Treachery of Men Discussion/Planning Thread - Page 25 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

piosenniel · 06-11-2008, 10:19 AM

Since all the players for the Ulfing sub-story have abandoned the game, except for Noinkling and myself, we’ve brought our little sub-plot this far:

HERE.....then.....HERE

Once the inquest is started my oldest male Ulfing and his two grown sons will attend. Noinkling’s character and mine will then discuss our opinions on the event. And before the Ulfings leave for the battle, our family group and that originally of bill_n_sam will leave the main group and head back east, away from the intrigue and the soon to be disaster.

At the end of the game, I’ll most likely wrap up our story with an epilog - a happier ending, I think, than comes ultimately to the rest of the Ulfings and the Borrim.

Lalaith · 06-11-2008, 11:28 AM

Out of interest...this is my first RPG so I don't know what the score is. Is 21 months a normal amount of time or was this an unusually drawn-out game?

Mithalwen · 06-11-2008, 12:25 PM

Very long .... I have just checked the ones I have been involved in and they were four to six months. Island of Sorrow was over a year though.

I think a lot depends on the structure of the story and the context. Darker Days was a relatively simple plot and because it didn't relate to the "known" history of Middle Earth the writers were not too restricted by "known historical facts". However Red flows the Sirannon came in at under six months despite the historical context but the plot was still simpler and had a lot of experienced players.

This kind of complex set up where there are lots of separate groups make it particularly hard to gain momentum....

I can only conclude that minimally historical journey style RPGs with only one or two groups are the easiest to keep going.. at least that is the way I shall go if I ever dare take the plunge...

Gwathagor · 06-11-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

All there needs to be for my posting is for Jord and Ulfast to connect with appropriate ramifications, including Jord finding out about Thorn and wanting to influence both Ulfast and Uldor in regard to Thorn.

I'll see what I can do on my end. I'm always scared of instigating events or situations, but I'll give it a shot.

Gwathagor · 06-11-2008, 11:00 PM

Voila, I post.

littlemanpoet · 06-13-2008, 07:29 PM

Foley, your turn unless Gwath wants Jord to show more initiative.

Folwren · 06-13-2008, 08:38 PM

K. Thanks for giving me the heads up.

Nogrod · 06-13-2008, 09:24 PM

I'll be bringing an end to Fastarr and Embla within 24 hours... I hope... Just to wrap it up as well - and Lalaith will have a veto on that...

littlemanpoet · 06-14-2008, 06:56 AM

I'll be very disappointed if Fastarr and Embla get killed.

Mithalwen · 06-14-2008, 09:38 AM

I probably won't be online till Monday now. I'll bring back L's body then or you can just have him arrive if it is easier!!!.

Nogrod · 06-14-2008, 08:16 PM

I managed to write an ending post for Embla and Fastarr but as there were so many things I'd like to hear Lalaith's POV on I sent it to her first to be corrected / revised / deleted...

But that hopefully is coming soon and then the two will be written off.

It has been a great game but possibly a bit too complicated as a story in this kind of forum. The several sub-plots just didn't catch fire similarily and then many people were forced to wait when they would have wished to write and were required writing when they hadn't a chance.

But a great story!

*Just wondering how good this could have been* (never do that, I know...

)

PS. Don't worry elempi, Embla and Fastarr will be fine!

Nogrod · 06-15-2008, 08:42 AM

Embla and Fastarr have left the story. So it's all wrapped up for me and Lalaith.

Thanks Lalaith! It was fun and a pleasure to wrote those characters with you!

littlemanpoet · 06-16-2008, 10:02 AM

Nice closing, Noggie and Lal.

Looks like Foley missed her chance and is off to camp until the weekend. Gwath, that makes it your turn.

Mithalwen · 06-16-2008, 11:31 AM

Sorry to be a pain in the proverbial, Nogrod, but we decided that it would be too undignified for Lachrandir's body to be carried on a horse. They are sending a wain for him. Tathren is waiting by the body with the horses and 2 servants.
When it arrives he will follow it back.

Nogrod · 06-16-2008, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

Sorry to be a pain in the proverbial, Nogrod, but we decided that it would be too undignified for Lachrandir's body to be carried on a horse.

Sorry Mith. I'll change that.

And in the end the two had run a considerable distance so they just follow the wain disappearing.

No problem.

EDIT: Done.

Lalaith · 06-17-2008, 06:02 PM

Nog's wrap-up for us was rather nice, wasn't it? That happy ending cheered me greatly during all the traumas of XLVII....

Gwathagor · 06-19-2008, 09:00 AM

Okay! I have posted, and hand the baton off to...Ulfast!

littlemanpoet · 06-29-2008, 07:12 AM

Back to you, Gwath. I added a little bit more to my last post, so please check it out.

littlemanpoet · 06-30-2008, 06:56 PM

Let's stop dragging our heals, folks.

If by July 7 posts don't get written that take Uldor and Ulfast (presumably with Jord listening in) to speaking with Thorn, I will kill Thorn off my own way and leave Ulfast to whomever wants to write for him.

Folwren · 06-30-2008, 07:22 PM

There. I brought it forward a little more. Maybe the ball will contiue rolling. I'm home for a few days yet.

-- Folwren

Gwathagor · 07-01-2008, 11:44 PM

I'll get a post in before Friday, when I'm leaving for a week.

Gwathagor · 07-02-2008, 10:01 PM

Post up.

Folwren · 07-06-2008, 01:33 PM

Hi. I wanted to post today, but it doesn't look like I'm getting the chance. I'll try to write something this week, but I'll be at camp, so I can't promise anything.

-- Folwren

Gwathagor · 07-13-2008, 03:56 AM

Great! Let's get Thorn good and dead for LMP, who has been really patient.

littlemanpoet · 07-13-2008, 06:55 AM

I'm wondering if a 3-way PM-built post might be a good idea between Gwath, Foley, and me; that would help us to include Uldor, Ulfast, Jord, and Thorn in more of a dialogue format. Let me know what you think.

Gwathagor · 07-13-2008, 10:39 AM

I'm game. Let's do it.

littlemanpoet · 07-13-2008, 07:52 PM

Okay, but it has to be Foley who starts it unless I change the ending of my last post so that Jord can interrupt Uldor. Which way do you want to proceed?

Folwren · 07-18-2008, 07:14 PM

Okay. Great. This is the first time I've read this thought. I'll start it as soon as I've energy to think. I'll get the beginning sent to you two as soon as possible. That is, tomorrow sometime.

Mithalwen · 08-04-2008, 01:45 PM

Just out of curiosity - is there any progress on this?

Folwren · 08-04-2008, 02:20 PM

Yes, there is. Slow but sure, a post is being built by PM between Gwath, Elempi, and myself.

Sorry it's taking so long.

-- Foley

Mithalwen · 08-05-2008, 06:13 AM

No that is fine ...just wondering ....

littlemanpoet · 08-09-2008, 12:37 PM

I decided to post the three way PM-built post between Foley, Gwath, and me, because it seemed like, as a post, it had reached a conclusion.

Gwath, I'll give you a day or two to post for Jord unless you prefer me to do so for Ulfast and/or Thorn.

Folwren · 08-10-2008, 12:50 PM

How long do you think until we can draw this to a close? We've got to hurry before someone talks Uldor into being reasonable and start listening to the truth.

We need to send Tathren back to Caranthir and then I believe once he is gone, we can draw it to a close, somehow.

What if...what if Uldor sent Tathren back, telling Caranthir that he would fight for him - almost fully intending to - but after the ambassador left, Jord somehow changed his mind? Right now, it feels to me as though Uldor is in a position of imbalance. He's not sure what to do, but Caranthir needs an answer. His oath compels him to swear allegiance, so he does, but temptation and fear later convinces him to commit treason.

Did that make sense?

Gwathagor · 08-10-2008, 03:31 PM

Yes, I think so. What sort of thing would be likely to persuade Uldor? He has been pretty resilient to Jord's promises of power and wealth, thus the speculation in my last post that Uldor would eventually be driven to serve Morgoth through his own pride and arrogance - rather than by any outward temptation.

littlemanpoet · 08-10-2008, 03:38 PM

Perhaps, Foley, it might be helpful to consider that Uldor doesn't have much of a conscience. He's too ambitious and ruthless and willing to lie to himself to believe what he wants to believe - such is the nature of evil - so the self-doubt you put in the tale end of that post could be quite temporary, and of course Jord could "sweeten" the temptation in whatever ways Gwath deems appropriate.

I can post for Ulfast and for Thorn early this week, maybe yet tonight. Then Gwath can post Thorn's death by Jord's hand (no doubt). And then things can wrap up as Foley suggested. Sound good?

Folwren · 08-10-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

Perhaps, Foley, it might be helpful to consider that Uldor doesn't have much of a conscience. He's too ambitious and ruthless and willing to lie to himself to believe what he wants to believe - such is the nature of evil - so the self-doubt you put in the tale end of that post could be quite temporary, and of course Jord could "sweeten" the temptation in whatever ways Gwath deems appropriate.

I guess so. I can work that. Right now, he's just wondering which is the best for himself - the elves or Morgoth?

Quote:

I can post for Ulfast and for Thorn early this week, maybe yet tonight. Then Gwath can post Thorn's death by Jord's hand (no doubt). And then things can wrap up as Foley suggested. Sound good?

Gosh, would Jord really want to kill Thorn when Uldor already has torture in mind?

littlemanpoet · 08-10-2008, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Folwren

Gosh, would Jord really want to kill Thorn when Uldor already has torture in mind?

Can Jord control herself enough not to commit the deed, especially when she can rationalize that her version of killing is a most exquisite torture?

And nobody said she had to do it fast.

Folwren · 08-10-2008, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

Can Jord control herself enough not to commit the deed, especially when she can rationalize that her version of killing is a most exquisite torture?

And nobody said she had to do it fast.

I guess Gwath's the only one who can answer that question. If I were writing an evil character (which I am), I'd leave Thorn to the torturer's (which I did).

littlemanpoet · 08-14-2008, 08:39 PM

So what's next here? Does someone need to narrate the end of Thorn and get the wagons of war rolling?

Gwathagor · 08-14-2008, 09:38 PM

Finishing Thorn is a job for either you Folwren, I'd say.

I'll help out with them wagons o' war.

06-11-2008, 10:19 AM	#961
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Since all the players for the Ulfing sub-story have abandoned the game, except for Noinkling and myself, we’ve brought our little sub-plot this far: HERE.....then.....HERE Once the inquest is started my oldest male Ulfing and his two grown sons will attend. Noinkling’s character and mine will then discuss our opinions on the event. And before the Ulfings leave for the battle, our family group and that originally of bill_n_sam will leave the main group and head back east, away from the intrigue and the soon to be disaster. At the end of the game, I’ll most likely wrap up our story with an epilog - a happier ending, I think, than comes ultimately to the rest of the Ulfings and the Borrim. __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

06-11-2008, 11:28 AM	#962
Lalaith Blithe Spirit Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,779	Out of interest...this is my first RPG so I don't know what the score is. Is 21 months a normal amount of time or was this an unusually drawn-out game? __________________ Out went the candle, and we were left darkling

06-11-2008, 12:25 PM	#963
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,455	Very long .... I have just checked the ones I have been involved in and they were four to six months. Island of Sorrow was over a year though. I think a lot depends on the structure of the story and the context. Darker Days was a relatively simple plot and because it didn't relate to the "known" history of Middle Earth the writers were not too restricted by "known historical facts". However Red flows the Sirannon came in at under six months despite the historical context but the plot was still simpler and had a lot of experienced players. This kind of complex set up where there are lots of separate groups make it particularly hard to gain momentum.... I can only conclude that minimally historical journey style RPGs with only one or two groups are the easiest to keep going.. at least that is the way I shall go if I ever dare take the plunge... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

06-11-2008, 11:00 PM	#965
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	Voila, I post. __________________ Stories and songs.

06-13-2008, 08:38 PM	#967
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	K. Thanks for giving me the heads up. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

06-13-2008, 07:29 PM	#966
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	Foley, your turn unless Gwath wants Jord to show more initiative.

06-13-2008, 09:24 PM	#968
Nogrod Flame of the Ainulindalë Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves Posts: 9,308	I'll be bringing an end to Fastarr and Embla within 24 hours... I hope... Just to wrap it up as well - and Lalaith will have a veto on that... __________________ Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet...

06-14-2008, 06:56 AM	#969
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	I'll be very disappointed if Fastarr and Embla get killed.

06-14-2008, 09:38 AM	#970
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,455	I probably won't be online till Monday now. I'll bring back L's body then or you can just have him arrive if it is easier!!!. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

06-14-2008, 08:16 PM	#971
Nogrod Flame of the Ainulindalë Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves Posts: 9,308	I managed to write an ending post for Embla and Fastarr but as there were so many things I'd like to hear Lalaith's POV on I sent it to her first to be corrected / revised / deleted... But that hopefully is coming soon and then the two will be written off. It has been a great game but possibly a bit too complicated as a story in this kind of forum. The several sub-plots just didn't catch fire similarily and then many people were forced to wait when they would have wished to write and were required writing when they hadn't a chance. But a great story! Just wondering how good this could have been (never do that, I know... ) PS. Don't worry elempi, Embla and Fastarr will be fine! __________________ Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet...

06-15-2008, 08:42 AM	#972
Nogrod Flame of the Ainulindalë Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves Posts: 9,308	Embla and Fastarr have left the story. So it's all wrapped up for me and Lalaith. Thanks Lalaith! It was fun and a pleasure to wrote those characters with you! __________________ Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet...

06-16-2008, 10:02 AM	#973
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	Nice closing, Noggie and Lal. Looks like Foley missed her chance and is off to camp until the weekend. Gwath, that makes it your turn.

06-16-2008, 11:31 AM	#974
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,455	Sorry to be a pain in the proverbial, Nogrod, but we decided that it would be too undignified for Lachrandir's body to be carried on a horse. They are sending a wain for him. Tathren is waiting by the body with the horses and 2 servants. When it arrives he will follow it back. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

06-17-2008, 06:02 PM	#976
Lalaith Blithe Spirit Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,779	Nog's wrap-up for us was rather nice, wasn't it? That happy ending cheered me greatly during all the traumas of XLVII.... __________________ Out went the candle, and we were left darkling

06-19-2008, 09:00 AM	#977
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	Okay! I have posted, and hand the baton off to...Ulfast! __________________ Stories and songs.

06-29-2008, 07:12 AM	#978
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	Back to you, Gwath. I added a little bit more to my last post, so please check it out.

06-30-2008, 06:56 PM	#979
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	Let's stop dragging our heals, folks. If by July 7 posts don't get written that take Uldor and Ulfast (presumably with Jord listening in) to speaking with Thorn, I will kill Thorn off my own way and leave Ulfast to whomever wants to write for him.

06-30-2008, 07:22 PM	#980
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	There. I brought it forward a little more. Maybe the ball will contiue rolling. I'm home for a few days yet. -- Folwren __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

07-01-2008, 11:44 PM	#981
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	I'll get a post in before Friday, when I'm leaving for a week. __________________ Stories and songs.

07-02-2008, 10:01 PM	#982
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	Post up. __________________ Stories and songs.

07-06-2008, 01:33 PM	#983
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Hi. I wanted to post today, but it doesn't look like I'm getting the chance. I'll try to write something this week, but I'll be at camp, so I can't promise anything. -- Folwren __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

07-13-2008, 03:56 AM	#984
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	Great! Let's get Thorn good and dead for LMP, who has been really patient. __________________ Stories and songs.

07-13-2008, 06:55 AM	#985
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	I'm wondering if a 3-way PM-built post might be a good idea between Gwath, Foley, and me; that would help us to include Uldor, Ulfast, Jord, and Thorn in more of a dialogue format. Let me know what you think.

07-13-2008, 10:39 AM	#986
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	I'm game. Let's do it. __________________ Stories and songs.

07-13-2008, 07:52 PM	#987
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	Okay, but it has to be Foley who starts it unless I change the ending of my last post so that Jord can interrupt Uldor. Which way do you want to proceed?

07-18-2008, 07:14 PM	#988
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Okay. Great. This is the first time I've read this thought. I'll start it as soon as I've energy to think. I'll get the beginning sent to you two as soon as possible. That is, tomorrow sometime. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

08-04-2008, 01:45 PM	#989
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,455	Just out of curiosity - is there any progress on this? __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

08-04-2008, 02:20 PM	#990
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Yes, there is. Slow but sure, a post is being built by PM between Gwath, Elempi, and myself. Sorry it's taking so long. -- Foley __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

08-05-2008, 06:13 AM	#991
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,455	No that is fine ...just wondering .... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

08-09-2008, 12:37 PM	#992
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	I decided to post the three way PM-built post between Foley, Gwath, and me, because it seemed like, as a post, it had reached a conclusion. Gwath, I'll give you a day or two to post for Jord unless you prefer me to do so for Ulfast and/or Thorn.

08-10-2008, 12:50 PM	#993
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	How long do you think until we can draw this to a close? We've got to hurry before someone talks Uldor into being reasonable and start listening to the truth. We need to send Tathren back to Caranthir and then I believe once he is gone, we can draw it to a close, somehow. What if...what if Uldor sent Tathren back, telling Caranthir that he would fight for him - almost fully intending to - but after the ambassador left, Jord somehow changed his mind? Right now, it feels to me as though Uldor is in a position of imbalance. He's not sure what to do, but Caranthir needs an answer. His oath compels him to swear allegiance, so he does, but temptation and fear later convinces him to commit treason. Did that make sense? __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

08-10-2008, 03:31 PM	#994
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	Yes, I think so. What sort of thing would be likely to persuade Uldor? He has been pretty resilient to Jord's promises of power and wealth, thus the speculation in my last post that Uldor would eventually be driven to serve Morgoth through his own pride and arrogance - rather than by any outward temptation. __________________ Stories and songs.

08-10-2008, 03:38 PM	#995
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	Perhaps, Foley, it might be helpful to consider that Uldor doesn't have much of a conscience. He's too ambitious and ruthless and willing to lie to himself to believe what he wants to believe - such is the nature of evil - so the self-doubt you put in the tale end of that post could be quite temporary, and of course Jord could "sweeten" the temptation in whatever ways Gwath deems appropriate. I can post for Ulfast and for Thorn early this week, maybe yet tonight. Then Gwath can post Thorn's death by Jord's hand (no doubt). And then things can wrap up as Foley suggested. Sound good? Last edited by littlemanpoet; 08-10-2008 at 03:42 PM.

08-14-2008, 08:39 PM	#999
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	So what's next here? Does someone need to narrate the end of Thorn and get the wagons of war rolling?

08-14-2008, 09:38 PM	#1000
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	Finishing Thorn is a job for either you Folwren, I'd say. I'll help out with them wagons o' war. __________________ Stories and songs.