Sailing Away Discussion Thread

[piosenniel]

Firefoot invites you to play in her game:

Sailing Away

Historical Background: The story takes place in the spring preceding the War of the Ring. The Bounders of the Shire have been very busy trying to keep ruffians out of the boundaries of the Shire. Strange rumors are spreading about dark things in the east.

[piosenniel]

Basic Storyline: Several young Brandybucks, inspired by tales from their elders, decide to build a raft and sail the Brandywine. Their voyage takes a turn for the worse, when their craft is swept away on the river’s current and they capsize near Sarn Ford, well beyond the bounds of the Shire. The river journey is just the first part of their adventure. Accompany them as they struggle to return to the Shire through strange and unfamiliar lands inhabited by the Big Folk.

[piosenniel]

The purpose of the story is to: Sail down the Brandywine, return to Buckland.

This means we will know the story is over when: The young hobbits return safely to Buckland

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Starting Location: Buckland

Likely destination: Buckland

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Here is a MAP for your use.

[piosenniel]

Timeframes:

This game takes place in the 3rd Age at around year 3018 (spring).

The storyline itself or plot covers two and a half weeks.

This game requires a time commitment of 11 weeks from me, the game owner and from the major players.

[piosenniel]

Firefoot’s Character

NAME: Sondo Brandybuck

AGE: 14

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Like all hobbits, Sondo has exceptional aim throwing stones. His only other weapon is a belt knife confiscated from Brandy Hall. It is about eight inches long. Sondo thinks this to be a useful weapon for adventuring, but in truth he would be doing well if he doesn’t hurt himself using it.

APPEARANCE: Sondo is rather small, even for a hobbit. He is only 2'8", and light in build. His sandy brown hair is curly and usually unkempt. His eyes are dark brown, and don’t miss very much. His face is lively and expressive, and he is usually seen with a smile on his face.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Sondo sees everything as an adventure. He loves to hear tales of heroes that go off on adventures. As much as he likes the bustle of living in Brandy Hall, he also finds it rather confining. He dreamed of someday having his own adventure, and now that he has made up his mind to do so he has gone about preparing for it with fervor. Sondo fears very little and does not back down from challenges. Optimism and enthusiasm are two characteristics he by no means lacks.

Sondo has always been the leader of his group of friends, mostly other young hobbits also living in Brandy Hall, and with good reason. He has always been the one to come up with ideas for mischief and the ways to carry them out. He is quite clever, but he does not always use this intelligence for worthwhile causes (for example, stealing mushrooms). Despite his small stature, he has a presence about him that make people notice him and listen. He learned to read and write, but neither of these things interested him very much.

Sondo is also a touch arrogant, and usually thinks himself to be right. Without intending to, he can be callous and seem unfeeling. He is a very fun person to have as a friend, but a terrible person to have as an adversary.

HISTORY: Sondo has two older sisters (twins), two older brothers, and a younger sister. He is on fairly good terms with all of his siblings, but not particularly close to any of them. He has lived in Brandy Hall all of his life, though his mother is a Took and he has travelled to visit his Tookish relations many times. He does not fully understand hardship, loss, or death, because he has not had much if any experience in these things.

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Firefoot’s post FIRST FOR GAME

Sondo hurriedly shoveled down his breakfast. He was eating by himself this fine May morning, a rather unusual occurrence. His friends, scattered across the large dining hall, were likewise alone; they had all agreed it would be best if they were not seen leaving Brandy Hall together so as not to arouse suspicion. For this was the day that his adventure was to start! Sondo had been awaiting this day for some time, ever since he had decided on his newest and grandest exploit yet: to sail down the Brandywine and explore new lands and come back, maybe even with treasure like old Mad Baggins had.

Upon finishing his breakfast, Sondo stood to take his plate back to the kitchen. Such was his good mood that Sondo bid the cook a good day as he delivered his dish. She recognized him; Sondo had caused trouble more than once in her kitchen.

“Be off with you!” said the cook, smiling and shaking her long spoon at him. “And if you are to cause any trouble this day, make sure that it is not in my kitchen!” Sondo laughed and promised that he wouldn’t, for once meaning every word. As he threaded his way back through the long dining tables, he passed a few of his friends and exchanged discreet conspiratorial glances. Those who knew Sondo well would recognize the look on his face as the one he wore when he was up to something.

The hallways were fairly busy, but Sondo passed through them unnoticed - it was the start of a busy day and no one paid much attention to a young hobbit lad. He slipped out one of the side doors while no one was watching. It was the perfect day to start an adventure: the sky was deep blue and a light breezed caressed his face, carrying with it the sweet fragrance of spring. He struck up a fair pace and whistled as he walked, taking the road south past the turn to Bucklebury Ferry.

As he walked, Sondo allowed himself to review the past few weeks with great satisfaction at what had been accomplished. There had been much to do and plan before he could leave. He had first needed to convince his friends what a wonderful idea it was. This had perhaps been the easiest part, because Sondo could make even the most fool-hardy plan sound like a brilliant idea to his group of friends, and they had taken to the idea almost immediately anyhow. He could not even begin to count the near-misses and scrapes he had gotten them into, but still they listened to him, for often as not his ideas worked out excellently and they had a fun time carrying them out.

The next step had been to build a raft and secure supplies. After all, one could not have an adventure without proper supplies. Slowly, secretly, they had confiscated tools and food from the immeasurable resources of Brandy Hall. Someone had found an oilcloth to keep the needed supplies safe from water, because whatever they found had to be stored in their secret stash near the bank of the Brandywine. This was the same cove where they had kept the unfinished raft. Sondo had found himself a hunting knife, a weapon he deemed fitting for adventures. It was in his pocket now - he could not have worn it outwardly inside Brandy Hall because it would have been noticed for sure. The food, enough for several days, had been stolen from the kitchen over the course of the past week. Their sailing vessel was of simple design: logs roped together and caulked with tar, and a makeshift mast with a sheet tied to it for a sail. The hobbits had only finished and tested their raft yesterday, and found with great jubilation that it floated easily, even with all of their weight on top of it. Then they had secured their supplies to the raft and covered those with the oilcloth, ready for sailing.

It was not long before Sondo came to the little creek that crossed the road. The road was clear, so Sondo turned to follow the stream to the Brandywine. The land here between the road and the river was covered by a sparse forest, so the Brandywine did not come into vision until he was nearly upon it. The surface of the muddy river appeared to flow lazily, but Sondo knew that the current was much swifter than it looked. He turned left to reach the storage location of the raft. The place was a little inlet, invisible from every angle except the north, and only then at a close range.

Sondo was the first to arrive, and he was relieved to find everything exactly as it had been left. He resisted the urge to look and make sure the oilcloth was secured correctly. It had been checked several times already and the supplies had been arranged specifically so that the things that would be needed first were on top. There was no need to rearrange. Having nothing else to do, Sondo sat down on the raft with his back to the mast and waited for his companions to show up, dreaming of the adventures he would have, each one being more fantastical than the last.

[piosenniel]

Dedicated character --- Nurumaiel's character

NAME: Falco Brandybuck

AGE: 13

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Falco has no 'sharp' weapon, for his mother is somewhat protective of him. Yet he carries with him a simply-fashioned cudgel that he can wield with considerable force.

APPEARANCE: Falco's hair is brown, with a bit of a touch of auburn in it, and slightly wave, and his eyes are also brown. His cheeks are rosy from constant exercise, and sprinkled with just a few freckles. A very slight tilt-up of his nose indicates some arrogance. He's of average height and weight, but despite his not over-impressive stature, he carries extra strength than normal.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Falco is a generally cheerful lad, who amuses himself in typical boy's games. He enjoys the company of all his friends and companions, and has deep admiration and loyalty to anyone he looks upon as worthy. He could not be said to be an unnaturally adventurous boy, but he has a boy's natural inclinations towards fun and excitement. He's a very bold lad not easily intimidated, and is not opposed to throwing himself recklessly into dangerous situations. He has a deep fondness for any who are close to him, yet he hides it with a show of gruffness and an attitude of non-caring. Falco has arrogance of a certain kind. He will submit himself to another's will if he shares the same opinion as that one, but if the views differ Falco will immediately draw back and become assertive, and try to take the position as leader. Coupled with this is a stubborness, and so even if he realizes that the other is right he will still hold to his own ideas, and arrogantly tell others that he is right, despite his own sense that he is not. He also has an annoying habit of not paying close attention to what people are saying, so more than not he is left in a sort of ignorance of what is going on.

HISTORY: Falco was born to Merimas and Ruby (Gamwich) Brandybuck, and was raised in Brandy Hall. His father worked on the other side of the river, so most days he spent with his mother (who he loved very much, but didn't show it), his older brother (who he admired with a fierce admiration), and his little sister (who he thought very annoying, but also worthy of secret love). When he was younger he was very clumsy and was forever knocking vases off the shelves and running into walls, and tripping over his own feet and falling on his face, so his older brother gave him the nickname of 'Fally,' pronounced as if saying 'fall.'

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Nurumaiel’s post

Falco Brandybuck sat up in the apple tree, picking the fruit and studying them carefully, and then choosing which he would eat and which he would cast aside as no good. Every now and again he would look out of the corner of his eye towards Brandy Hall, where his family was, more than likely, just finishing breakfast. He had had some difficulty in deciding which he preferred more: to go eat the fine breakfast with his family, or to climb the tree and sit nearer the sky, and dine upon his desserts at once. He knew well he would be scolded for taking his dessert before he had eaten a single meal, but he knew also that it would not take the taste of the apples from his mouth. He didn't know, or rather he had forgotten, that his mother was going to make apple pies that day. Having forgotten (for he had not paid her close attention when she was speaking), it never occurred to him that he would be punished in the manner of being denied his fair share of pie.

He was ignorant, and he was happy. The apples tasted fine, the clear spring breeze rustled through the leaves and through his hair, and he was at peace.

A little pattering of feet on the grass below called his attention, and he saw a head of waving brown hair below him. It was his sister. He choked back a laugh of excitement, for he was hiding and she was searching for him. He put a half-eaten apple into his pocket, in case she should find him, for he did not want to be caught in his guilty act, and he pressed himself against the tree trunk. She looked here and there with a perturbed frown on her face, pattered a little way further, and then returned, her hands on her hips and her head cocked angrily to one side. She looked here and there once again, and then she rolled her eyes upwards in a sigh of annoyance. She caught sight of his blue shirt, and was immediately at the foot of the tree, calling up to him.

"Falco, Mamma 'as been looking for you everywhere and she's very angry. Why do you run 'way from breakfast?" And then her big eyes widened and she said, "Were you eating apples up there?"

"Yes," said Falco, and brought himself to the ground. "But don't tell Mamma, Rosa, and I'll give you an apple too."

"Oh no, naughty boy," she said, shaking her finger (and looking just like her mother). "You are very naughty to be stealing those apples, and I won't 'elp you."

"Stealing?" said Falco indignantly. "Why, I was just eating them because I was hungry!"

"You should 'ave et your breakfast, naughty boy."

"Please don't tell Mamma, Rosa," said Falco, his voice pleading and his hands catching her own.

She pulled away from him and fixed her determined eyes on the Hall, but she did not move. Rather, she cast him a keen sideways glance and said, "Will you give me your piece of apple pie if I don't?"

"Apple pie?" said Falco, very stupidly.

"Yes," said Rosa. "Mamma is making apple pie and if you don't give me yours I will tell 'er that you et those apples!"

He had forgotten about the pie. Ah, well. Either way he would lose his share. It was better to lose them to Rosa and escape a scolding. He nodded. "You can have the pie, Rosa, but don't tell Mamma."

"Then I won't," she said.

"I'm sure Sondo and the other boys were looking for me?" he said, and he presented it as a question.

"No, no," she said. "But soon everyone will be looking for Sondo and the other boys."

"What do you mean?" said Falco, quite as stupidly as before.

"I saw 'im leave very quietly, and he ran 'cross the grass towards the river. I wonder if 'e's running 'way?"

Falco turned pale. How could he have forgotten? He recalled, vaguely, that Sondo had been saying something about an adventure, and something about the river, and the raft. Again he questioned himself: how could he have forgotten?

"Rosa, I have to go now," he said. "Don't tell anyone that you saw Sondo leave, or that you saw anyone leave, or that you saw me leave."

"What will you give me if I don't?"

"My piece of apple pie."

"You already gave that to me."

"Then you can tell Mamma about the apples." It didn't matter if she knew. He wouldn't be about to be scolded. "Tell Mamma about the apples, and I'll give you my pie for not telling about us going."

"Very well," she said, "but don't you be running 'way too."

"Of course not, Rosa," he murmured, and giving her a little pat on the cheek he turned towards the river and ran with all speed he could muster.

[piosenniel]

CHARACTERS NEEDED:

5 Hobbits - male: They should be young Brandybucks (13-15 years old) and should live either in Brandy Hall or very nearby.

• 1. Brandybuck male (13-15 y/o)
• 2. Brandybuck male (13-15 y/o)
• 3. Brandybuck male (13-15 y/o)
• 4. Brandybuck male (13-15 y/o)
• 5. Brandybuck male (13-15 y/o)

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Character types which would not belong: Anything other than character types listed above.

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[piosenniel]

Prospective Game Players:

Please use this form for creating your character to post on the discussion thread.

1.) It is a requirement that all potential game players in the Shire will have posted in The Green Dragon Inn or have played to completion an RPG on the Barrow Downs.

2.) Those who have not played before in a Shire RPG will be given preference. Final preference, though, will be at the discretion of the Game Owner.
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Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES/NO - Which one?

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?

List them, please:

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES/NO

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For your character please include:

NAME:

AGE:

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS/EQUIPMENT (No magical, super-hero, mithril weapons. Just good solid Middle-earth weapons and armor only that is appropriate to the race of the character and the time period.): NOTE: Hobbits do not have swords. Slings for stone throwing, small knives, a stout stick, a very small bow for hunting small game, rope, little snares for game.

APPEARANCE:

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: (No half-Elven characters. No mixed-type characters. No super-heroes. No assassins. No one all powerful, martial arts proficient, or having any magical traits. Just regular characters with normal abilities for their races only):

HISTORY:

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First post for your character: (required to be submitted with Character Bio)

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First posts should include “escaping” unnoticed and coming to meet Sondo by the raft

~*~

[piosenniel]

** Happy New Year to All! **

The Discussion thread is now open to take on players.

Please read the proposal carefully and submit your Character Bio with a First Post for the game.

~*~ Piosenniel, Game Moderator

[Firefoot]

Happy New Year, everybody, and hi! Just checking in. I have high hopes for this game and I think there will be some interesting characters and players. I'm really looking forward to this.

-Firefoot, Game Owner

[Boromir88]

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES/NO - Which one?
Yes, Ungoliant's Children.

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? One

List them, please: Siege of Gundabad

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – Yes.

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NAME: Rorinac Brandybuck (Rory to his friends)

AGE: 15

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS/EQUIPMENT: A Short blade. It isn't very sharp, more suited for giving you marks and bruises then cutting through armor. Always carries a pouch full of sharp throwing stones.

APPEARANCE: Just over 3 feet tall, with slightly curled brown mop. Blue eyes and is thin compared to hobbit standards.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES:
You never see Rory with a frown on his face. He's always getting himself into trouble, his friends think he's clever and cheerful, but his parents only see him as a mischievous prankster. Anything his friend Sondo suggests, Rory is the first to pitch in, always anxious to find adventure (as well as trouble). Rory doesn't have a sharp understanding of the ideas Sondo conjures up, he just joins in because he thinks it sounds fun. Rory often gets himself into problems he can't handle yet, because he isn't at that age, as hobbits would say, and looks for others to get him out of sticky predicaments he has gotten in to.

HISTORY:
Rorinac Brandybuck, son of Filiburt and Daisy. He has an older sister Mirabella (Age 17) that is always snooping to try to get him into trouble. Also two younger brothers Rufus (8) and Madoc (7), who look up to Rory, and are constantly trying to join him and his friends. Rory is always finding himself into trouble, and is always forbidden to hang out with his friends. His mother is constantly telling him they are a bad influence, and she doesn't want to see him around them anymore. However, Rory is always finding new ways to slip out, and get himself into deeper trouble.

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Boromir88's post

This morning Rory was forced to eat with his parents, and siblings, because of the last incident. Rory convinced his youngest brother, Madoc, that Mirabella had taken his mushrooms they got from Old Maggot. Madoc ended up throwing his tea on his sister's dress. Like always Rory's parents found out he was behind it, and forced him to wash the dishes after every meal, and eat next to them, away from his siblings.

Rory sat eating next to his mother, who kept shooting glances at him. He wondered how he was going to be able to escape this time, his mom barely kept her eyes off him. Rory knew he had to escape, and sat contemplating how to do so. He already spotted Sondo had left, so he figured he better get out soon.

They already had food stocked by the river, but he managed to slip in some extra bread and berries into his pouch. Mirabella began to complain that she wanted some more tea. "I'm thirsty mama" she whined.

"Honey," Daisy said turning to her husband, Filiburt. "Could you get the kids some more drinks."

Rory perked up, this could be his chance he thought, "I'll do it." His mom looked at him suspiciously, but thought with all the trouble Rory was in, he should do it. "Ok, just don't you go causing any trouble for the cook. She fixes you these meals, you should be more grateful."

"Don't worry mama," he tried not to smirk, or appear he was up to something. He ran up to the cook and kindly asked, "May I get some more tea m'am?"

"Why of course you can, since you asked so nicely. I can't stand hobbits with no manners." She gave Rory a tray, with 6 cups filled with fresh, hot tea.

"Thank you m'am" he replied.

"Why anything for a generous little hobbit like yourself." she smiled.

Rory began walking back towards the table he was eating at, and figured it was now or never. Suddenly, he tripped over his feet and fell flat on his face, as the tray and tea cups went shattering on the floor. Every person dining in the hall turned their eyes on Rory, and the cook began to get red faced, she couldn't stand having to replace her precious china. Rufus and Madoc started cracking up laughing, acting out the scene, and Mirabella began to smirk realizing her brother was about to get it again.

Rory tried his best to keep a straight face, "Gee, I'm sorry m'am. This is all my fault, I'll go get a broom and sweep up this mess. I'm sorry, I'm just so clumsy sometimes." Rory let out a fake frown.

The cook's face which was flooded with red subsided back to normal color, "Oh it's ok, that sort of thing happens a lot around here. You're a nice boy. Yes, go get the broom, and sweep this up."

Rory spotted his parents rushing up to where he tripped. They had an expression of worry, and anger in their faces. Definitely worried they wouldn't have to compensate the cook, and angry at their son.

"Oh, I hope he hasn't caused you any trouble." Daisy pleaded with the cook. "Forgive him, he's constantly causing trouble." She let out a sharp glance at Rory. Rory bowed his head, knowing he was going to get in trouble, and probably be in more trouble when his parents found out what he was going to do.

"Not a bit," the cook responded, "your son was very kind, he even offered to clean this up. Don't worry about it." She then looked at Rory, "Just go get the broom, I'll sweep this up."

Mirabella had joined behind her parents, hoping to eavesdrop on the conversation. Daisy and Filiburt kept saying how sorry they were, and hope that Rory didn't cause her any problems. The cook kept reassuring them everything was ok.

Rory sprinted off, recognizing now was his chance. With his brothers occupied, fighting with eachother, and his parents and tattle-tale sister up with the cook. He bolted out of the door as fast as his feet could carry them, without stopping until he couldn't see the hall anymore. Oh boy, I'm going to get it when I get back, he thought. He quickly brightened, when he heard a faint chatter up towards the river, some of the hobbits must have already appeared. He figured they were waiting on him. He got to the hiding spot, Sondo and the other hobbits signalled him over, they were still waiting on a few others who said they would come. Atleast he got away, but he wondered if his parents knew he was gone yet, probably, it was a good ten minutes since he left the hall. He couldn't turn back now though, he knew he was already in deep trouble, might as well make the best of his opportunity.

[Firefoot]

Looks pretty good, Boromir88 - Rory will be a good addition. Welcome aboard! (No pun intended )

[piosenniel]

If you see an "edited by piosenniel" on your submission, it's just me, setting up your First Post for easy transfer to the game thread.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Firefoot -

This sounds like fun! Here is my proposed profile and first post...

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES/NO - Which one? Yes. Among the games I have played in are Voyage of the Lonely Star, Shadow of the Star, Hunt for the Palantiri, Farmer in the Dale, Breelanders All!, A Land to Call their Own, Corsairs and Corsets, Flight from Rohan, Hunt for the Dragon, etc.

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? One

List them, please: Here There be Dragons

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES/NO Yes.

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For your character please include:

NAME: Bingo Brandybuck

AGE: 15

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS/EQUIPMENT: One of his uncles taught Bingo to hunt conies and other small game with a Hobbit-sized bow, and he is bringing that along. Since Bingo is the sort of lad who thinks ahead and anticipates the worst, he made sure to take a rope, a blanket, and even a spare change of clothing inside a satchel. His pockets are overflowing with treasures including three copper pennies, a line and hook for fishing, and several flints that an older cousin had told him were useful for starting a fire.

Despite his resourcefulness, he has absolutely no experience in fighting. His natural inclination is to give in or hide when faced with any lad who wants to pick a fight.

APPEARANCE: Bingo has a mop of curly brown hair and large brown eyes that make him appear unusually pensive for a young Hobbit. He looks more Harfoot than Fallohide with a stocky build and nut-brown skin. He has a definite weakness for sweets and pastries, and any dish made with mushrooms, which may partially account for his stockiness.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Bingo’s personal situation is more fluid than the other lads in this story. Bingo’s parents died seven years ago. (See “History” below.) He has one brother, two years his junior. He and his brother are very close.

Despite some differences of opinion that had once marred relations between his father and the Master of Brandy Hall, Bingo’s kin thought it best to provide him a home after his parents’ death. The brothers have been passed between various aunts, uncles, and elder cousins over the past seven years. These well-meaning kin are concerned that the lads have enough to eat and a decent place to live, but they do not shower them with personal affection or even punish them for minor misdeeds. Since there is no one person responsible for their upbringing, Bingo and his brother often “fall through the cracks”, happily going their own way in the wild maze of tunnels that make up Brandy Hall.

Because he’s had to adapt to varying circumstances, Bingo is more independent than most lads his age: new things are less likely to unnerve him (with the exception of those situations where fighting is involved). He has always made his own decisions about many things. Bingo has gotten into a scrape or two involving a platter of mushroom pasties left unguarded in the kitchen, but he is generally considered a responsible young Hobbit. One of the things that most concerns him is to be a good older brother.

Bingo’s special love is the Baranduin where he spends endless hours swimming, fishing, and floating toy boats downstream. One time, his uncle allowed him to row out with a boat and fish. He has never sailed or been on a raft.

HISTORY: Bingo and his brother are the sons of Dinodas Brandybuck and his wife Adelaide Goodchild. The Red Book of Westmarch includes the name ‘Dinodas’ as the younger brother of Primula in the Brandybuck geneology. However, there is no mention of a marriage or subsequent offspring, or even of the untimely death of Dinodas and his wife. The latter occurred in 1405 when ruffians assaulted the couple on a journey back to Bree where they planned to attend the handfasting of one of Adelaide’s many cousins.

A tangled tale lies behind this conspicuous omission. When approaching seventy years, Dinodas did a most unusual thing: he travelled to Bree and returned with a young wife. Saradoc, master of Buckland, was not happy about this wholly unexpected match. The fact that Adelaide was a Harfoot of humble origins from so far away did not earn his approval. Nor was Saradoc pleased that the normally sensible Dinodas had married a girl some thirty years his junior. The Brandybuck kin grudgingly accepted the marriage (which appeared to be a happy one), but Saradoc was careful to omit the name of the bride and her offspring from the official record in the Red Book and other written genealogies.

While Bingo was not yet fully aware of this tangled heritage, he could sense that his elders did not wholly approve of him. This history only reinforced his natural tendency to lay low and avoid trouble at all costs. Seeing that such bad things happened to people when they went on trips, he was also a natural stay-at-home. He loved the river and the forest that lay at his doorstep and saw little reason to go anywhere else. It was only his desire to be accepted by the other lads, to be included in their schemes, that had led him to agree to this escapade.



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First post for your character: (required to be submitted with Character Bio)

~*~

First posts should include “escaping” unnoticed and coming to meet Sondo by the raft

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Child of the 7th Age's post

Bingo fidgeted impatiently as he shoved the last morsel of breakfast into his mouth. Although the lad normally returned for seconds and thirds, he did not intend to linger over his platter this morning. Bingo was almost too excited to speak. He had finally been invited by young Sondo to share in a grand adventure. Bingo really didn’t care where the lads were going or what they were doing. He had paid little attention to all the details. The important thing was that he was not being left out. The young Hobbit had risen early, packed his little satchel, and made sure that his bow and quiver of arrows stood nearby. Then he had done the same for his brother.

Bingo watched as his Aunt Hilda bustled back and forth between the kitchen and the table, carrying platters of hot cakes to be shared by her three offspring who were hungry young tweeners. Bingo reflected that it was as good a time as any for he and his brother to make their escape…..

“Aunt Hilda, I hope you won’t mind…. Just last night Cousin Melilot talked to me and suggested we stay with her a bit.”

Aunt Hilda looked back with a question on her face. “But I thought she and her husband were just getting settled into that small burrow, the one down by the river?”

“Yes,” continued Bingo, thinking as quickly as he could. “They need two young lads to help them unpack the furniture and parcels, and get things in order. Please, Aunt Hilda, we can help her.”

The night before, Hilda had been thinking how nice it would be if her widowed mother could pay a visit from the Southfarthing. She did not want to toss Bingo and his brother out the door, but they were staying in her only guest room. Hilda had considered asking them to sleep in the pantry, but this new suggestion seemed to fit in perfectly with what she had been considering. She looked at the two youngsters and smiled, “Yes, I suppose a visit to Cousin Melilot might be a good idea, especially if you two can be of help to her.”

“We’ll go this morning,” Bingo added. “As soon as we’ve helped you clean up.”

Within the space of an hour, Bingo and his brother were headed out the door of Brandy Hall, lugging their belongings with them, along with a generous wrapped luncheon packet that Aunt Hilda had provided. They quickly reached the large oak that marked the path where Cousin Melilot’s new smial stood. “Down there,” urged Bingo to his brother. “Go on. Just tell Cousin that I’m staying at Brandy Hall for a few more days to help Aunt Hilda arrange her library. I’ll come later.”

“But Aunt Hilda doesn’t have a library! And what if our kin start asking questions?” his brother objected. “Anyways,” he added more gently, “I don’t want you to leave me. Why can’t I come with you?”

“No, not this time. You weren’t asked. And for once I want to do something with Sondo. Anyways, no one will ask questions. They’ll just be glad we’ve gone somewhere else for a while. I’ll be back in a day or two. I promise. Don’t worry!”

His younger brother sighed, and reluctantly turned down the pathway that led to Cousin Melitot’s burrow. Feeling free and happy, Bingo raced down the other path that led towards the River. Ahead of him, he could see the raft bobbing in the water, and one or two Hobbit lads gathering their things together on the shore.

[Firefoot]

Very nice, Child! Bingo sounds like an interesting character. I'll look forward to RP'ing with you.

[Boromir88]

Thanks for the acceptance Firefoot, I look forward to roleplaying with you again. As well as roleplaying with Child and Nurumaiel for the first time.

[Kitanna]

I'd like to take a stab at this RPG.

~*~*~

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – yes - Which one? Hunt for the Palantíri
2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? None
3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – yes

~*~*~

NAME: Marroc Brandybuck

AGE: 13

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS/EQUIPMENT: Marroc doesn't really carry weapons around with him. Though he has been known from time to time to carry stones in his pockets for his slingshot. He usually carries a walking stick for trekking across open fields or fighting off his older brothers.

APPEARANCE: Marroc is considered quite tall for his age and is very plumb. He has light brown hair that in always falling in his green eyes.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: He is a kind and loving Hobit lad. He is always laughing and making those around him laugh. His best strength is his quick thinking. He's been able to get himself out of many jams because of how quickly he thinks on his feet. His biggest weakness is he is always trying to prove himself to his older brothers.

HISTORY: Marroc is the youngest child of Mongo and Ruby Brandybuck. He has five older sisters and three older brothers. He was born to be the trouble maker of the family. He has, in the past, wandered off in the early morning and not returned until long after supper. His father tries to keep him busy by having him help bring in the crops or sometimes help his mother with the meals. Still Marroc can be an extremely clumsy lad and finds a way to make a mess of almost every situation. Still his parents cherish him as the baby of the family and are forever trying to turn him down a less worrisome path for life.

Marroc was invited by Sondo to join their little adventure and at first he was a little nervous. He had never been asked to join anything like this at first. The more Sondo explained the plan to him the more it appealed to young Marroc. The only member of the raft party Marroc really knows and is friendly with is Sondo and he thinks he's going to make a fine leader on their adventure.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kitanna's post

Marroc shoved a last piece of bacon into his mouth, hoping now to get away to join Sondo. Marroc pushed back from the table and headed for the door. "Where do you think you're going?" His mother said, pulling him back into his chair.

"Out to help Father."

"Not without more than a few pieces of bacon you're not." Ruby shoveled more bacon and some eggs and bread onto Marroc's plate. "You'll need your strength to go out with your father and brothers today."

Marroc dug into his food, barely taking anytime to chew it. "You're going to be sick." His oldest sister Daisy said. "No one will get any work done today if you get sick and they have to carry you back."

Marroc tried to say something with a chunk of bread in his mouth. "Daisy's right, take your time."

The Hobbit lad mumbled and paced himself. But the entire time his tapped his foot nervously on the floor. He had to get away. He had to go join up with Sondo.

Finally he cleared his plate of all traces of food. "May I go now? Please?"

Ruby looked over him and smiled warmly. "I suppose so, but stay out of trouble. There's work to be done and there's no time for your foolishness."

Marroc jumped out of his chair and ran outside. He did a quick check to make sure no one was watching and he headed away from the field. On his way to meet Sondo and the others Marroc stopped off at a hollowed out tree trunk. Inside he had hidden his knapsack with his slingshot and plenty of stones, a few apples, and water. He grabbed his walking stick as well and headed off.

[Encaitare]

Note to Firefoot: Child and I have been conversing via PMs about the possibility of her character's younger brother, mentioned in her post, deciding he wants to come along and showing up just before the friends leave. I'm posting a bio for this character to go along with this idea -- but it's your call whether this is okay.


Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – No.

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? - None.

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – Yes.

_______________________________________


For your character please include:

NAME: Reginand (Reggie for short)

AGE: 13

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS/EQUIPMENT: Like his brother, Reginand is not much of a fighter. He does carry a small sling and several well-chosen stones for it, but the only thing he has ever hit with them are targets painted on trees. He also has a little pocket-knife which he generally uses to peel apples, although he's dabbled in throwing it a bit (much to the annoyance of the neighbors). It could come in handy, though, he always thinks, and likes to show off with it to his friends. He happens to have a bit of rope in his back pocket. He also has with him the satchel which Bingo packed for him, in which are a clean shirt and trousers and some food.

APPEARANCE: Reggie is thin because he is constantly active, and he is rather short. His hair is dark brown and occasionally gets grass caught in it from playing outdoors. While he has his quiet moments, he is usually smiling.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: He is outgoing and happy most of the time, and does not allow himself to be discouraged. He usually can find a way out of a fix, and being perhaps more curious than is good for him, often has to do so. His greatest strength is his stamina; his greatest weakness is the fact that he is always getting himself into trouble.

HISTORY: Since he was only six years old when his parents were killed, he does not have many prominent or clear memories of them. He likes his independence, but also loves to hear stories about his parents from Bingo. The fact that he is different from his other relatives because of his unusual parental situation does not really bother him; in fact, it has only made him closer to his older brother, whom he relies on and admires very much.

___________________________________


Encaitare's post

Reginand felt rather abandoned as he watched Bingo go happily off down towards the riverbank with a spring in his step. He looked gloomily towards Cousin Melilot's door, bright yellow in the side of the hill.

I could still go back home, he thought, dreading the idea of spending several beautiful spring days indoors. But then that would give Bingo away, and I can't do that either.

The young hobbit found himself dragging his feet as he slowly made his way up the path, gently swinging his satchel around. It was a sunny day, and the whole Shire seemed to be coming alive again. He ought to be outside romping in the grass or playing by the river with Bingo, not left by himself to unpack boxes and move furniture.

Another look at the yellow door did it for him: there was a cart just outside of it, covered in bundles and packages. He wouldn't have minded so much if Bingo had stayed, but there was not a chance that this was how he would spend these days. Why shouldn't he have an adventure too, like so many of his older Took relatives, or even that funny Bilbo Baggins?

Making up his mind, Reggie turned about and raced down towards the riverbank. There he could see a raft floating in the water. Bingo was there with Sondo, and another hobbit who he knew to be called Rory. Bingo noticed him approaching and looked at him sternly.

"Reg, why aren't you at Cousin Melilot's?"

"I can't go there and unpack things for half a week! If you think I'm going to do that, boy, you're crazy, Bingo Brandybuck--"

His older brother did not look amused. "You must go, or else Aunt Hilda will come looking for me. Come on, Reggie," he said more quietly. "Please, just go."

"Can I come with you?" Reginand said, turning to Sondo, who was watching the whole spectacle. "I won't take up much room on the raft, and I won't weigh it down at all -- see? I'm small enough!" He jumped up and down a couple of times for emphasis. "I can help you lads with whatever you need. Please?"

[Firefoot]

Kitanna - There are a couple of minor things that I have sent via pm that should be very easily addressed. I'm going to go ahead and accept Marroc now, though. He's an interesting character. Welcome to the game!

Encaitaire - It's fine with me if you want to play Bingo's little brother since it is fine with Child. It should make for some interesting characer interaction between your two characters - I'll look forward to it. A welcome to you too!

I've really liked the character submissions so far. Only one more player is needed - looking at other submissions so far, it might be interesting if that character was a real grouch. Not to sway that potential player's ideas, or anything...

[Kitanna]

Firefoot~

I added those few things tou suggested about Marroc and how he felt about all this. I put it at the end of my history for him.

[Crystal Heart]

Hey Firefoot! I wanted to join this game. It sounds like loads of fun. And here's the grouchy person that you wanted! ;-)

-Crystal-



Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES/NO - Which one? Yes- Legacy of Traitors and Seekers of Truth

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? none as of currently

List them, please:

Please note you may play in only 2 (TWO) Shire games at one time. Exceptions to this may be made for this on a case by case basis by the Shire Moderators. (The Green Dragon Inn DOES NOT count as a game for this.)


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES/NO Yes

_______________________________________


For your character please include:

NAME: Samuel (Sam for short)

AGE: 15

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS/EQUIPMENT: a small knife from his father and a small bow and arrow that was his great grandfather Samuel Brandybuck's

APPEARANCE: He has short, wavy brown hair and deep brown eyes. He was trying in vain to grow a beard, but it wasn't entirely working so he goes clean shaven around the Shire. He wears an off white top shirt and earth brown trousers.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Samuel usually is an easy going person. He doesn't really get upset unless he is in a dangerous situation or too far away from the Shire. That's when he gets grouchy. He also gets grouchy when he feels put out, unfed, underfed, etc. In other words, he gets grouchy alot. But other then those times he acts completely kind and sweet. His weakness is food and his strength is anger. His anger is what fuels him. Especially for food.

HISTORY: Samuel hates his parents. Always has and probably always will. All because of the fact that they tell him what to do. If they didn't tell him what to do then they would probably get along. He would have run away years ago if it weren't for the glorious array of food his mother cooks. Although he doesn't get along with his parents he gets along with the rest of family, except for his grouchy times (which are often).

__________________________________


Crystal Heart's post

Samuel tip toed as lightly as he could towards the door. Today was the day that he would go out on adventure, or something. As long as there was food involved. That's all that mattered. That's what the others had said. They had promised him food. That and a vacation away from his parents which in his opinion was the greatest present anyone could ever give him.

"Samuel Brandybuck, where do you think you are going?" His mother's shrill voice yelled from in the kitchen. He swore under his breath.

"I'm going to the secret hangout with the cousins, Mum," Sam answered, trying not to let the anger show in his voice.

"Without doing your chores?" His mother's voice questioned.

"I did them!" Sam shouted back.

"You have not Samuel and you know it. Don't you lie to your mother." Sam sighed and rolled his eyes. He looked at the door. He could just run. What could she do? She would never be able to catch him, that he was sure of.

"Okay, I'll go do them," Sam answered as he opened the door and walked right out. He laughed to himself as he walked down the path. He walked down to what he usually called the "creek of death", due to reasons even he didn't entirely understand, and the raft where Sondo had told him he would be.

He wondered if his mother would be mad and realized that she would be. He started to think about the punishments she would ensue. Probably locking him in his room for a week. Maybe even doing even more chores, if there were more chores. Then a thought hit him. She could take away the food, but she would never..... He stopped and thought about it. Should he take the chance?

Sam shrugged his shoulders, knowing that his cousins and other family members would never allow another Brandybuck to go hungry, and headed off towards the creek of death.

[Firefoot]

Kitanna - looks good.

Crystal - Long time, no see. I like Sam very much - he's very different from the other lads. Welcome aboard!

[Boromir88]

Good to have you along Enca, Kitanna, and Crystal .

[Encaitare]

Thanks, Firefoot. This should be fun, we've got a great group of people assembling here!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Looks as if we're just about ready to sail!

Cami

[piosenniel]

Here's the crew:

Players/Characters:

• 1. Boromir88 (Rorinac Brandybuck, “Rory”; 15y/o)
• 2. Child of the 7th Age (Bingo Brandybuck; 15 y/o)
• 3. Kitanna (Marroc Brandybuck; 13 y/o)
• 4. Encaitare (Reginand Brandybuck, “Reggie”;13 y/o – Bingo’s younger brother)
• 5. Crystal Heart (Samuel Brandybuck, “Sam”; 15 y/o)
• 6. Firefoot (Sondo Brandybuck; 14 y/o)
• 7. Nurumaiel (Falco Brandybuck; 13 y/o)

~*~ Pio, game moderator

[Firefoot]

Let's go with this order:

Firefoot
Boromir88
Child of the 7th Age
Encaitare
Kitanna
Crystal Heart
Nurumaiel

~*~*~

This is shaping up really nicely, everybody... I can't wait to actually get started! The lads are in for several surprises.

[piosenniel]

The Game is now open for play. Have fun!

Please remember to REMOVE SIGNATURES from every post to the RPG Thread, including SAVES.

Also - SAVES are to be filled in in 24 hours. And please leave a brief description on your SAVE of what you are planning in general to say.

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator

[Crystal Heart]

Thank you! I've never been a hobbit before and am quite looking forward to it. I'm glad to be a part of the RPG!

-Crystal-

[Boromir88]

Me neither Crystal, on my little contact list for RPG's I actually said any race except hobbits, I had no real desire to play hobbits. Then I saw the great storyline to this, and I thought, I'm tired of being stuck up men and elves, I think it's time to be a cheerful, prankster hobbit . I look forward to RPing with you (and everyone).

[Crystal Heart]

I know what you mean Boromir. All I have been is human women in the RPGs and I read the plot and thought it would be so hilarious to be a grumpy 15 year old hobbit. I also look forward to RPGing with you and everyone else here.


Firefoot, who do you wish to start posting? Do you have a particular order? I thought I might ask before I started my post.

-Crystal-

[Firefoot]

Crystal (and everyone) - Anyone can start posting now. I have no order or anything in mind.

[Child of the 7th Age]

OK, we're off and running. Unfortunately, Bingo has just accidentally poked Samuel in the ribs.

[Crystal Heart]

Yes and Samuel now hates Bingo with a deep passion. Sorry about that Child! LOL

[Boromir88]

The foolish argument (no offense I like the twist) caused even bigger problems between the hobbits, hope they can find their way out of this jam. It just keeps getting better and better and it's not even the end of the first day.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Several Hobbits are stuck in some tree branches in the middle of the river. (This actually happened to me when I unwisely went tubing on the Guadalupe a week after a tropical rain storm.) Several others have gone off to try and get the raft.

I haven't listed any names so you can have your character belong to either group.

Somebody had better retrieve that raft!

[Firefoot]

Enca, I borrowed your character for help in getting the raft under control. If anyone else would like to be included in this, or if you'd rather have Reggie elsewhere, I can edit accordingly.

The raft is tied off downstream, and the hobbits all (should be, but maybe not... ) are at the scene of the spill. I made no moves to help this problem - I'll leave that to you all.

Once everything is under control, the hobbits will be heading back to the raft to get dried off and take stock of the situation. Also, I think Bingo and Sam are in for a bit of a tongue lashing. ( ) Any loose supplies (such as the extras several hobbits brought along) are lost, but the rest which was secured underneath of an oilcloth are still there. These would be the majority of food, blankets, a bit of rope, etc. I would ask that none of the hobbits go digging through there just yet, however, since there is a bit of a surprise waiting there...

[Child of the 7th Age]

Bingo has made his way back to the raft and has raised several questions with Firefoot. He is prepared to take his tongue lashing whenever you are ready. Feel free to barge ahead and interrupt me.

Is everyone accounted for? Shall we take stock of our situation then, and continue onward, or are there other loose ends to tie up?

~Cami

[Crystal Heart]

Alrighty, Sam has made a surprise apology due to a spirt of remorse. Is Sam changing??? Hmm..... lol

Yes, I the creator of the Samuel Brandybuck character is thoroughly ready for whatever tongue lashing you can put upon him. lol

If you're reading this and think that I'm being weird, I'm just in a silly mood.

Ta ta!!

-Crystal-

[Child of the 7th Age]

Fine post, Crystal. I've put up a save for Bingo to respond (hopefully by late tonight), and also made a slight change in my final sentence to provide a better lead-in. Maybe Sondo will be so flabbergasted by our unexpected rapprochement that he's forget about that tongue lashing. Then again, maybe not! But a hobbit can always hope.