Here's the "bio" I've put together for my character. You'll notice I've replaced references to his name with the designation (Name). This is because I haven't created him yet and it always takes me a dozen tries to find a suitable name that isn't already in use somewhere in LOTRO. So, at the risk of betraying my lack of expertise in all things Tolkien, here goes...
(NAME) – Laiquendi Hunter
(Name) hails from the forests of Forlindon. Though he is of a people who have strived to remain inconspicuous for many centuries, he has greatness in his blood. His father, Elros (Surname), was a warrior in the service of the armies of Gil-Galad during the time of the War of the Last Alliance. Elros perished along with a host of his brethren during the Battle of Dagorlad in S.A. 3434, but not before slaying many enemies and demonstrating great courage on the field of battle. Unfortunately, (Name's) mother was so grief-stricken after her husband was killed that she made her way to Aman to find rest in S.A. 3435. The few remaining elves of (Name's) small community retreated deeper into the forests shortly thereafter for unknown reasons, perhaps in fear of retaliation from the enemy, as many of their most experienced warriors had gone out with Gil-Galad (at this time, Barud-Dur had not yet been overthrown and Sauron was still resisting mightily, though unbeknownst to them, Sauron's focus had shifted to the defense of his fortifications in Mordor). Those that remained were scarcely trained or equipped for battle and were determined to flee to the safety of the forests. As (Name) was still very young at the time (as elves go, less than 100), he was ushered into hiding with the remnant of his people.
As the Third Age opened after the fall of Sauron and the years passed, his people maintained their quiet seclusion, not concerning themselves with the happenings of the world at large. The battles that ended the Second Age had broken the family lines of many of their nobles, and their best soldiers were slain. His people were, in many ways, shamed and defeated. Times of excitement were rare, and his kin neither welcomed nor provoked any kind of disturbance of their peaceful existence. They were content to simply survive. There was a time during the great battles of T.A. 1974-1975, however, when some men of the North Kingdom fleeing into Lindon took refuge for a short time amongst his people. The Dunedain told amazing stories of courage and valor which caused (Name's) heart to yearn for adventure. At the time, he felt the duty to remain with his people and protect them if need be, as these were dangerous times, and he was one of only a few remaining men who could wield a sword. His people offered healing and supplies to the battered soldiers but then quickly disappeared into the forests so as to avoid being discovered by the enemy. (Name) never saw those men again, but often dreamed of a day when he could tell such stories.
(Name) received some weapons training early in life from his father. Many of his most cherished memories were of those times spent together, sparring with wooden weapons and tackling the stalwart swordsman when a well-executed parry rapped the boy's knuckles or left him disarmed. They would wrestle and laugh; but then his father's face would suddenly change and he would sternly admonish his young son, "When the time comes for you to use a real sword, it will not be so easy to smile." When he was young, (Name) was often encouraged to wander and explore the forests. Green-Elves by nature are very secretive and quite adept at hiding in the trees (with help from their customary green-colored clothing). In so doing, he became well-acquainted with both the mundane and the magical; the peaceful and the terrifying – found in the deep forests on the western slope of the Ered Luin.
In recent months, (Name) has heard rumors of dark forces rising once again in the East. They surely threaten all that is good and beautiful in the world. The Green-Elf has decided to follow in the footsteps of his father's brave tradition. The greatness of his bloodline is yearning for freedom, and his curiosity has awakened. It is time for him to wander out from his reclusive community to see what part he might play in the events unfolding in the coming days.
All constructive criticism is welcomed. Thanks for reading.
