A Land to Call Their Own Discussion Thread

[piosenniel]

Alaklondewen invites you to play in her RPG:

A Land to Call Their Own

Historical Background:

In the year 1600 of the Third Age, the majority of the Hobbit population lived in the area in and around the town of Bree. A large Hobbit population had live there for approximately 300 years, and the area was beginning to become overpopulated. Two Fallohide brothers, Marcho and Blanco, led a group of settlers into the region west of the Baranduin River (later called the Brandywine River) and founded the land of the Shire.

Fictional Background:

A group of several hundred hobbits followed Marcho and Blanco. These settlers had a wide variety of motivations for leaving Bree. The Whitfoots, a wealthy Fallohide family, were enthusiastic about the possibility of future prosperity in the new land; however, the Chubbs, the poor, hardworking Harfoot family that worked for the Whitfoots, was reluctant to leave. The Chubbs felt they were pressured financially to follow their employers.

Basic Storyline:

The purpose of the story is to follow the difficult journey of these two hobbit families from Bree to Michel Delving where they will be a part of the colonization of the Shire. Many obstacles may be faced while the group is on the road. Wolves run wild in the area, and strange men inhabit small camps on either side of the Great East Road. Some of the hardships will cause the families to question their decision to come, while others just may bring them together.

This means we will know the story is over when the hobbits successfully reach the White Downs.

_______________________________________________

[piosenniel]

Starting Location for the game: Bree

Likely destination: The White Downs

[piosenniel]

TIMEFRAMES:

This game takes place in the Third Age at around year 1601.

The storyline itself or plot covers one month.

This game requires a time commitment of 9 weeks from me, the game owner and from the major players.

[piosenniel]

CHARACTERS NEEDED


Please note that the hobbits who are leaving Bree are very different from the hobbits during the War of the Ring and in the Fourth Age. These hobbits are more rugged individuals who are used to living among Men and having to fight to survive.


Note on playing hobbits: Tolkien gave us some personality and physical differences between the three strains of hobbits. This is from the Prologue of The Lord of Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

The Harfoots were browner of skin, smaller, and shorter, an they were beardless and bootless; their hands and feet were near and nimble; and they preferred highlands and hillsides…The Fallohides were fairer of skin and also of hair, and they were taller and slimmer than the others; they were lovers of trees and of woodlands.


The Harfoots had much to do with Dwarves in ancient times, and long lived in the foothills f the mountains. They moved westward early, and roamed over Eriador as far as Weathertop while the others were still in the Wilderland. They were the most normal and representative variety of Hobbit, and far the most numerous. They were the most inclined to settle in one place, and longest preserved their ancestral habit of living in tunnels and holes…


The Fallohides, the least numerous, were a northerly branch. They were more friendly with Elves than the other Hobbits were, and had more skill in language and song than in handicrafts; and of old they preferred hunting to tilling…they soon mingled with the other kinds that preceded them, but being somewhat bolder and more adventurous, they were often found as leaders or chieftains among clans of Harfoots or Stoors.

[piosenniel]

Please consider the above when creating your character descriptions.


~*~ CHARACTER LIST ~*~


Whitfoot Family - They would be Fallohides.


Parents

• 1.) Male
  
• 2.) Female

Children

• 1.) Boy or Girl
  
• 2.) Boy or Girl

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Chubb Family - They would be Harfoot.


Parents

• 1.) Male
  
• 2.) Female

Children

• 1.) Boy or Girl
  
• 2.) Boy or Girl

Elderly grandparent

• 1.) Male or Female

NOTE: Also, the families will need occupations. I will leave this up to you as players, but here is a suggestion. The Whitfoots should probably be some kind of owner of a business that has given them financial stability. The Chubbs probably work the Whitfoot’s land and are allowed to stay on it. This would give them the needed pressure to pick up and leave for the new land.

[piosenniel]

Character types which would not belong:


Any character types not listed above.

[piosenniel]

Alaklondewen’s Character


NAME: Marcho Bolger

AGE: 58

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Marcho carries a long knife that has a wide flat blade and a wooden handle wrapped in a worn than leather and is kept in a matching sheath that hangs loosely around Marcho’s waist. The hobbit also shoulders a small crossbow and several generic arrows that have come in handy on many hunts. A slingshot, Marcho keeps in the inside pocket of his vest so that it lays again his breast.

APPEARANCE: Marcho stands 4 feet 3 inches tall with a relatively slender build. His shaggy light brown hair frames his tan features. His twinkling blue eyes look out from under two bushy eyebrows and over high, consistently pink, cheek bones.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Marcho has an intense, serious demeanor, especially when caught in thought or while scouting. The hobbit is known for his quiet nature, but he has a wonderfully bright spirit once one took the time know him a little better. A modest hobbit, Marcho is not one to take credit even when it is due him. An example of this behavior is his little known talent of playing a wooden recorder his grandfather whittled. He can play quite well, but few know it because he does not want the extra attention.


HISTORY: Marcho is the eldest of five children. His brother, Blanco, and he have a close relationship and are both scouts. Marcho’s three younger sisters married respectable gentlehobbits and live happily in Bree.


At 35, Marcho married Estella Whitfoot, a daughter of a local Bree business owner. Through the years, Estella was a loving, supportive wife. Her sweet, outgoing demeanor provides the balance to his quiet seriousness.

Marcho has big dreams for himself and his family, and when he and his brother found the hill-covered land in the west, he knew this was his time. The crowdedness and restlessness of Bree and the surrounding area wore on his senses and he knew that if he didn’t take the chance of moving, he would face the possibility of becoming a miserable old hobbit.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Alaklondewen’s post – First for Game


The gusty wind ruffled the skirts, aprons, and coat-tails of the hobbit-folk gathering in the center of Bree where a meeting had been called for all the hobbits in and around the town that mid-morning. Groups of ladies stood huddled laughing and gossiping about what the subject of the meeting could possibly be. Merry children ran and played in the streets, while their fathers leaned against the surrounding trees, smoking long wooden pipes, and the discussing the politics of the day.

A short wooden podium had been erected overnight on the small stage in front of the community hall, behind which two middle-aged hobbits talked in hushed whispers with their backs to the crowd.

“Well, brother, spirits seem to be high and with the nice weather the folk should receive our proposition favorably,” the taller of the two spoke to the other who kept his eyebrows furrowed and eyes on the small paper he held in his hands.

“I hope you are right in your thinking, Blanco, but we must not let our heads reach the clouds.” The hobbit turned slightly and looked over his shoulder at the townspeople. Then after taking a deep breath, he continued, “I believe all are here who wish to be…let us begin.”

Blanco nodded in agreement with his brother and walked silently to the podium. He greeted the crowd, but the excited voices of hobbit-folk drowned out his initial attempt. Looking around the podium and his feet, Blanco coolly stepped to the side of the stage and reached a large stone roughly the size of his fist. As soon as he returned to the podium, he pounded the stone on the side of the structure producing a thunderous sound that promptly hushed the voices of the crowd. Raising his arms in greeting, the hobbit welcomed the hobbit-folk and thanked them for coming. “My name is Blanco Bolger. My brother, Marcho Bolger, and I come before you today to offer all of you an opportunity the likes of which will live on in the stories of our descendents.” Blanco paused and cleared his throat before continuing, letting his words sink in. The crowd appropriately responded with much murmuring. “I may be getting ahead of myself…please allow me to back up a moment. During the last several years, Bree has been a desirable place for many to live…too many. I know that most if not all of you feel the pressures of the growing population everyday. The available land for young families is becoming scarce, our streets are cluttered with the waste of too many, and there is ever the threat of war from the east.” Pausing again, Blanco watched the fathers nod, and a few “that’s true” and “he’s right” were tossed out. “How would feel if I told you we have a solution? We do. We will begin to settle the land to the west. We have lived among the Big People too long, and now we can have a land to call our own!” The crowd immediately began raising their voices with approval and opposition. Blanco raised his hands to the folk and called “please, please, wait” until they had quieted once more. “We understand many of you will have questions and comments, but if I may, I would like you to hold off for just a minute, while my brother gives you some information about the location…Marcho?” The hobbit stepped back to allow room for Marcho to come forward.

Marcho, the more serious and older of the two brothers, unfolded the small paper he’d been studying earlier and laid it flat on the podium. Speaking before others was not something this hobbit enjoyed, and he remained silent for the moment, gathering his thoughts before beginning. “Those of you who know my brother and I well will know that for the last several months we have been surveying the land beyond the Baranduin.” The hobbit paused, squinted at what was close to the noon sun, and wiped the nervous sweat from his forehead. “What we have found is a rich, uninhabited land. Approximately one hundred leagues west of the river, we will settle the hills of the White Downs. These hills will not only provide desirable living space, but will protect us from future threats.” Marcho glanced at his notes periodically as he spoke. “The White Hills are surrounded by lush lowlands that will provide land ideal for farming. Our settlement will be in a prime location for obtaining trade with the Men of Arnor and the Elves of Lindon. This factor will benefit our people immensely. We, as a unified people, can hardly afford to let this opportunity pass.”

Here, Marcho stepped back and Blanco came once more and stood beside his brother. “We have contacted King Argeleb II and received permission to enter the land and settle in all the land beyond the river Baranduin to the Far Downs. Our only obligations will be to keep the bridges and roads in good repair, aid the King’s messengers, and acknowledge his Lordship as our King. One week from today, we will leave the gates of our fair city and lead all those families who wish to be apart of this momentous occasion. This will truly be a day that will live on in the stories of our descendents.” Blanco waved his fist in the air as a sign of victory.

Marcho, always calm and rational, said, “We will now take any questions or concerns you may have. We will take our time and answer you in an orderly fashion. Please feel free to voice your opinions. This is an important day for all of us, and we want to be sure you have enough information to make a well-thought out decision." Marcho then announced to the Hobbits that all those who wanted to go along should meet back at the West Gate, all packed up to travel, in one week's time.

The brothers spent the next few hours in front of the townspeople answering questions and debating the need to make such a move. Many of the hobbits were passionate about their concerns, and some, who make it very clear they disagreed, stomped away from the meeting grumbling and calling out their complaints.

[piosenniel]

DEDICATED CHARACTERS:

Child of the 7th Age (Cami) will be playing several minor characters who will appear sporadically along the line of march from Bree to the Shire, posing a variety of threats to the safety and security of the hobbits. Child will also serve as a narrative voice to give reports on weather and road conditions and the general line of march when circumstances in the story warrant such description.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Child of the 7th Age’s post -- Place at the very end of all the first posts by the other posters

One week later.....

It was a bright and sunny day just one week after the meeting when Marcho had first addressed the hobbit community. Despite the earlier grumblings and hesitations, a considerable contingent of hobbits had shown up at sunrise in front of the West Gate; some were on foot, others astride ponies or seated in carts, but all carried their belongings with them.

Blanco paced up and down the line several times, warning families who were attempting to bring the entire contents of their household that they would need to be more selective, or risk falling behind with so heavy a load. At the last minute, several large dressers and tables were taken down from the backs of carts, and with many misgivings, relinquished to neighbors and friends who had decided not to make the trip.

A number of folk, both Big and Little, had turned out to see the travellers depart. The general air that prevailed was almost like a carnival, as children ran gaily about playing tag and friends shared baskets of cookies and cake with those leaving. Still, on the fringes of the gathering, things were not quite so happy. Older hobbits blinked back tears, sharing their goodbyes with friends and kin, uncertain whether they would ever see them again. And nearly all the adult hobbits, including the womenfolk, had bows thrown over their backs, swords buckled about their waists or small daggers tucked under belts. A few kept a heavy frying pan in close range on the seat of their wagon.

Cotton Woolthistle, the proprietor of the Prancing Pony, stood alongside the clearing and looked on in amazement. His distant ancestor Edmund Woolthistle had seen the Hobbits come to Bree some three hundred years before. Now, it seemed that over half of them would be leaving. Cotton sighed and shook his head. Big and Little Folk had lived peacefully together all that time, and he and many of his neighbors would be sorry to see the Little Folk go. The Hobbits had been good customers at the Pony for many a long year. He glanced up and was surprized to recognize two other families in the long line of those departing: the Whitefoots and the Chubbs. The Whitefoots had enjoyed dealings with Bree's finest merchant families, while the Chubbs were known to be good and sturdy workers. Cotton wished that he could persuade Marcho and Blanco to set aside this risky venture and remain inside the safety of Bree's dyke and hedge. But since they seemed determined to go, he saw little reason to try and persuade them otherwise at this late date.

[piosenniel]

It is a requirement that all potential game players will either have posted in one of the RPG Inns (preferably in The Green Dragon) or have played in an RPG on the Barrow Downs.

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

Those who have not played before in a Barrow Downs' RPG will be given preference. Final preference, though, will be at the discretion of the Game Owner.
_______________________________________

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 3 games at one time.


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES/NO – Which one?

_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME:

AGE:

RACE:

GENDER:

WEAPONS (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.):

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:

__________________________________


FIRST POSTS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE SAME TIME AS YOUR CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

All character descriptions not accompanied by a First Post will be returned to their writers.

Players will NOT be chosen because they submitted their character earlier than the other players. The Game Owner, Alaklondewen, will read each post and character bio and then make the choice for players accordingly

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

First Posts for this game:

Each of the posters should submit a first post with their profile. This should give their character 's reaction to Marcho's speech, postive or negative, and the whole idea of leaving Bree.

The second posts, which will only be written after the game thread opens, will occur one week later (game time) and will be the scene where the hobbits are physically leaving the city. Each poster should explain how he feels and what he sees as the line of hobbits says goodbye and marches out the West Gate.

[piosenniel]

~*~ CHARACTER'S NEEDED ~*~


Whitfoot Family - They would be Fallohides.


Parents

• 1.) Male
  
• 2.) Female

Children

• 1.) Boy or Girl
  
• 2.) Boy or Girl

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Chubb Family - They would be Harfoot.


Parents

• 1.) Male
  
• 2.) Female

Children

• 1.) Boy or Girl
  
• 2.) Boy or Girl

Elderly grandparent

• 1.) Male or Female

NOTE: Also, the families will need occupations. I will leave this up to you as players, but here is a suggestion. The Whitfoots should probably be some kind of owner of a business that has given them financial stability. The Chubbs probably work the Whitfoot’s land and are allowed to stay on it. This would give them the needed pressure to pick up and leave for the new land.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

References you need to fashion your Hobbit character:

Please note that the hobbits who are leaving Bree are very different from the hobbits during the War of the Ring and in the Fourth Age. These hobbits are more rugged individuals who are used to living among Men and having to fight to survive.

Note on playing hobbits: Tolkien gave us some personality and physical differences between the three strains of hobbits. This is from the Prologue of The Lord of Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

The Harfoots were browner of skin, smaller, and shorter, an they were beardless and bootless; their hands and feet were near and nimble; and they preferred highlands and hillsides…The Fallohides were fairer of skin and also of hair, and they were taller and slimmer than the others; they were lovers of trees and of woodlands.

The Harfoots had much to do with Dwarves in ancient times, and long lived in the foothills f the mountains. They moved westward early, and roamed over Eriador as far as Weathertop while the others were still in the Wilderland. They were the most normal and representative variety of Hobbit, and far the most numerous. They were the most inclined to settle in one place, and longest preserved their ancestral habit of living in tunnels and holes…

The Fallohides, the least numerous, were a northerly branch. They were more friendly with Elves than the other Hobbits were, and had more skill in language and song than in handicrafts; and of old they preferred hunting to tilling…they soon mingled with the other kinds that preceded them, but being somewhat bolder and more adventurous, they were often found as leaders or chieftains among clans of Harfoots or Stoors.

[piosenniel]

~*~ The Discussion Thread is now open to take on players. ~*~

Please read the proposal carefully, paying close attention to the directions that Alaklondewen has given about the Hobbits of that age.

Submit both your completed Character Description and your First Post of the game for your character, together, to this Discussion Thread.

Incomplete Character Descriptions or incomplete First Posts will be sent back to the writer, and may be resubmitted after they are complete.

Character descriptions without a completed First Post will be sent back to the writer. They may be resubmitted together when they are completed.

There are to be no 'SAVES' put on the Discussion Thread for the purpose of later placing a Character Description and First Post.

~*~ Pio

[Regin Hardhammer]

Alak,

Any chance I can join as the father in the Harfoot family? I couldn't fill in the names of the wife, kids, and grandfather/mother so I left those spots blank.

Is this alright? I'll be glad to change anything you'd like me to.

Regin Hardhammer

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

Character Description Form:

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

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

List them, please: n/a

Please note you may play in only 3 games at one time.


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES – Which one? Green Dragon as the dwarf Regin

_______________________________________

Profile - Adult Harfoot:

NAME: Harold Chubb

AGE: 61

RACE: Hobbit - Harfoot

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS :

Harold doesn't own a bow or sword. But he does have several farm tools that could double as weapons. These include a dagger he normally uses for cleaning fish and performing other farm chores, plus a scythe with a wooden handle and a sharp metal blade to harvest the grain. However, his greatest treasure is a slingshot he's had since childhood. He is a crack shot with it and can knock a crow off a fencepost from half a field away, something he's frequently had to do to keep his vegetables safe. Still, Harold doesn't see himself as a warrior. and it will be a big jump for him to start thinking that way.

APPEARANCE: Nut brown skin with dark brown eyes and shoulder length curly auburn hair. Hands tough with calluses from many years of hard work. About 3 feet, six inches tall.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES:

Harold is a prudent Hobbit and a hard worker. He knows a great deal about land, how to grow crops, and raise farm animals. His pride and joy is his cow Buttercup whom he plans to take on the trip, along with two goats, two chickens, and his pony Brandy who will pull the family's small cart. (The family will have quite a menagerie!) His practical instinct tells him that the eggs and milk could be valuable on the trail with so many small children coming too. Plus, his Fallohide neighbors are so wrapped up in grand dreams of adventure they might forget practical things like that.

Harold is proud of his reputation as a good farmer, and normally respects his master by going along with most of his suggestions. However, he now finds himself in the unusual position of questioning the Whitfoot's wisdom because he feels the trip might be too dangerous for his family. Normally a mild- mannered Hobbit, he will become very protective of his family if he feels they are threatened. For the first time in his life, by going on this journey, Harold won't be able to rely on old ways of doing things and will need to learn to think for himself. That won't be easy for him, but it could be interesting.

Harold can be shy and earnest with outsiders, but relaxes when among friends and family. He enjoys a good pipe and a funny story as much as the next Hobbit and has been known to pull a practical joke or two. However, Harold takes his role as head of the Chubb family very seriously -- in fact so seriously that sometimes he tries to make everyone's decisions for them, much to their frustration!

HISTORY:

Born in Bree, Harold has never known any other place. He grew up in a poor family. As a boy, he had dreams of going higher in life, but since his marriage to his wife and now that he has two children, he has settled down and become very obedient and cautious. This may change a bit during the trip. The Whitfoots may not feel totally comfortable with that change.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Regin Hardhammer's post

Harold Chubb sat in his oaken rocking chair stubbornly staring into the fire and feeling a little frightened. He was proud of his simple home, a snug two-room burrow in the village of Staddle that lay on the outskirts of Bree. The rooms were small but tidy, and at night the four of them would squeeze together in the family room, leaving the bedroom for the elderly ___________. Things were tight, but it was a warm and cozy place and he hated the thought of leaving it.

As he mulled over what Marcho and Blanco had said at the meeting, he wasn't sure what he should do. A prudent Hobbit, Harold saw little advantage in leaving Bree to go off on some wild adventure. The White Downs and the journey to get there seemed like an outlandish idea that could only lead to disaster.

All his life Harold had lived near Bree, working on a piece of land that was owned by the Whitfoots, a prominent Fallohide family. He had no real desire to leave. Sadly, however, there didn't seem to be much of a choice: if the Whitfoots left, he would have to go with them, for the Big Folk who bought the land had announced their intention to erect a large mill and stable that would leave no room for Harold and his beloved vegetable patch.

Yet the prospect of leaving everything behind did not make him happy. The place they were going probably didn't even have a good Inn like the Prancing Pony, where there was close comradeship and mugs of ale available for a modest penny or two. And what about the safety of his family? Would Grandfather/Grandmother_________ survive the hard journey? Who knows what hardships they might run into on the road?

With mounting apprehension, Harold realized he didn't even own a real weapon such as a sword or a bow. With the dangers of the wilderness soon approaching, he would need something to protect his family. He could not be a master swordsman or archer as some of the Fallohides were. But he did have some practical implements and tools that he used in everyday life: a sharp dagger for chores on the farm; a scythe for cutting grain, and, a fine slingshot used to disperse crows that had gathered too close to his crops. In the absence of proper weapons, perhaps he could use these to defend his wife and children.

With a sigh of resignation, Harold called out to his wife to make sure the young ones brought warm clothes, and reminded her to pack a bag of feed for the chickens. Then he went outside to recheck the wheels on his cart.

[piosenniel]

I have returned Crystal's Character Bio to her.

Sorry she couldn't play.

[piosenniel]

Alaklondewen -

ArwenBaggins has edited her submission and put it in under her own name now.

Please look below to find it.

~*~ Pio

[Kransha]

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? Yes, the Legacy of Traitors, still going

2.) How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? 1, The Legacy of Traitors RPG

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? Yes, the Green Dragon Inn

NAME: Kalimac Whitfoot

AGE: 49

RACE: Hobbit (Fallohide)

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Kalimac carries a short bow carved carefully from firm birch wood with his family name etched in intricate cursive into the wood itself. He has some general arrows picked up from different sources around Bree, which he uses for varying types of game that he hunts. He also bears a small crude knife for everyday use, which can be used additionally for emergency situations.

APPEARANCE: Kalimac is a relatively normal Fallohide, standing only at 3 feet, 4 inches, but he is still an imposing figure to many hobbits. He is lean and bears fair skin which has been darkened tan by time spent outdoors. His face is plump, round, and red-cheeked, though he can posses a certain sternness in his light green eyes if he so wishes. He has a head of curly mahogany hair and thick eyebrows. Kalimac is not particularly muscular, but he has strong arms and broad shoulders to make him look partially imposing. He wears only simple clothes, though he could afford more, the average bright colors a hobbit would be accustomed to sporting.

PERSONALITY: Kalimac is a merry and happy hobbit, but also stern and efficient when he needs to be. He has a head for numbers and stories, which not only allows him to have a considerable intellect, it also gives him an almost encyclopedic knowledge of things he sees, a kind of photographic memory, which came about from one of his most practiced hobbies of studying in times of boredom or depression. He enjoys telling stories and ballads to his children and anyone else, though he isn’t the best father in the department of discipline and has been known to falter when making important decisions. Kalimac has an adventurous attitude, and always pays heed to news of new horizons, ever hoping to find new pursuits and missions in life to fulfill. He is bold and friendly, like most Fallohides, but not rash. He has the self control and intelligence that allowed him primarily to succeed in Bree. He is also an over-average quality hunter and knows a great deal about horses.

HISTORY:
Kalimac Whitfoot was born to a modestly wealthy hobbit business owner, one of two children. He and his sister Estella where expected to find profitable occupations in Bree, and Kalimac did. He became the local stable-master of Bree and became prosperous as Bree turned into a meeting place and stopping point for travelers (who often had horses for his stable). His sister, Estella, married Marcho Bolger while Kalimac also married and fully settled in Bree, running his stable with the help of the less fortunate Chubb family, who he employed to do most of the menial labor around the stable and the Whitfoot’s property. Kalimac treats them with respect and as friends. To Kalimac’s great pleasure, he and his wife eventually sired two children and continued to prosper. Now he and his family live a happy and simple life in Bree. Kalimac, though, has long hoped for a new prospect to present itself so he and his kin might benefit even more, perhaps in some newer, bolder venture.

________________________________________


Kransha's post

The hobbit squinted as he peered over the numerous heads of other Bree-hobbits, removing the lengthy pipe from his mouth, blowing a delicate ring of smoke into the crowd, and tucking the pipe back into his vest pocket swiftly. His eyes stared intently and the two figures who were now taking places on the makeshift podium erected suddenly on the platform stage in front of Bree’s community hall. The roar of the Halfling crowd was overwhelming, but Kalimac Whitfoot let the cacophonous din glide past his ears like the subtle sound of the tide, for he did not need to hear all the petty conversations flowing like rivers around him. It had been impressed upon him that it would be in his and his family’s best interests to hear these two hobbits out and he planned to do so.

The unwieldy vortex of sound was finally harnessed by the first hobbit at the podium, who silenced the crowd with the boom of stone struck against the structure he stood at. Kalimac had already been silent, contemplating whatever the speaker might be going to say, and tried to ignore the startled yelps produced by the maneuver. He jumped slightly at the sound, but soon settled again and continued focusing upon the hobbit, who was now greeting the audience and beginning to speak. Now Kalimac recognized the voice and gait of the Halfling. It was Blanco Bolger, brother of Marcho Bolger, the hobbit who had married his sister Estella some years ago. In fact, Kalimac hadn’t seen either of the two hobbits in days and had been under the impression that they were on an excursion outside of Bree-land, possibly somewhere out west surveying, as the rumor went.

Blanco began with a simple and humble introduction, first stirring the gathered group to some unnoticed mumbling. He continued a moment later, brandishing an oratory flourish, immediately utilizing the element of suspense to hook the audience. A wave of inaudible murmurs rippled through the crowd momentarily, before Blanco Bolger continued. He finally began to draw near the point of his speech. He began to speak of growing population and land availability, local factors that Kalimac knew all too well. Blanco went on; swelling to a dramatic point, and another wave surged forth from the Bree-hobbits around the stage, all of them beginning to move towards the podium.

Kalimac kneaded the flesh on his chin knowingly, contemplating the facts and proposal as Blanco yielded the spotlight to Marcho, who stepped up and began to talk. Kalimac looked upward, musing silently, and his ears began to twitch ever so slightly, as they often did whenever he was having philosophical moments. He breathed deeply as his keen eyes flitted, looking from the stretching sky to the hobbit that stood just before him at the podium, still preaching to the eager listeners. He had been thinking of the very things that Marcho and Blanco were speaking of. He had a good, comfortable, well-off life in Bree, but there had to be more for the Whitfoots and all their Halfling brethren. He had been having daydreams on the subject and this seemed like the ideal coincidence to present itself.

‘His proposal is indeed interesting,’ thought the hobbit, ‘The hobbit is certainly right about the crisis here in Bree. Perhaps he is on to something. There would be much to gain from the open lands of Arthedain, new prospects and opportunities everywhere. The wells of fortune west of the Baranduin are practically made manifest for hobbits to settle. It is, in fact, precisely the resolution of what has burdened my dreams lately. It’s almost too perfect.’ Kalimac looked back on Marcho, listening further to how he and his sibling had organized the journey for colonization and needed only willing participants in the quest. ‘It would be no great upset if we were to follow this new way. We may have settled here, but relocating would not be an insurmountable hardship if managed correctly.’ His thoughts drifted momentarily to contemplating the Chubbs, the hobbit family in his employment. ‘They would not be so eager,’ He said inwardly, his brow furrowing, ‘Any relocation would not be as easy for them. But, after all, it is my decision. If they wish to remain in Bree, they can break the bonds of their employment to me whenever they desire. Then, for the most part, it is settled. The family will surely agree with me on the matter. If not, they can be convinced.’

A nervous smile crept across his features as he considered. He knew in his heart that his wife and children would not disapprove, since they generally bore his familiar adventurous nature. He hoped that the Chubbs would be willing to follow, though he knew as well that they were too dependant to abandon their employers. He would simply discuss the matter briefly and concisely with his family before setting off with Marcho and Blanco Bolger on this new quest for a hobbit home.

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

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?

List them, please:

I’m working as one of the planners for the proposed rpg “Bloodstained Elanor”.


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES
The Green Dragon Inn (the character Snaveling)

_______________________________________


NAME: Fordogrim Chubb (the elderly grandfather)

AGE: 113

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: None…unless you count a short temper and a stout cane.

APPEARANCE: Fordogrim is hale for his age, although his hands have been crabbed somewhat from the years he has spent working the land about his family’s hobbit hole. What’s left of his hair is snow white, but his eyes retain the clear deep brown of their youth. Fordogrim was always a stout hobbit and he has retained this build into his old age. His dark brown skin is lined but taut, except for a single deep wrinkle between his two bushy eyebrows, which lends to his face an air of deep disapproval (which is convenient, as Fordogrim seldom approves of anything new or anyone he has not known for at least thirty years).

His preference in clothes is for simple garments of sturdy homespun wool in earthy tones. While everything he wears has seen its fair share of use, he would rather be caught dead than be seen wearing something threadbare or “gone all natty at the edges” (unlike some hobbits he could mention). He is never seen out-of-doors without a waistcoat and jacket, and never anywhere without a waistcoat. For the last few years he has had to walk with a cane, which is made of a highly polished piece of twisted wood that used to be a root of the old chestnut tree that grows from the roof of his hobbit hole.


PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Fordogrim Chubb is an elderly hobbit who long ago decided that he knew pretty much everything that he needed to get by in the world, and so stopped learning anything new. He is not exactly close-minded; rather, he is happily confident in what he knows and honestly sees no need to question it. He does not speak often or at great length (for a hobbit) but when aroused – particularly if he feels that he is being “sassed” by some young hobbit lad or lass who should know better – he can become quite vociferous.

When left unchallenged and uncrossed, Fordogrim is a pleasant enough hobbit to be around. He has few friends, but those few are, as he says “chosen for their quality rather than their quantity”. Those who don’t know him think he is a crabbed old hobbit. Those who do know him think he is a crabbed old hobbit with a spirit like sunshine in June. What nobody knows about him is the deep, heart-wrenching pain that he still feels for the death of his beloved wife Primrose.

HISTORY: Fordogrim has lived in Bree for almost his entire life. The only interruption to his residence there came after he had a terrible falling out with his father when he refused to take over the family farm with his brothers. He wanted instead to have some land of his own. Not content to live in the crowded family hole the rest of his life, he fled for the Wild where he wandered for a time, looking for someplace to call his own and settle down.

He quickly found, however, that the world beyond Bree was a much wider and more dangerous place than he was comfortable with. He attempted to go into the brewing business with a family of Stoors far to the East of Bree. The business was a failure, however, and he was finally forced to return to his homeland. Too proud to rejoin his family, he approached the Whitfoots to see if he could take over the cultivation of some of their land in return for a share of his crop. They had reluctantly agreed to his proposal and he had seen to it that they never had cause to regret that. He was an excellent farmer and a hard worker, and he soon had brought a piece of relatively unprofitable land to flourishing life. Pleased with his work, the Whitfoots gave him more land to farm. It was not a fortune, but it gave him the money he needed to marry his childhood sweetheart Primrose Proudfoot.

He and Primrose had [?] children, [one of which is the father of the Chubb family; obviously, this part of his biography can only be fully developed in partnership with the player of that character]. Primrose lived just long enough to see their favourite son [the Chubb father] marry. Since then, Fordogrim’s life has not been as easy or as pleasant as he pretends to others. The loss of his wife was a terrible blow to him and he has yet fully to recover from it – in fact, he doubts that he ever will. A more quotidian source of unhappiness, both to himself and his family, is the fact that he makes no pretense to approve of his son’s choice of wife. [Again, the reasons for this disapproval will have to wait for the character description of “Mrs. Chubb”.] Six years ago, Fordogrim decided that it was time to take it easy. So after a lifetime spent working his fields, he turned control of the farm over to his son and retired to the comforts of the family hole’s best bedroom.

While it would never occur to Fordogrim that reading or writing were skills that he requires, he has in the last few years taken to writing letters to Primrose in his imagination, in which he chronicles his daily life and comments on the events of the day. He is a down-to-earth hobbit, and would be hard pressed to say where Primrose is or how she could be hearing these letters, but he is certain that somehow they are being delivered to her.

__________________________________


Fordim Hedgethistle's post

“What’s that he said?” Fordogrim asked the young hobbit who stood next to him, “The Brandywine River?”

“The Baranduin,” the hobbit lad replied. “It’s a big River hundreds and thousands of leagues away.”

“Eh, what’s that, what’s that?” Fordogrim scoffed. “It’s not that far off I’m sure, though it’s a goodly step. What’s he talking of that for?” The lad tried to fill him in on the details of Marcho’s speech, but the people about them hushed him into silence. Glowering at their temerity, Fordogrim turned his attention to the little stage to hear what young Master Bolger had to say. He could not believe his ears: had the young fellow gone completely mad? The more he heard of the proposal the less it made any sense to him. Rich land? Wasn’t the land hereabouts rich enough? For seventy years Fordogrim had cultivated the dark earth of Bree and for seventy years it had rewarded him with its bounty. As to the promise of trade, Fordogrim snorted loudly. Leave trade to the likes of the Whitfoots, he thought. What’s a hobbit got to worry about trading with Elves and Men from Faraway for? We’ve everything we need right here already.

As the Bolger boys continued their speeches, Fordogrim moved to an unoccupied bench at the side of the square and sat down slowly, sighing audibly as he took the weight off his right leg. It had been getting worse lately, what with the weather changing, but it was still bearable. Fordogrim knew that he would outlast his leg. Leaning his head back against the wall of the house behind him, he closed his eyes and thought about the letter that he had been composing to Primrose on the ride to town. It would need to be amended.

My Dearest Prim, he began in his mind,

I couldn’t find any decent seeds for the side-garden. Ferny had naught but pumpkins today, and Thistletoe was no better: lots of seeds, but the moisture’d got into them. The only thing they’ll grow is mouldy. I know how much you like sweet peas, but there’s still that stand of them in the kitchen garden, right where the scent can make it inside, so that will do for this year. Perhaps I can take a small clipping from that and plant it round the side garden? It would go nice with the marigolds when they come in full.

Still haven’t got round to fixing the barn door, but I will be sure to do it soon. When the rain starts to come on heavy again the wood’ll swell right up and we’ll have a back-breaker time trying to open it up. Must remember to talk to our son about that this afternoon.

And before you start to worry, don’t: I rode Stout into town this morning to save my leg. Better that than listen to our son’s wife nag at me about doing the walking myself. I’ll walk back halfway to give Stout a rest but then he’ll have to carry me up the hill himself. I feel bad a-asking it of him as he’s almost as old as myself, so far as ponies go that is. I know I keep saying I’m going to put him out to pasture once and for all, but each time I try he gives me such a look that I know he’d rather do his best with me than do what’s best by him.

You won’t believe what I heard in the town today. Masters Blanco and Marcho Bolger have gone completely cracked. Making speeches they are, about leading a lot of Bree folk away from here to some uninhabited waste miles from nowhere. There are a lot more folk than you’d think willing to listen to them too! Lucky for me, they’re so eager to hear this foolishness that there’s an empty bench in the square (for once) so I’m able to take a bit of rest and send you this letter.

I’m finding it hard to do much but think of you my dearest Prim, for it was just about this turn of season that you went away all those years ago. I’ve done my best by our boy since you went, but I can’t help but think that he missed of having his mother about. No-one knows better than you that I can be a cussedly hard-tempered hobbit, and I admit that more than once I’ve spoken hard words to the boy when you would have spoke softer and to better purpose. He misses you more than he lets on, I think – just the other week I caught him a-putting a nice posy of wildflowers on your grave and crying over it, just as he has since he was a young hobbit.

The crowd is breaking up, my love, and those wild-eyed Bolgers seem to be finished. I hope that you are well and happy. I miss you awfully.

Your husband,

Grim

Fordogrim tried to pull himself to his feet, but his leg gave way beneath him and he stumped down again. From out of nowhere appeared the young hobbit with whom he had been speaking earlier. The lad took Fordogrim’s elbow and tried to help him rise, but Fordogrim flared out at him, “What d’yer think yer doing!? When I need your help laddie I’ll ask you for it! Now if you please!” and he wrenched his arm free from the lad’s clasp. Staggering to his feet and hiding the discomfort that he felt, he walked off through the thinning crowd, tapping out his frustrated anger on the cobbles with his cane.

As he was leaving the square he saw his son and daughter-in-law amongst the crowd. He wondered what they had made of the speeches. And then a terrible idea occurred to him: what if they actually approved of the crazy plan? And then a horrific idea occurred to him: what if they agreed to go along with it? He shook his head to drive away all such nonsense and whistled for Stout.

[alaklondewen]

Hello, and welcome to my game! I have only a few minutes before class this morning, but I have read through the entries so far and I'm very pleased.

One thing that sticks out to me that could be changed is the ages of Crystal Heart and Kransha's characters. The only reason I see is that young Hobbits are not recognized as adults until they are 33, so for the Whitfoots to be established and wealthy...I would expect them to be at least in their 40's or 50's. Now don't be alarmed, these ages are not old...Remember Bilbo lived to 133, so these hobbits would be considered young or middle-aged.

One more thing, when I get home this afternoon, I will most like send each of you a private message once I have had a closer look at the posts. So, be on the look out.

Thanks again...I'm looking forward to this very much.

~ Alaklondewen

[rutslegolas]

Character Description Form :

1.)Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrowdowns?-NO

2.)How many RPG's on the Barrowdowns are you currently involved in?- NONE

3.)Have you ever posted at the Green Dragon Inn or The White Horse Inn- Yes (character Harold Brandybuck) in the Green Dragon Inn.

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

NAME : Henry Chubb(child)

AGE: 19 years

RACE : Hobbit

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: He has a short knife for his daily uses such as carving stuff,etc and also for emergency.

APPEARANCE: Henry seems too old for his age , he is strong lad with stout legs .He has brown of skin with a grim looking face .He has brown locks as his father too,and due to his poverty he only wears simple hobbit clothes.His appearance is the same as all hobbit children of his age.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: In personality Henry is grim looking hobbit ,most hobbit children even avoided him due his appearence ,but inside Henry is a loving and caring hobbit ,mostly loved by his father and mother and having a few but precious friends.His strengths are, that he is trustworthy friend.His weaknesses are that he cannot put his mind unto one thing at a time ,he is always busy with many things.And he loves going tramping with his father in the woods.

HISTORY:He was born in the Chubb family and as grim hobbit he had no or very few friends, mostly the family was close between themselves and had few friends,but Henry liked to play with the children of the Whitfoot family.

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

rutslegolas' post

Henry and the others were playing about the stage erected for the speech of the two brothers, who were thinking of settling in land beyond the Baranduin river. Henry seemed interested by this whole affair and was listening to this whole speech very carefully. From their family talks he had the idea that their family was preparing to move to this new land. He wanted to know more about this land himself as he liked exploring. He asked his father, "Where are we going, father?".

"I do not know my son ,but i think .No better not make in conclusions,I do not my son not yet. ,"said his father. His father's voice sounded to him more grim than usual but he could not guess what was going on or whether they were going anywhere or not?but he knew that this was going to affect their families living and also his own life. His young hobbit brain could not think of such grim matters for a long time. He again started playing with his friends and his sister, as if nothing had happened that a day.

[Melisil]

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES - Which one?

Last Hope for Moria, The Legacy of Traitors

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

Two

List them, please:

As above

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES – Which one?

The Green Dragon Inn

_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Alora Whitfoot

AGE: 7

RACE: Fallowhide Hobbit

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: None, unless you count her doll. :P

APPEARANCE: Alora is a small Hobbit still, she reaches 2’6 currently. She has long, curly, very light blonde hair and sky blue eyes. She is fairly dainty, and very pretty.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Alora is very bright for being only seven. She speaks her opinion quite openly. She is also very observant; she sees many things that the rest of the world seems to miss. She is much like an ordinary Hobbit child other then that. She spends most of her carefree time outside playing in a field, or playing with her friends. Alora is a very curious child and loves meeting other children around her age.

HISTORY: Alora has grown up so far in a comfortable sized home in Bree with her family. She has a good relationship with all her family, and has many friends. The thought of moving has never seriously occurred to her.

__________________________________
My note: I’m sorry that I had to use the mother in speech a couple times there, as you usually tend to disagree with that, but it was kind of unavoidable. Thank you anyway, and enjoy my post! Also, I know that she is very young, but I think it would be neat to add a different point of view into the game.

__________________________________

Melisil's post

The day started out wonderfully! Alora’s mother had let her, after breakfast of course, play out in their backyard field. Nearing mid-morning, she was told that there was going to be an important meeting and that she needed to come. Alora had smiled inwardly and outwardly at this idea, as she thought it would be grand, and she could play with her friends while they were there.

“My friends will be there too, right mother?” she had asked, as she put on her coat and shoes.

“I suppose they will be.” Came her mothers reply. Alora beamed.

Once they were there, Alora saw many of her friends, “Oh mummy! Can I go play? Please?” she begged.

“In a moment dear,” said her mum, “I want to see what’s going on first, Alora.”

Alora’s father and sibling had come with them too. The four found some seats around the middle of the large crowd they were now in. After a moment, two men came onto a platform where everyone was speaking. The first man spoke, Alora couldn’t see him over all the heads very clearly, but his words were strong. Every now and then, Alora saw her parents, and heard all the other grown up Hobbits cheering. It interested her for a moment, but then saw her friends.

“Mummy! Now can I go?” she pleaded.

“Yes, go play. But come find me when the men stop talking.”

Alora nodded, then ran off to her friends. She played tag, and hide-and-go-seek, and rolled in the grass, and all sorts of hobbit type games children her age played. After a while, and after the men had finished their speech, she ran breathless up to her mum. She asked, somewhat more sadly then you would have thought after she came up so fast, “Do we have to go now?”

“Yes sweetie, your father and I need to talk about something, and we’d prefer you be home so you can say what you think about our idea. Well, our idea, as well as Blanco and Marcho Bolgers idea.”

“Yes mother.” Alora replied, and home they went.

[Witch_Queen]

Character Description Form :

1.)Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrowdowns?-NO

2.)How many RPG's on the Barrowdowns are you currently involved in?- NONE

3.)Have you ever posted at the Green Dragon Inn or The White Horse Inn- Yes (Cree) in the Green Dragon Inn.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME: Sarah Chubb (Mother)

AGE: 61 years

RACE:Hobbit

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: Sarah doesn't use many weapons. Only the knives she uses to cook with and the occasional rolling pin. That is only when the going gets tough.

APPEARANCE: Sarah has red hair like her daughter. She wears a simple hobbit dress. A brown apron and keeps her hair pulled up away from her face. She always has a stern look on her face. It easy to tell that her past was hard on her.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Sarah is a hard-headed. She doesn't give up on something easily. She loves her husband and would do anything to make sure her children were happy and safe. Sarah is a great cook. The only thing that could be considered her weakness is the love she has for her family. Sometimes she can get mad but that is only when there is someone threatening her family and the happiness in her life.

HISTORY: Sarah was born to a normal family. She has two children and a husband. She was married at a "young age." She was barely out of her tweens when she met Mr. Chubb.

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

Witch_Queen's post

Sarah looked around as other hobbits struggled to get to center of the town. "Goodness what could this entire meeting be about?" Sarah worried about everything all the time. She knew she had no reason to worry. Yet that made her the hobbit she was. She had just finished getting dressed when her husband had told her that there was a meeting.

"Sarah!" She turned around to see her old childhood friend. "What do they have to tell us now. Perhaps they have decided that we should stay here and never leave. Oh how I would miss this place if I had to leave. Its been my home for so long." Sarah shared the concerns of her friend.

"Now Rose why would they want to make you leave or I? We have lived her for so long but getting out and seeing the world would be so much fun. After all I have gotten tired of see just dwarves and men. I want to see other places." Sarah pulled her jacket tightly together. The wind was blowing the few strands of her hair around. "We can't stay her forever." Rose looked at Sarah with disguse. She ignored the looked and focused on what was going on around her. She felt a tap on her shoulder as she turned to see her children and husband behind her.

"Did we miss anything?" She shook her head and then turned back to see what was going on. Sarah was ready to leave her home. She wanted to see everything around her. When will he decide that may, just maybe we should leave home and look for a new place to live. A place where I don' t have to worry about my children getting into fights with other children.

[piosenniel]

If you see a 'Last edited by piosenniel' on your post, it's just me setting your post up to be transferred to the RPG thread should your character be chosen by alaklondewen.

~*~ Pio

[ArwenBaggins]

Thank you Pio for posting my profile up the first time! I've squeaked in a few minutes before my Mom returns; here it is, edited a little bit:
_______________________________________________

1.)Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrowdowns?-YES, many

2.)How many RPG's on the Barrowdowns are you currently involved in?- NONE

3.)Have you ever posted at the Green Dragon Inn or The White Horse Inn- Yes, as Fëa
----------------------------------------

Whitfoot - child - male

Name: Crispin Penda Whitfoot

Age: 12 Mortal years... what would that be as a hobbit?

Race: Hobbit- Fallohide

Gender: Male

Weapons: Crispin carries a homemade slingshot of rough sycamore that he whittled himself one summer. He keeps it in the inside breast pocket of his vest so that he can grab it quickly when hunting.

Appearance: Standing 3 foot 5 inches, Crispin is fairly tall and thin for his age. Many have called him a "spittin' image" of his father, boasting the same chestnut hair that falls in waves to his shoulders and slender build. Narrow cheekbones and moderately pale skin complement his bright gray eyes.

Personality/Strengths/Weakness: Crispin likes to explore and have fun, but he is serious and intense deep down. He is quiet and likes to be left alone while hunting or exploring. He has a great memory and often recalls things from his childhood that have long since been forgotten. Crispin also sometimes gets to caught up in nature to pay attention to things. He is never trusted with secrets; they almost always slip out- either accidentally or purposely.

History: Crispin is the oldest of two children. ((According to Melisil's post)) He and his family are very close; he and his father often venture into the forest to scout and hunt for days on end. Since Marcho and Blanco found the uninhabited land in the west, Crispin has always been desirous and eager to explore the new land.
~*~

I too am sorry I used the father in dialogue. I guess it was just kind of neccisary.

~*~

ArwenBaggins’ post

A lock of mahogany hair would not stay in place on Crispin's head. Pulling it gingerly from his gray eyes, he flung it haphazardly behind his ear. Another gust immediately blew it back; huffing in frustration, he shook his head and approached a short wooden podium standing perfectly straight in front of the community hall. Another Fallohide like himself had been talking for a few minutes now, but he was not paying any attention.

"…We will begin to settle the land to the west. We have lived among the Big People too long, and now we can have a land to call our own!" Crispin did not hear if Blanco had said anything after that. Excitement erupted and exposed its self in his slightly pale cheeks, turning them a rose hue.

Pushing himself through the crowd of murmuring hobbits a little more, he found the middle-aged man he was looking for sitting in the dirt off to the left side of the podium. "D'you 'ere? Some new land to the west of here, west o' the Baranduin! Papa! Papa!" Crispin dropped to his bare knees in the dust next to his father.

The man pulled his pipe from his mouth and blew out a puff of smoke. "Crispin, let Master Bolger speak. I know you're excited about this new land, and I am as excited as you are. Just try listen to the rest of the speech, and we will get more information," The boy snorted slightly in anger and settled into a comfortable position on his bottom.

"But Papa, I don' wanna listen to Mister Bolger any longer! Bree's too crowded; all those Big Folk take up too much room. Why don't we go now and beat the rush? I'm sure the land's real rich an' the water's real clean- why, we could have a whole new farm that's a lot bigger than the one we have now! It'll be so ni-," He was stopped by his father, who stood and leaned against the tree. Crispin knew the battle was over- his father had won and there was nothing he could do about it.

Picking up a nearby stick, he started drawing in the dirt. After what seemed like an eternity to Crispin, the meeting was over and his family was heading back to their home. Only two words were said on the return journey, and his father made them: "We're going."

Much to the relief and enjoyment of his mother and sibling, along with Crispin and his father, the Whitfoot family was going to the new land.

[Child of the 7th Age]

This is Cami Goodchild (Child of the 7th Age) -- quasi narrator, quasi disaster specialist -- checking in to touch bases and say hello to everyone. I am looking foward to this game.

[ArwenBaggins]

H'lo again Cami! This is my first reuniting with you since my hiatus! My 900 posts may be gone, but I am here!

And...
I like everyone's characters so far! I have a feeling Crispin will like his sister Alora. ((If accepted, of course. ))

[alaklondewen]

I cannot express how pleased I am with the characters so far.

ArwenBaggins and Melisil - I think you both did very well with incorporating the other characters' dialogues in your first posts, so don't worry about them.

Regin Hardhammer - I loved Harold's introspection and he asked some great questions toward the end that should leave the reader wondering the same things. Nice Job.

Crystal Heart - Please check your PMs.

Kransha - Good job on picking up on the Estella link. I will provide a small description of her soon, so she can become a carry-along that will link the families.

Fordim Hedgethistle - I'm still chuckling over Fordogrim. I can the party would have their hands full with him. Well done.

rutslegolas - Henry's presence could be very interesting, especially working his grimness into the conflicting feelings about going. Do you see him as being a little rebelious? Might he give a little trouble on the road? Also, I need you to rework your first post a bit. Henry is at the speech, but he should have no idea that his family is going yet. You should be able to do this rather easily. If you have any problems, feel free to PM me and we work on it.

Witch_Queen and Regin Hardhammer - We have a bit of a conflict here. I generally intended for the Chubbs to have feelings against going on the journey, however, if both of your characters were accepted, we would have a husband who was against it, and a wife ready to go. Now my first instinct was to ask Witch_Queen to change it, but I think if you both worked with it and made the dispute part of the plot...it could really work. However, if you would rather not play quarrelling partners, then I would rather you both be against going. I will let you decide, just let me know what's going on.

Melisil - I forgot about one minor detail. In the first paragraph of your first post, you've written that the meeting was held in the afternoon. Do you mind to change that to Mid-morning? Just so we're consistent.

Now, as Pio posted toward the top, I will not be making a final decision on characters just yet. I will leave it in the air for a couple of days just to be fair to anyone who has just seen the game.

Here are the characters applied for so far (This is mainly for my use):

Whitfoots

1. Kransha – Kalimac Whitfoot (father) 49
2. Crystal Heart – Erowen Whitfoot (mother)
3. Melisil - Alora Whitfoot (child) 7
4. ArwenBaggins - Crispin Whitfoot (child) 12



Chubbs

1. Regin Hardhammer – Harold Chubb (father) 46
2. Witch_Queen - Sarah Chubb (Mother) 45
3. rutslegolas - Henry Chubb (child) 19
4.
5. Fordim Hedgethistle - Fordogrim Chubb 113

The only slot not applied for is One Chubbs Child, however anyone may still apply for any of the positions.

Great job everyone!

Edited: Oh the horrors, I accidently left ArwenBaggins off the list.

[Memory of Trees]

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?

Just the Green Dragon

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? –

YES, the Green Dragon.


CHARACTER PROFILE:

NAME: Mayflower (May) Chubb

AGE: 27 (14-15 comparatively to humans)

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: None, other than a small dagger she has never used. She has, however, been known to use her fists.

APPEARANCE: May is rather petite (even for a hobbit!), with long, curly, light-brown hair and blue eyes. Her nose, which is sprinkled ever so lightly with freckles, turns up a bit on the end, giving her a curious, almost comic look. A curvy mouth and ruddy cheeks add a pretty, childish air, and accent her sweet smile. She is unusually light-skinned for a Harfoot. Over all, May is a rather pretty girl.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Coming from a hard-working family, May is capable and strong. Yet she retains a dreamy, far-off air, which sometimes gets her into trouble when she is supposed to be working. May has a soft spot for animals, and is quick to pity any living creature in pain. She is friendly and polite, but not especially outgoing, particularly to people outside her own class. Years of trying to scratch a living on someone else’s land have created a bitter place in May, and she hates to be teased about her family’s poverty. She just cannot see why some people have so much, while others have so little; in other words, she is discontented with what she has. On her better side, she adores her family, and is fiercely loyal to them.

HISTORY: May is the oldest daughter of the Chubb family, and has lived on the Whitfoot farm all her life. She has very little schooling, but knows the alphabet and a few simple words.

At age six, she began to help her family in the fields. She is doing that still today. May also helps her mother around the house when she isn’t needed on the farm.

Last year May won a singing competition in which she was participating. She enjoys making up songs as well ‘socializing’ with her friends in her spare time.
_______________________________________________

Memory of Trees' post

May Chubb stood on tiptoe, craning her neck to see over the heads of several hundred very excited hobbits. It was mid-morning, and it seemed that every hobbit in the country had turned out for the event. The noise was deafening.

An exceptionally tall hobbit moved unintentionally in front of her, blocking her view of the podium entirely. Oh, I hate being short, May thought furiously.

As she moved to a different angle, she suddenly spotted a familiar curly head bobbing amongst the crowd. “Father! Over here!” she cried out, but her voice was lost in the hubbub, and she lost sight of him. Sighing dramatically, May settled down behind two gossipy old ladies. They were discussing the mysterious meeting about to take place.

“I just don’t understand it,” said the first woman. “Calling us all together like this, and them not even giving a clue what about!”

“There’s no sense in it at all!” agreed the second, who was wearing a red shawl with beads that clacked when she moved. Leaning in closer to her friend, she said in a low voice, “But you’ll never guess what I heard, just this morning. I can tell, it gave me quite a shock, Edda, darling. Well, I was sitting in my yard – you know, Henry keeps this old rickety chair right out in front of the house, and I was simply scandalized at first, I just knew the neighbors would have the news all over town, us having a great wooden chair right in the yard, and oh well, he likes it – but as I was saying, there I was, sitting in that chair, and suddenly I began to hear some voices, and they’re talking all deep and important, like so, and I thought that maybe I’d better listen in, you know. Well, the first one says, ‘…couldn’t be that!’ And the second voice growls, ‘I heard it myself, just this very morning. They’re trying to make us leave our beloved homes and go gallivanting all over the country!’” She ended triumphantly.

The first woman gasped. “You don’t think…”

“Oh, I couldn’t say.” May found this a bit hard to believe. The old lady continued ominously, “I’m just saying what I heard. But mark my words, Edda, no good will ever come of leaving our own lovely land.” Suddenly she giggled. “Oh, Edda, did you hear about that Rosie Burr…”

The two moved on to talk of other things, but May had stopped listening. The second woman’s words sent a thrill of excitement through her. Leaving Bree? So that was what this was all about!

But May had no more time to ponder, for a hush had fallen over the crowd. A young hobbit was rapping for order on the wooden podium. “My name is Blanco Bolger,” he said simply. “My brother, Marcho Bolger, and I come before you today to offer you and opportunity, the likes of which will live on in the stories of our descendents.” A murmur ran through the crowd. After pausing, Blanco continued, “I may be getting ahead of myself…”

“I’d say so!” May heard an old hobbit next to her mutter.

“…please allow me to back up a moment. During the last several years, Bree has been a desirable place to live for many… to many. I know that most if not all of you feel the pressures of the growing population every day. The available land for young families is becoming scarce, our streets are cluttered with the waste of too many, and there is ever the threat of war from the east.”

Several hobbits near May were nodding their heads in agreement. “It’s just too crowded around here!” She heard somebody cry out.

Blanco cleared his throat, and then went on. “How would you feel if I told you we had a solution? We do.” The silence was tangible. May swallowed hard, caught up in the feeling of excitement that seemed to surround the gathering. “We will begin to settle the west. We have lived among the Big People too long, and now we can have a land too call our own!”

The crowd stood in silent shock. Then, like a burst of deafening thunder, all the hobbits began voice their noisy opinions at once. Cries of, “What? We can’t leave our homes!” “He’s right, you know.” “It’s just nonsense, that’s what!” rang out among the crowd. May was rapturous. “A land to call our own!” she echoed, letting the sweet, cooling words seep deep into her brain. “To call our own,” she murmured again, pronouncing each word deliberately.

The call for order was given, and finally the roar died down enough for Blanco to be heard again. “We understand many of you will have questions and comments,” he called out. “But if I may, I would like you to hold off for just a minute, while my brother gives you some information about the location… Marcho?” He stepped away from the podium and allowed his brother to come forward.

Marcho was a serious-faced hobbit, with shaggy brown hair and a soft, commanding voice. May liked him at once, even if he was a Fallohide.

“Most of you who know my brother and I well know that for the last several months we have been surveying the land beyond the Baranduin,” he began, then stopped. He wiped his forehead with a large white handkerchief. Several hundred hobbit eyes glued to his face, waiting for the promised information, and he clearly wasn’t enjoying it. “What we have found is a rich, uninhabited land. Approximately one hundred leagues west of the river, we will settle the hills of the White Downs. These hills will not only provide desirable living space, but will protect us from future threats.” Marcho’s voice grew in strength and clarity as he went on. “The White Hills are surrounded by lush lowlands that will provide land ideal for farming. Our settlement will be in a prime location for obtaining trade with the Men of Arnor and the Elves of Lindon. This factor will benefit our people immensely. We, as a unified people, can hardly afford to let this opportunity pass.”

Looking utterly relieved, Marcho let his brother take over from there. His younger brother went on to explain about trade and government; things that seem of great importance to adults, but are seldom of interest to twenty-seven year old hobbit girls.

“We will now take any questions or concerns you may have,” concluded Marcho when his brother was finished. “We will take our time and answer you in an orderly fashion. Please feel free to voice your opinions. This is an important day for all of us, and we want to be sure you have enough information to make a well-thought out decision." Marcho then announced to the Hobbits that all those who wanted to go along should meet back at the West Gate, all packed up to travel, in one week's time.

One week! She mused excitedly. May had reached the age where time begins to come into perspective, and realized how very short a time one week was. It doesn’t matter anyway, she thought. My parents would never agree to this.

This she knew, yet still wondered. What would it be like get out of this place? To leave those rich, conceited Whitfoots, and never have to work in their fields one more day, it was like a dream. And then, to have land of your own! To till, and plant, and water, knowing that it was all yours; this was May’s fantasy.

“May! Mayflower Chubb!” May spun around to see Bella Rolland emerge out of the crowd. She and Bella had been friends since the time they were both little hobbits. “There you are!” cried Bella. “I’ve been looking all over for you. Faldo wouldn’t let me come until I finished planting the rest of the peas. I absolutely detest green peas…”

May’s thoughts were broken off by her friend’s lively chatter. As they wandered away from the crowd, she couldn’t help think, maybe someday…

_______________________________________________


I'm not normally this long-winded. I have it all worked out in a second post how Mayflower actually comes to be on this journey. Pick me, please?

[SonOfBombadil]

I'm writing up a first post for the Whitfoot father, I'll try and have it in soon!

[Crystal Heart]

To Whom It May Concern:

Please disregard the post by my screen name Crystal Heart. At this moment in time I am very busy in life and in a game on this fine web site. I am also not very knowledgeable about hobbits and therefore I do not believe that I could add anything of greatness to this game. I wish all of you good luck and thank you pio and alak for taking the time to talk with me and help me with this process. I apologize for the time that I have wasted on your behalf and I also apologize for the wasted space.

Sincerely,

Crystal Heart

[Melisil]

I've edited my post now so instead of the gathering/meeting/thing being after lunch, it is now, in my post, mid-morning.

Also, I've only just thought of this now, Alora is 7 in human years.

[alaklondewen]

I am sorry to be losing Crystal, but I do understand.

Memory of Trees - Great post! I loved the way you incorporated the gossiping women. I also like her fiery spirit. Don't worry, when it comes to the second post...all the Chubbs will be going...happy or not.

Melisil - Thank you very much.

Alright, here is an updated applied for character list:

Whitfoots

1. Kransha – Kalimac Whitfoot (father) 49
2.
3. Melisil - Alora Whitfoot (child) 7
4. ArwenBaggins - Crispin Whitfoot (child) 12



Chubbs

1. Regin Hardhammer – Harold Chubb (father) 46
2. Witch_Queen - Sarah Chubb (Mother) 45
3. rutslegolas - Henry Chubb (child) 19
4. Memory of Trees - May Chubb (child) 27
5. Fordim Hedgethistle - Fordogrim Chubb 113

Now the only unapplied for slot is The Whitfoot Mother.

[SonOfBombadil]

I don't think that I'll actually make a post for this game, I'll be too busy to post frequently, sorry!

[alaklondewen]

Here is the character bio of Estella, Marcho's wife. She will be a carry-along character that will provide a link between the families and Marcho. Feel free to use her when needed, just be sure she is not being used in more than one place at a time.

NAME: Estella (Whitfoot) Bolger

AGE: 56

RACE: Hobbit

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: Estella keeps a small paring knife in the pocket of her apron to use in the garden. On the trip she will have a few saucepans and a large skillet that might do the trick if need arises.

APPEARANCE: Standing 3’6”, Estella surprised her family by exceeding her younger brother’s height. Her figure is slightly round, yet not plump. Her light brown curls fall almost to her waist, however it is hard to tell because she pulls it up and off of her neck, complaining its weight is too hot yet swearing never to cut it. Her bright green eyes twinkle at the slightest thing. Her lips are thin, but when she smiles they create the perfect frame to a most infectious grin. Most of Estella’s simple dresses are handmade with small floral patterns, over which she often wears her blue linen apron.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Estella is a light hearted optimist. She works hard to see the best in every person and situation, which has been important since she is often without her husband for days, weeks, or occasionally months (as with his last endeavor) at a time. Estella provides the right balance to Marcho’s serious, quiet demeanor. She admires her husband very much and looks up to him ready to be his best friend and biggest supporter.

HISTORY: Being the oldest of two, Estella often took care of her brother when they were small children, and as they grew into adults, she still cares for and is protective of him.

After marrying Marcho Bolger, at 33, Estella found herself spending more and more time alone, while Marcho hunted and surveyed areas outside of Bree. Occasionally she could be talked into going with him on short trips, but she enjoyed being in the stableness of home. She’s never regretted her marriage or Marcho’s work because she knows she is loved and she wants to see Marcho’s dreams become a reality.

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

I will also provide a more simplified description of a few other carry-alongs that may be needed on the journey, since there are at least 200 more hobbits on the road besides our beloved families.

Ponto Bracegirdle - A young Bree merchant who hopes to gain business by losing his competition and having new trade with Elves and Men. Newly married to the young Belba Banks.

Ruby Hornblower and her two small children are leaving Bree after her husband was killed in a farming accident. She is being pressured by the Big Folk to sell her land, and she is finally giving in.

Fredigar Headstrong is a local deputy in Bree, who hopes he can organize the new law once they arrive at the White Downs. This hobbit is known for being rash in his decisions.

Ferdibrand Boffin, his wife, Peony, and their eight children are leaving their small house in town in hopes of finding land large enough for their still growing family.

These characters will come in handy on road, so you may also feel free to use them as you wish.

[alaklondewen]

First things first...here is the semi-final character list. These slots are officially full:

The Whitfoot Family

Father - Kalimac played by Kransha.
Son - Crispin played by ArwenBaggins
Daughter - Alora played by Melisil

The Chubb Family

Father - Harold played by Regin Hardhammer
Mother - Sarah played by Witch_Queen
Daughter - Mayflower played by Memory of Trees
Son - Henry played by rutslegolas
Grandfather - Fordogrim played by Fordim Hedgethistle

CHARACTER STILL NEEDED

The Whitfoot mother

As soon as the last character is taken, we will begin our journey.

Regin Hardhammer and Witch_Queen, we have a small conflict in ages. Both of the Chubb children are a little older, and I would like to keep them that way for reasons that will be clearer down the road. Would you both mind raising your characters' ages? For May to be 27, your characters should be at least 60. If there is a problem, and you think it would change your characters' personalities or anything else, pm me and we'll discuss it.

Everyone
Regin also brought up an interesting question with me. In Memory of Tree's first post, May is thinking of the Chubb's freedom from working for the Whitfoots and having land of their own. Let's keep the thought of the Chubbs having their own land with May only. I still want the Chubbs to be against going, but with May's feistiness, the idea may be brought out on the road...not before. Let's have our characters believe everything will carry on as usual once they get to the new land.

Here is why. The events that will occurr while the group is on the road, are intended to push the conflict in ideas between the families. I can't see the conflict, if all of the characters are excited to go (with the exception of Fordogrim who I'm sure will give us trouble the entire way ).

I am very excited to be working with all of you, and as I said above, as soon as we have our Whitfoot mother we will be on the road.

[rutslegolas]

well i think i should PM you but as this is a dissucusion thread so i
ask what role does cami -child of the seventh age play in this RPG?

and yes at last i have become a wight with a 100 posts.

[alaklondewen]

While we are on the road, Child is our worst nightmare. I have planned several "disasters" along the trip and Child will either set the stage for the disaster, or play a role that is needed for a particular disaster. When you see Child, get ready.

[Arestevana]

Mrs. Elsa Whitfoot would like to join the game, if that is alright.
_____________________________

Character Description Form:

1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – YES: The Summons, Breelanders All

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

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? – YES The Green Dragon Inn

_______________________________________

For your character please include:

NAME: Elsa Whitfoot (the Whitfoot mother)

AGE: 48

RACE: Hobbit (Fallohide)

GENDER: Female

WEAPONS: Elsa is not familiar with most types of weaponry, but like all hobbits she can throw a stone with painful accuracy. She can also be quite formidable with a broom.

APPEARANCE: Elsa has fair skin and a comfortable, slightly plump build. She has curly hair of a pale golden color which she keeps cut to shoulder length. Her eyes are light blue. Elsa is 3 feet, 3 inches in height.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Elsa has a cheerful disposition and is not at all afraid to speak out. She is very protective of her children, and can become almost ferocious if they are threatened. Elsa can also be very ambitious and is often thoroughly stubborn. She loves to garden and cook, and is quite proficient at both. She is intelligent, but can read and write only a little.

HISTORY: Elsa was born in Bree and has lived there her whole life. She married Kalimac Whitfoot the year she came of age, before which she was Elsa Headstrong. Fredigar Headstrong, a deputy of Bree, is a cousin to Elsa, but her parents discouraged friendship between them, disapproving of Fredigar's upbringing. Elsa grew up in a prosperous family. Her parents had great ambitions for their children, and though she is a little more laid back than they were, Elsa has similar ambitions for her own children, Alora and Crispin.

___________________________________

Arestevana's post

The day was warm and sunshine spilled through the open window of the house. Elsa Whitfoot smiled contentedly as she scrubbed the breakfast dishes. The kitchen door was propped open; the delightful breeze well worth the extra sweeping it would take to clear the wooden floor of leaves. Through the open door, Elsa could hear her daughter Alora playing in the field behind the house.

As she finished drying the last of the dishes, Elsa glanced at the clock on the mantle piece. She knew there was an meeting in the town square, presumably of great importance. She called for Alora, shaking her head fondly as the little girl ran in, laughing. Elsa caught her daughter’s arm and ran a brush through the girl’s hair. When she had brushed most of the grass out, she dusted off Alora’s skirt and tugged her pinafore to make it lay straight. Elsa handed a light coat to her daughter.

“My friends will be there too, right mother?” Alora asked, shrugging into the garment and pulling on her town shoes.

“I suppose they will be.” Elsa replied, grinning at her daughter’s delighted smile.

They left quickly, Elsa pulling the door shut behind them. Her husband Kalimac and their son Crispin were waiting at the end of the lane. Elsa spent a moment trying to secure her son’s hair, but gave up at his annoyed protests. The family walked together to the town’s center. Marcho and Blanco Bolger were speaking to a large crowd of hobbits. They spoke of a new land, providing safety and opportunities for the hobbit-folk. Elsa listened closely, intrigued.

The speech had been going on for some while when Alora caught sight of her friends and begged to be allowed to leave. Elsa consented distractedly, telling her daughter to return when the speech was over. The little girl ran off. Elsa continued to listen to the speakers, watching her husband to see his reaction. She could see Kalimac thinking over the proposal. She found herself hoping that he agreed with the brothers. The thought of moving to a new land was exciting, and she cheered loudly with many others when Marcho finished speaking.

When the speech ended, Alora appeared almost immediately, asking sadly if they had to leave. Elsa glanced at her husband, who was watching the Bolger brothers thoughtfully. She turned back to Alora.
“Yes sweetie, your father and I need to talk about something, and we’d prefer you be home so you can say what you think about our idea. Well, our idea, as well as Blanco and Marcho Bolgers idea.”
Alora sighed, but agreed without complaint, and the family headed home.

[alaklondewen]

Welcome, Arestevana, Elsa is accepted! Please check your PM's if you haven't already.

We now have a full cast of players, so I will get the first posts in order and get them to Pio ASAP.

Once the game is open you may post in any order. Your second posts should have your characters at the gate, packed and ready to go. You may want to say goodbye to friends and family, and start on our way.

Here is a map of the area we will be travelling through. Keep a close eye on it. I will continually let you know where we are in relation to the map, so be conscious of the surroundings, such as the Old Forest, waterways, and hills.

Bree and Shire Map

[Arestevana]

Thanks, Alaklondewen.

I've edited my character profile; I hope I've fixed the problem. If not, I'll try again.

[alaklondewen]

That's perfect Arestevana, thank you.

Regin Hardhammer - Can you please fill in the blanks on your first post with Fordogrim's name? Thanks.

** PIO's EDIT: Regin - I inserted the name and moved your post to the game.

[ArwenBaggins]

Welcome, Welcome everyone! I believe I will enjoy playing with you!

~Fëa