ATM II Planning/Discussion Thread

[Kath]

It wasn't a plan as such. I just realised I'd be running into you on the way back anyway.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

"Well," Sam said. "Fea's back."

Glad to see nothing exploded... except... well... Skit's orc. Sort of.

[littlemanpoet]

Hey Diamond, Anakron and his girlfriend were out in the hall.

You're as nuts as Skittles. You have to be to write that stuff!

[Diamond18]

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

Hey Diamond, Anakron and his girlfriend were out in the hall.

Right. Fixed it. Though I did have Anakron in the hall, so at least I got one out of two things right.

I also noticed that Celuien's post had Panakeia on a bench, and I put her under a pool table. So, naturally, I edited my post to put her on a bench, under a pool table....

You're as nuts as Skittles. You have to be to write that stuff!

I'm not sure you need to be, but it certainly helps.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I love you guys. This discussion thread is as amusing as the "real" writing.

Just let me know when I'm needed.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Originally Posted by the game

"Oh! Yes! I remember you! What can I do for you?"

Can this please be changed to "Oh! So what?" with a perhaps rather erm... impatient... desire for solitude once more?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Okay. The joke was that the passing of the salt was the only thing Smilog ever did that Roggie remembered...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

In that case feel free to leave it as "Oh! Yes! I remember you!"

But Roggie just chucked a guy out the window and is in a bad mood. He's a balrog. Though he's merely misunderstood, that doesn't mean he doesn't have a fiery temper. "What can I do for you" is a lot less likely right now than "Go away before I cook you into something that needs the salt." I figured "So what?" was a bit more diplomatic.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Question: is there a reason the thread died after a burst of activity?

As I see it:

Form, Boro, TGWBS:

Your characters want information. They need a way to get information. They have only a few options: one of them sneaks out and looks for it and risks the effects of the Dweomer; all of them sneak out to look for it; they bribe guards (say one of them was Assigned for disloyalty... your options really are endless with the guards); they invite somebody in to talk to them. I have no inclination to limit you. I merely put your characters into a situation that must be dealt with, preferably in a funny and clever manner. Don't worry about "the Dweomer".

Plan of action: Think of somebody that would know things that they want to learn. Then find a way to talk to him or her. Make sure to let your characters know what's going on.

The Roggie Party:

My have you grown. I don't mind it in the least.

Your characters need to settle your differences (eventually... there's no real rush... and not enough to make things boring) and get on with actually finding Roggie. Then you need to convince him to restart negotiations.

Plan of action: Have your characters work together to find King Roggie. Then find a way to talk to him productively. Then, once he's okay with renewing negotiations, send somebody to find and inform Alli, who will go let the Gondorians (who will hopefully be a bit more knowledgable by then) know.

LMP and Celuien:

You're free to do what it is you're doing howsoever you choose to do it.

Others:

Jump in where you will. Don't wait for cues from me.

Sidenote: I (real me) am busy for the next three weeks. Not so busy that I won't be here, but busy enough that I'll be around quite a bit less frequently. Several of you have my screen name; feel free to use it a la "Fea, come back, we need you!" Or PM me. I should be around frequently enough not to cause any disruptions, but if I seem to have disappeared, most of you should be able to find me easily enough.

[the guy who be short]

Question: is there a reason the thread died after a burst of activity?

Yes. *Points to naughty Kath roping me into WW, and to five very important looming exams*

I may feasibly start posting again the Wednesday after next. Until then, you have no chance of taking any portion of my life.

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Feanor of the Peredhil

Question: is there a reason the thread died after a burst of activity?

As I see it:

Form, Boro, TGWBS:

Your characters want information. They need a way to get information. They have only a few options: one of them sneaks out and looks for it and risks the effects of the Dweomer; all of them sneak out to look for it; they bribe guards (say one of them was Assigned for disloyalty... your options really are endless with the guards); they invite somebody in to talk to them. I have no inclination to limit you. I merely put your characters into a situation that must be dealt with, preferably in a funny and clever manner. Don't worry about "the Dweomer".

Plan of action: Think of somebody that would know things that they want to learn. Then find a way to talk to him or her. Make sure to let your characters know what's going on.

And, on this note: I've decided that for dramatic purposes I DON'T want Hyarmenwë Assigned to Mordor- so I can't have him go and endanger himself. Unfortunately for me, Hyarmenwë is a character who seems to do best when someone else drives the plot- he's a plot twister not a plot former...

But I'll see what I can do.

[Diamond18]

Question: if Dracomir could find and join Skittles using a magic charm, can he do the same for Roggie?

Or not?

'Twould befit my purposes if he could...

[Anguirel]

Roggie's further away and a being of more power. Dracomir could tell what direction he was in (North, South etc), but nothing more.

(Because I don't like repeating plot devices...)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Is it okay if, in a drunken stupor, Smilog discovers the labyrinth, but gets lost in it. Also, I want to bring a minotaur into it. A minotaur with a stutter a dental hygiene problem!

I slept little last night as I was having a few ideas and writing them down to expand upon. I perhaps should have been revising for these exams I have coming up... but, oh well.

[Diamond18]

My save is filled in.

[Anguirel]

Diamond, as ever I love your post.

But destroying a Harry Potter wizard's wand is...quite major, symbolic and all. I'll let it happen if you want...I can easily work about it...but it really won't help Dracomir when it comes to negotiating things. He'll be extremely angry, though too cowardly to show it...

Also, it'll mean I have to stop most of my magic tricks. Sniff...

[Diamond18]

Oh...kay. I thought he could just whip up a new one or get it from Ye Olde Magic Shoppe. Ooops.

Sure he doesn't have a spare? You know, quirk of Mordor and all....

[Anguirel]

There's a whole wack mystic thing about how the wand chooses the wizard and connects to their soul, etc...

Any chance of a teeny-weeny edit?

[Diamond18]

Alirght, there's sumfin' I can do, but I'll have to take care of it later today... or tonight. Pesky RL, dontchaknow. If you want to post before then, just consider that his wand isn't broken and as far as he is concerned, never was....

[Diamond18]

My post has been altered.

Let's hope the second reality can turn out better than the first.

[Boromir88]

To fellow Gondorians (ahem not including Anguirel )

I'll fill in my save tomorrow, as right now I can't keep up for another minute...well maybe I can. But, anyway basically I was going to give the guards the slip, they were going to go running off to some unbeknown places leaving us all free to go where we please.

Hopefully that is "legal."

[Lhunardawen]

I should have said this earlier, but I know practically nothing about Harry Potter as well. But right now it's not too much of a problem for me, anyway...

[piosenniel]

Just bringing this forward -


Reminders for the game in play:

• Please remove your signature from EVERY post to the RPG thread - including SAVES
  
  
• Don't use smileys in your RPG posts or icons - e.g., etc.
  
  
• Don't use the 'Reason for Editing' function on your RPG posts. If it's critical that other players know that you've changed something, then put a post on the Discussion Thread about your edit.
  
  
• No OOC (out of character comments) on the RPG thread - use the Discussion Thread.
  
  
• No swearing, sexual conduct, or obscenity of any kind per request of the Barrow Wight. If you do feel a 'swear' coming on, make up an appropriate M-e oath.
  
  
• SAVE's need to be filled within 24 hours.

[littlemanpoet]

Um.

That last post doesn't have to stay. It can be revised. Whatever you like.

[Celuien]

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

Um.

That last post doesn't have to stay. It can be revised. Whatever you like.

Scary!

If it stays, I have an idea for how Panakeia can work with Anakron's disturbed mood. (Will PM if it's still there when I get back from Pittsburgh).

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Boromir88

To fellow Gondorians (ahem not including Anguirel )

I'll fill in my save tomorrow, as right now I can't keep up for another minute...well maybe I can. But, anyway basically I was going to give the guards the slip, they were going to go running off to some unbeknown places leaving us all free to go where we please.

Hopefully that is "legal."

Got it.

I've got both time and motivation (the last is key, it seems) to post something, so I'm going to take it from where it feels like you've left off. If, upon posting that, you think there's a discontinuity or other problem, let me know...

Or, if you post before/while I do, I'll take my down or rework it.

EDIT: Okay, it's done- tell me what you guys think. I hope Angawen and Bearugard are as close to normal form as I seem to think. I also hope I haven't inadvertantly Assigned any of them to Mordor...

Also, although cursing, swearing, and the like is prohibited by the RPG rules, I hope that the use of "bloomin' " by the ork in my post will fit under the anakronistic parody exemption category.

[Boromir88]

I filled in the save, hope you enjoy.

and, I don't think there's any discontinuity.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Looks good, guys.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Do you want me to make a character description thing for Tollin Gaurhoth the Minotaur? I'm thinking of keeping him on as my sidekick, if that is allowed.

[piosenniel]

Hookbill

Yes - please do a very brief Character Bio for Tollin Gaurhoth the Minotaur.

~*~ Pio, game moderator

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Character Description Form

NAME: Tollin Gaurhoth

AGE: Unknown

RACE: Minotaur

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Morning Star

APPEARANCE: Part man, part bull, part idiot. He has a great horn on either side of his head that curls down and then out again, making it easy for him to stab someone by simply moving forwards. He has a very hairy head and upper body and some suggest he may be related to Beorn, but this is denied both by the Boeornings and the Minotaur himself. He wears a large chain male tunic over which he wears a black tunic of cotton.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Although incredibly strong and ruthles in battle, Tollin often appears to be ill witted; yet he possesses much more sophistication that Smilog, (as will soon enough become apparent). Despite this, his time trapped in the Labyrinth caused his mind to slow a little, yet this soon heals after his escape.

HISTORY: During one his 'wild years' Sauron invented many creatures of evil cunning and hideous completion. Werewolves, vampires were among those he invented while drunk on the ale his Orcs brought him. When Melkor was defeated Sauron went back to the drawing board and made a Minotaur from the first two things he happened to come by: a man and a bull. This was not successful as the Minotaurs were hard to control and often wandered off of their own accord. Tollin was one of the last to be mutilated and only just escaped the great burning when Sauron chucked them all into Mount Doom (before it drove away ).
He wandered around Mordor for the whole of the third age and when the Ring was destroyed he wandered to Mount Doom where he was captured by Roggie and forced to guard his labyrinth.

[the guy who be short]

Who exactly is Roggie? Heren, or somebody hijacking the account?

[the phantom]

Mardil's attitudes towards various characters....

Alli- Mardil's time spent with her was rocky, but he doesn't dislike her. He believes that she is an overall decent human being and wants her to be around Roggie as much as possible because of the settling influence she exerts on him.

Roggie- Mardil no longer believes Roggie is pure evil (like he did when they first met). Mardil thinks Roggie might be destined to end the evil of the two Blue Istari and thus redeem himself. At the same time, Mardil believes Roggie thinks too little and doesn't govern his emotions well, and so doesn't think he is able to rule a realm very effectively without a bit of help (from Alli and others). In other words, Mardil doesn't extend to Roggie the kind of respect you would give a fellow King. But that doesn't mean Mardil wishes him ill, or seeks to dethrone him.

Dracomir Malfoidacil- If you remember from the last ATM, Mardil II met J K Rowling and learned the plot of her next book, in which Dracomir Malfoidacil can be found (it's a complicated anachronism thing). So, it can be assumed that Mardil knows the way Dracomir's heart will choose in the end, and that his trust is based somewhat on this. Also, Dracomir has a few wizarding skills, and Mardil has encouraged him to develop these further, believing that they might be useful if the Blue Wizards try anything funny. Mardil also enjoys Dracomir's company, and finds his arrogance and extreme political incorrectness amusing.

Hyarmenwë son of Hyarmendil- Mardil II chose Hyarmenwe as one of his ambassadors primarily because of Hyarmenwe's love for Gondor. Mardil, above all else, does not want anything to happen at the negotiations that would harm Gondor in any way, and Mardil trusts Hyarmenwe to enforce this. Mardil also thinks Hyarmenwe's noble look and military bearing will command respect at the negotiating table.

Angawen Tupsë- Before they met, Mardil had heard that Angawen Tupse was cold and selfish, but upon meeting her at a meeting of minds in his father's house, Mardil was impressed with Angawen's intelligence and ability to cut through needless details to the necessities. Mardil is fully aware of Angawen's hunger for promotion, but he doesn't care so long as she does whatever job she is asked to do well. In his mind, that makes her worthy of promotion.

Bearugard II- Mardil doesn't care for Bearugard too much. He's seen enough of him to recognize that he doesn't have deep convictions (or at least doesn't stick to them), and that he isn't very brave. So why was he included? Mardil is betting that Roggie, Alli, or some of the Mordorian ambassadors may try to "buy" Bearugard, or bully him on some issues. Mardil is also betting that between the serious, militaristic Hyarmenwe and the shrewd, controlling Angawen, that Bearugard will be forced to tell all, and thus Mardil and his ambassadors will instantly be aware of Roggie & Co's intentions through Bearugard. Also, Mardil thinks that a short stay in a not-so-comfortable place will do the pansy Bearugard some good.

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by the phantom

Hyarmenwë son of Hyarmendil- Mardil II chose Hyarmenwe as one of his ambassadors primarily because of Hyarmenwe's love for Gondor. Mardil, above all else, does not want anything to happen at the negotiations that would harm Gondor in any way, and Mardil trusts Hyarmenwe to enforce this. Mardil also thinks Hyarmenwe's noble look and military bearing will command respect at the negotiating table.

And I so did like Hyarmenwë's disposable diplomats theory...

Good to know, one way or another.

Boro: Nice post. Do I detect a parody of Monty Python?

Fea: I had nice words for Phantom and Boromir, but you meet with my displeasure.

No, not for leaving Hyarmenwë et al abandoned in Mordor- but for Hyarmenwë saying "Good Eru!"

This is an anakronistic sort of saying. And pedantic of me as it is to harp on about canonicity in a RPG that spoofs everything, I really must, since the whole point here is the contrast between canonical Gondorian and non-canonical Mordorian.

A Gondorian would never say "Eru", most likely. As with the Elves, the use of Ilúvatar is a good deal more common in any passage linking the One and the Númenoreans. And although the Númenoreans retain KNOWLEDGE of the One, He is mentioned little in everyday speech- a trend that becomes more common rather than less as the Ages pass.

Furthermore, the whole replacement of Our-World curses with pseudo-Middle-Earthian equivalents is rather... non-Canonical, in some respects. Middle-Earthian cursing exists (see The Hobbit for further details), but it does not so closely resemble ours in sound and meaning.

A Gondorian would be more likely to refer to the Valar, as Mablung does when calling for aid against the Mûmakil. Perhaps for Hyarmenwë to express his complete dumbfoundedment in such a way would be more appropriate?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Oh fine.

No worries. Everybody, if I do something in a hurry that isn't quite specific to what you want for your character, point it out or I probably won't notice.

[Diamond18]

Should I take Roggie's permission to shave the dwarf as actual, literal permission to shave Smilog?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Should I take Roggie's permission to shave the dwarf as actual, literal permission to shave Smilog?

NOO! The Dwarf likes his beard! This could mean a hate / hate relationship between our characters.
Also, is there any inkling as to where the Mountain is heading?

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Hookbill the Goomba

NOO! The Dwarf likes his beard! This could mean a hate / hate relationship between our characters.
Also, is there any inkling as to where the Mountain is heading?

If it weren't for the whole "anakronisms are assigned to Mordor" thing, I'd have to say the Grey Havens.

That being the case... are there any "Bleh Havens" on the Sea of Nurnen? Or anything similarly silly and Elvish parody-ish? Caer Paradox works... I 'spose.

[Anguirel]

Many, many Harry Potter gags in my last post, some of which are pretty obscure even for fans. About the fleeting reference to a Nundu, google "Nundu" to get what I'm on about.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Mount Zoom has no set direction. Send it wheresoever you like.