In the Shadow of the Star: Discussion Thread (Part 1)

[piosenniel]

~~ This will be an Invitation Only game. ~~

It is still under construction by the Innkeepers at present.

These posters may use the thread for now:

Child of the 7th Age

Piosenniel

Mithadan

Birdland

Mark12_30

]

[ September 15, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[mark12_30]

okay, first question: what did Gamba do to deserve that?! (bugeyed)

[piosenniel]

3. Cami 'kills' Gamba

I think Cami took on more than she realized with this Hobbit! Must have pushed her over the edge again.

Mithadan suggested Lórien (Irmo) and/or Estë as possibilities for the dream narrators. That would seem appropriate, since Irmo is the master of visions and dreams, and Estë is concerned with healing.

Any other suggestions?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Those are good ideas. Lorien especially, as the brother of Nienna and the tie-in with dreams. We have Nienna allusions in the first RPG as well as references to the gardens of Lorien (remember Cami's dreams of Nienna?)

Regarding Gamba -- He's the sort of hobbit you can't help but be attracted to, but he will never be easy to live with. I suspect he's still doing a lot of grieving for the lost ones in his life. Poor Cami is overworked and has also lost all her friends except for Rose who is considerably younger than she is. Half the hobbits in Greenwood are in awe of her as Nitir, and the other half are banging on her door to present themselves as suitors. Plus, she has a pack of children to care for now. No wonder she loses patience with Gamba, and Bilbo is concerned about her!

[piosenniel]

Sharon:

I've 'cut and pasted' in my pulled out/reworked posts.

Also dated them as I could to give something of a time line to work with.

[ January 26, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio,

I think there's a discrepency we may need to iron out. According to my Star notes, we left Minas Anor in the 10th year of the 4th Age. I had done that to have Cami be age 49 on the journey (according to her biography, etc. and family tree which I have at home on paper).

I am assuming our adventures and its aftermath took about one year. That's why I say Frodo and Bilbo have been gone eleven years in Tol Eressea.

You mention this tale as being set in the 7th or 8th year of the 4th age.

So we aren't on the same page! I'm willing to change the date by a few years if you need that. It will make Cami a tad younger in this story, but I can live with that. I don't want to change my bio and her birthdate as I do want Cami just a little older than Sam.

Just wanted to check with you about the dating.

Sorry I haven't gotten further with editing my posts. Real life and duties in the Shire keep interfering.

sharon

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

[piosenniel]

I can change the dating - I only did the posted dating based on Bird's date on her letter.


I'll make the earlier dates year 11 if that's ok with you and the later dates year 12 - Will that work out ok?

It realy doesn't matter how long we were gone - having the time crystal allows us to come back just after or even before we left.

but, if 11 and then 12 is all right with you - I'll change all the dates accordingly.

[mark12_30]

Pio, Cami, Life is a bit full these days-- flag me on anything I need to pay special attention to please? I'm kind of checking in periodically and wondering when I'll be required; I'm guessing not-yet, is that correct?

I can do some lunchtime posting if needed; if you'd like to, you can send a brief email to my work address to flag me to check PMs or threads as necessary.

--Lindo (...and sometime Frodo)

[piosenniel]

Helen - have put it in the address book. I think it will be some time until we get all these posts ironed out that we've pulled from the Green Dragon thread, and all the additional back story in.

Never fear! We will fire off a missive ASAP when one of your numerous personalities is needed! DID, indeed! smilies/wink.gif

[Birdland]

Pio - Go ahead and change the date on the letter if you like. I just pulled it out of thin air, anyway.

Bird may make a cameo appearance somewhere in the tale, but she is still stuck in Remodelien, and can't think of much that she could contribute, anyway - except to cry at the wedding and coo at the babies. smilies/smile.gif

I will, however; be your favorite reader.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Bird,

One way or another, I will drag you down here for the wedding!

I have just been reading the Hobbit again with my daughter, and was struck by how impressive the figure of Beorn is. Yes, I know your kin don't get along, but still! I am sure Bilbo would also have been struck by that, and would definitely have a memory or two. Pio and I were discussing that.

Just for clarity's sake, at the time of this particular pull-out Inn game, Cami will not yet know about Radagast's shapechanger ties. I don't want to negate the book Cami will leave behind in Rivendell for Pio and Bird.

Mith and Helen,

Pio and I were making a brief list of characters we might need for the story. These are the roles that would be offered to Shire posters. Do you have any character or characters whom you would want to place on that list?

Helen--Do Gamba and the boys "come" through dream time for the game or the actual wedding? What do you think? Could Gamba deal with this emotionally in view of his own relationship with the deceased Este?

sharon

[Birdland]

Bird,
One way or another, I will drag you down here for the wedding!
OK, OK, you twisted my arm. smilies/biggrin.gif

But I'll only join in if you all come to the East Coast B-D gathering!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sure I'll come! (Small hobbit crosses her fingers behind her back.) Now, where is this gathering exactly. Hey, are you talking about "East Coast" as in the United States, or "East Coast" as in the Sea of Nurnen, or something like that?

But I am sure Bilbo must know something about shapechangers from Beorn, maybe even the strange kind Beorn didn't like.

Cami

[ January 28, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Birdland]

East Coast BD (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=14&t=000955)
Oh, sure, she'll time travel there and back again, but she won't leave Texas. smilies/biggrin.gif

Bilbo and Birdie - I never thought I'd live to see the day!

[piosenniel]

List of characters needed:

Sam Gamgee

his wife, Rose

Rose (Rose Goodchild)

Innkeeper

server

Midwife

2 attendants for Midwife

flower girl

a few guests at the Inn

[mark12_30]

we also need Ponies (Shouldn't be difficult)

....oooh.... Bird, if you come, then Lindo and Bird get to have a REUNION!!!!


....and if Gamba comes, then Lindo and Gamba could commiserate over losing finacees, and maybe go off and sing together for a while. Could be a good thing; let me think it over.

[ January 28, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Mithadan]

OK. I've finished that damnable brief. Now I can try and catch up a bit here. I wandered about the Dragon a bit and found it very difficult to follow the threads of the interactions.

Bird, Mith isn't on a trading mission on the Star. By now he's on horseback heading north. Has anyone mentioned to you that we have a Beorning in the Dragon (that sounds very strange).

[piosenniel]

Mith - it is very hard to follow the lines of interaction in the Inn. That's the reason we pulled out here.

I did, however, just post something in the Green Dragon to which Mithadan could reply.

[ January 29, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Birdland]

Mith, that letter was three months old. I was at The Water Lily before you left for the Shire, so I had to make up something to get you out of town.

Otherwise, the entire letter is based on events that actually happened. smilies/biggrin.gif

[piosenniel]

Yes, Mith - according to the timeline I have worked out (Great Eru! she's mapped out a timeline again!): Bird's letter was written within a few days of Pio receiving your letter. (& probably just after Pio had left for the Shire).

Pio does receive Bird's letter in the Shire, about the same time you receive Pio's letter and set out for the Green Dragon.

[mark12_30]

Gah!!! I haven't done s single post, and I'm crosseyed already. Mith, wherever you are/ whatever you are riding or driving or sailing, (did 'we' settle on a horse, heading Shireward???) welcome back and I'm glad your flaming brief is now a pile of embers.

[piosenniel]

Sharon -

I edited those posts.

[piosenniel]

Sharon, et al -

Time line for story events

Subject to revision as needed.

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

EACH MONTH IS 30 DAYS IN LENGTH.

YEAR 11 – Fourth Age/1432 SR (Shire Reckoning)

---------------Yestarë (First Day)

Narvinyë

Nénimë

Súlimë

---------------Tuilérë (Spring equinox)

Viressë

Lótessë

Nárië

---------------Loendë (Midyear Day)

Cermië – The Lonely Star delivers the Hobbits to the Anduin

Urimë – mid-month, Pio leaves for the Shire

Yavannië

---------------Yaviérë (Autumn equinox)

Narquelië

Hísimë – Pio arrives in the Shire

Ringarë – Bird writes letter to Pio

---------------Mettarë (Last Day) Pio receives Mithadan’s letter

YEAR 12 – Fourth Age/1433 SR

---------------Yestarë (First Day)

Narvinyë

Nénimë – mid-month, Mithadan receives Pio’s letter, rides to the Shire

Súlimë

---------------Tuilérë (Spring equinox) – Pio receives Bird’s letter

Viressë

Lótessë – 20 Lotessë (21 Thrimidge SR): Frodo, Bilbo, Lórien arrive; dinner party.

20 Lotessë: Mithadan detained by Shiriff, Bird arrives at party.

Around 21 Lotessë:

Mithadan bailed out.

Tol Fuin Contingent (Maura, Zara, Big Ban, Abar, Lindo, 3 Snowhobbits – Retya, Tem, Tocca)

Greenwood Contingent (Rose, Gamba, plus four brothers – Gamba, Roka, Asta, Ban, Little Maura)

Nárië

---------------Loendë (Midyear Day) – Birth of twins

Cermië

Urimë

Yavannië

---------------Yaviérë (Autumn equinox)

Narquelië

Hísimë

Ringarë

---------------Mettarë (Last Day)

[ March 03, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Do you have a preference whether the wedding is before or after the twins' birth?

[piosenniel]

It would be easier if we had it after the birth, wouldn't it? Or what were you thinking?

[Child of the 7th Age]

After sounds good.

[piosenniel]

LOL! smilies/rolleyes.gif So Cami is knitting booties?!

At least you did not attempt to have the Elf learn that skill!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Yes, Cami is enjoying this because hobbit babies certainly don't wear booties! So this is a rare opportunity for her. Cami knitted two pink booties, and two blue ones.

Just wait till the babies are born. It'll only get worse!

[ February 03, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Welcome to our new RPG "In the Shadow of the Lonely Star". Admission to this game will be 'by invitation only' and will recognize and reward those posters who have made exceptional contributions to the Shire in the quality of their writing, or in the services they have rendered as game founders.

We are planning to offer a short invitational game once every few months. So if you were not asked to help with this story, you may be included in a similar game later down the road. Unfortunately, Piosenniel and I had too many good posters to include everyone who deserved to be included.

Background:

This is a short sequel that stems from an earlier RPG entitled "The Voyage of the Lonely Star." This lengthy tale, currently docked in Elvenhome, describes the adventures of a sailing ship, outfitted with a special time travel device, and its search for the 'secret' history of the hobbits in the First and Second Age. We will include a brief summary of that game later in this thread, as it will make the action and characters in this RPG easier to understand.

Basic Storyline:

This story will trace the continuing adventures of several characters involved in the original time travel series on the Star. It will also include a number of new characters who are current or former residents of Hobbiton, or who have been involved with the history of the Shire during the War of the Ring in some significant way.

The story will focus on the following events:

1. The impending birth of the twins, the first born children of the Elf Piosenniel and the Man Mithadan, who pledged their troth as husband and wife in the course of their adventures.

2. Cami Goodchild's continuing effort to reunite with her lost love Maura Took, who has been left behind on the isle of Tol Fuin, along with the other First-age hobbits, after the drowning of Beleriand.

3. The rise of a new threat in the Shire from Bill Ferny, resident of Bree and former agent of Saruman, who was expelled by Frodo after the Scouring. He is now actively seeking revenge against the hobbits, and is particularly angry at any who had close connections with the Baggins family.

Other secondary themes will include Bird's continuing search for clues to her shapechanger past, the problems children have with their families, and the extraordinary lengths to which parents and relatives will go when one of their little ones is threatened.

Setting and time:

This tale will be set in the eleventh and twelfth year of the Fourth Age. However, it will use Tolkien's device of time travel though dream to draw on other characters from earlier ages. Tolkien's stories about dream travel, which were never completed, can be found in the History of Middle-earth.

The bulk of the story will be set in the Green Dragon Inn and nearby areas in the Shire.

Ending of the story:

The story will end when Bill Ferny's plot is defeated, Mithadan and Piosenniel's twins are safe and sound, and Cami and Maura manage to get married.

Above all else, we want to spin a good yarn and have some fun! Additionally, posters from the Shire will have a chance to game in a format which is more commonly used in Gondor, where there is a great deal of collaborative planning to hammer out a story plot.

This means you will probably spend almost as much time reading background material, posting notes on the discussion thread, and contacting other characters by private message in order to come to a collective agreement on where the plot is heading. This can be tremendously fun. It can also be a challenge, and is a great way to learn the give and take which is at the heart of a more advanced RPG.

Duration of Game: This game is likly to take four to six weeks of the poster's time.

Characters:

As posters agree to play particular characters, we will insert their names in parentheses after the name of the character.

Piosenniel the Elf (Pio)

Mithadan the Man (Mith)

Cami Goodchild, hobbit (Child)

Cami's hobbit boys: Gamba, Ban, Maura, Asta, Roka (Mark 12_30)

Rose Goodchild, Cami's daughter

Maura Took, hobbit and Loremaster (Child)

Bird, shapechanger (Birdland)

Lindo, hobbit, singer and Loremaster (Mark12_30)

The Snowhobbits (Mark12_30)

Lorien, the Vala who is master of dreams ad visions (Mith)

Frodo Baggins (Mark12_30)

Bilbo Baggins (Child)

Bill Ferny, Man

Sam Gamgee

Rose Cotton Gamgee and her younger children, (midwife)

Elanor Gamgee, 12-year old daughter of Sam

Frodo Gardner Gamgee, 10-year old son of Sam

Merry, Frodo's old friend

Pippin, Frodo's old friend

Faramir I, hobbit, Pippin's three-year old son

Angelica Baggins, childhood friend of Cami, Bilbo's niece, assistant midwife

Green Dragon Innkeeper

Green Dragon Servers (2)

We will be posting biographical notes later in the thread on those characters who had their origin on the Star.

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

[Child of the 7th Age]

OK, Star crew, I need your comments, changes etc. to the proposal above. Pio and I will be getting to you via pm concerning the Bill Ferny subplot.

BTW, several of you can "get into" my box. Feel free to go in and do your own revisions on your characters, or any plot issues relating to them.

Later tonight I will post a three paragraph summary of the Star game, plus Cami and Rose's bios.

Helen--I wasn't sure which of the Snowhobbits would be coming.

Bird -- We are really going to need you for the Bill Ferny subplot which comes later on in the game. Think in terms of spying, and what form would be best for that.

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

[Nonesuch]

Great job, Child, Pio, et al.! This will be a lot of fun. I don't have any changes to your outline.

Hmmm. "Nonesuch". Errr, yeah...

[ February 05, 2003: Message edited by: Nonesuch ]

[mark12_30]

**sniff sniff**

You don't smell so freshly dead.

**pokes corpse suspiciously**

[ February 05, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[piosenniel]

Nonsensical masquerade! Nonesuch is quite ripe by now and carries and exceedingly noxious scent!

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

[mark12_30]

Not-fer-nuthin, as they say up heyah in Maine; when I was a young gal, I recall in the boathouse or perhaps the back shed, there was an old dusty wooden box. I suspect, thinkin' back on it now, that it had nails or screws or loose nuts and bolts in it. But let me get back to my story. On that old wooden box was a black outline of a beauteous and bodacious advertisin' gal, and she was hawking a certain foodstuff used for filling in pies.

It was called "Nonesuch Mincemeat."

I 'spose they sell it in Gondor? Do they know it comes from a certain new-but-very-old grave in the Barrow Downs?

EEEEYAAAAGH ... can't... erase... mental... image.... (retch):

"Nonesuch Mithmeat Pie"

GAAAAAAHHHHH

[ February 05, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[piosenniel]

Now you have ruined Nonesuch mincemeat for me (though I must admit I have grown quite fond of Crosse and Blackwell with genrous portions of rum in it)

Nonesuch Mithmeat, eh . . . oh my . . .

smilies/wink.gif

[Birdland]

OK! OK! Birdie's on her way! (flapflapflapflapflap...)

BTW - How did we get on the subject of Nonesuch pie filling? Not that it isn't good. Rather unappetizing name, though. But then again; so is Smuckers...

OK, time to go to bed.

[Child of the 7th Age]

YEAH, Bird.

Pio -- You still have a save on the game thread. Did you want to keep this for something?

[piosenniel]

Yes, I need to write something where I choose who will be the new Innkeeper and who will be the midwife.

I'm going to introduce Amaranthas here - if I can't have the rasty dragon, Angara, then I want Amaranthas.

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

[mark12_30]

Bird??? BIRD!!!!!

Lindo whoops in gleeful anticipation...

[Child of the 7th Age]

Brief Plot Synopsis: Voyage of the Lonely Star

This post provides a general outline of the Lonely Star RPG, but omits many of the plot twists and additional characters. It will hopefully supply enough detail that Shire posters can get a sense of how the present sequel grew out of the earlier adventure.

Our story began in Minas Anor when Cami Goodchild sought to hire a ship to go search for lost "sea-hobbits". Cami had discovered a reference to these mysterious hobbit cousins in a scribbled marginal note of a book given to her by Bilbo.

Rebuffed by many shipowners, Cami finally found a sympathetic ear from Mithadan, the owner of a sailing vessel. The shapechanger Bird and the half Elven Piosenniel, two friends who had shared many earlier adventures, agreed to help lead and finance the group. Among the other members of the crew was Rose Goodchild, a young cousin who had come to live with Cami.

The Star's initial voyage led them to a ruined colony of sea-hobbits, also called hobbrim, whose only survivor was a lad named Kali. Kali informed the Star that he was the guardian of a mysterious time travel device bequeathed to the colony by Ulmo, the Vala who rules the Seas. The lad asked the Star to help him fulfill Ulmo's decree that the hidden hobbrim and hobbits, lost in past ages, should be found and rescued.

The Star's activation of the time travel device brought the arrival of Idil and Tuor, two legendary Elves from Valinor who were to aid them in this quest. After much searching and deliberation, the crew came to realize that, like the Edain, the hobbits had journeyed west in the First Age to settle in Beleriand. Morgoth, the Dark Enemy, had ordered them to be imprisoned, as it was clear to him from the music of creation that this little people had an important part to play in the continuing battle against the darkness.

The Star sailed to Beleriand, but was unable to prevent the fall of Gondolin, watching in despair as Piosenniel was killed and the hobbits dragged off to an Orc prison camp. Rose and Cami volunteered to remain behind with their people. They were aided in their endeavors by Bird and a mysterious Maia named "Ancalimon".

It was here that Cami met and fell in love with Maura Took. The couple asked to remain together, but were advised by Ancalimon that this must not be, since the fabric of time could not be ripped further apart. Maura and Cami were told that, only after life had ended, in the circles that lie beyond the world, could they safely find reunion. Maura and Cami sadly accepted this decree as the will of the Valar, with Maura remaining behind on Tol Fuin drawing on the support of his young friend Lindo, and his other family members.

The Star succeeded in rescuing the hobbits at the collapse of Beleriand, placing them on the isle of Tol Fuin. Rose and a grieving Cami were returned safely to the ship. The crew, however, was in a state of disarray, mourning for Piosenniel. It was only with Pio's miraculous return from the West some time later that they again took heart.

The hobbits had lived peacefully on Tol Fuin for thosands of years, but had finally been captured by Ar-pharazon, who had discovered their secret doom. He had imprisoned them in the Tombs at the base of Eru's mount. Mithadan and Piosenniel began to plan a daring campaign to free the hobbits from the Tombs and use the time travel device to rescue them from the isle just before it sank.

In the course of this campaign, the Elf and Man came to love each other and pledged their troth as man and wife. The Star succeeded in locating the hidden community of hobbrim and also organized the hobbits in the Tombs to revolt. The assault on the Tombs succeeded, and the hobbits were taken back to the hidden isle of Meneltarma.

Here, they are asked to fulfill the doom that Ulmo had laid out for their people. Each hobbit must decide whether to remain on the land, or to be transformed into a sea-hobbit under the scepter of Ulmo. The hobbrim would remain hidden on Meneltarma until the end of time when it is said they will play an important role in the final battle for Arda. The land hobbits would be taken back to the Anduin in the year 1000 of the Third Age. From there they would later make their way to the Shire and eventually play their part in the destruction of the Ring.

At the end of the Star RPG, Piosenniel and Mithadan return to the Fourth Age, awaiting the birth of their twins. Bird begins searching for clues that will reveal more of her shapechanger past. Cami, still in love with Maura, resigns herself to duty as the leader of the hobbit community in Greenwood in the mid-Third Age, and also adopts a burrowful of orphaned boys, including the highly tempermental Gamba.

It is at this point that our sequel begins.

[ February 07, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

That took eight months to play out? smilies/wink.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hello all,

We are in the process of sending out invitations to those whom we've asked to play. As the invitations are sent out, and the returns trickle back, we'll be asking the Shire posters to do very brief profiles on the characters they've been assigned. Since many of the characters are directly based on Tolkien's writings, or on the earlier Star RPG, these profiles will naturally be shorter than the normal ones.

It would be helpful if the older posters from the Star could include something about your own characters as background information. (I have something on Pio and Mith already which I need to paste in.)

These sketches can be lengthy ones you've prepared from long ago. (I know a few of us have those stashed away.) Or it can simply be a few sentences hammered out as background for this RPG.

Think of things that might come up in the sequel which could confuse someone who'd never read our original story. A good example of that might be the word "Snowhobbits." I understand we may have one or two tagging along.

Helen--Bring along as many of the Snowhobbits as you like, since the Bill Ferny subplot will definitely have an angle involving children.

Also, some of you may get a private message from one or more of the Shire posters. We are suggesting to them that they go ahead and contact the person whom their own characters are likely to interact with. For example, whoever plays Sam is probably going to need to talk to Frodo (Helen) to discuss what direction you may want to go in the story. Similarly, Rose Goodchild needs to speak with Lindo.

Helen,

Why do I get the feeling that you're going to be very busy?

sharon

[Child of the 7th Age]

Mith,

Just like old times....we've managed to cross post.

Hey, I could have put all the bitter details in, but then everyone would be reading the synopsis instead of working on the sequel. Actually, given the angst that Cami and the other hobbit/hobbrim characters in our story exhibited, I'm surprised that the story didn't take 12 months!

sharon

[ February 07, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Mithadan]

Angst? You want angst? I seem to recall...never mind.

I just read the entire Shadow Star thread. Excellent job! That's one heck of a backstory!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio and Mith's posts

BACKSTORY: Mithadan and Piosenniel

Mithadan was born the third and youngest son of Galasmir, lord of the small port town of Lond Lefnui which lay in the Anfalas of Gondor. It was said that Galasmir and his sons were descended in direct line from Elros, son of Earendil, and thus were possessed of a degree of Elven blood. Indeed the loremasters of Gondor had presented Galasmir with a scroll, naming each of his ancestors back to the First Age and, on feast days, he would produce the scroll for his guests and point proudly the names which appeared at the head of the list: “Beren Erchamion (Camlost) and Luthien (Tinuviel).”

But the days of the First Age were long passed and now rarely did any sign of Elvish blood appear in that line. Indeed, Galasmir had fair hair and brown eyes as did two of his sons. But Mithadan was born with grey eyes and their colour did not fade or change in the weeks before his naming and thus his name was chosen. And his hair was not fair but rather raven black, the colour of the midnight sky. He grew tall and straight and when he reached his manhood, some whispered as he passed, “Verily, it is true the ancient saying that the line of Luthien and Beren shall never fail.”

Yet he remained the youngest son of a lesser, though prosperous, lord of Gondor. He had barely reached the age of twenty years at the time of the War of the Ring and had been left behind by his father to guard the town and its port while Galasmir and his other sons marched proudly to Minas Tirith. While his role was a honourable one and indeed did the Corsairs of Umbar land a force of many men in Anfalas seeking to take the port, Mithadan was ever ashamed that he did not take part in the greater events to the east. And ever and anon some foolish cot holder, whether out of spite or besottedness, would name him Mithadan the Meaningless and it cannot be said that word of this did not reach his ears.

Thus, when his brothers returned from the War (Galasmir was slain in the Siege) Mithadan resumed his studies with renewed vigor and soon, taking some few tokens of his house with him, apprenticed as a mariner. Not long thereafter, he demonstrated sufficient skill and valour in repelling a raid out of Umbar that he was given command of his own vessel and began trading along the coasts traveling even as far as the Grey Havens far to the North. And Mithadan loved especially his visits to this Elven port for, as a child, he had explored the then deserted haven of Edhellond which lay to the east of his home. With a few friends, he had snuck secretly from his house and, ignoring the legends that the haven was haunted, had journeyed there and stayed for several days with his fellows, fighting feigned battles in the defense of Gondolin where his ancestor Earendil had been born. When he returned days later, his father had beaten him soundly and forbade him from returning to the ruined city. But ever after, he fondly recalled those few days when he and his friends had been counted among the mighty of Beleriand.

Now, on one such journey to the Grey Havens, he returned with both cargo and passengers and among these was a strange Elf named Piosenniel. Tall and fair as any Elf, Piosenniel had dark hair which was oddly curled for one of the Eldar. On a leather belt, Piosenniel carried a sword and a number of sheathed knives. The belt held up breeches which in turn covered the tops of worn leather boots; a wanderer clearly this Elf. But what was most strange was that this well-armed, soldierly Elf was a maiden.

Mithadan knew that Elves valued their privacy but he found himself very curious about Piosenniel. Elven maids rarely bear arms except at last resort, it was said though none could deny their valour if old tales be true. However, she was aloof and singularly disinterested in speaking with him.

The extent of their first conversation was that she was bound for Gondor, her errand was her own thank you, and no she would not join him at the Captain’s Table. If the youngest son of a lesser lord learns little, one thing he learns is politeness. So he troubled her little, though politeness does not satisfy curiosity.

From other passengers, Mithadan learned that Piosenniel was well known in both the Grey Havens and Rivendell and had been rumoured to join the traveling companies at times, whatever they were. She was typically well mannered, if quiet, but was known to be impatient and said to be brave to the point of foolhardiness. She was also rumoured to be of odd heritage though none knew, or told, why.

No more could Mithadan learn and he resolved to let the matter drop as his vessel approached the Mouths of Anduin. Here his helmsmanship and navigational skills were needed and there was little time to think of the secretive Elf. He assumed that Piosenniel would assume some small place in his memory along with the many others who passed briefly through his life. But this was not to be.



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

Piosenniel was born in the year 504 of the First Age. Her mother was a Kuduk, Holly, living in the Dor-Lómin region of western Beleriand. Her father was Nenwë, the son of Falastur, a captain in the service of Olwë.

Now Olwë was brother to Thingol who with Melian dwelt in Menegroth, the Thousand Caves. In I 505, the Sons of Fëanor attacked Menegroth, in hopes of regaining the Silmaril. It was during this battle that Nenwë fought alongside Dior, Thingol’s heir and ruler of Menegroth at that time, and both were killed in this Second Kinslaying.

Now one year old, Piosenniel was sent, with her mother, to be under the protection of Turgon’s daughter, Idril, in Gondolin. Most of the Hobbits dwelling in Beleriand had been taken to the Hidden City to be kept safe from Morgoth. It was a frightening time in Beleriand for both Elves and for Hobbits, as Morgoth’s minions harassed the Elven populations and he sought control of all Beleriand.

Piosenniel was separated from her mother and escaped from Gondolin at its fall in I 510 with Idril and her family. When Morgoth was at last overcome, and Beleriand sunk beneath the waves, Idril sent her to foster among the Teleri, Piosenniel’s kin, along the Gulf of Lhûn.

This was one of the times she held most dear. Simpler days among the Solonelli - the Surf-singers, the Falinelli - the Foam-singers. For these two words were the names the Teleri gave themselves. The harmony of their voices and the graceful rhythms of their movements adding truth to their naming.

They had taken her in as one of their own, teaching her to love the sea. A child of Ulmo she had become, brown under the sun, her arms and legs taking her far into the currents and deep below the glassy surface of the water. She had reveled in the freedom, and often, in her long life, found herself wishing she could sink once again into the salty arms of the waves.

Life was sweet to her and wondrous, and as she grew older, she had a thirst to taste all the offerings of Arda. And so she left her Elven haven and traveled out wherever her feet or a sailing ship would take her. It was during one of these journeys that she first met the young captain, Mithadan – a meeting which she did not recall.

Many years passed before Piosenniel was to meet again with Mithadan, then captain of The Lonely Star. She and her boon companion, Birdland, were in port - Harlond, just south of Minas Anor. It was there that fate conspired to bring them together with Mithadan and Cami Goodchild and set them the task that would cement the friendship of Man. Elf, Shapechanger, and Hobbit.

The journey was a long one, through time and distance. Many perils beset the companions as they strove to fulfill the task laid before them, as well as many joys, not the least of which was the love which grew between the Elf and the Man.

This was a perilous journey, in itself, but in the end they were wed, and the joyous product of their union was to be the twins, a boy and girl, who were to be born on Midyear Day, Year 12 of the Fourth Age

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

[mark12_30]

Lindo was an only child born to two middle-aged hobbits who lived on the outskirts of Gondolin, in the hobbit villages governed by Maura Took. As he grew, he was unusually drawn to the elvish culture nearby. He spent more and more time in the city of elves, and made friends with the elf children, learning their songs and dances, and sharing their love of ponies. At the age of eighteen, he was hired by Idril Celebrindal as stablehand and pony trainer.

He lived in Idril's household, studying and dancing and training with the children, singing often. He had a pleasant voice, and the elf-children found him entertaining. He returned home to he hobbit village for holidays and celebrations, and took time then to court Niphredil, the girl he loved. But the vast amount of his time was spent with ponies and elf-children. When his duties permitted, and by Idril's orders, he participated in their studies and their physical training; thus he learned the rudiments of elvish poetry and lore, rudiments of dancing, agility, and basic martial arts, and also the rudiments of osanwe. He dressed in elf-children's clothing until Idril ordered adult elvish clothes tailored for him. He was careful to blend in as much as he could, and this included wearing his hair long and partially braided the way the elves of that city did.

All this concerned Maura, who cautioned Lindo that he had spent too much time among the elves, and had lost his hobbit-roots and essential hobbit-culture; but Lindo shrugged off Maura's concerns, and immersed himself further into Idril's household. The only hobbits he concerned himself deeply about were his parents, and Niphredil.

Thus he spent a full fifteen years immersed in the elvish culture of Gondolin. However, by the fall of Gondolin he was separated from the elven culture and returned to the hobbits. He lost Niphredil to an enemy arrow; and during the ensuing forced march and imprisonment of the hobbits, he lost both of his parents. What with the loss of the three hobbits most dear to him and the household and culture he lived in, his readjustment to hobbit life while in prison camp proved difficult.

He found himself assigned to children again: tiny hobbit-babes; and partway through the imprisonment found himself the leader of fourteen young teenage rascals who became known as the Snowhobbits of Ladros. When the imprisonment ended, he adopted three of them and accepted the responsibility of guiding the rest of the Snowhobbits into adulthood. He was regarded as a Loremaster early on, and wrote numerous lullabyes, laments, and some heroic poetry. The heroic poetry was of interest only to the young elven playmates and is now lost, but the hobbits passed the lullabyes and laments down through many generations.

[ February 07, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[mark12_30]

Still to come: eh, let's see:
Cami's hobbit boys: Gamba, Ban, Maura, Asta, Roka ; The Snowhobbits; Frodo Baggins

Hmm, perhaps I'll edit the Snowhobbits into Lindo's bio. Only his sons, Retya, Tem, and Tocca will come.

... Gamba is too recent! I can't synopsis-ize him, not after just having written his epilog... Not tonight, anyway. I'll try again tomorrow.

Sharon, you've done pretty well with Frodo already? I don't need anything for him, right? I'll have to brush up on him again...

I just wrote a Tom Bombadil chapter in Bolco-in-the-Shire... talk about intimidating. I don't have him quite right; not enough rythm in his speech, and not enough sparkle and zest either. Gah! I was hoping to revisit it tomorrow. Looks like I'll be writing bios and doing that too...

[ February 09, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Birdland]

This is the background history for Birdie's race; the Skin-Changers. It is in no way based on anything Tolkien wrote, except for a brief mention in his writings that there were other skinchangers in Middle-earth besides The Beorn.

The Beorning are a most ancient, noble race. Their people have dwelled in the Northern Vales of Middle Earth for countless centuries, where they have built their fantastic lodges of wood and stone, and farmed the fertile river valley of the Anduin. The center of their territory is The Carrock, a massive rock island that splits the Anduin in twain, north of the Old Ford. The Carrock is both Marker and Meeting place. It is said that the first Beorning to come to Middle Earth stood on the peak of Carrock, surveying the land, and first assuming the aspect of The Bear.

For the Beorn are Skin-Changers. The only form they will take on, besides that of large, doughty Men, is that of The Bear, whom they regard as the greatest and wisest of all the creatures of Eru. Through the years, the Beorning have achieved a perfect balance of the two forms, blending their Human and Animal aspects in such a way that a Beorn in Man-Shape still retains all the nobler, (and dangerous) traits of Ursa, and when a Bear?…well…vice-versa.

They are a very successful, prosperous race. They have never been routed from their ancient kingdom, never been defeated in battle, and their trade with Men, Elves and Dwarves have enriched their coffers, to the benefit of all Beorn-Kind.

Of course, most Skin-Changers bear no resemblance whatsoever to the Beorning.

Skin-Changers are thought to have originally come from the Southern lands, perhaps Near Harad or Khand, or maybe even farther into the Hither Lands. They are a small race of men, never achieving the lofty heights of the Numenorean races. Though never as small as Hobbits, they seldom, if ever, grow taller than 2 meters. They are generally light boned and nimble, (some might describe them as “scrawny”), though a male skin-changer may possess surprising strength and can defeat a larger opponent, particularly in wrestling. Their skin is olive, their hair mostly black and thick. The eyes are generally brown, though blue or green eyed Skin-Changers are not that uncommon.

But that, is of course, is when they are in Human form. For Skin-Changers can assume almost any shape, whether animal, vegetable, or mineral, that they like. They cannot, however, assume the form of another Man, Halfling, Dwarf, or Elf. But they can, for some reason, turn into Ents. (It is thought that the “woody“ nature of these Free People somehow allows for this type of metamorphosis.)

Now most people would think it a wonderful thing, to be able to take on any aspect that you like. To escape your troubles by flying away as a bird, or taking to sea as a fish. But this very talent can lead to an inability to face responsibility. If you can escape from your life by adopting another, you may never learn to face your troubles and overcome them. The Beorning, for this very reason, regard their smaller cousins as a flighty, irresponsible, sometimes silly people, who cannot take life seriously.

The majority of Skin-Changers regard Beornings as fanatics.

Men of Power covet Skin-Changers; for they are, of course, the perfect spies and thieves. For this reason the race has been plagued through the ages by Forces of Evil who sought to control Skin-Changers and use them to further their aims. There are even horrific stories of necromancers who would “study” captive Skin-Changers, in order that they might absorb the talent to change form, and use it themselves. Though not a particularly political race, never taking sides in the ongoing conflicts between Men, Elves, and Dwarves, Skin-Changers have always turned from the Dark Side. They have fled in terror from those who sought to control them. And since they are Skin-Changers, fleeing is usually quite easy.

The one way Men of Evil have found to gain sway over the race is through their children. If the youngest child of a Skin-Changer can be captured, before its talent has been manifested, (generally around the age of 12-13), then the cooperation of the parents can be ensured. Sadly, this has lead to the practice of infanticide / suicide among the Skin-Changers, if they find that themselves in a situation where escape without the young children is impossible.
When Sauron’s hand stretched into the Southern Lands for the first time, the Skin-Changers that could fled North.

Now most people of Middle-Earth hate Skin-Changers, for they are of course, the perfect spies and thieves. It did not take long for the race to hide their abilities from “others“, and whatever stable culture Skin-Changers may have had in the Southern Lands was abandoned as they took to the lives of wanderers in Middle Earth.

Skin-Changers became tinkers, peddlers, entertainers, fortune-tellers, and mountebanks. In the early Third Age you might have seen them in their colorful wagon caravans, (which may or may not be drawn by “real” horses), or you may have delighted in the tricks of their clever animals, entertaining the locals at some fair or market day (that may, or may not have, been performed by “real” dogs and birds). It wasn’t long before the only Skin-Changers known to exist in Middle Earth were the mighty Beorning. And this was exactly how the Skin-Changers liked it.

But by the time Birdie had grown and had set out on her adventures, there were no Skin-changers to be found in all her wanderings. She was alone.

Birdie is a skinchanger who was fostered by the Beorn. Her own history, including her first meeting with Piosenniel, will be explained in a future tale. Her friendship with Cami can be read about in the voyages of "The Lonely Star".

[piosenniel]

OK, all you Star players! We now have it in print (Yes, Bird I have saved it to floppy) -
Her own history, including her first meeting with Piosenniel, will be explained in a future tale.

Soon as this section is a wrap, we break out the suntan oil and head south!

[piosenniel]

Auntie Bird!

You have been oscarmeyered once again by the Elf! smilies/wink.gif And your post is on the storyline.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Background Story for Cami

Camelia Goodchild ("Cami") was born 1382 S.R., the only child of Obo and Honeysuckle Goodchild. Honeysuckle was from a well-to-do family in Coombe-under-Bree said to be connected with the Tooks; her husband Obo, a Harfoot farmer of modest means, had leased a small burrow on Bagshot Row. Their marriage was a happy one, although Honeysuckle's relations disapproved of the union, and never fully accepted it.

Despite his public objections to the marriage, Honeysuckle's father quietly approached Bilbo and begged him to make sure his granddaughter receive at least a smattering of book learning. Cami was a regular visitor at Bag-end from about age seven on. Many afternoons, she could be found at Bilbo's kitchen table, learning her letters and numbers in the company of her cousin and neighbor Samwise Gamgee.

As Cami grew older, she resolved to follow in Bilbo's footsteps by becoming a writer and historian, a plan her family and neighbors deemed impractical. She ignored these naysayers and followed her heart, assisting Bilbo in his earliest efforts to piece together scattered scraps of Elvish lore. This activity came to an abrupt halt in 1401 when her teacher vanished without explanation. Bilbo's unexpected departure left a great hole in Cami's life that was not to be filled until, many years later, when she met the Loremaster Maura Took.

The untimely demise of her father in a farming accident and the subsequent loss of their homestead left Camelia and her mother in desperate straits. Since Belle Goodchild Gamgee had died several years before, they could not properly go and live with their neighboring kinsfolk, as might otherwise have been the case. The Brockhouse clan failed to provide support, so the women had little choice but to leave Hobbiton, when no other work could be found. They secured postions in Buckland Hall, on Frodo Baggin's recommendation, with Honeysuckle working as a cook and Cami as a nursemaid, an arrangement that continued for some eighteen years.

Fearing that time was passing her daughter by, Honeysuckle made Cami promise to wed Hob Fields, a kindly friend of the family with a small holding in Tukborough. But this was not to be. Like other lads from Tukborough, Hobb fought with Pippin at the Battle of Bywater, and was one of nineteen hobbits killed that day.

With the death of her mother from natural causes just two years later, Cami vowed she would not become another hand-me-down maiden aunt, whose life was bounded by the Shire. On Meriadoc Brandybuck's recommendation, she secured a position as nanny in far-away Minas Tirith, travelling to Gondor with a dwarf trading caravan making its way through Bree. She was hoping for an exciting new start, but things did not turn out the way she had expected. For over ten years, she lovingly tended to the needs of Beregond's children and grandchildren. As the only hobbit in Minas Anor, she found things a bit lonely and spent her free time roaming the streets of the city or reading in its archives for endless hours.

In the tenth year of the Fourth Age, after the death of her aged Aunt Amalda, Cami unexpectedly came upon a small inheritance and found herself appointed guardian for her young cousin Rose Goodchild. It was at this juncture that she decided to break from her past and try to do something that would bring about change and perhaps help other hobbits as well. Just turning fifty, she invested her inheritance in hiring a sailing vessel to search for and rescue sea hobbits, a tale outlined more fully in "The Voyage of the Lonely Star."

This one decision would change Cami's life. Readers should consult the tale of the Star for Cami's friendship with Mithadan, Bird, and Piosenniel; her love of Maura Took; and her subsequent adoption of Gamba and four orphan boys.

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

[Child of the 7th Age]

Welcome new posters!

Taps out a drumroll..... Below is a list of posters from the Shire who'll be playing in this game. I've indicated their Downs name followed by the name of the character they've agreed to play. We still have two or three joining us. I'll add their names later as needed.

All new posters will need to do a profile for their character.

1. Those whose characters did not appear in LotR, or whose characters were only briefly mentioned by Tolkien, will need to do a full description just as you'd do for any RPG--physical description, personality, family background, etc.

2. Those who are playing characters whom Tolkien described in depth can do an abbreviated profile. You won't need to go into details on personality or physical appearance, but you might want to mention things in their lives that may have changed by the 12th year of the Fourth Age (position in the Shire, marital status, children, etc.).

3. Everyone will need to indicate in your profile at least one other character you think you may interact with during the game. This isn't meant to restrict you, but should start you thinking about the direction that interaction might take. Try to come up with an idea or two on this, and include these in your profile (but make sure to keep any real secrets hidden!).

Go ahead and contact the other poster by private message so you can discuss and plan together.

I've given some examples below for each character. These are not meant to be exhaustive. Please do come up with other ideas, people, etc. as you see fit.

Villains, please note..... We've come up with some initial ideas for the Ferny and Henchman subplot. We will send you those in a private message, since you won't want your plans to go public!

Arelendil - Green Dragon Innkeeper - Needs a full profile. Will interact with your server and with Piosenniel, since she has run the Inn in the past.

Auriel Haevasawen - Bill Ferny's Henchman - Needs a full profile. Will need to get with Ferny (Doug Platypus).

Carrun - Frodo Gardner Gamgee, 10-year old son of Samwise. Needs fairly full profile, since Tolkien doesn't give us a lot of detail on Sam's children. Will probably want to talk with your sibling(s) and later with the children played by Mark 12_30 (Lindo's Snowhobbits and Cami's adopted boys). I will warn you that they can be a handful!

Bill Ferny - Nasty man! Brief profile will suffice, but tell us what you've been doing for the last twelve years. (It can't be good.) Get with your henchman.

Dragoneyes - Pippin. Brief profile will do. You'll want to talk with Merry and/or another buddy from the Ring quest.

Kiara - Green Dragon Server. Needs a full profile. Will interact with the Innkeeper and Piosenniel as described above under the Innkeeper listing.

LadyinWhite - Rose Goodchild - Cami's adopted daughter from the Star. You'll need a full profile since most aren't familiar with her. Let me know if I've given you enough to work with, or we can talk more. Will be involved with Cami (that's me) and
Lindo played by Mark 12_30.

Nuranar - Rose Cotton Gamgee, Sam's wife. Brief profile needed. Your life has obviously changed since your marriage! Tell us how. As best I can tell from the family tree, you already have 7 children, and are very pregnant with the 8th (Daisy!). You'll have plenty to do with Sam and the kids plus acting as the midwife!

Nurumaiel - Angelica Baggins, Bilbo's favorite niece and Cami's childhood friend. You'll need to do a fairly full profile, since Tolkien doesn't tell us much about her. You'll probably want to talk with Cami, perhaps Sam's wife too.

Orual - Samwise Gamgee. Brief profile. I'll be quite curious to see how you feel about seeing Frodo (Mark 12_30) again!

Rose Cotton Rosie Gamgee, eight-year old daughter of Sam. Full profile needed since Tolkien doesn't tell us too much. You'll want to get with Carrun since she'll be playing Frodo Gamgee, your brother. Also, later on, you'll want to talk with Mark 12_30 who is playing the Snowhobbit children from the First Age (remember them!) and Cami's adopted boys (Gaba and crew).

Still waiting on Elanor Gamgee and Merry.

If you have any trouble at all, drop Pio or I a line and we'll be glad to help!

Remember these characters are being carried by the older Star folk:

Mark 12_30 : Lindo the Loremaster; Chidren: 2-3 Snowhobbits, Gamba and crew; Frodo Baggins

Bird the shapechanger: BTW, Bilbo needs to do some planning with you along the lines we discussed.

Piosenniel: Pio and Amaranthas

Mithadan : Mith and Lorien the Vala

Cami : Cami, Bilbo Baggins, Maura Took

[ February 11, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Nurumaiel]

Okay, first of all, I'd like to say thank you to all for inviting me to play. I hope I can live up to the standards. smilies/smile.gif

Second, here's my profile. It's not too long for now; I'll be editing it and adding more after I can get my hands on my LotR book and see what little Tolkien said about her and after I have some time to think it out a little more. The profile should be complete sometime today or tomorrow.

Name: Angelica Baggins
Age: 52 years
Description: She has brown curls (a few strands of grey can be found) and dark blue eyes. She is not very old for a hobbit, but she's old enough to have lost much of her youthful beauty. Nevertheless, she is still pretty, and still succeeds in making other hobbit women envy her. Oh, and she still has the mirror Bilbo gave her!
Personality: She is not as vain as she once was, but she still considers herself pretty, and she always looks perfect. Her hair is always brushed, her face is always clean, her dress is always spotless. She has, however, developed a motherly personality instead of a carefree girlish one, as she is now a mother.
Family Background: She has married and has three children now, two boys and a girl. Second cousin to Frodo Baggins.
Interactions: Will probably interact with Cami, as they're childhood friends, and Rose (C.) Gamgee, as she (Angelica, that is) will be her assitant midwife. Possibly Frodo, as they're relatives.

If anything else is needed, please let me know.

~Nuru

[ February 14, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

[Orual]

I'm quite excited about this, and I thank you all for inviting me. This ought to be great fun.

Okay, now for my profile--I've tried to synchronize everything in time, but if I've got it off just tell me. I'm working off of year twelve of the Fourth Age, which I think would be 1433 in Shire reckoning. I think that Cami said that Daisy wasn't born yet but would be soon, which would make it '33.

Name: Samwise (Sam) Gamgee
Age: 50 (?)

Update (or, since we last saw our hero...):

A lot changed for Sam since Frodo left for the West, including seven more children and his first term as Mayor, which would be almost over in 1433. He had been married to Rose for fourteen (?) years.

Interactions: Rose Cotton Gamgee and Frodo for certain. I'm a little hesitant to make any more connections, since I'm not sure how this will play out, but I'm assuming that he'll interact with Cami, as well as his own children, and possibly Bilbo.

I'll double-check my chronology and edit if need be.

Namárië,

~*~Orual~*~

[mark12_30]

Orual/Sam,

Welcome! Drop me a line when you can!

--mark12_30/Frodo

[piosenniel]

ATTENTION

Here is your chance to give Feedback on how you think the RPG section of the Barrow Downs is doing.

Click on the gold colored link below and let us know how you are enjoying the Gaming experience, and give any suggestions you would like to the administrators and moderators there. Thanks! smilies/biggrin.gif

COMMENTS (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=21&t=000012)

[Child of the 7th Age]

I will be adding the final names to the list as they come in, and also posting a brief note in the thread to make sure you notice the additions.

Our latest player is well known to the Star crew in the form of Rose Cotton who, this time around, will be playing Rosie Gamgee, Sam's eight-year old daughter.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

Arwen Baggins will be playing Sam's twelve-year old daughter, Elanor Gamgee.

I'll add her name to the list later, since I have to run now.

Cami

[Rose Cotton]

*Rose bursts into the thread and embraces all her old friends*

HI EVERYONE! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!
I am seriously crying with joy right now.
How pathetic is that?

I'll have my profile up soon. smilies/biggrin.gif

~Rose Cotton

[Birdland]

ROSE!!! smilies/biggrin.gif

Where you been? You missed the boat!

(Sea-cows wave "Hi!")

[mark12_30]

smilies/tongue.gif

Good to have you back, Rose! I missed you!

--Helen

[Carrûn]

Just curious as to when this RPG might begin because I have an enormous amount of work this week and probably won't be able to post a character profile until this weekend.

[Susan Delgado]

Hey everybody. I'll be here too. smilies/smile.gif

[mark12_30]

I'll be in the Seattle area Sat - Fri, most probably netless. Withdrawal!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Susan,

I'm so happy to see you on board. Susan will be playing Merry. Susan and Dragoneyes (Pippin), you'll probably want to get in touch for planning.
*********************************************

We expect the game to begin next Tuesday, February 18.

Shire posters please try and finish the profiles for your characters and post them on this thread by Sunday evening, February 16. Also send out the planning memoes which were discussed above under your character's name.

Plus, you'll want to read the basic information that is in this discussion thread (game proposal, prior RPG summary, character descriptions) and the beginning posts which already appear in the game thread itself. These grew out of the Inn and are very important for understanding what is going on.

As the game starts, this is what is happening:

1. Cami claims Frodo and Bilbo are coming tomorrow night (game time), plus a strange visitor whom Pio claims is a Vala.

2. The Inn is preparing a dinner party for their arrival and will invite their close friends. The Innkeeper and server will be kept busy.

3. One of us will be making the rounds with your invitations! Once you have it, you are welcome to respond, either in an actual sense or thinking about what all this means!

4. Mark12_30, I am sending you a pm to discuss your unfortunate, temporary withdrawal from the computer! The only one of your characters who would be involved next week is Frodo. The rest would come later.

5. Lady in White -- Since Rose doesn't arrive till a bit later (probably a few days), you can sit back and read what others are writing!

6. Mith and Bird are still on the road...although Mith, please note Lorien's appearance with Frodo and Bilbo.

[mark12_30]

Cami, let me know if there's anything I can prep ahead of time. Otherwise... you can always reserve me some slots (Deja Vu All Over Again)... Or, you can handle Frodo til I return... up to you. And now-- the pillow calleth...

[Child of the 7th Age]

Helen,

Me too. But when you awaken, please check your pms.

sharon

[dragoneyes]

I'm happy to have been invited and hope we'll have some fun together smilies/smile.gif. Here's the profile:

Name: Peregrin (Pippin) Took
Age: 43
Update: He's now been married to Diamond of Long Cleeve for six years and has a three-year old son, Faramir.
Interactions: Certainly Merry, perhaps Sam. I don't know about anyone else.

[Nuranar]

A thousand apologies for my deliquency in providing a profile! I have been studying like nobody's business for my calculus test, but now that it's over Rose Cotton Gamgee will make her appearance either Friday or Saturday.

Pio, thank you so very much for the background information you sent me. I can't tell you how much of a help it is!

[doug*platypus]

Hi everyone... no, wait I mean avast ye scurvy halfling dogs! Yeah, that's more of a bad guy thing to say...

I'll be playing the part of Bill Ferny, and will post a profile of sorts on the "one who got away" fairly soon. I thought however that I should post on the discussion thread as soon as possible, to make PMing me easier. I expect to hear from Auriel, and possibly Mithadan, about sketching an outline for our plots and schemes.

Does anyone have a name for Bill's cobber, the Squint-Eyed Southerner from Bree? And what happened to him?

[doug*platypus]

Any ideas, suggestions, or corrections would be very welcome...


Bill Ferny

A man of Bree, of less than independent means. As the saying goes, "A man can use his back or use his brains." Bill was inclined to do neither. Most of his life, he had made his way through less than noble means. Around the Year 3018 of the Third Age, Ferny fell in with some very nasty characters, meaning he was in fine and fitting company indeed.

Agents of Saruman, or Sharkey, a lord of the southern lands, appeared in Bree a few years before 3018. Bill and one of his cobbers, Harry Goatleaf the gatekeeper, were taken on by one of Sharkey's top agents, the squint-eyed southerner. This mysterious and uncouth man came and went on the business of his master, travelling as he would between Bree, the Southfarthing, and the lands to the south. Bill and Harry were to report to him on all matters concerning Bree. It was believed that he also had spies among the Little Folk in the Shire.

Late one evening he arrived at Bill Ferny's house from one of his journeys to the south. He had the fear of death upon him, and could say nothing of what he had seen for quite some time. Bill had fetched him some stiff drink and leftovers from dinner, and left him to his own devices in his guest room. Bill and Harry had had a particularly rough night at the Pony, and he was in no mood to play nursemaid.

The following morning the southerner had recovered somewhat. He was all business now, but the business itself was strangely changed. It seemed more serious and deadly now, but also there was more thought of reward. He stayed at Bree for some time, and he and his two cronies kept a sharp lookout for one particular Hobbit. His name was Baggins.

Bill little thought how his ensuing encounter with this one little halfling, his three companions, and the Ranger, Strider, would change his world so dramatically. He was drawn into a drama that reached far beyond his mean and greedy dreams. Even his own part in it was larger than Bill would have imagined. His toughness was appreciated by Sharkey, and he was taken on as one of the Chief's Big Men in the Shire. Ferny was put in charge of the Brandywine Bridge, a lodge was built for him, and he received from the Chief deeds to various properties in the East Farthing.

Bill's fun in the Shire had just begun, when one night only a few months after settling in, he was roused from his slumber. Fearing nothing inside the Shire, he stormed out to the gate to deal with whatever trouble was afoot, when he saw an incredible sight. It was the four hobbits, returned like heroes out of errantry, armed, armoured and riding. Despite their size, the darkness and their boldness made them seem fearsome. Ferny had no choice but to flee the scene.

After his expulsion from the Shire, Ferny eventually made his way back to the Bree land. On the way he received a stern but not over the top scare courtesy of Gandalf and Bombadil, after straying onto the Barrow Downs. Their timely intervention most likely saved both his life, and (so Gandalf hoped) his soul. The mounds of Tyrn Gorthad were still a dangerous menace to the unwary.

The years after the War of the Ring (which had largely occurred way down south) were prosperous ones for the hobbits of the Shire. After the Battle of Bywater and the death of Sharkey, the Little Folk were content to rest on their laurels. All the progress and work that had been made during the Chief's rule was halted and destroyed with reckless abandon, including Bill Ferny's own lodge at the Brandywine Bridge. As if this was not bad enough, messages soon came through of a prohibition on Men in the Shire. The King apparently saw fit to rob Ferny of his newly acquired property and chattels in the East Farthing, and he was stuck in Bree, which did not in general share the good fortunes of the Shire.

Bill settled quietly at first back into life at Bree. But having had his first dirty taste of power, lording it over the Shirriffs and the Hobbits in general as one of the Chief's Big Men, Ferny was restless. He fell in with the leader of a band of robbers who preyed on travellers passing through the Chetwood. Bill began organising various nefarious schemes throughout the Bree land. Protection rackets, mainly. He eventually purchased some pipeleaf plantations of dubious quality, at South Linch. Bill smoked the stuff himself of course, but had a rough palate and could not appreciate how poor the weed was compared to that of the Shire. Neither, fortunately, could most of the men of Bree. Not that they would have dared to buy from a source other than Bill. In this way, Ferny started to be well off in his own way, not that you could tell so from his home or his appearance. Ferny could now employ ruffians and vagabonds to do most of his dirty work for him. He was starting to become a Chief himself.

And now, Bill's informants told him, the famous Frodo Baggins-Underhill was returning to the Shire. His three annoying companions had taken over the rule of the Shire - the Chief having mysteriously vanished. All of Bill's past hurts came back to roost. He wanted revenge. Not just his property, or money, or even power. It was revenge at all costs. Ferny had been corrupted well and truly, and would now stoop to any loathsome plan to interfere with the perfect lives of the little hobbit lordlings.

[piosenniel]

doug*platypus - LOL!

. . . avast ye scurvy halfling dogs!

Bill must have spent some time with the Corsairs of Umbar!

[ February 14, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ArwenBaggins]

Name: Elanor Gamgee
Age: 12 at the time of this story
Description: typical curly hair that is golden blond. Bright blue eyes. People often commented that she was very pretty, but she didn't spend a lot of time thinking about that. She is more fair skinned than most hobbits, and more slender. She loves Elves, knowing of them from the stories her father told.
Nickname: Her siblings called her Ellie, and her Elvish name is Elanorelle.
Personality: Quite gentle and loving but could be very determined when the situation calls for it.
As the eldest of many brothers and sisters, she was protective of her younger siblings. They loved her but probably thought she was too pushy at times!
Was very glad that Frodo had seen her when she was a baby, but always wished she could have gotten to know him better.

[ February 14, 2003: Message edited by: ArwenBaggins ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sam,and Rose Gamgee and children, Merri, Pippin, Angelica Baggins:

This may be of some help in planning for your first post of the game. Pio and I were just talking and decided that one of the first things that will happen in the game is that you will receive invitations to the dinner party at the Green Dragon which will include the news about the return of Frodo and Bilbo and also Cami to the Shire.

One possible way to start this game is to comment on this invitation. Do you believe the news about the hobbit's return from Aman, and how do you feel about it? You don't have to do this.

If you have another idea on your first post, go for it. But this is one way to start off and even have your post ready ahead of time.

Most of the invitations will be sent out by the Shire messenger service. However, since Sam will probably be the one most affected by the news of Frodo coming back, Pio will be hand-delivering that one to the Gamgee family herself.

Many thanks to Rose Cotton who gave us this particular idea through the draft first post she sent to me.

Arwen -- As we discussed, there is a possible angle to this that might work for your first post. Your character Elanor had a wish to meet Frodo Baggins. This is stated in the Epilogue, when Elanor mentions to her dad that she is glad Frodo saw her as a baby but she wishes she could meet him again and have a real memory of him.

[ February 14, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Hobbit children:--Little Frodo, Elanor, Rosie

Check your pms. I've sent information from the Epilogue in Sauron Defeated which may help you flesh out your profiles and first posts.

Also, Mark12_30, Carrun, Nurmaiel, and Orual --- please check your pms.

[ February 14, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Rose Cotton]

Name: Rosie Gamgee

Age: 8

Appearance: Dirty blond curls and big brown eyes. Her dresses normaly have dirt all over them from gardening. She is very pretty, but not as striking as her older sister Elanor. Sometimes this bothers her.

Bio: Most of Rosie's time is spent either helping her mother in the home or helping her father in the garden. She has inherited Sam's love of growing things and his love of stories. Rosie also has a lot of curiosity and has a bad habbit of following people around and listening to their conversations. Her father's nickname for her is Rosie-Lass.

There is one conversation between Rose and her father which shows how much she loves Elves and stories. This is from the Epilogue in Sauron Defeated.

"But the Elves are sailing away still, aren't they, and soon there'll be none, will there, dad? said Rose; "and then all will be just places, and very nice, but, but..."

"But what, Rosie-lass?"

"But not like in stories."

"Well, it would be so if they all was to sail," said Sam. "But I'm told they aren't sailing anymore. The Ring has left the Havens, and those that made up their mind to stay when Master Elrond left are staying. And so there'll be Elves till for many and many a day."

Interactions: Rose Cotton Gamgee, Sam Gamgee, her siblings and Pio.

[ February 17, 2003: Message edited by: Rose Cotton ]

[Nurumaiel]

Angelica's profile is finished. Well, that is to say, hopefully. If there's anything else you want put in there...

[Carrûn]

Character Name: Frodo Gardner Gamgee
Age: 10

Personality & Characteristics: Bright-eyed and cheery, nicknamed "Frodo-lad" by his father Samwise. He is enamoured by the tales from the Red Book; weapons (which has seen few of save a few butter knives and perhaps a bow), Orcs, and the like. He inherited his father's fascination with Elves and he is also somewhat in awe of the legend of his namesake. A part of him wishes he could do something as noble as "Mr. Frodo" did. There is also a more serious side to him as well, and and he has been known to sit quietly by himself away from festivities ("most unnatural for a hobbit") from time to time in deep thought. He is protective of his siblings and is loves both his parents very much.

Possible Interaction His parents & siblings, other hobbit children, and perhaps Piosenniel or Cami.

First Post Still to come, pending my catching up on a lot of lost sleep & long runs in the snow.

Oh yes, he carries a bright green lightsaber and a magic wand smilies/biggrin.gif. j/k

[Nuranar]

And now, ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention for the one-and-only Rose Cotton Gamgee, in a somewhat formulaic but nevertheless imaginative profile of introduction!

(Sorry, got a little carried away with imitating the Chicago style. smilies/wink.gif )

Name: Rose Cotton Gamgee

Age: 49 years

Description: As a girl, Rose was the classic brown-eyed, brown-haired, rosy-cheeked wild rose. Her mouse-brown hair is more wavy than curly; the mother of almost eight, she always pins it up and out of the way. Her skin is a little more tanned than that of other hobbits (as a result of a childhood playing outdoor with her four brothers), but her cheeks are as rosy as they ever were.

Personality: Having grown up with “the boys” Rose can hold her own in most scrapes her growing family can get into. She has a wonderful sense of humor about her sons’ harum-scarum antics. From their earliest memories her children can hear her singing; she has always loved to sing. Because of the Gamgees Bag End is lived in as a home should be, full of laughter and joy and song.

Family Background: She is married to Samwise Gamgee, has seven children with an eighth on the way, and is mistress of Bag End, the old Baggins hole.

Interactions: Obviously she will interact with Sam, as well as with Elanor and Frodo (her son Frodo). As Pio’s midwife she will interact with Pio and with Angelica Baggins, and probably with Mithadan (the anxious father) as well.

Please tell me if there is anything I need to add.

[ February 14, 2003: Message edited by: Nuranar ]

[Orual]

Quick question that I probably ought to know the answer to: how well does Sam know Piosenniel? I know that Sam and Cami are close, but what is Sam's relationship to Pio? Friends? Acquaintances?

Thanks!

~*~Orual~*~

[piosenniel]

Orual

Piosenniel and Sam have never met. She will simply be an unknown Elf to him. However, by the time she comes to deliver his invitation, he should know of her, as Amaranthas has asked Rose to be Pio's midwife. I'm sure the couple has had some conversations about that.

And his friendship with Cami is in the past, when they were young, growing up as neighbors on Bagshot Row. Cami, though, went away many, many years ago to minas Tirith, and never returned.

[theWhiteLady]

Sorry for the delay! Things have been hectic here; please add any suggestions, I'm going by what Child has given me on Rose but any more information would be very much appreciated! This is the profile so far:


Name: Rose Goodchild, Miss Rose

Age: 20

Description: Rose is about average height for a hobbit, though perhaps on the tall side. Her hair is light brown and curly, and her one distinguishing feature is her hazel eyes. She has a small, delicate nose and round, red cheeks that dimple when she laughs. Rose is quite strong and can handle herself in a tight situation fairly well.

Personality: Rose can be vivacious and headstrong, but is learning to become responsible and mature. Her experiences on the Lonely Star allowed Rose to grow up a lot, but she still retains much of her spirited young nature.

Background:One of the crew on the Lonely Star, Rose went with the others on many perilous adventures. She was orphaned at a young age and chose to live with Cami in Minas Tirith, later accompaning Cami on her travels. Cami is now teaching Rose the art of healing.

Interactions: Cami and Lindo, and probably some of her old friends from the Star.


Should there be any way to distinguish Rose Goodchild from Rose Gamgee? It may not even be a problem, but I thought I would ask just in case smilies/smile.gif

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

[ February 16, 2003: Message edited by: theWhiteLady ]

[mark12_30]

Well, folks, I'm off; I was hoping to get more done, but not this time... I'll be back next Saturday... Cami, can you reserve me a spot for Frodo's thoughts on seeing Sam for the first time? I've been pondering it, just not at a keyboard...

[arelendil]

Hey everyone!!
Name:Primrose Bolger of Hobbiton (related as a distant cousin to
Fatty Bolger from the trilogy)

Age:35 yrs old, a nice stable, still young age

Description: Dark curly hair, Deep blue eyes and fair skin. Usually dressed in white or yellow with a green sash about the waist

Personality: good sense of Hobbit humor and a decided twinkle in the eye! Goodnatured, likes to joke around with the others in
the Inn - makes others feel at ease. unattached at present.

A down to earth Hobbit with a good head for judging people. Good head
for business. Hard worker - dives right in to manage anything thrown her
way.

Hows that? Meet the Green Dragon Inn keeper!

[ February 18, 2003: Message edited by: arelendil ]

[Auriel Haevasawen]

A little delayed but here at last...

Old Stoat

Old Stoat is of the race of men, although with his stench and all that mud and hair it's more than a little difficult to tell. His age is also something for debate but could be somewhere in his forties.

His background is mysterious in that no one in the Bree environs knows where he came from. He just seemed to appear one day working in the fields on Ferny's plantation. He has an ill look to him though and people soon noticed items went missing from their homes if they left the door unbolted the day he took to living in that shed at the field edge.

He more than once let his fists fly and if he found himself fairly beaten would later follow his rival home and finish the business with a hunting knife.

If Ferny had not stepped in to vouch for him he would certainly have been tried or at least expelled from Bree.

He was now in debt to Bill Ferney and he certainly knew how to make use of him. Large and strong and seemingly easlily biddable he soon found himself being bought pints in the Prancing Pony and included in Ferny's plans. Ferny could make good use of a man of dubious background who seemed willing to follow him. It was impossible to tell if he had his own neferious plans in mind or just had a liking for evil doings.

One night walking back across the fields from one particularly heavy drinking session Bill ventured to ask his new companion where he had got his name. Stoat let out a low and rasping laugh. "Cos I changes me colour to suit where I is."

Obviously interacts with Bill Ferny!

I hope this is what you had in mind as a profile. He's supposed to be mysterious so I have been too, hope that's ok.

[piosenniel]

Auriel

LOL! Old Stoat!

Another well done baddy!

[Child of the 7th Age]

White Lady --

Rose Goodchild is 20, so I've edited your post to show that. That information was courtesy of Rose Cotton, who was Rose's original creator!

Yes, indeed, we are overflowing with "Rose's". Rose Cotton suggested we call her little Rose "Rosie" (or Sam might call her "Rosie-lass"which was her dad's actual nickname for her). That sounds like a good idea to me to keep the two characters straight.

So Rose Goodchild is Rose, and Rose Gamge is Rosie!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Bird, Mith, Pio, Mark 12_30

The challenges of time travel again.....

As you know, the Star RPG involves certain events concerning the hobbrim which, according to the great music, must not be revealed to the folk of Middle-earth until the end of time. After consultation with Bird and Pio, we are suggesting the following guidelines when dealing with time travel "secrets".

We will attempt to keep the information about the Star voyage itself hidden--hobbrim, tomb rescue, etc.--except for the general piece of news that Cami has just gotten back from a time travel journey. We will let the Shire hobbits know in what age Cami, Maura, Lindo, and the others actually live, that the Valar have arranged for their "transportation", and they'll be returning them back to the same time and place.

These restrictions apply to the Shire hobbits only. There can be free exchange of information between all visitors who arrived in the Inn via dream (from the 2nd and mid-third age), since anything too sensitive will fade away in dreamland.

[Orual]

Several "Roses" by the same name...

So Rose Goodchild is Rose, and Rose Gamge is Rosie!

This skips a Rose, doesn't it? Rose Goodchild will be called Rose, I got that. I guess that the abovementioned Rose Gamgee is Sam's daughter, and is Rosie or Rosie-lass. Or is it that little Rose is Rosie-lass and Rose Cotton Gamgee is Rosie? Anyway it's better than the alternative used in a play I'm in, where we just use everybody's full names...it would get old having to type "Rose Cottom Gamgee" every time Sam thought about his wife!

Namárië,

~*~Orual~*~

[Child of the 7th Age]

Yes, then there's Sam's wife. Sighs.... Maybe we should call her ???

OK, let's try again.

Rose Goodchild = Miss Rose, played by the White Lady

Little Rose Gamgee = Rosie or Rosie-lass, played by Rose Cotton (!)

Rose Cotton Gamgee = Rose or Miz Rose, played by Nuranar

Ach, too many Roses.....

Will this do, or does anyone have a better idea?

[ February 16, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Important Note

Please make sure to look at the game thread and read all the background posts before drafting your own first post.

You'll definitely need to read these early posts to understand later story developments. Also, I just included a copy of the invitation in the game thread. If you're one of the characters who will be receiving an invitation, take a look at it and see how you might respond.

You haven't heard from Cami in 24 years, and she is inviting you to a dinner with two hobbits who left for the Blessed Land some 12 years ago! She's also promised you dinner with an Elf.....

Cami

[Nuranar]

Will Rose (Cotton Gamgee) be receiving this invitation before or after Pio meets her?

[piosenniel]

Rose and Sam will get their invitation personally delivered by Pio.

[piosenniel]

Pio will call Rose Cotton Gamgee 'Miz Rose'. It puts them on an even, adult, footing in a respectful manner.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Sounds good, Pio. Will add that in under Rose Cotton Gamgee's name. Since Cami has known her since she was a Child, she will stick with the plain 'Rose'.

There will be many scenes where the context is so clear we needn't worry about this, but if there is any question, use the names in the list above.

[ February 16, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[theWhiteLady]

Thank you, Cami! I've added Miss Rose in her profile. I still have a few questions on the character, which I will send by PM. Thank you so much for your help!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Background Material on Maura Took and the Hobbits of Beleriand

Maura Took, the son of Isenbar and Mirabella Took, was born in Dor-Lomin in the year 461 of the First Age. Maura came from a long line of lore-masters and wise women desended from Izindi Took. More than two hundred years prior to the fall of Gondolin, Izindi had led the hobbits on a westward march from the lands of their birth, joining up with the Men of the First House of the Edain.

Alhough the Elvish chronicles fail to record the details, the hobbits were most likely represented at the initial meeting between Beor the Wise and the Elf-lord Finrod, son of Finarfin and brother of Galadriel, that took place in the year 310. The fortunes of the Took family, and of the hobbit community in general, continued to be tied to those of the First House. Thus, the hobbits temporarily settled in Estolad, but then moved to Ladros in Dorthonion, after that land was granted to Lord Boron.

It is interesting to note that, although Maura himself never lived in Ladros, he considered that city to be his true cultural heritage, and was well acquainted with the words and deeds of the wise-woman Andreth who was the grand-daughter of Boron. With the fourth battle of the Beleriand wars, that of Dagor Bragollach in 455, the hobbits were expelled from Dorthonion, along with the Edain, and did not return until after the fall of Gondolin, this time in the guise of prisoners.

Maura's grandfather, for whom the lad was named, died fighting at Tarn Aeluin in the year 460 beside the outlaw Barahir and his son Beren, the only one of the group who managed to escape.

Most of the hobbit community went into exile in 456, settling in Dor-Lomin, along with a number of the Edain. This is where Maura himelf was born in 461. As a young lad of just twelve years, Maura was forced to flee, along with his surviving family and most of the other hobbits, after the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, in which his own father Isenbar had been killed, acting as a courier for Fingon.

It was at this point that Idril intervened with her father and secured permission to safeguard the hobbits within the secret stronghold of Gondolin, where they remained till the fall of the city in 511.

We know that in the year 500 Maura's mother and his twin sister Mirella were killed ouside Gondolin's gates by a band of roving Orcs. Seven years later, Maura's youngest sister Zira married Ban. Abar was born in 508, and Azra in 512 on the isle of Tol-Fuin.

Maura's growing love for Cami is detailed in the tale of the Lonely Star. It should also be noted that, although Maura held great respect for Elves and Elvish learning, he was careful to stress that the destiny of hobbits lay elsewhere, and that, being mortals, their interests were more closely tied to those of Men. Maura's scholarly contributions were primarily in the area of history; he also acted as a teacher for the hobbit youngsters. Moreover, it was to Maura whom Ancalimon turned whenever he needed to discuss urgent community matters.

Maura seems to have been a gentle and easy-going fellow who, although thoroughly conversant in ancient lore, greatly enjoyed popular songs and nonsense, hence his popularity with hobbit children. He was adept with the bow, and well respected within the general community. He was tall and slender for a hobbit, with grey eyes and brown curls that were tinged with grey. The only criticism his neighbors offered was that he tended to keep his feelings to himself, so that it was sometimes difficult to know what he was really thinking.

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

[Child of the 7th Age]

Rosie-lass

I pasted the Rosie-lass post you did directly under Pio's because it wouldn't make sense to have it later in the story line. Hope this is ok.

Everyone :

Pio had left the thread closed after she posted last night, and it's possible that she did this for a reason (or it might be a mistake).

I sent a note to her to clarify this and open the thread if needed.

Cami

[Mithadan]

I will be introducing Lorien by editing Child's Feb. 15, 11:30 post.

Edit: Done. Hee hee.

[ February 18, 2003: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[ArwenBaggins]

I have a question. When will this RP begin?? I have a post that should go right after Rose Cotton's. I wanted to know, because I need my post to go there, and if someone else gets to post first, my post will not souund right. If you need to, I can email my post or something....

[Child of the 7th Age]

Arwen,

Please send me your post in a private message or put it up on this discussion thread, and I will gladly paste it into the correct spot on the game thread. I can do this even if the game has continued on with later posts.

Thanks. If anyone else has a post that needs to be pasted in right after or before Pio's talk with Sam, just send it by pm or post it on the discussion thread and I will paste it in he game thread for you.

Mith --

You've edited my post. smilies/biggrin.gif That usually means big trouble! I'll go have a look.

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

OK, I've looked....

Oh dear, leave it to Cami to come up with a half-baked Vala as her 'guardian'!

"Pipe-weed?" Hmm, that doesn't sound too promising. BTW, Gandalf has somehow kept Bilbo supplied with a plentiful amount of pipe-weed, which he will gladly share, although the hobbit swears that Old Toby and Southern Star are superior to the variety raised in the West.

I would advise everyone to look at Mithadan's post which appears directly under mine from February 15.

Cami

[ February 18, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ArwenBaggins]

Thank you Child, I have emailed you the post.

[Carrûn]

I will have my first post (Frodo-lad) finished by this evening; should I post it or send it in a PM?

[piosenniel]

The game is now open. If it seems to fit into the flow of the storyline when you have it done, then go ahead and post it.

If it makes more sense to add it onto one of the other posts - then please specify which one: who and by date, and PM it to me and I will place it for you.

[Nurumaiel]

Would you like me to do a post of Angelica receiving her invitation?

[piosenniel]

Nuru

Yes, that would be great. It will be late afternoon when the server and his satchel finally gets to your house!

[Nurumaiel]

Okay, I'll do one as soon as I have the time. And she is allowed to bring her husband and children, correct?

[piosenniel]

By all means! The more the merrier!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Mith,

Please check your mail.

Cami

[ February 19, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[dragoneyes]

I will be gone from tomorrow afternoon until Saturday sometime. If I've not got my post done before I leave I will certainly have it done by the time I get back, though it may have to be inserted somewhere, depending on how far you've got.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Just send it in a pm, or paste it on the discussion thread with instructions where you want it and we'll try and help.

Cami

[Nurumaiel]

Child,
I'm working on my first post right now. When I finish would you like me to just post it on the main thread or PM it to you?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nuru,

You are welcome to run it by me, or just g ahead and post. Do whatever you are most comfortable with.

Cami

[Nurumaiel]

First post finished and on the main thread. Hope it's all right.

Angelica Baggins

[piosenniel]

Very nice, Nuru! smilies/biggrin.gif

[piosenniel]

The dinner party for Bilbo and Frodo will be occuring sometime soon.

Can each of you who are coming to it, please post something about your thoughts as you get ready to come to the party, your preparations, hopes, wishes, dreads.

[Nuranar]

I have saved a post. As soon as I can (late tonight or tomorrow after church) I will write about Miz Rose and the Gamgee family's preparations.

Other Gamgees, feel free to post!

[ArwenBaggins]

I have put up a save spot after Nuruanar, most likely being in response to her.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Everyone

I'll be posting the beginning of the party. I'll probably not do that till Sunday evening or night since a number of people (including myself!) have saves to fill in.

Mithadan,

Did you want to do anything special with Lorien at the hobbit luncheon?

I have posted a 'save' for the luncheon to end, and won't do anything drastic to your character other than to say he seemed to be enjoying the food and drink quite a bit!

If you want to add anything before the ending of the lunch, you can insert a post in the first part of my save box. Even if you do it later, I will edit my post to fit in with yours.

Arwen Baggins

Please check your private messages. Thanks!
smilies/smile.gif

Cami

[ February 22, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[mark12_30]

Hi all,

Golly, the team's been busy. I have a lot to read.

Sharon-- I'm a bit lost. Who's dreaming and who is not? I thought all the time travel was done via dream; but Bilbo and Frodo seem to actually have arrived for real? Are they not time travelling, just distance travelling? Who will be dreaming and who is actually awake?

Regards, --Helen

[Child of the 7th Age]

Helen,

It is good to see you. I was concerned that the recent storms could have affected your trip.

See my post of February 15 at 11:30 p.m. and those that immedately follow. Frodo and Bilbo fall asleep and arrive by dream in the company of Lorien. This is where they fell asleep on their front porch.

The two hobbits looked intently at each other. Then Bilbo leaned back, set down the pipe, and closed his eyes. There are certain things for which words are not needed. Frodo went inside and brought out a woolen blanket, tucking it about the older hobbit's lap to protect him from the cool night air. He sat down on the step nearby and leaned against Bilbo's knee, as a misty, silver curtain seemed to fall in place, bringing with it an abundance of dreams and hope.

I am following Tolkien on the nature of dreams, since there seems little difference between theexperiences of those who are present in reality and those who are present in dream in the fragments he's left us. Indeed, critics like Verlyn Flieger have argued that, in a place like Lorien, dreams/vision/reality seem to intersect even within the LotR itself.

BTW, did you get my memo on two possible doors for Cami?

sharon

[ February 23, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[mark12_30]

Sharon: I do remember the post of Bilbo and Frodo falling asleep; it was the pounding on the old door at the Inn that confused me, I guess; and arriving with Lorien all awake and savvy and clearminded.

The guy from HoME that woke up as Elendil (and his son as Herendil) had no clear memory of their future/past; as I remember it he had no clear memory of ever being anybody else. So I was expecting something along those lines for the dreamers in our story. Obviously for the plot to make sense they have to retain their identities ("Excuse me, Maura sir, but should I know you??" smilies/eek.gif )

You were confused when Pio woke you up, and had to figure things out. But-- we don't see that with Bilbo and Frodo. It seems to me that they should experience some sort of disorientation at least. Since they wake up behind closed doors we haven't seen it yet, unless I should flashback to it or insert a section? If that makes sense to you I could write that peice and you could patch it in; if you had been thinking that they should arrive clear-minded and aware of all the issues, then just let me know.

Good to be back. I hope I can scan the story one more time tonight and get a better handle on it. I was pretty fuzzy last night.
Orual: great post on Sam's letter writing. Loved it.

--Helen

[ February 23, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ February 23, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

You were confused when you woke up, and had to figure things out. But-- we don't see that with Bilbo and Frodo. It seems to me that they should experience some sort of disorientation at least. Since they wake up behind closed doors we haven't seen it yet, unless I should flashback to it or insert a section? If that makes sense to you I could write that piece and you could patch it in; if you had been thinking that they should arrive clear-minded and aware of all the issues, then just let me know

That extra piece would be a good idea, and I will be glad to patch in wherever you want. My conjecture was that the three of them woke up in the old bedroom slightly dazed and disoriented, and took a while to get their bearings. (Even Lorien) I didn't get into any of that, and just picked up the action as they were banging on the door.

Apparently, Lorien must have recovered enough to realize he was a Maia and would be able to use another means to get through the door. See Pio's post. But he completely forgot about the hobbits who were with him, and left them banging on the door.

sharon

[mark12_30]

Sharon,

I sent you a PM with the post in it. I hope it works.

--Helen

[piosenniel]

Carrun, Orual, Rose Cotton, ArwenBaggins, Nuranar, Susan, dragoneyes, Arelindel - please see my PM's to you.

Your preparations for the party should be up by Monday at the latest.

Sharon will be putting the dinner party scene up on Tuesday and you will need to be ready to interact with the other guests.

[mark12_30]

Sharon:

you wrote, in the Ancalimon speaks to Maura at Tol Fuin post:
By mid-afternoon, Ancalimon excused himself, and inquired about the way to Lindo's burrow, as there were other matters he wished to discuss with him.

What did you have in mind and should I post about that? smilies/smile.gif Lindo returns! Yippee! smilies/biggrin.gif

Also-- Since Maura was so closely modeled on Frodo, what are your thoughts about the two of them meeting? Comparison/ contrast? Let me know what you have in mind.

--Helen

[ February 23, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

I have just pasted in a new post which Helen (Mark 12_30) wrote. It shows how Frodo and Bilbo first woke up in the locked attic room. It definitely carries a humorous air! See the post of Feb. 21, 2:34 a.m. on the first page of the game.

sharon

[ February 24, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Nurunar needs to leave the Game for personal reasons. The part of Miz Rose Cotton Gamgee will be played for a couple of posts by me.

[mark12_30]

Sharon and Orual:

Regarding Bilbo's key, the wardrobe, and the party dress...

I don't know quite what you have in mind, Sharon (can't imagine Bilbo keeping dresses, nor Frodo either, but Rose was there for a while before Frodo left) but my quick point is, I think that Sam would have had the wardrobe unlocked and opened, by a professional locksmith if necessary, and kept it aired out and fresh and clean even if he kept the contents absolutely untouched.

The reason I feel that Sam wouldn't have left the wardrobe locked: too much risk of mustiness, mildew and mold underground. I should think that even the best of hobbit-holes need to be either aired out regularly or heated well, to make sure that they stay dry, I think, and I bet Sam would have been very cautious about that.

If there were heirloom dresses in there-- I find myself wondering whether Sam would have given them to Miz Rose to wear? Rose, in her turn, may have reluctantly worn them only to please Sam and returned them immediately, clean and pressed, to the wardrobe? Could be some fun in that.

Just some stray thoughts. Feel free to argue?

--Helen

[Birdland]

I've filled in the post about Birdie's travels that was saved from Feb. 23, 8:37am.

I'm afraid the Shire-Folk are going to find Birdie looking rather "outlandish". smilies/biggrin.gif

[piosenniel]

Bird

So Holly and Olo jumped the broom, eh?

Whatever happened to Volondil, your devoted Ranger? Did you take a page from Pio's book and dump him for some mysterious, tall dark and handsome one from the south, eh?

Out with it! smilies/wink.gif

Who is he (http://www.angelfire.com/biz/harmanist/costum15.gif)?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Helen,

You have a point about mustiness. I can easily get rid of the key with a bit of an edit, and have Sam remember how carefully Rose had cared for the things in the wardrobe.

First, as to how the wardrobe got there, ..... When Frodo inherited Bag-end, Bilbo had obviously left all his things there except for the little he took and the clever mathoms which he gave to his friends. Some of these things left behind in Bag-end would have been family heirlooms. When Frodo made the decision to leave the Shire, he probably got all these old family treasures together and tucked them carefully in the wardrobe in the second-best bedroom (Sam's and Rose's bedroom at that point), and casually told Sam and Rose they were welcome to use anything there.

After Frodo left for the West, Rose probably went through these things and was surprised at what was there. They probably did use a number of the household items, but I think they might have saved those things which were extrememly personal.

The dress is definitely a family heirloom...and personal. It is the dress that Bilbo's mother wore on the day of her wedding. There is a haertfelt note with it which his mother Belladonna Took wrote shortly before her death, wishing Bilbo all the best things in life and asking him to keep the gown and share it with the woman he will marry and later with his own daughters or daughters-in-law. Bilbo had kept it out of sentiment and also thinking that Frodo would marry, and that it would be given to his wife. But all those dreams never came to pass!

Now, we have Cami.....

Given this note and what the dress was, I'm not sure Sam would have suggested his wife wear it.

The book on the Brandybucks belonged to Frodo's mother Primula Brandybuck, and has a very personal inscription for Frodo inside the cover. Interestingly, it relates the geneology of the Brandybucks, way back when they were the Zara-Gambas, long before coming to the Marish.

I thought their family history might prove useful at some point, perhaps at the very end of the game. For now, the book will be tossed aside and no one will look at it.... It will go with Frodo back to the West because of the inscription from his dear mother.....and that would also be the safest place for it!

sharon

[Birdland]

Whatever happened to Volondil, your devoted Ranger?
Well, you know Rangers...

All I can tell you about the the man on the left is that he is a terrific dancer. smilies/biggrin.gif

[mark12_30]

Orual, Susan, and Dragoneyes (Sam, Merry, and Pippin),

I'd like to plan some interactions for the party between each of you and Frodo. We can either communicate by PM (which is only one on one, hard to do with four people all together and communicate with any cohesion) or we can communicate on this thread (which means we can't surprise anyone) or we can exchange email addresses (but I have three, 2 home and 1 work.)

I am fine with working on the discussion thread if that's easiest for everyone where all four of the ringquest hobbits are concerned. Would any of you prefer otherwise enough to provide email addresses or go through the PM drill?

The ideas I have revolve around Frodo's experience with (and growing dependance on) osanwe, and how his three friends might react to his temptation to use it. Let me know if you'd rather plan this off to one side or here on the discussion thread.

Thanks! --Helen

[mark12_30]

Being an introvert with a lousy memory and having gotten totally flummoxed trying to grasp who and what is on, in, and around this project, I finally made myself a table of game members and characters. This was absolutely essential for me as I can hardly remember my own name under pressure. If I can't remember your name, PLEASE don't be offended. Or if you are offended, don't take it out on my characters!

Anyway, here are the two tables: one sorted by characters, the other by players. Whether it helps anybody else or not I don't know; but I need to be able to get at it wherever I am!

If we add or subtract anybody, send me a PM or Sharon or Pio feel free to edit the post.

Thanks... and once again, when I give you a blank stare and ask you whatsyernameagain, please laugh instead of throwing things.

Kiara, I haven't found your characters' name or profile yet, did I miss it?

Sorted by character's Family, Clan, Job, or Race:

Nurumaiel Angelica Baggins Child : Bilbo Baggins Mark 12_30 : Frodo Baggins Arelendil Primrose Bolger Innkeeper, Green Dragon Gandalf_TheGrey Merry Brandybuck
Piosenniel: Pio Elf
Doug*Platypus Bill Ferny
Auriel Haevasawen Old Stoat Ferny's Henchman
Carrun Frodo Gardner Gamgee
ArwenBaggins Elanor Gamgee
Rose Cotton Rosie Gamgee
Child Rose Cotton Gamgee, Sam's wife.
Orual - Samwise Gamgee.
Child : Cami Goodchilde
LadyinWhite Rose Goodchilde
Mithadan : Mithadan Man
Bird Bird Shapechanger
Mark 12_30 : Retya Snowhobbit
Mark 12_30 : Tem Snowhobbit
Mark 12_30 : Tocca Snowhobbit
Mark 12_30 : Lindo Snowhobbit Loremaster
Dragoneyes Pippin Took
Mark 12_30 : Asta Tuk
Mark 12_30 : Ban Tuk
Mark 12_30 : Gamba Tuk
Child : Maura Tuk
Mark 12_30 : Maura (Little) Tuk
Mark 12_30 : Roka Tuk
Mithadan : Lorien Vala
Piosenniel: Amaranthas

Sorted By Barrow-Downs Member Name:

Arelendil Primrose Bolger Innkeeper Green Dragon
ArwenBaggins Elanor Gamgee
Auriel Haevasawen Old Stoat Ferny's Henchman
Bird Bird Shapechanger
Child : Bilbo Baggins
Child : Cami Goodchilde
Child : Maura Tuk
Child : Rose Cotton Gamgee
Carrun Frodo Gardner Gamgee
Doug*Platypus Bill Ferny
Dragoneyes Pippin Took
Gandalf_TheGrey Merry Brandybuck
LadyinWhite Rose Goodchilde
Mark 12_30 : Frodo Baggins
Mark 12_30 : Retya Snowhobbit
Mark 12_30 : Tem Snowhobbit
Mark 12_30 : Tocca Snowhobbit
Mark 12_30 : Lindo Snowhobbit Loremaster
Mark 12_30 : Asta Tuk
Mark 12_30 : Ban Tuk
Mark 12_30 : Gamba Tuk
Mark 12_30 : Maura (Little) Tuk
Mark 12_30 : Roka Tuk
Mithadan : Mithadan Man
Mithadan : Lorien Vala
Nurumaiel Angelica Baggins
Orual - Samwise Gamgee.
Piosenniel: Pio Elf
Piosenniel: Amaranthas
Rose Cotton Rosie Gamgee


[ February 24, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ February 24, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[ March 16, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[mark12_30]

Frodo Baggins

Frodo and Bilbo have been together a great deal in the West, but there have been times when both Bilbo and Mithrandir have encouraged Frodo to pursue other friendships in the hopes that he would find healing and hope in them. In addition to Elrond and Galadriel, these friendships also include Finrod, Fingolfin, Finarfin, Aegnor, and Gil-Galad. Each of these elves had experience either in the struggle against the darkness, or especially in the case of Aegnor and Elrond, in the permanent loss of something held very dear. Galadriel and Elrond conversed much with him about the Ring specifically.

Some of this time spent with these elves was spent in vocal discussion, but as years passed, Frodo's skill in osanwe grew, and more and more his time spent with elves was spent mind-to-mind.

Bilbo he maintained his old spoken friendship with, and with Bilbo his humor remained sharp and his wit keen. But in all his other relationships, he learned to let down his guard, and became ever more open and trusting, knowing that he was surrounded by those who watched out for him and held him in high regard. He now slips openly, honestly, and easily into osanwe, and excepting Bilbo, he is comfortable maintaining all his deeper relationships that way.

Lindo (master of the Snowhobbits; Loremaster); Retya (Snowhobbit); Tem (Snowhobbit); Tocca (Snowhobbit)

All four were born in Gondolin, imprisoned in Ladros, and most recently come from Dorthonion, or Tol Fuin.

Lindo has been introduced in a previous post.

All three Snowhobbits are teenagers (Retya and Tem, 16; Tocca, 15.) The term "Snowhobbit" originated in the prison camps of Ladros, because fourteen teenage hobbits (then mostly 13 to 14 yrs of age) got into a snowball fight with Lindo, and finally tackled him and buried him in the snow. Lindo wrote a song about the fight. The hobbits formed a brotherhood of sorts, and Lindo took their training upon himself, styling it after the elvish schooling he had recieved in Gondolin (see Lindo's summary.) When the hobbits won their freedom, Lindo adopted the three orphans, Retya, Tem, and Tocca.

Retya(16) is a leader and a bit of a rascal, very handy and natural with ponies, sensitive to Lindo's moods, unusually protective and defensive of him, and is rapidly becoming Lindo's closest friend.

Tem(16) and Tocca(15) are followers, firmly attatched to Retya and each other, likewise protective of Lindo and fairly sensitive to him. They are both obedient to most orders from either Retya or Lindo. Tem speaks his mind too freely and is often in trouble for it; Tocca is usually careful, diplomatic, rational, thorough, the least reckless of the three.

All three brothers are affectionate and fiercely loyal to each other and to Lindo.

Gamba (17), Roka (7), Asta (7), Ban (5), and (Little)Maura Tuk (4)

Gamba and the four young boys came from the prisons of Meneltarma. They were all orphans. Gamba (and his older brother Phura) had lived with the Old Loremaster for many years, but as the rescue approached, there were many casualties, including Gamba's young sweetheart Esta, for whom he still grieves.

The four boys were orphaned from various families. They attatched themselves to Gamba, tagging along behind him and curling up near him at night. He made sure they got fed, and watched after them. While they were never officially adopted by the Old Loremaster, they bonded with Gamba as their older brother/ father figure, and the Old Loremaster went along with it.

When Gamba followed Cami to the Anduin, there was no question that the four boys would go with Gamba. Due to his loss of Esta, and his parting from his brother Phura and from Old Loremaster, thereafter he clung tenaciously to "his boys". While they lived in Cami's house, he maintained a strong control over them at all times, making sure he remained the center of their affection and devotion.

Cami steadfastly loved them all, but her patient, persistant attempts to break into the tight circle met with limited success over the years.

Gamba is headstrong, exhasperatingly stubborn, and at times arrogant especially when feeling insecure; however he can also be quite lavish with affection. While many think him slow to learn, Cami is unusual in that she is reliably able to present information in a form that Gamba can easily absorb and understand.

Having understood her instruction, whether he submits to it is another matter.

Gamba has a strong and accurate throwing arm, likes to swim, sings well, and hates to be underground-- most unnatural for a hobbit. He prefers trees.

Roka and Asta are normal seven-year-old boys, adventurous, playful and unpredictable. Ban is quieter and very fond of Azra (Rose Goodchilde.) Gamba takes little Maura everywhere, sometimes forgetting about his safety in the process. Little Maura is doted over by both Gamba and Cami; he lacks nothing and is very trusting and unsuspecting.

All five boys are fascinated by wilderness and nature and mezmerised by anything new.

[ February 25, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[piosenniel]

I have a question about my calendar - originally Maura was arriving prior to the birth of the twins. Is this still true, or is he coming just after. And around that same time, will Lindo and the snowhobbits arrive?

[Child of the 7th Age]

From Cami's perspective:

Maura is coming before the birth of the twins. He will come as soon as Cami speaks with Lorien and gives her consent. He and Lindo will come together.


Rose Goodchilde will arrive immediately after Maura. Gamba and his brothers will come immediately after that.

Helen, can you live with this? Will the Snowhobbits arrive with Maura and Lindo, or later?

[ February 24, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Helen,

Thanks for the list. It is helful.

I made minor edits in it based on changes in players since the earliest post.

I will continue future edits if needed.

Bird. You're wearing that THING to my wedding!!??!! And who is that man?

Cami

[ February 24, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[mark12_30]

Cami, I'd prefer all four (Lindo, Retya, Tem, Tocca) arrive together with Maura. (how old are they?)

Gamba & clan can show up whenever you want them to.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Age of snowhobbits -- two years older than their original age.

OK, let's make it easy:

The entire contingent from Tol Fuin arrives at once: Maura, Zara and 'Big' Ban and Abar, plus Lindo and three snowhobbits. Lindo and crew in one place in the Inn; Maura and his family in another.

Immediately thereafter, the Greenwood contingent arrives: Rose, Gamba, plus four brothers in tow.

Rose will come through in a slightly different location than the boys.

The Inn is going to be busting at the seams! Can the hobbit children/teenagers sleep in the stables?

As to the exact place the various groups arrive in the Inn.....that remains to be seen.

[Birdland]

Bird. You're wearing that THING to my wedding!!??!!
What? What's wrong with what I'm wearing? Gee, and Birdie even brought some rice to throw.

Hmmmmm, another thread for Books: did Hobbits eat rice?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Dragoneyes' post on Pippin's receipt of the invitation has been pasted on the thread. See
February 20, 1:23 a.m. on the first page.

Good job, Dragoneyes!

Cami

[mark12_30]

Dragoneyes: Nice post! And welcome aboard, Pippin! Drop me a line when you can about party interactions.

Cami: Okay, so the boys are sixteen (Tocca is fifteen, I think.) Perfect. Serious competition between them and Gamba... the Snowhobbits will be taller, and far more disciplined.

Lindo and the Snowhobbits would be DELIGHTED to sleep in the stables.

(The main problem will be letting the poor horses get some sleep. Boys: "Pony slumber parties are the best!" Lindo: "BOYS! Get to bed!" Boys: "Awwww, Dad!" )

Gamba would probably fight hard to join them, Maura in tow, and Roka and Asta tagging close behind. Cami would want Maura staying in the Inn safe and sound.

Open war ensues.

smilies/biggrin.gif

FYI-- Whenever boys are missing-- first, check the barn. If horses are missing-- check the fields. If none seen, perhaps they will return when they get very very hungry...

[ February 24, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[ February 24, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[piosenniel]

Helen

If Lindo and the boys would like better accomodations, very near the stables is the Stablemaster's home: Hob Hamfast and his new wife, Minta Chubb Hamfast. They have no children of their own at present and have also volunteered to watch the three children of Angelica Baggins Mudfoot when Angelica is called upon to be Pio's Midwife.

I'm sure they would love whatever assistance is available with a ten y/o boy and the 3 y/o twins, the male of which will keep babysitters hopping!

[Birdland]

Helen, thanks so much for the Party "Name" Tree. That is going to be very helpful for Bird, who won't be able to keep all those kids straight.

Looking forward to seeing Lindo again, though I fear he will be wanting to follow Frodo back to Tol Eressa.

[piosenniel]

The timeline on page 1 is updated to reflect arrivals.

[mark12_30]

Pio,

I've been pondering Hob Hamfast's kind offer, but my gut reaction is that the boys would rather curl up on the horses' backs and sleep there than have a cozy bed. They miss Estel, they love ponies, and aside from Estel, there weren't very many equines on Tol Fuin!

Lindo, I think, would either be with his boys or with Maura; and towards the end of the tale, Maura won't want his company!

I'll keep The Hamfasts in mind though; I suspect the reason for your idea will come clear in a while.

[piosenniel]

Please note: the hour for the dinner party is upon us. Please consider posting your character's arrival at the Inn.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio will be doing the temporary posts for the Innkeeper until her return.

Cami

[piosenniel]

Note: for later reference -

The Shiriff (not to mention Post Master for the Shire) in Michel Delving is:

Halfred Whitfoot

[mark12_30]

Pippin and Sam! Where are you?? --Frodo

[mark12_30]

East of the Moon, west of the Sun
There stands a lonely hill;


Pio, that's GORGEOUS. Where's it from?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Rose Cotton, Arwen Baggins,

Thanks very much for fillng in the back posts.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio,

Please see my memo on the order of posts on page 2. Do we need to cutand paste and shift one or two to make the chronology fall more in line?

Cami

P.S. You are also welcome to shift my latest Cami post if needed concerning the thirty-two buttons. I came right in the middle of the door opening to admit other guests.

[piosenniel]

Helen

The poem is from Book of Lost Tales 2, Tale of Eärendel- called 'The Shores of Faëry'.

I am completely enamored of Tolkien's poetry, and given a chance will stick in a few stanzas wherever I may! (You missed the vocal Warg character I played who liked to recite the parts of 'The Lay of Leithian' concerning his ancestor, Carcharoth smilies/smile.gif)

Sharon - Have adjusted the out of synch posts.

[ February 26, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

I will be "borrowing" the Fatty Bolger character for several posts.

Cami

[mark12_30]

...anybody there?

Sheesh, throw a party and EVERYBODY evaporates.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Dear Frodo,

Thank you so much. I have just seen the space you have saved, and the little note in it.

I would be most grateful for anything you could do to distract Fatty Bolger. He is a kind fellow, and I have no wish to hurt his feelings. My mother always maintained I was thick-headed about such things, and now I fear she was right.

I am also concerned that Bilbo and Lorien may be looking at me a bit askance.

Your friend,

Cami Goodchild

[theWhiteLady]

Greetings!

The party seems to be starting up, should Rose Goodchild make her entrance sometime soon?

Regards,
theWhiteLady

[ February 26, 2003: Message edited by: theWhiteLady ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Rose,

Thanks for checking!

Cami and Lorien have to talk first. Then you should arrive the next day, probably right after Mithadan's arrival.

Cami

[Nurumaiel]

I've put up a save spot on the main thread which I'll fill in tomorrow.

Child PMed me and suggested that Angelica 'rescue' Cami from Fatty. However Frodo is going to try for it. Will Frodo fail, and will Fatty go back to Cami, or should I forget rescuing Cami. Let me know either way.

~Angelica Baggins

[mark12_30]

Oh, no, certainly not. You go right ahead. I didn't know that you and Cami had plans! You do it, Angelica!

--Frodo

[Nurumaiel]

Well, the thing is, I don't know if we really did.

Perhaps Frodo can try his hand at it, but Fatty can go back to Cami, and then I can have Angelica call Cami over to talk?

[Child of the 7th Age]

OK, ----Helen, I hope you don't mind. I've put my post in the second half of your box. At the end of my post, Fatty will come roaming over to Cami again.

That's when Angelica can call me over to start talking with her.

Angelica----I'm going to put that in my actual post. You coming up and pulling me away to talk.

I think this sould work fine.

[Nurumaiel]

So should I just post how I arrive and see Fatty talking to Cami, and then let you handle how I 'rescue' you?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Nuru,

My post is up now so you can take it from there.

You can use my character to thank you, and ask questions about your life. Then you can tell me what you've been doing. When you finish with your post, I'll post a reply.

Cami

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

[mark12_30]

Orual,

Nice post!! I've saved a spot right after Sam's entrance. Let me know if you've got any plans/ ideas you want woven in that spot. --Frodo

[ February 27, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Helen,

I finally finished that post right under yours. As I explained in my pm, I wanted to get after you and before Angelica. Plus I managed to cross post with Orual, and it didn't make much sense for Frodo to be talking and distracting Fatty, once Sam walked in the door.

Hope this works for you.

Cami

[mark12_30]

Sharon,

I think it works. But guess what happens when a mod cross-posts with someone (for instance me) in the SAME POST! smilies/eek.gif

Luckily I had my section in a wordpad file!! It was gone when I looked again. I just pasted it back in, so al is well, I think. Check it out-- I'll be reading yours in the meantime!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Oh, dear, help! That's never happened before. I can't find your post. Do you still have it in word? Its not in the box ahead of mine.

sharon

[mark12_30]

Yes, I pasted it back in, hit your refresh button. Poor Sharon!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Whew! There it is. smilies/biggrin.gif

The post sounds very good, but I feel very bad for Frodo. smilies/frown.gif

Cami

[mark12_30]

Yeah, rereading it, Fatty whups him a bit too successfully. Maril once said that Frodo is very hard to defeat in an argument, and with the exception of (say) Gandalf or an elf, I think she's right; I've got to revisit that post, and toughen Frodo up a bit. He would stumble over the idea, but recover faster than I portrayed, I think.

He can still be shaken by the idea, but not quite so badly.

[mark12_30]

****THANK YOU BIRD***

Bird posted this on another discussion thread and it caught my eye. I'm going to quote it in full here because I think it is hugely pertinent and something I have always struggled with. Here goes:
(quote)Are you sure the words 'Man' and 'Woman' are used in reference to Hobbits? (end quote)

Bird's reply:
While Gandalf is technically correct, in that Tolkien states that Hobbits are related to Men, Halfling's themselves don't seem to be too fond of the comparison.

Tolkien seems to avoid the issue of common gender nouns for adult Halflings by using Old English colloquialisms. He refers to Hobbits as "gaffers" and "gammers", "lads" and "lasses", "gentlehobbits", etc. As to what the Hobbits called themselves, I would imagine that they had their own unique words.

Since there are so many distinct humanoid races in Middle Earth, calling oneself "a man" when you are actually a Halfing would get rather confusing. It's probably for the best that the Good professor deftly avoids making any references to it.


Okay. (Finally!) And Birdie, I buy that wholesale. I know we've waffled on this before (I remember a long discussion about calling Maura a "man", for instance) and I've never settled the issue.

Sharon, I'm probably going back to my most recent posts, and replacing "woman" with "lass". I know that Tolkien clearly states that hobbits are closer to men than anything else-- but Pippin sure reacted negatively to the use of the word in regard to Hobbits, and it always bugs me to call a hobbit a man, or a female hobbit a woman....

(Rebuttals welcome.)

[piosenniel]

Helen -

Has Frodo overcome his fear of Farmer Maggot's dogs while away West? Will his heart thump a little harder at the sight of Fang ensconced on the hearth rug? smilies/wink.gif

[mark12_30]

I suspect Fang will give him pause.

[piosenniel]

Comment on the use of 'lad/lass' - 'gaffer/gammer': Just my bias, but it seems to leave out an entire mature age range, and unless the person speaking is friendly with the one spoken of, 'lad and lass' seem too familiar as terms.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Regarding hobbit terminology. This is a problem, for which I have no immediate solution. It is actually very puzzling and gets into other issues that would best be dealt with in the books and languages forum.

I am inconsistent myself. I do not generally use 'man' or 'woman', although I have on rare occasions. One or two scenes with Maura and Cami come to mind, plus some references to "women" when Cami is with Pio and Bird. I do use 'boy' and 'girl' quite often in my writing and these are also human terms. To be absolutely true to Tolkien, you'd probably need to avoid these gendered terms.

Pio, you're absolutely right about the gap in age between lad/lass and gaffer/gammer. Cami is not really a lass as she is 50 (as are Sam, Merry, etc.); Frodo would be in his 60s! But, to me, gaffer and gammer carry connotations of both age and class that do not jive with any any of these characters. Even Bilbo is not a gammer, despite his advanced age! Here are some terms Tolkien does use. Note that most of these do not include an indication of gender: "goodman," "goodwife," "muddy-feet" (one of my all-time personal favorites), "Shirelings," "Shirefolk," "elders," "people," "children," "gentlehobbit," "female relative," as well as all the usual terms relating to family.

If you stop and think about it, this same problem applies to Elves and dwarves. I don't think Tolkien uses 'woman' for female dwarves or Elves. There is no word to indicate gender in either of those people.

Interesting enough, the one people that does have gender distinction is a people that actually has no "physical" gender, just "spiritual" gender: Vala, Valie, Valar, Valier. Where do these terms come from? Quenyan or Sindarin? Why should Tolkien have created such terms for the Ainur and not for hobbits? Or perhaps, in Quenyan or Sindarin, there is a term with gender distinctions for Elves, and I just don't know it? And the same in the dwarvish tongue?

My understanding is that Westron and Adunaic did carry gender differences in the languages themselves, but I don't think Quenyan did. (I am no expert and could be wrong.) In Tolkien's Westron, names that end in "a" are masculine and "o" or "e" feminine. Hence, Bilbo is really Bilba. Adunaic, for instance, even has a single word for baby boy--which English doesn't.

Very strange when you think about it. With no terms for adult gender distinctions in English for Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, it tends to de-emphasize the possibility of sexuality among those folk. (Please no one throw rocks at me!) But this is the limitation of the English language, not something that Tolkien did.

In summary, I have no answer for this, but it opens up some other puzzling questions, best dealt with in other forums. Just do what you feel comfortable with!

Cami

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

[mark12_30]

OK. But at the risk of being annoying, does anybody have a reasonable suggestion for "50-year-old-hobbit-lady"? Gentlehobbit... hobbitess? argh... Hobbit-lady seems so awkward, but I'll use it if I have to, although Hobbitess has a certain appeal.

I've always used "Hobbit" for nondescript males and frequently fall back on Gentlehobbit for politer moments... suggestions welcome.

Hey, I've gone past 1000 posts.

Mith, did you bust yourself or were you busted??

[ February 27, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

First, there are many great posts that have been inserted in the Save spaces. You will want to go back and reread the last half of the second page.

Nuru/Angelica Strong post--I'll respond and splice it into the same box right under your own post.

Pio,

I have gone ahead and inserted a post under yours of 2/26 at 7:46 p.m. Only my character would have the epiphany of her life while engaged in the middle of a conversation at the Green Dragon Inn! That post spilled out. I didn't plan on it. Just hope Varda was listening, as Cami definitely needs some assistance.

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

[mark12_30]

Wow, Sharon, You weren't kidding! And all around, clueless voices chime in, "Oh, Cheer up and enjoy the party..."

Speaking of Party, I'd like to interact with Pippin before the space I saved. Sharon, I'll write up a Frodo/Pippin/Merry post-- and can I either send it to you, or post it here, and could you jam it in shortly after Pippin's post? (Dragoneyes) ...Then Sam can join the four others.

[piosenniel]

Sharon - Do you want Pio to have 'heard' that plea? and Frodo - he might have 'heard' it also.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Yes to both Frodo and Pio....an interesting idea. I assume Loren would have also heard it, if he were listening. But he doesn't arrive till later, I think.

Helen -- I will be glad to jam the post in anywhere but will be careful that person isn't on the board.

Pio--did you know that Helen and I crossposted in the same space and I deleted her post. I wasn't deleting anything, just editing. I didn't know that could happen.

Cami

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

[piosenniel]

Where did Lorien disappear? Is he upstairs primping for his grand entry? smilies/wink.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Just got a nice post from Arwen Baggins which I will paste up now or after dinner (whichever comes first!)

Cami

[piosenniel]

Gee, with such Mod-power - we could join the X-Men!

*oops

now you know I read comics as well as other forms of literature smilies/biggrin.gif

[mark12_30]

OK. Now for Frodo hearing Cami's plea to Varda-- I'm not so sure that he would have. I will roll with whatever you folks like; but it seems to me that prayer and Osanwe are two different things. Osanwe is the meeting of soul and spirit and heart over distance (I believe significantly helped by Eru, developed as a skill but dependant on his grace, I think. That's my personal take on it anyway.)

However, Prayer works because of the omniscience and omnipresence of Eru-- he hears you because he's there all the time and he sees and hears every thought in every heart-- not because you are good at Osanwe.

In terms of How Did Varda hear it then-- I have to believe that Eru passed the message from Cami to Varda. Frodo would not have heard it unless Eru also brought the message to him-- which Eru can easily do, but would he with such a private, intimate plea? I believe, only if Cami's well-being needed Frodo's participation.

I suppose that's some Catholic theology at work, and some evangelical bible thrown in, but there it is... now, having said that, Cami, you choose. It's your plea! I'll play as you see fit.

(My own opinion of Osanwe is that Eru (in the person of the Holy Spirit, or "The Flame Imperishable") is the message bearer. How's that for explosive controversy! What a great matter a little fire kindleth...)

Anyway, Cami, let me know and I will have Frodo hear or not hear however much or little as you would like.

[piosenniel]

About editing/filling in saves:

I am saving the Game to floppy as we go along.

Most of the 'SAVES' I can pick up if they are recently placed ones - but if you fill in a save further back in the story or edit your posts, please let me know so I can get them copied correctly.

Thanks, in advance!

[Child of the 7th Age]

OK, working from this scenario, I think it most likely that Pio would have heard it rather than Frodo. There are a number of reasons for this. Pio is Cami's close friend--Cami has always been a bit shy of Frodo.

Whether you take it from the osanwe perspective (Pio being able to hear her friend whom she is used to picking up on) or the perspective of the message being a gift from Eru to Pio (Pio needing to help Cami), I think the character involved would more likely be Piosenniel.

I also think at some point in the story that Cami will go and talk with Frodo....possibly about Maura but more likely about Gamba and the boys. She may feel he's the only one to understand the kind of nightmare they've been forced to endure and how she can help them.

Hope this clarifies things...

Cami

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

[Child of the 7th Age]

I finished my post responding to Angelica and have put a lead-in for Pio at the end.

sharon

[Child of the 7th Age]

This is the time line we are aiming for. It is not set in stone, but it will give folk some idea of what is going on.

The party and welcoming part on Friday and Saturday. The actual dinner will start on Sunday (real time) and will end Tuesday evening (real time) with the departure of the guests.

If anyone will have difficuly with this, let us know.

The following events will occur in roughly this order:

1. Lorien and Cami talk during and after the party. (Mith, Child)

2. Mith and Bird arrive at the Inn. (Mith, Bird)

3. Next day, game time: All of these arrive on the same day at the Inn:

Maura arrives with family in one location in the Inn (Child)

Lindo and Snowhobbits arrive in another location in the Inn (Mark 12_30)

The crew from Greenwood arrive: Rose Goodchild, in one chamber, and the boys in another. (The White Lady, Child)

Maura's post should come first. After he posts the arrival of his family, others can hop on board in any order than they want.

Onward and upward.

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio,

I pasted in Arwen's post under Orual's from 2/26 at 10:21 p.m.

Arwen,

Good job.

sharon

[Mithadan]

Lorien is in da house! I filled in one of my saves. Child, look at it please to make sure it fits with your plans. I'll change it if you wish.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Lorien,

Thank you for your arrival!

Oh, yes, I can manage with that. With her recent epiphany, Cami will have definitely decided to make a clean slate with Fatty. However, everytime she attempts to do so, something will happen to interrupt or divert her, much to her frustration.

BTW, I would dearly love to see Lorien do a dream scene, especially one like that: Fatty's nightmare of life with Cami, the ill tempered old hag!

sharon

[ February 28, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Rose Cotton

I placed your post right after mine. Nicely done - Pio will tell a short story, then take you two back to the party with her.

[Mithadan]

Mithadan has...errrr..."arrived" in the Shire.

[mark12_30]

So that's what "busted" means.

Wait'll you try to stand up in the Lockholes. Poor Cramped Mithadan.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Poor Mithadan! You can't trust those hobbits.

I filled in my back save space on 2/27 which was responding to Pio's concern and advise, and setting up the scene for the shift in midwives.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Where shall I fit in the "change of midwives scene". There is where Rose asks Cami --who will definitely decline and Angelica will accept.

The slot after Bird arrives doesn't seem like a good idea. How about the bottom of Page 2???

Angelica will presumably need to speak with you sometime later in the thead.

sharon

[piosenniel]

Bottom of Page 2 is fine - Pio is looking to speak with Rose as she said she would when she delivered the invitation. Disregard this and just see my email to you and Bird

I'll wait until Miz Rose speaks to Cami and Angelica, then I'll speak with her.

[ February 28, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Cami, Miz Rose, and Angelica have spoken. Pio, be grateful....you came within a hair's breadth of having Cami as your midwife. smilies/eek.gif

I put it in the last save slot. The next post should be with you and Angelica.

I'll be off now for the evening. See ya!

sharon

[ February 28, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Nurumaiel

That acceptance interview of Angelica's was exquisite! Loved it! smilies/biggrin.gif

*Pio wipes her brow - no worries now of Cami drifting off into an epiphany in mid-contraction . . . smilies/wink.gif

[piosenniel]

Helen -

I am unclear why Piosenniel would be surprised at this, or think it unusual. Especially for one such as Frodo who has just spent a considerable stretch of time in the Undying Lands, immersed in osanwë.

Frodo was staring blankly at the dog, hands limp by his sides, eyes glassy. Piosenniel stood and stepped towards Frodo with a surprised expression on her face. "That's very unusual, " Piosenniel said softly.

The dog's ears went back, and he whined softly, and lay down. Frodo's eyes cleared, and he turned looking for a seat, and sat down. Farmer Maggot, Piosenniel, and Fang slowly crossed the room to join Frodo.

"I wasn't sure that could be done, " Piosenniel murmured, chuckling a little.

Frodo glanced wearily up at her. "I didn't stop to wonder."

Now she laughed merrily. "What was his mind like?"

"Angry, " Frodo said. "And very clear about who I am."

[mark12_30]

Yeah, you're right. I'll edit. The whole thing ended up a little too melodramatic for me; I'd like it to be more subtle...


...How's that?

Thanks for the nudge.

By the way the reason I was thinking "unusual" is that Tolkien said minds needed to be fundamentally similar to do Osanwe. I had the impression that it was primarily the language-speaking races (Valar, Eldar, men, elves, dwawrves, etc etc)that were all similar enough; I don't think Osanwe is normally done with a dog. Or a horse.

But still, your point is well taken; if it could be done, Pio would probably have known.

[ March 01, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

Oooooo-kay, I'm wrong again: Gandalf calls Shadowfax... ""I bent my thought upon him, bidding him make haste; for yesterday he was far away in the south of this land." So horses are similar enough for Gandalf to talk to... hmm, this opens things up nicely.

[ March 01, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

[Birdland]

Mith, Child, Pio - check your e-mail!

[piosenniel]

Bird

I am removing Mith's post (since he emailed me as I am to do with Tom as needed - I'm playing the yellowed haired River-daughter to his Old one) and saving the spot for you.

Can you just email me your post and I will stick it in there? Or if you like - I will remove the post place entirely and along with Helen's Save, and you can place the bost yourself.

[Birdland]

No, no. Go ahead and put Mith's post back in. I have an idea. (See your e-mail).

[mark12_30]

Ack!!! Where'd he go??? Are we all dancing like fools with no Tom in sight???

[piosenniel]

Tom is back! I simply removed him for a moment to floppy disc, until Bird could decide how to introduce her arrival.

Problem taken care of!

[Birdland]

OK, I've filled in my save from Feb 28, 2:18pm, if anyone wants to know what the mix-up was about. (We had Tom in two places at once.) smilies/smile.gif

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio, Bird,

Please see my pm on how Lorien and Cami need to tie in with Bird's arrival. Bird, I can send you my post by e-mail at 5 p.m.

Will be off till then.

Cami

[mark12_30]

The few folk who do remember this dream upon waking, are gonna wonder if they had too much mushroni on their Shirepizza for dinner the night before.

[mark12_30]

Orual had an idea which I like, so we're trying it. When Frodo and Sam interact, we'll each do the same dialog from our own point-of-view. For-instance, see Frodo & Sam's reunion toward the bottom of page 2. Orual's post follows mine-- dialog same, thought processes different.

I realise it could lead to some confusion, and so if this gets too baffling, let us know. And if this RPG gets edited later, the editor (Sharon!) will have plenty of raw material, hopefully not an overabundance. But for now, it's interesting, and rather fun. (Especially for me-- Orual does interesting things behind dialog that I wouldn't think of!)

[piosenniel]

Sharon -

Before you corral Lorien again - (and he is now well into his cups at this point), please see that goldberry has approached you and offered you a glass of mead.

(If you wish you can just append some small post at the end of mine.)

[mark12_30]

I messed up again (still); Primrose is yet to be comceived and Daisy is being carried, so I've got to go back and edit some posts. I hope nobody followed my lousy lead.

[piosenniel]

Fly in at any point, Birdie! The window is open and Old Tom has spoken with Pio. smilies/wink.gif

[dragoneyes]

I was just wondering if Susan was still part of this or if Merry has become another one of the characters being played by Pio.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio, I responded to Goldberry (though still needs an edit). I saved a space for Cami to tackle Lorien. I won't actually write it till later since I promised to take my son to a movie.

Bird, your arrival can come right after that. Go ahead and post it if you want to now. I'll fit my post into whatever you write..

sharon

[piosenniel]

dragoneyes

I introduced Merry into the game. I can continue to play him as needed, or other writers can use him as they wish - just keeping him true to his character.

Do you need me to do a scene with Merry in response to Pippin? Or can you carry him as you need to?

Last I heard, Susan was having trouble with her computer and was not able to get on the game.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Helen,

We cross posted. I am going to move your post earlier if that is alright. I have done a set-up scene for Bird to fly into the room and interrupt Lorin and poor Cami, and it wouldn't make sense where it is.

Please tell me if the location is alright, or you'd like it somewhere else.

sharon

[mark12_30]

That works just fine (You da editor!!)

[mark12_30]

Hey, weren't there some hobbit kids running around loose at this party?? Where'd they go?

And whatever happened to Pippin?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Bird,

Change Bethberry to Goldberry in your post. Bethberry would be pleased!

Cami

[Child of the 7th Age]

All party guests:

Pio will have the dinner started by later tonight. You should try to have all party saves filled in and all dinner posts up by Tuesday at midnight. Go ahead and reserve saves for your dinner posts if you want to.

There is one large table at the dinner, and Pio has indicated the order of seating in her next post below. Also there is a separate table for the chldren and Pio.

This means you'll normally be speaking to those folk you're sitting beside and across from. You can talk to others, but you'll need to walk over and make a point of it.

By Wednesday, we will be moving on to springing Mith out of the Locks. By late in the week, or next weekend at the latest, the other Inn guests should arrive and the bandits should begin with their background posts on mayhem in the Shire.

Auriel, White Lady, and Doug Platypus, take note!

sharon

[ March 02, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[piosenniel]

Here is where every one is sitting: (The dotted lines are who sits across from you, and the single names are who sits at each end of the table)

BILBO

MERRY ------ CAMI
ESTELLA -----FRODO
PIPPIN --------SAM
DIAMOND ----ROSE COTTON GAMGEE
BIRD ---------AMARANTHAS
FARMER MAGGOT ---- ANGELICA
MAGGOT’S WIFE ------ MERIMAC (ANGELICA’S HUSBAND)

GOLDBERRY AND TOM


CHILDREN’S TABLE

PIO

ROSIE ----- FRODO-LAD
PRISCA ---- YOUNG MERRY
FOSCO ----- YOUNG PIPPIN
MADOC ----- GOLDILOCKS

ELANOR WITH HAMFAST

Everyone grab your plates and go to the buffet tables and load up in good Hobbit fashion. Please try to get a dinner post on by Tuesday.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio,

That is much clearer, but where is Fatty Bolger? Between Estella and Pippin?

Mith,

Also, will Lorien be out dead for the entire dinner.

[ March 02, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[dragoneyes]

Faramir will need a place to sit too, if only for the sake of being there.

[piosenniel]

REVISED DINNER SEATING

BILBO

MERRY ------ CAMI
ESTELLA -----FRODO
FATTY B -----GOLDBERRY
PIPPIN --------SAM
DIAMOND ----ROSE COTTON GAMGEE
BIRD ---------AMARANTHAS
FARMER MAGGOT ---- ANGELICA
MAGGOT’S WIFE ------ MERIMAC (ANGELICA’S HUSBAND)

TOM


CHILDREN’S TABLE

PIO

ROSIE ----- FRODO-LAD
PRISCA ---- YOUNG MERRY
FOSCO ----- YOUNG PIPPIN
MADOC ----- GOLDILOCKS
YOUNG FARAMIR -----ELANOR WITH HAMFAST

Sharon - I thought you emailed me that Lorien was going to be dead drunk for the dinner party. I suppose if he wanders out, we can stick him somewhere.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio,

As far as I know Lorien is out of it, but wasn't sure if Mith might have some other ideas!

Sharon

[Child of the 7th Age]

Everyone:

I received a pm from Susan Delgado apologizing that she has been snowed under with other commitments, and telling us that she won't be able to play Merry.

Until further notice, Pio amd I will play Merry.

Dragoneyes: Please check your pms.

sharon

[Birdland]

Geez! I didn't mean to knock Lorien "out for the count". He is a Vala, after all, and "Birdie's" not that heavy. Isn't there some way he can recover enough to attend the dinner?

Of course, that would be up to his "author".

[Child of the 7th Age]

That Bird must really pack a wallop!

Cami

[Birdland]

Hey! I resemble that remark!

[piosenniel]

It's all that good Southron food! No wonder they wear those balloony pants! smilies/tongue.gif

Pio will have to tape poor Lorien's ribs -- ooh, that will be harsh if he has to evacuate his gastric contents. smilies/eek.gif

[ArwenBaggins]

By 'with Hamfast', do you mean in my lap? PM me with the answer. If I already have my post up, I can edit it.

[ March 03, 2003: Message edited by: ArwenBaggins ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

You can hold him in your lap or let him play by sitting on the floor near you. They probably had slings to nestle the small children at their chest, or perhaps even some kind of little wooden seat close to the ground. Don't know about high chairs so he could reach the table, but they might even have had wooden ones like that. He would be around a year old so he could definitely sit up and perhaps toddle around.

Maybe sitting on the floor on a blanket, with his plate in front of him?

Whatever works best....

Cami

[ArwenBaggins]

Thank you! I added my post, and edit if need be.

[ March 03, 2003: Message edited by: ArwenBaggins ]

[Mithadan]

Lorien will not wake again during the party, though he may during the night.

[piosenniel]

Well, make sure the tipsy Vala does not trip over anything should he make his way back to the common room from Pio's bedroom. She will be cranky from having to sleep on the couch!

[mark12_30]

I was wondering where the EEEEEEEEE eel pie came from. (Shivers) I saw one of those once, and the memory ends with my brother chopping its head off with an axe... EEEEEEEEEEEE !

[piosenniel]

Eel is delicious! Especially fresh water eel - grilled on a hibachi with a little rubbing of black bean and garlic paste - or better yet, small slivers of smoked eel in a thick teriyaki sauce gracing a fat finger of sushi rice:

http://www.digitalsushi.net/images/su****iny_unagi.gif

[ March 04, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Child of the 7th Age]

Totally off topic, but I can't resist.

When I was 16, I was an exchange student to Holland. As part of the dinner to welcome me to the country, my 'family' fed me eel. I walked down to supper and saw an eel hanging off both ends of my plate, winking up at me. The exchange student agency had told us we must eat at least a little of whatever the family gave us. Time for panic! Remember this was years before Amricans had adopted a more multicultural, international palate. I was just 16 and grew up in a factory family that was strictly a meat and taters gang. The most adventurous thing I'd ever eaten at that point in life was kielbasa and lasagna!

I closed my eyes and tasted the eel. It was a little like chicken and not bad at all. I actually ate the whole thing, but I remember keeping my eyes closed!

sharon

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

[piosenniel]

I had only planned the Pudding Fight to be confined to the children's table, which is well away from the adult table.

Eventually the bespattered children will troop back to Pio's rooms to wash up. Pio will drag out her knives and weapons for Frodo-lad's inspection. and the youngsters can can make use of Pio's drawing supplies for pictures if they wish.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Pio:

Thanks for the clarification. Merry will stop ducking then!

Rosie-lass:

Please see your pms.

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

[piosenniel]

PLEASE NOTE: END OF PARTY

As was discussed earlier, the dinner party will draw to a close tonight, Pacific Time, at midnight.

Please post your character's dinner party scene, or put a 'Save' on the game for it, or PM it to me and I will place it appropriately.

[Rose Cotton]

Hm...do hobbit children normaly have food fights? If not then I was wondering why the grownups aren't worried about it.

[piosenniel]

The party is ended. The guests have been sped on their ways. Most of the party is now asleep.

Lorien is snoring in Pio's bedroom and Amaranthas is fast asleep in Pio's spare room.

Bird, Cami, and Pio are sitting in Pio's front room catching up on each others lives, and downing some Old Winyards. If Lorien is lucky, they haven't dragged him from his bed to answer Cami's questions.

Please note:

I left a number of 'SAVES' in case writers had a scene they wished to put on the storyline. Just PM what you've written to me or Sharon and indicate where you want it put, and we will be happy to do so.

[mark12_30]

party's over
Thank God! (Introvert breathes a huge sigh of relief)

I suppose Frodo should have done a bit more socializing-- Dragoneyes, Orual, if you've got any ideas, sing 'em out. I'm dry.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Mark 12_30,

See my pm. The post is going up. Cami needs some help!

My post is up: 3/4 at 1:56 pm. If you prefer not to "play", I will erase the part about Frodo.

Everyone,

I slotted in a post (see above for the location) where Cami has some harsh words to say about the Shire's prohibition of men! I've even managed to insult half the hobbit guests at the party by my implicit criticism of those officials responsible for the law.

You may want to eyeball it, as this is a theme that we will continue to explore in the game. Hobbit insularity versus legtimate needs of hobbit protection

Hope that Sam, Pippin, etc. will show your habitually polite ways and put Cami's tirade down to her eccentric nature, or she will have to stay out in the garden for the duration of the party!

sharon

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