Brotherhood, A Story from The Last Alliance: Discussion Thread
 

Cuthalion invites you to play his game,
Brotherhood: A Story from the Last Alliance

The time is just before the Last Alliance, the armies of Gil-Galad and Isildur are meeting at Weathertop before going on to Imladris. Two friends,An Elf, Melost a captain in the army of Gil-Galad, and a Man in the service of Isildur are the focus of this RPG. They had become great friends early in the human's life and their friendship had grown through the years. They meet again during this gathering on Weathertop and proceed to Imladris,where the Elf's betrothed is waiting. Even as the leaders of the Last Alliance are making their plans for the assault upon Mordor, Melost and his friend are asked to escort his wife to be to her home in Lothlorien.

The times are dark and the road to Lothlorien is difficult. This RPG will follow the two friends and their charge through this long journey and even through the beginnings of the War itself. The RPG will begin with a
relatively small cast that will be expanded as necessary as the action continues.

This is an invitation only RPG. Those interested in joining may express their interest here and will be contacted by Cuthalion via PM concerning possible open roles.


Initial characters for this RPG


Melost, Elven warrior in the service of Gil-Galad.

Arthain,a human warrior, Melost's close friend, in service to
Isildur.
Tindomerel, Melost's betrothed,(Maikadilwen)

Dorlas,a human boy, squire to Melost's friend.

Thelian, an Elf, Melost's squire.

These are the characters that will start out this RPG, which is based in the time just before the battle of the Last Alliance begins and will continue during the battle itself. I hope to keep the number of players down, as I
am interested in seeing how well an RP based totally on character interaction will work.


First Post

Melost rode at the head of a company of Elves fitted out for war. As he rode, he looked forward into the future for many reasons, not the least of which that his beloved awaited him in Imladris and there he knew they would travelling to soon, there to mingle Lord Elrond's host with that of his own
lord, Gil-Galad.

Afar off he could distinguish Men, standing atop the outpost of Amon Sul, watching for their arrival. The glittering panoply of their armour made a heart-stirring sight as it rode ever closer to the encampment of Isildur. He
began to wonder if he dared hope that the friend he had made years ago would
be among the warriors on the hill-top.

Memories brought a smile to his lips. Memories of a young boy, of noble Numenorian blood, who had sat at his feet, desperate for stories of the Undying Lands. He especially liked those that contained Dragons and valiant
deeds. His father was a warrior and it was plain that the boy already showed great promise in that area as well. His father had been a great ally of Gil-Galad and when he was slain in battle, the boy and his mother had
sought refuge among the Elves then dwelling in the south of Middle Earth. Melost found himself the object of the boy's fascination.

He shook his head, clearing it. Many years of Men that had been and many battles fought. The two had lost touch and Melost wondered why the boy should so suddenly appear this clearly in his mind's eye...this would be the
last place he would ever choose for them to meet...

* * * * * * * *

NB. This game was accepted just before the new RPG format was put into place, and so, while it incorporates all the necessary information for a proposed game, it does not follow the formal proposal format now in place. Bethberry

Cuthalion will inform me when all the gamers are ready to begin and I will then reopen the RPG thread.

[ March 06, 2003: Message edited by: Bethberry ]

As I have stated in the PM I will play Dorlas. Do you need a character dec. or do you already have one?

Greetings,

Anuion

Hello!

I was interesting in putting my name forward for this RPG because I really would like to participate in a story which is around the time of The Last Alliance. If possible I would greatly like to play as Thelian, Melost's squire. Could you please PM me or reply here to tell me if I have any chance of acceptance or if I have been rejected. Here is a small past post of mine from The Blue Mountains RPG-

The sun was beginning to sink behind the trees of the un-named forest as Mattius rubbed his chin in thought and worry. The tracks had all but disappeared in the dense woodland and darkness was approaching, fast. Mattius didn’t like tracking the Beast in the darkness, not at all. He loosely felt the hilt of his sword, Angmarth, and took security in it. He noticed something on the floor, something small but helpful to him, a small piece of broken flint. He crouched down and took a closer look at it. It seemed Dwarvish in fashion. ‘Strange…’ he thought to himself but his thoughts were cut off when he heard screams coming from the thicket some five hundred yards away. He sprinted forward, not heeding the cuts he was receiving from the branches either side of him and as he got closer to the sounds he realised that the screams were that of a child and probably a small girl at that. At last he burst out into the opening unsheathing Angmarth and caught the glimpse of the Black Beast sprinting back into the forest away from him. Quick as a flash he began to run after the shadow but he was stopped in his tracks by the whining of someone on the ground. He turned around to see the small figure hunched up against a tree. Caught in two minds he quickly sheathed his sword and bent down to the tree. Now he could see that the little girl that he thought had been attacked was in fact a young female Hobbit!

“Are you okay?” Mattius asked sternly. The young hobbit moaned and mumbled ‘yes’ to him, eventually. “Stay here, I will be back soon. Don’t move.” With that Mattius leapt into the woods the way the Beast had taken.

After around thirty minutes Mattius returned to the opening to find the hobbit still sat up against the tree. She looked up and her blonde hair trailed down her face. Mattius helped lift her to her feet.
“You’re a tough little hobbit and no doubt. Perchance you would tell me why you are out here in the un-named woods and how it came about that you were attacked by that Thing that I hunt.”

Thank you- Matt

Our initial cast is now set.

Melost: Cuthalion

Arthain: Amanaduial the Archer

Thelian: Mattias

Dorlas: Helkahothion

Anwanelme: Maikadilwen

Additional casting for a band of outlaws will occur later.
As this is a relation-ship based RPG, it is my hope that we pay close attention to each other's posts. When in doubt, PM each other!
I will PM each of you with certain details aout your character, but I want the two pairs to work with each other closely, Elves and Men. PM me with any and all questions.
As each character's opening post, I'd like a sort of short retrospective bio, about yourself and how you got there. Above all, enjoy!

[ March 12, 2003: Message edited by: Cuthalion ]

Hi all,

Thanks Cuthalion, for inviting me. Heres my character...

Name: Arthain (not sure if Im allowed a surname, so Ill leave it there.)
Race: Man
Age: 35
Descrtiption: Arthain is in the service of Isildur. He is a hardened warrior, but that does not mean he acts like a soldier all the time. He sometimes seems quite sharp, but its just his way, and he is good company, easy going and ready to smile. He is more loyal than most men, if that is truly any judge...a good friend. But he is mannish...
Slightly curly, chestnut brown hair, just past his the bottoms of his ears, very unruly. That and his wide grin give him an almost boyish look. This boyish countenance is somewhat altered by the deep scar running down just above his cheekbone, just below his eye. Said eye is very dark blue, almost navy. Strong bone structure. Tanned skin from being outside often. Not burly or huge, but not weak looking; he has what you might call an athletes build, maybe a little thicker.

EDIT: Ok, something went very wrong when I posted there. About half the post was missing and I have no idea why....
I will repost on the game thread.

[ March 09, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

Name: Melost
Race: Sindarin Elf

Description: Not overly tall, Black hair, grey eyes, agile

Weaponry: Bow and Long sword

History: Parents were slain in Doriath, was rescued and brought into the service of Gil-galad at Balar.
Currently serves as part of Gil-galad's personal guard and sometime messenger. Is counted among the greatest in skill with the bow.

He is quiet and contemplative, given to self-deprecating humour and on occasion sings. Is fiercely loyal to Gil-galad and his friend Arthain.


__________________

Name: Dorlas
Race: Man
Age: 23
Descrtiption: Dorlas is kind of a newbie to combat, but he is well trained. He is eager to defend his master and will not give in easely. A real hardhead you might say. He carries a bow, a sword and a small shield. He is dressed in brown and green and wears a helmet. The only armor is a chainmale covering his torso. He left home to serve in the army, because he always wanted to fight. His father was a lumberjack and he did not feel like following in his footsteps. Not much is known of his past, since he only talks to people when asks.

K here it is. Sorry to stay out so long. I hope you don't hate me for it. I was in my coffin, resting.

Greetings,

Anuion

Hey, sorry for the delay, had to iron out a few odd details! Okay, here is the short bio. for Thelian, squire of Melost.

NAME: Thelian
RACE: Sindarin Elf

DESCRIPTION: Just below average height but agile as a cat, great speed and balance due to height. Black hair, blue eyes.

WEAPONRY: Bow and long sword

HISTORY: Born east of the Blue Mountains came into service of Melost after becomming a travelling ranger. Now fiercly loyal to his master and midly suspicious of races other than elven. Never hides his true feelings about a situation and is willing to tell people how he feels about them- good or bad.

[ March 11, 2003: Message edited by: Mattius ]

Ok, I finally got it all straight, so here goes.

Name: Anwanelme

Description: Noldorin Elf, born in Nargothrond. She's of average height with dark hair and grey eyes. Rather cold and doesn't care much about others.
Betrothed to Melost, whom she hasn't seen for a long time because of the war.
Her father was in the service of king Finrod Felagund, to whom he was fiercely loyal and he was lost with him during Beren's search for the Silmaril.

After the sack of Nargothrond, Anwanelme fled with her mother to Gondolin and remained there until its fall, where they followed Gil-Galad to Lindon and finally settled in Rivendell.

Merry Meeting to you all!

Now that we are all assembled, I can lay out some further plot and expectations for everyone's delectation.


This is a tale of high tragedy that the two leads will not survive and possibly neither will the two squires. As such, light moments will not be the norm, but only as might occur in usual conversation. Do your best to get to know your character, his/her background, skills, old stories....anything that will lend a "reality" to that character.

This is a good chance to learn more on the Last Alliance, Elvish,whatever. If there are issues you want explored, PM me and where valid, I'll try to include them. Above all, get to know each other and try to stay true to the "feel" of Tolkien.

From where the RPG starts to where it ends on the plain of Dagorlad, nearly anything imginable can happen around the basic guts of the plot, so don't be afraid to suggest things....which brings me the basic plot.

Melost,Arthain and squires will be journeying to Imladris where they will meet up with Melost's betrothed in order to escort she and other women of Imladris to Lorien. From there things go down-hill rapidly. The friends break from in each other in anger, Melost nearly dies and is found by a band of outlaws, Arthain and squires return the their respective armies and proceed with them to the battle Plain, Melost adventures with the outlaws, re-joins the armies and basically after a grand death-scene, that's the deal. Go forth and kick some literary butt!

Welcome to Aylwen, our newest cast member! She has agreed to assume the character of Dorlas. I hope Helka will re-join us later on when further casting is needed. Pull up a computer and join us, dear lady.

Hola, Everyone!

Okay...I'm playing Dorlas now! I made lots of changes to Dorlas, and if any are unacceptable, just say so!


Name: Dorlas
Age: 16
Race: Human

Appearance: Having more or less reached his full height, Dorlas stands at about 5’10, with a lanky, muscular build. Depending on the amount of time he’s spent in the sun recently, his skin ranges from a slight tan color to swarthy-brown, and his eyes are stormy grey. His hair is jet black and cut short.

Weaponry: Though partial to the long knives often used by the Elves, Dorlas is quite skilled with a sword. He is also good at running, considering that Arthain always seems to need an errand-runner every now and then. He has great skill with his two Elvish knives, and what’s worse, he knows it and isn’t afraid to show it.

Personality: The best thing that can be said for Dorlas is that he usually means well. He’s typically fairly cheerful, and assumes that almost anyone he meets will want to be his friend. Dorlas also has a hard time concentrating on anything that doesn’t interest him. Dorlas is careful though, in a sense that he tries his hardest not to show his weaknesses so that others can manipulate. Dorlas is quick to be a romantic and/or philosophical should the occasion arise, and often lightens the mood with a simple joke.

History: Dorlas’ father set him in the care of Arthain, to be his squire. Since Dorlas already had two brothers studying with some highly learned professors in Rivendell, his father of modest background found it easiest to send Dorlas as Arthain’s quire.


Heh. There ya go! I'll post tonight if the character changes are all right and such.

Aylwen

I just posted on the RPG thread before you posted your revised Dorlas profile, is their anything you would like me to change on it?

Nope! Not really...I don't think! I'll post Dorlas' response to Thelian's question tonight after soccer...

Aylwen

EDIT: Since the Cable Company has been having troubles lately, I'll have to wait a bit until we get a stable connection for more than ten seconds. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Lo ciento!

[ June 24, 2003: Message edited by: Aylwen Dreamsong ]

Hey! Maika and Cuthalion may remember me. Is it to late to join, or what?

Everyone: I'm just writing to let you know that Cuthalion has told me I could play a spot. I was on vacation, so I was too late to respond and accept the character he offered, so he is thinking up a character for me. Just letting you know that I'll be joining you on the road to the Last Alliance (you know I had to join this one, as I had once suggested a Last Alliance RPG in one of the Brainstorm Threads when they were constructing these new Forums)!

Here is my character. I'll give some of the information Cuthalion gave me, while putting my own unique little additions onto the brief synopsis...

Name: Menelya
Race: Noldorin
Status: Lesser noble blood
Appearance: She is about 5'10". She has very dark hair, nearly black, and bright grey eyes. Although, as an Elf, she does not look genuinely old, she looks fairly wise, as she has seen a lot.
Personality: Although she is a bit power-hungry at times, she means well. She does want what she considers to be best for her daughter, even if it seems that she is doing a lot of it for herself. She is quietly stubborn and rarely gives in during an argument.
History: Menelya was born in Nargothrond very soon after Finrod Felagund founded the city. She was the daughter of Eregir, who served Finrod even before the founding of Nargothrond, and Daeya, the daughter of a lower nobleman of the Elves. Within the city she met and married Falasir, and unto them Anwanelme was born. Most of the rest of the history has been mentioned by Maika, except that the betrothal of Anwanelme was pushed more by Menelya, thus causing a small amount of tension between the two characters.

If there is anything else you need to know about Menelya, just ask. I'll wait for Maika to post first, as she's more of a major character than Melenya...

(you too, Aman.)
Cu has found me a role, and I am to play Gil-galad. You hopefully know who he is, so I won't post all this info on him. His charater (way of acting, I mean) will develop, I haven't thought it out yet (just found out I am to play him, but that will come).

I have a simple question, what would you like my next post to be vaguely about as I am at a bit of a block here!

Wow, once a day. Busy, busy me. Anyhoo, I'll post tonight, hopefully. If not, tomorrow.

Sorry, Cuthalion, but I would have to kill myself to post everyday. Also, since, as of now, Maika and I are basically playing off one another only, we're going to have to do an alternating post schedule-type thing until you get there, probably...

Same here. It'd be close to suicide for me to post every single day. I'll honestly try my hardest though! Hopefully we'll get on the road soon!


Aylwen

[ April 04, 2003: Message edited by: Aylwen Dreamsong ]

I have edited my post so that Thelian and Melost are talking after they leave Gil-galad's company, I hope it is all right. If not I will change it.

[ April 04, 2003: Message edited by: Mattius ]

Better. Except for the fact that Melost and Thelian are about to ride out with the message for Isildur...being Elves we don't need rest per se...

Okay, Okay! I deleted my post.

Next time we'll have a real fun round of shoot-the-arrow-at-the-flying-apple (sarcasm). What do you think even younger people of Middle-Earth than Dorlas would do for fun? Certainly not sword practice. They'd poke each other's eyes out...

Cuthalion, how long did you intend for the game to last? And when will the company be moving? Do we have to wait until you all get back...or later?

Aylwen

It was never my intention for you to delete your post...only to edit. I'm sorry if I offended you, but the point is not what do I think young men in that age would do, but what you think they would do...and also one of the aims here is to remain true to Tolkien. Young men were trained from early child-hood in several areas of arms, otherwise many times they wouldn't survive.

As to what is to happen next...Thelian and I are off to seek Isildur...I had given Archer several options on what to do...if the two of you were to come with us or you were to get a lesson in arms...I left the choice to her. Either way...we'll go, deliver the message, return and then either be sent on ahead to Imladris or re-join the army and ride into Imladris with Gil-Galad and the rest.

Again...my apologies for bringing out your sarcastic side.

Oh, no, forgive me. I didn't quite intend to sound so rude. Honest [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]. Sorry.

Aylwen

Hey I just posted, feel free to tell me to edit because I don't think its that great, I couldn't think of anything to put and kind of rambled on a bit.

I am playing Isildur as well, which is why I made a post about him, since our heroes arrived at his camp. If it needs to be edited or deleted, just let me know, Cu.

Can someone tell Maika to check her PM's? It's almost a week since I PM'ed her with no word. I feel funny about posting without her, as, with our characters so closely linked, at least until you reach us, so I have to use her character a bit...Maika: if you're out there: is my post okay?

I put in my post! Thank you for "okay"'ing it, Maika! I kind of altered it to meet with your suggestions, if you notice.

Looks great, Vanima. Exactly what I had in mind! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]
Now I just hope I'm not the only one who found that post funny.... Ah, it's good to be a b*tch! [img]smilies/evil.gif[/img] [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

You already know this, Cu, but to tell everyone and make sure its not forgotten; from May 1 to June 12 I will be in Brazil, and not online very often. So, during that time I won't be able to participate. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

I await thee, Maika, maya zolotka! It is your post! I'm watching though, everyone: great job, so far!

*winces* I tried, I promise you I tried. The page wouldnt load. Sorry.

Im not sure what Im supposed to be doing now...

Yes, we'll be the tag-alongs (isn't that a girl scout cookie?).

Sorry for my slight disappearance as well, I just wasn't sure what you wanted us to do after we got back to camp, and though maybe when you posted you'd give us a clue. From now on instead of waiting so long I'll just PM you or post here. Sorry!

So, do you want to take the next post, or shall I, Aman?

~Aylwen

This is the last post I'll be able to give for some time. I won't be online again for about a week.

You have to take a picture of Maika's hand and ring and put it on here somewhere!

And they would have used Sindarin, Cuthalion. I asked in the Chat, and Sharkey said:
I just wanted to make sure it would be Sindarin rather then Quenya for the exclamations. Thankfully it was Sindarin, as I know no Quenya grammar. I was prepared to learn for the sake of the game though!

And congratulations, yet again! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Cuthalion, clear your PM box (current limit 10 PMs). Thanks!

Dude, what is up with all the saves?!?! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] I was going to post a save after school, and then found out that Cuthalion and Maika had already posted saves! Then Aman goes and decides to post one too!

[img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Okay, next time you guys are planning a 'Save' line, let me know. [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Aylwen