Behind the Hedge? The Dueling Inn? or, gauntlet tossing on locale...

[The Saucepan Man]

Can that Persona be non-Middle-Earth? Can the Persona be non-Tolkien?

Hmm, there are many Downers who have screen-names which, while not referable to any specific character or race within Tolkien's works, could nevertheless serve admirably as name within Middle-earth. Fordim Hedgethistle is a good example (although I seem to recall him being a rather affable, if metaphysically confused, Balrog at the last BD party ). Is there any restriction on the type of name to be used? Should it sound Middle-earthian? How precisely would that be defined? And are those members who share a screen-name with a specific Tolkien character obliged to act consistently in the manner of that character if they choose to use their screen-name?

I only raise these questions because it seems to me that, if a particular duel arises as a result of a contre-temps on, say, a Books thread, the protagonists themselves should be entitled to fight it out, rather than sending along alternates (unless, of course they would prefer to do so). It seems to me that, provided that the persona fits within Middle-earth, the name itself should not really matter.

Admittedly, I am in somewhat of a pickle as The Saucepan Man is a specific character in another body of work (albeit one which, like the Hobbit, provides a Faerie world for young readers to enjoy). Then again, my original comment was, at least in part, hypothetical, as I am not a regular RPG'er.

[mark12_30]

"Saucepanedain".

I suppose it could be a required part of throwing the gauntlet-- renaming yourself as necessary. Or maybe adding enough to get you there in disuise that won't fool anybody... Sort of like Aragorn's Litany Of Names.

"I, Xenarwenadriel, Dragon-Tamer, Frodophile, Balrog-Swooner, Wearer of the Mystical Mithril-Rimmed Glasses, Proud Owner of Lorien-Weave Socks, and devoted Defender of metaphysical words beginning with a Capital Letter, do defy thee to defend thy monstrous deceit with soul and body or henceforth be named scoundrel!"

(Ominous sound of Sock floating to the floor.)

Rereading your post, Saucepanedain-- you mentioned being required to stay in name-character if you've got an ME-name. As in, must Legolas fight as the Prince of Mirkwood? Not unless he wants to. He can redefine himself during his challenge as above. "Legolathain, Wheelwright Of Rohan Who Got Stuck with a Funny Name..."

Edit: going back & forth about putting up a first post... Really, it belongs in Gondor, so-- patience.

[Amanaduial the archer]

But dishonourable duels are so much more fun...*sharpens morning star*

Just as the Innkeeper backs away, Fea feels her own ankle sheath (made of the finest Gondorian leather) come loose. She quickly turns to one side, allowing her skirts to billow outward, covering her feet just in time. The blade has fallen to the floor, but Fea has cunningly hidden the mistake... "The Innkeeper will never guess," she thinks, "until it is too late."

Aman's eyes barely flickered as the blade glinted on the floor before being hidden. She smiled slightly as her green eyes glittered dangerously and she reached behind the bar for her more obvious weapon. "Not bad for a beginner, my sugarsweet, but you're off the map now - here there be monsters! Arr-! I mean...ah, darnit, wrong character..."

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Aman's eyes barely flickered as the blade glinted on the floor before being hidden. She smiled slightly as her green eyes glittered dangerously and she reached behind the bar for her more obvious weapon. "Not bad for a beginner, my sugarsweet, but you're off the map now - here there be monsters! Arr-! I mean...ah, darnit, wrong character..."

Sensing discovery in her opponent's eyes, Fea goes for the obvious solution. Backing up nonchalantly, Fea feigns first sight of the weapon. She screams, claiming no responsibility, and "faints." Falling dramatically, she slips her brutally sharpened Elven Hair Pins from her curls. When will this fatal dance of hidden threats be done? When will Fea simply come out and attack? The world may never know.

I just had a thought... This idea could be the solution to an age old dilemma: The Balrog-Wing Debate! Obviously discussion has accomplished nothing, so perhaps an all out war, winner takes all. Maybe not.

Fea

[Amanaduial the archer]

Originally Posted by Feanor of the Peredhil

Sensing discovery in her opponent's eyes, Fea goes for the obvious solution. Backing up nonchalantly, Fea feigns first sight of the weapon. She screams, claiming no responsibility, and "faints." Falling dramatically, she slips her brutally sharpened Elven Hair Pins from her curls. When will this fatal dance of hidden threats be done? When will Fea simply come out and attack? The world may never know.

I just had a thought... This idea could be the solution to an age old dilemma: The Balrog-Wing Debate! Obviously discussion has accomplished nothing, so perhaps an all out war, winner takes all. Maybe not.

Fea

Correction: just the mere prospect of the balrog-wing debate will cause war

Aman gasps and leaps backwards theatrically. "Elven hair pins? By the finest dark stout of the Shire, what sort of demon fighter is this? Well, with yourself armed with such fiersome weapons and I with the finest damn pint-pulling skills in the Shire, there is only one way to end this-!"

To be continued next whoknows: tune in to the Gauntlet Tavern for the next installment!

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Helen

"Saucepanedain"

Hey, if anyone can come up with the full Elvish translation of "The Saucepan Man", I might be persuaded. After all, it would still be my name ...

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Ah, but I see by your signature that you are also either the eggman or the walrus. How does that translate?

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man

Hey, if anyone can come up with the full Elvish translation of "The Saucepan Man", I might be persuaded. After all, it would still be my name ...

My sindarin is feeble but surely that would be saucepan men? Saucepanadan would be the singular