Password

[Galadriel55]

No... no... but -

Originally Posted by Urwen

ERASED>ERISED>MIRROR


pair that with clue 1, and voila.

YES.



GALADRIEL: A girl and boy with ire danced around, but who is this? A girl… and yet a boy?

An evil elbow, in confusion’s rush, has lost its finish, hearing itself shushed.

Decrepit elder, senior, but mark: this one’s not senile, nor yet weak.

And yet another senior we see: mature, aged, venerable, elderly.

Among them giants, dragons fire-breathing, but also very ordinary beasts. Their owner is not haggard - or is he?

An adjective which means to say “debarred”...

...And yet another, to describe a whacker.

MAGGOT'S PETS (Grip, Fang, Wolf): Hold fast: a tooth, lupine - all with an insect.

ERISED: Erased? Not quite, but close enough to see.

I cannot say his name, but you’ll know him.

A royal hero from the other side exchanged directions for a single note, as well as half a dozen extra feet.

The other other side’s best friend, howbeit, took note, and more than one direction took - alas, becoming evil in the process.


1.
2. MIRROR: ERISED / GALADRIEL
3.
4.
5.
6.

[Huinesoron]

The giants/dragons clue makes me think of Farmer Giles; he had both, plus his own animals (Garm, the grey mare, and poor squashed Galathea). Alternately, the 'not haggard' part makes me wonder if Hagrid is involved. Either way it could be a similar answer to the Maggot one.

And on the 'have to check' level: the 'mature, aged, venerable, elderly' clue isn't just OLD, is it?

hS

[Urwen]

If I am right about the theme, then OLD+WHACKER = Willow

[Galadriel55]

Originally Posted by Huinesoron

The giants/dragons clue makes me think of Farmer Giles; he had both, plus his own animals (Garm, the grey mare, and poor squashed Galathea). Alternately, the 'not haggard' part makes me wonder if Hagrid is involved. Either way it could be a similar answer to the Maggot one.

Hagrid is involved, and I'll give that one to you. And you are correct about the pairing with Maggot.

Originally Posted by Hui

And on the 'have to check' level: the 'mature, aged, venerable, elderly' clue isn't just OLD, is it?

Yes. ^.^

Originally Posted by Urwen

If I am right about the theme, then OLD+WHACKER = Willow

I think you are right about the theme, and about Willow being the password clue - but you do not have the correct pair, nor is "whacker" the answer to that halfling hint. If you've figured out the theme, you should be able to easily identify the two correct words that pair for that one.



GALADRIEL: A girl and boy with ire danced around, but who is this? A girl… and yet a boy?

An evil elbow, in confusion’s rush, has lost its finish, hearing itself shushed.

Decrepit elder, senior, but mark: this one’s not senile, nor yet weak.

OLD: And yet another senior we see: mature, aged, venerable, elderly.

HAGRID'S PETS: Among them giants, dragons fire-breathing, but also very ordinary beasts. Their owner is not haggard - or is he?

An adjective which means to say “debarred”...

...And yet another, to describe a whacker.

MAGGOT'S PETS (Grip, Fang, Wolf): Hold fast: a tooth, lupine - all with an insect.

ERISED: Erased? Not quite, but close enough to see.

I cannot say his name, but you’ll know him.

A royal hero from the other side exchanged directions for a single note, as well as half a dozen extra feet.

The other other side’s best friend, howbeit, took note, and more than one direction took - alas, becoming evil in the process.


1.
2. MIRROR: Erised / Galadriel
3.
4.
5.
6. Hagrid's pets / Maggot's pets

[Urwen]

I thought about pairing Old Man Willow with Whomping Willow, but if that's not the case, then...

[Urwen]

Aragorn - RN + G = Aragog

[Urwen]

And 'debarred' = 'forbidden'

It's all starting to make sense.

[Urwen]

These two clues pair together

I cannot say his name, but you’ll know him.

The other other side’s best friend, howbeit, took note, and more than one direction took - alas, becoming evil in the process.

Sauron.

[Galadriel55]

Originally Posted by Urwen

I thought about pairing Old Man Willow with Whomping Willow, but if that's not the case, then...

Well, yes - and I confirmed that the final answer is "willow". I will give you WHOMPING, because you've said it now. But "OLD" is not the clue which pairs with it. Find the pair, and it will appear in the password.

Originally Posted by Urwen

Aragorn - RN + G = Aragog

Yes! And yes to FORBIDDEN.

Originally Posted by Urwen

These two clues pair together

Sauron.

Sauron is correct, and you have the correct pair, but I need an answer for the other clue before I put the pairing into the password. You're nearly there.



GALADRIEL: A girl and boy with ire danced around, but who is this? A girl… and yet a boy?

An evil elbow, in confusion’s rush, has lost its finish, hearing itself shushed.

Decrepit elder, senior, but mark: this one’s not senile, nor yet weak.

OLD: And yet another senior we see: mature, aged, venerable, elderly.

HAGRID'S PETS: Among them giants, dragons fire-breathing, but also very ordinary beasts. Their owner is not haggard - or is he?

FORBIDDEN: An adjective which means to say “debarred”...

WHOMPING: ...And yet another, to describe a whacker.

MAGGOT'S PETS (Grip, Fang, Wolf): Hold fast: a tooth, lupine - all with an insect.

ERISED: Erased? Not quite, but close enough to see.

I cannot say his name, but you’ll know him.

ARAGOG: A royal hero from the other side exchanged directions for a single note, as well as half a dozen extra feet.

SAURON: The other other side’s best friend, howbeit, took note, and more than one direction took - alas, becoming evil in the process.


1.
2. MIRROR: Erised / Galadriel
3.
4.
5.
6. Hagrid's pets / Maggot's pets

[Huinesoron]

Okay, so Old + [debarred >] Forbidden = FOREST in the password. (I think Urwen figured that out but didn't say it?)

I'm also not sure if she meant to guess that "I cannot say his name" = HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED, but the idea was there.

Assuming both of those + Aragog are right, then we have 4 clues left:

evil elbow, decrepit elder, whacker, other other side.

Which must be, in some order:

Sauron/Nameless Enemy
Old Man [Willow]
Shelob/Ungoliant
Whomping.

"Decrepit elder" for OLD MAN, paired with "whacker" for WHOMPING, and WILLOW for the password?

hS

[Galadriel55]

GALADRIEL: A girl and boy with ire danced around, but who is this? A girl… and yet a boy?

An evil elbow, in confusion’s rush, has lost its finish, hearing itself shushed.

OLD MAN: Decrepit elder, senior, but mark: this one’s not senile, nor yet weak.

OLD: And yet another senior we see: mature, aged, venerable, elderly.

HAGRID'S PETS: Among them giants, dragons fire-breathing, but also very ordinary beasts. Their owner is not haggard - or is he?

FORBIDDEN: An adjective which means to say “debarred”...

WHOMPING: ...And yet another, to describe a whacker.

MAGGOT'S PETS (Grip, Fang, Wolf): Hold fast: a tooth, lupine - all with an insect.

ERISED: Erased? Not quite, but close enough to see.

HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED: I cannot say his name, but you’ll know him.

ARAGOG: A royal hero from the other side exchanged directions for a single note, as well as half a dozen extra feet.

SAURON: The other other side’s best friend, howbeit, took note, and more than one direction took - alas, becoming evil in the process.


1. He Who Must Not Be Named / Sauron
2. MIRROR: Erised / Galadriel
3.
4. WILLOW: Whomping / Old Man
5. FOREST: Forbidden / Old
6. Hagrid's pets / Maggot's pets


Did I miss any guesses? I hope I got them all.

[Urwen]

1. Dark Lord?

[Urwen]

Right, so 'evil' is the straight clue. Remove W from ELBOW, add SH in front, and you have Shelob.

[Urwen]

6. Dogs?

[Urwen]

Could the password be 'RIPOFF'?

[Urwen]

Provided, of course, the word for 3 is 'Spider'?

[Galadriel55]

Lots of correct answers! Not "dogs", but you're on the right track. I believe this is the last one left.


GALADRIEL: A girl and boy with ire danced around, but who is this? A girl… and yet a boy?

SHELOB: An evil elbow, in confusion’s rush, has lost its finish, hearing itself shushed.

OLD MAN: Decrepit elder, senior, but mark: this one’s not senile, nor yet weak.

OLD: And yet another senior we see: mature, aged, venerable, elderly.

HAGRID'S PETS: Among them giants, dragons fire-breathing, but also very ordinary beasts. Their owner is not haggard - or is he?

FORBIDDEN: An adjective which means to say “debarred”...

WHOMPING: ...And yet another, to describe a whacker.

MAGGOT'S PETS (Grip, Fang, Wolf): Hold fast: a tooth, lupine - all with an insect.

ERISED: Erased? Not quite, but close enough to see.

HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED: I cannot say his name, but you’ll know him.

ARAGOG: A royal hero from the other side exchanged directions for a single note, as well as half a dozen extra feet.

SAURON: The other other side’s best friend, howbeit, took note, and more than one direction took - alas, becoming evil in the process.


1. DARK LORD: He Who Must Not Be Named / Sauron
2. MIRROR: Erised / Galadriel
3. SPIDER: Aragog / Shelob
4. WILLOW: Whomping / Old Man
5. FOREST: Forbidden / Old
6. F Hagrid's pets / Maggot's pets

[Urwen]

Well, I am drawing a blank on that last one...

[Urwen]

Unless it's Fang, as both had a pet named Fang...

[Galadriel55]

Originally Posted by Urwen

Unless it's Fang, as both had a pet named Fang...

Indeed so!




GALADRIEL: A girl and boy with ire danced around, but who is this? A girl… and yet a boy?

SHELOB: An evil elbow, in confusion’s rush, has lost its finish, hearing itself shushed.

OLD MAN: Decrepit elder, senior, but mark: this one’s not senile, nor yet weak.

OLD: And yet another senior we see: mature, aged, venerable, elderly.

HAGRID'S PETS: Among them giants, dragons fire-breathing, but also very ordinary beasts. Their owner is not haggard - or is he?

FORBIDDEN: An adjective which means to say “debarred”...

WHOMPING: ...And yet another, to describe a whacker.

MAGGOT'S PETS (Grip, Fang, Wolf): Hold fast: a tooth, lupine - all with an insect.

ERISED: Erased? Not quite, but close enough to see.

HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED: I cannot say his name, but you’ll know him.

ARAGOG: A royal hero from the other side exchanged directions for a single note, as well as half a dozen extra feet.

SAURON: The other other side’s best friend, howbeit, took note, and more than one direction took - alas, becoming evil in the process.


1. DARK LORD: He Who Must Not Be Named / Sauron
2. MIRROR: Erised / Galadriel
3. SPIDER: Aragog / Shelob
4. WILLOW: Whomping / Old Man
5. FOREST: Forbidden / Old
6. FANG: Hagrid's pets / Maggot's pets


We've used Harry Potter references so often, I thought I would do something fun about it. My only regret is that I didn't put "wizard" in there.

And with that, over to Urwen!


(On a complete tangent, if you ever do want to see Dumbledore talking about Gandalf and references and crossovers to a whole other bunch of excellent fiction, I recommend reading Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality. It is a parody that somehow ended up better than the original, as it still hit all of HP's strong points but also addressed many of its weak spots as a piece of literature.)

[Urwen]

Will have one up shortly.

(Also, if we're recommending fanfictions, Against the Moon is a masterpiece. Go read it.)

[Urwen]

Here we go, in honor of the person I keep forgetting

1. Is he rude, or in turmoil? One vowel becomes another.
2. Um...he makes a gesture of approval, with direction. Twist it.
3. A Disney mermaid follows Indian rhythm (in reverse). Find her.
4. Behold, he is sad! Or maybe troubled by what he did.
5. A forest turns, and exchanges a sound, for him.
6. Band boss in medieval lingo.

(Sorry if it's difficult, my brain is like that sometimes.)

[Galadriel55]

3. Don't know Indian rhythms, but the mermaid is Ariel, suggesting ALATARIEL.

[Urwen]

1. Is he rude, or in turmoil? One vowel becomes another.
2. Um...he makes a gesture of approval, with direction. Twist it.
ALATARIEL: A Disney mermaid follows Indian rhythm (in reverse). Find her.
4. Behold, he is sad! Or maybe troubled by what he did.
5. A forest turns, and exchanges a sound, for him.
6. Band boss in medieval lingo.

[Pervinca Took]

I can almost get ERESTOR from forest.

[Urwen]

Nope.

[Huinesoron]

#2: Er + Nod + L for direction = ELROND.

hS

[Urwen]

1. Is he rude, or in turmoil? One vowel becomes another.
ELROND: Um...he makes a gesture of approval, with direction. Twist it.
ALATARIEL: A Disney mermaid follows Indian rhythm (in reverse). Find her.
4. Behold, he is sad! Or maybe troubled by what he did.
5. A forest turns, and exchanges a sound, for him.
6. Band boss in medieval lingo.

[Pervinca Took]

TURIN is boss of a band of outlaws, and perhaps his band might go TURIN (tourin').

I'll get me coat.

[Urwen]

Originally Posted by Pervinca Took

TURIN is boss of a band of outlaws, and perhaps his band might go TURIN (tourin').

I'll get me coat.

Wrong, though it's an interesting line of thought.

[Pervinca Took]

Could the password be BEARER?

[Urwen]

Originally Posted by Pervinca Took

Could the password be BEARER?

Nope, but close.

[Pervinca Took]

Is it LEAVER or HEALER?

Or maybe WEARER?

[Urwen]

Originally Posted by Pervinca Took

Is it LEAVER or HEALER?

Or maybe WEARER?

Nope. Try guessing more of the clues.

[Pervinca Took]

Originally Posted by Urwen

Nope. Try guessing more of the clues.

I did *try* that first.

FOREST - Wood - Wodo - Change W for FR = FRODO.

But that's as far as I got.

[Urwen]

The forest is a named forest.

[Pervinca Took]

AMBARUSSA, from Ambarona?

[Urwen]

No.

[Pervinca Took]

ALDARION, from Aldarome?

[Urwen]

No.