Level of the city, the Gate and the streets.

As for what the Morthaniawens will be up to, I'd imagine they'd be quite busy.

They'd need to monitor the city's mood and disposition, and that of the Citadel, towards Finduilas. Perhaps working to extend a hand of "friendship" to the beleaugered bride and her Dol Amroth contingent (Ruiel reached high circles in Dol Amroth before moving onto Minas Tirith - she would be known to the Dol Amroth ladies).

Dispatches need to be sent to Umbar to report on matters. Ruiel would want to keep them apprised, but not overly informed, harbouring as she does pretensions to the Steward's office when they topple as she plans.

Perhaps something further could be done to build suspicion of Dol Amroth and Finduilas whilst Morthaniawen is wooing them with support and mentoring through the complicated court of Minas Tirith... a scandal of some sort.... that could somehow push Alethea's sense of morality to the point where she'd betray her mother and sister...

Or even Ruiel drops Alethea in it, scapegoating her for something that results in her deciding to look after herself and return the favour to her family (in true Morthaniawen style, it must be said).

Or perhaps merely schemes are laid, people are invited to the Estate, preparations made, all of which is discovered and becomes a weight of evidence to hang around Morthaniawen's neck.

At the very least, Ruiel will be sending Ranne off with the Umbar dispatches to meet with a courier in secret. Then there is Shir to contend with. If he shows up at the house, Ruiel will find a closer target to sharpen her claws on.

Whatever the case, enjoy and take care.

_____________________________________________


Nurumaiel

Arien,

My post is now up with Adrama and Alethea conversations. You can find it in a box of Alak's on July 22, 2003 10:27 AM.

I'm eager to see how Alethea will react to Adrama's comment.

_____________________________________________


Arien

Nurumaiel, I have filled my SAVE now, (it was July 24, 2003 05:17 AM).

I was thinking that maybe Alethea and Adrama could meet outside of both of their houses to talk more and get to know each other better. But where I don't really know. Any suggestions?

_____________________________________________


Ealasaid

quote:


Averyll isn't in the room when Betuli arrives. Betuli came before them, (If you read, I've filled it now) and I thought she would come back to get her dress and when she does the others will be there. Your 'Save' could be about when you guys are there and Betuli just pops in, she is there originally to get her dress, but they start talking about Findulias.


Perfect! I'll do that. Thanks, Oro!

_____________________________________________


Orofaniel

Great Ealasaid, then it's settled!

_____________________________________________


Hirilaelin

Hullo me lovelies! This is Hiri, back from my camp, and quickly getting over computer withdrawal. As soon as I read the posts that have gone up in my absence, (this may take a while, mind you) I'll jump right back into the mayhem.

_____________________________________________


Sophia

I know that content and storyline is very important to this game, but it is also important that we write correctly and use good grammar. In that spirit Orofaniel please check your spelling, Everdawn the word "I" needs to be capitalized.

The luncheon needs to end now, the seeds of the gossip are sewn, I think it's safe to have our next posts be of the dispersing ladies as they go to their own homes. I will try to put up Siriel and Tiriel's responses ASAP.

_____________________________________________


alaklondewen

I just wanted to post my return. Also, I filled in the space I saved for Nuru's post.

_____________________________________________

[Orofaniel]

I know that content and storyline is very important to this game, but it is also important that we write correctly and use good grammar. In that spirit Orofaniel please check your spelling, Everdawn the word "I" needs to be capitalized.



I'm really sorry about that! I have kind of been in a hurry when I've posted (my mum has set a limited computer access, which means I must write fast.) Anyway there is no excuse. smilies/frown.gif I'll have a look at it, and edit. Sorry again, I'll remember that next time.

Thank you very much for the reminder Sophia! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Ealasaid]

Okay - finally filled my save! Sorry it took so long. Earwen, Orofaniel, or Estelyn, you're up! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Orofaniel]

Great! I'll fill mine today, now actually... smilies/smile.gif

[ July 29, 2003: Message edited by: Orofaniel ]

[Nurumaiel]

Pio was right, the old discussion thread was acting odd, and now I lost a rather well-thought out post because of it.

The basics if it were, Arien, that I don't believe our two characters to be the type to go to inns (mainly because of family, I suppose), and that some kind of garden would be the most ideal.

[Arien]

I agree, but where? I don’t think we will be able to use either of their own gardens that resided at their houses. Is there some garden that they could go to, and if not could outside Minas Tirith be and idea? Just for a walk. I don’t know would they do that? Well if not then maybe we could just create a garden/park of some sort.

Arien

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

Just a reminder to you all that I will be gone from the first of August to the fifteenth for camp. *sniffle* I'll miss you all so very much... smilies/wink.gif

[Nurumaiel]

I think a garden/park would be the best idea. I don't know about Alethea, but it would fit in with Adrama's personality. Would you prefer to do the first post concerning this or should I?

[maikafanawen]

Arien & Nurumiel: I've noticed a lot of planning for your character's rendevous. Please don't go off the plot outline with this jaunt of yours. No collaborative anti-corsair plotting yet. smilies/biggrin.gif Thanks!

Concerning the Luncheon: So can I post now about leaving the luncheon and get Ruiel, Alethea, and Dryea back to their estate?

Owners: Is Elora gone? Did she PM either of you the description for the Morthaniawen mansion? I haven't got it and I'm just wondering what to do...

-Maikafanawen

[EDIT]: Owners: Nevermind, I see now the post at the beginning of this new thread. Thanks anyhow!

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

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Oro, thanks! smilies/biggrin.gif

Maika, by all means leave the luncheon. It should certainly be wrapping up. Glad you found Elora's post smilies/wink.gif.

I'm sorry that my posts have been mainly on the discussion recently, and that Sir and Tir have been so absent from the proceedings, but I'm working with *extremely* limited time, and I promise I'm doing my best! smilies/biggrin.gif

Sophia

[Snowdog]

Sorry Ränne has been pretty much absent from the proceedings, but I'm working with *extremely* limited time with work keeping me busy and not letting me have any fun, and a four-way shared computer at home ..., and I'll do my best!

Edit: With this post I became a Wight! smilies/smile.gif

[ July 30, 2003: Message edited by: Snowdog ]

[maikafanawen]

Alak PMed me asking me to end the luncheon. So the luncheon is officially over.

I haven't the time now I'm about to go out but upon my immediate return smilies/biggrin.gif I shall finish my post which I anticipate to be rather lengthy. It will include the complete description of the house and the usual on-goings. All four servants: Rhe, Ranne, Meirelle, and Gwen are on their way as well.

I'm going to bring in extra servants and butlers of the sort to keep up with the house while the above mentioned are for the Morthaniwen's personal care. Is this good?

-Maikafanawen

[Nurumaiel]

Don't worry, Maika, Alethea and Adrama are just going to meet somewhere to get to know each other better, as they met at the luncheon. It will be short and not very major at all.

On another note, has anyone seen Manardariel recently? She hasn't posted in a long time, she never PMed me to let me know she'd be gone, and we need her to keep confusion with the plot down (she's the main game owner, after all), not to mention her character.

[Annalaliath]

I still need to find the time away from the end of the term and wisdom teeth pain, so if it be cool I was wondering if Sophea or anyone else that is comfortable Rping my character to please pm or email me. elffreaky@msn.com . This will help me out as I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off. thanks.

[maikafanawen]

Nurumaiel: Regarding your concerns about Manardariel- Piosenniel posted this on July 18:

Since Manardariel has not posted on the game since 07/06 and has left no message, as far as I can see, that she would be gone - would someone like to carry along her character until the writer surfaces?

And this on July 19

Everyone

Since the writer for Finduilas has been gone for so long, and has not responded to my PM's - her character now becomes a carry along character - other players can use her in their posts as needed.

Just let others know, on the discussion thread when you are manipulating her in your posts.

~~ Pio, Shire Moderator

Hope that clears it up.

Now to finish my post.

-Maikafanawen

[piosenniel]

I'm bringing this forward from the 1st Discussion thread, so posters can see how the game should progress:
_____________________________________________

Act I- The stage is set
Outline:
Finduilas and her ladies discuss the events of last night, including the meeting Finduilas and Denethor.
Ladies of Minas Tirith meet, start "plotting" against Finduilas&crew.
Dryea spreads rumors of Finduilas fals identity, through the ears and mouths of the servents.

Act II.- The first Strife
Finduilas meets with the Minas Tirith group for a get together, and soon realizes something is wrong.
The Minas Tirith ladies start spying and sneaking.
One of her maids hears the rumors in the kitchen and attaks Vern, or a local Minas Tirith girl.
Dryea meets with Finduilas, who is easily charmed after the coolness of the other group.

Act III- suspicions
The Minas Tirith gang finally resolves that 1)Finduilas is not who she appears to be, and 2)they need to do something about her.
Finduilas plans a masquarade.
Dryea and Alahea quarrel.

Act IV- an unpleasant suprise
The masquarade:
Minas Tirith group confronts Finduilas about being evil.
They realize their mistake.
Dryea openly humiliates her sister.

Act V- the eye-opener
Dreya blunders.
Vern gives the message on to everyone else.
Alethea pays a visit to Finduilas, telling her everything she knowa-

Act VI- a fatal party
Finduilas´ engagement party.
The Minas Tirith/Finduilas gang decide to strike.
Finduilas´ speech.
Dryea blunders yet again, supporting the accusation.

Act VII- It is over
Palace guards try to arrest Dryea and her servants, but fail.
Finduilas and Minas Tirith group rejoice over their victory,
Dryea, plus servants, flees to Umbar.

[maikafanawen]

Thank's Pio I was just about to do that.

I've pretty much completed my post. Elora might have something she'll want to add (which she'll have to include of course in a later post) when she returns but I think I pretty much took care of everything. If there's anything else I should add for clarity please let me know. Thanks!

I'll probably mention it again before I leave but I will be out of town from all of Saturday August 2nd until Saturday August 9th. If Elora's not back by then should I just let my character be until I return making up for what I've missed then?

-Maikafanawen

[Hirilaelin]

Two questions:

1) Are we now in stage two or three? I rather lost track...

2) Should Rheaite be busy spreading nasty rumors?

Sorry for my ignorance, I still have loads of catching up to do!

***HIRILAELIN***

EDIT: Or are we perhaps finishing up stage one?

[ July 31, 2003: Message edited by: Hirilaelin ]

[Nurumaiel]

I believe we're still finishing Act 1 at the current moment.

Concerning Act 2...

Finduilas meets with the Minas Tirith group for a get together, and soon realizes something is wrong.

Finduilas plays a major part in this one scene, but unfortunately her player, Manardariel, has vanished. I'm just concentrating on this scene for now, as it's the closest, and because I hope Manardariel will be back by the time the other scenes involving Finduilas come up. I'll ask Sophia first, as she's a co-owner and might have a good idea what Manardariel would like her to do with this character... would you like to play Finduilas in Manardariel's absence. If not, I suppose anyone could, with the approval of myself and Sophia.

Just wanted to let you all know of this...

EDIT: My post has been completed with Adrama's thoughts on Alethea, the luncheon, and the meeting that will take place the following day

[ July 31, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[Orofaniel]

I saw this on the RPG:
“Betuli is going to speak with some of the servants, see if she can find out where their information is coming from,” Averyll told her. “Diorwyn says she has some friends here as well.”


Okey, when Betuli ask some of the servants, are they going to tell her where the rumours came from? Any thoughts about that? smilies/smile.gif

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Nuru- I cannot take on Finduilas right now (I'm in the process of moving, and am playing in some other games as well). If you can think of anyone who could pick the character up, that would be great, as I think she's going to be too important to the plot to carry along smilies/frown.gif.

Oro- I don't think it makes sense for Betuli to find out anything conclusive as a source for her news. You know how gossip is in real life? It would be a matter of "Oh I heard it from so and so's chambermaid who heard it from the neighbor's cook." Feel free to make people up.

I put a save spot on the game for Siriel and Tiriel. I hope to fill it in sometime today or this evening. If not it will be shortly thereafter. Again, apologies for my mad slowness.

Sophia

[ August 01, 2003: Message edited by: Sophia the Thunder Mistress ]

[maikafanawen]

Hiri: The Morthaniawens are home in their Estate away from the activity of the Steward's house. I don't think rumor mongering would be very successful there. smilies/biggrin.gif I'd send Rhe on an errand into town and you can have something exciting happen there since I doubt the events will be very fruitful for the maids in the mansion just yet.

Since everyone lives in separate houses, I'm guessing that we'll have to do a lot of specific details through way of notes and letters and get togethers. Must think more on this ...

As far as anyone knows, the Morthaniawens had NOTHING to do with the rumors. smilies/biggrin.gif It was agreed that Alethea's betrayal would be their downfall and NOT the rumors. The rumors were to be FINDUILAS' downfall and almost are until Alethea betrays her mother and sister. smilies/smile.gif So Dol Amroth, in you snooping, you shouldn't find anything against the Morthaniawens. How would they prosper if a family from Dol Amroth was found out to be in link with Ar-Pharazon. Not very well, they might be suspected next. Perhaps the ladies of Dol Amroth should try to get Finduilas and Dryea to meet friendly? Just a thought!

This is my last day to be on the thread for a week and I have not the slightest idea on what to do with my character.

-Maikafanawen

[Orofaniel]

Oro- I don't think it makes sense for Betuli to find out anything conclusive as a source for her news. You know how gossip is in real life? It would be a matter of "Oh I heard it from so and so's chambermaid who heard it from the neighbor's cook." Feel free to make people up.



Yeah, I thought so too, just wanted to check anyway. I'll fill in my save later.

Thanks! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Hirilaelin]

maika: Thanks! This cleared a lot up. I suppose I'll be setting out for the market soon. smilies/biggrin.gif

***HIRILAELIN***

[Lyra Greenleaf]

No, my post is gone... lost forever in the old thread. Well if anything happens that Emilia should be involved with please just mention her. I'll be back in a week. Right now I've got about 15 minutes. Sorry!

[Ealasaid]

The Dol Amroth ladies want to go visiting some of the local Minas Tirith ladies. Any Volunteers?

[ August 02, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

[Arien]

I hate to do this but I will be away from tomorrow until Wednesday and I will have no Internet access. I have made my final post yesterday and maybe Nurumaiel if you could put in a SAVE if you decide to go ahead with Alethea’s and Adrama’s meeting.

Thanks…

Arien

[Nurumaiel]

Arien,


Definitely! I would not enjoy going through my recent Adrama posts and editing most of it out.

Did we ever decide where this meeting would take place?

[Everdawn]

The Dol Amroth ladies want to go visiting some of the local Minas Tirith ladies. Any Volunteers?


Yeah, great Idea, there hasnt been much interaction between the two groups, soon would be a good time to get to know one another. smilies/wink.gif

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I have filled in my save (finally!). Lyra if you are around at all, you'll see I used Thenidir. If you have problems with the way I did it, send me a pm. I figured he would start out by flirting with her, but after he loses interest she will continue to pursue. smilies/evil.gif Should be delightfully ridiculous.

Minas Tirith Group I have rather clearly spelled out Sir and Tir's views on the rumors and Finduilas in my post. They don't believe them, so don't expect them to smilies/wink.gif.

Dol Amroth Group You've got a friend in Tiriel, and you may feel free to work her into the plans somehow. Siriel however is only concerned about her reputation, and none to happy with the fact that an association with Finduilas might put her in a bad light. Don't expect help from her, unless she is highly motivated by her sister.

Everyone Great posting, the game is really starting to move now... yippee! I especially like the counter attack of the Dol Amroth ladies.

Sophia

[Arien]

Nuru,

They could meet in a public garden of some sort? I don’t know. But I think that will be best suited to them. Well anyway thanks.

Arien

[alaklondewen]

I have an apology to make. I have not posted for Pelien in many days, and I'm sorry. Life and work have taken some unexpected time away from writing, but the good news is...I'm back. smilies/smile.gif It's funny, when I started writing for Pelien again, I realized I'd missed her like a friend I hadn't seen in a couple of weeks.

Nova - you will want to check your pms.

Also, I don't think Pelien is a 'snooper', so if the ladies from Dol Amroth wanted to visit her (especially any older ones), it might prove to be a comical scene. smilies/wink.gif

[Novnarwen]

Everyone: sador is back!!! YAY!!!
I have put a save up, to be filled after Alak's other PM...

*nova* smilies/wink.gif

[Ealasaid]

Earwen -- Finish your post with Elen! smilies/smile.gif As soon as you do, I can post again with Averyll.

Earwen & Everdawn - who shall we visit first between our two volunteers? Tiriel or Pelien? Let me know if you have a preference, otherwise, I will choose one of them in my next post.

[ August 05, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

[Manardariel]

I AM SO COMLETLY, TERRIBLY, UTTERLY; HORRIBLY SORRY!!!!!!!!...and yes, I´m back.

Ok, everyone, I´ve been really sick- strept throat, ear infection, fever.....done it all. I´m sooooooo soorry I couldn´t leave a message, but I basically haven´t left my bed for three weeks. You have all done such a great, great, great job....this game is going completly AWESOME and I feel like a real pig now smilies/frown.gif http://breeunderbreehill.com/crybaby2.gif http://breeunderbreehill.com/behead2.gif

I think I´ll need some time to get an idea what´s been going on here buuuut- I´m back, my mailbox is empty and I am now your full property.

Again I am completly sorry for all this mess!HUGE thanks to Sophia and Nuru for rocking the show without me, and also to maika for all you did.

I hope you don´t hate me (you may all call me Ugly Pig now)
-Manardariel

[Child of the 7th Age]

Manardariel,

Glad you are feeling better.

Manardariel, Sophia, Nuru,

Please check your private messages.

Cami

[*Varda*]

You're back! smilies/smile.gif And don't feel bad, it's hardly your fault if you're sick!

Apologies on my part - I've been away for the past week, and since my computer inconveniently crashed 3 days before that, I couldn't get online to say I would be away.

Everything looks good, though!

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Welcome back, Manardariel. I am glad to hear that you are feeling better! smilies/biggrin.gif As a welcome back present, I think you should go look in your pm box smilies/wink.gif.

Nuru, Child, Pio if you would do the same, that would be grand. smilies/biggrin.gif

Thanks all.

Sophia

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sophia, Manardariel, Nurumaiel, Pio --

Please check your private messages again....

smilies/tongue.gif

Cami

[ August 05, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[elven maiden Earwen]

Ealasaid: I finally finished my post. Not to impressive. I do not care on who we visit first. KK smilies/biggrin.gif

Manardariel: So glad you are back. We missed you. Glad you are felling better. smilies/biggrin.gif

Varda: Happy youre back too. smilies/biggrin.gif

[ August 06, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[Ealasaid]

Thanks, Earwen! I will read your post, then get to work on one for Averyll. smilies/wink.gif

Glad you are feeling better Manardariel. Welcome back! smilies/smile.gif

[ August 06, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

[piosenniel]

All Players - Please Note:

This game was contracted for 10 weeks, and it is now halfway through its allotted time. We, the Shire Moderators, would like the game to finish successfully, and not be left hanging at the end of the 10 week period.

In order for this to happen, I have asked Cami (Child of the 7th Age) to step in and more directly moderate the remaining course of this game. Her main function as moderator will be to see that the game process is streamlined a bit so that things move more quickly.

Manardariel has come back and she will be the one to handle most of the questions and suggestions on the Discussion Thread. She will also focus on her character, Tessa, rather than on Finduilas. Manardariel will write Finduilas now as a carry-along character.

And has been suggested by Sophia, Finduilas will be played as if she has been so wrapped up with her relationship to Denethor that most of this (i.e. the problem and the intrigue) is going straight over her head.

Cami will also play the characters of Denethor and Ecthelion as occasional cameos if needed to move the action forward, especially narratives leading directly into the parties and balls. This will omit all the lengthy preparations. Denethor will announce the masquerade in honor of his bride-to-be. This will be the speediest course to take.

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

Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation. We are both looking forward to following the remainder of this well written game.

~*~ Pio & Cami, Shire Moderators

[ August 06, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[piosenniel]

Revised Outline for the Game Storyline - per the Owners and Cami, moderator

_________________________________________________

Act I- The stage is set – THIS SECTION IS DONE

Welcoming Party
Finduilas and her ladies discuss the events of last night.
Ladies of Umbar start doubting Finduilas & crew.
Dryea spreads rumors of Finduilas false identity, through the ears and mouths of the servants.


_________________________________________________


Act II- The first Strife – THIS SECTION IS DONE

Luncheon: Minas Tirith and ladies of Umbar; former conclude something is fishy about Finduilas.
Dol Amroth ladies find out about the rumors and decide to investigate.
Budding friendship between Althea and Adrama.


_________________________________________________


~*~ THE GAME IS HERE ~*~
Act III- An unpleasant surprise – TO FINISH BY AUGUST 25

Meeting with Alethea and Adrama
Dol Amroth women continue their investigations and rumor campaign
Denethor announces a masquerade ball in honor of his bride-to-be whom he loves very much. Ladies of Umbar urge Minas Tirith women to bring their suspicions to Denethor at the ball.
Dol Amroth women continue to investigate.
Minas Tirith women confront Denethor with their suspicions in a side garden off the ballroom. With Finduilas at this side, he responds. They suspect they have made a mistake.
Dryea openly humiliates her sister.


_____________________________________________

Act IV- The eye-opener – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 8

Dreya blunders.
Friendship of Alethea and Adrama deepens
Vern gives the message on to all the Minas Tirith women.
Alethea pays a visit to Finduilas and the women of Dol Amroth, telling them everything she knows


_________________________________________________


Act V- A fatal party – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 18
Ecthelion announces the formal betrothal party for Finduilas and his son.
Betrothal Party: The Minas Tirith/Dol Amroth women decide to strike:
Finduilas makes an impassioned speech (her one and only!)
Dryea blunders yet again, supporting the accusation.
Palace guards try to arrest Dryea and her servants, but fail.
Dryea, plus servants, flees to Umbar.
Althea stays in Gondor.


[ August 06, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ August 12, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Nurumaiel]

Arien,

Looks like we'd better get to work with our little meeting. I'll put up a SAVE to fill in either today or tomorrow, and if you can get around to it you can put up a save as well. If not, we can just do it all on my post.

Thanks, Pio, for giving us that little space in Act III to do this! smilies/biggrin.gif

[piosenniel]

Nuru

Just put up a couple of SAVES - I can then slot Arien's post in there if needed, or she can do her own save and you can remove the second one of yours later.

[Child of the 7th Age]

The writing in this game is very strong and I'm looking forward to being involved.

If any other posters are currently in the middle of a subplot (or have one already planned) that isn't reflected on this outline, please post a note on the thread or send a pm to me so we can consider these subplots for inclusion on this planning tool.

I understand that a few folk are on vacation through the remainder of this week. Please get in touch by Monday, August 11, at the latest with any suggestions of this type.

We tried to make the wording of the outline general enough so that it would accomodate what's already going on in the game thread. But, if we've missed something that you feel needs to be included, please let us know.

As many of you are aware, Shire games tend to be direct and straightforward with a specific ending date in mind. We found from hard experience that, when games went on for months, we lost many players and ran the risk of not finishing the story at all. This was a frequent problem in the old freestyle room. This policy stands in contrast to Gondor and Rohan since these forums involve a smaller number of players and fewer stories; these tend to have longer running plotlines.

But as long as we all keep the target dates for each section of the outline in mind and communicate to let everyone know what's going on, we can usually find a way to accomodate what people need to do.

Hopefully, by the end of this weekend, we'll have many vacationers back again and the posters up to full force.

Cami

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Cami-

Lyra and I have a subplot going with the handsome and egotistical soldier, Thenidir. However, this isn't very important... just a rather comic bit on the side that can easily be written out. I will talk to her when she returns and see if she thinks it is worth continuing. I think it could be workable to continue it, but it isn't necessary to the story by any means.

Sophia

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sophia,

Thanks for mentioning this.

Let me know what you decide, although a comic sequence like that doesn't necessarily have to go into the main outline unless it impinges on the central plot.

The only thing to be careful about for this or any other peripheral subplot is to make sure that the overall thrust of your writing is to push the main plot forward, and this remains just a fun sideline.

Cami

[Arien]

Just to let you all know, I have returned and thankfully I have not missed much.

Nurumaiel Thank you for putting a SAVE in for me, I will have my post done as soon as I see yours and I will post it on this thread.

Pio Also thanks for letting Alethea and Adrama have their part in Act III

[Child of the 7th Age]

Arien, Nurumaiel,

In line with our recent memoes, I've added a brief note regarding the friendship of Alethea and Adrama in Act IV, before Alethea decides to spill the beans.

Cami

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Cami- it should just be fun and not distracting. Thanks! Lyra and I have been planning this for ages. smilies/tongue.gif

Everdawn- The word "I" needs to be capitalised. Please go back and edit your last post accordingly. Other than that... hillarious!

Sophia

[ August 08, 2003: Message edited by: Sophia the Thunder Mistress ]

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I will be away from this coming Sunday to Wednesday; should anyone want to include Diorwyn in their posts, they are welcome to do so.

[Nurumaiel]

Arien

My post of August 06, 2003 is filled in. Just PM me your post and I'll put it in the save space. Since the friendship of Adrama and Alethea has become a more major part in the story I think we would be allowed to do a couple posts each of their conversation together. If Sophia or Manardariel has anything to say against that, please let me know. smilies/smile.gif

In this conversation I think it would be best if we focused mainly on the subjects that will have an effect on the game. Finduilas, obviously; perhaps they could discuss Dryea for a little while, as Adrama is fascinated by her? Obviously nothing that would even hint as to Dryea's... er... position in the story. Adrama could passionately talk a little about Denethor, and maybe a few words about the annoying Addruran.

Just some ideas for you to ponder on, since I have cruelly left it to you to start their conversation. smilies/biggrin.gif

[maikafanawen]

I've returned as well and am heading over to the RPG thread but I'm not sure how long I'll spend before I need to surrender the computer to my brother.

I have read the discussion thread however and would like to say that in lieu of Dryea openly humiliating her sister in Act III, I would be much obliged if it was altered to Dryea and Alethea quarreling and Ruiel (If Elora consents) even rebuking her youngest daughter. The Morthaniawens would not do anything dangerous in the public's eyes.

Please, Does anyone know when Elora gets back??

On to the RPG thread...

-Maikafanawen

[Child of the 7th Age]

I've done a first post by Eckthelion where he mentions the possibility of sponsoring a masquerade for Denethor and his bride-to-be. He also outlines Gondor's current policy regarding Umbar.

I am planning to have Eckthelion make the announcement of the masquerade on Wednesday, August 13, with the actual masquerade not starting till Friday, August 15. That would give us till August 20 to play out the events of the masquerade itself.

I hope this will give everyone enough time to develop your current subplots and the things on the outline that occur before the party itself. If anyone sees a problem with the chronology, please let me know on this thread or by personal message.

Cami

[ August 09, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Maika,

We managed to cross post so I just saw your note.

Because of a strange computer glitch, all the discussion thread from July 19-27 vanished. We lost the last two pages of the original discussion thread (pages 7-8) which is where Elora originally listed her vacation dates.

If memory serves me right, she should return this Sunday or Monday.

Regarding your request for changing the wording in the outline, that sounds fine to me. We just took the language off the original outline so nothing there was actually changed.

I have read the discussion thread however and would like to say that in lieu of Dryea openly humiliating her sister in Act III, I would be much obliged if it was altered to Dryea and Alethea quarreling and Ruiel (If Elora consents) even rebuking her youngest daughter. The Morthaniawens would not do anything dangerous in the public's eyes.

But let's wait to see if any of the founders, or Alethea (Arien), have a problem with the change. You might want to write Arien to plot it out together so that the scene fits with both your characters.

Assuming no one expresses any concerns, I'll go ahead and change the wording on that outline next week before the masquerade itself occurs.

Will this work?

Cami

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I don't think it would be totally out of character for Dryea and Alethea to have a public fight. I realize that Dryea's true position should be kept unrecognized, but I don't think she needs to look infallible. After all, she is human.

I don't have much preference either way, but I don't think that the wording as it is is a threat to Dryea's position at court.

However, the final say is Cami and Manardariel's.

Sophia

[maikafanawen]

Cami: I'm rushing around like mad right now but I'll PM Arien tomorrow if I can.

I skimmed over the thread except for Cami’s last post (I really must hurry)—fine work all of it and welcome back Manardariel (I’ll get right to answering your PM by the way). I do have one slight concern, however. It’s minor really and I noticed Ealasaid touched on it as well but it would be terribly unwise for Dol Amroth women to spread an anecdote about the Morthaniawens. That’s two falsehoods against Dol Amroth families and both would be absconded from the Citadel therefore accomplishing nothing for either contingent. I did notice that you also gave up the idea but just to write it down in stone here... smilies/wink.gif

Anyone—but mostly Lyra and Varda: I also have an idea somewhere around here. Since—please think unbiasedly on this—Emilia and Elena are both sort of committed friends of Dryea’s, would it not be appropriate that they take her side without hesitation? I read Varda’s reflection on the rumors and it seemed dubious towards the truthfulness of the rumors discrediting the Lady Finduilas, who, Dryea inferred, if proven guilty of the accusations would damper the Morthaniawen’s reputations (perhaps) since they also hail from Dol Amroth. It would seem one would jump to defend one’s friend. I touch more on this below...

I’m getting a bit nervous now at the balance between good vs. evil. How long do the Morthaniawens keep their allies oblivious to the truth? How far does the Dol Amroth contingent get to uncovering the truth? Will there be any Minas Tirith women willing to stand up for the Morthaniawens during this whole business or are we all going to place our characters in the position of innocence and cast aside Ruiel’s extremely clever rumor mongering? I beg some of you to please accept the role of the giddy noblewoman your character is and take the logical side of the long-residing Morthaniawens over the newly arrived Finduilas and company. Lyra and Varda I’d really like your help in keeping Dryea completely free of blame. Logically there’s nothing against her but things can change quite suddenly. smilies/biggrin.gif

I start school Monday and will not be able to keep on the very top of things. My contributions will dwindle to an average portion but I shall still put forth the best effort I can. If you’ll excuse me *yawn* I think it’s sleep for me to time and get my rest beauty. ZzZzZzzZzzzZzzzz...

-Maikafanawen

[Snowdog]

Sorry for my long absence from the story. I'll try and remedy that here in short order.
I did get word from Elora today and she will be catching up on the story as soon as she gets some rest.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Maika-

I am supposed to be stepping back and letting Manardariel take over most of the little things that running this game requires, but I would like to point out a few things about your last post.

Emilia and Elena are both sort of committed friends of Dryea’s, would it not be appropriate that they take her side without hesitation? I read Varda’s reflection on the rumors and it seemed dubious towards the truthfulness of the rumors discrediting the Lady Finduilas, who, Dryea inferred, if proven guilty of the accusations would damper the Morthaniawen’s reputations (perhaps) since they also hail from Dol Amroth. It would seem one would jump to defend one’s friend.

I think you are worrying about nothing here. Varda's character is supposed to be a bookish type, sent to Minas Tirith for schooling. It is only in character that she should think a little before accepting such a rumor. It might be out of character for Emilia to debate it, but it isn't for Elena. Also, she eventually believed it, so what are you worried about? Besides, nobody has even breathed a word about the Morthaniawens.

Lyra and Varda I’d really like your help in keeping Dryea completely free of blame.

Dryea is currently completely free of blame. Don't make her so unreproachable that she is completely free of humanity as well. Nobody is sullying her reputation.

Will there be any Minas Tirith women willing to stand up for the Morthaniawens during this whole business or are we all going to place our characters in the position of innocence and cast aside Ruiel’s extremely clever rumor mongering? I beg some of you to please accept the role of the giddy noblewoman your character is and take the logical side of the long-residing Morthaniawens over the newly arrived Finduilas and company.

Out of the entire Minas Tirith Contingent there are only three that disbelieve you (Siriel, Tiriel, Pelien) and only one who isn't willing to use the rumor against Finduilas anyway (Tiriel). Expecting the Stewards daughters not to know the lineage of the Princes of Dol Amroth is ridiculous, as I stated before. The rest of the court is entirely convinced by your rumors (and has no idea they came from you). Remember that there are more people at court than the ones that are directly being played.

Also, please remember that however competent a spy she may be, Dryea is human. Other people's characters do not simply automatically admire her. It is unrealistic to think that everyone automatically would. Nobody suspects her. That is all we need right now.

Sophia

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Emilia will be delighted to jump to Dryea's defence until it seems that she is not on the winning side. Surely you wouldn't expect Emilia to sacrifice her ambition for friendship?

Also thanks for letting me and Sophia continue with Thenidir. We can have fun at the ball, right Sophia? smilies/wink.gif

Just a question- what can I post about at the moment?

Finally, Emilia wishes to state categorically that she doesn't pick her teeth with her fan and adds: smilies/tongue.gif

[Manardariel]

Dryea is currently completely free of blame. Don't make her so unreproachable that she is completely free of humanity as well. Nobody is sullying her reputation.
I most heartily agree, Sophia. Also, maika, I think it would actually fit Dreya to openly humiliate her sister- if it was good for her cause. Think about it!

PS-
Maika, I never got the answer to that PM. Was there a problem?

[ August 10, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

[*Varda*]

Maika - I assure you, Elena is not blaming Dryea, nor does she know that Dryea started these rumours. She certainly does not disbelieve Dryea - but Elena is a thinker. She is not a 'giddy noblewoman' and she is here in Minas Tirith to learn. Elena is the kind of character who would think things over before she believed them. Thinking it over, she DOES believe it, so there is no threat to Dryea's character at all.

I simply didn't feel that Elena would have believed it all so quickly, which is why I put in a post with her thinking it all over.

And while I agree that people would admire Dryea - it's part of what makes her such a powerful character, after all - they don't worship her. They all have individual characters, and Dryea can't expect to have so much power over all of them - it's in human nature to have doubts sometimes. Dryea is human, and not some kind of a goddess.

Varda

[ August 10, 2003: Message edited by: *Varda* ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Maika,

Speaking as someone who read the entire game last week for the first time in three concentrated sittings, I don't think you have to worry about Dryea's cover. My overall impression was that Dryea and Reuil were enormously successful in making people believe the rumors they had encouraged.

The extent of their success and the fact that so few challenged the ideas was actually surprising. If Finduilas had been aware of what was going on, I tend to think she would have turned to Denethor or Eckthelion for help in butressing her position at court. The Steward's family would have carefully scrutinized the family's roots and standing before negotiating a marriage and would know the rumors did not actually hold water. My assumption is that Finduilas was so wrapped up in her relationship with Denethor that she was not fully aware of what was transpiring around her and therefore took no stand.

So I wouldn't worry about the minor hesitations of others, and don't think changes are required. I think your character is positioned exactly where she should be for Act III.

Secondly, what is most important now is having you and Arien get together and craft a believable falling out between the two sisters. Whatever you call it--a humiliation, an argument or whatever, it would logically be placed in Act III, since this is normally when the first chink in the armor appears for a character who will eventually meet her/his downfall in a five-act play. This falling out, however it's defined, should give Alethea some reason to feel she needs to look outside her own family to find friendship and support.

If you want to have this falling out happen in some secluded niche off the main ballroom so that fewer people outside the main family witness it, that would probably be alright(although you'll undoubtedly want at least one outside witness even if that is a chance passerby who hears more than she's intended to hear). The most important thing at this point is the change in relations between the two sisters, the one factor that Dryea and Reuil fail to weigh into the equation. The actual exposure of Dryea as a spy and fraud before the entire court can wait till later, after Alethea makes her moves.

It is Alethea who is the fulcrum in this situation; her actions lead to Dryea's downfall.

Cami

[ August 10, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[maikafanawen]

Well, I sure am glad that's all cleared up. I never suggested that Dryea should be thought of as anything more than human and worshipped so please don't pin her name up under the category of Goddess. I'm not quite sure where we got off on that foot but oh well.

Thanks everyone for pointing out those things I've missed. It has helped a lot.

Manan: I'll send it again right now.

I'll also PM Arien about our characters' public row.

-Maikafanawen

[maikafanawen]

My last post was on a whim to help get going in the direction of Alethea's alienation from the family as well as the problem with Rhir.

First Alethea and Dryea will fall out. Then Dryea will gain her mother's pride again--how this will come about is being devised--and she'll use her mother's confidence to sort of boot Alethea out.

Corsair Contingent: Any thoughts? How do you maids want to get into this?

-Maikafanawen

[Manardariel]

Maika: Can you send that PM (the answer) back to me, please? Thanks!
Just a question- what can I post about at the moment?Hmmm...maybe some personal thoughts of Emilia´s, or a bit of the soldier affair...let your imagination soar!

PS- don´t you love my sig???? Isn´t it cool?? smilies/biggrin.gif

[Nurumaiel]

Maika

Would be much obliged if you would check your PMs. Just a concern on my part that begs for clearing up.

Thanks!

[piosenniel]

Because of the technical difficulties recently experienced by the forum, I am giving each game another week for its expected End Date.

The date now set for your game to close is:

9/18

Thanks! Pio

[Child of the 7th Age]

Please note the revised dates on the interim outline as well:

Act III - 8/25

Act IV - 9/8

Act 5 - 9/18

The paragraph below has also been updated as follows:

I am planning to have Eckthelion make the announcement of the masquerade on Friday, August 15, with the actual masquerade not starting till Tuesday, August 19. That would give us till August 28 to play out the events of the masquerade itself and the dispute between the sisters.

Cami

[alaklondewen]

Nuru - What do you think of Adrama being present for the tea party with the ladies from Dol Amroth? She could help Pelien take the four of them on. smilies/wink.gif

Anyway, let me know what you think so Pelien can react accordingly.

[Nurumaiel]

Fine with me, Alak. I think it would be good for Adrama to be able to hear what everyone has to say, since she'll have a rather important decision to make about her feelings for Finduilas in the end.

Thanks so much for the offer.

[Manardariel]

As we somewhat have a time issue here.......

I´d like to have the next day started by tomorrow. Nuru or Alaklondewen could you maybe make a post about your character´s plans for the teaparty... it´d be great if you could do that! And Earwen you have S-A-V-E to fill in here!
Thanks a lot,

Manan smilies/smile.gif

[alaklondewen]

Manardariel - we are now on the next day. smilies/smile.gif

Nuru - Pelien just completely over-reacted and was pretty harsh with Adrama. If there are any problems you see with the post, just let me know and we can work something out.

[Manardariel]

Alak- great post! Thanks a bunch.

Dol Amroth Ladies- you can go ahead and start posting a prelude. Make sure you guys contact Alak and Nuru before starting the actual party, which I would like to have finished by tomorrow night. Does that seem realistic?

[Nurumaiel]

I've put up a save for Adrama's reaction to her mother's scolding, which should be really fun to write. smilies/smile.gif

Arien, I still need an Alethea post for the meeting. Since my PMs are currently down, why don't you just put your post here on the discussion thread and I can put it in the save I made for you. Thanks!

[elven maiden Earwen]

I filled in my save. Tell me if I should change anything. smilies/wink.gif

[Arien]

Nurumaiel ...sorry for the post being so late, I was unable to get on to the Internet for the whole week......but here it is:

It was two hours before tea was to be laid down and although Alethea knew this probably wasn’t near enough time for her to get acquainted with Adrama even more, it would have to do. She had had Meirelle place out a simple rose dress for her and bade her farewell even though the girl had insisted on stay and helping her with Alethea‘s hair.. Although Alethea had a sneaky feeling that she wanted to know where she was off to. Alethea left the estate, curtsying to a guard placed outside of the gate. This wasn’t necessary, but precautions must always be taken. It took her little over ten minutes to walk to the public garden where they were to meet. The orange glow of the sun dazzled her eyes as she walked and in truth she felt as though she was temporarily blinded. She smiled politely to those who she knew when they past by and the odd “Hello” and “How are you?” came from the passers by.

Alethea smiled and finally found herself at the park. She walked down a path and up ahead she saw a figure sat up a bench, as she drew closer she could see that it was Adrama and she gave a little wave. Alethea retuned the gesture. When she reached Adrama she was offered a welcome handshake and she took it and curtsied in return.

“Please, dear Alethea, won't you be seated?" asked Adrama in a noble voice, Alethea smiled faintly and sat down on the bench to Adrama. “How are you?” she continued to ask.

“Well, not much has changed since the luncheon….I am still in some what of a sombre mood but my mood has indeed been uplifted by our meeting, and of course my liking for the dear Finduilas has not gotten any better….”

Adrama raised her eyebrow, “Of course it has not…..and if I am too bold tell me, but why do you hate Finduilas.”

Alethea sighed, she couldn’t exactly tell Adrama the truth, that would mean revealing her true identity and uncovering her mother and sisters plot to her. And Alethea was not that stupid, however there were a few other reasons that Alethea disliked Finduilas. And whether these reasons were helped by the wildly spun rumours or they were created for her own perception she had forgotten. But she was to tell Adrama anyway. “I think she is false…” she said it boldly and flatly, Adrama’s eyes widened with a sort of intrigue, “this whole act she is putting on! Who does it fool? Her sweet smile, the air of innocence about her, even her beauty. She has fooled many of them, ‘she is the perfect bride!’, they all say over their over filled wine glasses and their overfilled heads. I don’t know who she thinks she is fooling, but it is not I.”

Alethea finished and gave a sort of cheeky smile to Adrama. Wow, she convinced herself she was describing Finduilas, or was she? She shook the thought from her head and continued, “And your reason?”

It was now time for Adrama to sigh, “Do not tell me you don’t know!” she cried.

“You wanted Denethor?” Alethea queried, knowing all to well that this was the reason. Adrama nodded her head. Alethea gave a comforting smile. “Maybe we should move on to a different subject……?” And so they did. They spoke for the full two hours that Alethea was available for. Conversation passed from their hatred of Finduilas to Dryea, and then to their mothers and various other women of the court. Alethea found that they did have much in common and although she was sure her mother or sister would condemn their friendship, because of Adrama’s insignificance, that didn’t seem to bother her.

“Well, this has been an interesting meeting…” Alethea smiled at Adrama, “I would love to meet again sometime, but know I must go home and have tea with my mother and sister….see you again soon!” And with a small wave she was off and heading back to the estate.

Thanks,

Arien

[Nurumaiel]

Thanks, Arien! It's up there now, and a very short post by me after it.

I'll get to work on my save space today.

[Novnarwen]

Hi!

I have posted now.. I'll do some editing tomorrow, spelling and etc.

Alak- And changes?

Thanks!

*nova* smilies/biggrin.gif

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

Hello all! I'm back from Alberta, and I will probably post tonight sometime.

[Child of the 7th Age]

This week has been a bit hectic but I finally got the post up where Eckthelion reports to Denethor that the invitations have gone out for the masquerade which will occur after two more days (game time).

On Wednesday, late at night (real time), I'll put up a post where Finduilas and Denethor make their joint entry into the hall with all the assembled guests.

Then we'll have the next 8 days to work out the twists and permutations of the masquerade itself.

Does anyone have a problem with this chronology, or do you think you can manage? That means you'll want to use the next 4 days to work your subplots to the point that we can go forward with the masquerade. (Of course, you can continue your plotting there!)

If there are problems with this time frame, please let me know. I will be away most of Sunday and Monday, but back on late Monday night to at least check the thread.

Cami

[ August 17, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Elora]

Goodness! I've found my way back, after being lost in a proverbial wilderness that has delayed me past my promised return dates.

Snowdog - Hope you don't mind that I comandeered Ranne a little. I figured she'd be an excellent candidate for the "fly on the wall" perspective in House Morthaniawen. Let me know if I've trodden on your toes and I'll remedy it. smilies/smile.gif


On my post, I've waded back in with a few allusions and attempted to weave Ruiel back in with developments. Perhaps some explanations are in order.

I focussed deliberately on cracks widening in the relationship between Dryea and Alethea. I sense a competitive relationship there, with Dryea used to being top dog (so the speak). I made a point of Alethea being the recipient of praise and Dryea only criticism. Ruiel just can't accept Rat.... erm, I mean Rhir and I've continued her unreasonable stance on that front.

What would seriously damage Morthaniawen is if they turned on each other. Alethea on Dryea, Ruiel on both daughters in the end. Just a nugget of an idea in forward planning, that one.

I also figured that Ruiel would be well aware of correspondence concerning Umbar going to the Steward. Being one of Umbar's most experienced and highest placed spies, it would be natural for her to be ordered to act on rumours of war coming from Gondor.

Ruiel will decide to continue with what has already been set down, but perhaps more aggressively. She'll encourage Alethea to develop a relationship with Adrama, seeing that as another part of Minas Tirith she has a claw in and never suspecting Alethea will turn against them. She will meanwhile push Dryea hard to befriend Findulias.

If blame for the rumours comes to Morthaniawen, Ruiel will happily name Adrama as the source of the lies and in the process sully a well regarded family and sow distrust amongst Gondorian nobles. Questions of treason could float about in that case. Perhaps it is the bond Alethea forms with Adrama that causes her to turn against Dryea and Ruiel.

All thoughts bouncing around my skull.

Another question I have to deal with concerns Ruiel's fate in Act V. Is she jailed, does she flee, does she abandon her daughters to their fates with cool disregard, condemning them to the fruits of their illjudged actions (in her manner of thinking)?

Anyways, right now Ruiel will work hard to play both sides of the divide off against each other. That is my focus for the present.

[Manardariel]

Elora- beautiful post and I like where you´re going. I supposed Ruiel may leave Mins Tirith, not exactly fleeing, but she has to leave. Maybe she goes before the whole thing is really revialed. Maybe to Dol Amroth?? (I sense a sequel... smilies/wink.gif)
Get in touch with Maika and see what you two work out.

Horse- Maiden OTS- Welcome back!

[ August 17, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Elora,

I think Arien had something similar in mind, at least the last time I spoke with her about the relationship of the sisters. So you might want to hammer out details with her and Maika.

My only real request is to try and keep any complications within the general time frame set down in the outline. As it now stands, the masquerade is set to begin late Wednesday night. If there's any problems with that, please let me know.

Cami

[alaklondewen]

I have filled in my SAVE up to Pelien's short lunch with Adrama. I will edit in the start of the tea party by this evening.

I don't think this event should be long. What do you all think? A post a piece, and then I can finish it up, if you'd like.

I PMed Ealasaid about what to expect from Pelien, but if anyone has anything unexpected up their sleeve, please let me in on it, so I can plan ahead. smilies/wink.gif Is it possible to have this finished by tomorrow? Can we put in a couple of SAVES for people who can't post immediately? I'm concerned about it being over with in time for two game days to pass before Wed. and the Masquerade.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Alaklondewen,

Thanks for pointing out this possible problem. We can hold my post till Thursday night if necessary. Could folk in this subplot keep me apprised if you'll need the additional day?

Hopefully, we won't run later than that.

Cami

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

I've just posted, and Meirelle is in the kitchen helping prepare dinner. Looks great, everyone!

[Nurumaiel]

I've just filled in my save from August 15th and put up a brand new post with Adrama having lunch with her mother.

Alak, let me know if there's anything that should be changed.

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[Ealasaid]

Sorry to have been so slow with my posts... real life interfering with my writing time again. I will try to have Averyll caught up with the action by sometime tomorrow. I realize we are under a bit of a time crunch.

Alak -- yes, go ahead & start the tea party whenever you are ready.

[ August 17, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

[Ealasaid]

Finally filled my pre-tea party save. I will try to have a Tea Party post for Averyll up by later this afternoon.

At the end of my save I mentioned an escort. This does not have to figure into the party in any way. I just figured that it would make sense that the ladies be accompanied by a guard or two when out and about. The Guard(s) would wait outside or in the servants quarters (out of sight) during the leangth of the visit.

[Snowdog]

Snowdog - Hope you don't mind that I comandeered Ranne a little. I figured she'd be an excellent candidate for the "fly on the wall" perspective in House Morthaniawen. Let me know if I've trodden on your toes and I'll remedy it. Elora, it is fine as I have woefully neglected Ränne these past weeks, so I could use all the help here. Unfortunatly the job situation has severely limited my internet time, which has in turn limited my reading/writing RP time, which has really put me behind here. Home internet connection is spotty at best until the local ISP gets done upgrading their overloaded servers. The joys of living in a backwater town smilies/rolleyes.gif .Good writing here by the way.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Another reminder:

I can see that Nuru and Manardariel have tea party saves up.

Since I haven't heard anything to the contrary, I will do the introduction to the masquerade ball late tonight.

However, if anyone has last minute problems with this, please do a save for your post, or get in touch with me by pm or by a note on the thread before midnight tonight (real time).

Thanks.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

I just put up this notice on the game thread after Sophia's save in which she mentions preparing for the masquerade.

Generic Save:

For anyone who wants to do a pre-party preparation scene, but doesn't get around to it before Eckthelion starts the party late tonight. (Put your post on the discussion thread, and I will paste it in this box.)

If no one needs this, I'll erase it later.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sophia,

I hope you don't mind. In accordance with your profiles, I've had Eckthelion show affection towards Tiriel as the Steward's family makes its entrance.

Plus, Siriel has somehow escaped or been waylaid!

If any of this poses a problem for your earlier post, please advise and I'll edit,

Cami

[Everdawn]

ok im lost Dol Amroth ladies... Is our tea party over? or are we going straight to the party? Ahh! I would like to get Vieana's view on the tea party, is that possible?

[Manardariel]

I was guessing Ela would do a concluding post for the teaparty...maybe PM her, Everdawn and you guys can "share" her save. Sorry it go so confusing!

Everybody, Ok, masquerade is on! Post&enjoy, you guys. smilies/biggrin.gif

[Ealasaid]

Everdawn - Yes, you can share my save if you like. Just PM your post to me & I will put it in alongwith anything I have to add from Averyll's POV.

[alaklondewen]

I'm pleased with the way the tea party has gone. Those of you who have used Pelien have been right on...thanks!

I want to clarify something though...the masquerade is actually two days after the tea party, am I correct? Ecthelion sent the invitations out on the day of the party, so the ball would be in two days? (game time, not real time...I realize the ball has just started. smilies/wink.gif)

[ August 21, 2003: Message edited by: alaklondewen ]

[*Varda*]

*sniffs* And Elena's terrible secret is the gossip of Minas Tirith smilies/wink.gif

Not getting there in time to write a post of Elena getting ready for the masquerade ball, could I possibly add it into someone else's save spot? smilies/smile.gif

Varda

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

I am...so confused. My first RPG. I don't really know what I could do with my character in the form of conspiring, other than preparing dinner and cleaning up. Could someone help me?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Horse-Maiden and all other posters:

As I mentioned earlier, I have a generic spot saved right before the masquerade. This will hold an unlimited number of posts. If that doesn't work for you, I can insert posts at any spot you want on the thread.

Just put the post on the discussion thread, tell me the date and time where you want it inserted on the game thread, and indicate if you want it placed before or after the existing post. I will paste it up with a heading showing your name.

Hope this helps.

Cami

[ August 21, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Manardariel]

OK, Tessa´s put two and two together...Everdawn, Ealasaid, Earwen- your turn! I won´t be here tomorrow and Saturday (my birthday!) so you just carry on.

smilies/smile.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Alaklondewen,

Yes,the masquerade should be two days later. Some of that mysterious time compression at work...

So please don't say you walked straight from the tea party to the masquerade. Just indicate some passage of time if needed...

Cami

[*Varda*]

Party Preparation Post

The sun shining, despite the dark clouds to the east, Elena sat out on the terrace sipping her tea. She had a lovely view of Minas Tirith from this house – some levels below her, and above her the white towers rising up high above her.

Her tea getting cold, she rang for the maid to bring her a fresh pot. The maid duly came – bringing with her a white envelope, addressed to the Lady Elena. Intrigued, Elena’s eyes scanned the writing, before turning it over and opening it. Reading the contents, her eyes lit up with excitement.

A masquerade ball! This was new to her, and it should be fun. Leaving her tea behind her, she left the terrace and hurried up to her rooms, anxious to decide what to wear well in advance.

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

Two days later, an hour before the ball was due to start, Elena was fastening herself into her exquisite gown. A beautiful shade of blue, almost turquoise, she had had it embroidered with silver to make it even more elaborate. Make up already done, she left her dark curls loose, save to let the maid fasten back part of it, holding it in place with a pin, encrusted with shimmering blue stones.

Elena’s shoulders and neck felt bare in this dress, which was off the shoulders, and after fastening a necklace round her neck, she put a silver shawl over her shoulders, picked up her mask, and set off for the ball.

[ August 25, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Cami-

Eckthelion and Tiriel's interaction is splendid, just the way I would have written it!

Siriel's disappearance is throwing me for a bit of a loop though, as I have *no* idea where she would have got to. I think it's an interesting twist, and I'll be glad to have her waylaid or distracted, but anyone with suggestions on what could have happened to her, I'll take them smilies/wink.gif. Cami, if you had an idea for what might have happened to her, pm me please?

Sophia

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sophia,

Hmm! Let me give some thought to this. But if anyone has any ideas now, please weigh in.

Cami

[Elora]

Hmmmm.... seems I will have to do a retrospective post for the discussion held by Dryea, Alethea and Ruiel. I was holding off to allow Dryea make a response.

No stranger to time compression (and allegedly possessing a TARDIS that I keep in my broom cupboard), I'll do some compression with my retro post to take us up to the masquerade.

Here follows my post, which likely will need to go in the generic save area for the sake of RP timing flow:

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

"Alethea, where is your mask?"Ruiel's exasperated voice snapped at her younger daughter, who flinched. Dryea chimed in with a biting comment.

"Can't you see mother? She is already wearing it." Alethea inflated as much as she could in her restrictive gown with righteous outrage. Her mouth opened to reply and then snapped shut as Ruiel let a burst of savage temper loose.

"SILENCE!" Both Dryea and Alethea stared at their mother uneasily, who quivered in rage. It was a rare sight to behold. "War looms over us, all we have worked for could rest in ruins. Death could come, and you still insist on bickering.

I did not spend my youth in the fetid backwaters of Dol Amroth to come to this end. Of that, ladies, may you be certain."

Ruiel gathered herself as she spoke in that dire tone. There was threat in the room that both had never seen directed at them. Their mother favoured them both with a harsh stare that seemed to bore through to their spines and then snapped a ridiculously feathered fan out and turned away, furiously fanning her face. Dryea and Alethea studied their mother's back in silence for the moment.

"The carriage has arrived, m'ladies," a male voice discreetly intoned from the door of the reception room the three women stood waiting in. Alethea snapped from her shock at the raw display of distress and managed an uneven nod. The footman bowed and withdrew, beating a hasty retreat.

"Mother, we are not so unschooled to allow our disagreements to hinder us," Dryea said.
"We know how important tonight is," Alethea added, sending a stung glance to her sister.

"I do wonder," Ruiel murmured after a pause. Dryea flashed with offense. How tiring to be treated as a child time and again. Alethea was still pondering the implications of her mother's words. Would she really abandon them if they proved an impediment? Her daughters?

"We should go mother, lest we are late. Rumours could start whilst we are not there to guide them," Dryea urged with some impatience. Ruiel glanced at her brightly feathered fan and grimaced at the fireplace in front of her. The Gondorian concept of amusement was absurd. A masquerade! She turned back to Dryea and Alethea, now calmer and in control of her frayed temper and demeanour.

Now was not the time to crumble, after years of hard work and danger. She had already sent a dispatch back to Umbar announcing her strategy, through Dryea. Her eldest daughter was keen to make a start on it, thinking it her own project. She made no secret of the pride she took in being entrusted with something as important as inciting civil war in an enemy country. It stuck in Alethea's craw for a reason Ruiel could make little sense of. After all, Alethea had showed little inclination in the business of espionage.

Alethea bore watching, lest her unenthusiastic opinion of events herald an unhealthy attraction to Gondor. Once this was over, Ruiel would remove Alethea from Gondor. "Mother," Dryea inquired as she stepped towards the door.

Ruiel closed her fan and let it dangle from her wrist. They'd had but two days to plan this and much hinged on the night. She walked forward, taking Alethea by the arm lest her daughter dawdle. The three made their way from the manor and into the carriage in order to arrive at the Masquerade.

Only two days, yet they'd managed to acquire luxuriantly decorated gowns and masques as well as plot and plan. Ruiel inwardly smiled at the irony that they would attend in the costume of the exotic wetland birds of southern Gondor. Brightly dyed, rich plumage floated with the woman as they walked. Each had chosen a bird to become. Ruiel had chosen the peacock, and shimmered in irridescent green-blue.

Dryea was even more spectacular in her choice for plumage. She was radiant in a delicate rose hue of the elegant flamingo, the subtle understatement thrusting her perfect beauty forward to shine. Alethea had chosen the sea eagle for herself. She was sleek in white feathers, the stark contrast of deep, glowing red accenting her form.

As the carriage trotted its way to the citadel, discussion continued within.

"Remember daughters," Ruiel cooly said, "Incite uncertainty carefully. Cast doubt discreetly. By the end of the evening, both Findulias and the Stewards must be discredited."

Dryea waved her hand at her mother in annoyance. It was not the first time Ruiel had reminded them of this.

"Yes, mother! I know. We both know," she said. Alethea seemed not so sure.

"This is dangerous mother," she said hesitantly.

"These are dangerous times, Alethea. Do not ever claim the rumours as your own, deny any opinion you may have stated if you are questioned. Let the others jump to their own conclusions. The petty nobles of Minas Tirith are adept at such things."

"Mother, that is lying," Alethea said in opposition. Dryea rolled her eyes and smirked out the window, a sense superiority rolling from her as Ruiel wondered over how she could have such different daughters.

"Better lying than dying, Alethea," she said harshly. "And if all else fails, blame your new little friend Adrama. The squawking of Pelion should be distraction enough alone." Dryea laughed richly as Alethea objected.

"But mother, she's my -"

"Enemy. She is Gondorian, she is part of Minas Tirith's most powerful Houses. She is your sworn foe. You are Umbarian, or have you forgotten," Dryea interjected cooly. Ruiel sat back and let the two sisters run, observing keenly as the carriage rocked gently.

"So too, then dear sister, is Rhir," Alethea snapped back. Dryea went pale, eyes widening.

"Excellent observation, Alethea. You would both do well to remember who is who tonight. Of all people, we three should know that not all is as it seems. Foes can be allies, and allies foes."

The carriage came to a halt and the sound of footmen jumping to the paved ground was heard from within the carriage.

"And we shall see tonight who is exactly whom," Ruiel finished. The door to the carriage opened as the three women raised their exquisite masques into place. They alighted gracefully, one by one, and swept into the Masquerade every inch the noblewomen of Minas Tirith and Dol Amroth. Beneath the warm and gentle light of the torches, Dryea's radiance grew.

Murmurs already eddied through those assembled. Ruiel wore a well pleased smile, the thrill of the night bringing her alive. As the women swept into the great hall in their feathered and jewelled finery, Ranne dealt with yet more business that arose from the 2 days of planning that had passed.

A discreet tap at the hidden door in Ruiel's study came exactly on time. She opened it and passed to the grubby, dishlevelled man a heavy stack of phamplets.

"Distribute these when you are given the signal before sunrise and you will be paid double," she informed him.
"Where is this place," he asked as he peered around her shoulders at the strange room behind her.
"Ask foolish questions like that and you'll have no further need of gold," she added in the same brusque tone. The beggar blinked at her in surprise and then nodded his head in imitation of a suitably chastened man.
"How do I know I'll get my money," he said suspiciously, head bowed.
"We will make sure we find you, no matter what happens. It's up to you ensure you will be glad of our finding you when it comes to pass. Now go. The night will not last forever," Ranne snapped.

The beggar ducked his head and turned away to start on his strange task. As he wandered his way back down the levels from the wealthy to the general city sections, he wondered about that strange room and the phamplets. Not for the first time, he wished he could read. Had he been able to, he may have thought twice about distrubuting them in the taverns and settlements.

He'd want a great deal more gold for distrubting lies about the Steward, even if they did bear the herald of the high-born House of Sador. Protected by his innocence, he instead stashed the phamplets and went in search of an ale and some company. No need to spend his time waiting for the signal in bored isolation. Besides, he was going to be rolling in gold soon and could afford the largesse.

Back at the manor, Ranne wished her hands with a moue of distaste. The room still stank of the beggar. It needed to be aired out, but not now. She had to keep an eye on the kitchens of the Citadel so that Ruiel could be kept apprised of what occured behind the scenes. And if, by seeming chance, she encountered Rhir, she could perhaps warn him about the watch on Dryea.

[ August 21, 2003: Message edited by: Elora ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sophia,

Whoops! Yes, I do have an idea that builds off of something Ladt Ruiel said in an earlier post. It will in no way blow Ruiel's cover or that of her daughters. It will only suggest that "something is not right".

And I'm not sure if Eckthelion will believe his Siriel either. I'll drop you a pm late tonight and we can see if it will work.

Cami

[ August 21, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[elven maiden Earwen]

I just posted which is something I haven't done mcuh of, and I'm sorry for that. My post turned out longer and odder than i expected, so tell me if there anyhting I need to change. At the end Elen confuzes herself over the Morthaniawen’s and wither or not they are from Dol Amroth, which shows what happens when you think to much.So Elen is slowly utting two-and-two together but its going to take her some time to add it all up and get her answer smilies/wink.gif. So tell me if it needs any changes, and now I'm going to go becasue i am just rambling.

P.S.: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

[ August 21, 2003: Message edited by: elven maiden Earwen ]

[Nurumaiel]

Post from August 19th filled in. Adrama is rather upset at Tessa and the other ladies, but she's curious about Tessa, who gave her that one kindly look. She can sense that her mother is being mocked, and she's trying to decide whether she despises Tessa for it or not.

Poor Adrama's life is becoming even more and more confusing. That goodness she's cleared at least two things up with herself. She knows that she definitely loves her mother, and that she doesn't hate Addruran entirely. smilies/biggrin.gif

[Elora]

OK, a few notes on my generic save post.

I hope the description of masquerade wear meets with the approval of Dryea and Alethea. It was pre-emptory of my to simply describe it, but I felt it necessary to get the post done and the three women to the ball without further ado.

As for the phamplets and the beggar, I worked that in with the anticipation of the following. Evidence will be needed at some point of Morthaniawen's treachery. The phamplets will never be delivered as the signal will never fall. The fact that they were falsely made by Sador's House will be uncovered as a ploy when the truth of their originator is uncovered.

As for Dryea being the one who sent correspondence back to Umbar, here's what I was thinking on that. Firstly, Dryea would see that as a progression in how much she is trusted by Ruiel. Being allowed to send a reply to such official Umbarian communiques could be a promotion of sorts. It was fitting Dryea do this as Dryea is the one ultimately hled as responsible.

If Eckthelion learns of correspondence coming and going from his city concerning Umbar, then it makes sense he discovered Dryea's hand on the dispatch, even if it was set there at her mother's bidding.

As for the childish bickering between sisters, well that's just fuel for the coming rift that will prompt Alethea to betray her sister. The fact that her new friend Adrama is in the firing line is further impetus. I'm gearing Ruiel to reveal herself as the puppet-mistress she is, manipulating even her daughters for her own ends.

When Dryea is unmasked for who she is, and Alethea declared a traitor to her kin and Umbar, Ruiel has a decision to make. Save her daughters or herself (condemning them to their fate). A chilling in the mother daughter relationship is necessary for that decision to be possible, as well as stress for Dryea to make her planned error and Alethea to turn her back on country, mother and sister.

Hope that makes sense and is not overly complicated. In short, the post is creating fuel for the coming fire.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Elven Maiden,

Your post is up in the August 19th square, right under Manardariel's.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

Varda, Elora,

Your posts are up.

Cami

[Annalaliath]

I gotta quit this game due to my sperattic use of computers and the fact I can't keep up. You may use Gwen if you need her and all but I realy don't think or know if she is even all that important.

Annalaliath

[Child of the 7th Age]

Annalailath,

I will agree that, with so many posters, this has been a hard one to keep up with. Sorry to see you go and hope your schedule will free up to come back another time.

Cami

[Lyra Greenleaf]

I hate the fact that I have to do this, but I guess that I'd better get it over with. I no longer have home internet access (I'm in an internet cafe), so I'm really sorry but I have to pull out of all my RPGs. There's just no way I could keep up with them. I'm sorry to let everyone down, and I'm disappointed for myself. If I'm really lucky it will get sorted in a couple of weeks, but it might be a lot longer. I've really enjoyed the BDs and this game. You can use Emilia how you like, by the way.

Bye everyone!

[ August 22, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]

[Novnarwen]

Hi!

I am really sorry to inform you that Orofaniel, my best friend in real life, has got a virus on her computer. The virus is like the worst ever. I was to tell from her that someone has to set up saves for her maid, Betuli, if you feel the maid has to take part.

As for me, I am not really allowed on the computer either since the virus attacked over 30 000 computers in one day! I'll try to post when I am at the library in the weekends; this counts also for Orofaniel.

In the meanwhile you could do whatever you'd like with Sador, Peleien's husband, Alak, may decide. Orofaniel is also giving you the right to do whatever you want with her character Betuli.

The virus has hopefully lost its power by 10th of September, I believe Corsairs ends at 18th, which means both of us can join again the last week, if that's appropriate.

We are both very very sorry, and hope it will work out fine!

Thanks,

Nova, (Oro)

[Child of the 7th Age]

Oro, Nova, Lyra, Annalailath,

Oh, guys! Bad luck....for you and us. smilies/frown.gif

There is one thing I will do. Every so often in the game thread, I will do a generic save. If you manage to find your way back later and want to fill in any of that, you are welcome to post on the discussion thread and let me know.

Please do try and come back again that last week with a final post, if that's possible.

If anyone knows of any "loose ends" that need tying up with any of these characters at this point, let us know on the discussion thread. I'll also go back and take a look.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

I received a note from Alaklondewen that Sophia is having computer problems and doesn't expect to be able to access the internet for at least the next few days. smilies/frown.gif

Whew! What's going on here? Someone must have walked under a ladder, or broken a mirror. smilies/wink.gif

Cami

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

I've got a black cat, Cami. smilies/wink.gif

[Manardariel]

Oh no! The black cat has cursed us all! smilies/wink.gif

Yeah, I´m back. And I posted, too. Any objections? PM me! smilies/smile.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sophia and I were in the middle of a subplot which revolved around Siriel's disappearance. We'd already spoken with the Dol Amroth crew to make sure it fitted in with their plans. I had written two posts for Eckthelion about the fact that Siriel was absent so it leaves my character hanging and none of what he said makes sense!

I've decided to save spaces for Sophia with a one-sentence explanation of what is going on, enough to give people an idea of what we planned. Hopefully, she will fill in those spots when she gets back, or I can slot in her posts wherever she wants.

I'll go ahead with Eckthelion's response as well and carry forward, since we had spelled out things pretty explicitly.

Sohpie, if you manage to see this sometime, I hope it's alright!

And, btw, I have a lovely fat black cat. He definitely isn't reponsible for the missing posters!

Cami

[alaklondewen]

This is just a note that I filled in my SAVE. Pelien is now at the ball. Dol Amroth ladies, I'm sure you will find her costume "deliciously appropriate", so feel free to have fun with her. smilies/wink.gif

I will follow up shortly with Pelien's feelings about Adrama. Also, have we decided which ladies will be confronting Denethor about the rumors?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Revised Outline for the Game Storyline - per the Owners and Cami, moderator
____________________________________________

Act I- The stage is set – THIS SECTION IS DONE


Welcoming Party

Finduilas and her ladies discuss the events of last night.

Ladies of Umbar start doubting Finduilas & crew.

Dryea spreads rumors of Finduilas false identity, through the ears and mouths of the servants.

_____________________________________________

Act II- The first Strife – THIS SECTION IS DONE


Luncheon: Minas Tirith and ladies of Umbar; former conclude something is fishy about Finduilas.

Dol Amroth ladies find out about the rumors and decide to investigate.

Budding friendship between Althea and Adrama.

_________________________________________________


~*~ THE GAME IS HERE ~*~
Act III- An unpleasant surprise – TO FINISH BY AUGUST 27


Meeting with Alethea and Adrama

Dol Amroth women continue their investigations and rumor campaign

Eckthelion announces a masquerade ball in honor of his bride-to-be whom he loves very much. Ladies of Umbar urge Minas Tirith women to bring their suspicions to Denethor at the ball.

Dol Amroth women continue to investigate.


Siriel discovers evidence of tampering with dispatches and confronts Eckthelion who does not believe her.

Eckthelion begins a quiet investigation

Minas Tirith women confront Denethor with their suspicions in a side garden off the ballroom. With Finduilas at this side, he responds. They suspect they have made a mistake.

Dryea openly humiliates her sister.

_____________________________________________

Act IV- The eye-opener – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 8

Eckthelion discovers evidence of a mole in his entourage, and has second thoughts about his treatment of Siriel


Dreya blunders.

Friendship of Alethea and Adrama deepens

Vern gives the message on to all the Minas Tirith women.

Alethea pays a visit to Finduilas and the women of Dol Amroth, telling them everything she knows

____________________________________________


Act V- A fatal party – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 18


Ecthelion announces the formal betrothal party for Finduilas and his son.

Betrothal Party: The Minas Tirith/Dol Amroth women decide to strike:

Finduilas makes an impassioned speech (her one and only!)

Dryea blunders yet again, supporting the accusation.

Palace guards try to arrest Dryea and her servants, but fail.

Dryea, plus servants, flees to Umbar.

Althea stays in Gondor.

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

I've brought the outline forward, with minor revisions.

Alaklondewen -

Yes, this is where we are in the outline. I'll be glad to respond as Denethor, if we can get one or more Minas Tirith women to come forward and "spill the beans".

Minas Tirith women confront Denethor with their suspicions in a side garden off the ballroom. With Finduilas at this side, he responds. They suspect they have made a mistake.

Dryea openly humiliates her sister.

Ideally, we would get through this by late Wednesday night.

Cami

[ August 25, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Manardariel]

School is back on´, so I don´t know how much time I´ll have...but right now it looks good.
Ok, Minas Tirith Women, it´s your turn. If anybody would want to do an intro-post to the Denethor talk, feel free to do so. I´ll respond with some Finduilas posting ASAP. OK?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Manardariel,

Could you check your pms?

Thanks.

Cami

[maikafanawen]

Alright!

I've caught up best I could and posted. Sorry for the constant delay it's been like what 10, 11 days? Anyroad all's better.

So what's goin' on? Where ... uh ... are we? smilies/biggrin.gif

-Maikafanawen

PS-- By the way I really like the idea of Finduilas's butterfly costume by the way. I can picture everything so beautifully! It's really gonna be bad though when I sort of read about her now because I'm always going to think of her as my character's enemy don't y' know? How silly! Anywho ... brilliant costume idea Estelyn!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Credit to whom credit is due - Manardariel was the first to mention a butterfly costume for Finduilas; I only picked up the idea, a beautiful one!

[Child of the 7th Age]

OK, where are we?

As Manaradariel said:

Ok, Minas Tirith Women, it´s your turn. If anybody would want to do an intro-post to the Denethor talk, feel free to do so. I´ll respond with some Finduilas posting ASAP. OK?

Let's see who's available:

Emilia (Lyra) - unavailable (withdrawn because of computer access problems)

Elena (Varda)

Pelien (Alaklondewen)

Tiriel and Siriel - (Sophia) unavailable (temporarily withdrawn because of virus)

Adrama (Nurumaiel)

Pelien (Alaklondewen)

I think that's everyone except for Vern the Cook! (Durelin. But doesn't this person stepping forward have to be a "lady"?

Any volunteers? (Or someone I've forgotten?) We need this scene to begin to open the minds of the women of Minis Tirith, and it needs to play out before the scene where Dryea and Alethea fall out.

Cami

[ August 26, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Nurumaiel]

Maika, I had just the tiniest problem with your post.

"And you remember too!" Adrama hissed back, "I think Rhir might be here tonight, maybe I'll ask him for a dance!" Dryea smiled inwardly at the mention of his name, but stalked away all the same, glaring at her sister before being swept away into her first dance.

I think you meant Alethea. smilies/smile.gif

Cami,
I guess Adrama can go off the list. Considering her situation, I can't imagine her approaching Denethor just yet, and especially not asking questions concerning a rumor about his bride. At the moment she's still trying to get Denethor to favor her and forget Finduilas, and she knows that asking him about the rumors probably wouldn't be the ideal way to do it.

I guess it's just Varda and Pelien now.

[ August 26, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[alaklondewen]

Originally, I was horrified at the thought of Pelien confronting Denethor since such an action would indeed be inappropriate. However, after serious thought on the matter (and the fact it seems she's the one to do it anyway), Pelien will confront Denethor, but she will have Sador at her side. I cannot imagine her seeking the future Steward out alone, so Sador can be the one who begins talking with Denethor, and Pelien will just happen to tell him, since it is the 'righteous' thing to do.

I will begin construction of the post immediately.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Alak,

That's great news. If you need a "live" Denethor to respond, I'll be glad to do it. If you'd rather handle this part on your own, that's fine too. (Perhaps a brief spirited defense of his fiancee?)

Just let me know what you'd prefer.

Either way, once Denethor gets his $.02 in, I assume Finduilas will cut into the conversation, quietly assure her fiancee she can handle things herself, and then have a conversation with the couple as Manardariel suggested earlier.

Cami

[ August 27, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Manardariel]

Cami- I got your PM. I can do a Denethor post as well *thinks* though I´m kind of questioning my availability...stupid school... you guys go ahead. Maybe stick in a save or something? No, wait, I can do that. Only a week of school, and I´m already going crazy! smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/wink.gif
See ya!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Manardariel,

Sounds good. Go ahead and respond after Alaklondewen posts.

Cami

[alaklondewen]

I'm still working on my next post and it will be up soon...hopefully in the morning. To get Pelien in the mindset to do something as drastic as telling Denethor about the rumors, I edited my last post to include a few thoughts about how Pelien thinks Finduilas sent the young women from Dol Amroth to confront her. Also, I'm going to have Pelien mention the visit from the young ladies to Finduilas and Denethor. I think Finduilas' denial may help to sway Pelien's opinion into thinking she may have a made a mistake. If anyone has an issue with this, just let me know, so I can work something else in.

Thanks smilies/smile.gif

Alaklondewen

[Manardariel]

Manardariel,
Sounds good. What, that I´m going crazy? smilies/wink.gif

Alak, I hope you don´t mind but Finduilas "denial" of having sent the ladies will be more of a "you must be joking" thing. She´ll just think it´s ridiculous.

Germany, arrived at Rivendell!! (458 miles)Awesome! *applauds Esty* smilies/smile.gif

[Orofaniel]

Hi you guys!

I just wanted to say that I popped in...I'm at a library computer so I don't have much time. I
I'll probably write a post, but I'll have to read the RPG first and see if it's appropriate.

So sorry that so many people are 'missing'.... smilies/frown.gif

[Novnarwen]

I have put up a save.. Will be filled as soon as Alak has filled.

I hope that's okey...


*nova* smilies/biggrin.gif

[ August 28, 2003: Message edited by: Novnarwen ]

[*Varda*]

Sorry I haven't posted much recently - anyway, Elena's around now (or will be after I've posted) and can help Pelien out.

[Ealasaid]

Dol Amroth Group - I was kept away from the computer for a few days & have now totally lost the thread! Is there anything in particular that Averyll should be doing? Or that you need for her to do... whatever!

Please let me know. Otherwise, I guess I will just read up on what has happened & plunge in somewhere.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I am back, although the philosophy reading is heavy and my computer access is still a little sketchy. I will take the next day to read the game and catch up and then I will start filling in all those saves. Thanks Cami for your patience and Alak for running all those errands for me. I have returned! smilies/wink.gif

Sophia

[Everdawn]

Ah! so many saves...makes me dizzy! Well, im still here and waiting to post, but i will be patient and wait till the saves are filled in.

Also, i was wondering if Vieana could attempt to reapir the reputation of the Dol Amroth women in the eyes of Pelien that Tessa has seemed to leave in shatters. Not that thats bad of course, its just being the natural peacemaker that Vieana is. Not excusing their attempt to cause tales of their own of course.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Esty,

I will fill in my response to you later today.

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

Once the saves are filled in, we should be almost finished with Act III on the outline. Please see "We will be here after saves are filled." indication below.

Revised Outline for the Game Storyline - per the Owners and Cami, moderator
____________________________________________
Act I- The stage is set – THIS SECTION IS DONE


Welcoming Party

Finduilas and her ladies discuss the events of last night.

Ladies of Umbar start doubting Finduilas & crew.

Dryea spreads rumors of Finduilas false identity, through the ears and mouths of the servants.

_____________________________________________

Act II- The first Strife – THIS SECTION IS DONE


Luncheon: Minas Tirith and ladies of Umbar; former conclude something is fishy about Finduilas.

Dol Amroth ladies find out about the rumors and decide to investigate.

Budding friendship between Althea and Adrama.

_____________________________________________



Act III- An unpleasant surprise – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 2


Meeting with Alethea and Adrama

Dol Amroth women continue their investigations and rumor campaign

Eckthelion announces a masquerade ball in honor of his bride-to-be whom he loves very much. Ladies of Umbar urge Minas Tirith women to bring their suspicions to Denethor at the ball.

Dol Amroth women continue to investigate.


Siriel discovers evidence of tampering with dispatches and confronts Eckthelion who does not believe her.

Eckthelion begins a quiet investigation

Minas Tirith women confront Denethor with their suspicions in a side garden off the ballroom. With Finduilas at this side, he responds. They suspect they have made a mistake.

We will be here after saves are filled.

Dryea openly humiliates her sister.

_____________________________________________

Act IV- The eye-opener – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 12

Eckthelion discovers evidence of a mole in his entourage, and has second thoughts about his treatment of Siriel

Dreyea blunders.

Friendship of Alethea and Adrama deepens

Vern gives the message on to all the Minas Tirith women.

Alethea pays a visit to Finduilas and the women of Dol Amroth, telling them everything she knows

____________________________________________


Act V- A fatal party – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 20


Ecthelion opens the formal betrothal party for Finduilas and his son.

Betrothal Party: The Minas Tirith/Dol Amroth women decide to strike:

Finduilas makes an impassioned speech (her one and only!)

Dryea blunders yet again, supporting the accusation.

Palace guards try to arrest Dryea and her servants, but fail.

Dryea, plus servants, flees to Umbar.

Althea stays in Gondor.

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

A word of warning: Please have all saves for Act III up and filled in by next Tuesday evening.

Once the present saves on the board are filled in, the one piece of action that still needs to be finished from Act III is "Dryea openly humiliates her sister." That needs to be done by Tuesday evening, September 2 so we can move on to Act IV.

(Sophia - I know you have a special situation. Let me know if you're still having access problems.)

We will then have till September 11 to get through everything in Act IV and till September 20 for Act V. (Phew!)

I have revised the outline yet again and pushed the dates foward slightly. The game was slated to end on September 18 (which had been extended from earlier). The ending date is now September 20.

Next Tuesday night, I will get us into Act IV by doing a narrative post that has Eckthelion discover a mole in his entourage. We should then go immediately into the "Dryea blunders" scene.

To help keep us on track in these final three weeks, I will routinely be sending out private messages to remind folk to post when we come to the point in the outline when their character must act. If you find yourself facing problems, let me know as soon as possible so we can figure out what to do.

This has been a long RPG (at least for the Shire) with many different characters. That's why it's so difficult to move forward quickly. I really do appreciate your help in trying to wrap things up on time and staying on top of things. Get in touch with me by pm or on the thread if there are any problems.

Cami

[ August 29, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Maika, Arien,

Please check your messages.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

I have filled in my save of August 26, 4:14 pm in response to Diorwyn.

Eckthelion is very angry. He clearly recognizes that treasonous intent lies behind the rumor linking Finduilas, and by implication his own family, to the forces that formerly supported Melkor and Sauron.

This is particularly true, since he himself is fighting a battle against Sauron who has taken up residence in nearby Mordor. The people of Gondor may know nothing about the Ring, but they already know that Sauron is the enemy. And to suggest that the Steward would link his family with one whose blood is tainted in this respect is beyond all comprehension....at least to Eckthelion.

[ August 29, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Hey everyone! I’m back! (Well kind of). We restored factory settings on our computer which means we can get the internet again! But we don’t have a virus scan until Monday, so I’m not really supposed to be here… or online at all… But if there’s still a space for me in this game I will be back in three days, for good. (Crossing my fingers!)

[maikafanawen]

So ... do I wait to post after the SAVEs are filled too?

Confused,
Maikafanawen

[Orofaniel]

Hello!
I have computer and internet access for about two hours. I was wondering if you wanted me to write something for Betuli, the maid.

If so, please set up a 'save' for me, because I don't have the whole day. If you know what i mean. I will fill it as soon as I get computer access again.

Thanks!
Orofaniel

[Child of the 7th Age]

Maika (and everyone with saves),

If you and Arien have a subplot which is largely independent of the scenes before involving Denethor and Finduilas, then definitely go ahead and post. You know what the basic content of some of those save posts will be-- disclosure of the rumors and denial--and, if needed, would be able to refer to them in a general sense in your own writing.

However, if your subplot hinges on the exact details and words of that earlier conversation (which I doubt), then you'd obviously have to wait till the saves are filled in.

There is one other possibility. If you feel you can write the post, but aren't sure about its placement in the whole string of saves, place your posts the discussion thread and I'll paste them on the main thread in a day or two--in any box you want--once people fill in the blank spaces and things become clearer.

That's probably as clear as mud but I hope it helps....

This same advice goes for everyone. If at all possible, get your save filled in if you can, even if someone in back of you hasn't filled theirs in yet. You could always do some later editing to fine tune things if needed.

It's extrememly difficult to coordinate this many people with saves in a long chain. But, because of computer problems, and because we're under the pressure of a deadline, we're bound to use some in this situation.

Technically, saves should be filled in within 24 hours. But I understand that things may sometimes take a little longer. For example, I can't respond to Siriel until Sophia manages to find a computer where she can post.

One last comment.... Even if you already have something written up on the main thread, if you later feel your post is in the wrong space (in terms of time and chronology, just ask me to move it and I will.

Yowsers! What a mouthful... Everyone get writing and fill in your saves.

Oro I've added another save for you. smilies/biggrin.gif

Cami

[ August 30, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[alaklondewen]

I apologize for holding up the game, but real life took a couple of days away. My save is now filled, and Pelien has spilled the beans. I'm looking forward to everyone's reactions.

Varda - Pelien could definitly use some back-up. smilies/wink.gif

[elven maiden Earwen]

Just to let everyone know I've finally filled in my save. My computer asscess is staring to dwindle and I'm starting school Sept. 3 so I wont be posting as often as I like. Sorry. smilies/frown.gif

[maikafanawen]

Alright I'm about to post my clean up post where I rap up everything I'm supposed to do except humiliate Alethea. My post is too long already so I'll do that later, sound good? My deadline is Tuesday for that right?

Sorry I've been so sporadic here. It's school's fault.

-Maikafanawen

[ August 30, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[maikafanawen]

Oh yeah, I'm not sure where Durelin is but I was going to suggest that she have Vern overhear Dryea and Alethea's conversation since our first idea didn't work.

-Maikafanawen

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I have filled in the first of my saves, and edited my post from just before it. Siriel is now alone in the city perfectly poised for overhearing things smilies/wink.gif.

Cami- Sorry about the delays, I am doing what I can. smilies/frown.gif My computer is doing much better! I should be full-time again soon.

Sophia

[Manardariel]

I filled in my save. Alak, Cami, Nova- any changes?
Alak- I put a save at the bottom of my save for Pelien´s response. Hope that was ok with you!

[edit] Welcome back, Mrs Thunder! smilies/biggrin.gif

[ September 01, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Maika, Sophia, Manardariel,

Regarding the person who overhears the conversation between the sisters....

To the best of my knowledge, Durelin's last post on this game for Vern was July 17. I've written Durelin a message and asked her to do a post where her character overhears the conversation by Tuesday at midnight, real time.

Since we're not sure if Durelin is available, is there any other character who could realistically overhear this conversation other than Vern? If so, we could use her/him.

If not, I (as mod) could do a post where we manipulate Vern to have her overhear the information, then turn about and pass it on, not to anyone specific but to a group of the servants. From that point, I'm sure it would spread. I will let Durelin know I may do this if she doesn't get a chance to post (or at least put a save in).

If necessary, I can do Vern's post at midnight on Tuesday, the last thing before I push the storyline over into Act IV.

If someone has a better idea on handling this, please suggest it here in the next day or so.... I'm definitely willing to go with another approach on this if someone has another idea that could be implemented without too many headaches.


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

Sophia,

That's alright. You're earlier post looks fine. I know it will take a little while to catch up.

Fortunately, that subplot is self-contained and fairly well spelled out so there should be no problem even if we have to move on to Act IV without having all your slots totally filled in.

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

Manardariel and everyone else,

Everyone's post reads well. If anyone sees a problem with minor inconsistencies of any type, just post that here.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

Durelin - Your mailbox is full. Please clear it out.

Durelin -

Please see the post above on this thread. Contact me by pm or on the thread if you want to do Vern's post. Otherwise we will go ahead and use Vern unless we can come up with something else that will work.

Cami

[Manardariel]

Since we're not sure if Durelin is available, is there any other character who could realistically overhear this conversation other than Vern? If so, we could use her/him. Maybe Emilia? She was near shortly before, as Maika mentioned in her post, so it would make sense she heard something. And I guess it WOULD fit her to spread the news... Lyra, would you want to do this?

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Yay, Emilia would LOVE to do that! I was going to come on and ask for something specific to do and that's perfect. I'll get onto writing a post now, and I'll put it up here in case you don't need it after all.

Here goes...
******************************

Emilia hated to miss even a second of such a wonderful ball by doing something as trivial as getting her breath back, but it was unavoidable. She hadn't sat down for hours, between being whisked around the dancefloor and... well, being whisked around the dancefloor!

She smiled smugly to herself as she thought of the amount of young men she had danced with- more than anyone else, she was sure! Despite the masks she knew who everyone was, of course, but it was amusing to pretend. When Thenidir had asked her to dance, she had acted as though she didn't know who it was, trying to tease his name out of him. She doubted he had been taken in, but he had acted his part admirably. Perhaps she had been wrong about his character all along?

Emilia gazed around to look for him, and was gratified to see that he was not dancing. Almost as if he had felt her eyes on him, he looked up, smiled and bowed his head. Emilia nodded gravely in return, not allowing him to see that she was pleased. However inside she felt happiness explode like warmth. Perhaps she wuld do as her mother had wanted- and indeed follow her own dearest wishes- and become betrothed this season? True Thenidir did not offer as much power as Emilia could wish, but a good soldier had many oppurtunities to advance.

Emilia was involved in many pleasant imaginings for the fture when a voice split her thoughts.

"You don't know anything you silly pathetic little girl!"

Turning, Emilia saw a door behind her that was not quite closed. Heavy brocade covered the wall, and part of it had caught in the doorway, leaving a sliver of light between the door and the frame. Eagerly Emilia edged closer. There was something familiar about the voice, but she had no idea who it was.

"...ever hoped for, for Umbar and its Corsairs! There is no Dryea Morthaniawen. I am just an instrument of war, a tool that the corsairs can use to regain Gondor for themselves. Do you have any idea of this burden's weight upon my shoulders? NO! So the next time you want to take up mother's side and decide to chastise me, remember that I rise way above you! You will never measure up to me and without me, our whole plan would fall apart."

Emilia felt criously unreal, as if everything was happening in a dream. The voice was Dryea's, but subtley changed. There was a hard edge that Emilia had never heard before, and even a hint of an accent in the most impassioned parts of speech. Head spinning, Emilia only just had enough presence of mind to pull herself away from the door at the sound of rustling skirts drawing near to it.

Quickly she left the ballroom, entering the cool corridor and leaning inelegantly on a pillar helped to clear her head. Dryea was a traitor, a spy! It seemed incredible, more incredible than Finduilas' descent. Suddenly Emilia's mouth felt dry. If Dryea was nt from Dol Amroth, she could not know whether Finduilas was or not. Finduilas was probably all she claimed to be! Emilia felt faint and was glad of the pillar's support.

She had come so close to throwing her chance for success away on an imposter. She still hadn't introduced herself to Finduilas, the future wife of the future steward! She had been manipulated. White hot anger coursed through her veins at the thought of what Dryea could have done to her.

Thoughts swam confusedly in her head, but then all at once they condensed into just one thought. Now, after so long, she had power. Unbelievable power. She could make herself invaluable to the steward with this. Not only had she heard Dryea confess, she had heard a huge argument with her sister! That could be exploited, certainly.

Pleasant plans once again filled her head, and excitedly she returned to the ballroom. Ecthelion was not there, but she saw the Lady Tiriel standing beside the dancefloor.
"My lady" Emilia said, curtseying hurriedly. Ignoring propriety she continued with a rush. "Please my lady I must talk with your father. It is imperative to Gondor's safety. Please, will you take me to him?"

[ September 01, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]

[alaklondewen]

Great post, Manardariel! Pelien has been put in her place. Here is her response, and I will let you finish it up. What do you think about Pelien slipping and admitting her want of Adrama's marriage to Denethor? I was thinking that if Finduilas understood a little of what is actually going on inside Pelien, it would be a little easier to make them friendlier throughout the next acts. What do you think?

Anyway, here is Pelien's response:

*****
It took all the strength she had for Pelien to keep her jaw clinched and her emotions intact. Denethor had not responded the way she had expected. He wasn’t supposed to turn on Pelien…he was supposed to turn on Finduilas. Her face had grown hot, but she refused to let her expression soften. The words of the Steward’s son rolled around in her head until she was almost sick. I thought you were true nobles…I pity you and laugh at you, Lady Pelien… This wasn’t right, and where were the men going? Pelien suddenly found herself face to face with the young bride, so soft and sweet. The older woman was so angry, partly at herself if she would have admitted it, that she could have spit on Finduilas in her rage.

“Lady Pelien, I will not offer you a denial about your tales. I´m sure you know for yourself how silly and impossible they are. What I do want to know is this: Why do you hate me this much? For hate me you must, if you risk the stewards´ -and his son´s- anger, to ruin my reputation here. Why?” Finduilas’ eyes were filled with kindness and sympathy.

Pelien opened her mouth to respond but immediately closed it. Finduilas should not be so calm…her secret was just released into the ear of her future husband. The Princess should be shouting and throwing a fit, giving Pelien the advantage of keeping her cool. Pelien was unsure how to handle the situation into which she’d stepped. Doubt had slowly crept into her mind. Had she made a mistake? What about the young ladies of Dol Amroth confronting her in her own home? Yes, that had to be the key…it had to be.

“How very wise of you, Princess, to send the men away. You do have something to hide, or you would never have sent your little mascots to my home.” Pelien felt as though she was regaining control of the situation, and her voice was calm and collected. “You had certainly heard the rumors flying around the court and you couldn’t confront me on your own. Of course you thought of me, I’m one of the most influential women in this city, and if information is what you wanted you came to the right person. But I wasn’t going to play your game…we told them nothing! I’m on to you, Finduilas.”

“Pelien, I truly haven’t the slightest idea of what you are talking about.” Finduilas looked as though she was holding back laughter. “What mascots?…what are you talking about?”

Pelien rolled her eyes upward. “Don’t pretend with me…you know you sent your little ladies-in-waiting to mock me in my home!” Her voice had steadily started to rise, but she caught hold of herself, and after a short pause she continued in a cool, steady tone. “I didn’t fall for it then, and I won’t fall for it now.”

[*Varda*]

I confess that not having posted for a while, I'm a little lost smilies/frown.gif I know what's going on, but I'm not really sure where I can fit Elena into it. Pelien has confronted Finduilas now, so anyone got any ideas of what Elena could do now?

[ September 01, 2003: Message edited by: *Varda* ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

First, I'm bringing our crazy outline forward:

Act I- The stage is set – THIS SECTION IS DONE


Welcoming Party

Finduilas and her ladies discuss the events of last night.

Ladies of Umbar start doubting Finduilas & crew.

Dryea spreads rumors of Finduilas false identity, through the ears and mouths of the servants.

_____________________________________________

Act II- The first Strife – THIS SECTION IS DONE


Luncheon: Minas Tirith and ladies of Umbar; former conclude something is fishy about Finduilas.

Dol Amroth ladies find out about the rumors and decide to investigate.

Budding friendship between Althea and Adrama.

_________________________________________________


~*~ THE GAME IS HERE ~*~

Act III- An unpleasant surprise – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 2


Meeting with Alethea and Adrama

Dol Amroth women continue their investigations and rumor campaign

Eckthelion announces a masquerade ball in honor of his bride-to-be whom he loves very much. Ladies of Umbar urge Minas Tirith women to bring their suspicions to Denethor at the ball.

Dol Amroth women continue to investigate.


Siriel discovers evidence of tampering with dispatches and confronts Eckthelion who does not believe her.

Eckthelion begins a quiet investigation

Minas Tirith women confront Denethor with their suspicions in a side garden off the ballroom. With Finduilas at this side, he responds. They suspect they have made a mistake.

Dryea openly humiliates her sister.

Emilia overhears something incriminating and goes to tell the Steward, either here or the next morning.

We are almost here! (Yeah!) Once we get our posts pasted up, our saves filled in, and have Finduilas (Manardariel) respond to Pelian.

_____________________________________________

Act IV- The eye-opener – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 11

Emilia pays a visit to Eckthelion???

Eckthelion discovers evidence of a mole in his entourage, and has second thoughts about his treatment of Siriel


Dreya blunders.

Friendship of Alethea and Adrama deepens

Emilia gives the message on to all the Minas Tirith women.

Alethea pays a visit to Finduilas and the women of Dol Amroth, telling them everything she knows

____________________________________________


Act V- A fatal party – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 19


Ecthelion announces the formal betrothal party for Finduilas and his son.

Betrothal Party: The Minas Tirith/Dol Amroth women decide to strike:

Finduilas makes an impassioned speech (her one and only!)

Dryea blunders yet again, supporting the accusation.

Palace guards try to arrest Dryea and her servants, but fail.

Dryea, plus servants, flees to Umbar.

Althea stays in Gondor.

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

Lyra and Manardariel,

This is a very good idea about having Emilia overhear the conversation. Go ahead and paste the post up.

I will get back with Durelin, and explain we've figured out a way around this scene so she's not on the spot.

Lyra - how do you want to work the scene with Eckthelion? Sophia is still busy working on several save posts so my suggestion would be for you to use her character very briefly--a sentence or two--to gain access to her father.

(Sophie? Is that alright?)

There are two ways to approach this. One would be an immediate disclosure on the ballroom floor to Eckthelion. The other would be for Tiriel to suggest that you visit her father privately in the office the very next morning. That way there will be no further "leakage" of information such as happened with Dryea and Althea.

What do you think?

I kind of prefer the latter, but it's up to you. That way our posts could go up sometime on Wednesday, after we move forward to the next Act. In fact, it might be a good way to start the next act.....to have Eckthelion hear a knock on his door.

BTW, whenever you ask him, Eckthelion will advise caution--the need to find more incriminating evidence before moving against the family. Eckthelion is going to understand that if Dryea is a tool, there must be other agents helping to build that network. He is going to start looking for those agents immediately.

He may also suggest that Emilia keep this piece of information to herself. Whether or not your character can do that is up to you.... smilies/biggrin.gif

Cami

[ September 01, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[alaklondewen]

Manardariel - Would you mind editing my post by putting spaces between the paragraphs so it's easier to read?

[Manardariel]

Phew! Conversation done and good. Pelien will have some thinking to do here! smilies/wink.gif Hope that was alright, Alak!

Lyra, Cami- splendid. And I´ve been thinking: Finduilas sent Denethor of to his father, so he may have told Ecthelion the same thing.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Well Emilia's ecstatic!

Regarding Tiriel, I only put that in because I thought Ecthelion had left the ballroom. If he's still around I can edit Tiriel out and have Emilia barge up to the man himself.

If he's not around then I'm OK with waiting until the next day. Well, actually Emilia would be livid BUT she doesn't want to get out of favour with the steward's family so she'd put up with it.

As for keeping quiet, it could be played either way. Either Emilia would keep quiet because if she's the only one who knows, that's more power. If you think it would get too complicated having the rumour flying around (surely it would reach Dryea and co themselves?) then I'll do that.

Alternatively once Emilia has told the steward and it's not so much to her advantage to keep quiet, Emilia's love of gossip might overpower her. If you think that would add another twist I'll do that.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

Lyra, it is fine if you want to use Tiriel. I am halfway through the second save post, but I am being called away again. I'll try to get it up tonight.

Maika *shivers* evil. smilies/evil.gif Poor Dryea.

Sophia

Victory! Here's the second post for Siriel.

********************************
Síriel leaned against the wall as the darkness began to grow heavier in the street where she waited. Where was Thenidir? What was keeping him? She shivered, Denethor’s masquerade would be in full swing by now and she was missing it. Shrinking closer to the wall Síriel dodged out of the way of a passing man. The streets were suddenly foreign to her, filled with rushing strangers, more dirty and ragged than the daytime shoppers.

A large man jostled her with his elbow and Síriel gasped as her head hit the stone wall of the building behind her. Without stopping to apologize, he hurried off through the alleys. What was she doing here? She, a lady, daughter of the Ruling Steward, here in a dark street in the evening? Thenidir should never have brought her here. A smile played across Síriel’s lips as she thought of how she would make him sorry… the handsome Thenidir, begging for mercy from Lady Síriel. How delicious.

Síriel’s delightful vision of teasing Thenidir dissolved suddenly with the mention of her father’s name. She jerked her head upright, scanning the knots of hurrying people in the street. Of course, anyone could have mentioned Eckthelion in the square, but what if it were someone she knew? She moved cautiously a little further into the dark street.

Two dark figures stood there, whispering together. Síriel froze, a chill running down her spine. What if they were plotting against her father… she slunk closer to the wall, listening hard. “The couriers… new messages…” Síriel thought the voice was male, but she couldn’t tell. A scrap of paper passed between the speaker and the second figure. The second figure nodded, its hood pulled well over its face, hiding the eyes. Síriel crept a little closer.

“Unsuspecting… as soon as you get them… will be pleased.” A stone clattered across the stone pavement, causing all three to glance up, startled. Síriel caught a glimpse of a pale face inside one of the shadowy figure’s hoods before they turned away and disappeared into the street.

Thenidir’s hand came down hard on her shoulder, and Síriel jumped and spun around. Stifling a cry she faked a lighthearted laugh. “Oh, Thenidir… is the carriage ready?” He gestured to the waiting coach just up the street, the horses stamping impatiently and the driver watching her with an amused look on his coarse face. “Yes, we should go now.” She smiled up at him, pushing him gently toward the carriage with one hand. Something was gleaming in the lamplight where the two whisperers had stood, and Síriel bent and snatched it up as soon as Thenidir’s back was turned.

Inside the carriage, Síriel listened to Thenidir’s apology halfheartedly, quite without the enjoyment she had earlier anticipated. She was staring at her lap, where a broken cord with a bit of wax seal still clinging to it nestled. The seal was almost certainly her father’s, though it was torn almost beyond recognition. Her heart pounded, what could all this mean? She had to get back and talk to her father immediately. Turning to Thenidir she asked, “can’t the driver go any faster?” Thenidir looked at her oddly, leaning forward to whisper to the driver through the curtains.
“You do hate to miss a party, don’t you?” he asked, with a wink.

“Oh yes,” Síriel said, “it would be a shame to get there too late…”
*******************************

[ September 01, 2003: Message edited by: Sophia the Thunder Mistress ]

[Arien]

I have one question concerning recent posts, please forgive me if this has already been brought up. I looked over the threads and I didn’t find anything concerning it, but as I say I may have missed it.

I think I encountered the Morthaniawen name there. I just can’t remember the circumstances.”

And I was thinking would the Morthanaiwen’s use the same names? Wouldn’t they then have the chance of being discovered? Just wondering….

[Ealasaid]

I didn't say she had encountered the name before. She just thought it sounded familiar, which could lead in any number of directions...including nowhere.

Since her late husband dealt with all kinds of pirates, gamblers, etc, I was thinking she might have heard some gossip (yes, more gossip.) If that scenario doesn't work for you, then she can be mistaken.

Actually, I was kind of stabbing around for a way to get the Dol Amroth ladies involved again in the story line. At the moment, aside from Tessa & Finduilas, we don't have much to do. Do you have any alternate suggestions?

[ September 02, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

[Arien]

I didn't mean it was what you put Elasaid, I just used it as an example. I was bringing it up as a general point.

[Ealasaid]

Aha! I get it -- good point.

Is the Morthaniawen name a fictional name? I was thinking it was, but it could bear some clarification. I had thought it was something that Ruiel had come up with and carefully established over a number of years.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sophie,

Great post! I just slotted it up in the save space of August 24, 4:42 pm.

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

Ealasaid,

I don't know if this is a good idea or not. Diorwyn (Esty) and I had a discussion where she revealed to Eckthelion about the rumors.

He immediately suspected a wide ranging plot with treasonous intent, although he has no idea who or what is behind it.

When Emilia speaks with him, he'll become even more suspicious. He's going to suspect that there is a mole in his own retinue.

Perhaps he could ask Diorwyn (whom he trusts) to give him the name of a few trusted women (presumably from Dol Amroth) to help track down this mole--the one who's leaking out information from the dispatches.

If you're interested, is there any way the Dol Amroth women could be involved with this hunt for the spy? Any ideas on how to set this up? Perhaps to position themselves at the point where the dispatches come in and keep their eyeballs open?

If you don't think this will work, we can drop it. I'll just use Esty or a carry-along character to ferret out the guilty party, but if you do let me know....

Even after we find the mole, it won't be clear proof. He'll only be dealing with other middle-men and won't know who the real "chief" is.

This could be part of Act IV.

Cami

[elven maiden Earwen]

I’m sorry everyone. I know I haven’t been posting much, but I am having some problems with my computer so Internet access is very limited. I still wish to take part in this RPG so please put up saves anywhere you feel is necessary and I’ll try to fill them in as soon as I can. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Forever~ Earwen.
smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Elven maid,

We're still having bad luck with computer viruses and access! Hope your situation clears up.

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

Everyone ,

I had hoped to go in tonight, close down the ball and do the first post for Act IV. Even though we still have some saves open, we've covered most of the needed ground in Act III.

However, as I reread the thread, we have one big unfinished problem. Rhir is tottering around on the dance floor, and is presumably about to collapse any minute. It seems like a cruel thing to bring the curtain down and leave him in limbo!

Maika - I assume you want to finish this scene out with Rhir at the ball? Any chance you can get something up tomorrow (Wed.) If you can't get the scene up, I'll do a save for you at the ball before I push the action forward tomorrow night for Act IV.

Please try and let us know something about Rhir's fate.

Lyra - Eckthelion and Emilia will probably make contact in Act IV, the first post.... I will allude to this in my post tying up the masquerade, once we get Rhir out of the road!

Cami

[Ealasaid]

Cami - That's an excellent idea for getting the Dol Amroth ladies directly involved again. I will have Averyll realize that she was mistaken in my next post.

Let me think a little on how to get that set up. Your suggestion about the dispatches sounds good, esp what with Vieana's connections with the guards.

[maikafanawen]

Cami: Would you? That'd be great. I'm running out the door to fencing right now and I won't have time when I get back. I can get it up tomorrow though. Thanks!

Rhir's fine as of now. The poison will kick in all at once. It's a sort called Pludeferus alzini. He will die at approximately 3 am the next morning. Isn't that delicious.... So let's not have him looking ill in our posts. smilies/wink.gif

To clear one other thing up. Let's just say Morthaniawen's their real name. Sound good?

Cheers!

-Maikafanawen

[ September 03, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

[Ealasaid]

Due to a problem with my account, I will no longer be writing under the name Ealasaid. I will be continuing under the name EALASAIDE. This will be my last post under this name. Sorry for any confusion!

[Ealasaide]

Just wanted to get my new name up here in case anyone needs to PM me. smilies/smile.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Maika,

I've saved two slots, one before the end of the ball and one after. I wasn't sure if you wanted to do that 3 am post with Rhir collapsing. We can erase whichever spot you don't use.

I'll fill in my own saves tomorrow afternoon.

Cami

[ September 04, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[alaklondewen]

I filled in my SAVE, and Pelien's actions are now wrapped up for the masquerade. smilies/smile.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Everyone,

We are now into Act IV. However, if you need to tie up any loose threads from the masquerade, you can still post it in the dicussion thread and I'll paste it into one of the save spaces.

Cami

[Novnarwen]

Hi everyone!

I don't know if I'll have computer access after the 10th I'm afraid. I have, as oro been attacked by a virus, and I don't know how long it will be before I can go on again.

However I can post at Saturday the 13th. If I do not post anything on Sunday the 14th, anyone is welcome to take over my character, Sador, completely.

I am really really sorry.

Thanks!

[maikafanawen]

Arien & Cami: It's really unnecessary for Dryea to humiliate Alethea now. They've quarreled enough I think. But if you want me to I can still go through with it. It just doesn't seem to fit.... What do you think?

I am working on a death scene for Rhir. smilies/evil.gif

-Maikafanawen

[Child of the 7th Age]

Maika,

I can't speak for Arien, but from my perspective I agree with you. Having Emilia overhear the dissension between the two sisters is "damage" enough, especially when she will pass this on to the Steward.

If you don't need either of the saves for Rhir, I can erase them. Let me know.

Cami

[maikafanawen]

OH yeah....I just posted. You can get rid of the two saves. Thank you though!

Good point. Also, I think once Alethea finds out that Dryea killed Rhir she'll be appalled out of her wits and realize that she definitely doesn't want squat to do with them. We'll wait and hear from Arien though.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go watch Winnie the Pooh. All this Dryea stuff is SOO depressing. *sniff*

Cheers!
-Maikafanawen

[Child of the 7th Age]

Maika,

That's what you get for playing baddies! smilies/biggrin.gif Your post is great.

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

I filled in my save ending the masquerade, and set it up for Emilia to come tripping in to Eckthelion's office in the morning.

I'll do a brief entry post for that scene and then, Lyra, you can use my character as well as your own to construct a conversation.

Then, it will be on to ferreting out the moll in Eckthelion's employ.

Cami

[Everdawn]

Dol Amroth Ladies
Ive posted so that the women have left the party and are asleep when Vieana returnes home and wakes them to tell them of what is happening. Is this ok because the ball is over? Anyway we can see Diorwyn or she can see us in the morning if we need to know anything about what else is going on. If you want me to change my post, just let me know and it will be... smilies/wink.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Everdawn,

I skipped Eckthelion's morning post over your heads to alleviate this problem.

It now comes after your post. Hope this helps.

Cami

[maikafanawen]

Arien: The Morthaniawens are still at the Steward's home in the guest quarters. They stayed the night like they always do after balls of that magnitude. You might want to edit your post. Thanks.

Does anyone know where Elora is?

-Maikafanawen

[Child of the 7th Age]

Maika,

I know she and Snowdog are involved in a new game with a discussion thread up (The Lingering Darkness). I've also seen her posting in the Inn.

I'll drop her a note. We definitely need her in these last two acts, if at all possible.

Cami

[ September 05, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Elora]

Elora hangs her head in shame and regret.

Alas, I have no excuses. No black cat (but a grey and white one with a sinister sense of amusement), no school (finished with that a decade or so ago- thank Eru), no virus (bless fire walls and up to date virus protection subscriptions).

I can only say the the Real Life vuris of chaos alighted upon my shoulder last week and proceeded to stink up my schedule.

Prior to that, I had been watching and paying attention. There was nothing mentioned on this Discussion thread that I could shed any more light on and nothing in the RP that Ruiel had to be there.

You see, I have a rule for periphery characters, which is how I see Ruiel. No matter how much I like writing her, I keep her presence to only what is necessary to the overall plot. Otherwise the story becomes distracted by too many characters. Just my point of view.

So, I had been economising over this week with my time to those things I had to keep up to date with. I now have reached catch up time for Corsets and Corsairs.

I shall review what has been written and post this weekend. I ask that you please remember that I'm not on North American or European time zones. My posts, when they come, will probably arrive whilst you're snoozing.

smilies/smile.gif

Enough blather from me, time to get writing.

Again, my apologies.

[Ealasaide]

Everdawn - your post looks good to me! I will wait to see what Manardariel has to add from Tessa's POV when she fills in her save. Then I will fill mine with Averyll's reactions.

[maikafanawen]

Elora & Arien: I thought we were still in the Citadel? We stayed last time there was a big celebration....

-Maikafanawen

[Child of the 7th Age]

Lyra,

The stage has been set for Emilia to come in and spill the beans to the Steward. I have also added Gandalf to the mix at court, since he was said to be a close advisor to Eckthelion.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

FINAL OUTLINE - IMPORTANT


We're in the final two weeks of this RPG, so we need to tie all up our loose ends.

Take a look below for the ground we still need to cover. I've removed everything from the outline that's already been done, and included some other things that still need to play out. You can, of course, develop other subplots, but these are the central ones we need to get through.

In parenthesis, I've put the name of the poster(s) who are responsible for that particular act.

Please let me know if there are additions or mistakes.... I did this on the fly.

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

Act IV- The eye-opener – TO FINISH BY Sunday, SEPTEMBER 14



Eckthelion asks the Dol Amroth women to help him find the spy in his entourage, and has second thoughts about his treatment of Siriel
Child, Esty ?

Dol Amroth women spy in the garrison, hunting for information Dol Amroth posters

Emilia gives the message on to all the Minas Tirith women. Lyra, Minas Tirith women

Alethea and Adrama have a serious talk Nurumaiel, Arien

Alethea pays a visit to Finduilas and the women of Dol Amroth, telling them everything she knows Arien, Manardariel, Dol Amroth women)

With the information the women have gleaned, Eckthelion runs a sting and comes up with the mole Child

____________________________________________

Act V- A fatal party – TO FINISH BY Sunday, SEPTEMBER 21

Ecthelion announces the formal betrothal party for Finduilas and his son. Child

Betrothal Party: The Minas Tirith/Dol Amroth women decide to strike: all posters

Finduilas makes an impassioned speech (her one and only!) Manardariel and any others who want to react

Dryea blunders yet again, supporting the accusation. Maika

Eckthelion brings forward the mole who confesses all Child

Palace guards try to arrest Dryea and her mother and servants, but fail. Child, Maika, Rueil

Dryea, plus servants, flees to Umbar. Maika, Rueil

Eckthelion welcomes Alethea to Gondor where she will make her home. Child, Arien

[ September 08, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Volunteers needed: Dol Amroth women (Worthy Minas Tirith women may also be considered!)

Eckthelion has sent a message to Diorwyn asking her help in enlisting trusted women from Dol Amroth (and possibly elsewhere) to ferret out information from among the guards.

I've already spoken to Esty and Ealasaid about this. Anyone else want to join in?

Let me know and I'll give you some details including the type of information you'd be trying to get....

Cami

[ September 09, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Orofaniel]

Hello.
I noticed the 'Save' child had set up fro me. It's posted the 30th of Agust. Please paste.

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

After the little conversation with the servant, Betuli had tried to keep a low profile. She didn't want to do anything 'wrong' or something that could be misunderstood. She hadn't seen the servant since and didn't really want to either. Even though, it was obvious that the servant knew something that they could use.

It had become an unplesant situation, Betuli thought. She didn't like it, in fact, she didn't like it at all. She just wanted....She just wanted to see her dear Lady, Finduilas, happy. How can some people even think of ruining that? The thought made her angry and very sad, indeed.

------
I know it's short, but it's the best I can do, in so short time.

Thanks smilies/wink.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Oro,

Your post is up: August 30 at 11:04 am.

Many thanks.

Cami

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Does anyone from Minas Tirith want to hear the news of a spy? I can either talk to anyone specific or just tell anonymous people who spread the news. So if you want to talk to Emilia...?

[Elora]

Maikafanawen - here's my opinion, for what it's worth.

We stayed in the Citadel last time because we hadn't come up with anywhere else to stay. Questions were raised, and so an alternative residence for the Morthaniawens was developed.

I would think, given all that is afoot, they would want to be on their home turf, with all their resources at their disposal and the privacy of their own walls.

Let me know if that doesn't suit.

[maikafanawen]

Elora: I agree. I'll edit my post now.

-Maikafanawen

[Nurumaiel]

Alak,

My save with Adrama's reply to her mother is filled in. It's located near the bottom of page 5. I'm afraid I rambled on a bit longer than I intended too, but I don't believe I went too far, and it should give you a lot to go on. If you are unsatisified with anything I've made Pelien say, just give me the word and I'll edit.

Would you prefer to put another post/save up or would you like our next to posts slipped in with mine? I'm assuming you'd prefer the former but I'd like your final say.

I am enjoying this interaction so much. Mother and daughter seem to be struggling to understand each other, and Adrama can see that unless they do something, future events might cause their relationship to be ruined, or at least broken for a time, and she's trying so hard to keep it running smoothly... perhaps too hard.

[alaklondewen]

Nuru - I enjoyed your post. smilies/smile.gif I, too, love the interactions between Pelien and Adrama, and you never know, maybe they will have a happy ending. I'm going to put a SAVE up for my next post.

[Everdawn]

CHILD- Yeah, count Vieana in with the guards and other Dol Amroth women smilies/smile.gif It sounds like we have alot of fun on our hands...

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I have finished my last post for Diorwyn, filling in my save on page 5. Those of you who are familiar with 'The Steward and the King' chapter of RotK may recognize the cloak that she sewed. It did indeed survive to warm - well, look it up if you're curious! smilies/wink.gif

I've enjoyed being a part of this story, especially since it was completely different from the usual kind of female role playing. Unfortunately, I won't be here for the grand finale, since I'm leaving for vacation in a few days. Best wishes to all and congratulations on a great RPG!

PS - Please feel free to include Diorwyn in your posts. She won't be leaving Minas Tirith until the others of Dol Amroth do - unlike her author...

[ September 11, 2003: Message edited by: Estelyn Telcontar ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Esty,

Thanks so much for doing that post on short notice. Have a wonderful time on vacation.

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

Viena, Averyll, Elen,

All three of you will be involved in the campaign to ferret out the nasty in Eckthelion's entourage.

I'll be doing a post by Eckthelion later today where he sends a joint letter to the three of you. He will ask you to go down to the garrison and do some discreet questioning among folk that you know there. Each of you will be given a specific task -- it will be laid out in the letter. You can do your posts singly (on your own) or one or more can cooperate and do it together. Either way, it would be very helpful if you could have your post up with the spying by early Sunday morning and then say you've sent a letter to the Steward or personally visited him to pass this information along.

As to what you discover.....that is up to you, as long as you discover something! Your description of this man and his activities will shape the particular character I craft. I will be guided by your answers to the questions I pose.

See also my note below to Pelian.

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

Pelian,

The Steward will also be sending you a letter as well. I know you're in the middle of an important discussion. You can have the letter arrive by special delivery in the middle of your conversation, or after the talk, whatever works best.

You will be asked to set up a dinner party and leave out some critical dispatches carelessly lying on your desk. Your post on the dinner party won't go up until after I give you the ok to go ahead on the discussion thread. Hopefully, this note will go up sometime on Sunday, after the others have finished with theirs.

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

Elven Maid,

I know you have computer access problems. I will send you a pm this evening spelling out more specifics. Meanwhile, as soon as Eckthelion does his save, try to get one up on the game thread where you can respond later.

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

If anyone has questions, please let me know by pm or on this thread.

Cami

[Ealasaide]

Oh, yay! Just point Averyll in the direction of the garrison & give her a push! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Orofaniel]

Oro,
Your post is up: August 30 at 11:04 am.

Many thanks.

Cami


thanks a lot.. smilies/wink.gif

[Novnarwen]

Hi!

I finally made to fill my save, on page 5. (At the library you don't get much time, so I never got to fill it in before... heh)

Anyway, I will not be able to follow this RPG to its' end. (I have already been away half of the time, because of virus threats.)

I hope someone can take over my character, Sador the remaining days if it's needed. smilies/biggrin.gif

I must say I have enjoyed 'playing' in this game with so many great characters. It'll look stunning in Elvenhome! smilies/biggrin.gif

Hope we'll play again soon!

*nova*


EDIT: I withdraw what's written above!!!!!!! I managed to fix my comp!!! I am back!! YAY! So, erm.. I'll handle it.. smilies/biggrin.gif

[ September 11, 2003: Message edited by: Novnarwen ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Congratulations Nova! Glad to hear you will be around.

Everdawn, Ealasaide, Elven Maiden,

The assignment post is up. Please feel free to post your response as soon as you are able.

Alaklondewen,

I've saved another space to send an inquiry to Pelian. I'll get it done as soon as I can.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

Everdawn, Elven Maiden,

Please check your pms.
*******************************************

Ealasaide,

Thanks for the speedy reply. Everything sounds fine.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

Everdawn,

Great! Thanks very much.

I am going to do a save for Elven Maiden, in case she needs it.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

Alak, Nurumaiel, Nova,

Please look at my latest post regarding a luncheon to be held at your house.

Also, Eckthelion couldn't help playing matchmaker. smilies/biggrin.gif

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

My next job is to fill in Sophie's save from the last ball. Sorry I am so late with this.

Cami

[ September 13, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[alaklondewen]

I have filled in my last SAVE. Nuru, let me know what you think. Also, expect a PM from me about the luncheon. smilies/wink.gif

Child - that letter to Pelien couldn't have been more appropriate. I could see and feel her reaction as I read it.

[Ealasaide]

I'm posting now with Averyll. Sorry it's SO LONG! smilies/eek.gif

[Nurumaiel]

Alak, I'll go check it out and get to work on mine today.

Child, I loved your mention about Addruran. When Adrama tells her mother the news later in the game, I've imagined that Pelien might be rather displeased and try to work Adrama to dropping the engagement. I think it would be absolutely perfect for Adrama to quote Ecthelion from the letter. smilies/smile.gif

BTW, Alak, that part is fast approaching and we'll need to make some plans about that. Just a warning beforehand. smilies/smile.gif It's a big scene for my character, perhaps the biggest (for her).

[Child of the 7th Age]

Alak,

Since Elven Maid has computer access problems, I want to go ahead now and nail down the name of the three suspected guards who should be invited to the lunch. I will, of course, take the two names from Ealasaide and Everdawn, and then invent a third. If Elven Maid has time to fill in the save later, she can invent a story about the third fellow. Otherwise we will assume that she has sent a separate letter to Eckthelion, and he is responding to that....

Can you have Pelien receive two documents: the main letter and then a smaller note that will read like this:

Lady Pelien,

I have just received the information that you will need to complete your preparations for the luncheon. I will therefore send this list of names along with the same messenger who brings my letter to you.

Here is the list of names of the young men whom you will want to invite:

Brigon - the gentleman in charge of the sorting house

Athadan of Harondor - the guard who receives all mail and dispatches from the arriving ships, and, lastly,

Aranarth, born and bred in Minas Tirith who was responsible for delivering the mail to my office the morning after the masquerade.

As I have said, you may also expect to see
Addruran who will be acting as my trusted agent in this affair.

Written in great haste,
Eckthelion, Steward

[ September 15, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

I believe we are here in our outline:

With the information the women have gleaned, Eckthelion runs a sting and comes up with the mole (Child, Alak, mystery guest, Nuru)

____________________________________________

Act V- A fatal party – TO FINISH BY Sunday, SEPTEMBER 21


Ecthelion announces the formal betrothal party for Finduilas and his son. Child
Betrothal Party: The Minas Tirith/Dol Amroth women decide to strike (all posters)

Finduilas makes an impassioned speech (her one and only!) (Manardariel and any others who want to react)

Dryea blunders yet again, supporting the accusation. (Maika)

Eckthelion brings forward the mole who confesses all (Child)

Palace guards try to arrest Dryea and her mother and servants, but fail. (Child, Maika, Rueil)

Dryea, plus servants, flees to Umbar. (Maika, Rueil)

Eckthelion welcomes Alethea to Gondor where she will make her home. (Child, Arien)

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

Questions:

Manardariel - do you know what Finduilas will say in her speech?

Maika - do you know what blunder Dryea will make?

These are the two big things remaining, once we finish the luncheon. You don't need to let me in on the details. I just want to make sure everyone has heads-up for this and plans are being laid.

BTW....After the lunch plays out, and the fellow is dragged away, the Steward will ask for complete silence on the part of everyone at Lady Pelien's until he can question the spy.

The Steward will also do a post leading directly into the betrothal party.

Let me know if anyone sees a problem.

Cami

Cami

[Nurumaiel]

Child

I have one really quick question that concerns Addruran.

Ecthelion mentions that Addruran will be working as an agent for him, and I thought that would probably call for a post that briefly mentions him working. Also, Adrama will probably be inquiring about it later on after the engagement. However, will you be doing a post where Ecthelion gives Addruran directions? If not, could you PM to me some of what Addruran would be doing that wouldn't be mentioned the game, so when the time comes Adrama's curiosity can be filled?

Thanks. smilies/smile.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

What I initially meant is that Addruran will be the guard at the luncheon who will know what is going on, and will make sure the guilty party falls into the trap.

Let's have Eckthelion write a letter to Addruran with general instructions. Do you want to handle his character at the luncheon? If so, I can tell you what to do by pm, if you'd like.

Please let me know.

Cami

[Manardariel]

Speach? I was thinking of of something among the lines of "difficulies I have met on the way, yet when I look around the room tonight, I rest assured that we will understand each other when time comes" or something. The point she will make is 1)she knows about Dreya and 2)she knows about the rumors and 3)she´s trying to understand the MT chicas. OK? I have to file this out. I´ll get you back ASAP.

[maikafanawen]

I don't have any ideas actually except for maybe Dryea will gasp and drop her glass or something directing a lot of attention towards her. Then she might shoot an evil glare at Alethea and look worridly towards her mother? I don't know, there aren't very many sensible options for a "blunder" at a time like that.

Suggestions anyone?

-Maikafanawen

[Child of the 7th Age]

Maika,

Check your pms....

Cami/Child

[Nurumaiel]

Child

That makes perfect sense. I intended on writing Addruran during the luncheon, but if you'd (or someone else? Unsure what you were planning if I didn't) like to just give the word and I'll give the okay. It would actually give me a chance to focus on Adrama throughout the luncheon where she'll be having many puzzling thoughts, but I'm fine either way. Just let me know!

~Nuru

[alaklondewen]

I just filled in my last SAVE.

Nuru - Would you mind constructing a conversation in which Adrama helps Pelien choose Averyll, Vieana, and Elen as the three ladies?

[Nurumaiel]

Alak

No problem! I'll go put up a SAVE now and fill it in as soon as possible. No doubt Pelien will have a little trouble getting her daughter to agree, as Adrama will remember the previous occasion where her mother was mocked.

[Ealasaide]

Adrama will remember the previous occasion where her mother was mocked.


Mocked? Pardon me, Nuru, but the ladies of Dol Amroth take a little exception to that description. They were not mocking anyone. They were trying very hard to help Finduilas the best way they could think of. Mockery was far from their minds.

[Nurumaiel]

Ealasaide

The above statement was in no way my own feelings of the previous meeting, and so I hope you don't take them as such. They were the feelings of my character, Adrama, who would only naturally feel in her present state of confusion that the world was against her and that that the ladies were launching personal attacks on her mother. This is not how I myself feel. However, I did get the impression in your posts at the meeting that the ladies were unsure what to think of Pelien, and uncertainty can often be mistaken for ill feelings. Adrama was mistaken, and it is through the upcoming luncheon when they shall work together that she will realize her mistake.

I hope the misunderstanding is cleared up. I was by no means expressing my own feelings of your characters, and I beg apologies if it appeared as such. *bows*

In all sincerity,
Nuru

[Ealasaide]

Nuru

I see! Apology accepted. Mockery was as far from the Dol Amroth ladies' minds as Chardonnay is from peanut butter, so I was a bit disturbed by the characterization. I still don't understand where Adrama would get mockery from the scene, but I guess not everyone thinks in a logical fashion when one is feeling attacked.

You are right that the Dol Amroth ladies felt uncomfortable with Pelien, but it was more from being intimidated by her than from any sense of superiority to her. They are probably still a bit intimidated by her.

They will sort it all out at the luncheon, however, and become friends!

Thanks for the explanation!
Ealasaide smilies/smile.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nuru,

Please check your pms.

Cami

[Nurumaiel]

My SAVE is filled in. Just a quick note to Arien not to be concerned by Adrama's train of thoughts concerning the traitor. Adrama is simply putting a completely imagined two and two together and when the two meet she'll be on her knees begging for forgiveness and wondering what madness came over her that led her to think such unlogical things.

BTW, Ealasaide, I'd imagine that Adrama is finding ill thoughts from the ladies of Dol Amroth the same way Denethor found the same from Pelien when she called the rumors to his attention. And I'm glad for your assurance about the ladies' friendship with Adrama towards the end of the luncheon, because she is certainly hoping for it. I fear it would go ill with the poor girl's mind if she found that her ideas of cruelty and mockery were true. smilies/wink.gif

[Ealasaide]

Thanks, Nuru! smilies/smile.gif
The Dol Amroth ladies are very eager to make friends with the ladies of Minas Tirith, and were deeply hurt by the hostility they sensed coming from the Minas Tirith crowd.

Once all of this is sorted out, they would be delighted to call themselves Adrama's friends. smilies/smile.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Maika, Elora,

Please check your pms.

Cami

[alaklondewen]

Okay, Vieana, Elen, and Averyll should now be receiving invitation to a luncheon at Pelien's home where they will be playing hostess to three single guards.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Don't forget Addruran. He will also be at the lunch.


Cami

[alaklondewen]

Thanks for reminding me, Cami. I edited my last post so Pelien is sending invitations not only to the three Dol Amroth ladies, but also to the four young men.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Final instructions for the game

Nurumaiel,

Eckthelion has given his instructions to Addruran in the game.

OK, this is where we stand.

First, I will beg Piosenniel for a few extra days to finish this game.

As I see it, we have three things to do to bring the horse to the stables.

1. Stage the luncheon and collar the spy.

2. Do the scene at the betrothal party where the baddies are revealed.

3. Despite Eckthelion's best efforts, the baddies escape, but Alethea stays and the Steward welcomes her.

Numbers 2 and 3 should just be a matter of a few posts. I am consulting with Maika and Elora on this. Number 1 involves a number of posters so it is trickier.

Regarding scene #1: First, there will be a mystery poster posing as the man who is uncovered as the spy. And, no, I'm not about to tell you who the spy is or who plays him! You'll have to wait.

Could you patch up things between the women characters today, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday real time? Get this done before the men arrive at the luncheon.

Alak, could you do a post late Monday or Tuesday where Pelien greets the three suspects at the door and leads them into the cloak room to leave their weapons and such? Have each of the men notice the dispatch that's lying there. Then lead them back to the table and begin the lunch.

At some point after this post, the mystery poster will come in and the guilty party will excuse himself and make his way to the cloakroom.

Nuru - once the guy is standing there with the dispatch in his hand, you have to depict Addruran surrounding him with the men and leading him away, ostensibly to Eckthelion.

Let's have this done by Wednesday night if possible.

I will immediately lead in to the betrothal party. In the interests of wrapping this up quickly, it will largely be narration through the eyes of two people:

1. Maika will handle the scene where her treason is uncovered. Maika - go ahead and use the spy as we discussed. His owner has given permission for you to incorporate the character into your post.

2. Maika is led away in chains by two men. At this point Elora will come in and do a post set in the back hallways where she manages to free her daughter (with a little help) and gets her away.

3. The game will end when the Steward welcomes Althea as a new citizen of Gondor.

Of course, anyone is welcome to chime in anywhere with a relevent post, but this is what we need to get through to have the storyline make sense.

Did I miss anything? Does anyone have a problem with the schedule? I will do some saves along the way if anyone gets "left behind" and will paste up what you leave on the discussion thread.

Sharpen your pencils, turn on your computers and get ready to write like crazy this final week!

Cami

P.S. Manardariel -- at what point in the last scene did you want Finduilas to speak? At the very end, or earlier? Let me know please.

[ September 19, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Can I just apologise for leaving that save for so long, I'm filling it in now.

[alaklondewen]

I would like to go ahead and start the luncheon either this evening (as time permits) or early tomorrow. Does anyone have a problem with this, or does anyone need to post or put up SAVEs before I do?

And just to clarify, the young women will arrive some time before the suspects so they can discuss their personal 'issues'.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Alak,

That would be great. Just to make certain we don't leave someone behind, I'll put a few saves on the thread. We can erase them later if they are not used.

Will the beginning of the luncheon see some reconciliation between the Dol Amroth women and their Gondorian hosts?

Cami

Cami

[Nurumaiel]

Child

So let me just make sure I have this straight.....

It's at the luncheon that Addruran will be playing the little trick of the scroll, and when this spy is leaving Addruran will have him captured, correct? However, is it necessary for Addruran to accompany the guards and prisoner to Ecthelion, or can he stay at the house with Adrama? I was originally intending to have him speak with her and propose immediately after the luncheon was over, but I don't want this to conflict with anything you had planned.

After that Adrama will receive Alethea's note and I'll head right over to where they meet. Does this work for you, Arien? And does anyone else have any objections to that.

Oh yes, Alak, I've been pondering over when Pelien should have the argument with Adrama about Addruran, and I think it might be best if Adrama is stopped by her mother on the way out the door to meet with Alethea. Is that all right? My idea was that you could do a post where Pelien stops her, questions her, finds out, and argues against it, and then I'll do a post in which Adrama will say something (that something is already in my mind) that will win her mother over (probably not a happy agreement, but reluctant consent) and Adrama will leave. Then I'll get to the meeting.

Does all this sound all right?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nuru,

OK, I get it. Spilling the beans and reconciliation comes after the lunch. Sorry about my earlier misunderstanding!

Now on to your query.

So let me just make sure I have this straight.....

It's at the luncheon that Addruran will be playing the little trick of the scroll, and when this spy is leaving Addruran will have him captured, correct? However, is it necessary for Addruran to accompany the guards and prisoner to Ecthelion, or can he stay at the house with Adrama? I was originally intending to have him speak with her and propose immediately after the luncheon was over, but I don't want this to conflict with anything you had planned.


Yes, you can play it any way you want but that is the gist of what happens. Spy sneaks out and picks up the scroll. Spy reads scroll. Spy either sneaks out or makes an excuse to leave.

Also remember, there is a real live poster playing this character so he could throw you a fastball or two. Just improvise and roll with the punches. Good luck! Just remember that Addruran's future depends on this!

In any case, you can capture the spy at the front door (unless he leaves by the window in which case you'll stop him there!)

I don't think it would be absolutely necessary for Addruran to go back immediately with the prisoner. He can send four guards ahead with the man, and promise to come later to Eckthelion. (That later scene of their meeting will not need to be played out on the thread given our shortness of time.)

Hope this helps.

[ September 19, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Everdawn]

Dol Amroth Women

I hate to do this, but i am having my first proper holiday in ages, im flying to Sydney tomorrow so for the next 5 days i wont be near a computer. Ill post again before i leave late tonight. I really am kicking myself, so could you guys keep Vieana in as an active character still, id hate for her to miss out on the luncheon.

[maikafanawen]

I'm on vacation as of now and I don't have time to write out a post but if you all could, perhaps it would be prudent to mention something of Rhir's death in your posts? I'm looking for sympathy towards Dryea. She deserves some right about now eh? smilies/wink.gif

smilies/biggrin.gif-Maikafanawen

[Ealasaide]

Everdawn - I will carry Vieana along with Averyll through the luncheon. Have a good vacation!

BTW.. I filled my save in which Averyll reacts to the invitation to the luncheon.

[Arien]

Nuru

After that Adrama will receive Alethea's note and I'll head right over to where they meet. Does this work for you, Arien?

That is fine, Alethea will be waiting.

Elora, check your PM's please!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Dryea, Alethea, Ruiel,

Very nice posts!

_____________________________________________

Luncheon crowd,

I know Nurumaiel still has a save to fill in regarding the placement of the scroll and the women at the luncheon.

Once that's filled in, can we move forward to uncovering the spy, or is there something else that needs doing. Please let me know on the thread or by pm.

Can we get through the luncheon this week and the capture of the spy? The spy part itself should go very quickly so it's more a matter of getting through the preliminaries between the women.

Then we could do the masquerade beginning on Monday.

Is this realistic or not?

Cami

[*Varda*]

Apologies for not having posted in - well, a while - but school has been rather hectic, and I haven't really felt Elena was needed in any particular place. Holiday weekend coming up now, though, so I will get something up.

[Nurumaiel]

SAVE filled! I hope those at the luncheon who have never met Addruran before don't go by first impressions or they will really avoid him in the future. smilies/biggrin.gif

Child,
Thanks for prompting me to get that SAVE filled in. It only took me about 30 minutes when I actually sat down and did it. I've been spending a lot of time in prayer since Saturday, but I think I would please Him more by fulfilling my duties as soon as possible.

Nova and Dol Amroth Ladies,
I gave your characters some dialog, and hopefully nothing is out of character for them. If it is let me know and I'll edit.

Thanks!

~Nuru