Search for Rhûn Discussion Thread

[piosenniel]

Himaran invites you to look at his new game:

Basic Storyline:

By the beginning of the 4th Age, the sea of Rhûn is but a myth to the dwarves still living at Erebor; a mysterious body of water in a phantom land of the far east. But the legends of old now spark the interest of the new generation, and a small band of explorers set out to find the ancient kingdom; and any riches its sea may hold. Upon arrival, however, the expedition turns into a disaster.

The dwarves quickly discover that the place they seek is not a sparkling, unsullied kingdom filled will pearls, mithril, and other great treasures. What they find is a nightmare land, spotted with dense jungles, swamps and all a manner of strange beasts. But the most startling a deadly discovery that they make is that of a nocturnal, Easterling race; nearly invisible in Rhûn’s rugged terrain and hostile to outsiders. The dwarves, lost, starving and attacked by the hour, will face a struggle few among the party ever believed they would be forced to endure; and through camaraderie, bravery and sacrifice, will overcome it.

[piosenniel]

The purpose of the story is to .... Find Rhûn, locate its great sea, explore the area, and return safely to Erebor.

This means we will know the story is over when .... The remaining dwarves arrive at Erebor.

Starting Location: Erebor, the Lonely Mountain

Likely destination: Rhûn, (Eventually Erebor).

[piosenniel]

Timeframes:

i) This game takes place 40 years into the 4th Age.

ii) The story itself or plot covers 5 months.

iii) This game requires a time commitment of 3 months (12 weeks) from me, the game owner and from the major players.

[piosenniel]

CHARACTERS NEEDED

DWARVES

Dwalin (younger brother of Bali, Himaran’s character) - Himaran will PM the player who chooses to play this part about the character’s description; he will also give ideas for a First Post for this character.

8 male Dwarves - all from Erebor

***************

RHÛN CHARACTERS

3 Inhabitants of Rhûn – Himaran will PM the players who choose to play these parts with info about the characters; he will also give ideas for First Posts.

• 2 males
  
• 1 female

**************

ADDITIONAL TRAVELERS

(These characters are required to post a Character Description, but do not need a First Post – they will meet Bali and his group along the way.

1 Dwarf – can be from anywhere

1 male Ranger

1 male Elven Scout from Eryn Lasgalen
_______________________________________

Character types which would not belong .... Anything else

[piosenniel]

DEDICATED CHARACTERS

1.) Arvedui III's character – to be kept secret for now


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2.) Carlas' character

Name: Durin son of Dain

Race: Dwarf

Age: mid thirties

Description: Durin has a long, brown beard that reaches down to his waist to which he has become very proud of, and normally boasts about to many of the younger dwarves. He wears little armor, only enough to protect him, preferring not to weigh himself down with needless ornaments and he has dark brown eyes that have always had a glint of youth and mischievous in them.

Personality: Durin has grown over the years to become a strong and proud dwarf, but never misses the chance to have fun and just enjoy life. He is very close to his parents, and he enjoys being able to take his time and appreciate the finer things in life such as drinking and singing, but would never miss the opportunity to go travel again. Even though he can be very good-natured, Durin can still be very hot-tempered and does not often give in easily making him quite stubborn at times.

Weapons/Skills: Durin usually carries a simple axe that he has had and fought with for years and was given to him by a friend long ago in Erebor. He also has many throwing axes which he has only learned to use over the past few years, but his most prized is a well-made axe of ancient design, its hilt cleverly covered with dwarvish runes, which his father gave him right before the large battle at Erebor.

Character Strengths/Weaknesses: Durin is a strong warrior and prides himself on his skill with an axe. He is very loyal and would fight to the death for his friends and family, the only thing that weakens him is his anger. He can be very tempered and stubborn, which can be fatal in battle.

History: Durin was born and raised in Erebor by his two loving, but sometimes strict parents. He has traveled throughout Eriador with his father, and together they joined a party of warriors who traveled from The Shire to Erebor to fight in a great battle against the attacking orcs . Since then he has remained in Erebor with his family and friends.

~*~

Carlas’ post

The Sun was high in the air as Durin walked with his mother down the hot streets of Erebor. The sky was cloudless and the rich blue seemed even brighter than usual. Durin looked around at the buildings and roads around him, thinking about the last few years he had spent in Erebor. He loved it here, it was his home, but he needed to leave and explore the world outside again, like he had done years ago, with his father. Now though, he would not be with his father Dain since he had left to visit friends in Mirkwood a few months back, Durin was going to finally be responsible and be able to watch over himself instead. But, as much as he had always wanted just that, he couldn’t help but wishing that his father could come along to find Rhun, the Land of Riches with him. It had been a myth for years, and now he and a group of dwarves were going to find Rhun, and the legendary body of water with the shining lights, but his father would not be there.

Glis, his mother, looked over at him thoughtfully and smiled her warm smile that she kept especially for him. “Do not trouble about your father.” She said as though reading his mind. “He is getting on in years, as am I, and we know that you are ready to take care of yourself.” Durin nodded and stared at the ground in front of him. Glis stopped suddenly and took her son’s bearded face in her hands. “Your father and I are very proud of you. You are a strong and skilled dwarf, and you are going to go find Rhun! Think of how pleased your father will be when he hears of where you are going, this journey is like no other you or anyone else will ever take. Be proud son.”

Durin looked up into his mother’s eyes and smiled from under his long beard. “But father will be even more proud when I bring him back a great sack of treasure!” Glis laughed and nodded. “Of course, but I better get a sack five times larger than his!”

~*~*~*~*~

It was nearly noon by the time Durin and his mother finally reached the Great Hall. They had walked around after their talk, and chatted about everything and anything, as Durin looked about the beautiful city one last time before leaving on his journey. He was sad to be leaving, but he was now becoming excited. Who knew what kind of things they would find in Rhun, and from what he had heard, it sounded like a beauteous land.

He turned to face his aging mother who smiled kindly down at him. They didn’t say anything, and didn’t need to say anything. Durin knew his mother was sad to see him go, they had become very attached over the years, but Glis knew how important it was for Durin to finally be able to leave on his own and learn to be responsible for himself. She walked up to her son and embraced him tightly, not wanting to let go. As they pulled apart, she kissed him gently on the forehead.

Durin and his mother smiled sadly at each other for a moment before he finally turned towards the Great Hall. Glis watched him walk away and silently whispered “Goodbye Durin, son of Dain, my son.”


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3.) Eruantalon’s character

Name: Eruantalon, but friends call him Erulon

Age: Born in 2824 From: Gondor

Appearance: He is a man that stands 5" 10' inches with dark hair and eyes. He is a fair skinned man. He weighs about 200 he is very strong and quick. He wears a black cloak. He has gray pants and brown boots. His shirt is a darker gray than his pants. He wears leather boots. He carries a large satchel with many items like books, maps, medication, leather skins for drink, food, weapons, tobacco, extra cloths. Imagine a Boromir type. But more happy and friendly.

Personality: A kind hearted person who loves nature and middle earth deeply. He is friends with all the peoples of middle earth. Erulon is quick to happiness and slow to anger. But when he does anger he often can't control it. So he does have faults, though he always wishes to protects what he loves. He is very brave but knows sorrow’s depths. That is what fuels his bravery. He is clever and a good scholar; but that doesn't mean he makes no mistakes or wrong guesses.

Weapons and items: Well I mentioned many above. But there are still greater items he has. His inner strength is his greatest weapon.

He has a sword given to him by Galadriel. It was forged by the Noldar before they left the Valar. It is amazingly sharp and strong. It glows when evil is near. Not orcs particularly but anything that is an instrument of Morgoth. It is two thirds his own height. Then there are his bow and arrows. They are gondorian in make, but large and powerful. He also carries a great dwarven battle axe, forged in Moria long ago.

History: A great warrior and minstrel Erulon travels only with friends. He often stays in Lothlorien or in Rivendell. He stops often to Gondor to see his brethren Rangers. He has fought many battles along side all the races of Middle earth. He lost his one true love early in his life, soon learning that he must go on. His duty to protect and help the people of middle earth has given him weapons and gifts. Knowing that he is meant to follow wherever the path of need is, he goes along befriending all that meet him.

~*~

Eruantalon's post

The hills gave way to Erebor under the lonely mountain. Seeing this sight again made Erulon's breath leave him. The mountain's beauty only grew with each day. Now he looked on it with older eyes - yet its roots grew stronger and its people greater. Life was good here in the dwarven kingdom. And his old friend would be meeting him soon for new adventures. As always, with the race of Aule, it was again about finding treasures. Yet this was no dark task. The promise of a good journey with old friends was high.

Now, to make sure his kind friend didn’t get in any harms way while on this journey. The promise of riches so great can often make one stray. But he knew the hearts of these people that they where not as subtle as many in middle earth. A kind and good race lived here under the mountain. They knew the value of what hard work can give one. And yet the grievances that can some times follow them.

Coming to the great gate he hailed the guards. They waved back with smiles and greeted him warmly, remembering the man from a great battle several years earlier. "Erulon you have come! Going off on the journey from what we hear. Make your way in now. You Your friend is with his father in the Great Hall.”

Making his way down into the city he caught many familiar faces. One who was vary familiar, and he crept up behind the dwarf while his back was turned. The man though tall could walk very quietly.

"Durin! You’re here! I see you're not off on this journey yet.”

“Ahh, good friend, what are you doing here? Bali just sent word out a few days ago! Good to see you here, though. We are making our way off tomorrow. Ready yourself, Erulon and prepare for a grand journey!”

“Indeed, my old friend! We’ll have enough time to talk. I see you have many things to take care of for now. We’ll be drinking good ale by a fire side soon!”

Few of the errands made for riches ended well. On the last journey there were many unforeseen dangers that almost killed him and the whole company. Hopefully, this journey with Bali would turn out better. “Always stay on guard”, he muttered to himself. Life in Erebor was fair, but the wilds of a far off land where ominous to say the least.

Bali was shocked that Erulon had arrived so early. They sat long into the night around the fire, discussing the journey that would occur in the morning. The dwarf confided of his worries with the man, explaining that they were leaving more on impulse than knowledge.

"Well, what does it matter, anyway?" replied the man. "We are exploring a new land, not going on a mining expedition. Any information we bring back will be valuable."

Later, Erulon made his way up to his room, aided by Kalin. He found a splendid array of food ready for him. The night was coming on fast and he would need to rest. Laying his arms up to the side of the bed he got comfortable in his room.

Just then a knock at the door came. Kalin’s face was light by a candle. “One more thing Erulon. The master has bid you to take a horse. He’s found one that you could use and thinks it best. You cannot ride on our animals since you’re too large. Would you come pick one early tomorrow?”

“Tell the Lord I appreciate his kindness and thank him. I will make my way down early in the morning and be there ready and saddled.” Nodding his head Kalin shut the door for the night then opened back up swiftly. “Ahh yes, did you need anything else my friend?”

“Just good nights sleep and the assurance of a ready breakfast tomorrow. Bread will be fine with milk if you can?”

“Very good! And good night.”

[piosenniel]

Himaran’s character:

Name: Bali

Race: Dwarf

Age: Middle Aged (55), But appearing young.

Description: About a foot smaller than a grown man. Bali has a long brown beard and a scar over one eye. He wears a light mail coat over a brown tunic and underneath a heavy brown cloak. He has a black strap which goes around his back (in which he keeps his axe). Unless attired for a large battle, Bali wears no helmet.

Weapons: A large, single-edged fighting axe, with a curved blade in the style of the Erebor Dwarves. Also, he carries a number of throwing axes (miniatures of his war axe), and surprisingly owns and uses a long elvish dagger, given to him by a friend.

Personality: Extremely friendly for a dwarf, Bali loves company, singing, beer, and even dancing. He is also an excellent story-teller, and a good listener. He is a fierce warrior in combat, fighting with a deadly combination of his various weapons. He is an experienced tracker, hunter, and pathfinder. When angry, Bali is quick to be irrational, and is not easily calmed.

Character Strengths/Weaknesses: Bali is an excellent companion, and will fight to the death to protect his friends or family members. His only true weakness is his loss of concentration in battle, which can lead to the injury of his own companions.

History: Bali was born and raised in Erebor, under the stern discretion of his father. A traveler by nature, the dwarf has venture west over the misty mountains twice in his lifetime. He is well acquainted with the inhabitants of Greenwood, Rohan, and the Shire, but has never traveled to Gondor. During perhaps his greatest adventure ever, the dwarf lead a party of warriors east from the Shire to Erebor, and fought a great battle their with a neighboring Uruk Hai army (See The Road to Erebor in Elvenhome).

~*~

Himaran’s post: – first for the game

The sea was like nothing I have seen before, since my journey to the bay of Belfalas in 1294. It was an incredibly wide expanse of water, and the mountains to the north gave it a majestic appearance. The waves tumbled against the shore, and from whence they came I had little knowledge. But the most amazing aspect of Rhûn’s sea is the great body of sparkling lights which shine near its bottom - not pearls, but perhaps a new rock form. If it were so, it could be worth more than mithril, as it could only be found in one remote area throughout middle-earth.

Of Rhûn’s its inhabitants, I have seen only tracks, which I have painstakingly recorded. I for one met neither man nor beast on my travels, but I have traversed only a small portion of this strange land. It is hard country to say the least, and it took all of my skill and wit to navigate it.

“So you and your brother intend to go through with it?”

Bali the dwarf looked up from the his book, The Diary of Baren Longhelm, finding the gaze of his father set upon him. “Aye, that we do.”

“And how many will to be taking with you?”

The dwarf set the book down and stood, stretching his arms and neck. He took several prolonged gulps from a glass on the table near him before answering. “About eight; all good travelers and fighters. We couldn’t justify taking a larger group; as we are not going on a mining expedition.”

The elderly dwarf walked over to a window in the Ereborian chamber, which faced the southwest. “Rhûn. The hidden land, filled with riches far greater than those which have been mined from the Iron Hills; as the legends say. You and Dwalin must be careful, Bali. We have heard naught of anyone living there; or if they are friendly.”

Bali looked down at the book he had been studying. Baren Longhelm had been a great traveler, and had journeyed to ever corner of Middle Earth. Rhûn had been his last venture, and when he returned to civilization he had died shortly thereafter. The cause of his death was unknown.

“We will be careful, father. And remember, Dwalin is leading the party, not I. He asked me to go with him, and I could not refuse. We have our maps, and can travel both there and back safely enough. And of course, we have several excellent dwarves traveling with us, and if Baren did not meet any inhabitants, neither will we.”

~*~

The next morning was hot and hazy, typical of a summer in Erebor. Bali rose and dressed, hurrying downstairs for the meal. He spoke with other members of the group, who were saying goodbye to friends and family in the hall. They all agreed to leave by noon.

After the meal, Bali returned to his room and chose his weapons. Lifting the heavy Ereborian axe off its hanging place on the wall, Bali patted the sharp blade fondly and set it with the rest of his bags. Snatching several throwing hatchets from the closet, he attached them to his leather belt. Then, opening a small chest, he removed his prize weapon; a long, beautiful elvish knife encased in a magnificent golden sheath. It had been given to him by an elf from Greenwood many years before, and the dwarf threw it perfectly. Strapping it on his belt, he gathered his things and carried them down to the hall.

Dwalin was already there, greasing the exit hole on his crossbow. Bali eyed it nervously, unconsciously feeling the scar across his eye. It had been received by one of his brother’s arrows, which had been released from the weapon accidentally.

The dwarf looked up from his task, setting the bow aside. “Good, I am glad that you are ready. As soon as the others arrive, we can discuss our route and leave.”

“Do you much knowledge of the region?” Bali blurted out. The question had been bothering him since early that morning. “It is not wise to walk blindly into a new land.”

Dwalin looked down at a map spread out on the table; now covered with lines and scribbled writing. “The map shows clearly where the region lies, and even gives us details of its properties. See here? Mountains, and just south of there a forest. And here is the great sea. But remember, we may be the first group of adventurers to enter Rhûn. Do not think it odd that there are no detailed maps of this strange sea and its surroundings. Just imagine it, Bali; whether or not the mountains carry anything beyond iron in their roots, there is a sea. A sparkling ocean filled with pearls, worth greater than mithril itself!”

“That is one dwarf’s wild estimation, Dwalin; there may be little truth to these… legends.”

The gleam did not leave the young dwarf’s eye as he continued. “They are true, Bali - I assure you.”

Bali shrugged, sitting down at the table. It would be useless to try to convince Dwalin that the great riches thought to be at Rhûn could be nothing more than a myth. But the dwarf knew that his brother was set on finding treasure in a new land; and after all, maybe there was some truth to the legends. Either way, Bali was going, and so he pushed the worry to the back of his mind and waited for the others to arrive.

[piosenniel]

Please use this form for creating your character to post on the discussion thread.

It is a requirement that all potential game players will either have posted in one of the RPG Inns (preferably in The Green Dragon) or have played in an RPG on the Barrow Downs.

Those who have not played before in a Barrow Downs' RPG will be given preference. Final preference, though, will be at the discretion of the Game Owner.
_______________________________________

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES/NO - Which one?

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?

List them, please:

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES/NO – Which one?

_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME:

AGE:

RACE:

GENDER:

WEAPONS (No magical, super-hero, mithril weapons. Just good solid Middle-earth weapons and armor only that is appropriate to the race of the character and the time period.):

APPEARANCE:

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: (No half-Elven characters. No mixed-type characters. No super-heroes. No assassins. No one all powerful, martial arts proficient, or having any magical traits. Just regular characters with normal abilities for their races only):

HISTORY:

__________________________________


(With the exception of the Traveler Characters who will come in later in the game:)

A FIRST POST FOR YOUR CHARACTER MUST ACCOMPANY THIS FORM.

It is a requirement for this game. Character Descriptions without a First Post attached will be sent back to the writer. They may be submitted again, once there is a First Post to go with them.

[piosenniel]

Again:

CHARACTERS NEEDED

DWARVES

Dwalin (younger brother of Bali, Himaran’s character) - Himaran will PM the player who chooses to play this part about the character’s description; he will also give ideas for a First Post for this character.

8 male Dwarves - all from Erebor

***************

RHÛN CHARACTERS

3 Inhabitants of Rhûn – Himaran will PM the players who choose to play these parts with info about the characters; he will also give ideas for First Posts.

• 2 males
  
• 1 female

**************

ADDITIONAL TRAVELERS

(These characters are required to post a Character Description NOW, but do not need a First Post – they will meet Bali and his group along the way.

1 Dwarf – can be from anywhere

1 male Ranger

1 male Elven Scout from Eryn Lasgalen

[piosenniel]

First Posts For the 8 Dwarven Characters from Erebor:

Gathering belongings, saying goodbye to friends and family and heading to the Great Hall should be the center of these posts. This is the only guideline - be creative. Your character is leaving to discover a new land that has never before been fully explored - apprehension, excitement and nervousness could be several very legitimate feelings for him to have.

_______________________________________________


Those players wanting to be one of the Rhûn characters - please put your gender preference on the Discussion Thread.

Himaran will PM you with instructions about how he sees these characters and what sort of first posts he wants.

_______________________________________________

For the players wanting to play Dwalin (younger brother of Bali, Himaran’s character) - please put your request on the Discussion Thread.

Himaran will PM you with instructions on how he sees this character and what sort of first post he wants from you.

[piosenniel]

This Discussion Thread for Himaran's new RPG, Search for Rhûn, is now open for players to take a look at.

Please read the proposal carefully.

Follow the instructions for the characters that Himaran requires and submit your character proposal directly to this Discussion Thread - don't send them to me.

Should be a fun game!

~*~ Pio

[Eorl of Rohan]

I want to play a male Rhun character. Should I post my character descriptions first or ask the game owner to pm me with details?

[Will Witfoot]

Id like to play the part of the dwarf who joins the expedition later.
So, like Eorl asked, do I wait for Himaran to PM me before submitting a character profile?

[Kransha]

I would also like to play a Rhun character, male preferably. I have the same question that Eorl of Rohan asked, so I will await some kind of answer.
__________________________________________________ _______________

EDIT

KRANSHA -

Sorry, but we are allowing players to be in only 2 Shire games at a time - you will need to withdraw your request for this game.

~*~ Piosenniel, Game Moderator

[piosenniel]

Eorl of Rohan

Himaran will be checking in tomorrow most likely and will contact you about what he wants. I'll send him a PM also to alert him to your request.

Do not post a character description and first post until he does contact you - he has something very specific in mind.
__________________________________________________ _______________

Kransha

Sorry, but we are allowing players to be in only 2 Shire games at a time - you will need to withdraw your request for this game.

~*~ Pio

[piosenniel]

1.) Saraphim - wait for Himaran to PM you with details about the Rhûn characters. No need for a bio or /First Post right now.

2.) Novnarwen - I'll put you down as trying out for the brother, Dwalin. You, too, can wait for Himaran to PM you with his ideas about the Dwarf who will be his character's brother.

3.) Esgallhugwen - Here are Himaran's instructions for the Dwarves beginning the journey:

First Posts For the 8 Dwarven Characters from Erebor:

Gathering belongings, saying goodbye to friends and family and heading to the Great Hall should be the center of these posts. This is the only guideline - be creative. Your character is leaving to discover a new land that has never before been fully explored - apprehension, excitement and nervousness could be several very legitimate feelings for him to have.

[Himaran]

I am very busy, but will try to send pms with details tomorrow morning.

Himaran

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Hi -- been noticing your lack of Dwarves. I will try to write up a character description and first post in the next couple of days as this rpg looks like a lot of fun.

The one wrinkle for me is: I am already in one rpg (A Land to Call Their Own) and in the planning group for another (Bloodstained Elanor); as I understand them, the Shire rules state that I can only be in two rpgs at once (right?) -- so what if there's overlap between the ending of "Land" and the beginning of "Bloodstained" with this game going on during both. . . (does that make sense? Pio -- help!)

[piosenniel]

Fordim -

A Land to call their Own was scheduled to run about 9 weeks. It opened on 03/06 and should be very near finishing 05/08-09. So, even if it ran over by a week - it would still end before June when Durelin wants to start the 'Bloodstained Elanor" game.

So, you should be fine if you want to play in this game.

~*~ Pio