On Patrol Discussion

[Bêthberry]

*wipes sweat from brow and looks relieved*

Thank you, thank you, Birdie, for your morphing post!

I have just returned from a backyard BBQ party during which I spent half the time wondering just how to 'heal' an insect--in between bouts of swatting various insects common at such feasts. *grins* I had got as far as something along the lines of "Well ... I've heard ... but I've never ... Umm, grubs?"

Now a human form I can think I can handle! See you shortly On Patrol.

Bethberry

[Naaramare]

Jumping back in after my absence . . . I attempted to keep everything I missed straight, I apologize if I failed! ^^;;;

[VanimaEdhel]

My last day! Just doing my last upgrades. Take good care of my characters for me while I'm gone...

*Bows* Forgive my intrusion, good people, but Gandalf_theGrey and Bethberry, please check you're pms. I'm not sure if my messages came through, seeing as my computer messed up. Good day!

Regards,
Aglod [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[Gandalf_theGrey]

Birdland:

Either way, it makes for a more suspenseful story. Eventually, one way or another you'll find out what some of those other parchments contained that your character could have chowed down instead ... [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Vanima Edhel:

Enjoy your vacation. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Meanwhile, we'll await your return ... what will we do without our famously poetic Elvish minstrels Meneli and Estelarion?

Naaramare:

Good to have you back. Am glad to see you're posting again. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

~~ Gandalf the Grey

[Gandalf_theGrey]

Hullo All:

Just to let you know that I expect to be around to post to the RPG later tonight. I still haven't made dinner yet, and then I need to leave the apartment for a little bit, but I shall return.

What's been keeping me away from the computer recently? Here, finally, is my announcement:

* drumroll please *
...
.....
.......

I've just started a new job! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

What with my new schedule, I'm not able to log onto the computer for personal reasons during the business day. With any luck, I'll be able to check in at the Barrow Downs over a lunch break, but I'm not sure if my company will allow it. However, I fully intend to remain active here, both at On Patrol and the Barrow Downs in general.

Gandalf the Grey

[Orofacion of the Vanyar]

Congrads Gandalf on your new job!!!

So this is where you've been lurking about lately. Well glad to see you still kickin' and I look forward to your posts, especially this council.

Oro

(Will delete: Gandalf, I have replied to your PM. I am sorry ahead of time.)

[Birdland]

Congrats on your new job, Gandalf!

I'm sure you'll be a "wizard" at it. (Sorry. Couldn't resist. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] )

[Bêthberry]

All,

Too tired now to post. Don't let my OOC "marking" post stop any of you from posting. All I will do is some character detail.

Gandalf,

You know you already have my congratulations about the new job! *beaming smile*

Bethberry

[ July 26, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]

[Naaramare]

Congrats, Gandalf! ^^

[piosenniel]

Congratulations, Gandalf!

Should we be worried about the letter that Bird ate? Will there be trouble coming from that?

[The Fifth]

Congratulations, Gandy! I am still wandering around this thread. Oh, and what a nice pun, Birdland. Wink wink. Wink.

[Gandalf_theGrey]

Orofacion of the Vanyar, Birdland, Bethberry, Naaramare, piosenniel, The Fifth:

Many thanks to you all for your well wishes. * bows gratefully * [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

As to piosenniel's question: "Should we be worried about the letter that Bird ate? Will there be trouble coming from that?" ...

... Only time will tell. (I could always roll dice, I suppose. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]) It sure puts a new spin on things for me personally, however. I'd been kicking around the idea that when this particular "On Patrol" RPG ends at Tharbad, that I might start a new RPG dealing with a journey to Lothlorien. An alternative idea would be that when the "On Patrol" RPG ends, I could start a new RPG dealing with Maladil Castle. A third idea would be for me to start an "On Patrol II, The Continuing Adventures" at some point.

In any event, I foresee taking a bit of a break in between the ending of On Patrol and the beginning of a new RPG, maybe even a break of several weeks ... but methinks the best thing to do is play it by ear.

Fifth:

Just wanted to say I like your new wraith pics! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

~~ Gandalf the Grey

[Birdland]

Just "scooching" the Discussion thread up to the first page, so that it doesn't get lost. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[Bêthberry]

Greetings All,

Here's a heads up. Starting this Saturday, I will be away from regular computer access until August 22/02. I might have some random access next week, and some on the 10th and 11th, but after that most likely none until I return home. (I'm being brave about this and have not contacted Net Anon. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] )

I trust all of you good readers to carry my character while I am gone. Mind now, I don't expect to come back to any bloody sword fights. Or weddings. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Bethberry

[Gandalf_theGrey]

Birdland:

Thanks for acting as our guide (or is it compass) and keeping this thread findable. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Bethberry:

Fare thee well on your travels away from the net, my good friend. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Your presence will be sorely missed, and I already look forward to your return. * bows *

piosenniel:

Thanks so much for posting those three enjoyable RPG-story installments of such stellar high quality. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] I look forward to posting to the RPG this weekend. I'm supposed to go to a friend's company picnic Friday after work, but I should definitely have time this weekend.

~~ Gandalf the Grey

[ August 02, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[piosenniel]

FYI everyone - the coin that Olo finds is from Umbar. Corsair ship on one side/a pic of Castamir the Usurper on the other.

[piosenniel]

I'll be gone until late next Tuesday - demands of work and a conference to attend. Please use my 2 characters gently until then.

[Gandalf_theGrey]

piosenniel:

Hurry back! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

All:

Short characterization footnote about Podo Cotton, regarding the clever plot twist where Olo finds a gold coin dropped out of Podo's money-box and spends it on new clothes for Bird: (Well done by piosenniel: and Birdland, btw!) [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

If Podo were to find out what happened to his gold piece, he would be okay with it. If Olo had succeeded in getting Podo's attention and tried to return the gold piece, Podo would've just smiled and said, "Ah, keep it. Buy a round of drinks on me." A year ago at this time, Podo was a simple, honest country Hobbit whose biggest vice was thinking up practical jokes that he was always too chicken to put into practice, lest he be thought too adventurous. It was only after being approached by some Big Folk just outside Gondor some months ago that Podo decided to increase his profit by selling all his tobacco to an anonymous buyer, carrying extra cargo, and not asking questions.

[Gandalf_theGrey]

All:

Am currently out of town, using a borrowed computer. Two quick comments, because once I'm done breaking up sword fights and in between watching the meteor shower and being looked at through a huge magnifying glass, I'll have a better ability to think and post at the same time. (long story, but yes, it does involve visiting my niece and nephew!)

1) I think I have an idea about the whole shell game thing ... please don't end it yet!

2) Actually, I'd thought Agluchel was the name of the Ranger who was carrying the letter from Elrond to Galadriel that got eaten by Birdie in neeker-breeker form.

3) (okay, three comments!) [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Am wondering whether the misspellings of Podo's name are intentional and part of the storyline ... if so, it's all good.

Be back and posting soon,

Gandalf the Grey

[Birdland]

RE: Podo - Oooops. My bad! I didn't check the spelling and/or misremembered the name.

RE: Ranger - I thought the Ranger who escorted Holly and Olo back to the inn, and the one whose satchel I raided were one and the same. I'll leave you and Pio to sort it out.

Lucky you to see the meteor showers. I'm so in the city that everything gets washed out.

HOWEVER: I got to add an albino house sparrow to my life list last week, Gandy. Top that! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[Gandalf_theGrey]

Birdland:

Does the garganey I saw in May beat your albino house sparrow? [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

(Kids have been taken home to their house, and so am going out again to make a better attempt to see meteors ... although I don't believe tonight is peak, in any case.)

Besides the garganey, btw, when it comes to bird sightings ... add to this evening's festivities of sword fights and magnifying glasses ... a bat flying around in circles trapped in our locked garage with all the lights on, the better so everybody can see it and scream their lungs out. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

As for Agluchel and Vorondil, am sure we can sort it out to everybody's satisfaction somehow or another ...

Leaving again, but I Shall Return. * bows *

Gandalf the Grey

[piosenniel]

I thought the ranger who kept bringing us back to the inn was a different one from the ranger with the satchel of messages.

I'll go back and re-read, but I do know there were more than just that one ranger within the perimeter of the inn.

[Birdland]

OK, I got my Rangers in a row, now, (those Dunedain sooo all look alike!) and I have corrected my post.

Hmmmmm. No Gargany. But have you ever seen a Piliated Woodpecker leading her fledglings to feed on dogwood berries? (A distant banjo strikes up the tune of "Dueling Birdwatchers".)

BTW Gandalf - You are a very, very bad Wizard!

[Gandalf_theGrey]

All:

Just a quick note to let you know that I'm still out of town, and posting from a borrowed computer. This means that I need to share my computer time, and might not be able to post to the RPG as quickly as I'd like ... so please don't get too far ahead of me in my absence! Am definitely thinking up ways to respond to the new intriguing scenarios that have arisen, and will post as soon as I'm able.

Also, if anyone would like to collaborate with me on any of the new plot twists through Private Messages, please feel welcome.

Birdland:

No, can't say as I've ever seen a mother pileated woodpecker leading her younguns to a food source. However, this spring, while viewing a pair of adult meadowlarks through binoculars, I inwardly wished that I could somehow get closer to meadowlarks like these ... Immediately thereafter, I heard a peeping directly underneath my feet! Seems I'd been standing right on top of a meadowlark nest the whole time! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] (I just hope I didn't damage any of the young larks inadvertantly.)

Gandalf the Grey

[piosenniel]

Bird -

AN old man cocked his ear upon a bridge;
He and his friend, their faces to the South,
Had trod the uneven road. Their boots were soiled,
Their Connemara cloth worn out of shape;
They had kept a steady pace as though their beds,
Despite a dwindling and late risen moon,
Were distant. An old man cocked his ear.

Aherne: What made that sound?

Robartes: A rat or water-hen
Splashed, or an otter slid into the stream.

The Phases of the Moon

[Birdland]

(Birdie steps up on her soapbox)

Good People! What has happened to accepting personal responsibility in Middle-Earth?
Surely the good Boffins and Baggins, Bracegirdles and Proudfoots, should not be reduced to the state of "victimhood" because they freely chose to participate in a wagering game under "house rules"?

And in a savage land, where brute force and "might makes right" are the order of the day, is it so wrong the we, of the "weaker sex", should use our minds and skills in order to make our way in a world wHere our rights are few, and the dangers many?

Yay, even as Good Bethberry harvests the fruits of Middle Earth in order to insure her own survival, making always sure that enough is left behind for others to share, (though could it not be said that the bees of the hive might have good cause to object to the taking of their honey?), so too does poor Birdie take only what she needs, leaving behind enough for others to survive, as well as offering a brief respite from the drudgery and toil which is the fate of most of the good citizens of Middle Earth.

And does not Birdie, by applying herself to learning feats of skill and an ancient trade, ensure that she will always live up to the Code of the Skin-Changers, which forbids her from using her natal talents for nefarious purposes?

So do not judge too harshly the actions of this poor skin-changer, 'lest you would all look to your own actions, before you would be assessed in the halls of Mandos. After all, if you prick a skin-changer, does she not bleed? (Well, not always, but most of the time!)

Oh, and Gandalf - I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!

[ August 11, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

[Birdland]

Pio - Thanks for the quote. Boy, that lil' water rat gets around!

Where dips the rocky highland
Of Sleuth Wood in the lake,
There lies a leafy island
Where flapping herons wake
The drowsy water rats;
There we've hid our faery vats,
Full of berrys
And of reddest stolen cherries...

[Bêthberry]

All,

I am off again, to the skies this time rather than the highway and most likely won't have any computer access until I return on the 22nd. In my absence, Gandalf the Grey will carry my character, as he knows 'her' best.

I trust there will be adventures left for me when I return. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

*curtsies civilly*
Bethberry

[ August 11, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]

[Orofacion of the Vanyar]

All,

My apologies for being absent for such a long time, but this summer has been extremely frantic and stressful. It's good to see the RP still going and I am greatly intruiged at the new drama that has arisen with Birdie.

[Gandalf_theGrey]

All:

Please feel free to resume posting normally, as much and as often as you wish! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Orofacion of the Vanyar:

Welcome back. Indeed, Birdland's plot twist is an intriguing one. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

piosenniel:

Pretty soon now in the story I plan to have Gandalf return to the Trade Inn and discover the note that Holly left for him. All's well that ends well, and all. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Thank you all for bearing with me patiently today! * grateful bow *

At your Service,

Gandalf the Grey

[Bêthberry]

Well, I'm back. (with apologies to Sam, as that is more fitting than can be imagined)

Thank you, Gandalf, for the wonderful surprise and great honour to my character. I had never thought of Bethberry as a kind of ranger character, but in your astute perception, I can now see many other possibilities for her. *bows with great friendship and gratitude* It is becoming quite intriguing also with Podo and Esmerelda and Merry. Our plot thickens, I guess we could say, although that reeks of cliche.

It is good to see the RP continuing despite the summer demands and responsibilities. *waves to Orofacion* I still have many time-consuming priorities and family responsibilities to complete before I can jump back into the full swing of things, but I do hope to get in at least one post today or tomorrow, keeping in mind the new "four line" requirement (or is it "four sentence"?) -- not that "On Patrol" could ever be criticized as not being a substantial RP! *pats without any modesty or humility all the Patrollers on the back*

*waves hello also to piosennial and Birdland*

Bethberry

[Birdland]

Welcome back, Bethberry. Hope you had a great time.

Yes, we are a wordy bunch. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[piosenniel]

Worthy! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Why thank you!

Oh, you said 'wordy'?! - well, thank you, any way!! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

I will be gone until next Tuesday. See you then! -- Pio

**** Welcome Back, Bethberry! ****

[Gandalf_theGrey]

Bethberry:

Welcome back! * returns your bow of friendship * [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] I look forward to seeing what direction you'll take based on your well-earned rank of Honorary Ranger. As for Podo, Esmerelda, Merry, and Hardwin for that matter, I'm envisioning their subplot more as a way of introducing Podo and Esmerelda than anything else, the better for these two characters to possibly appear in a future RPG. But who knows what will happen?

piosenniel:

Aauugghh, this figures. Just when someone returns to the RPG, someone else leaves! [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] Enjoy your time away and I'll look forward to seeing you back on Tuesday! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Meanwhile, your presence will be missed. Farewell for now, my friend. * bows with all best wishes to you *

Birdland:

Ready? [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] [Related note to everyone else: Those of us at the Trade Inn at Sarn Ford can not leave the Trade Inn if we're journeying together until ... until ... well, you'll see! Feel free to post as you wish, keeping that one caution in mind.] This should be fun ...

Gandalf the Grey

[ August 23, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]

[Birdland]

Bring it on! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[VanimaEdhel]

Na vedui amin entulon (At end I return)!

I'll go see what I missed and jump back in if you guys don't mind!

[Bêthberry]

Thanks, Birdie, for making that change. I hope that by next week, when my children are back at school, that I will have more consistent and regular access to the Net and to the RP.

Podo, Esmerelda, and Merry will make an appearance later today.

Speaking of RPs, your new one looks mighty fine. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Bethberry

[Child of the 7th Age]

Gandalf, Bethberry, Bird, Pio and all,

You folk have a great RPG going on here. I have been tempted to join more than once, and I did skim over the whole thread. But, it would be awfully hard to pick up at this point when so much has happened. I'm not even sure who all the characters are!

If you ever conclude this and start a new one, let me know as I'd enjoy playing along.
(If wordiness is a requirement, I definitely qualify. Just ask Bird and Pio! (Small hobbit blows out many puffs of good hot air!)

Meanwhile, have a good trip!

sharon, the 7th age hobbit

[ August 26, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

[Gandalf_theGrey]

Vanima Edhel:

Welcome back! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Bethberry:

Looking forward to seeing where you take Podo, Esmerelda, and Merry! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] I also hope to see you join Birdland's new RPG.

Child of the 7th Age:

Many thanks for the compliments! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] You'll definitely be welcome to join the upcoming Maladil Castle RPG.

At your Service,

~~ Gandalf the Grey