[Will Witfoot]

1)Have you ever played in a RPG at the Barrow-Downs?

Nope.

2)In how many RPG's are you currently involved?

None.

3)Have you posted at the White Horse inn in Rohan or at the Green Dragon?

Yes, the Green Dragon.

NAME: Alrik Stonebeard

AGE: 201

GENDER: Male

RACE: Dwarf

WEAPONS: Alrik carries a great axe, a valuable heirloom passed to him by his father, which has its double blade forged in a way that resembles an eagle taking flight. Alrik also carries a short blade by his side.

APPEARANCE: A dwarf of very old age, Alrik's snow-white beard stretches nearly to his toes, which is why it is well-plaited and bound with gold rings. He normally keeps it stuffed under his belt, out of harms way. His cold-blue eyes peer at the world with a considered disapproval.

Alrik wears a fine suit of dwarfen mail which includes a war-mask, made in likenes of the masks used by the dwarf's of old for the wars against dragon kind.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Alrik is counted old even amongst his own kin, and as such is awarded (and expects!) due respect for his venerability. He likes to keep to the old ways, not understanding why some dwarfs insist on 'fixing what ain’t broke'. He has little fancy for the modern way of mining or smithing.

Dwarfs keep on getting tougher with age, and Alrik is like an old and gnarly oak: grizzled but still strong. He trusts greatly in the courage and resolve of his fellows, and is a loyal friend.

His weaknesses are that he likes to keep to the tried and tested methods of war and peace, preferring never to try something new and unheard of. The name of Moria is also inscribed in fiery letters into his mind, not giving him peace until the great city is once more in the hands of dwarfen kind.

HISTORY: Alrik fought in the Battle of Five Armies, marching with his brethren from the Iron Mountain. After the victorious battle he helped Dain with the re-colonization of the Lonely Mountain and has since served the King Under the Mountain. The smithing of weapons and the carving of tunnels was his work in the ancient hold.
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Will Witfoot's post

Alrik was in his smithy, fixing a couple of broken links from his chainmail shirt. The armour had been partially penetrated by a sword blow of a goblin during the latest scrap with them near the shores of Esgaroth. Those creatures sure had seemed a lot tougher when he had been a lad.

He paused an lifted the shirt to eye-level. Satisfied with his own work he took off the leather appron he had worn to protect himself from the heat, hung his hammer beside the door and made for the hall where ale was served. It would taste fine after the days work he had done.

He had barely time to sip from his tankard when a messenger in the livery of King Dain strode over to him with a purposeful step. Bowing in the formal way of greeting, he handed him a letter from Lord Balin. So it read:

Honoured Alrik Stonebeard,

As the strength of our people has in the recent years grown many-fold from its once depleted might, I now wish to embark (with any willing company) on a journey which, if successful, will truly raise our people to our former glory. I ask you, as a loyal servant to King Dain, to aid me in the expedition with the purpose of freeing our once great hold, Moria.

Yours trusting,
Balin, son of Fundin

Alrik almost spat out his ale. The name of Moria, a name which haunted the minds of the dwarfs, had a powerfull effect on him. Long had he dreamed of this day.
He glanced at the letter again. It was written in a strong and beautifull handwriting, and quite unlike the formal letters passed between the high clansmen was short and to the point. He did not have to think twice about his decision.

He told the messenger to tell Balin that he could trust in his help, and made his way back to his forge. He had to make a few preparations.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 5:05 PM January 15, 2004: Message edited by: piosenniel ]