* enters from beneath the shade of a grove of willows, pipeweed smoke trailing back up into the leaves on a hushed afternoon breeze *
As an appreciative observer, I am greatly enjoying everyone's musings regarding Tolkien canonicity.
The question has now been raised regarding how might these theories be practically applied to Barrow Downs RPGs?
The Shire is a successful example of a community where orderliness thrives in an atmosphere of freedom. A small number of Shirriffs best maintains peace and the general sense of well-being through good neighborliness and standing ready to defend, all the while expecting the best of people. Rangers deal with larger dangers, ever vigilant to stop problems outside the borders. These Rangers wisely remain quiet, low key, unobtrusive, so as not to disturb the inner tranquility of a society that works well ... Meanwhile, they neither fear to draw the sword, nor draw it without reason.
I am simply hoping to stave off the coming of many-feathered Hobbits and rules that close the gates to those worthy of entrance.
If our canon-definitions serve as an unofficial ideal or unimposing guide which help RPGers in their quest for excellence in portraying the realm of Middle Earth, that is all to the good.
If our canon-definitions are being considered as potential hard-and-fast rules or regulations which might end by restraining that which they seek to foster ... it is then I pause for Ent-like pondering before putting anything into practice.
Gandalf the Grey
[ September 04, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]
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