Island of Sorrow Planning/Discussion Thread

[Anguirel]

Dwarves? Lord above. Pio or Envinyatur, any chance of a PM or a post here elucidating that you've thought out...?

[Envinyatar]

the Smith, an essentially good-hearted but rather eccentric spirit who has been instructed by a mysterious female voice (coughbitterDivinercough) to "gather six pupils"...

Hmmm . . . well I probably misread your intent . . . working here in the dark and all . . .

But I thought perhaps we needed a flesh and blood sort of character to draw the group in. They are certainly not going to traffic with any more spirits, at least willingly. They would run back through the dark corridor, I should think - at least Orëmir would (and drag his brother back to boot)

I saw the Dwarven smith as a natural -- the Dwarves did do work for the Elves and being of a greedy nature, this Master Smith (or son of a son of a son of) who is good-hearted, but a bit eccentric in spirit (as I misunderstood it, apparently) could have been corrupted by the Diviner ah wel . . .

It was a short post, I'd be happy to change it . . . just let me know . . .

[Anguirel]

I don't necessarily see why they'd flee from all spirits on principle. Idrahil didn't double-cross them, nor the earlier guard-captain; good spirits about even with the Diviner and Ingir, malign elvish spirits.

But are you actually making the Master-Smith a Dwarf? This I'd really rather avoid. I listed him earlier with Elven coavaltar the Orcs feared, I've had him chanting an elvish incantation of Curufin's, and I also have him down in the background as being the tutor in smithying of Lindir...he's definitely a Noldo elf.

After my original pedantic, petty villain Diviner was turned-to great effect-into a sort of menacing goddess figure, like Jadis or Dark!Galadriel, I think I'd rather keep this Smith's race as I envisaged it, I'm afraid.

I'm perfectly happy, though, for you to encounter Dwarves, possibly even ones who know of and trust the Smith, unintentionally luring you into his tutelage and clutches. It might be a jolly and refreshing interlude in a small Dwarf cavern with a family of three or four, all that remains of the Naugrim workers. A nice calm before the storm haven moment. Would that be alright? I increasingly think it might be rather fun. Only I'd rather not take on these Dwarves myself, since I already have the Smith-who would like to play them? Would you, Envinyatur?

Tonight I'll take Malris and Tasa on the next stage of their journey and get them to the shore of the underground lake.

[Envinyatar]

I think I'll just rewrite my post - sans Dwarves.

Let me see what I can do.

[Anguirel]

A bit more about the Master Smith.

I had originally intended him as a way of giving Lindir and Child in particular a chance for fun and games-as I'd had him down as Lindir's mentor.

However, since Child's already had to handle the Diviner sub-plot, perhaps she'd prefer if he had some connection to the twins instead? Just a thought.

If we stick to the scheme then he will enroll you all as students but with Lindir as definite Teacher's Pet, mulling over old times. He will not use the Silver Fetters until he is utterly forced-they are a precaution he does not expect to need, though he assuredly eventually will. I think a bit of willing interaction might be interesting at first, but when you realise you're not allowed to leave...

As for his appearance-I was thinking he should look fully corporeal while working. If he stops working or puts his tools down for any reason he vanishes. Aside from that, typical black hair, grey eyes, tall height, broad shoulders, etc.

[Child of the 7th Age]

However, since Child's already had to handle the Diviner sub-plot, perhaps she'd prefer if he had some connection to the twins instead? Just a thought.

I am flexible and can go either way on this. Whatever you decide is fine. Do remember though that Lindir has not done any metalwork for thousands of years--not since he was involved in the crafting of the lesser rings and was at least an observer in terms of the creation of the ruling Ring. (Lindir has had definite second thoughts about what happened in those years, which accounts for the fact that he has worked as a scout rather than a craftsman.)

I am not sure his mentor will be terribly happy when he learns that his pupil has turned his back on the craft. In fact, he may be downright angry!

Interestingly, Lindir has occasionally thought in this story about getting his hand back into his craft again. But the particular character you've set in front of us may/will give the poor fellow serious second thoughts. It seems those Noldor Elves who are caught up in the urge to create often are a bit off base and leave one with serious doubts about their ability to see right from wrong.

Just let me know how you decide to go with this. I have been tied up with other things, but my schedule has opened up. I'll look over the game tomorrow.

[Anguirel]

Pio-excellent initiative taken, but I have to pull you up a bit. Nelyafinwe is Maedhros' own father-name. The Smith was announcing his continued loyalty to Maedhros, not introducing himself. So we'll have to find another name for the Smith...I'll produce one if you like.

Other than that...brilliant!

[piosenniel]

Edit done . . .

[Child of the 7th Age]

I have finished off the Mandos subplot by inserting my post in #242.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Second save filled.

Lindir is quite good at sniffing out evil, and he does not trust the Elven smith at all!

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Oh dear... poor Tasa's not having a very good day. Again. Unconscious now. The voice seems excited to kill something.

This okay, Ang? And sorry it took so much longer than expected.

[Anguirel]

Two episodes written-Malris fights something very nasty but finds hope. The Smith offers the pals a drink and asks them if they've been hearing any ong lately and what they think of it.

In terms of the overall picture, we're now about halfway through the fourth day of the journey. Tomorrow (in RP time) is the big day of action, finding the secret passage into the keep, the former dwelling of Maedhros and Maglor, via the dungeons, and it's likely some of us won't survive it. On the sixth day the survivors go back to Mithlond, and thence to Valinor.

What remains of today is the Fab Four getting trapped by the Smith to whatever extent is necessary, Malris and Tasa finding their way there to, and a Great Escape.

[piosenniel]

Firefoot

Are you still with us?

~*~ Pio

[Firefoot]

Yes, sorry. I've been neglecting posting, and I really do need to. I have some time tonight; I'll try to work something out then.

[Anguirel]

I have my first AS exam tomorrow, but will endeavour to get a post up after it's over, where the Smith reaches the denouement of his story, and Malris gets aboard the raft...

[Anguirel]

Envinyatur, could you possibly delay the hauling until the Smith has finally finished his story and laid out his intent? The worst is yet to come...

Sorry, don't want to seem like I'm continually scuppering you.

[Envinyatar]

OK

SAVE deleted

[Anguirel]

Thanks a lot!

[Anguirel]

Save filled in! Now...bring on the dancing girls!

As it were.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Save filled. Fit your requirements for dancing girls, Ang? I couldn't help but add the thing with Cirlach pointing at her heart. I'm a sucker for superfluous stuff like that.

[Envinyatar]

Child

I've used Lindir a bit as we discussed.

Will Lómwë be able to make an escape attempt with us, Firefoot!

[piosenniel]

Hmmm . . . well perhaps someone should clunk Endamir on the head.

He'll try to resist. Though, all those years spent in the libraries at Rivendell may have softened his muscles a bit . . .

[Firefoot]

I deleted my save and just put up a post after pio's. Hope it works... Endamir might have a pretty nasty bump on the head, although I doubt Lomwe's going to be too sympathetic...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Just a note, I'm leaving town until at least Monday. See y'all when I get back.

[Anguirel]

I too am off for the weekend, I'm afraid. I have some celebrating to do. I'll try and get a Smith post up on Sunday night.

[Anguirel]

Save filled in. Only Lomwe is still at liberty physically and mentally...

[Envinyatar]

Anguirel -

About the Smith's powers and the seemingly magical fetters:

I can't speak for the others, but I would really like to write for the actions and feelings, etc. of my own character.

Can you make a different approach to this scene somehow, leave it open enough from your part as the Smith so that I can write my own character's reactions?

[Anguirel]

Will do. Sorry. Re-write as soon as poss. Hectic afternoon.

[Anguirel]

There. Greatly improved from any point of view. And you can control your character's reactions.

I'm now entering a period of extremely intense revision followed by a burst of hard work. I can't contribute for about a week. Would a break be suitable here, or would pio like to take over the management of the Smith? A struggle could easily last till I'm back.

By the way, you are going to have to end up chained up, though you can give a good account of yourselves. Malris and Tasa, unlikely as it may seem, are going to end up getting the chance to be the cavalry.

I'll see if I can bring the fight with the Lake Beastie to a close before I go.

Awfully sorry, but I love Latin, and have been lazy/dilettante hitherto, and don't want to make a mess of my potentially best subject...

[piosenniel]

Proceed as you wish, E.

~*~ Pio

[Envinyatar]

Good game! Enjoyed playing with you all.

- E -

[piosenniel]

Endamir, I fear, has fallen too much under the influence of the Smith's will and the wine . . .

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Nice one, Envinyatar. Great working with you, even though our characters didn't interact a whole lot. Hope to write with you again.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Real life just claimed a lot more time than I expected it to have done. Please don't expect any Tasa posts for at least two weeks. At least.

[Anguirel]

Goodness. What...surprises...have been shown in store for me on my return...

It was fun playing with you, Envinyatur, and without you this game would have been far more colourless up to this point.

Fea, your absence will be quite tricky-can I carry Tasa to some extent?

I'll get up a post finishing Malris and Tasa's struggle with the Beast today. As well as the Smith's reaction to having his potential stuidents lessened by death...most disquieting...

[Child of the 7th Age]

Envinyatar,

I shall be sorry to see you go. Hopefully we will write together in another story.

________________________

Lindir's post is up.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Ang- go ahead. Just don't finish the game without me, please? Even if it means PMing me frantically and saying "Fea, we're ending! Come back!!!!" Tasa's got a few things to do before the end.

[piosenniel]

Anguirel

I've moved my post so that you needn't seem to be double-posting.

Child of the 7th Age's character has addressed the Smith HERE .

I think we should get the storyline moving along with an answer to Lindir.

And perhaps Malris and Tasa need to get moving so that the captivity of their other 3 companions can be resolved.

~*~ Pio

[Anguirel]

Right. Now exams are over I'll speedily get into action.

By the way-since we've already had one death, shall I reduce the planned dangers facing us on the morrow somewhat?

I'll put a Smith SAVE up-should be filled in today

[piosenniel]

Not sure what dangers you had planned . . . but if Endamir comes out of his fog - he would most likely be quite out of his mind with grief and be an excellent candidate for doing something rash and getting killed.