To Rescue Celebrian -- Discussion Thread

[Mithadan]

Mithadan (also known as "Nonesuch")invites you to join him in a new RPG, "To Rescue Celebrian". This is an "invitation only" RPG and most of the spaces are filled. However, I might be cajoled into adding one or two more players to the roster. We may also have some smaller roles which could be played as well. The roster was filled on the basis of recommendations from the Innkeepers in Rohan and The Shire; I have not RPed with any of the participants previously. This underscores the importance of participating in the Inns (and pestering the Innkeepers) when you are looking for a game to join.

The Game Proposal

Title: To Rescue Celebrian

Founder: Mithadan

Basic Storyline:

The purpose of the story is to "play out the tale of the rescue of Celebrian, the wife of Elrond and mother of Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir, from Orcs who captured her in Redhorn Pass in Third Age 2509. The kidnapping of Celebrian is discussed in two entries in the LoTR Tale of Years and a short paragraph in Appendix A. It is a heroic but sad tale which was given short shrift by Tolkien."

This means we will know the story is over when "Celebrian is rescued and returned to Rivendell."

Starting Location: "Rivendell"

Likely destination: "Moria"

Timeframes:

i) This game takes place in the "Third" Age at around year "2509".

ii) The story itself or plot covers "less than 2" months.

iii) This game requires a time commitment of "about 4 weeks" from me, the game owner and from the major players. (Note: Games can run the gamut from 48 hours to two weeks, to a month, to approximately six months.)

Characters:

Main character types are "Elves, likely six or so."

Secondary character types likely are "Elves and possibly Orcs. Cameo roles may be available."

Character types which would not belong "are any race other than Elves (or possibly Orcs)".

The game owner will play "1" character. Please describe each character in a way that brings the character to life, so that the Reviewer can really get to know the character.

"I will play Elladan, son of Elrond and Celebrian. He and his twin brother Elrohir were born in Third Age 139. He has a sister, Arwen. Elladan is quiet, but brave and determined. He has inherited some of his father's wisdom and is steeped in Elven lore from his upbringing in Rivendell. He frequently accompanies the Dunedain of the North (Rangers) as they attempt to keep the North free from evil and fought against the Witch King of Angmar with other Elves of Rivendell and the men of Gondor. He loves his parents and siblings dearly."

The first post for the game:

Nenmir rode his sweating and tired steed north through Eriador along little known paths. He had stayed close to the Bruinen in his rush to return to Rivendell and during his two weeks of travel, he and his horse had rested little. Weariness nagged at him and his body cried for sleep, but he dared not pause, even now as he approached his destination.

At last, he reached a rise where the Ford of Bruinen could be seen. As his horse clambered up onto the hillock it stumbled, then righted itself before proceeding towards the River at a fast trot. "Easy, faithful friend," whispered Nenmir. "Not much farther now, and yet we still have need of haste." The horse responded to his master's bidding and shrugged aside his weariness to break into a gallop.

Yet it was hours later when the rider crossed the Fords of Bruinen and, at last approached his destination. They descended down the path to Imladris as rapidly as they safely could and approached the Last Homely House just after midnight. His passing had not gone unmarked and as the rider followed the path leading to the door of the Hose of Elrond, several Elves were waiting there for him. Among them was Elrond himself.

"Nenmir," he cried. "Why are you here? You were to escort my wife to Lorien and stay with Celebrian until she was ready to return." Then Elrond gasped, for he saw that Nenmir was sorely hurt and that the snapped shaft of an arrow protruded from his shoulder.

The Elf nearly fell as he dismounted and two others stepped forward to take him by his arms and support him as he spoke. "Alas!" he cried. "Celebrian is taken by Orcs! We were assailed as we climbed the Redhorn Pass. The Orcs were in hiding and attacked us as we rounded a shoulder of cruel Carathras. The others of the escort were slain or scattered. But Celebrian! They seized her by her arms and dragged her away to the east. I followed as best I could, but they took her..." He bowed his head in grief and anger. "They brought her through the Gates of Moria..."

Miscellaneous

Other information of special interest that you would like to include: "This will be a carefully controlled RPG. As it follows 'canon' players will be expected to read the portions of Appendix A and B addressing these events as well as the chapters "A Journey in the Dark " and "The Bridge at Khazad-Dum" to refresh their memories of Moria."

The Roster

Mithadan - Elladan
Lugbúrz - Elrohir
Airerûthiel
Garen Lilorian
Dragoneyes
Dark Shadow
The real Findorfin

Participants, please post your character outlines here by Sunday night. If you have any questions, contact me via PM or at mithadan@barrowdowns.com.

Participants should expect to post more or less once a day, less often on weekends. Some additional reading (nothing overwhelming) may be suggested depending on how we develop the plot. When you read the two Moria chapters from LoTR, pay special attention to the descriptions of and geography of Moria.

Participants should always check the discussion board before posting on the game thread.

[ February 13, 2003: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

[Lugbúrz]

Sounds good, although I might be able to post more on the weekends than on the weekdays. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

The twin's character is forthcoming.

[Airerûthiel]

Character's full name: Torfithien
Also known as: Rorfimir
Date and place of birth: 4 July SA 3214 in Lothlórien
Age: 2780
Eye colour: Dark blue
Hair colour: Very dark brown
Physical appearance: Tall, slim, slightly coloured skin from being outdoors, oval face, scar on right cheek
Hobbies: Sword-fighting, riding, reading, learning, exploring
Background: Generally happy childhood, but got into trouble a lot because she acted more like a boy than a girl
Family: Mother - Imregwen; father - Sebring; older brothers - Pennrod and Luinërauko
Personality: Romantic; imaginative; logical; independent to the point of being rebellious; slightly bossy; helpful; not very talkative; ambitious; loyal; stubborn
Traits: Pessimist, introvert, good at sword-fighting
Self-perception: Stern, cold, rarely laughs, lonely, haunted, empowered, brave and intelligent
Goals: To prove to her family that just because she's female doesn't automatically make her weak and pathetic
Problems/crisis: Backs off and considers her options before making a decision; usually her problems are caused by her lack of willingness to be ladylike; doesn't accept change without very good reason
General: Wears a silver crescent moon pendant set with a star-like jewel around her neck; lives in Rivendell; dislikes wearing dresses

[the real findorfin]

Name: Fingil, elf of Rivendell

Birth: TA 577

Parentage: Only son of Ancanigil and Finduilin. Ancanigil fought in the Last Alliance and was a great soldier and scholar also. Ancanigil was slain fighting orcs of the Misty Mountains in TA 912 and Finduilin, destroyed by the death of her husband departed Middle Earth soon after.

Background: Fingil was brought up on elvish lore and knows much of elvish history He is the last of his line and journeyed to the Battle of Fornost under Glorfindel, where he bore his father’s sword, Angcalion (sword like to those in the film). He rides often and journeys with the Dunedain, but also spends many days in the great libraries of Rivendell where he reads legends of the First Age.

Characteristics: His is quiet but inspiring and humorous among friends. He desires to be as his father was, a strong warrior and a wizened scholar. He has long dark hair and is usually seen wearing dark grey. He has piercing brown eyes and pale skin and is thin but agile.

[Garen LiLorian]

Birth name; Maltore (stupid Macs, no ALT key. Ought to be a upwards accent on the o. In both names)
Name: Angore
Born; T.A. 1980
Race; Grey Elf

A lesser scion of the house of Finarfin, all his family were born with the golden hair common to that bloodline, but Maltore took after his mother, a Grey Elf, and so was named "golden heart," for his hair was dark.
His father was an ancient, and soon after Maltore's birth departed for the Havens. His mother had no joy in Middle Earth after his departure but that which she found in the raising of her child. Maltore was trained, at his mother's behest, in the traditions of the Elven minstrels, and showed a gift for that path. When he came of age and joined the court of Elrond, his mother lost her last link to Middle Earth and departed for the Havens. However, when she was waylaid and slain by trolls a mere two days from Rivendell, Maltore lost all joy in singing and in tales, and, changing his name to Angore, (Iron heart) became an errand rider and a warrior of Elrond, hunting trolls throught Middle Earth.

A tall, pale, slimly built Elf, with dark hair and blue eyes, dressed as a rider in Elrond's service. He wears no mail (for the strength of a troll would pierce even Elven corslets) but carries a long sword girt about with spells and incantations for troll's bane as well as a sheaf of javelins.

[Dark Shadow]

Name: Vanimorén
Place and Date of Birth: SA 927 in Eregion
Age: 5067

Appearance: long dark hair, with deep brown eyes. Wears a grey cloak, and usually dresses in non-conspicuous clothing that allows him to blend in with any surroundings (more often than not trees and woodland features). Generally wears a mithril hilted sword (family heirloom) at his belt, and a bow across his back.

Characteristics: A quiet, calm companion who would rather listen than talk. He is a skilled warrior, in both close combat, and long-range shooting, but values the power of mind over that of physical dominance. He has spent many years focusing on lore and song, and is a poet by nature. He often appears to be moody, and doesn’t like to share his feelings, but he has a true heart.

History: One of the Deep Elves (Noldor), he once dwelt in Eregion (Hollin) near Moria, and has often journeyed there, and so knows the mines better than most elves. In fact, in fun he likes to claim he could find his way around with his eyes closed, and then adds, not that any would need to close their eyes to be lost in such dark. In the days when his family still lived in Erigion, his father often took him to see the mines, and he developed a strange love of the precious metal, mithril. He later inherited a mithril hilted sword that had been passed down his family. It was forged FA 734 and given to his grandfather. Since then, it has seen use in many battles and been of great value to its various owners. After the inhabitants of Eregion left, he came to Rivendell where he since has dwelt in peace (for the most part) studying the lore and songs of the past ages, and writing of what he has himself experienced.

**************************

I've edited the age and birth details, and given a brief history.

[ February 18, 2003: Message edited by: Dark Shadow ]

[ February 18, 2003: Message edited by: Dark Shadow ]

[Hirilaelin]

Would it be possible for me to sneak in as an orc? I certainly wouldn't mind being an orc... *tries to look humble and orcish at the same time*

Hirilaelin

[dragoneyes]

Name: Tintallë
Born: T.A. 510
Age: 1999
Eye colour: Grey
Hair: Light brown, reaches the bottom of his shoulder blades
Background: His father made sure that he knew how to use the bow and to a lesser extent, the dagger. He carries the bow on his back and the dagger on his back, neither are particularly special. He has a strong bond with his younger brother, Nilethir, and they are often seen together.
Characteristics: Very optimistic and cheerful, though he has quite low self-esteem. He goes out of his way to help people in need whether he knows them or not.

My character's name is Aladriel she has a twin named Adriel. They both have light brown hair with green eyes. Aladriel is a little more determined that her sister she also has more guts. Adriel on the other hand is quiet but when she gats mad .. LOOK OUT. They come from Mirkwood where they enjoy riding horses, archery, and they both hate to wear dresses they prefer a pair of breeches and a shirt. They both speak the language of the High elves and were born in the Third Age.Their father ,Tharindul,has treasuered them greatly and would most appreaciate it if you would let them go. Thanks a lot.

[Lugbúrz]

Elrohir, the twin brother of Elladan is deceptively similar to his brother. Only the keen and familiar eye can tell the two apart. Dark hair and grey eyes impress his contemplative mood, though he does express his meditations more often than his quieter sibling. The story will bring out his growth of hatred towards the orcs, and the relentless determination to save his mother. His bond with Elladan is the paragon of brotherhood, and the story will also show their growth of a deeper passion for Middle-earth, and the subtle dilemma in their choice as the half-elven sons of Elrond.

[Mithadan]

Welcome to the Barrow-Downs, Aladriel! This is an invitation only RPG, unfortunately and I think that all the roster spaces are filled. Please drop by the Green Dragon, a gaming Inn located in out The Shire forum and introduce yourself and your character. Tell Piosenniel and Child of the Seventh Age, the Innkeepers there, that I sent you.

Airerûthiel, typically Elven warriors are male. However you have presented an interesting character and I note that she hails from Lorien originally. Perhaps she has known Celebrian for many centuries and would not wish to be left behind in the attempt to rescue her? Why should Elrond select you to accompany the party?

The same goes for all of the other players. What characteristics/history do your characters have which would lead Elrond to choose you over, say Glorfindel? I think that a paragraph worth of backstory from each of you would be helpful to set up your characters for the game. Lugbûrz, the reasons for Elrohir's involvement are obvious, so no more information is needed from you right now.

This will not be a band of warriors marching openly to war. This will be a mission of stealth; to enter Moria, locate and find Celebrian and get her back out. Think about equipment needs, dress and pack lightly, and be prepared for hand to hand combat. And remember, this RPG takes place nearly 300 years before the War between the Dwarves and Orcs. There will be a lot of opposition so it will be better to avoid combat rather than court it. All this said, there is no guarantee that your characters will survive this venture.

The second post of the RPG will be a council in the House of Elrond to which several candidates for the rescue party will be summoned. So I will need your brief backstories soon. I'd like to start the RPG early next week.

Dark Shadow and Hirilaelin, please see my PMs.

[the real findorfin]

Why Fingil?

Fingil will want to be chosen rather than Glorfindel because although he is a brave and mighty warrior, he is not trained in stealth. When with the Dunedain, Fingil tracks and moves through the forest silently. He also has to avenge his father, but that will not lead him to be rash. He would rather get one over the orcs than kill and end up getting killed.
He has great respect for Elrond and Celebrian was kind to him after his parents death and departure. He will want to repay her in anyway possible, even if it cost his life.

Is that OK?

[Airerûthiel]

Torfithien's history does not really have much of a female presence, as her mother was killed in an orc-attack in Mirkwood (where she was visiting Thranduil, who is distantly related to her) when she was fairly young in terms of an Elf's life. Being brought up by her father, as well as having two older brothers, means that she is exceedingly tomboyish (for want of a better word). Because she had no strong feminine influence in her life and often felt lonely and detached from the other Elves, she spent a lot of time on her own and incredibly capable of surviving alone. This was how she knew Celebrian and they were almost friends but not quite - if you know what I mean by that, which I think you do.

But why should she be chosen by Elrond? To be honest, I highly doubt he would allow her to go, purely based on the grounds that she is female, despite the connection of many centuries between her and Celebrian. However, she is a skilled tracker (which would no doubt be useful, as from what I have read I presume that this RPG is more subtle than out-and-out adventure) and is also highly trained in using the typical long knives used by Elves as weapons.

[ February 20, 2003: Message edited by: Airerûthiel ]

[Mithadan]

Airerûthiel, please check your PMs. Thanks.

Please don't forget to post your brief backstories. The game will begin Monday or Tuesday.

[Mithadan]

Dark Shadow, your edited backstory is great!

Findorfin, good job.

Everyone else, please post your backstories.

Thanks!

[Airerûthiel]

Mithadan, I got your original message but my computer was playing up last night so I wasn't able to edit my post. However, it's OK now so I corrected the history. *makes mental note to eradicate horribly overused cliché of disguise from all her writing* Hope it was OK.

[Mithadan]

LOL. It sounds good, Airerûthiel!

It occurs to me that we need a healer in our company. Any takers? There are some good websites on healing herbs, etc. in the RPG Resources thread which is located in the Shire forum.

That thread is, by the way, a fantastic resource and is recommended reading for gamers in general. There you can learn about herblore, healing, sword fighting, archery, boating, flora and fauna, etc. Check it out when you have time everyone, you won't regret it!

[Hirilaelin]

Hello everybody, I am posting this to let you know that I will playing Celebrian in the game, telling her point of view, what's happening to her, etc.

[Mithadan]

Garen has PMed me to advise that a backstory will soon be posted for Angore. I still need to hear from Dragoneyes on her backstory.

Hirlaelin will be joining us as Celebrian. In addition, Sadbh will be joining as an Elf Maiden who will accompany Celebrian in captivity.

We will be starting early next week. I look forward to gaming with you all.

[Sadbh]

Um, well, hey, everyone. I'll be playing one of Celebrian's 'hand-maidens', like Mithadan said. Here goes...

Name Feaelena
Race: Teleri
D.O.B: 1892 TA
Age: 617
Family: Feaelena is the only child of Wen-nu-brethil, a second cousin of Thranduil. She was born in SA 3386, eleven years before her father and great-uncle were slain in Dagorlad. Her father Lithuilaer was found at an unknown age in 3386 by Cirdan Shipwright, and was then adopted by him. After Cirdan went to Lindon at the beggining of the Third Age, his 'son' went with him, and in Lindon Lithuilaer stayed. When Wen-nu-brethil and her mother learned off her father's death, they also came to Lindon to stay with a kinswoman of Wen-nu-brethils mother who had wedded a Sindarin elf who descended from Doriath. Lithuilaer met his future wife in Lindon and they were wed in TA 149. Lithuilaer faught in the Battle of Fornost, and after it was over, he moved his family to Imladris, from which he had met many amirable elves during the battle.

History: She was born in Lindon and relocated with her family to Imladris after the battle of Fornost. As a child she was gifted of musical ability, her finest attribute. In Imladris, she serves as one of Celebrian's servants or hand-maidens, and a musician in Elrond's Halls.

Skills: Music, optimism, a quick wit, a good mind

Traits: Receading, gentle, trys to be helpful.

Weaknesses: She is not brave, although she manages to hang in. She has never had any weapons training and has a tendency to panic at times, though sometimes she can mask it fairly well.

Eh, well, I hope that didn't boar anyone to death. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] Seriously, it was much to blah-blah. I hope you did like it though. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Enjoy. (Sure, ha. [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] )

-Sadbh

[Hirilaelin]

I loved it Sadbh! Look forward to gameing with you all!

Cheers,
Hiri

[Garen LiLorian]

Why Angóre?

Having himself lost a mother to the ravages of Sauron's creatures, the pain felt by Elladan, Elrohir and Elrond strikes home to him. Being an errand rider of Imladris, he knows the territory up to Durin's gate as well as anyone alive.
Angóre has not the sheer power of Glorfindel, or another of the princes from great houses. However, in a mission of stealth like this, it is entirely possible that power such as Glorfindel wields would simply draw the creatures of Sauron to him, and compromise the objectives. There is an evil under Moria that pushed out an entire civilzation of Dwarves, a task even Sauron could not do from the outside. Our strength is secrecy, and the presence of one such as Glorfindel would only serve to awaken that evil and focus it on us.

In other words, the same reason Merry was chosen to go on the Quest instead of Glorfindel [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

But Angóre has power of a different sort; knowledge of terrain and skill with weaponry matched by few even in the fair house of Elrond. He is a natural choice for the mission; his fierce hatred for Sauron's creatures leaves him no personal choice but to volunteer.

By the by, I'm writing like this for two reasons; to get myself in pracise and to give everyone a fair idea of how I'm going to be talking, so you can adjust.

[dragoneyes]

Tintallë's father really wanted Tintallë to be just like him so he has taught Tintallë everything he knows, including healing and herb lore. Much of Tintallë's time is spent training with his father or studying with his father, leaving little time for socialising. His father isn't always the most supportive of people, giving him the low self-esteem, he his cheerfulness and optimisticness from his mother and brother. His life in general has not been particularly eventful so far.

Why would he be chosen? He is a very good healer, though he wouldn't ever admit it and he is good with the bow, though he would rather not use it if possible

[Mithadan]

OK. Very good everyone!

We'll begin the RPG tomorrow, probably in the afternoon (eastern standard time). The first posts will be dedicated to the selection of participants and the counsel.

[Mithadan]

Because of some extenuating circumstances, the opening of "To Rescue Celebrian" will be delayed one day. The RPG will begin tomorrow. Sorry everyone.

But, for some good news, Lugbûrz has agreed to act as co-owner and co-founder of this game. This means that questions and suggestions may be directed to Lugbûrz as well as myself. Thanks, Lugbûrz!

[Mithadan]

The RPG is open! Post at will, but read the first two posts carefully. Your first posts should have your character receiving the news and either being summoned to the counsel or resolving to join the rescue attempt.

Celebrian and Feaelena, coordinate and post as discussed please.

Please remember to disable your signatures when you post.

PM me with any questions. Thanks.

[Airerûthiel]

Brilliant posts so far everybody, but just one question (although maybe it's just me nit-picking over minor details):

When the Elves speak any Elvish in the text of the game, are they going to speak Quenya or Sindarin? I only comment on this because, without wanting to criticise what is so far an otherwise excellent RPG, in Garen's first post the Elvish spoken is a combination of both. The film's Elvish is a mixture - Galadriel speaks Quenya when saying goodbye to the Fellowship, as does Saruman when standing on top of Orthanc causing the avalanche on Caradhras. However, most of the second film's Elvish is Sindarin (Arwen talking to Frodo and Aragorn in her first scenes; Gandalf discovering the password to open the doors of Moria). So which do we speak when we want our Elves to be in character?

NB: While Quenya is probably easier to learn and more accessible, it is generally only used for ceremonial purposes. A search for dictionaries etc of Sindarin, the everday speech, has turned up little. Try the RPG Resources topic in The Shire for information on learning these languages.

[Mithadan]

In everyday use, Elves in Middle Earth would likely use Sindarin.

Great posts indeed, everyone! Let's keep going. Also, I think that we're waiting for a few people to do their first posts. Hopefully, everyone will weigh in soon and we can move on.

[Lugbúrz]

Nice opening posts!

I think we are missing one opening post, am I correct? Perhaps a quick one would help us begin the pursuit.

[Dark Shadow]

I'm going to be away, and Mithadan suggested that I have someone post for me while I'm away. So here goes. Anyone willing to post on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for me? I should be back for monday. let me know [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

- Shadow

[Mithadan]

Who wants to pick up Dark Shadow's character for a few days? If need be I will.

We are waiting for posts from dragoneyes, Hirilaelin and Sadbh, and then we can move on. Feel free to post your thoughts on the quest, or suggestions.

[Sadbh]

I'll go over there and post very soon, as Hirilaelin and I decided to post our first posts after everyone elses.

[Lugbúrz]

dragoneyes,

I'm curious as to what the word 'gaad' means in your post. If it is a euphemism for 'god', then I think its usage is inappropriate. I'm sure you will be able to come up with many suitable alternatives.

[dragoneyes]

No, just a typo I missed when I read it. I meant good.

[Lugbúrz]

But of course. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Thank you.

[Lugbúrz]

If everyone is satisfied with their introductory position, then I'll ride out of Rivendell in earnest.

[Airerûthiel]

I should think we all are.

PS Thanks to Mithadan for posting my journey for me...as Lugbúrz will no doubt know by now, my knowledge of Middle-earth geography is almost as bad as the state of my incredibly old and battered copy which is appendix-less [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

[Hirilaelin]

I'm going to do my post right now, very sorry for the delay, I haven't had much time to writing of any sort.

[Mithadan]

Great posts Hirilaelin and Sadbh.

We're in essence ready to leave. But I would urge everyone to post about their preparations and perhaps their concerns about the journey or the path chosen.

In general, I'd like to see people posting a bit more frequently so that perhaps relationships can be formed between the characters. Thanks.

[Mithadan]

Again, everyone please post as you feel is appropriate. When I said earlier that this RPG will be "run from the top" that does not mean that you have to wait for Lugburz or myself to post before interacting. We depart shortly. Everyone please post.