Eorling Mead Hall Planning/Discussion Thread

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Folwren

My dear carpenters!! (That is, Celuien and Nogrod.) How far along do you two suppose the kitchen is at this point? And in what state of repair (or disrepair) is the rest of the building in?

Hard to say...

After we jumped in time, I wrote that the oven was ready but the fireplace still needed some work. I also wrote that the timber had arrived and that Stigend had started working on it. So basically I think everything is still unfinished (no new walls at least has been hoisted yet - if not the firewall behind and around the oven which possibly is already made?).

Is the kitchen only thing that has been changed in the floor plan? We removed it from the main building by ten paces or so? Attached by a wide corridor or hall, correct? And the said corridor opens into the great Hall, I would assume. Am I right?

If the kitchen is removed (as I understood it will be), it will need new walls to all its sides. Surely none has been made yet as Stigend is only preparing the timber now. The corridor-stuff sounds familiar from the planning session, but what was the final verdict on it, I'm not sure...

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Kath

Form, Kara's a little bored and looking for a chat. Would Náin like to oblige?

With a good will. Well, a good will from me... and possibly less so from Náin, though his ill mood should blow over soon enough.

Write away. I have no plans at all.

[Folwren]

Greetings everyone!

Tomorrow morning very early we are starting out on a very long trip. When we arrive at our destination, after a two day drive, I am not sure how immediately I'll be getting access, and if I do get access, just how much I'll get. I may or may not have time to write.

Celuien, your character and mine are tied up in a conversation at the moment. If you do not hear from me by Monday morning, you can finish up the conversation as you see fit and have Garmund pass.

I hope that sometime into vacation I'll have some more time at the computer and be able to write about Medreth's coming to the hall.

We'll see what happens, I guess. . .

-- Folwren

[littlemanpoet]

I'm going camping this weekend, so no computer access until Sunday evening. Therefore no posts from me until then.

[Celuien]

Originally Posted by Folwren

Celuien, your character and mine are tied up in a conversation at the moment. If you do not hear from me by Monday morning, you can finish up the conversation as you see fit and have Garmund pass.

So noted.

[Kath]

Ok Form, I've written. Lets see if Náin is agreeable to Kara's idea.

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Kath

Ok Form, I've written. Lets see if Náin is agreeable to Kara's idea.

I rather think he will be- the exploration companion end of things, anyway. At 58ish, I rather think he's beyond learning to cook decently... but we'll see.

No post now, but soon enough...

[Thinlómien]

Sorry for being so slow, but I'll write a post tomorrow.

[Thinlómien]

I'm terribly sorry Fea, but unfortunately I can't write the post today... Bad timing and maternal authorities prevent it...

I promise to do the post tomorrow, however. Hopefully you don't miss Saeri too much...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

No worries. I've just spent an unexpected weekend on top of a mountain in Vermont. If I'm the sort of lass to disappear, how can I blame anyone else for it?

On a nice note, I'm back. For an extended period.

[littlemanpoet]

Ooh oooh ooh! The Cat (Eodwine) is away and immediately the Mouse (Falco) doth begin to play....

Jus' a wee bit of a prob..... Falco may have an idea what fun thing to do, but Elempi's having trouble reading his mind, if you catch my drift... Any ideas? The only thing I can think of is to go pony or horseback riding, the three of them, with Garstan's blessing of course, right to the outskirts of Edoras even, maybe, or something.....some destination there that Falco wants to show Garmund because he knows the boy would really love it. If you have a better idea just say so.

[Celuien]

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

Jus' a wee bit of a prob..... Falco may have an idea what fun thing to do, but Elempi's having trouble reading his mind, if you catch my drift... Any ideas? The only thing I can think of is to go pony or horseback riding, the three of them, with Garstan's blessing of course, right to the outskirts of Edoras even, maybe, or something.....some destination there that Falco wants to show Garmund because he knows the boy would really love it. If you have a better idea just say so.

That sounds good. If I come up with something else later (as in after work and line dancing class tonight), I'll post it here.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

If you adventurers care to recruit Saeryn's aid, I'm sure she can find all manner of things to help in the adventure. Including sweets for later.

[Celuien]

Originally Posted by Feanor of the Peredhil

If you adventurers care to recruit Saeryn's aid, I'm sure she can find all manner of things to help in the adventure. Including sweets for later.

Ooh! Sweets!

[JennyHallu]

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Absolutely no idea what to do with my characters right now, and haven't felt like creating filler material. Have any of Marenil's suggestions been carried out despite his lack of employment, LMP?

[littlemanpoet]

Pens have been built and animals bought in to populate the front space between Hall and road. A house for the Ladies is in the plans after the kitchen is completed. Fees from the markets is being looked into all over again this very Day by Eodwine. That would be about a month's worthy, I think.

[Firefoot]

So does that mean that some kind of small paddock for the horses would already have been built as well? If so, I'm going to have to go back and edit my last post.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Originally Posted by Firefoot

So does that mean that some kind of small paddock for the horses would already have been built as well? If so, I'm going to have to go back and edit my last post.

Not necessarily. Though they'd have room to move around and all, chance has it that they'd still not be exercised nearly as much as should be.

Then again, most of our folks, or at least a lot of them, are Rohirric. I can't see them neglecting their animals. So even if we don't write that our characters are cosseting their babies, they still probably would be... right?

My post seems to have no point.

[Firefoot]

Quite possibly?

The other thing that I had started wondering about was how much it was Leof's responsibility to exercise the horses - part of it might depend on whose they are (I know in the AiE, someone wrote there to be 15 - I can count Eodwine's, Leof's, Garwine's, Linduial's, Marenil's, and Manawyth's - that leaves 9 - belonging to the Eorl? belonging to people having them boarded? I would think that if they belonged to people having them boarded, they wouldn't be kept in the city unless they were used at least fairly often...), but as I initially understood it, an ostler would be responsible for feed, grooming, stable upkeep, etc. Is exercise really one of those duties as well?

[littlemanpoet]

I don't know if exercise is part of the ostler's job or not. I fear I don't have time to research it right now either. Could you check that out, Firefoot?

No paddock yet. So keep that going all you like, Ff.

[Firefoot]

I looked around the other day, but couldn't really find anything about an ostler's duties except a generic caring for horses. Maybe I'll have another look tomorrow sometime.

[Kath]

Form I'm going to the Peak District for a week as you'll know from ATM. I may have net access but I don't know. If not then I don't mind if you have Kara answer you if you need to get out of the kitchen or if you wait til I return.

[littlemanpoet]

Originally Posted by Kath

Form I'm going to the Peak District for a week

Lucky.

No fair.

I was there for all of about six hours and wished for about 162 more. Enjoy!

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Kath

Form I'm going to the Peak District for a week as you'll know from ATM. I may have net access but I don't know. If not then I don't mind if you have Kara answer you if you need to get out of the kitchen or if you wait til I return.

Actually, it's fine with me if we leave things where they are, for now. I'm starting college next week, and I don't predict much Internet access (if any) this upcoming first week. So a brief hiatus works for me. Assuming that the same day is still open, we can take it up in a week or so- or if we've moved on to a different day/week/month, then we can follow up with a later episode.

[littlemanpoet]

I've posted up for Falco.

That means both Folwren and Celuien need to respond for their characters, or come to an agreement as to what one will have the other put in her character's mouth.

I don't think there are any ponies that anyone has written about, but there's no way Falco would have come all the way down from the Shire on foot while Eodwine road Flíthaf, so Falco obviously has a pony, who will be named, ...... oh ...... , "Nibble". See, Nibble has a weakness for human clothing and bits of flesh that stick out, like ears..... ask Léof, he knows.

So anyway, Thornden can go have Leof get the mounts ready while Garmund leads Falco to his dad. Sound good?

[Nogrod]

I managed to write a post yesterday by hand in the neighbouring pub (good way to relax after a hard day at work) but haven't had time to write it down here yet - and tomorrow looks dangerously busy too. So I don't have anything against continuing this slow developement for a few more days still.

But just to inform you about the post I'm putting in soon enough, hopefully.

It happens about simultaneosly with this "scheming" on behalf of Garmund. Stigend will notice that Garmund is away and goes to have a talk with Leothern and Cnebba who still play the game. He understands something of the problem and tells them to go and make an apology to Garmund. He then promises that if everything will be settled, he can arrange an adventure to all the kids in the evening (not so great than Falco had in mind, surely). To himself he promises to raise the issue with Garstan during the next break they will have that day, maybe ask for him to accompany them to their adventure.

So there will be nicely crossing plans (as people do not know the intentions of others) and we can see what the outcome will be...

[littlemanpoet]

This may seem like the right thing for Stigend to do, Nogrod, but I'd like to suggest something. Before I do, let me make clear that I'm NOT telling you not to do what you've planned.

What I'd like to suggest is that CONFLICT is always good for a story. Makes it more interesting, raising the "stakes" higher. By rectifying this little child scuffle here and now before it becomes something more .... er ..... interesting, you may be short-circuiting story writing possibilities. Though no fun in real life, conflict in stories is GOOD.

Seeing as Celuien started this general subplot, I'm interested to hear her thoughts on the matter.

[Celuien]

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

Seeing as Celuien started this general subplot, I'm interested to hear her thoughts on the matter.

Well, this subplot was Noggie's idea. The first post just fell to me.

I'd really like to continue having some friction between the children, if that's okay with Nogrod and Lommy. It does make things more interesting.

That said, I thought of an angle where the post could actually raise the tensions between Cnebba and Garmund.

I remember hating being forced to apologize for something, especially if I didn't feel like I really did anything terribly wrong. Garmund's competition for his sister's attention is understandable, but I've been making him overreact a little bit. I don't know all the details of Cnebba and Lèoðern's behavior, but if it has all been similar to the morning, where the worst thing that happened was that they beat Garmund at marbles, Garmund is definitely overreacting. Being 9, I doubt he has the maturity to realize it. As for Lèoðern, she doesn't understand rivalries yet. She would be puzzled, apologize wholeheartedly if asked, then probably laugh and start off on her usual silliness.

If Cnebba is annoyed by apologizing for something he hasn't really been at fault for (which I don't know - would he be upset?), it could have the effect of driving the rivalry under the surface and intensifying the problem. I know Garmund won't let go quite so easily, and the slightest provocation after a done-to-please-dad apology from Cnebba would really set Garmund off. If Cnebba were to be completely sincere about apologizing, which would placate Garmund, I'd rather that the parents remain in the dark for now and let the problem simmer until things really come to a head between the boys.

What do you think, Nogrod?

[Nogrod]

Well, this subplot was Noggie's idea. The first post just fell to me.

I wouldn't call it a subplot, but however...

I'd really like to continue having some friction between the children, if that's okay with Nogrod and Lommy. It does make things more interesting.

I agree with you and lmp here. And I thought I was not giving any "solutions". Basically my post would just confuse the matters - and depending on the timing, making the things even worse...

Just think: Leothern and Cnebba realising that they have done something wrong (even very superficially) and trying to apologise just to see that Garmud is having this trek of his to the ruins with Falco & others!

- How jealous would they be, and what would they plot against him then!
- How Stigend and Garstan would have hard times to trying to solve the matters?
- And surely Stigend's idea of the adventure of the evening is born dead (I have written it with that in mind) as Garmund has a lot more interesting adventure to have! So it also makes Stigend frustrated: he tries to solve the problem of the kids but others intervene and act quicker on behalf of one of the kids, not looking to the best interest of them all - oh, that moral resentment Stigend would feel towards Falco and Thornden for meddling with the affair without better knowledge of the situation (and his own shame of being late with all of this as the "strangers" got to act first).

I mean anything. Lots of tensions...

So should we write this in away where Stigend is a bit late with his proposal of peace-making and Garmund is already getting off / has already gone with Falco & others? That could make Leothern and Cnebba confused and angry & and make it harder for Stigend (Modtryth) and Garstan to solve (after Garstan has given Garmud a leave to go with the company without knowing that Stigend has talked to Leothern and Cnebba)?

What do you think? I still think my post fits this storyline, but do you accept it?

[Celuien]

I like it. Just so long as everyone isn't back to being nice and normal.

And Lèoðern won't do anything mean. She's mischievous and doesn't think before acting, but not delibrately cruel. So while she would be willing to play a joke on her brother to get even, she wouldn't do anything sneaky.

[Kath]

I'm back. Form I'll get a reply up but don't worry about a speedy answer on your part, I've a lot of things to catch up with!

I was there for all of about six hours and wished for about 162 more. Enjoy!

Agreed lmp. It's the most fun I've had for a long time, bar the rain!

[Nogrod]

I finally got time to wrap my post up. Just a few questions.

lmp: Your last post states that Stigend is with as the party is taking the leave. It probably won't be okay. My post should happen about simultaneously with that. My post sends the kids to search for Garmund and surely they would have to be a bit late not to meet him but just to hear that he has gone to his "adventure". So should we delete Stigend from your post? All this could have happened without Stigend knowing as he is now working alone at the farther corner of the Alder court trimming the timber as Garstan is near the Hall making the last brickworks. (Though they would surely still share the pauses to socialise?)

Celuien: Hopefully I have handled Leothern well enough. If not, please inform me about it. But what is this?

I like it. Just so long as everyone isn't back to being nice and normal.

Yay! You are so mean!

[Celuien]

Originally Posted by Nogrod

Hopefully I have handled Leothern well enough.

Looks great.

Originally Posted by Nogrod

You are so mean!

Moi? Never.

[Folwren]

I'm back and I'd like to apologize to everyone. After planning on introducing Thornden's sister, I run off on vacation and end up not having any computer. I am so sorry, but it was quite unexpected.

If you will, please tell me where exactly in the day time it is so that I don't have to read ALL the posts and will catch up as quickly as possible.

EDIT: Oh, Elmpi, how wonderful! A ride out to some ruins! That is excitingly fun.

However, in doing so, you have landed Thornden into quite a pickle with his sister. This shall be humorous, her arriving while he's gone. I highly doubt the boys will spend less than an hour or two roaming the ruins. What fun! Ruins! Is it a castle, or an old, abandoned stone house? How far from Edoras do you suppose it should be? What sort if landscape is it in?

-- Folwren

[littlemanpoet]

It's mid-morning.

My thought was that it's perhaps a mile or so outside of Edoras, and happens to be an old, old Numenorean ruin right back against the mountain, hidden in a copse of trees (if a copse is big enough). To Numenoreans it would have been quite humble, and to an Eorlinga like Thornden rather impressive but very, very ruined and very, very ancient. To a Hobbit, BIG! To a boy, the stuff of dreams, no doubt!

If you've ever been to England, it's on a para with the old, old standing stones that are scattered throughout the island, except it's not standing stones, just 'that old', and the mouldering remains of an old way-station. Yeah. That's it. .... thus it would be no great surprise that a similar "way station" such as Edoras would be begun within a few miles of an ancient one. The lay of the land makes it suitable and all that. At least it's plausible, eh?

[Folwren]

Okay, sounds good.

I have never been to England, but I have seen many pictures and read books about old castles and ruins and whatnot. Besides that, America has it's old, ruined places.

I have two things in my head, I wonder if you could tell me which you think is more likely -

One is of seeing the old walls rising up some fifteen - twenty feet into the air, the empty windows gaping above the doorless doorway. Weeds and trees growing about and in the walls. The roof and much of the wall crumbled away, but still an obvious, standing structure, somewhat obscured by the greenery about it.

Or, there would be the even older ruins. Much more wild plantlife around, the wall only standing a foot or two above the ground and the place littered with fallen stones. In some places, some of the rooms still standing, but most of it level.

Or is it somewhere in between?

You said Numenorean, so it is very old?

Don't expect a post from me any earlier than tomorrow evening, maybe not even until Sunday. Go on then, if you so wish, and don't wait up for me!!

-- Folwren

[Thinlómien]

Originally Posted by Celuien

If Cnebba is annoyed by apologizing for something he hasn't really been at fault for (which I don't know - would he be upset?), it could have the effect of driving the rivalry under the surface and intensifying the problem. I know Garmund won't let go quite so easily, and the slightest provocation after a done-to-please-dad apology from Cnebba would really set Garmund off. If Cnebba were to be completely sincere about apologizing, which would placate Garmund, I'd rather that the parents remain in the dark for now and let the problem simmer until things really come to a head between the boys.

I think that is a good idea. When I get my internet access working properly, I promise to add my ideas to the children quarrel... Though you two seem to do well in it! Continue the same way, and if I have time and a working net access I'd gladly write some more problems for the children (and the parents)... *evil grin*

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I'll daydream at work [as per norm] and once I decide if Saeryn has any more pressing duties, I'll shoot in for a quick post. It might not be until tonight/tomorrow. Monday at the latest. I hate when other people structure my time for me.

[Kath]

Well I've finally got that reply up Form. No worries about a quick reply, I've two other RPGs to catch up on yet!

[littlemanpoet]

Originally Posted by Folwren

I have two things in my head, I wonder if you could tell me which you think is more likely -

One is of seeing the old walls rising up some fifteen - twenty feet into the air, the empty windows gaping above the doorless doorway. Weeds and trees growing about and in the walls. The roof and much of the wall crumbled away, but still an obvious, standing structure, somewhat obscured by the greenery about it.

Or, there would be the even older ruins. Much more wild plantlife around, the wall only standing a foot or two above the ground and the place littered with fallen stones. In some places, some of the rooms still standing, but most of it level.

Or is it somewhere in between?

You said Numenorean, so it is very old?

It's more like the second. My thinking is that it's thousands of years old, but very well made. So the thousands of years would have worked at it, but since it was well made, what's left would show signs of good craftsmanship. So go with your second "even older ruins".