The Lingering Darkness Planning/Discussion Thread - Page 9 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

piosenniel · 07-26-2003, 12:04 PM

There will be no need for me to take your posts out of the Inn.

Since they are in under your names, you can use the 'edit' function of the post box and copy and paste them to WORD, then change them as needed and paste them on the Game where you feel they belong.

All I will need for the Discussion Thread is the Game's First Post, and the First Posts for the Dedicated players for this game, which will ALL be submitted on the Game Proposal Form.

Nice going everyone. And I do agree with this comment:

Quote:

Elrond's sons & Celeborn can figure in the storyline & be present, just not as central characters.

Actual characters written by Tolkien would need to be written by someone well-versed in the exact way in which Tolkien wrote them - and when you do use them in reference to your other characters, extra care needs to be taken that they are not presented outside the parameters that Tolkien set for them.

Hilde Bracegirdle · 07-26-2003, 04:21 PM

I will also need to rework a few things in the Green Dragon posts. Bywater is a long way from home for Gilly! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Her bio is in the works and time permitting will be ready tomorrow.

Should our modified first post be PM'd to Ealasaid then?

[ July 26, 2003: Message edited by: Hilde Bracegirdle ]

piosenniel · 07-26-2003, 04:34 PM

It would probably be better at the moment if you placed just your character bio on the Discussion Thread.

I'm thinking that perhaps everyone's actual first post needs to wait until the general storyline for this game is firmly established, and possibly at least until whoever is going to write the First Post that opens the Game has done so.

Just my suggestion, though. Ealasiad may want to proceed in a different manner.

Snowdog · 07-26-2003, 06:44 PM

I actually have some internet time today so I will try and get the bio of Hanasían taken care of and also get caught up in Corsairs.

A few comments and requests...

About the Inn: I would prefer we use the Forsaken Inn as "the Inn" and be our starting point. We can either transfer and tweak the story so far presented in the Green Dragon to there in order, or synapse (?) them into our first posts. I prefer using this Inn at first as it was a mysterious place and only mentioned once on the Lord of the Rings when Strider tells the Hobbits that it was a "a days journey east of Bree". It keeps intact Hanasían's journey to Bree as three days.. a day to get there, a day to seek Benia's relatives, and a day back to the Forsaken Inn. Of course a "days journey" I believe is by foot travel since Aragorn states that it takes him 12 days from Bree to the Ford of Bruinen. This could conceivably be cut in half by horse travel.

Concerning the two other Rangers: It has to be understood to the writers of these characters that they are war veterans, as I believe our time frame is the same as that of the Green Dragon, which is ten years after the War of the Ring (?). They are loyal to the King and fought against evil, though they do not necessarily have to be one of the thirty Rangers who rode south during the war (Halbarad said the thirty were "...all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste..." ). They have deep friendship with each other and Hanasían, as well as the sons of Elrond Elrohir and Elladan. They will know Kaldir if they were riding with the Rangers twenty years before when Kaldir was captured, or have heard of him and the terrible Battle from the some of the older Rangers who were there. Outside of that, the writers are free to develop the Ranger characters as they see fit.

Concerning the Sons of Elrond and Celeborn: Surely anyone actually writing for these characters need to know of their character traits, and so I would agree they should be only background non-controlled entities that only appear as minor roles in the story. That said, the fact that the sons of Elrond did ride and were very close to the Dúnedain Rangers having ridden with them in numerous battles through the years, it would not make sense to not have their mention be a part of this story. As Pio said, anytime any major character (mentioned by Tolkien anytime in his writings) As for Celeborn, I believe he did dwell in Rivendell at this time, and in lieu of not having Celeborn in the story, a good Elven character (other than Menecin?) who was under Celeborn could be included in this story? Just a thought.

Concerning Blackveil (Hanasían's horse): She does not take too well to stabling and usually is left to graze free. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

---------------------------------------------

Here is the Bio:

_____________________________________________

Snowdog's character - Hanasian

NAME: Hanasían

AGE: 39 Born the first day of Víressë, year 2990 of the Stewards Reckoning. (1390 Shire Reckoning)

RACE: Men, Father's line - Dúnedain of the North
Mother's line - Rohirrim

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Long sword of Westernesse, Rohirric bow, an Elven knife and a Knife of Khand.

APPEARANCE: Rugged stature, and seemingly worn for his years. Long hair that is seemingly dark but has a sandy, lighter look in sunlight. Its length is to his lower back, sometimes tied into a tail, sometimes not. Of average height as far as Dúnedain go, around 6 feet and well built about 200 Lb., and is well built from the many years of training, then battle. Wears dark-gray rough leather pants and sleeveless vest and black worn leather boots. He has an Elven cloak he uses, but at times wears one of local custom. A scar he has on the right side of his throat where he was wounded in the Battle of Pelennor Fields.

PERSONALITY: Hanasían is usually rather quiet, but says what he means when he does speak. He handles a horse well, and is an excellent bowman from a mount as well as standing. He could move with great stealth for a man and was hardened by what he had seen and done before, during, and after the war.

STRENGTHS:He handles a horse well, and is an excellent bowman from a mount as well as standing. He could move with great stealth for a man having learned much from the sons of Elrond and he could battle well with knife and sword. He had a good tactical mind, was not afraid to take chances as long as it didn't endanger any save himself.

WEAKNESSES:Hanasían liked to drink and carouse and was sometimes seen in the less desirable places as a depression overtook him since his wound in the war. There was rumor that the blade of the Variag that almost had his head was tainted with some exotic herb unknown in the west, but his strength of mind usually kept his depression at bay. His somewhat shaded activities when on his own time were never harmful to others and was his way of dealing with himself and all he had experienced.

HISTORY: Born in the wild near Lake Evendim in the year TA 2990 (1390 Shire Reckoning) He was the second of three children of Halasían, Ranger of the North, and Lady Forcwyn of Rohan. His brother was much older than he, and he would not meet him until the battle of the Corsairs in the War of the Ring. His younger sister was born a year and a half after he, and there was hope that his father and mother would heal many wounds between each other in those days. But the darkness that held Halasían did not let go of him, but was only asleep for a time. One day he came back from hunting with worry on him, and he gathered what little they had and made their way to Rivendell, where Halasían sent his wife and two children forth, and was never seen again. Hanasían was raised in Rivendell for a time, for though Forcwyn desired to return to her people in Rohan, travel was perilous, and she stayed until Hanasían was nine. He learned horsemen skill from her kin in Rohan, and returned again to Rivendell some years later to study and learn the arts of the Elves and train. After a couple of years he started to ride with the Rangers, though at a fairly young age, for the times were ever darkening. He learned much skill from the Rangers, of which many of the elder ones knew his father, and he also refined the arts of the bowmanship he first learned in Rohan, and the skills of silent movement from Helladin, an elf friend from Rivendell. These skills made him pretty good at covert ops before, during, and after the war and unlike his father, he was relatively good hearted. Having rode with the Grey Company in the war, and having assisted Rohan during the battles of the Isen before meeting up once again with Halbarad and the Rangers riding south, he proved himself time and again in battle, and was always taking the initiative to scout out ahead.

In the war, he met his older brother who worked the ships in Befalas, and together they battled and sailed the ships up the Anduin and did battle upon the Pellenor Fields. It was here his brother Hayna was slain, not far from where Halbarad fell, and Hanasíian was himself wounded and thought dead. But he was discovered after the battle trying to stand, and he was taken to the house of Healing in Minas Tirith.

He recovered from his wounds and attended the high functions and weddings of The Chieftain and now King Aragorn and Arwen, and also that of Faramir and Eowyn, whom he got to know during the days of healing. Though a seeming depression had come over him that those close to him could feel, he wished to stay in the King's service and he remained in Gondor with King Elessar. He would often visit his mother and little sister in Rohan. He could see the years gain on his mother quickly after the war, she having grieved the death of her firstborn and never quite was the same. He wished not to burden her anymore and so started to visit less and less. But he still found satisfaction tending to the King and the Steward and business of the realm, and would partake in missions long into the freed lands of Rhun, Khand, and Harad, but also north to Dale and west to his home in Eriador, for he sought always the remnants of lingering evil wherever it may be. It was during this time while investigating an incident in Rohan near his mother's did he first find knowledge of Naiore, and began to pursue her through the lands.

_____________________________________________

Snowdog's post for Hanasian

_____________________________________________

[ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Ealasaid · 07-26-2003, 08:22 PM

Quote:

I would prefer we use the Forsaken Inn as "the Inn" and be our starting point. We can either transfer and tweak the story so far presented in the Green Dragon to there in order, or synapse (?) them into our first posts.

I agree with Snowdog there! I was thinking it would be a vicious job trying to edit, cut, and paste all of our Green Dragon posts together in the right order. How about we each just write a fresh first post that explains (in brief) how each character got to where they are, what they are doing, & why. Then we pick up the action at The Forsaken Inn where we left off. Maybe handle the catch-up information in flashback?

Is everyone agreeable to that?

On that note, I also agree with Pio:

Quote:

I'm thinking that perhaps everyone's actual first post needs to wait until the general storyline for this game is firmly established, and possibly at least until whoever is going to write the First Post that opens the Game has done so.

Maybe we should hold off on writing the first posts until we know the general direction the storyline will take.

Snowdog is right that we should put some pre-existing conditions, such as what he described, on the characters we are opening for outside writers. The Rangers must be old enough to have fought in the War and have a pre-existing friendship with Hanasian. The Shady Underworld types must know in advance that they are first to seem loyal to Naiore, only to be plotting against her at the same time for their own gain.

Elora, would these characters be killed by Naiore? Or do you want to leave that part open-ended to see where the story leads? If they are dead men from the start, I think it would be only fair to let the writers know in advance. Personally, I would like to leave it open & see where the story goes. But that's just me...

First Posts (when they do get written)should be put up here on the Planning thread,rather than PM'd to me, so that we can all see them before they go on to the Discussion Thread. That way, if there is something amiss anywhere we can all see it & be in on the fix.

Does that sound fair to everyone?

[ July 26, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

Ealasaid · 07-26-2003, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Concerning Blackveil (Hanasían's horse): She does not take too well to stabling and usually is left to graze free.

Oops! Sorry, Snowdog...my bad! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Ealasaid · 07-26-2003, 08:56 PM

I will try to have Benia's & Kaldir's bios up sometime tomorrow

Ealasaid · 07-26-2003, 09:52 PM

Back to storyline for a minute...

Moving forward from the Starting Point, so far, we know:
Lespheria will leave the inn alone, only to be turned back by a messenger from her brother who will inform her to stay with Amandur in the search for Naiore.

Gilly will be captured by Kaldir as she attempts to rescue Benia.

Kaldir will go back to the woods where he sensed the presence of Naiore
and try to pick up her trail.

Hanasian needs to come back from Bree (with his cohorts?), find Benia missing, and pick up Naiore's trail.

Elora -- what will Naiore's & Vanwe's next moves be?

Those are some the specifics. I guess what we really need to figure out are some of the major plot points.

This is just an off-the-cuff sample (feel free to maim it or build on it to your hearts' content):
ACT 1: Lespheria Departs.
Hanasian returns to the inn with his cohorts.
Kaldir captures Gilly.
Naiore & Vanwe meet up.

ACT 2: Naiore takes Vanwe and heads toward Rivendell to find Menecin.
Kaldir returns to the woods & picks up Naiore's trail.
Hanasian & Amandur also learn of Naiore's presence (possibly through Vanwe?)
Lespheria returns.
They all depart (in separate groups) in pursuit of Naiore.
Gilly and Benia accompany Kaldir as his prisoners (sort of)

Act 3: Naiore takes up with the two Shady Underworld Types (how does Vanwe feel about this?)
The Hunters & the Hunted all stalk each other a bit. There are run-ins & confrontations as Naiore attempts to take out her pursuers by whatever means she has at her disposal.
Gilly & Benia try to decide whether to assist Kaldir, escape from him, or attempt to redeem him.

Act 4: As they approach Rivendell, Naiore changes her focus & begins to plan how to get at Menecin.
Perhaps Lespheria & Amandur join forces with Hanasian's group? They ride ahead to Rivendell to warn Mencin & Elrond's sons.
Shady Underworld Types begin to plot against Naiore.
Kaldir continues to track Naiore.
?? Gilly & Benia try to talk Vanwe away from Naiore ?? (This would be an attempt to help Vanwe, but I imagine Vanwe would view them with suspicion as they are traveling with Kaldir)

Act 5: Naiore makes her attempt to kill Menecin. She fails & flees, deserting Vanwe.
Kaldir, who has not entered Rivendell, picks up her trail.
He is joined by the others, who eventually corner Naiore for a final showdown, where she falls.

How's that for a start? Please jump in with your comments, suggestions, & ideas.

Elora · 07-26-2003, 10:16 PM

I agree the Forsaken Inn seems the most suitable starting point for this RP.

I think we need some reference to the historical figures of Celeborn, Elladan and Elrohir. Perhaps NCE's si the best way to achieve this. However, sometimes there are historical character "experts" milling about who know their famous character inside out.

The underworld, shady characters aren't necessarily prey for Naiore, unless she uncovers their treachery of her, or their death achieves something for her. She's not the safest of allies.

This is not to say she hasn't already been happily and busily murdering informants, merchants and minor lordlings who once fattened their coffers by selling information and limited aid to Mordor. Those characters will be past tense references and NCE's.

Menecin will be "off stage" for a while. I'd have to ask that should someone wish to play him, that they get in contact with me so that I can fill them in on a few things detailing the character. He's not, by rights, my own creation. I act as a "custodian" of the character, of sorts, which was created by a dear friend who is no longer with us. I've been trying to keep some of his creative work alive for others to enjoy, which is why I've taken Menecin under my wing on this board.

It didn't to me that someone would want to take Menecin on, given the nature of character (wound about with two of mine) and the circumstances surrounding his creator. I'm certainly not saying that noone else can write him.

I'd just ask that if anyone did like the bio and wanted to give it a try, I'd need to be certain that it would work (for the memory of my friend) and that they were aware of the things concerning the character that do not fit into a standard profile (to help them get into Menecin's head, so to speak).

Now, about that story line. I'll do some homework on that to pull my thoughts together. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Here's some initial thoughts on Vanwe and Naiore.

*Naiore will have been frustrated in her attempts to get into the Shire. She's learnt that Vanwe is also loose, nearby and that Menecin is alive and close at Imladris. Her pursuers will be getting close, the place relatively crawling with the Rangers she so hates. Naiore will suspect a trap set for her by her enemies and Vanwe. That is what brings her to the inn.

* Her plan to kill Vanwe outright alters when she realises that Kaldir is also there. Those two know each other (if we use what's already set down at the Green Dragon Inn) as Naiore was Kaldir's principal tormentor when he was captured by Mordor. Her plans change when she learns that Kaldir is hunting her daughter for Harad and revenge forms in her mind.

* She takes Vanwe, hoping to lure Kaldir away from the Inn and perhaps vent some of her rage (stress relief Naiore-style). When she realises Vanwe is better bait for others at the Inn whilst alive and she can snare more than Kaldir with that bait, she alters her plans once again. Her ambition becomes to destroy Imladris, killing as many Rangers and Elves as she can.

* She dupes Vanwe, who is desperate for parental love. When Naiore engages assistance from scoundrels, Vanwe begins to wonder and doubt. Her options are few and poor. If she escapes Naiore, she looses any chance of parental bond as well as falls possibily into Kaldir's hands. Naiore makes sure Vanwe knows that Kaldir is following and hunting her.

[ July 27, 2003: Message edited by: Elora ]

Ealasaid · 07-26-2003, 11:07 PM

Elora -- with that history in mind, it seems to me that you would be the logical person to write Menecin. I would hate to see someone else take a character (that you obviously have an emotional attachment to) astray.

Between Kaldir & Naiore, knowing their past experience of each other, it would definitely be a case of "who can destroy whom first".

Something to think about: Naiore might be able to get to Kaldir through Gilly and Benia. Kaldir (he hasn't figured this out yet) is beginning to fall for Benia. That is why he has not killed Benia outright & why he would bring her with him, even though he can move much faster alone. Gilly is there primarily because he catches her trying to rescue Benia & doesn't know what else to do with her. If he lets her go, she'll send out an alarm. If he kills her, he'll never stand a chance with Benia.
Hence, Kaldir, the old rattlesnake, becomes vulnerable.

Snowdog · 07-27-2003, 01:25 AM

I like the way you two think! First Posts go here in the planning thread, and they and the kick-off post should cover any significant historical events that may pertain to the RP before the time of its start. The events as posted in the Green Dragon should be included in a fashon to give this story continuity.

As for pre-existing conditions on the other Rangers, they are few and leave plenty of room for the writers to do with them what they will. As to how/when Hanasían meets them, I would like to leave it up to thw writwers of their parts as to whether I meet them on my way back from Bree, or they are already at the Forsaken when he returns.

The layout looks good, but lets keep the specifics somewhat flexible as to how they happen.

"Kaldir (he hasn't figured this out yet) is beginning to fall for Benia."

Does that mean Hanasían doesn't have a chance? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] just kidding. Could stir up some interesting developments.

As for the rest of the forum pre-plan, here is what I am thinking.

Title: Shadow of the Past

Historical Background: With the downfall of Sauron, evil fled disorganized before the might of the West, but there were surely some who, having been corrupted, still stirred here and there, especially true of lands long under the grasp of Mordor. This story is an account of one such encounter in the years after the War of the Ring.

Basic Storyline: Servants of the King pursue the evil in the lands, and here a few Dúnedain Rangers, veterans of the war, pursue one who has stirred troubles about the lands but remained elusive... Naiore. Others become entangled in her trail as well, both with her and against her, and it moves on through twists and turns to a final showdown.

The purpose of the story is to: Bring Naiore to justice.

This means we will know the story is over when: Naiore is captured or killed, and is brought to Rivendell.

Starting Location: Forsaken Inn

Likely destination: Rivendell

Timeframes:

This RP takes place in: the Fourth Age, year 12 with this storyline starting in Midsummer and covers a span of a... month? 6 weeks, more? less?

This RP requires a time commitment of: a couple months (I say to a proper conclusion whatever it takes) from the major players.

I should leave all this up to Elasaid, but I had to lay down some bits for my mind to relate to. Being this grew out of the Green Dragon, I think its right to have it the same timeframe.

Anyway... I'm off to bed. This all looks good so far. I only hope the RP goes well and we not get hung up on too many small details.

[ July 27, 2003: Message edited by: Snowdog ]

Elora · 07-27-2003, 02:51 AM

Flexibility is an important point you've raised Snowdog.

A rough outline of Acts is a great guide for us all to refer to. Besides, Snowdog's left the door open for Naiore to live past ultimate capture (cue evil, speculative chuckling)

Naiore will most certainly use anyone and any means to achieve her ends. For her, the ends justify everything and she believes herself above the common place and "misguided' moralities of others. She'll use Gilly only if she thinks she Gilly will not prove a thorn in her side. Once tools prove a liability, Naiore disposes of them without a second thought.

Naiore will use Kaldir too as far as she can. For example, when she takes up with criminals as she plans her attack on Menecin and Imladris, Vanwe will start to wonder about things. Naiore will be certain that Vanwe knows that Kaldir will snatch her up should she escape. The idea of returning south frightens her more.

An idea has just occured to me.

Naiore will not be able to just wander into Imladris and there wreck her ruin. She'll need someone to get her in.... someone like one Vanwe.

Of course, once Vanwe is sent out, she could wander into anyone in the wilds around Imladris... Kaldir.... Rangers.... Elves... Gilly.... Benia....Menecin (who may have given his watchers the slip to wander the empty forest)

Another idea, Naiore attempts to enlist Kaldir's aid, with the intention of betraying him and all the rest later on, at the Forsaken Inn...

Lespheria will attract her attention when she realises that it is not just Rangers who trail her as she makes from Imladris.

As for Menecin, I hope I don't sound too possessive over the character. I guess I just hadn't thought about anyone else writing him and made assumptions that may be incorrect. If someone really wants to take him on, I'm not against the idea. It would be dishonest of me if I did not say I would approach it with caution and I felt I needed to say why that was.

It wouldn't be fair if I didn't make that clear to somebody who ponied up to write him at the outset.

Oh, and one final thing. Contrary to stated opinion, I don't think. I make it my business to avoid thinking. But I can see why Snowdog likes the way Ealsaid thinks. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Elora · 07-27-2003, 07:16 PM

This is me signing off as earlier advised.

I'll be away from 7/29 to 8/8, at a workshop that I've received funding to attend in order to refine authorial skills (desperately needed too, I might add).

Some parting thoughts.

Perhaps we need to consider characters for the Forsaken Inn. At present, people such as Vanwe and Lespheria work at the inn. Their worlds are inhabited by innkeepers, other staff, stablemasters and the like.

At the Green Dragon Inn, characters are tied to the grounds of the inn. In this RP, it may be possible for people to expand their characters and their story, through the wider scope of the RP.

My suggestion is that we consider additional characters that populate the inn, such as there are at the Green Dragon. Certainly other inn staff can serve as NCE's, but if there is the possibility to explore interesting character I think it would be great to include them beyond the limitations of an NCE.

[img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Ealasaid · 07-28-2003, 07:54 AM

Quote:

"Kaldir (he hasn't figured this out yet) is beginning to fall for Benia."

Does that mean Hanasían doesn't have a chance? just kidding. Could stir up some interesting developments.

I didn't say anything about how Benia feels, did I? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[ July 28, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

Ealasaid · 07-28-2003, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Another idea, Naiore attempts to enlist Kaldir's aid, with the intention of betraying him and all the rest later on, at the Forsaken Inn...

This would never happen. Kaldir does not feel many emotions, but the one's he does feel are powerful and extreme. One of the things he does feel is hatred for Naiore. If he ever got close enough to talk to her, he would kill her outright.

Ealasaid · 07-28-2003, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Title: Shadow of the Past

Historical Background: With the downfall of Sauron, evil fled disorganized before the might of the West, but there were surely some who, having been corrupted, still stirred here and there, especially true of lands long under the grasp of Mordor. This story is an account of one such encounter in the years after the War of the Ring.

Basic Storyline: Servants of the King pursue the evil in the lands, and here a few Dúnedain Rangers, veterans of the war, pursue one who has stirred troubles about the lands but remained elusive... Naiore. Others become entangled in her trail as well, both with her and against her, and it moves on through twists and turns to a final showdown.

The purpose of the story is to: Bring Naiore to justice.

This means we will know the story is over when: Naiore is captured or killed, and is brought to Rivendell.

Starting Location: Forsaken Inn

Likely destination: Rivendell

Timeframes:

This RP takes place in: the Fourth Age, year 12 with this storyline starting in Midsummer and covers a span of a... month? 6 weeks, more? less?

This RP requires a time commitment of: a couple months (I say to a proper conclusion whatever it takes) from the major players.

I'm for using this pretty much as is, editing out the questions, of course. Thanks, Snowdog!! Great work.

Ealasaid · 07-28-2003, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Perhaps we need to consider characters for the Forsaken Inn. At present, people such as Vanwe and Lespheria work at the inn. Their worlds are inhabited by innkeepers, other staff, stablemasters and the like.

At the Green Dragon Inn, characters are tied to the grounds of the inn. In this RP, it may be possible for people to expand their characters and their story, through the wider scope of the RP.

My suggestion is that we consider additional characters that populate the inn, such as there are at the Green Dragon. Certainly other inn staff can serve as NCE's, but if there is the possibility to explore interesting character I think it would be great to include them beyond the limitations of an NCE.

Good suggestion, Elora! Initially, I was thinking we could just change the names of the Green Dragon personnel & leave it at that, but I do like the possibility of expanding their roles (NCE) as needed.

Be thinking of names, etc, for the inn personnel. We all need to know what they are in advance, as those people figure into many of our inn posts. We need to come up with parallels for:
Aman
Derufin
Ruby
Vinca Bunce (Cook)
I think that should cover it. As far as other people around the inn becoming involved beyond NCE status, let's not get carried away. Too many central characters make the game confusing & difficult to follow. With 12 active characters, including all of ours and the 4 new roles we have already discussed, I think we have more than enough to draw on. The two underworld types can come from the vicinity of the inn, if you like. We have not decided where exactly they enter the storyline at all.

Snowdog · 07-28-2003, 09:49 AM

Yes, we may want to keep the Inn personnel to NCE (Non-Controlled Entities for those not familiar with the acronym). it would be interesting to have writers play the bit parts, but it could easily get confusing as well. As for the nature of the Forsaken Inn, it is (to me) by its name a bit seedier than the fair Hobbit Inn of the Green Dragon. I could go on a disertation on my thoughts of the Forsaken, but since it will only be a starting point, it wont be necessary at this time.

Oh, I only submitted that write-up as a working model and it does need tweaking. Since I'm not very good at this time limits and time committments thing, any suggestions would be helpful to fill in the rest of this.

As for the actual start of the RP, we should make sure we all will be available for a stretch to get things started.

And no, Benia didn't say how she felt... [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Nerindel · 07-28-2003, 09:56 AM

ok, I'm still trying to iron out a few things with Amandur's bio and I'm covering hol's at work which is not helping [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

But I do have a few comments:

I would think The borders of Rivendell would still be protected and only elves and rangers would be permitted to go freely, as for Vanwe is it not likely that she would be mistaken for Naiore?

Another thing I have been thinking about is Naiores final demise. is this to be our scripted ending? And if so who will it be that kills her?

heres an Idea, As Elora has already suggested that Naiore would have satisfaction in being killed by her kin I could see her trying to insight Léspheria to this end through the revelations of how she used and broke her mother, to which Léspheria will on behalf of their kin will turn her back on Naiore and hand her over to the Rangers to be taken to Minas Tirith for trial. At this I see Naiore in her rage attempting to strike Léspheria down, to which one of the others would (Hopefully :eek [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] intervene. I was thinking maybe Kaldir, as his hatred runs deep or Amandur, who in case you haven't already guest has fallen in love with Léspheria.

Ok, I have to go back to work now but I will get back as soon as I can.

you guys are doing a great job, so far everything seem to be moving in the right direction [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Snowdog · 07-28-2003, 10:17 AM

Its tough having to squeeze work between the important things in life like a budding RP story [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] I know... *looks to see of the boss is coming...

I was kind of hoping to leave it a little looser in the script to say that Naiore may or may not be killed in the end. That is why I put the part of Naiore being brought to justice. I think it takes too much away from the interim writing if we already know she dies and who kills her. Its kind of like reading the last chapter of a book first. Just trying to keep the intrigue and the 'fog of possibillities' alive in this one.

Ealasaid · 07-28-2003, 11:09 AM

Excellent points, Nerindel! I like your suggestion for the ending. Very dramatic! As for who finally "gets" Naiore (if anyone), we don't have to decide that now. We can see what is happening when we arrive at that point in the game.

That being said, here's Kaldir's bio:

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Ealasaid's character - Kaldir

NAME: Kaldir

AGE: 42

RACE: Men. Both his father and mother were Dunedain

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Long sword, long knife worn at the belt, and a variety of smaller knives concealed about his person. He also carries a rope and sometimes a whip...tools of his trade.

APPEARANCE: Kaldir is about 6 feet tall with a lean and muscular build. He has dark brown hair that falls just past his shoulders, which he wears tied back most of the time. He is darkly tanned, and wears a short beard. His eyes are of such a pale blue that the irises nearly vanish into the whites. Ice blue is a good description, as his eyes are usually cold, reflecting very little emotion. While the right side of his face is quite handsome, with a high cheekbone and strong brow, the left side of his face has been badly disfigured: the cheekbone smashed, and the skin a twisted mass of scar tissue from his hairline to his beard. This also affects the musculature of his face -- for instance, he can only smile with the good side of his face. Scars also disfigure a good bit of the rest of his person.
He dresses like a Ranger, in the browns and greens of the forest.

PERSONALITY: Because of his experiences in Mordor, Kaldir has a severe case of Post-Traumatic Stress (if you will pardon my foray into modern psycho-babble.) Consequently, there are a few pages missing out of his Personality Handbook. He feels very few emotions, but the ones he does feel are powerful and extreme. Also, he feels very little connection with or empathy for others. He exists in a kind of survivalist vacuum. Under the right circumstances, he could be healed, but, so far, those circumstances have not existed in his life.
He sleeps very little. He is also prone to debilitating flashbacks. Usually few and far between, these are caused by specific triggers. Unfortunately for him, Naiore (as his chief tormentor in Mordor) is one of those triggers. The flashbacks, when they come, cause him to flinch & lose concentration for a few seconds as his mind returns to certain horrific moments in his past that he has suppressed, unable to deal with them.
Finally, due to head injuires sustained during his imprisonment, large portions of his long-term memory of pre-war events have been either damaged or wiped out.
Overall, despite all the damage, he is a hard, tough man. Even so, he has his good points. He is polite and well-spoken, with a dry sense of humor. While he has difficulty forming connections with others, he does form likings for other people, based on respect for them or their actions. He will treat them well and look out for their well-being... as long as they don't get in his way. (Gilly & Lespheria, so far, fall into this category.) Once they get in his way, however, all bets are off.

STRENGTHS: Kaldir is a very intelligent individual, but his main strengths are that he is relentless and infinitely patient. When he is on someone's trail, he can bide his time until exactly the right moment. When he does choose to strike, he is generally fast, strong, and ruthless.
He can track almost anything, anywhere. He is a highly skilled horseman and an expert with a sword. While his archery skills are passable, he generally prefers other types of weapons.

WEAKNESSES: See the Personality description above. Also, his growing love for Benia leaves him vulnerable. In his emotionally stunted state, he behaves (toward others, where she is involved) more like a wolf over a fresh kill than a man with a potential love interest, but his feelings for her are deep. He would go to great lengths to protect her from harm.

HISTORY: Kaldir was born in the north. He never knew his mother as she died giving birth to him. Growing up, he was close with his father who taught him all the fighting and tracking skills of a Ranger. He grew into a brave and intelligent young man, loyal to Aragorn and completely at his disposal. He began riding with the Rangers at a very young age. He was not quite thirty when he fell at the Battle of Raven Falls, where he was taken prisoner by the orcs and transported south to Mordor, where he spent the next three years, and pretty much the duration of the War, as a prisoner and slave of Sauron. While in Mordor, he endured unspeakable horrors at the hands of Sauron's underlings, one of whom was none other than Naiore. Fascinated by pain and death, she tortured and tormented him nearly to the point of death throughout his imprisonment. He only survived through sheer strength of will, his experiences hardening him into the predator he is today.

After the war, he tried to return to the Ranger lifestyle, but found that he could no longer fit in. He gradually drifted away from the society of the other Rangers, keeping to himself and hiring his tracking skills out to whomever was willing to pay for them. Eventually, this led to bounty hunting, oftentimes in the employ of the same types (evil southerners) who had earlier enslaved him, only now they treat him with fear and respect. He travels easily between the north and the south, on no one's side but his own. The other Rangers view him with some suspicion, but generally leave him to his own business as, out of principle, he never goes after any of them. He arrives at the Forsaken Inn with the intent of capturing Benia for the bounty placed on her by Haradrim holdouts in the South. While there, he discovers the presence of Vanwe, who would be worth considerably more than Benia in terms of a bounty, and Naiore, against whom he wants nothing more than revenge. If he can collect a bounty for Naiore after she is dead, so much the better. (He's pragmatic, if nothing else.) His hatred of Naiore is very personal.

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Ealasaid's post for Kaldir

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[ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ August 10, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

Ealasaid · 07-28-2003, 12:32 PM

Quote:

I was kind of hoping to leave it a little looser in the script to say that Naiore may or may not be killed in the end. That is why I put the part of Naiore being brought to justice. I think it takes too much away from the interim writing if we already know she dies and who kills her. Its kind of like reading the last chapter of a book first. Just trying to keep the intrigue and the 'fog of possibillities' alive in this one.

Well put, Snowdog! I agree that we should leave somethings open-ended for the moment. It makes the game more fun if you don't know until the end precisely what is going to happen. If too much is laid out in advance, it just becomes an exercise in writing how to get from Point A to Point B.

Ealasaid · 07-28-2003, 03:49 PM

Ealasaid's character - Benia

NAME: Benia Nightshade

AGE: 30

RACE: Men. Her father is from Bree; her mother, from Harad.

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: A dagger and her father's sword.

APPEARANCE: Benia is about 5'7" with a slim, athletic build. She has an olive complexion. Her raven black hair is thick and straight, falling almost to her knees. She usually wears it in a single plait down her back. She is very beautiful in an exotic kind of way, with an oval face and large, long-lashed eyes of a dark amber color. She lines her eyes in kohl. The only jewelry she wears are silver dangling earrings, and a wide silver band on the middle finger of her left hand. A fine silver chain runs from her left earring across her cheekbone to a small stud in her left nostril. Tiny silver medallions hang, sparkling, from the chain.
Her palms and inner wrists (up to about 3" above her hand) are intricately tattooed with floral patterns and clan markings that identify her as a member of the Rain Clan of the Painted Sand tribe from the Haradrim desert. Usually, when she travels, she wears soft leather gauntlets to conceal the tattoos.
Basically a nomad, she doesn't own a wide assortment of clothes, only a cloak and hood, a couple of dresses (with requisite underclothes, of course), and a couple of veils, which she wears oftentimes when she travels, or when she wishes to hide from the world. Her clothes are all of the soft browns and greens of the forest. (She likes bright vibrant colors, but finds the earthtones more practical for all the travel she does.)

PERSONALITY: Benia is a courageous, yet gentle and caring woman. She is calm, confident, and practical, yet would willingly sacrifice her life if she thought it would save the life of another. She is fiercely loyal to her few friends and the remains of her mother's clan. When it concerns her own safety, she is more apt to flee from her enemies than to confront them, but if another's safety is in question, she will do whatever needs to be done in order to save or protect him/her.
She is shy around strangers, but, once her guard is down, likes a laugh and a good tale almost as much as the average hobbit. She has a beautiful singing voice and likes to sing, but rarely gets the opportunity. She is a skilled dancer after the fashion of Haradrim women, but does not know any of the dances done by the other peoples of Middle Earth.

STRENGTHS: Benia's greatest strengths are her courage and her generosity of spirit. She knows how to handle her father's sword, but only uses it in self-defense. (She is not a warrior or shield maiden by any stretch of the imagination.)

WEAKNESSES: She has a tendency to let her guard down sometimes at the wrong moments. Operating largely on instinct, she has also been known to be a little too quick to place her trust in strangers. Usually this is not a problem as she is usually right about people, but on occasion she has been wrong and ended up putting herself in grave danger.

HISTORY: Benia's mother came from the Rain clan of the Painted Sand tribe, a nomadic tribe of the Haradrim desert. They were warriors and horsemen, like the Rohirrim, but their horses were small and fast, better built to withstand the heat of the desert. Painted Sand was once a large and powerful tribe, but when they refused to fight on the side of Sauron in the War of the Ring, the entire clan was pretty much wiped out. To Benia's knowledge, only a handful of aunts and distant cousins remain. There may be others & she is always on the lookout for them. Because their lives are still in danger from those who followed Sauron, the tattered remnants of her tribe remain on the run, scattered throughout Middle Earth. Some of them remain in contact with one another by leaving obscure messages in predecided locations, but others are simply lost.

Benia's mother, Benia the Fair, left the desert with her parents and four of her brothers many years prior to the start of the War, but there was already a gathering of forces moving toward Mordor. They tried to escape north into Gondor and Rohan, but were pursued by orcs and hostile tribesmen. Her parents and one of her brothers were killed before reaching Harad's border. She and her other three brothers made it as far as Rohan, where they we captured by a Rohirrim horse patrol. Jack Nightshade, originally a Bree-man who had migrated to Rohan in search of adventure, was one of her captors. He and two others were given the chore of escorting the prisoners back to the city. By the time they arrived at Edoras, he and the desert lady had fallen in love. She remained a prisoner of the Mark for a brief time until her story was heard and verified, then she and her brothers were released. Her brothers swore their allegiance to Rohan and eventually found service as riders and scouts. Benia the Fair married Jack Nightshade and tried to make a home for the two of them in Rohan.

Jack became a close friend of Benia the Fair's brothers, often riding with them on patrols. Eventually, the brothers won permission to travel back to the desert to seek word on their kinsmen. Jack was granted permission to accompany them and, against his better judgment, was swayed by his wife's pleas and allowed her to accompany them as well. It was only after they had travelled a goodly distance toward Harad that it was discovered that Benia the Fair was pregnant. They had gone too far to send her back, so they continued on and Benia's daughter, Benia Nightshade, was born in the desert of her kinsmen. When the company finally reached the far savannahs, the ancestral base of the Painted Sand clan, there was no one left, just slaughtered horses and skeletons bleaching in the sun. They stayed there in hiding until the Benias were strong enough, then began the journey back to Rohan.

On the way back, they were attacked by orcs. The company was split in the fighting. Jack and his wife and daughter fled back into the desert. No one knew what became of the brothers. The Nightshades stayed in the desert, getting by as best they could until little Benia turned seven. Then Jack decided it was time to return to Rohan. This time they made it back, but things had changed. Jack was seen as a deserter and imprisoned. He managed to escape and, taking his little family with him, fled again. This time, they went North to Bree and his ancestral home. There, the Nightshade family took them in. They managed to stay there in peace and contentment for a while, but by the time little Benia reached her teens, rumors of trouble began to haunt them again. Mysterious strangers had been coming up the Greenway to Bree, asking about desert people and describing little Benia and her mother. It was clear that they meant them ill. Jack decided it was time to run again.

He bundled up his wife and now teenaged daughter, taking the unlikely road west toward The Shire. The strangers were in hot pursuit and nearly overtook them but for the brave interference of a hobbit called Gilly Burrows (now Banks), who at great peril to herself and her family, took it upon herself first to conceal the three of them and later to help them escape.

The three Nightshades did manage to escape, but were not so lucky the next time. They were overtaken by bounty hunters a short while later in some wild and lonely spot. Benia the Fair was killed and Jack was badly wounded. Little Benia remained unharmed only because she had been dawdling away from the camp when the tragedy struck. Carefully, she sheltered and tended to her father until he was well enough to travel. As soon as he had regained enough strength, they returned to his family in Bree, where he completed his convalescence. As soon as he was able, he took his daughter and the two of them vanished into the wilderness, never again attempting to call anyplace home for long.

Jack was heartbroken at the loss of Benia the Fair and never quite recovered from it. Eventually, he took to drink and was killed in a tavern brawl. Benia Nightshade was left on her own. She continued to travel, eventually working her way south again to the desert where she was able to locate a few surviving members of her clan, who tattooed her hands and finished teaching her the ways of the desert. Now she spends the majority of her time traveling from place to place, looking for her scattered kinsmen, helping them where she can and trying to assist in the rescues of those who are still imprisoned. She has never married, and, though she keeps in contact with her father's family in Bree, the connection is rather tenuous. Even though she is Jack's daughter, they still view her as a foreigner and help her on occasion only out of loyalty to her father's memory. They blame her and her mother for Jack's death.

She arrives at the Forsaken Inn as the result of a desire to see Gilly. Banned from the Shire (along with all the other Big People) by order of King Elessar, she sent a message to Bywater asking Gilly to meet her at the inn. She didn't go as far as Bree because of the tense nature of her relations with her father's family. The Nightshades are a big family, & she knew she could not be there unbeknownst to them.

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Ealasaid's post for Benia

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[ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Snowdog · 07-30-2003, 12:25 AM

Ok, so I go stumbling into a thread thinking its this one and its Shadow of the Star !!!

Maybe we may think of adjusting ther name of this RP a little so its a bit more unique??

Just a thought.

Grat bios Elasaid!

piosenniel · 07-30-2003, 12:49 AM

I believe it's only a working title - I needed something with which to title the thread.

Ealasaid · 07-30-2003, 08:25 AM

Yes -- this is just a working title. We can change it anytime.

The Lingering Darkness, anyone? [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Also, I just wanted to let everyone know that we have not heard from Hilde lately as she has been away dealing with a very sick child. She is worried that she may have to drop out of the game. I told her we could wait, at least, until Elora gets back after the first week of August before she has to decide.

In the meantime, we are to carry on without her.

...and then there were three (temporarily). So that leaves us, Ealasaid, Nerindel, & Snowdog, for the time being. Let's do what we can & hopefully we can be close to opening the discussion thread to other writers by the time Elora & Hilde can rejoin us.

We have already accomplished quite a lot.

[ July 30, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

Snowdog · 07-30-2003, 08:52 AM

I'll have to give the whole outline some thought and i will post it for critique and such when I got something together.

And yes, I know its a working title...
How about 'A Lingering Shadow' ??

Hope all goes well and swift recovery to Hilde's child. It's tough when one has sick children, especially if they are young. Mine are teenagers, so now they come in with things like .. I crashed my skateboard.. I crashed my bike... etc.

I have been reading the bios of the characters over and over, andtrying to commit to memory as much as I can of them. I have been going over Benia's bio and such since Hanasían will be dealing with her kin in Bree. All this is working to an opener and first post.

As for the start, probably sometime in mid August will work out for everyone?

Ealasaid · 07-30-2003, 10:34 AM

A mid-to-late August start sounds good to me. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Snowdog, I will be looking forward to seeing your outline and first post! I do agree that we should keep the outline simple so that the characters have room to move & develop. I have yet to start my first posts, but I guess I should be thinking about those pretty soon, eh?

Nerindel -- still waiting for your bios!
Hilde will get hers in when things settle down some at home.

So far, we have bios from:
Elora: Naiore, Vanwe, Menecin
Ealasaid: Kaldir, Benia
Snowdog: Hanasian

We have a tentative outline (still subject to massive revision or even chucking).

We have our Character List for new writers:
2 Rangers to travel with Hanasian
2 underworld types to work with/against Naiore

We still need:
* Remaining Bios (no hurry, Nerindel or Hilde, just looking forward to seeing them when you can get to them)
* New identities for Inn personnel
* "Final" Outline
* First Posts from the bunch of us
* Completed Game Submission Form for Pio
Is there anything else you can think of that we need to have before moving from the Planning Thread to the Discussion Thread?

[ July 30, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

piosenniel · 07-31-2003, 12:53 AM

Here is the ‘Characters Needed’ section: please decide on race and gender for your 4 listed below

Characters needed: – be specific as to type (eg., Lothlorien Elves, not just Elves, if that’s what you need; or any other characters types from specific regions) and please indicate the number of each type you will need.

Please note for each character type needed: Race – number needed – and gender needed

2 Rangers to travel with Hanasian PLEASE SPECIFY RACE AND GENDER FOR THE PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS

Concerning the two other Rangers: It has to be understood to the writers of these characters that they are war veterans, as I believe our time frame is the same as that of the Green Dragon, which is ten years after the War of the Ring (?). They are loyal to the King and fought against evil, though they do not necessarily have to be one of the thirty Rangers who rode south during the war (Halbarad said the thirty were "...all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste..." ). They have deep friendship with each other and Hanasían, as well as the sons of Elrond Elrohir and Elladan. They will know Kaldir if they were riding with the Rangers twenty years before when Kaldir was captured, or have heard of him and the terrible Battle from the some of the older Rangers who were there. Outside of that, the writers are free to develop the Ranger characters as they see fit.
2 Shady Underworld Types to take up with Naiore, both to serve her & (they hope) turn on her for their own gain PLEASE SPECIFY RACE AND GENDER FOR THE PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS

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Character types which would not belong: Any not listed above.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Will you be wanting first posts for the above characters?

If so, you need to clue the characters’ writers in to which Main Character’s First Post would be helpful to work from.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

These will need to be listed as NCE’s also if you are going to use them:

Elladan
Elrohir
Celeborn

As well as the Forsaken Inn personnel

Snowdog · 07-31-2003, 08:30 AM

Right. We're working on it...

Nerindel · 07-31-2003, 07:15 PM

ok, here we go! I'm putting these up before I decide to change Amandur's Character again (I've now rewrote him 3 times [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] ). Léspheria is a character I all ready had partially wrote up and she only really needed a history, but Amandur was one of those spur of the moment character's if you know what I mean [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] and he needed a complete bio, which took me awhile to get just right (I hope!).

Anyway here they are:

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Nerindel's character - Léspheria

NAME: Léspheria Denfëa

AGE: 2901 (As of the Fourth Age 12)

RACE: Noldor (Fathers line Fingolfin, Mothers line Finarfin)

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS : Léspheria carries a Silvery grey bow made from the wood of a Mallorn tree, it has the gold leaf and flower design, of these great trees. It is longer and stouter than most. Her brown leather quiver hangs on her back and is always filled with arrows she Fletches herself.

Her short sword is of Noldorin design and hangs on her left side, it bears the crest of the house of Finarfin on the pommel. This sword is dear to Léspheria as it was once her mothers, given to her by her father on his departure from Middle Earth.

Léspheria also carries a small belt knife given to her by Amandur on their first battle together, it has a black handle and a grey blade.

Léspheria has a light shirt of silver chain mail, made for her by the Gwaith-I-Mírdain that resided in Imladris before the war. She wears it concealed under her clothes.

APPEARANCE: Léspheria is tall and slender, her long, straight, dark hair falls halfway down her back and in sunlight the golden colouring of her mothers kin can be seen flecked through it. Her complexion is pale and unblemished, some of her fathers kin liken her to Aredhel, the only daughter of Fingolfin, but when next to her mother it is obvious that Léspheria's looks come from her, they share the same Almond shaped grey eyes, not a dull but bright and piercing, almost as though they could see right into your heart.

Léspheria is no stranger to wearing the fine apparel of court, but prefers to wear clothes of her own design. She favours blues and silvers, but when travelling she wears the forest colours favoured by her kin. It is not often that she is seen in trousers preferring long skirts/dresses designed by herself to be practical for fighting and wandering the wilds. She wears calf high brown leather boots and a hooded cloak of a light but warm woven silken material, that seems to reflect the colour of its surroundings, grey in the hue of twilight under the trees; green as shadowed leaves, or brown as fallow fields by night, dusk silver as water under the stars. It is clasped at the neck by a silver brooch shaped in the likeness of Galathilion and bears a crescent moon. (the Emblem of the Eldar)

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Léspheria is Altruistic in nature, which on more than one occasion has got her into trouble, but she is also self-sufficient and capable of making the best of a bad situation.

Léspheria is warm and friendly to those she meet's that she senses are of good heart, to those who are not she is closed and guarded. She also has a tendency to follow her instincts, but never at the risk to others.

She possesses the innate ability to sense the emotions of those around her, this is what allows her to be more trusting than most of her kin, but this ability has its down sides, not only can she sense the emotions of others, but of her mother and twin brother she can actually feel when they are in pain or torment and in turn their pain is laid upon her. Only a few of her family and Amandur know of this weakness in her ability (As they see it). She also possesses the healing ability of her kin, using her senses to locate the site of injury and manipulate it into a state of mending/healing.

Léspheria is a keen Archer and woods woman, both skills taught her by her father and brother, she also carries the wisdom of her kin and is learned in the histories of her people, she harbours the fear that one day she will fall pray to the pride of her ancestors.

HISTORY: Léspheria was born in the TA 132 to Valaindon, her mother who was a High elf of Lothlorien and a descendant of the noble house of Finarfin, and Finderon, her father who was a High elf of Imladris and a descendent of the house of Fingolfin. Both Lespheria and her twin brother Lóthaniel were brought up in Imladris, but when Léspheria started to show signs that she possessed her mothers gifts she was taken to Lothlorien to study under those of her mothers house who remained after the SA.

In Lothlorien she learnt how to discipline her ability and use it to help others. On the eventual realisation that her gift could be use in a darker more sinister way she was physically sick to her core and began to fear her gift, but the words of the lady of the woods healed her of this fear and she carries them in her heart always 'The choices we make are what make us who we are.' and from that day to this she choose to only use her gifts to help others.

In Lothlorien Léspheria also learnt the finer arts, Dressmaking, embroidery, music and poetry she was also taught Archery and Herblore, she learned quickly and became skilful , she learnt also the histories of her kin and the family trees of each line fascinated her most, she soon discovered the there was a space missing in the family tree of her mothers kin, but when she ask about this, she was told that she was mistaken or that it was a mistake made by the writer. But always she sensed that they hid the truth and where ashamed to admit it, so she pursued it no further.

About the year 1974 TA. Léspheria returned with her family to Rivendell, in this year the North kingdom ended and the witch king over ran Arthedain and took Fornost. In this time many messengers passed between Rivendell and the Grey havens and the following year it was decided that Rivendell would send a force to aid in removing the witch king, from the northern lands. On the day that her father and brother were due to leave Léspheria had a premonition of their death in the form of a dream. She begged for them not to go, but they thought her dream no more than anxiety. Léspheria was not so convinced and against their wishes she followed the host north.

It was here that she found out her acute link to her brother, as a blow struck him she fell from her horse experiencing his pain, it was here too that her friendship with the Dunedain began. An Arnorian soldier seeing an elven woman in the battle came to her aid, she persuaded him to help her search for her brother, together they found Her father and brother both injured and with her expert healing skills she healed both, The man from who Amandur is descended faught off the enemy so that she could work unhindered. After the victourious battle Léspheria helped tend others that were injured in the battle.

After the battle of Fornost, under the instruction of Lord Elrond the Elves of Rivendell, taught the survivors of Arnor, the skills required to become rangers, in this time Léspheria too decided that she wished to learn these skills, so both her father and Brother taught her, they were surprised at how quickly she learned and how adaptable she could be. By the time rumours reach Rivendell of a power returned to Dol Guldur, Léspheria is now aiding the elves in the training of the Dunedain.

At about this time Lésperia's mother left Rivendell, and her Father finally tells both of them about Naiore, but not everything. He tells them only of her crimes but not of their relationship to this woman or of the friendship that their mother once shared with Naiore.

Lóthaniel later finds out that Naiore and their mother are cousins and that after Naiore disappeared from Belfalas, their mother helped to look for her fearing that some ill had befallen her. In this time she met their father and he agreed to help her search, but to no avail. Valaindon returned to Rivendell with Finderon. When Finderon returned from the Battle of Dagorlad he did not have the heart to tell Valaindon of what they saw and of the terror Naiore struck in their hearts, for he knew she would not believe it, he too wouldn't if he had not seen it with his own eyes. But after the disaster of the Gladden Fields all the elves learned of Naiores crimes, Valaindon refused to believe what she was told and rode often in search of her cousin, but all she found was a trail of heinous crimes. so she returned to Finderon and chose to live in denial. but of this Lothaniel says nothing to Léspheria.

In the time that Valaindon is away from her family she finds Naiore, not far from Lothlorien. Naiore reading her cousins thoughts pretends to have been tortured and used by Sauron and forced to do the treacherous things that she has done, knowing that her old friend would show pity on her. Valaindon thinking she was right all along about her friend, makes the mistake of not reading her cousins emotions. Valaindon meets secretly with Naiore (As her cousin feigns to be to afraid and ashamed to face her kin) and brings her news of Lothlorien, it is through Valaindon that she learns that Menecin still loves her and longs for her return, Naiore then slowly begins to draw secrets from her cousin regarding the defence of both Lothlorien and Rivendell. With the coming of Menecin to Rivendell, Valaindon realises she has been deceived and the pride of her kin engulfs her and in rage she relentlessly peruses Naiore who she finally sees as her enemy. the following year she losses the trail, but does not give up searching. She is eventually captured at the end of the year 3017 and is taken to Barad-dûr, where she again meets Naiore who takes great pains to torture her and break her elven spirit, but with the fall of Sauron she is forced to flee leaving Valaindon for dead in the pits of Barad-dûr. She is eventually found by Amandur and other Rangers that dared to enter the great fortress after the war.Of these events Léspheria knows only bits and pieces.

During this time she helps the Dunedain and later she protects the borders of Rivendell, In the year that her mother was captured to the day she died (the best part of a year) Léspheria fell into a fever from which none could cure. Léspheria experienced her mothers torture at the hands of Naiore, though she tells none of this, and only learns of her mothers torturer some years later.

After the war Lésperia's mothers body is brought back to Rivendell, in his grief their father goes with the ring bearers to Valinor, but Both Léspheria and her brother choose to remain. In the 2nd year of the fourth age Léspheria is asked by Lords Elladan and Elrohir, if she would consider becoming one of their emissaries between men and elves, to which she humbly excepted.

It was in this role that she found out the full extent of Naiores crimes, and that the council of King Elassar wished to bring her to justice. Their were a few elves who also wanted to see Naiore brought to justice, but Léspheria not wishing any kinslaying convinced the council of elves to allow King Elessar to bring Naiore to stand trial in Gondor.

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Nerindel's post for Léspheria

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*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Nerindel's character - Amandur

NAME: Amandur II

AGE: 62 (as of midsummer of year 12 of the fourth age.)

RACE: Men (Dunedan)

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS : Amandur carries a numanorean long sword, an heirloom of his family. He also carries an elvish dagger, a small black handled belt knife (one of a pair, Léspheria has the other) and a crude bow, which he uses mainly for hunting.

APPEARANCE: Amandur is 6 ft 2 " in height and has a handsome but rugged look about him. His dark, almost black hair sits just below his jaw line. His Hazel eyes hold the wisdom of his age, he looks only to be in his early forties. His complexion is tanned due to weathering, he is sometimes clean shaven and sometimes not depending on circumstances, (ie in the wilds he sees no need to shave) Amandur has several battle scars, one across his left bicep another across his right leg and a small scar across the clef of his chin are all reminders of the battles of the Pelennor fields and the Morannon. The scar on his right leg sometimes bothers him in colder weather.

Amandur wears black leather pants, white/light grey shirts and dark grey /green tunics that bear the emblem of King Elessar. His high black boots are of supple leather and have seen much wear. He also has a cloak of a heavy dark-green cloth.

PERSONALITY: Although Hardened by war, Amandur managed to remain good hearted and kind. Among his friends and kin he is loyal, trustworthy and well liked, But to his enemies he is fierce, relentless and unforgiving. He tends to speak his mind and is not quick to trust. He has the qualities of being a great leader but prefers not to lead when possible, but like most great leaders this sometimes happens weather he will it or not.

STRENGTHS: Although proficient with a bow, he favours his sword and is very skilful in its use, both on foot or mounted, he has always had an natural ability with horses, his own in particular, the black charger comes when he whistles, and the horse always seems to anticipate his movements, before they are made. Amandur learnt much from the elves during his stay in Rivendell and has become wise in the way of the wilds. He also follows his instincts, but not at the cost of others.

WEAKNESSES: Amandur's weaknesses are his love for Léspheria and his growing over protectiveness of her. Also the scar on his leg is know to give him bother in colder weather or if hit or knocked in some way.

HISTORY: Amandur was born in the Grey Havens on the 31st day of Naríë in the year 2969 TA (1369 Shire reckoning). Amandur was the eldest son of Amandur I and Norvanna both Dunedain of the north and both Rangers, which in itself is unusual as usually only the men became rangers, but Amandur's mother was strong both in stature and will. Cirdan granted her protection in the grey havens when with child. Amundur and his younger brother Aldred spent their child hood in the Grey havens with their mother, their father visited as often as he could.

There was only two years between Amandur and his brother, so the pair grew up together in relative peace under the protection of Cirdan, they both shared a love of boats and a respect for the sea. Their mother and father (when present) took great pains to teach both their children the use of weapons, both brothers favoured the long sword. At the age of 20 Amandur's father took him to Rivendell to train under the tutelage of the Elves.

It is here that he first meets the elven twins Lóthaniel and Léspheria Denfëa. Lóthaniel teaches him the skills required to become a Ranger like his father and Léspheria teaches him of his ancestry and the history of his people. His brother joins him two years later and the four become firm friends. During one battle they shared (a wayward band of orcs making the mistake of leaving the safety of the misty mountains and entering Eriador) his Female elven companion was pressed by Four orcs and as he ran to her aid he thought her done for, but by the time he reached her, battling orcs of his own on the way the four orcs lay dead at her feet, It was then that he saw Léspheria in a new light, as she stood there breathing heavily, with her sword in one hand and a broken dagger in the other, he saw a strong, determined, beautiful but gentle elven woman that he knew from that moment he had lost his heart too. It was also at this battle that Amandur gave Léspheria one of his long twin belt knives, to replace her broken dagger.

About the year 3000 the Rangers guarded the Shire more closely at the request of the White Council and their chief Aragorn. Amandur, his brother and a few others were charged with Guarding Sarn ford, but on the evening of the 22nd day of Yavannie the Black riders drove them from the ford and four of the black riders pursued them eastward. They returned to Rivendell to tell Lord Elrond that the Riders are in the Shire.

Word soon came from Lothlorien that Aragorn required the aid of his kin, Halbarad, Elladan and Elrohir quickly gathered those who could be found and they headed south with all haste, it was here that the two Brothers were reunited with their father. After the hard journey south they were reunited with their chief and rode with the grey company through the paths of the dead and fought the Cosairs of Umbar at Pelargir, taking their ships. Amandur and his brother with their knowledge of sailing were charged with one of the great black masted ships and they sailed up the River to Harlond, to assail their enemy from the flank and rear, on the Pelennor Fields.

It was here that Amandur's Brother and father fell, he did not grieve his loss for he knew that they had both fought fiercely for something that they all believed in, instead he worried for his mother and how this news would affect her, Amandur received his arm and leg injury in this battle, while battling the fierce men of Harad. He tended and bound his own injuries and rode with his kin to the Black gates were he proved himself once more in battle.

After the fall of Sauron and the defeat of his dark army, Amandur remained in Minas Tirith, He was one of the few that dared to enter the great fortress to look for prisoners and any hidden enemies. It was here that he and a few other rangers found Valaindon (Léspheria's mother). She was close to death and they could do nothing for her, but before dying she bade him tell Léspheria that she was sorry, and to tell both her children to protect the gift, but before she could explain she passed away.

After the wedding of their chieftain and now King to the Lady Arwen of Rivendell, he rode with the elven host back to Rivendell bearing Valaindon's body and her final words, there he learnt that Léspheria had spent the whole year in a state of Fitful fever that no one could explain, but on the date that Amandur had watched Valaindon pass away she had miraculously recovered to full health, as though nothing had ailed her, but upon seeing her Amandur knew that what had ailed her would not ever completely leave her.

He Returned to the havens and brought his mother back to Gondor, but the following year she died from the grief of her loss. Amandur remained in the service of the king and was glad when he found out that Léspheria was to be an Emissary for Rivendell. On her visits they always found time to talk and take long walks. In his heart he greatly desired to return north, so when King Elessar asked for people to go north and re-establish the northern city of Annúminas, he was one of the first to Volunteer.

His Knowledge of Naiore was gained from Lóthaniel and the courts of Gondor were she was listed as one of Saurons minions that had not fallen at her masters defeat and was still at large. There were many who sought this woman and from what Lothaniel had told him of this Elf he was in no hurry to meet her, but if called upon to find her he would.

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Nerindel's post for Amandur

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[ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Ealasaid · 07-31-2003, 08:24 PM

Great bios, Nerindel! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Snowdog · 08-01-2003, 01:56 PM

Ah yes! Amandur II! One whom Hanasían learned some skill whilst in Rivendell! Maybe knew his father Halasían??

Good bios!

Ealasaid · 08-01-2003, 04:34 PM

Okay... I have been working on the Game Submission form. Here's what I have so far. There are still a few question marks that need to be filled in. Let's hear some ideas!

Title: The Lingering Darkness
(I'm thinking maybe we should change to this one due to the undeniable similarity between our original working title and that of another RPG already in progress in The Shire.)

Historical Background: With the downfall of Sauron, evil fled disorganized before the might of the West, but there were some who, having been corrupted, still lingered, either unable or unwilling to admit defeat. This story tells of the pursuit of one such individual in the years after the War of the Ring.

Basic Storyline: Servants of the King pursue Naiore Dannan, the Ravenner of Mordor, who has continued to wreak havoc in the aftermath of the war, but remains elusive. Others become entangled in her trail as well, both with her and against her. The storyline moves through twists and turns to a final showdown between Naiore and the peoples of the west.

The purpose of the story is to: Bring Naiore to justice.

This means we will know the story is over when: Naiore is captured or killed.

Starting Location: The Forsaken Inn, two day's ride east of Bree.

Likely destination: Rivendell

Timeframes:
This game takes place in the FOURTH Age at around year 12, starting in midsummer.
The storyline itself or plot covers 2 months(?)

This game requires a time commitment of 10 weeks (?) from me, the game owner and from the major players.

Characters needed:
2 Rangers - Male, Race of Men.
These two must be veterans of the War of the Ring. They are loyal to the king and fought against evil, although they do not necessarily have to be of the thirty Rangers who rode south during the war. They have a deep friendship with Hanasian, as well as Elrond's sons, Elrohir and Elladan. They will know Kaldir if they were riding with the Rangers 15 years before when Kaldir was captured, or have heard of him and the terrible battle from some of the older Rangers who were there. Or, they may have encountered him more recently while plying his trade as a bounty hunter. They will probably know of Amandur, as well, as he is a rather prominent Ranger, with close association to Aragorn and the court. Outside of these specifications, the writers are free to develop the Ranger characters as they see fit.

2 "Shady Underworld Types" -- Male, Race of Men.
Be as creative as you like with these guys. The only restrictions are that they be male, Men, and up to no good. They can either be working together or separately. They fall in with Naiore, probably somewhere in the vicinity of the inn. While seeming to work for her, they are also trying to figure out a way to betray her for their own profit. There is no loyalty among thieves!

Character types which would not belong: Any not listed above.

Dedicated Characters:
Ealasaid (Game Owner) will play 2 characters: Kaldir and Benia Nightshade (both Race of Men)
Nerindel (Game Owner) will play 2 characters: Lespheria (Elf) and Amandur (Man)
Elora will play 3 characters: Naiore, Vanwe, and Menecin (all elves)
Snowdog will play 1 character: Hanasian (Man)
Hilde Bracegirdle will play 1 character: Gilly Banks (Hobbit)

(We will insert the Bios with First Posts into the final version of the form after each name.)

NCE’s who will figure into the storyline:
Elladan
Elrohir
Celeborn
These are actual Tolkein figures and, when writing about them, writers need to exercise extreme care that they are presented with accuracy, according to Tolkein's original characterizations of them.

Additional NCE's who will figure into the storyline are the personnel from the Forsaken Inn, which for the purposes of this RPG, are as follow:
(Renamed Green Dragon personnel -- c'mon, folks! Help me out here!)

FIRST POSTS MUST ACCOMPANY ALL CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS. NO character descriptions will be accepted without First Posts accompanying them. All character descriptions posted without the required First Post will be sent back to their writers. Writers will be chosen based on the quality of their submission, not on a first come, first in, basis.

Proposer/Owner: Ealasaid
RPGs at the Barrow Downs I have participated in are the following: Sailing Away (a cameo role); Dark Seduction; Corsairs & Corsets

Proposer/Owner: Nerindel
RPGs at the Barrow Downs I have participated in are the following: In the Footsteps of the Grey Company, The Summons, Dark Seduction and The fall of Greenwood the Great.

[ August 01, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

Hilde Bracegirdle · 08-01-2003, 05:24 PM

Ealasaid, I feel like I am interupting a conversation here, so sorry, and also my apologies for the tardy bio. I hope it helps nail down Gilly’s character, although it doesn’t really help one “get into her head”. Suffice it to say that it is rather a squirrel cage in there.

Have had Carl accompany Gilly to the Inn as I can't see her traveling on her own. (Or on a tour bus for middle aged hobbits!)

“Lingering Darkness” sounds like an appropriate title.

---------------------------------------------

Hilde's character

NAME: Gilly Burrows Banks

AGE: 45

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: Gilly has a knife, which she views as a tool rather than a weapon. At need she is more likely to impress the mundane objects around her to serve as weapons than to remember it’s existence.

APPEARANCE: Gilly is a middle aged and middle class hobbit as is reflected by her appearance. She is of average height and sturdy mature figure, though by no means overweight. The long braid of her wavy light brown hair is shot through with gray and tied in a knot at the back of her neck, curling wisps framing her broad face and dark brown eyes. She wears a simple homespun white blouse under a long dress of coarse dark green stuff that is edged with her own tatting work. At her waist is a wide belt of brown leather and around her shoulders a loosely woven shawl of varying shades of brown and tan knobby wool.

PERSONALITY: Gilly is a peaceful, practical sort. Her joy in life is maintaining a pleasant well-managed household and so she is typically trying to smooth out rough patches and looking for a better way of doing things. She has a narrow set of friends mostly in her own neighborhood, and while it takes time to win her confidence once you have it she is a devoted and loyal friend. Gilly is governed by a strong set of principles and is known to cast reason aside to do what she feels is honorable and right. She is quick to smile and has a sense of humor.

STRENGTHS: Her strengths lie in her perseverance and kind heart.

WEAKNESSES: It is her weakness to be overly suspicious, and to act before thinking things through to their logical end.

HISTORY: Gilly comes from the Burrows family of Bywater and spent a happily uneventful childhood on the family’s farmstead outside the town proper.

When she was in her tweens she had stumbled upon the plight of Jack Nightshade and his small family. Convincing her parents of their need, the Nightshades had been the Burrows’ guests for sometime before moving secretly onward. During this time a strong friendship had formed between Jack Nightshade’s daughter Benia and the hobbit, Gilly; and Gilly had in turn became aware of the troubled world outside of the Shire.

Immediately preceding the war, Gilly was married to Carl Banks, an oil merchant from Bywater and moved into his small living quarters just over the room housing his oil press. They lead a peaceful life until the war brought grief to the Shire and the young Banks’ business was burned down as a result of an “accident” involving Sharkey’s men. Gilly and Carl then had moved in with Carl’s parents.

Carl took part in the Battle of Bywater as a guard at the barrier on the road to Hobbiton, a point of pride for Gilly.

After the war the young Banks’ slowly rebuilt the business and were blest with 3 children. Life had settled into the comfortable pattern of domestic turmoil when a letter from Benia arrived asking Gilly if she would be willing to travel beyond Bree for a time to visit her old friend. A bit taken back at the mention of The Forsaken Inn, Carl and Gilly responded in a positive matter on the condition that Miss Nightshade would watch over her friend in Carl’s absence. It was then planned that Carl would accompany his wife to the inn and leave her there for a week while he visited some distant cousins in Archet. The children would in turn be visiting their Grandmother Banks. At the very most, they planned to return to Bywater within three weeks.

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Hilde's post for Gilly

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[ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

Ealasaid · 08-01-2003, 07:27 PM

Great Bio, Hilde! Glad to see you back on The Thread. As far as interrupting a conversation - never! I was also speaking to you. If I was having a specific conversation with anyone, it was probably with myself.... [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

One question, though... On the name line, you put Gilly Burrows Brown. Is it Banks (as you stated later) or Brown?

[ August 01, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

Ealasaid · 08-01-2003, 07:48 PM

Here's the progress report:

So far, we have bios from:
Elora: Naiore, Vanwe, Menecin
Ealasaid: Kaldir, Benia
Snowdog: Hanasian
Nerindel: Lespheria, Amandur
Hilde: Gilly Burrows Banks
That's all of us -- great work, everybody!

We have a tentative outline (still subject to massive revision or even chucking). Snowdog -- I'm still looking forward to seeing your version! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] Also, I imagine Elora will have quite a lot to say on that subject when she gets back.

We have our Character List for new writers:
2 Rangers to travel with Hanasian
2 underworld types to work with/against Naiore

If the form I pasted in earlier today meets with everyone's approval, we have a mostly finished Game Submission Form.

We still need:
* New identities for Inn personnel
* "Final" Outline (It doesn't have to be set in concrete... just a guideline we can go by when the game starts.)
* First Posts from the bunch of us
* Completed Game Submission Form for Pio

As Hilde can tell you, I am lousy with names, so I am especially hoping for new ideas regarding the inn personnel. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[ August 01, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

Nerindel · 08-01-2003, 08:18 PM

Ok I filled this in for you Ealasaid [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Proposer/Owner: Nerindel
RPGs at the Barrow Downs I have participated in are the following:In the Footsteps of the Grey Company, The Summons, Dark Seduction and The fall of Greenwood the Great.

as for staff are we keeping them the same race and gender as in the green dragon?

Ealasaid · 08-01-2003, 08:23 PM

Thanks, Nerindel! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
As for the Green Dragon/Forsaken Inn personnel, that same question had occurred to me. It would be simpler to keep them the same, but I don't think we are tied into anything.

Nerindel · 08-01-2003, 09:43 PM

hehe that was fun [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img], I put the three Hobbit names from the Green dragon through the BD's name generator and here is the Hobbit names it came up with [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] :

Vinca (cook) - Aldarida Boffin
Ruby Brown (server and maid)- Rowan Brandybuck
Buttercup Brownlock (kitchen assistant and maid) - Amarantha Willow

I also have a few suggestions for the other two [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Derufin (stablemaster/handyman) - Dervorin, Fréalas, Hasimë or Tarciron

Aman (innkeeper) - Alfiran,Silmeriën or Fimbriel

[ August 02, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]

07-26-2003, 04:34 PM	#3
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	It would probably be better at the moment if you placed just your character bio on the Discussion Thread. I'm thinking that perhaps everyone's actual first post needs to wait until the general storyline for this game is firmly established, and possibly at least until whoever is going to write the First Post that opens the Game has done so. Just my suggestion, though. Ealasiad may want to proceed in a different manner. __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

07-26-2003, 10:16 PM	#9
Elora Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Kalrienmar Posts: 402	I agree the Forsaken Inn seems the most suitable starting point for this RP. I think we need some reference to the historical figures of Celeborn, Elladan and Elrohir. Perhaps NCE's si the best way to achieve this. However, sometimes there are historical character "experts" milling about who know their famous character inside out. The underworld, shady characters aren't necessarily prey for Naiore, unless she uncovers their treachery of her, or their death achieves something for her. She's not the safest of allies. This is not to say she hasn't already been happily and busily murdering informants, merchants and minor lordlings who once fattened their coffers by selling information and limited aid to Mordor. Those characters will be past tense references and NCE's. Menecin will be "off stage" for a while. I'd have to ask that should someone wish to play him, that they get in contact with me so that I can fill them in on a few things detailing the character. He's not, by rights, my own creation. I act as a "custodian" of the character, of sorts, which was created by a dear friend who is no longer with us. I've been trying to keep some of his creative work alive for others to enjoy, which is why I've taken Menecin under my wing on this board. It didn't to me that someone would want to take Menecin on, given the nature of character (wound about with two of mine) and the circumstances surrounding his creator. I'm certainly not saying that noone else can write him. I'd just ask that if anyone did like the bio and wanted to give it a try, I'd need to be certain that it would work (for the memory of my friend) and that they were aware of the things concerning the character that do not fit into a standard profile (to help them get into Menecin's head, so to speak). Now, about that story line. I'll do some homework on that to pull my thoughts together. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Here's some initial thoughts on Vanwe and Naiore. Naiore will have been frustrated in her attempts to get into the Shire. She's learnt that Vanwe is also loose, nearby and that Menecin is alive and close at Imladris. Her pursuers will be getting close, the place relatively crawling with the Rangers she so hates. Naiore will suspect a trap set for her by her enemies and Vanwe. That is what brings her to the inn. Her plan to kill Vanwe outright alters when she realises that Kaldir is also there. Those two know each other (if we use what's already set down at the Green Dragon Inn) as Naiore was Kaldir's principal tormentor when he was captured by Mordor. Her plans change when she learns that Kaldir is hunting her daughter for Harad and revenge forms in her mind. * She takes Vanwe, hoping to lure Kaldir away from the Inn and perhaps vent some of her rage (stress relief Naiore-style). When she realises Vanwe is better bait for others at the Inn whilst alive and she can snare more than Kaldir with that bait, she alters her plans once again. Her ambition becomes to destroy Imladris, killing as many Rangers and Elves as she can. * She dupes Vanwe, who is desperate for parental love. When Naiore engages assistance from scoundrels, Vanwe begins to wonder and doubt. Her options are few and poor. If she escapes Naiore, she looses any chance of parental bond as well as falls possibily into Kaldir's hands. Naiore makes sure Vanwe knows that Kaldir is following and hunting her. [ July 27, 2003: Message edited by: Elora ] __________________ Characters: Rosmarin: Lady of Cardolan; Lochared: Vagabond of Dunland; Simra: Daughter of Khand; Naiore: Lady of the Sweet Swan; Menecin: Bard of the Singing Seas; Vanwe: Lost Maiden; Ronnan: Lord of Thieves; and, Uien of the Twilight

07-27-2003, 02:51 AM	#12
Elora Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Kalrienmar Posts: 402	Flexibility is an important point you've raised Snowdog. A rough outline of Acts is a great guide for us all to refer to. Besides, Snowdog's left the door open for Naiore to live past ultimate capture (cue evil, speculative chuckling) Naiore will most certainly use anyone and any means to achieve her ends. For her, the ends justify everything and she believes herself above the common place and "misguided' moralities of others. She'll use Gilly only if she thinks she Gilly will not prove a thorn in her side. Once tools prove a liability, Naiore disposes of them without a second thought. Naiore will use Kaldir too as far as she can. For example, when she takes up with criminals as she plans her attack on Menecin and Imladris, Vanwe will start to wonder about things. Naiore will be certain that Vanwe knows that Kaldir will snatch her up should she escape. The idea of returning south frightens her more. An idea has just occured to me. Naiore will not be able to just wander into Imladris and there wreck her ruin. She'll need someone to get her in.... someone like one Vanwe. Of course, once Vanwe is sent out, she could wander into anyone in the wilds around Imladris... Kaldir.... Rangers.... Elves... Gilly.... Benia....Menecin (who may have given his watchers the slip to wander the empty forest) Another idea, Naiore attempts to enlist Kaldir's aid, with the intention of betraying him and all the rest later on, at the Forsaken Inn... Lespheria will attract her attention when she realises that it is not just Rangers who trail her as she makes from Imladris. As for Menecin, I hope I don't sound too possessive over the character. I guess I just hadn't thought about anyone else writing him and made assumptions that may be incorrect. If someone really wants to take him on, I'm not against the idea. It would be dishonest of me if I did not say I would approach it with caution and I felt I needed to say why that was. It wouldn't be fair if I didn't make that clear to somebody who ponied up to write him at the outset. Oh, and one final thing. Contrary to stated opinion, I don't think. I make it my business to avoid thinking. But I can see why Snowdog likes the way Ealsaid thinks. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] __________________ Characters: Rosmarin: Lady of Cardolan; Lochared: Vagabond of Dunland; Simra: Daughter of Khand; Naiore: Lady of the Sweet Swan; Menecin: Bard of the Singing Seas; Vanwe: Lost Maiden; Ronnan: Lord of Thieves; and, Uien of the Twilight

07-27-2003, 07:16 PM	#13
Elora Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Kalrienmar Posts: 402	This is me signing off as earlier advised. I'll be away from 7/29 to 8/8, at a workshop that I've received funding to attend in order to refine authorial skills (desperately needed too, I might add). Some parting thoughts. Perhaps we need to consider characters for the Forsaken Inn. At present, people such as Vanwe and Lespheria work at the inn. Their worlds are inhabited by innkeepers, other staff, stablemasters and the like. At the Green Dragon Inn, characters are tied to the grounds of the inn. In this RP, it may be possible for people to expand their characters and their story, through the wider scope of the RP. My suggestion is that we consider additional characters that populate the inn, such as there are at the Green Dragon. Certainly other inn staff can serve as NCE's, but if there is the possibility to explore interesting character I think it would be great to include them beyond the limitations of an NCE. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] __________________ Characters: Rosmarin: Lady of Cardolan; Lochared: Vagabond of Dunland; Simra: Daughter of Khand; Naiore: Lady of the Sweet Swan; Menecin: Bard of the Singing Seas; Vanwe: Lost Maiden; Ronnan: Lord of Thieves; and, Uien of the Twilight

07-28-2003, 09:56 AM	#19
Nerindel Spirited Weaver of Fates Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: In an endless sea of dreams! Posts: 827	ok, I'm still trying to iron out a few things with Amandur's bio and I'm covering hol's at work which is not helping [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] But I do have a few comments: I would think The borders of Rivendell would still be protected and only elves and rangers would be permitted to go freely, as for Vanwe is it not likely that she would be mistaken for Naiore? Another thing I have been thinking about is Naiores final demise. is this to be our scripted ending? And if so who will it be that kills her? heres an Idea, As Elora has already suggested that Naiore would have satisfaction in being killed by her kin I could see her trying to insight Léspheria to this end through the revelations of how she used and broke her mother, to which Léspheria will on behalf of their kin will turn her back on Naiore and hand her over to the Rangers to be taken to Minas Tirith for trial. At this I see Naiore in her rage attempting to strike Léspheria down, to which one of the others would (Hopefully :eek [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] intervene. I was thinking maybe Kaldir, as his hatred runs deep or Amandur, who in case you haven't already guest has fallen in love with Léspheria. Ok, I have to go back to work now but I will get back as soon as I can. you guys are doing a great job, so far everything seem to be moving in the right direction [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] __________________ "Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live" ~ Mark Twain.

07-26-2003, 04:21 PM	#2
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	I will also need to rework a few things in the Green Dragon posts. Bywater is a long way from home for Gilly! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] Her bio is in the works and time permitting will be ready tomorrow. Should our modified first post be PM'd to Ealasaid then? [ July 26, 2003: Message edited by: Hilde Bracegirdle ]

07-26-2003, 06:44 PM	#4
Snowdog Emperor of the South Pole Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The Western Shore of Lake Evendim Posts: 606	I actually have some internet time today so I will try and get the bio of Hanasían taken care of and also get caught up in Corsairs. A few comments and requests... About the Inn: I would prefer we use the Forsaken Inn as "the Inn" and be our starting point. We can either transfer and tweak the story so far presented in the Green Dragon to there in order, or synapse (?) them into our first posts. I prefer using this Inn at first as it was a mysterious place and only mentioned once on the Lord of the Rings when Strider tells the Hobbits that it was a "a days journey east of Bree". It keeps intact Hanasían's journey to Bree as three days.. a day to get there, a day to seek Benia's relatives, and a day back to the Forsaken Inn. Of course a "days journey" I believe is by foot travel since Aragorn states that it takes him 12 days from Bree to the Ford of Bruinen. This could conceivably be cut in half by horse travel. Concerning the two other Rangers: It has to be understood to the writers of these characters that they are war veterans, as I believe our time frame is the same as that of the Green Dragon, which is ten years after the War of the Ring (?). They are loyal to the King and fought against evil, though they do not necessarily have to be one of the thirty Rangers who rode south during the war (Halbarad said the thirty were "...all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste..." ). They have deep friendship with each other and Hanasían, as well as the sons of Elrond Elrohir and Elladan. They will know Kaldir if they were riding with the Rangers twenty years before when Kaldir was captured, or have heard of him and the terrible Battle from the some of the older Rangers who were there. Outside of that, the writers are free to develop the Ranger characters as they see fit. Concerning the Sons of Elrond and Celeborn: Surely anyone actually writing for these characters need to know of their character traits, and so I would agree they should be only background non-controlled entities that only appear as minor roles in the story. That said, the fact that the sons of Elrond did ride and were very close to the Dúnedain Rangers having ridden with them in numerous battles through the years, it would not make sense to not have their mention be a part of this story. As Pio said, anytime any major character (mentioned by Tolkien anytime in his writings) As for Celeborn, I believe he did dwell in Rivendell at this time, and in lieu of not having Celeborn in the story, a good Elven character (other than Menecin?) who was under Celeborn could be included in this story? Just a thought. Concerning Blackveil (Hanasían's horse): She does not take too well to stabling and usually is left to graze free. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] --------------------------------------------- Here is the Bio: _____________________________________________ Snowdog's character - Hanasian NAME: Hanasían AGE: 39 Born the first day of Víressë, year 2990 of the Stewards Reckoning. (1390 Shire Reckoning) RACE: Men, Father's line - Dúnedain of the North Mother's line - Rohirrim GENDER: Male WEAPONS: Long sword of Westernesse, Rohirric bow, an Elven knife and a Knife of Khand. APPEARANCE: Rugged stature, and seemingly worn for his years. Long hair that is seemingly dark but has a sandy, lighter look in sunlight. Its length is to his lower back, sometimes tied into a tail, sometimes not. Of average height as far as Dúnedain go, around 6 feet and well built about 200 Lb., and is well built from the many years of training, then battle. Wears dark-gray rough leather pants and sleeveless vest and black worn leather boots. He has an Elven cloak he uses, but at times wears one of local custom. A scar he has on the right side of his throat where he was wounded in the Battle of Pelennor Fields. PERSONALITY: Hanasían is usually rather quiet, but says what he means when he does speak. He handles a horse well, and is an excellent bowman from a mount as well as standing. He could move with great stealth for a man and was hardened by what he had seen and done before, during, and after the war. STRENGTHS:He handles a horse well, and is an excellent bowman from a mount as well as standing. He could move with great stealth for a man having learned much from the sons of Elrond and he could battle well with knife and sword. He had a good tactical mind, was not afraid to take chances as long as it didn't endanger any save himself. WEAKNESSES:Hanasían liked to drink and carouse and was sometimes seen in the less desirable places as a depression overtook him since his wound in the war. There was rumor that the blade of the Variag that almost had his head was tainted with some exotic herb unknown in the west, but his strength of mind usually kept his depression at bay. His somewhat shaded activities when on his own time were never harmful to others and was his way of dealing with himself and all he had experienced. HISTORY: Born in the wild near Lake Evendim in the year TA 2990 (1390 Shire Reckoning) He was the second of three children of Halasían, Ranger of the North, and Lady Forcwyn of Rohan. His brother was much older than he, and he would not meet him until the battle of the Corsairs in the War of the Ring. His younger sister was born a year and a half after he, and there was hope that his father and mother would heal many wounds between each other in those days. But the darkness that held Halasían did not let go of him, but was only asleep for a time. One day he came back from hunting with worry on him, and he gathered what little they had and made their way to Rivendell, where Halasían sent his wife and two children forth, and was never seen again. Hanasían was raised in Rivendell for a time, for though Forcwyn desired to return to her people in Rohan, travel was perilous, and she stayed until Hanasían was nine. He learned horsemen skill from her kin in Rohan, and returned again to Rivendell some years later to study and learn the arts of the Elves and train. After a couple of years he started to ride with the Rangers, though at a fairly young age, for the times were ever darkening. He learned much skill from the Rangers, of which many of the elder ones knew his father, and he also refined the arts of the bowmanship he first learned in Rohan, and the skills of silent movement from Helladin, an elf friend from Rivendell. These skills made him pretty good at covert ops before, during, and after the war and unlike his father, he was relatively good hearted. Having rode with the Grey Company in the war, and having assisted Rohan during the battles of the Isen before meeting up once again with Halbarad and the Rangers riding south, he proved himself time and again in battle, and was always taking the initiative to scout out ahead. In the war, he met his older brother who worked the ships in Befalas, and together they battled and sailed the ships up the Anduin and did battle upon the Pellenor Fields. It was here his brother Hayna was slain, not far from where Halbarad fell, and Hanasíian was himself wounded and thought dead. But he was discovered after the battle trying to stand, and he was taken to the house of Healing in Minas Tirith. He recovered from his wounds and attended the high functions and weddings of The Chieftain and now King Aragorn and Arwen, and also that of Faramir and Eowyn, whom he got to know during the days of healing. Though a seeming depression had come over him that those close to him could feel, he wished to stay in the King's service and he remained in Gondor with King Elessar. He would often visit his mother and little sister in Rohan. He could see the years gain on his mother quickly after the war, she having grieved the death of her firstborn and never quite was the same. He wished not to burden her anymore and so started to visit less and less. But he still found satisfaction tending to the King and the Steward and business of the realm, and would partake in missions long into the freed lands of Rhun, Khand, and Harad, but also north to Dale and west to his home in Eriador, for he sought always the remnants of lingering evil wherever it may be. It was during this time while investigating an incident in Rohan near his mother's did he first find knowledge of Naiore, and began to pursue her through the lands. _____________________________________________ Snowdog's post for Hanasian _____________________________________________ [ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

07-26-2003, 08:56 PM	#7
Ealasaid Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: under a large pile of dirt & gravel Posts: 193	I will try to have Benia's & Kaldir's bios up sometime tomorrow

07-26-2003, 09:52 PM	#8
Ealasaid Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: under a large pile of dirt & gravel Posts: 193	Back to storyline for a minute... Moving forward from the Starting Point, so far, we know: Lespheria will leave the inn alone, only to be turned back by a messenger from her brother who will inform her to stay with Amandur in the search for Naiore. Gilly will be captured by Kaldir as she attempts to rescue Benia. Kaldir will go back to the woods where he sensed the presence of Naiore and try to pick up her trail. Hanasian needs to come back from Bree (with his cohorts?), find Benia missing, and pick up Naiore's trail. Elora -- what will Naiore's & Vanwe's next moves be? Those are some the specifics. I guess what we really need to figure out are some of the major plot points. This is just an off-the-cuff sample (feel free to maim it or build on it to your hearts' content): ACT 1: Lespheria Departs. Hanasian returns to the inn with his cohorts. Kaldir captures Gilly. Naiore & Vanwe meet up. ACT 2: Naiore takes Vanwe and heads toward Rivendell to find Menecin. Kaldir returns to the woods & picks up Naiore's trail. Hanasian & Amandur also learn of Naiore's presence (possibly through Vanwe?) Lespheria returns. They all depart (in separate groups) in pursuit of Naiore. Gilly and Benia accompany Kaldir as his prisoners (sort of) Act 3: Naiore takes up with the two Shady Underworld Types (how does Vanwe feel about this?) The Hunters & the Hunted all stalk each other a bit. There are run-ins & confrontations as Naiore attempts to take out her pursuers by whatever means she has at her disposal. Gilly & Benia try to decide whether to assist Kaldir, escape from him, or attempt to redeem him. Act 4: As they approach Rivendell, Naiore changes her focus & begins to plan how to get at Menecin. Perhaps Lespheria & Amandur join forces with Hanasian's group? They ride ahead to Rivendell to warn Mencin & Elrond's sons. Shady Underworld Types begin to plot against Naiore. Kaldir continues to track Naiore. ?? Gilly & Benia try to talk Vanwe away from Naiore ?? (This would be an attempt to help Vanwe, but I imagine Vanwe would view them with suspicion as they are traveling with Kaldir) Act 5: Naiore makes her attempt to kill Menecin. She fails & flees, deserting Vanwe. Kaldir, who has not entered Rivendell, picks up her trail. He is joined by the others, who eventually corner Naiore for a final showdown, where she falls. How's that for a start? Please jump in with your comments, suggestions, & ideas.

07-26-2003, 11:07 PM	#10
Ealasaid Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: under a large pile of dirt & gravel Posts: 193	Elora -- with that history in mind, it seems to me that you would be the logical person to write Menecin. I would hate to see someone else take a character (that you obviously have an emotional attachment to) astray. Between Kaldir & Naiore, knowing their past experience of each other, it would definitely be a case of "who can destroy whom first". Something to think about: Naiore might be able to get to Kaldir through Gilly and Benia. Kaldir (he hasn't figured this out yet) is beginning to fall for Benia. That is why he has not killed Benia outright & why he would bring her with him, even though he can move much faster alone. Gilly is there primarily because he catches her trying to rescue Benia & doesn't know what else to do with her. If he lets her go, she'll send out an alarm. If he kills her, he'll never stand a chance with Benia. Hence, Kaldir, the old rattlesnake, becomes vulnerable.

07-27-2003, 01:25 AM	#11
Snowdog Emperor of the South Pole Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The Western Shore of Lake Evendim Posts: 606	I like the way you two think! First Posts go here in the planning thread, and they and the kick-off post should cover any significant historical events that may pertain to the RP before the time of its start. The events as posted in the Green Dragon should be included in a fashon to give this story continuity. As for pre-existing conditions on the other Rangers, they are few and leave plenty of room for the writers to do with them what they will. As to how/when Hanasían meets them, I would like to leave it up to thw writwers of their parts as to whether I meet them on my way back from Bree, or they are already at the Forsaken when he returns. The layout looks good, but lets keep the specifics somewhat flexible as to how they happen. "Kaldir (he hasn't figured this out yet) is beginning to fall for Benia." Does that mean Hanasían doesn't have a chance? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] just kidding. Could stir up some interesting developments. As for the rest of the forum pre-plan, here is what I am thinking. Title: Shadow of the Past Historical Background: With the downfall of Sauron, evil fled disorganized before the might of the West, but there were surely some who, having been corrupted, still stirred here and there, especially true of lands long under the grasp of Mordor. This story is an account of one such encounter in the years after the War of the Ring. Basic Storyline: Servants of the King pursue the evil in the lands, and here a few Dúnedain Rangers, veterans of the war, pursue one who has stirred troubles about the lands but remained elusive... Naiore. Others become entangled in her trail as well, both with her and against her, and it moves on through twists and turns to a final showdown. The purpose of the story is to: Bring Naiore to justice. This means we will know the story is over when: Naiore is captured or killed, and is brought to Rivendell. Starting Location: Forsaken Inn Likely destination: Rivendell Timeframes: This RP takes place in: the Fourth Age, year 12 with this storyline starting in Midsummer and covers a span of a... month? 6 weeks, more? less? This RP requires a time commitment of: a couple months (I say to a proper conclusion whatever it takes) from the major players. I should leave all this up to Elasaid, but I had to lay down some bits for my mind to relate to. Being this grew out of the Green Dragon, I think its right to have it the same timeframe. Anyway... I'm off to bed. This all looks good so far. I only hope the RP goes well and we not get hung up on too many small details. [ July 27, 2003: Message edited by: Snowdog ]

07-28-2003, 09:49 AM	#18
Snowdog Emperor of the South Pole Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The Western Shore of Lake Evendim Posts: 606	Yes, we may want to keep the Inn personnel to NCE (Non-Controlled Entities for those not familiar with the acronym). it would be interesting to have writers play the bit parts, but it could easily get confusing as well. As for the nature of the Forsaken Inn, it is (to me) by its name a bit seedier than the fair Hobbit Inn of the Green Dragon. I could go on a disertation on my thoughts of the Forsaken, but since it will only be a starting point, it wont be necessary at this time. Oh, I only submitted that write-up as a working model and it does need tweaking. Since I'm not very good at this time limits and time committments thing, any suggestions would be helpful to fill in the rest of this. As for the actual start of the RP, we should make sure we all will be available for a stretch to get things started. And no, Benia didn't say how she felt... [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

07-28-2003, 10:17 AM	#20
Snowdog Emperor of the South Pole Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The Western Shore of Lake Evendim Posts: 606	Its tough having to squeeze work between the important things in life like a budding RP story [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] I know... *looks to see of the boss is coming... I was kind of hoping to leave it a little looser in the script to say that Naiore may or may not be killed in the end. That is why I put the part of Naiore being brought to justice. I think it takes too much away from the interim writing if we already know she dies and who kills her. Its kind of like reading the last chapter of a book first. Just trying to keep the intrigue and the 'fog of possibillities' alive in this one.

07-28-2003, 11:09 AM	#21
Ealasaid Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: under a large pile of dirt & gravel Posts: 193	Excellent points, Nerindel! I like your suggestion for the ending. Very dramatic! As for who finally "gets" Naiore (if anyone), we don't have to decide that now. We can see what is happening when we arrive at that point in the game. That being said, here's Kaldir's bio: _____________________________________________ Ealasaid's character - Kaldir NAME: Kaldir AGE: 42 RACE: Men. Both his father and mother were Dunedain GENDER: Male WEAPONS: Long sword, long knife worn at the belt, and a variety of smaller knives concealed about his person. He also carries a rope and sometimes a whip...tools of his trade. APPEARANCE: Kaldir is about 6 feet tall with a lean and muscular build. He has dark brown hair that falls just past his shoulders, which he wears tied back most of the time. He is darkly tanned, and wears a short beard. His eyes are of such a pale blue that the irises nearly vanish into the whites. Ice blue is a good description, as his eyes are usually cold, reflecting very little emotion. While the right side of his face is quite handsome, with a high cheekbone and strong brow, the left side of his face has been badly disfigured: the cheekbone smashed, and the skin a twisted mass of scar tissue from his hairline to his beard. This also affects the musculature of his face -- for instance, he can only smile with the good side of his face. Scars also disfigure a good bit of the rest of his person. He dresses like a Ranger, in the browns and greens of the forest. PERSONALITY: Because of his experiences in Mordor, Kaldir has a severe case of Post-Traumatic Stress (if you will pardon my foray into modern psycho-babble.) Consequently, there are a few pages missing out of his Personality Handbook. He feels very few emotions, but the ones he does feel are powerful and extreme. Also, he feels very little connection with or empathy for others. He exists in a kind of survivalist vacuum. Under the right circumstances, he could be healed, but, so far, those circumstances have not existed in his life. He sleeps very little. He is also prone to debilitating flashbacks. Usually few and far between, these are caused by specific triggers. Unfortunately for him, Naiore (as his chief tormentor in Mordor) is one of those triggers. The flashbacks, when they come, cause him to flinch & lose concentration for a few seconds as his mind returns to certain horrific moments in his past that he has suppressed, unable to deal with them. Finally, due to head injuires sustained during his imprisonment, large portions of his long-term memory of pre-war events have been either damaged or wiped out. Overall, despite all the damage, he is a hard, tough man. Even so, he has his good points. He is polite and well-spoken, with a dry sense of humor. While he has difficulty forming connections with others, he does form likings for other people, based on respect for them or their actions. He will treat them well and look out for their well-being... as long as they don't get in his way. (Gilly & Lespheria, so far, fall into this category.) Once they get in his way, however, all bets are off. STRENGTHS: Kaldir is a very intelligent individual, but his main strengths are that he is relentless and infinitely patient. When he is on someone's trail, he can bide his time until exactly the right moment. When he does choose to strike, he is generally fast, strong, and ruthless. He can track almost anything, anywhere. He is a highly skilled horseman and an expert with a sword. While his archery skills are passable, he generally prefers other types of weapons. WEAKNESSES: See the Personality description above. Also, his growing love for Benia leaves him vulnerable. In his emotionally stunted state, he behaves (toward others, where she is involved) more like a wolf over a fresh kill than a man with a potential love interest, but his feelings for her are deep. He would go to great lengths to protect her from harm. HISTORY: Kaldir was born in the north. He never knew his mother as she died giving birth to him. Growing up, he was close with his father who taught him all the fighting and tracking skills of a Ranger. He grew into a brave and intelligent young man, loyal to Aragorn and completely at his disposal. He began riding with the Rangers at a very young age. He was not quite thirty when he fell at the Battle of Raven Falls, where he was taken prisoner by the orcs and transported south to Mordor, where he spent the next three years, and pretty much the duration of the War, as a prisoner and slave of Sauron. While in Mordor, he endured unspeakable horrors at the hands of Sauron's underlings, one of whom was none other than Naiore. Fascinated by pain and death, she tortured and tormented him nearly to the point of death throughout his imprisonment. He only survived through sheer strength of will, his experiences hardening him into the predator he is today. After the war, he tried to return to the Ranger lifestyle, but found that he could no longer fit in. He gradually drifted away from the society of the other Rangers, keeping to himself and hiring his tracking skills out to whomever was willing to pay for them. Eventually, this led to bounty hunting, oftentimes in the employ of the same types (evil southerners) who had earlier enslaved him, only now they treat him with fear and respect. He travels easily between the north and the south, on no one's side but his own. The other Rangers view him with some suspicion, but generally leave him to his own business as, out of principle, he never goes after any of them. He arrives at the Forsaken Inn with the intent of capturing Benia for the bounty placed on her by Haradrim holdouts in the South. While there, he discovers the presence of Vanwe, who would be worth considerably more than Benia in terms of a bounty, and Naiore, against whom he wants nothing more than revenge. If he can collect a bounty for Naiore after she is dead, so much the better. (He's pragmatic, if nothing else.) His hatred of Naiore is very personal. _____________________________________________ Ealasaid's post for Kaldir _____________________________________________ [ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ] [ August 10, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

07-28-2003, 03:49 PM	#23
Ealasaid Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: under a large pile of dirt & gravel Posts: 193	Ealasaid's character - Benia NAME: Benia Nightshade AGE: 30 RACE: Men. Her father is from Bree; her mother, from Harad. GENDER: Female WEAPONS: A dagger and her father's sword. APPEARANCE: Benia is about 5'7" with a slim, athletic build. She has an olive complexion. Her raven black hair is thick and straight, falling almost to her knees. She usually wears it in a single plait down her back. She is very beautiful in an exotic kind of way, with an oval face and large, long-lashed eyes of a dark amber color. She lines her eyes in kohl. The only jewelry she wears are silver dangling earrings, and a wide silver band on the middle finger of her left hand. A fine silver chain runs from her left earring across her cheekbone to a small stud in her left nostril. Tiny silver medallions hang, sparkling, from the chain. Her palms and inner wrists (up to about 3" above her hand) are intricately tattooed with floral patterns and clan markings that identify her as a member of the Rain Clan of the Painted Sand tribe from the Haradrim desert. Usually, when she travels, she wears soft leather gauntlets to conceal the tattoos. Basically a nomad, she doesn't own a wide assortment of clothes, only a cloak and hood, a couple of dresses (with requisite underclothes, of course), and a couple of veils, which she wears oftentimes when she travels, or when she wishes to hide from the world. Her clothes are all of the soft browns and greens of the forest. (She likes bright vibrant colors, but finds the earthtones more practical for all the travel she does.) PERSONALITY: Benia is a courageous, yet gentle and caring woman. She is calm, confident, and practical, yet would willingly sacrifice her life if she thought it would save the life of another. She is fiercely loyal to her few friends and the remains of her mother's clan. When it concerns her own safety, she is more apt to flee from her enemies than to confront them, but if another's safety is in question, she will do whatever needs to be done in order to save or protect him/her. She is shy around strangers, but, once her guard is down, likes a laugh and a good tale almost as much as the average hobbit. She has a beautiful singing voice and likes to sing, but rarely gets the opportunity. She is a skilled dancer after the fashion of Haradrim women, but does not know any of the dances done by the other peoples of Middle Earth. STRENGTHS: Benia's greatest strengths are her courage and her generosity of spirit. She knows how to handle her father's sword, but only uses it in self-defense. (She is not a warrior or shield maiden by any stretch of the imagination.) WEAKNESSES: She has a tendency to let her guard down sometimes at the wrong moments. Operating largely on instinct, she has also been known to be a little too quick to place her trust in strangers. Usually this is not a problem as she is usually right about people, but on occasion she has been wrong and ended up putting herself in grave danger. HISTORY: Benia's mother came from the Rain clan of the Painted Sand tribe, a nomadic tribe of the Haradrim desert. They were warriors and horsemen, like the Rohirrim, but their horses were small and fast, better built to withstand the heat of the desert. Painted Sand was once a large and powerful tribe, but when they refused to fight on the side of Sauron in the War of the Ring, the entire clan was pretty much wiped out. To Benia's knowledge, only a handful of aunts and distant cousins remain. There may be others & she is always on the lookout for them. Because their lives are still in danger from those who followed Sauron, the tattered remnants of her tribe remain on the run, scattered throughout Middle Earth. Some of them remain in contact with one another by leaving obscure messages in predecided locations, but others are simply lost. Benia's mother, Benia the Fair, left the desert with her parents and four of her brothers many years prior to the start of the War, but there was already a gathering of forces moving toward Mordor. They tried to escape north into Gondor and Rohan, but were pursued by orcs and hostile tribesmen. Her parents and one of her brothers were killed before reaching Harad's border. She and her other three brothers made it as far as Rohan, where they we captured by a Rohirrim horse patrol. Jack Nightshade, originally a Bree-man who had migrated to Rohan in search of adventure, was one of her captors. He and two others were given the chore of escorting the prisoners back to the city. By the time they arrived at Edoras, he and the desert lady had fallen in love. She remained a prisoner of the Mark for a brief time until her story was heard and verified, then she and her brothers were released. Her brothers swore their allegiance to Rohan and eventually found service as riders and scouts. Benia the Fair married Jack Nightshade and tried to make a home for the two of them in Rohan. Jack became a close friend of Benia the Fair's brothers, often riding with them on patrols. Eventually, the brothers won permission to travel back to the desert to seek word on their kinsmen. Jack was granted permission to accompany them and, against his better judgment, was swayed by his wife's pleas and allowed her to accompany them as well. It was only after they had travelled a goodly distance toward Harad that it was discovered that Benia the Fair was pregnant. They had gone too far to send her back, so they continued on and Benia's daughter, Benia Nightshade, was born in the desert of her kinsmen. When the company finally reached the far savannahs, the ancestral base of the Painted Sand clan, there was no one left, just slaughtered horses and skeletons bleaching in the sun. They stayed there in hiding until the Benias were strong enough, then began the journey back to Rohan. On the way back, they were attacked by orcs. The company was split in the fighting. Jack and his wife and daughter fled back into the desert. No one knew what became of the brothers. The Nightshades stayed in the desert, getting by as best they could until little Benia turned seven. Then Jack decided it was time to return to Rohan. This time they made it back, but things had changed. Jack was seen as a deserter and imprisoned. He managed to escape and, taking his little family with him, fled again. This time, they went North to Bree and his ancestral home. There, the Nightshade family took them in. They managed to stay there in peace and contentment for a while, but by the time little Benia reached her teens, rumors of trouble began to haunt them again. Mysterious strangers had been coming up the Greenway to Bree, asking about desert people and describing little Benia and her mother. It was clear that they meant them ill. Jack decided it was time to run again. He bundled up his wife and now teenaged daughter, taking the unlikely road west toward The Shire. The strangers were in hot pursuit and nearly overtook them but for the brave interference of a hobbit called Gilly Burrows (now Banks), who at great peril to herself and her family, took it upon herself first to conceal the three of them and later to help them escape. The three Nightshades did manage to escape, but were not so lucky the next time. They were overtaken by bounty hunters a short while later in some wild and lonely spot. Benia the Fair was killed and Jack was badly wounded. Little Benia remained unharmed only because she had been dawdling away from the camp when the tragedy struck. Carefully, she sheltered and tended to her father until he was well enough to travel. As soon as he had regained enough strength, they returned to his family in Bree, where he completed his convalescence. As soon as he was able, he took his daughter and the two of them vanished into the wilderness, never again attempting to call anyplace home for long. Jack was heartbroken at the loss of Benia the Fair and never quite recovered from it. Eventually, he took to drink and was killed in a tavern brawl. Benia Nightshade was left on her own. She continued to travel, eventually working her way south again to the desert where she was able to locate a few surviving members of her clan, who tattooed her hands and finished teaching her the ways of the desert. Now she spends the majority of her time traveling from place to place, looking for her scattered kinsmen, helping them where she can and trying to assist in the rescues of those who are still imprisoned. She has never married, and, though she keeps in contact with her father's family in Bree, the connection is rather tenuous. Even though she is Jack's daughter, they still view her as a foreigner and help her on occasion only out of loyalty to her father's memory. They blame her and her mother for Jack's death. She arrives at the Forsaken Inn as the result of a desire to see Gilly. Banned from the Shire (along with all the other Big People) by order of King Elessar, she sent a message to Bywater asking Gilly to meet her at the inn. She didn't go as far as Bree because of the tense nature of her relations with her father's family. The Nightshades are a big family, & she knew she could not be there unbeknownst to them. _____________________________________________ Ealasaid's post for Benia _____________________________________________ [ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

07-30-2003, 12:25 AM	#24
Snowdog Emperor of the South Pole Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The Western Shore of Lake Evendim Posts: 606	Ok, so I go stumbling into a thread thinking its this one and its Shadow of the Star !!! Maybe we may think of adjusting ther name of this RP a little so its a bit more unique?? Just a thought. Grat bios Elasaid!

07-30-2003, 12:49 AM	#25
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	I believe it's only a working title - I needed something with which to title the thread. __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

07-30-2003, 08:25 AM	#26
Ealasaid Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: under a large pile of dirt & gravel Posts: 193	Yes -- this is just a working title. We can change it anytime. The Lingering Darkness, anyone? [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] Also, I just wanted to let everyone know that we have not heard from Hilde lately as she has been away dealing with a very sick child. She is worried that she may have to drop out of the game. I told her we could wait, at least, until Elora gets back after the first week of August before she has to decide. In the meantime, we are to carry on without her. ...and then there were three (temporarily). So that leaves us, Ealasaid, Nerindel, & Snowdog, for the time being. Let's do what we can & hopefully we can be close to opening the discussion thread to other writers by the time Elora & Hilde can rejoin us. We have already accomplished quite a lot. [ July 30, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

07-30-2003, 08:52 AM	#27
Snowdog Emperor of the South Pole Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The Western Shore of Lake Evendim Posts: 606	I'll have to give the whole outline some thought and i will post it for critique and such when I got something together. And yes, I know its a working title... How about 'A Lingering Shadow' ?? Hope all goes well and swift recovery to Hilde's child. It's tough when one has sick children, especially if they are young. Mine are teenagers, so now they come in with things like .. I crashed my skateboard.. I crashed my bike... etc. I have been reading the bios of the characters over and over, andtrying to commit to memory as much as I can of them. I have been going over Benia's bio and such since Hanasían will be dealing with her kin in Bree. All this is working to an opener and first post. As for the start, probably sometime in mid August will work out for everyone?

07-30-2003, 10:34 AM	#28
Ealasaid Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: under a large pile of dirt & gravel Posts: 193	A mid-to-late August start sounds good to me. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Snowdog, I will be looking forward to seeing your outline and first post! I do agree that we should keep the outline simple so that the characters have room to move & develop. I have yet to start my first posts, but I guess I should be thinking about those pretty soon, eh? Nerindel -- still waiting for your bios! Hilde will get hers in when things settle down some at home. So far, we have bios from: Elora: Naiore, Vanwe, Menecin Ealasaid: Kaldir, Benia Snowdog: Hanasian We have a tentative outline (still subject to massive revision or even chucking). We have our Character List for new writers: 2 Rangers to travel with Hanasian 2 underworld types to work with/against Naiore We still need: * Remaining Bios (no hurry, Nerindel or Hilde, just looking forward to seeing them when you can get to them) * New identities for Inn personnel * "Final" Outline * First Posts from the bunch of us * Completed Game Submission Form for Pio Is there anything else you can think of that we need to have before moving from the Planning Thread to the Discussion Thread? [ July 30, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

07-31-2003, 12:53 AM	#29
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Here is the ‘Characters Needed’ section: please decide on race and gender for your 4 listed below Characters needed: – be specific as to type (eg., Lothlorien Elves, not just Elves, if that’s what you need; or any other characters types from specific regions) and please indicate the number of each type you will need. Please note for each character type needed: Race – number needed – and gender needed 2 Rangers to travel with Hanasian PLEASE SPECIFY RACE AND GENDER FOR THE PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS Concerning the two other Rangers: It has to be understood to the writers of these characters that they are war veterans, as I believe our time frame is the same as that of the Green Dragon, which is ten years after the War of the Ring (?). They are loyal to the King and fought against evil, though they do not necessarily have to be one of the thirty Rangers who rode south during the war (Halbarad said the thirty were "...all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste..." ). They have deep friendship with each other and Hanasían, as well as the sons of Elrond Elrohir and Elladan. They will know Kaldir if they were riding with the Rangers twenty years before when Kaldir was captured, or have heard of him and the terrible Battle from the some of the older Rangers who were there. Outside of that, the writers are free to develop the Ranger characters as they see fit. 2 Shady Underworld Types to take up with Naiore, both to serve her & (they hope) turn on her for their own gain PLEASE SPECIFY RACE AND GENDER FOR THE PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS __________________________________________________ ___ Character types which would not belong: Any not listed above. ~~~~~~~~ Will you be wanting first posts for the above characters? If so, you need to clue the characters’ writers in to which Main Character’s First Post would be helpful to work from. ~~~~~~~~ These will need to be listed as NCE’s also if you are going to use them: Elladan Elrohir Celeborn As well as the Forsaken Inn personnel __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

07-31-2003, 08:30 AM	#30
Snowdog Emperor of the South Pole Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The Western Shore of Lake Evendim Posts: 606	Right. We're working on it...

07-31-2003, 07:15 PM	#31
Nerindel Spirited Weaver of Fates Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: In an endless sea of dreams! Posts: 827	ok, here we go! I'm putting these up before I decide to change Amandur's Character again (I've now rewrote him 3 times [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] ). Léspheria is a character I all ready had partially wrote up and she only really needed a history, but Amandur was one of those spur of the moment character's if you know what I mean [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] and he needed a complete bio, which took me awhile to get just right (I hope!). Anyway here they are: _____________________________________________ Nerindel's character - Léspheria NAME: Léspheria Denfëa AGE: 2901 (As of the Fourth Age 12) RACE: Noldor (Fathers line Fingolfin, Mothers line Finarfin) GENDER: Female WEAPONS : Léspheria carries a Silvery grey bow made from the wood of a Mallorn tree, it has the gold leaf and flower design, of these great trees. It is longer and stouter than most. Her brown leather quiver hangs on her back and is always filled with arrows she Fletches herself. Her short sword is of Noldorin design and hangs on her left side, it bears the crest of the house of Finarfin on the pommel. This sword is dear to Léspheria as it was once her mothers, given to her by her father on his departure from Middle Earth. Léspheria also carries a small belt knife given to her by Amandur on their first battle together, it has a black handle and a grey blade. Léspheria has a light shirt of silver chain mail, made for her by the Gwaith-I-Mírdain that resided in Imladris before the war. She wears it concealed under her clothes. APPEARANCE: Léspheria is tall and slender, her long, straight, dark hair falls halfway down her back and in sunlight the golden colouring of her mothers kin can be seen flecked through it. Her complexion is pale and unblemished, some of her fathers kin liken her to Aredhel, the only daughter of Fingolfin, but when next to her mother it is obvious that Léspheria's looks come from her, they share the same Almond shaped grey eyes, not a dull but bright and piercing, almost as though they could see right into your heart. Léspheria is no stranger to wearing the fine apparel of court, but prefers to wear clothes of her own design. She favours blues and silvers, but when travelling she wears the forest colours favoured by her kin. It is not often that she is seen in trousers preferring long skirts/dresses designed by herself to be practical for fighting and wandering the wilds. She wears calf high brown leather boots and a hooded cloak of a light but warm woven silken material, that seems to reflect the colour of its surroundings, grey in the hue of twilight under the trees; green as shadowed leaves, or brown as fallow fields by night, dusk silver as water under the stars. It is clasped at the neck by a silver brooch shaped in the likeness of Galathilion and bears a crescent moon. (the Emblem of the Eldar) PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Léspheria is Altruistic in nature, which on more than one occasion has got her into trouble, but she is also self-sufficient and capable of making the best of a bad situation. Léspheria is warm and friendly to those she meet's that she senses are of good heart, to those who are not she is closed and guarded. She also has a tendency to follow her instincts, but never at the risk to others. She possesses the innate ability to sense the emotions of those around her, this is what allows her to be more trusting than most of her kin, but this ability has its down sides, not only can she sense the emotions of others, but of her mother and twin brother she can actually feel when they are in pain or torment and in turn their pain is laid upon her. Only a few of her family and Amandur know of this weakness in her ability (As they see it). She also possesses the healing ability of her kin, using her senses to locate the site of injury and manipulate it into a state of mending/healing. Léspheria is a keen Archer and woods woman, both skills taught her by her father and brother, she also carries the wisdom of her kin and is learned in the histories of her people, she harbours the fear that one day she will fall pray to the pride of her ancestors. HISTORY: Léspheria was born in the TA 132 to Valaindon, her mother who was a High elf of Lothlorien and a descendant of the noble house of Finarfin, and Finderon, her father who was a High elf of Imladris and a descendent of the house of Fingolfin. Both Lespheria and her twin brother Lóthaniel were brought up in Imladris, but when Léspheria started to show signs that she possessed her mothers gifts she was taken to Lothlorien to study under those of her mothers house who remained after the SA. In Lothlorien she learnt how to discipline her ability and use it to help others. On the eventual realisation that her gift could be use in a darker more sinister way she was physically sick to her core and began to fear her gift, but the words of the lady of the woods healed her of this fear and she carries them in her heart always 'The choices we make are what make us who we are.' and from that day to this she choose to only use her gifts to help others. In Lothlorien Léspheria also learnt the finer arts, Dressmaking, embroidery, music and poetry she was also taught Archery and Herblore, she learned quickly and became skilful , she learnt also the histories of her kin and the family trees of each line fascinated her most, she soon discovered the there was a space missing in the family tree of her mothers kin, but when she ask about this, she was told that she was mistaken or that it was a mistake made by the writer. But always she sensed that they hid the truth and where ashamed to admit it, so she pursued it no further. About the year 1974 TA. Léspheria returned with her family to Rivendell, in this year the North kingdom ended and the witch king over ran Arthedain and took Fornost. In this time many messengers passed between Rivendell and the Grey havens and the following year it was decided that Rivendell would send a force to aid in removing the witch king, from the northern lands. On the day that her father and brother were due to leave Léspheria had a premonition of their death in the form of a dream. She begged for them not to go, but they thought her dream no more than anxiety. Léspheria was not so convinced and against their wishes she followed the host north. It was here that she found out her acute link to her brother, as a blow struck him she fell from her horse experiencing his pain, it was here too that her friendship with the Dunedain began. An Arnorian soldier seeing an elven woman in the battle came to her aid, she persuaded him to help her search for her brother, together they found Her father and brother both injured and with her expert healing skills she healed both, The man from who Amandur is descended faught off the enemy so that she could work unhindered. After the victourious battle Léspheria helped tend others that were injured in the battle. After the battle of Fornost, under the instruction of Lord Elrond the Elves of Rivendell, taught the survivors of Arnor, the skills required to become rangers, in this time Léspheria too decided that she wished to learn these skills, so both her father and Brother taught her, they were surprised at how quickly she learned and how adaptable she could be. By the time rumours reach Rivendell of a power returned to Dol Guldur, Léspheria is now aiding the elves in the training of the Dunedain. At about this time Lésperia's mother left Rivendell, and her Father finally tells both of them about Naiore, but not everything. He tells them only of her crimes but not of their relationship to this woman or of the friendship that their mother once shared with Naiore. Lóthaniel later finds out that Naiore and their mother are cousins and that after Naiore disappeared from Belfalas, their mother helped to look for her fearing that some ill had befallen her. In this time she met their father and he agreed to help her search, but to no avail. Valaindon returned to Rivendell with Finderon. When Finderon returned from the Battle of Dagorlad he did not have the heart to tell Valaindon of what they saw and of the terror Naiore struck in their hearts, for he knew she would not believe it, he too wouldn't if he had not seen it with his own eyes. But after the disaster of the Gladden Fields all the elves learned of Naiores crimes, Valaindon refused to believe what she was told and rode often in search of her cousin, but all she found was a trail of heinous crimes. so she returned to Finderon and chose to live in denial. but of this Lothaniel says nothing to Léspheria. In the time that Valaindon is away from her family she finds Naiore, not far from Lothlorien. Naiore reading her cousins thoughts pretends to have been tortured and used by Sauron and forced to do the treacherous things that she has done, knowing that her old friend would show pity on her. Valaindon thinking she was right all along about her friend, makes the mistake of not reading her cousins emotions. Valaindon meets secretly with Naiore (As her cousin feigns to be to afraid and ashamed to face her kin) and brings her news of Lothlorien, it is through Valaindon that she learns that Menecin still loves her and longs for her return, Naiore then slowly begins to draw secrets from her cousin regarding the defence of both Lothlorien and Rivendell. With the coming of Menecin to Rivendell, Valaindon realises she has been deceived and the pride of her kin engulfs her and in rage she relentlessly peruses Naiore who she finally sees as her enemy. the following year she losses the trail, but does not give up searching. She is eventually captured at the end of the year 3017 and is taken to Barad-dûr, where she again meets Naiore who takes great pains to torture her and break her elven spirit, but with the fall of Sauron she is forced to flee leaving Valaindon for dead in the pits of Barad-dûr. She is eventually found by Amandur and other Rangers that dared to enter the great fortress after the war.Of these events Léspheria knows only bits and pieces. During this time she helps the Dunedain and later she protects the borders of Rivendell, In the year that her mother was captured to the day she died (the best part of a year) Léspheria fell into a fever from which none could cure. Léspheria experienced her mothers torture at the hands of Naiore, though she tells none of this, and only learns of her mothers torturer some years later. After the war Lésperia's mothers body is brought back to Rivendell, in his grief their father goes with the ring bearers to Valinor, but Both Léspheria and her brother choose to remain. In the 2nd year of the fourth age Léspheria is asked by Lords Elladan and Elrohir, if she would consider becoming one of their emissaries between men and elves, to which she humbly excepted. It was in this role that she found out the full extent of Naiores crimes, and that the council of King Elassar wished to bring her to justice. Their were a few elves who also wanted to see Naiore brought to justice, but Léspheria not wishing any kinslaying convinced the council of elves to allow King Elessar to bring Naiore to stand trial in Gondor. _____________________________________________ Nerindel's post for Léspheria _____________________________________________ +++++++++++++++++++ Nerindel's character - Amandur* NAME: Amandur II AGE: 62 (as of midsummer of year 12 of the fourth age.) RACE: Men (Dunedan) GENDER: Male WEAPONS : Amandur carries a numanorean long sword, an heirloom of his family. He also carries an elvish dagger, a small black handled belt knife (one of a pair, Léspheria has the other) and a crude bow, which he uses mainly for hunting. APPEARANCE: Amandur is 6 ft 2 " in height and has a handsome but rugged look about him. His dark, almost black hair sits just below his jaw line. His Hazel eyes hold the wisdom of his age, he looks only to be in his early forties. His complexion is tanned due to weathering, he is sometimes clean shaven and sometimes not depending on circumstances, (ie in the wilds he sees no need to shave) Amandur has several battle scars, one across his left bicep another across his right leg and a small scar across the clef of his chin are all reminders of the battles of the Pelennor fields and the Morannon. The scar on his right leg sometimes bothers him in colder weather. Amandur wears black leather pants, white/light grey shirts and dark grey /green tunics that bear the emblem of King Elessar. His high black boots are of supple leather and have seen much wear. He also has a cloak of a heavy dark-green cloth. PERSONALITY: Although Hardened by war, Amandur managed to remain good hearted and kind. Among his friends and kin he is loyal, trustworthy and well liked, But to his enemies he is fierce, relentless and unforgiving. He tends to speak his mind and is not quick to trust. He has the qualities of being a great leader but prefers not to lead when possible, but like most great leaders this sometimes happens weather he will it or not. STRENGTHS: Although proficient with a bow, he favours his sword and is very skilful in its use, both on foot or mounted, he has always had an natural ability with horses, his own in particular, the black charger comes when he whistles, and the horse always seems to anticipate his movements, before they are made. Amandur learnt much from the elves during his stay in Rivendell and has become wise in the way of the wilds. He also follows his instincts, but not at the cost of others. WEAKNESSES: Amandur's weaknesses are his love for Léspheria and his growing over protectiveness of her. Also the scar on his leg is know to give him bother in colder weather or if hit or knocked in some way. HISTORY: Amandur was born in the Grey Havens on the 31st day of Naríë in the year 2969 TA (1369 Shire reckoning). Amandur was the eldest son of Amandur I and Norvanna both Dunedain of the north and both Rangers, which in itself is unusual as usually only the men became rangers, but Amandur's mother was strong both in stature and will. Cirdan granted her protection in the grey havens when with child. Amundur and his younger brother Aldred spent their child hood in the Grey havens with their mother, their father visited as often as he could. There was only two years between Amandur and his brother, so the pair grew up together in relative peace under the protection of Cirdan, they both shared a love of boats and a respect for the sea. Their mother and father (when present) took great pains to teach both their children the use of weapons, both brothers favoured the long sword. At the age of 20 Amandur's father took him to Rivendell to train under the tutelage of the Elves. It is here that he first meets the elven twins Lóthaniel and Léspheria Denfëa. Lóthaniel teaches him the skills required to become a Ranger like his father and Léspheria teaches him of his ancestry and the history of his people. His brother joins him two years later and the four become firm friends. During one battle they shared (a wayward band of orcs making the mistake of leaving the safety of the misty mountains and entering Eriador) his Female elven companion was pressed by Four orcs and as he ran to her aid he thought her done for, but by the time he reached her, battling orcs of his own on the way the four orcs lay dead at her feet, It was then that he saw Léspheria in a new light, as she stood there breathing heavily, with her sword in one hand and a broken dagger in the other, he saw a strong, determined, beautiful but gentle elven woman that he knew from that moment he had lost his heart too. It was also at this battle that Amandur gave Léspheria one of his long twin belt knives, to replace her broken dagger. About the year 3000 the Rangers guarded the Shire more closely at the request of the White Council and their chief Aragorn. Amandur, his brother and a few others were charged with Guarding Sarn ford, but on the evening of the 22nd day of Yavannie the Black riders drove them from the ford and four of the black riders pursued them eastward. They returned to Rivendell to tell Lord Elrond that the Riders are in the Shire. Word soon came from Lothlorien that Aragorn required the aid of his kin, Halbarad, Elladan and Elrohir quickly gathered those who could be found and they headed south with all haste, it was here that the two Brothers were reunited with their father. After the hard journey south they were reunited with their chief and rode with the grey company through the paths of the dead and fought the Cosairs of Umbar at Pelargir, taking their ships. Amandur and his brother with their knowledge of sailing were charged with one of the great black masted ships and they sailed up the River to Harlond, to assail their enemy from the flank and rear, on the Pelennor Fields. It was here that Amandur's Brother and father fell, he did not grieve his loss for he knew that they had both fought fiercely for something that they all believed in, instead he worried for his mother and how this news would affect her, Amandur received his arm and leg injury in this battle, while battling the fierce men of Harad. He tended and bound his own injuries and rode with his kin to the Black gates were he proved himself once more in battle. After the fall of Sauron and the defeat of his dark army, Amandur remained in Minas Tirith, He was one of the few that dared to enter the great fortress to look for prisoners and any hidden enemies. It was here that he and a few other rangers found Valaindon (Léspheria's mother). She was close to death and they could do nothing for her, but before dying she bade him tell Léspheria that she was sorry, and to tell both her children to protect the gift, but before she could explain she passed away. After the wedding of their chieftain and now King to the Lady Arwen of Rivendell, he rode with the elven host back to Rivendell bearing Valaindon's body and her final words, there he learnt that Léspheria had spent the whole year in a state of Fitful fever that no one could explain, but on the date that Amandur had watched Valaindon pass away she had miraculously recovered to full health, as though nothing had ailed her, but upon seeing her Amandur knew that what had ailed her would not ever completely leave her. He Returned to the havens and brought his mother back to Gondor, but the following year she died from the grief of her loss. Amandur remained in the service of the king and was glad when he found out that Léspheria was to be an Emissary for Rivendell. On her visits they always found time to talk and take long walks. In his heart he greatly desired to return north, so when King Elessar asked for people to go north and re-establish the northern city of Annúminas, he was one of the first to Volunteer. His Knowledge of Naiore was gained from Lóthaniel and the courts of Gondor were she was listed as one of Saurons minions that had not fallen at her masters defeat and was still at large. There were many who sought this woman and from what Lothaniel had told him of this Elf he was in no hurry to meet her, but if called upon to find her he would. _____________________________________________ Nerindel's post for Amandur _____________________________________________ [ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ] __________________ "Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live" ~ Mark Twain.

07-31-2003, 08:24 PM	#32
Ealasaid Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: under a large pile of dirt & gravel Posts: 193	Great bios, Nerindel! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

08-01-2003, 01:56 PM	#33
Snowdog Emperor of the South Pole Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: The Western Shore of Lake Evendim Posts: 606	Ah yes! Amandur II! One whom Hanasían learned some skill whilst in Rivendell! Maybe knew his father Halasían?? Good bios!

08-01-2003, 04:34 PM	#34
Ealasaid Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: under a large pile of dirt & gravel Posts: 193	Okay... I have been working on the Game Submission form. Here's what I have so far. There are still a few question marks that need to be filled in. Let's hear some ideas! Title: The Lingering Darkness (I'm thinking maybe we should change to this one due to the undeniable similarity between our original working title and that of another RPG already in progress in The Shire.) Historical Background: With the downfall of Sauron, evil fled disorganized before the might of the West, but there were some who, having been corrupted, still lingered, either unable or unwilling to admit defeat. This story tells of the pursuit of one such individual in the years after the War of the Ring. Basic Storyline: Servants of the King pursue Naiore Dannan, the Ravenner of Mordor, who has continued to wreak havoc in the aftermath of the war, but remains elusive. Others become entangled in her trail as well, both with her and against her. The storyline moves through twists and turns to a final showdown between Naiore and the peoples of the west. The purpose of the story is to: Bring Naiore to justice. This means we will know the story is over when: Naiore is captured or killed. Starting Location: The Forsaken Inn, two day's ride east of Bree. Likely destination: Rivendell Timeframes: This game takes place in the FOURTH Age at around year 12, starting in midsummer. The storyline itself or plot covers 2 months(?) This game requires a time commitment of 10 weeks (?) from me, the game owner and from the major players. Characters needed: 2 Rangers - Male, Race of Men. These two must be veterans of the War of the Ring. They are loyal to the king and fought against evil, although they do not necessarily have to be of the thirty Rangers who rode south during the war. They have a deep friendship with Hanasian, as well as Elrond's sons, Elrohir and Elladan. They will know Kaldir if they were riding with the Rangers 15 years before when Kaldir was captured, or have heard of him and the terrible battle from some of the older Rangers who were there. Or, they may have encountered him more recently while plying his trade as a bounty hunter. They will probably know of Amandur, as well, as he is a rather prominent Ranger, with close association to Aragorn and the court. Outside of these specifications, the writers are free to develop the Ranger characters as they see fit. 2 "Shady Underworld Types" -- Male, Race of Men. Be as creative as you like with these guys. The only restrictions are that they be male, Men, and up to no good. They can either be working together or separately. They fall in with Naiore, probably somewhere in the vicinity of the inn. While seeming to work for her, they are also trying to figure out a way to betray her for their own profit. There is no loyalty among thieves! Character types which would not belong: Any not listed above. Dedicated Characters: Ealasaid (Game Owner) will play 2 characters: Kaldir and Benia Nightshade (both Race of Men) Nerindel (Game Owner) will play 2 characters: Lespheria (Elf) and Amandur (Man) Elora will play 3 characters: Naiore, Vanwe, and Menecin (all elves) Snowdog will play 1 character: Hanasian (Man) Hilde Bracegirdle will play 1 character: Gilly Banks (Hobbit) (We will insert the Bios with First Posts into the final version of the form after each name.) NCE’s who will figure into the storyline: Elladan Elrohir Celeborn These are actual Tolkein figures and, when writing about them, writers need to exercise extreme care that they are presented with accuracy, according to Tolkein's original characterizations of them. Additional NCE's who will figure into the storyline are the personnel from the Forsaken Inn, which for the purposes of this RPG, are as follow: (Renamed Green Dragon personnel -- c'mon, folks! Help me out here!) FIRST POSTS MUST ACCOMPANY ALL CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS. NO character descriptions will be accepted without First Posts accompanying them. All character descriptions posted without the required First Post will be sent back to their writers. Writers will be chosen based on the quality of their submission, not on a first come, first in, basis. Proposer/Owner: Ealasaid RPGs at the Barrow Downs I have participated in are the following: Sailing Away (a cameo role); Dark Seduction; Corsairs & Corsets Proposer/Owner: Nerindel RPGs at the Barrow Downs I have participated in are the following: In the Footsteps of the Grey Company, The Summons, Dark Seduction and The fall of Greenwood the Great. [ August 01, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

08-01-2003, 05:24 PM	#35
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	Ealasaid, I feel like I am interupting a conversation here, so sorry, and also my apologies for the tardy bio. I hope it helps nail down Gilly’s character, although it doesn’t really help one “get into her head”. Suffice it to say that it is rather a squirrel cage in there. Have had Carl accompany Gilly to the Inn as I can't see her traveling on her own. (Or on a tour bus for middle aged hobbits!) “Lingering Darkness” sounds like an appropriate title. --------------------------------------------- Hilde's character NAME: Gilly Burrows Banks AGE: 45 RACE: Hobbit GENDER: Female WEAPONS: Gilly has a knife, which she views as a tool rather than a weapon. At need she is more likely to impress the mundane objects around her to serve as weapons than to remember it’s existence. APPEARANCE: Gilly is a middle aged and middle class hobbit as is reflected by her appearance. She is of average height and sturdy mature figure, though by no means overweight. The long braid of her wavy light brown hair is shot through with gray and tied in a knot at the back of her neck, curling wisps framing her broad face and dark brown eyes. She wears a simple homespun white blouse under a long dress of coarse dark green stuff that is edged with her own tatting work. At her waist is a wide belt of brown leather and around her shoulders a loosely woven shawl of varying shades of brown and tan knobby wool. PERSONALITY: Gilly is a peaceful, practical sort. Her joy in life is maintaining a pleasant well-managed household and so she is typically trying to smooth out rough patches and looking for a better way of doing things. She has a narrow set of friends mostly in her own neighborhood, and while it takes time to win her confidence once you have it she is a devoted and loyal friend. Gilly is governed by a strong set of principles and is known to cast reason aside to do what she feels is honorable and right. She is quick to smile and has a sense of humor. STRENGTHS: Her strengths lie in her perseverance and kind heart. WEAKNESSES: It is her weakness to be overly suspicious, and to act before thinking things through to their logical end. HISTORY: Gilly comes from the Burrows family of Bywater and spent a happily uneventful childhood on the family’s farmstead outside the town proper. When she was in her tweens she had stumbled upon the plight of Jack Nightshade and his small family. Convincing her parents of their need, the Nightshades had been the Burrows’ guests for sometime before moving secretly onward. During this time a strong friendship had formed between Jack Nightshade’s daughter Benia and the hobbit, Gilly; and Gilly had in turn became aware of the troubled world outside of the Shire. Immediately preceding the war, Gilly was married to Carl Banks, an oil merchant from Bywater and moved into his small living quarters just over the room housing his oil press. They lead a peaceful life until the war brought grief to the Shire and the young Banks’ business was burned down as a result of an “accident” involving Sharkey’s men. Gilly and Carl then had moved in with Carl’s parents. Carl took part in the Battle of Bywater as a guard at the barrier on the road to Hobbiton, a point of pride for Gilly. After the war the young Banks’ slowly rebuilt the business and were blest with 3 children. Life had settled into the comfortable pattern of domestic turmoil when a letter from Benia arrived asking Gilly if she would be willing to travel beyond Bree for a time to visit her old friend. A bit taken back at the mention of The Forsaken Inn, Carl and Gilly responded in a positive matter on the condition that Miss Nightshade would watch over her friend in Carl’s absence. It was then planned that Carl would accompany his wife to the inn and leave her there for a week while he visited some distant cousins in Archet. The children would in turn be visiting their Grandmother Banks. At the very most, they planned to return to Bywater within three weeks. _____________________________________________ Hilde's post for Gilly _____________________________________________ [ August 07, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

08-01-2003, 07:27 PM	#36
Ealasaid Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: under a large pile of dirt & gravel Posts: 193	Great Bio, Hilde! Glad to see you back on The Thread. As far as interrupting a conversation - never! I was also speaking to you. If I was having a specific conversation with anyone, it was probably with myself.... [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] One question, though... On the name line, you put Gilly Burrows Brown. Is it Banks (as you stated later) or Brown? [ August 01, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

08-01-2003, 07:48 PM	#37
Ealasaid Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: under a large pile of dirt & gravel Posts: 193	Here's the progress report: So far, we have bios from: Elora: Naiore, Vanwe, Menecin Ealasaid: Kaldir, Benia Snowdog: Hanasian Nerindel: Lespheria, Amandur Hilde: Gilly Burrows Banks That's all of us -- great work, everybody! We have a tentative outline (still subject to massive revision or even chucking). Snowdog -- I'm still looking forward to seeing your version! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] Also, I imagine Elora will have quite a lot to say on that subject when she gets back. We have our Character List for new writers: 2 Rangers to travel with Hanasian 2 underworld types to work with/against Naiore If the form I pasted in earlier today meets with everyone's approval, we have a mostly finished Game Submission Form. We still need: * New identities for Inn personnel * "Final" Outline (It doesn't have to be set in concrete... just a guideline we can go by when the game starts.) * First Posts from the bunch of us * Completed Game Submission Form for Pio As Hilde can tell you, I am lousy with names, so I am especially hoping for new ideas regarding the inn personnel. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [ August 01, 2003: Message edited by: Ealasaid ]

08-01-2003, 08:18 PM	#38
Nerindel Spirited Weaver of Fates Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: In an endless sea of dreams! Posts: 827	Ok I filled this in for you Ealasaid [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] Proposer/Owner: Nerindel RPGs at the Barrow Downs I have participated in are the following:In the Footsteps of the Grey Company, The Summons, Dark Seduction and The fall of Greenwood the Great. as for staff are we keeping them the same race and gender as in the green dragon? __________________ "Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live" ~ Mark Twain.

08-01-2003, 08:23 PM	#39
Ealasaid Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: under a large pile of dirt & gravel Posts: 193	Thanks, Nerindel! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] As for the Green Dragon/Forsaken Inn personnel, that same question had occurred to me. It would be simpler to keep them the same, but I don't think we are tied into anything.

08-01-2003, 09:43 PM	#40
Nerindel Spirited Weaver of Fates Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: In an endless sea of dreams! Posts: 827	hehe that was fun [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img], I put the three Hobbit names from the Green dragon through the BD's name generator and here is the Hobbit names it came up with [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] : Vinca (cook) - Aldarida Boffin Ruby Brown (server and maid)- Rowan Brandybuck Buttercup Brownlock (kitchen assistant and maid) - Amarantha Willow I also have a few suggestions for the other two [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] Derufin (stablemaster/handyman) - Dervorin, Fréalas, Hasimë or Tarciron Aman (innkeeper) - Alfiran,Silmeriën or Fimbriel [ August 02, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ] __________________ "Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live" ~ Mark Twain.

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