Setting Sails for Valinor Discussion Thread

[piosenniel]

Novnarwen and Orofaniel invite you to play in their game:

Setting Sails for Valinor

Historical Background: The story takes place during the War of the Ring. At that time many Elves left Middle-earth, going to the Undying Lands by ship from the Grey Havens.

Frodo and the company have already been in Lothlorien and the Elves know all about Saruman’s betrayal.

Basic Storyline: A group of Elves (9 total) are setting out on a journey to the Grey Havens where there is a ship waiting to take them to the Undying Lands.

Tanroth, (Novnarwen’s character) the Lothlorien Elf, has been given the assignment from the Lady Galadriel to lead this group. The only problem is that there are only nine places left on the one remaining ship. Tanroth and his chosen friend Fíriel (Orofaniel's character, post #2) will hold a meeting where the eldest of the Elves are given priority, to leave these shores going to Valinor.

[ October 08, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[piosenniel]

The purpose of the story is to: Get to the Grey Havens

This means we will know the story is over when: The group reaches their final goal, which is the Grey Havens. (Some will then decide whether to stay or to leave. I’ll come back to that later in the game. The owners will make this decision.)

Starting Location: Lothlorien

Likely destination: The Grey Havens

[piosenniel]

Timeframes:

This game takes place in the Third Age at around the year 3019. Frodo and the company left Lorien on February 16 (16 Solmath S.R. or by the Elves reckoning – 16 Coirë)

The storyline itself or plot covers about 1½ - 2 months.

This game requires a time commitment about 10 weeks from us, the game owners and from the major players.

[piosenniel]

Characters needed:

7 Elves, of Lothlorien only – (see needed male/female players below) in addition to the 2 Lothlorien Elves the owners will play.

Players: Please read this before you write your character descriptions for Elves:

Return of the King: Appendix F: Tolkien’s description for the Quendi (The Speakers) - the name given to the Elves by themselves after they first awoke in Middle-earth. Please use this as a guideline for crafting your Elven character’s appearance. “They were a race high and beautiful, the older Children of the world, and among them the Eldar were as Kings, who now are gone: the People of the Great Journey, the People of the Stars. They were tall, fair of skin and grey-eyed, though their locks were dark, save in the golden house of Finrod; and their voices had more melodies than any mortal voice that is now heard . . .”

* We will accept blue-grey eyes as a color - no other exceptions will be made. *

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

Quendi (The Speakers) is the name given to the Elves by themselves, when they first awoke. The Vala, Oromë, when he found the Elves after their awakening, named them the Eldar (People of the Stars). After the summons of the Valar to return to the West, the name Eldar was used only for those three branches of the Elven race that answered the call and did complete the journey: Noldor, Vanyar, and most of the Teleri (the Nandor and Sindar were the names of the groups of Telerin who turned back from the journey).

All of Elven kind are clustered under the name, Quendi - so please make your character descriptions fit Tolkien’s ideas.

One other consideration for the female Elven characters: Tolkien’s female Elven characters are not shown as warriors - they can be skilled at weapons, and be able to defend themselves, but they do not ride off to battles with their male counterparts.

[piosenniel]

These are the 7 Lothlorien Elves needed:

Males:

1 - Rostion (Husband to Firiel, Orofaniel’s character.)

4 - other male Lothlorien Elves

Females:

1 - Arilewen (female Elf mentioned in the 3rd post of the game, below)

1 other female Lothlorien Elves

Character types which would not belong:

Other types of characters besides Lothlorien Elves will NOT be needed.

[piosenniel]

Novnarwen’s character:

NAME: Tanroth

AGE: 3714

RACE: Lothlorien Elf

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Thanroth prefers to use a sword, but is happy to use a bow too. He is also good with daggers.

APPEARANCE: Tanroth is a stout and strong man. He is a true warrior. Tanroth is not extremely fair, he is just Tanroth, the one all consider as a friend.

He has grey blue eyes. They are small and do not glitter with any form of light anymore. The reason is that he is aging. And for every day that passes, they seem emptier and emptier. His hair is blond like many of the Lothlorien Elves. It reaches to about his shoulders, and is both thin and soft.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Tanroth is determined and conscientious. Some would even say dead serious. All the same, he is a funny, outgoing person. He is logical and practical, though not quick thinking. “Everything takes time” would seem to be his motto and philosophy.

Tanroth has always separated his work and his personal life. He doesn’t allow himself to be light hearted at work, or to be heavy hearted on his free time. In that way he has kind of a “split personality”. You can know one half without really knowing the other half. He is strange in a way, but his friends love him for the Elf he is.

His greatest weakness is perhaps that he is struggling between two different worlds. His position in Lothlorien is highly respected and as a personal guard for the Lady of the Wood he has never really had the time to settle down. In other words, Tanroth lives alone without mate and children.

Tanroth’s greatest strength is just this: how he deals with his living situation. He never gives the impression of suffering. He tries to look at the bright side, and when he is down, he finds a friend to cheer him up.

HISTORY:Tanroth has lived all his live in Lothlorien. He never seems to grow tired of these woods. His childhood is nothing but a happy memory to him. (The main reason for him not leaving Lothlorien is his childhood. He doesn’t want to forget the past. The woods make him remember much in great detail.)

As an only child, he became even more alone when his parents went to the Undying Lands. He was far too young then, only 978 years old, and wanted to experience many more things. He therefore chose to stay behind.

At the age of 1494, he became a warrior for the Lady, and for Lothloien. His training and studies had by then lasted for many years. A short while afterwards he was rewarded for his devotion. Tanroth proceeded to the next “level” of responsibility and became a personal guard for Galadriel. Down through the ages, he has been alone, without mate. He has many friends though. His work takes most of his time, but after so many years, he still loves it.

[piosenniel]

Orofaniel’s character:

Name: Firiel

Age: 3753

Gender: Female

Race: Lothlorien Elf

Appearance: Firiel is quite tall. Her hair reaches down to her back and it glows like silver. The thick silver hair surrounds her face, which is pale. Her face hasn't always been pale; in her youth when she felt young, it was light and beautiful. Her eyes, which are blue-grey, are always noticed, because they are very special. Firiel's mouth has said many words and sung many songs throughout the years, but she is now getting tired. The red lips are starting to fade and the colour is growing paler for each day that goes by.

Weapons: She, as most Elves, has very good sight. Her bow skills are therefore strong. She has a bow, which was given by her brother Ibestion. She has never been in a battle, though, but she knows how to defend herself or at least she thinks so.

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: She is quite overprotective, not in a bad way though. She is just being careful when it comes to new things. She likes to think things through before she does things. One of her strengths is that she is willing to sacrifice her life to the people she loves, the ones she is closest to.

Firiel has her weaknesses though. Sometimes she is a bit "too" careful when it comes to trusting people. She doesn't really know the reason, because she hasn't really had a bad experience or something. It's just something that has been growing inside of her. It isn't very easy to come in contact with Firiel at first. But if you give her some time to come around and show that you are trust worthy, she can be social and very friendly.

A conversation with Firiel can vary from one time to the next. She can start telling funny stories and things like that, but she has a serious side too. She can develop an interesting conversation within a couple of minutes and discuss the topic until she falls asleep. She is an independent woman and has her own opinions and shares them gladly. Her friends admire her for that.

Sometimes Firiel doesn't think of this garrulousness as a weakness, because with this "process" she really knows who her real friends are.

History: Firiel is the only daughter of Ibesten and Firistinwen. She has four brothers however. They are called Ibestion (the oldest one), Firstion, Forgrost and Itellion (the youngest one).

Her brothers are much older than Firiel and they left Middle-Earth long ago. Her parents went with them. That means that only Firiel remains, something she doesn't like. She is ready to meet her family again.

Firiel had a very happy childhood; she was surrounded with a loving and caring family. Her brothers thought her to ride and how to handle weapons at an early age.

Firiel married Rostion when she was 1006. They have no children but they don't mind. They have each other. One reason for their choice, not to have children, is based on the Shadow that is now upon them. The couple doesn’t want to bring a child into the world when it is 'dark'.

[piosenniel]

Novnarwen’s post: (first for the game)

”You may know why I have called on you, Tanroth, loyal warrior of Lothlorien.” She spoke in a deep voice. Her eyes were laid on the now aging Elf, standing in front of her.

Tanroth, on the other hand tried not to look at her. It was impossible if he was going to answer her today. Nevertheless, he couldn’t stop staring at her ivory-white dress, embroidered with thin green thread. Her face was fair and her eyes glittered in the fading light. She kept looking at him too, and in a wondering voice she said: “Well.” It sounded as if she was going to continue but didn’t.

”You want me to lead a quest,” Tanroth said at once, without giving Galadriel another look.

She smiled at him and gave a nod. She seemed pleased with this answer and, with a gracious look, she invited him to sit down. The Lady poured a glass of something reddish into a flagon and gave it to him. Tanroth smiled and set the glass to his lips. Galadriel seated herself before him and looked quite relaxed. “This is not just any quest,” she confided to him after a while. Tanroth looked at her with wide and wondering eyes. What was it she wanted him to do? Was it something of great importance? The questions made his head feel as if it was about to explode.

”Something of great importance,” she continued. The Elf looked now at the Lady more stunned than ever. Had she read his mind? Tanroth didn’t get the chance of giving that another thought, because of the lady’s movements towards the table between them. She seized from the table, a roll of parchment and gave it to him. Tanroth accepted it gladly. He rolled it open, and to his surprise, the content was much longer than he had expected. With great excitement he started reading the golden letters.

”I have called on thee. Thee of all I want to lead my quest," he read out loud. This was followed by a road description, horses at his disposal, and last of all, granted Tanroth access to the last ship going to the Undying Lands before the War started in earnest.

”You have no questions, I deem,” said Galadriel, meanwhile observing him to see if he had any sort of reaction she hadn’t counted on.

“Milady, I have one,” Tanroth said at last, thinking through what he had just read.

“One friend you shall bring, because of the perils that may befall. But only seven others may go with you. The ship is only capable of taking the nine of you, since there are already many who have left.” Galadriel looked upon Tanroth as she knew what he was thinking again. “No, Tanroth, I will not go now. My time is yet to come,” she muttered.

”But why?” he burst out. “Pardon, why will you not go?” he asked again, after he had calmed down. Tanroth couldn’t believe he had talked in such a voice to the Lady. He felt ashamed and could do nothing now.

”That is my friend, your second question. You had only one,” she assured him while rising. “I did not choose you to fail. The intention was quite the opposite. Incidentally, you will hold the meeting of the Elves today to decide who will go.” With those final words, she walked with great elegance out of the room.

Tanroth, however, was totally stunned. He was wondering what he should do now. The Elf set his empty glass on the table, and was escorted out.

[piosenniel]

Orofaniel’s post (2nd for the game)

It was late, the afternoon was fading and it would soon be evening. The darkness was falling heavily over the woods of Lothlorien. The sun was about to leave Middle-Earth and the moon was soon to rise when Firiel heard trembling steps in the stairs. They were followed by stern knocks on the door.

Firiel didn't like the look on the face of her friend Tanroth. He looked both happy and anxious while standing in front of her. He was about to tell her something; she knew that. It seemed important, so she let him talk without her interrupting.

"The Lady wants me to lead a quest." said the strong man in front of her. "A quest which will be both difficult and dangerous.” He continued,"She wants me to lead a group of Elves to the Grey Haven so they can take the White Ship to the Undying lands, to Valinor."

"But the war is upon us," Firiel said anxiously when Tanroth had finished.

"Yes I know, and so does the Lady. But this quest has to be done now." He spoke in a desperate voice. "Only seven Elves and one friend may follow me, because there are only nine places left on the ship. Many have gone already and we don't seem to have much time left if we want to see our relatives and family in Valinor. We may die in this war!" He sounded even more desperate. "Some of us are so old that we won't be able to fight."

Firiel had listen to all he had said, but there was one word that she had taken great notice of. Now she understood. "Friend, you say....." Firiel muttered. "You want m-me to follow, am I correct?"

"It is terrible how people just read my mind today" Tanroth smiled and gave a short laugh. "Yes, I want you to follow," he said afterwards. "I want you to help me with this quest, and not only that; I know how you have been wanting to see your brothers and parents again..." he said not smiling anymore. He looked rather serious now.

Then Firiel suddenly remembered Rostion, her husband. She couldn't just leave him. She loved him! "What about my husband then?" She asked after a while.

"I don't think you have to worry about him," Rostion said in a "calm-down-voice" "It will probably be the oldest Elves, and Rostion is one of them." He continued, "There will be a meeting where the Elves will be chosen...."

"There will be a meeting?" Firiel interrupted as soon as she heard the word.
"Yes, a meeting, the Elves that will follow will be chosen there," he repeated slowly. "I'm sure that everyone will agree that the oldest Elves should have first priority."

"I hope you are right," Firiel said quite anxious again. "When is this meeting then?" she asked all of a sudden.
.
"Now," Tanroth said quickly. "So we must hurry," he continued. He looked at her and gave a sign that she should follow.

[piosenniel]

Novnarwen’s post (3rd for the game)

A small crowd had gathered in the little meeting room. As the lady spoke all fell silent, but the murmurs were soon about to start. As she came to the spot mentioning that only seven could go, Firiel and Tanroth had to calm down a number of people. After this Galadriel left the room, wishing them the best of luck and hoping they would sort it out in the best way possible.

The floor was now Tanroth’s, and he spoke in a strong voice: “I know this is an opportunity none of you will want to miss. But surely as the lady said, everyone cannot go. Therefore I suggest . . .” A few of the Elves interrupted, but were silent after Firiel’s warning look. “I suggest,” Tanroth repeated, “that the seven oldest may go. This is their turn,” he said and fell silent.

The crowd seemed to agree. Most of them nodded and gave no sign of being sad on hearing the news about who would go except a few. After moments of pushing and making way for the seven, they all stood in front of Tanroth and Firiel. “Two females, and five men,” Firiel whispered in Tanroth’s ear. Rostion, Firiel’s husband, was of course one of them.

Tanroth passed each one of them, slipping a note in their hands. “The meeting is over,” he called. Tanroth turned on his heel walking swiftly towards the door.

”Wait!” The call of a male Elf rang through the hall and Tanroth turned around. “My place is here, and therefore, I will not leave,” spoke one of the oldest who went by the name of Siralil. He offered to give up his place and Tanroth took the little piece of paper from the Elf. Siralil pressed through the crowd and went out the door.

“Arilewen, the place is then yours. I know you are older then the others left. Do you want it?” he asked. From back in the room, they heard a cry. She was crying while receiving the note, an obvious sign that this was something she wanted. Tanroth looked over the Elves now. From one female and six men, the group had gone to two females and five men.

Firiel looked upon Tanroth and announced that now the meeting was over.

Both of them left the room without another word.

[piosenniel]

Here is Tanroth’s note that he gave to each of the company going with him:

We will leave tomorrow after sunrise. Please meet us by Tanroth's house. It's located on the outskirts of Lorien. From there we will go North-West. Take with you what you need, but not more. The journey will be difficult and perhaps dangerous.

Horses will not be needed, not now anyhow. We will travel by foot


~~ Tanroth and Firiel

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

First Posts for characters:

The player's first post should be about the character’s reaction to the meeting and to the note, possibly some thoughts on why the character wants to sail West.

The player could also write about their character’s arrival to the Elves’ place of departure after sunrise.

[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:

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

How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?
Please note you may play in only 3 games at one time.

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:

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

A FIRST POST FOR YOUR CHARACTER MUST ACCOMPANY THIS FORM.

It is a requirement for this game. Character Descriptions without a First Post attached will be sent back to the writer. They may be submitted again, once there is a First Post to go with them.

[piosenniel]

[img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] The Discussion Thread is now open for character submissions! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Please remember to also submit your character's First Post at the same time as your Character Description to avoid having your work sent back to you.

Have fun!

~~ Pio

[ October 03, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Orofaniel]

Thank you very much for opening this thread. I'm really looking forward to see all your submissions and to get this game rolling! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[Novnarwen]

Hullo!!

I am really, really, really, really (Just another; really) looking forward to this, as well. In other words; YAY!!

Come on people, lets get some profiles up!

*nova* [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[Novnarwen]

Posting them here would be fine. We don't mind a PM either, So, basically it's up to you. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] I hope that helped.

(Remember, everyone will have to look at eachother's characters, which means; that whatever you do, posting them here or in a PM, they will be up at the Discussion thread.)

Hmm, did that make sense? [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

*nova* [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[Elennar Starfire]

Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? NO

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

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

For your character please include:

NAME: Dunaire

AGE: 3723

RACE: Lothlorien Elf

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Dunaire prefers to use a sword, but is also very good with a bow. He carries two daggers which he can throw with deadly accuracy.

APPEARANCE: Dunaire has light grey eyes and black hair which just passes his ears. His nose is slightly larger than most elves, but it is dignified.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Dunaire has a great love of laughter. He is very compassionate, and cannot stand to see someone hurt and not try to help. He prefers to avoid a fight whenever possible, but he is not a coward. He simply dislikes killing, even orcs. His biggest weaknesses are that he is sometimes too trusting, and also sometimes acts on impulse. He is not afraid of looking a little foolish at times, though he prefers not to. His greatest strength is that he never lets anything depress him, and is always ready with a light comment to cheer up another.

HISTORY: Dunaire has lived in Lothlorien most of his life, but he has never really called it home. He loves to travel to new places. This is the main reason for his choice to leave for Valinor. He never found a woman to love, and that is fine with him. He doesn't mind being alone, but does not actively seek solitude.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Elennar Starfire's post

Dunaire looked again at the note in his hand. Valinor... He would be leaving Middle-Earth forever. But soon, all the elves would leave, he would only be leaving sooner. Yes, he was ready. He refolded the note, and began to pack.

Afterwards, as the sun was setting, he walked among the mallorn trees, saying goodbye to Lothlorien. He picked up a fallen leaf and carried it home, where he put it carefully in the bottom of his pack. He would keep it forever to remind him of Lothlorien, Middle-Earth, and all that he was leaving behind.

The next morning, before sunrise, he went to visit Lalmion, his friend, who was staying behind.

"You are leaving, then?" Lalmion asked, seeing Dunaire with his pack and traveling clothes, leading his horse, Muinanar.

"I am," Dunaire replied, "but I must leave Muinanar behind. Will you take him?"

"Of course. Namarie, then."

"Namarie."

And Dunaire walked off to Tanroth's house to meet the other travelers.

[ October 05, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ October 06, 2003: Message edited by: Elennar Starfire ]

[Orofaniel]

Elennar Starfire- it looks OK, but I want you to work on your first post. Please check your PMs. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[Elfwine]

To start things off, no, I’ve not participated in an RPG on the Barrow-Downs as of yet, thus, I am in zero Games of late, save the Green Dragon Inn, which I have posted at repeatedly.

NAME: Solondil

AGE: 3,732, near ‘33

RACE: Lothlorien Elf

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Centuries as a border scout has sharpened his senses and roughened his palms – he was most and perhaps still is skilled with the bow, to the point that reaching back for a shaft had become an automatic reflex, but the loss of sight in one eye has since dulled his ability. Thus, he has reverted to using a more up-close and personal tool of combat, the sword.

APPEARANCE: Strong-boned and lank in figure, Solondil is of average height for the Elven race, though his fair tresses can usually be picked out above and among the crowd. Pallid skin covers features, still sharply angled in old age. His locks of silver-gold fall shorter than that of most of his kin, half tied back with a worn silken ribbon; a few uneven wisps falling from the fix at mid-cheek. His eyes are perhaps the first thing one notices while confronting this elf face to face, for they are of liquid-like sheen, ash in color, though the right is clouded over with a stormy mist; lifeless as a frozen pond. This is not only a fault in his once-keen eyesight, but a sour reminiscence that lingers in the deepest parts of his distracted mind. A nasty scar that was perhaps once a gash slices through a corner of the lid of that same eye, running downwards to stop at a high cheekbone.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Solondil is one of few spoken words, though he is quite the intellectual; his mind nearly always bursting with thoughts. This is perhaps his greatest flaw, for his tendency to think too much and too hard has and will cause him to falter or choke in his decision-making, and during battle. At the same time, it is a virtue, for his layered pattern of thought often helps him to analyze a stranger or enemy, or to assess a situation or problem.

When first met he may seem cold or quite aloof, due to his poor conversation skills, but this image of person fades quickly as individuals realize the gentry and charm in his character. He is always willing, more or less prefers, to lend an ear, as he has a seemingly infinite supply of patience to try to exhaust. In turn, people come to him for a few words of wisdom, which he’s collected much of over the years, every now and again.

His greatest physical weakness is his shrouded eye. A grave encounter with a certain foe’s arrow carved a stripe into the orb itself and split the lid. The wound, long since healed, left him half blind and half as skilled with the bow. Even so, he has learned to cope, though the blackness he sees, or the images he doesn’t, is a constant reminder of dark memories past.

HISTORY: Born of the scholar Tholós of Lorien and his wife Celoënia, Solondil was one of their three children, the second-born and their only son. The younger sister, Orolindié, was taken by sickness at an early age, by the Elves’ reckoning, crippling the at last complete family sooner than expected. His elder sister, Aralomiel, was the one closest to his age. To her he looked to for wisdom and counsel. She passed centuries and centuries earlier, along with Celoënia. Mother and daughter had sailed west to meet Tholós, who had left long, long ago. The last of Tholós’ brood, Solondil spent long years in Rivendell, where things were not as isolated from the rest of Middle-Earth as was Lothlorien. He decided to return only after hearing his Lady’s, Galadriel’s call for tighter safekeeping at the borders.

Recruited as a sentinel in the train traveling back to Lorien, he headed the procession with a wary eye a top his steed, Aquel. A shrill cry of pain and the thump of something upon the hard ground caused his head to whip back, eyes wide as they rested upon the arrow-nestled corpse of one of the rear guards. News of the assault spread quickly throughout the train as the remainder of the watch, including Solondil, readied their bows at will. A few let fly in odd directions, the others waiting and watching to get a hold on enemy position, but before they could, a volley of black-feathered arrows descended upon the line like an ocean wave. Most of the falling points missed their targets, but a few on horseback were struck and fell. Returning that first volley with one of their own, the Elven company picked off quite a few of the dark creatures before the whole of the enemy force advanced, the front line drawing their steel, and the back sending more arrows.

Knocked off his mount by a rather heavy-set beast, and having spent the few arrows in his quiver, Solondil drew his short blade reluctantly and shifted into a defensive stance. The creature, more than ready to commence, froze abruptly, a wide grin showing his black teeth. Following his yellow eyes with his own grey ones, the elf turned his head ever slightly, and at that moment, an arrow shaft flew through the air to tear across his right eye. With a gasp he caught his breath, and his hands rose to unsuccessfully prevent blood from sputtering outwards. Through muffled ears, he heard the calming words of a comrade, and the clashing of steel on steel. The last thought he had was one of shame for being so careless, and the blackness took him.

He regained conciousness enveloped in the soft folds of a warm bed. Lothlorien. A good amount of the train members must have made it to the city alive, he thought to himself. He raised a hand to touch the white bandage about his head, nearly soaked through with a vibrant crimson where it covered the wound. He let out a drained sigh, closed his left eye and relaxed, accepting the fact that he’d not be able to see out of the right one in any amount of healing period. Time and a few herbs removed the bandages from his face, and with duel devotion and determination, he learned to use his bow with half his sight, though he reverted to using his sword when at all possible. In a year or so, he assumed the position of a border scout, as he had intended.

With more and more people leaving the city he stands to defend for the Havens to the west day by day, Solondil has ever heeded the small yearning in the back of his mind to depart along with, to see those love ones lost.
_____________________________________________

Elfwine's post

The Elf held the piece of parchment between two long and calloused fingers. A cream colored ribbon held both ends of the note fast, and veiled the contents. Staring with wide eyes, one filled with wonderment and the other misted over, as always, Solondil reached with the hand at his side to open the letter that’d been given to him. Reading through it quickly, then carefully once again, he swallowed hard and followed the backs of Tanroth and Firiel with a steady grey gaze as they disappeared into the white light. His arms dropped, note in hand, and he cast his eyes downwards. This was what he’d been waiting for. This was it—yet why was he so hesitant, so afraid, so dreading?

Letting out a wary sigh, he folded the piece of paper into a minuscule section of what it could expand to, and murmured a silent prayor. Nodding to the others honored, he placed the note in his breast pocket and turned on his heel, leaving the meeting hall with a furrowed brow. Where the wide path continued on to his quaint home in the glowing city, he took a hard left towards where the trees grew thicker; denser. Olive-hued cloak sitting comfortably a top his narrow shoulders, he left for a last walk among the mallorn.

Tomorrow at sunrise.

[ October 04, 2003: Message edited by: Elfwine ]

[ October 05, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Elennar Starfire]

Yes, I will work on it. I am too tired to do anything good right now, but I will tomorrow.

[Jack]

Character Description Form:
Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? YES - Which one? Green Dragon Inn
How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in?
none (Does GD inn count? If so… 1)
Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? Yes Which one? Green Dragon Inn

NAME: Erfalas

AGE: 3845

RACE: Lothlorien Elf

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Give Erfalas a strong bow and long arrows! Erfalas dislikes using the sword but can adapt in a pinch

APPEARANCE: Dark brown hair down to his shoulders, and stormy gray eyes. Erfalas is tall and straight with an easy, swinging stride. His expression is usually wistful but he can become very intense if properly goaded.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Quiet, but humorous, Erfalas enjoys jokes. Erfalas is hesitant to disagree with friends. Erfalas likes poetry but cannot write it at all! Erfalas is the sort that like tales and songs of adventures but has never really had a desire for personal excitement.

HISTORY: Erfalas is youngest child of Vordion and Galwen of Lorien. He is not married, has never been married, and really does not want to be married. He has two sisters, Darwendel, and Wendel. After living all his life in Lorien there are those who would consider Erfalas’s existence to be boring do to his history or lack there of.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Jack's post

Erfalas stared at the slip of paper. His ticket to the Grey Havens, it was a little unsettling to be picked only because you were old. And yet… he was excited he had to admit. He sat still reading and rereading the paper.

Erfalas looked over his bare room. There was little he wanted to take with him. His dark, coarse cloth bag sat on his bed, almost nothing in its depths. He frowned, what did you bring on a mission? A loud knock on his door startled Erfalas out of his thoughtfulness.

“Erfalas, your going to the Gray Havens!” Gallion said excitedly. “Do you need any thing? Help? Food?”

“Food! That’s what I forgot!” Erfalas said loudly, clapping his friend on the back.
Gallion dragged Erfalas down the winding stair and into the large kitchens.

Later Gallion sat on Erfalas’s bed and ate an apple and Erfalas sat on near the window. “Are you takeing Gold Flame with you?”

“No… no horses, its in the letter, note, thing,” Erfalas dug in his pocket and handed it over to Gallion.

““We will leave tomorrow after sunrise. Please meet us by Tanroth's house. It's located on the outskirts of Lorien. From there we will go North-West. Take with you what you need, but not more. The journey will be difficult and perhaps dangerous.
Horses will not be needed, not now anyhow. We will travel by foot

~~ Tanroth and Firiel” That’s nice… and nice…” Gallion said slowly.

“My words exactly!” Erfalas smiled.

~ * ~

The next morning:

Erfalas stretched and yawned. Dreams were distracting and he didn’t want to sit up staring at the stars. Dressing quickly Erfalas picked up his bag. He slung his quiver over his shoulder and picked up his bow. His sword was in his pack. Stepping out of the arched doorway, he nearly ran down the stairs, he was more excited than he would admit. Gallion was waiting at the bottom of the stairs for him.

“I can’t let my best friend leave with out me to see him off,” Gallion said in answer to Erfalas’s questioning look. Gallion smiled and flipped his blond hair out of his face.

Erfalas smiled too and pushed his dark hair out of his stormy gray eyes. “Thank you Gallion,” Erfalas said adjusting his light grey cloak. “Well?”

“Anxious are we?” Gallion asked, laughing.

“Yes so lets go!” Erfalas said and he and Gallion walked down the path towards Tanroth’s home. The the friends set of across Lorien for the last time.


[ October 05, 2003: Message edited by: Jack ]

[ October 05, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Orofaniel]

Elennar Starfire- Great, looking forwards to see your post! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Elfwine - That is one exellent profile! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] Nova will take a look at it, and see if there is anything, but for my sake; You're accepted. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Jack- You're post is fine, but you need some changes in your profile. Nova will send you a PM with further information. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[Novnarwen]

Elennar Starfire- We are waiting in excitement! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Elfwine - Good to see you! You profile and post look both wonderful. Accepted

Jack- I have sent you a PM!


Everyone- If you haven't got any PMs from me or Oro; that means your post and profile look fine. However, when we have all the characters needed, you might have to change some small things in your post. We'll come back to that later when the spaces are filled up.

Thanks,

*nova* [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? YES - Which one? Cirith Ungol, Hunt for the Dragon, Holiday in the Sun (part of), Search for the lost messenger (cameo)

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

Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? YES Which one? Both


For your character please include:
NAME: Imthôlion

AGE: 3706

RACE: Lothlorien Elf

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Skilled with both sword and bow, Imthôlion uses both with deadly accuracy, though he prefers to use his sword.

APPEARANCE: Imthôlion is no different to any other Lothlorien elf. He has blonde hair, cut level with his shoulders, grey eyes and is of average height. Nothing about his appearance would draw your eye to him in a crowd, though Time itself has drained the colour from his face. His weariness has only just begun to affect his features, but if you look at his eyes you would see a great emptiness that only the Undying Lands could heal.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Imthôlion’s personality is much like his appearance – it is no different to any other elf’s personality. He keeps mostly to himself, but is known by all save a few of the Lothlorien elves. If he is given a task, Imthôlion will not give up, unless it is obvious the task cannot be completed. He is kind and caring with a good sense of humour. Because of this, he will try to cheer up anyone who is looking sad, regardless of his own sadness. He will also do anything to help or protect a friend, not giving a single thought about how he will fare in it.

Imthôlion’s generosity would have to be said to be both his strength and weakness. While helping those with emotional or physical torment he will also give people his possessions if he thinks someone needs it (see History). He was once weak in the sense that he loved the mortal kind, but since the beginning of the War of the Ring, Imthôlion has lost his love for all mortals save the Hobbits.

Imthôlion loves nature and tends to any plant or animal that is ill. Because of his time spend tending to them, Imthôlion knows the various properties of plants and which can be used for healing, or for poison (though he never expects to use them for that).

HISTORY: Imthôlion is the youngest of three siblings, but is the only one left, for the other two sailed with their parents to the Undying Lands when he was 896 years old. He was too young to leave. Having been born and raised in Lothlorien, Imthôlion never left his home forest for the first thousand of so years of his life because he was content to stay in the fair place. However, during the next millennium he became restless and so travelled all over Middle Earth (I say all over, but he did not travel far to the south and the east) and he became familiar with the different races and cultures. But when evil began to stir when Bilbo found the ring of power, Imthôlion felt his place was in Lothlorien, and there he stays.

It was when he returned from his travels, that Imthôlion was seen to be overly generous. He once, while staying in Rohan, gave his cloak and sword to a poor man who he had helped heal. On receiving the sword, the man turned on Imthôlion and attacked him, but saw the error of his ways and jumped from a cliff. Imthôlion was not seen to be in the wrong, but always felt guilty and blamed himself for the man’s death. However, he helped many people in need while he toured Middle Earth and returned with only what he wore remaining in his possession. On his return, he was recruited as a one of the Lothlorien Guard.

Material objects have never been important to Imthôlion. There are only two things he cherishes: life and memories. Without his childhood memories, Imthôlion feels that age would have caught up with him sooner and caused him to leave for the Undying Lands many years ago. He does not regret his decision to stay in Middle Earth so long.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Elentari Greenleaf's post:

Imthôlion sat in the meeting, looking at the note he had been handed. A sigh escaped his slightly parted lips as the news sank in. His time had come – he would finally leave for the Undying Lands. Had he have been given the opportunity a few years ago he, as had Siralil, would have handed the note to another, for he had loved all mortal folk. Yet, since the beginning of the War, Imthôlion could only find love for one race of mortals – the gentle Hobbits. The ring was safely in the keeping of Frodo, a most trust worthy Hobbit, accompanied by the Fellowship of the Ring, a group of eight others well suited to protect the ring bearer. However, only eight of the nine now remained, for Gandalf ha fallen into shadow. Imthôlion had also heard that one of the Men, a man of Gondor, was becoming corrupted. Imthôlion’s love of men had failed. He saw them now as power hungry, and easily corrupted. They were weak.

So Imthôlion now had no wish to stay in Middle Earth. He had travelled around its fair lands, avoiding the darker ones, and so could find no reason to give up his place on the last ship from the havens. He rose and left the meeting room, for there was now no one to converse with. He kept the note held tightly in his hand, for if he lost it he feared he would not be given another.

The moon was high in the heavens, casting its silver light through the magnificent branches of the many trees in Lothlorien. Imthôlion decided he would walk for the last time both in and below the trees. It was a sad, yet happy time for Imthôlion. Dawn would see him leave the woods forever.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[EDIT] That is the longest character bio I've done! EVER! (except for Elentari). He's my first male character (I think) so pm me if anything needs changing ^_^;

[ October 05, 2003: Message edited by: ElentariGreenleaf ]

[ October 05, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[Orofaniel]

Elentari- Nice to see you here!!!! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] (You do remember The Hunt for the Dragon, right? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img])
Okey, back to your character and your profile: Everything looks wonderful! I'll accept you, but Nova has the last call. She'll get back to you... [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

*~*

Just updating the list!

These are the 7 Lothlorien Elves needed:


Males:

1 - Rostion (Husband to Firiel, Orofaniel’s character.)
We still need a male to play Firiel's (Orofaniel's character's) husband!

4 - other male Lothlorien Elves

Dunaire- Elennar Starfire (Has to work on first post, before being accepted.)
Solondil- Elfwine Accepted
Erfalas- Jack (Has to do some minor changes in his profile.)
Imthôlion- Elentari Greenleaf. Accepted, but Nova has the last call.

This means that we will not need any male charactres, except if you want to play Rostion, Firiel's husband.


Females:

1 - Arilewen (female Elf mentioned in the 3rd post of the game, below)

1 other female Lothlorien Elves

We need two females, because we haven't got any so far.... [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

*~*

~Oro

[piosenniel]

Note:

Jack has altered his profile (thanks!) [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img].

Jack, I also changed the reference in your post so that it matches your Elf's eye color now.

[Novnarwen]

Elentari- Really great profile and post! You are more than accepted.. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Jack- Your post and profile are looking fine! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

*nova* [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[Enif]

Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? No
How many RPG’s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? none

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

Character Description:

Name: Erkaliel

Age: 3589

Race: Lothlorien elf

Gender: Female

Weapons: Deadly skilled with both, daggers and bows. Though she knows how to handle a sword ,she rather use her bow.

Appearance: Erkaliel is a typical Lothlorien elf exept for her desire to adventure thru unknowned lands. She has long golden hair, cut to the middle of her back, and sad, though keen, grey eyes . Her skin is soft and pale although now she is starting to show a few signs of the countless years she had spent adventuring herself thru Middle-earth

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: Erkaliel is very closed to herself, she has long lost the ability to share her feelings though she’s not aware of that. That is maybe one of her greatest flaws. Due to that she rather work alone then in group, though that never kept her from helping anyone in need.

Her ability to communicate with others is not the best, she’s not much of a talker, but once she gets to know a person she will gladly have a nice talk with her. Although she has this certain inability to interact with others her ability to care for the nature, plants and animals a like, is astonishing.

Loyalty is obviously her greatest virtue, she would never abandon a friend nor a task that has been designated to her, in that point she could be rather stubborn.

History: Erkaliel was the only daughter of Lithiel and Celerion, she was born and raised in Lothlorien until she became 403 years old, when her parents where killed on an ambush. From that point on she was raised buy her aunt, for whom she cared very much. Her aunt left for the Undying Lands when she turned 2479 years old. Until then she had never left the elven woods of Lorien, suddenly she found herself very lonely and a need to wonder thru other lands took her.

She left the elven realm with two of her few friends to wonder and adventure thru distant lands, that was certainly the best time of her life. But unfortunately all good things must come to an end, and the day came when a great host left to the Undying Lands and with them went Amerwen one of the friends that accompanied her.

Erion, the other friend, stood with her in middle-earth and for a time they kept wondering. They eventually fell in love, and Erion promised never to leave her. For a brief time they where happy, though a sad day came when Erion was forced buy his father to leave with him to Undying Lands, he did not wish to go but he didn’t have the courage to face his father, so he left leaving broken-hearted Erkaliel behind.

From that point on she became a lonely person, and the one thing she came to give great valor was courage. She sadly returned to Lothlorien and, having no other place to wonder, she lived alone for the years to come until now.

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

Enif's post

It was a mid-summer eve when news came to Erkaliel that a meeting was going to be held that day , it would be organized by Tanroth under the order of the Lady Galadriel. She did not have a clue about the topic of the meeting but she imagined it would be something of great importance.

The meeting started and the Lady spoke of a company that would leave to the Undying Lands, a total of nine elves would be chosen to go. It was not an easy decision, nor was it an easy meeting. A note was given to everyone present though some of those who where there refused the offer right away. The meeting finally ended and Erkaliel went back to her house.

At night , lighted by the silvery moon Erkaliel sat by her bedroom window as the warm breeze came thru the window. She suddenly realized that almost all the kin of elves had left Middle-earth, and that now she had to give in, the time had come for her to leave for the Undying Lands. Nothing but war was left for her in Middle-earth, and she felt she did not had the spirit to fight it, though she new that the journey would also be tough .

She stayed there for a few minutes staring at the elven forest in the dark, she softly whispered to the wind ‘Good bye Lothlorien.’ She went to an uneasy though heavy sleep.

_____________________________________________

*please excuse any grammar or spelling mistakes, English is not my first language*

[ October 05, 2003: Message edited by: Enif ]

[ October 06, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ October 06, 2003: Message edited by: Enif ]

[piosenniel]

Enif

Please change the color of your Elf's eyes:

Tolkien is very specific on the color of Elves' eyes - they are various shades of grey, only. We will accept blue-grey, if you would like that.

Thanks!

Pio, Shire Moderator

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

Hey! Can I play Rostion?
--------------------
Character Description Form:

Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? NO

How many RPG?s on the Barrow Downs are you currently involved in? NONE

Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn or in The White Horse in Rohan? YES, The Green Dragon

For your character please include:

NAME: Rostion

AGE: 4019

RACE: Lothlorien Elf

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Skillful with a bow, although prefers to carry a sword, forged by the his forefather, an Elven-smith of Eregion.

APPEARANCE: A tall elf, his golden hair flowing freely down his back. The years have dimmed his eyes, which used to sparkle in deep grey. A smile is rarely seen his face.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: A very woodcrafty Elf, whose skill and determination makes him an effective warrior. He still is in emotional trauma, after watching his younger brother die in the War of the Last Alliance. He is quiet and grave at all times, and only someone with patience and a kind heart can uncover all the thoughts and emotions in him.

HISTORY: His family came from the remnants of the Doriathrim that went to Eregion with the Noldor. He was born in Lorien. His father, a march warden, was killed in an ambush, and his mother, out of grief, went to the Havens shortly after. He was left with a younger brother, whom he dearly loved. Rostion taught him about the ways of the forest, and how to handle bows, and soon, his brother became as skilled as he was. When they went to Dagorlad under Amdir's banner, his brother was slain in a sortie. There, forgetting the war raging all around him, he bore his brother's body back to Lorien.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Nilpaurion Felagund's post

"Grey Havens," Rostion thought to himself. "Long should I have been there, to be with my family." He then snapped out of his reverie and looked for his sword.
"But, if not for Firiel, I would not be leaving. I would say behind and fight the foes of Lorien." He slung his bag on his shoulder, and sighed.
"Well, my time here has come to an end. I must go now; they might be already there."

He went outside his home, where Firiel stood, waiting for him. They walked in silence to the outskirts of Lorien, to the house of Tanroth.

_____________________________________________

[ October 06, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

[ October 07, 2003: Message edited by: Nilpaurion Felagund ]

[ October 08, 2003: Message edited by: Nilpaurion Felagund ]

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

NOTE: I have no Internet Access at home, and I depend on our school computer for BD. But we're having our Semestral Break, so I can only post every other day. But I'll try to do it every day. Thanks!

Wala lang!
->The True Son of Finrod

[piosenniel]

Everyone will note an "edited by: piosenniel" on their posts - that is just me setting them up to be transferred to the game when it opens.

Anyone who needs to/wants to edit their first post for the game:

Please go back to your original post and edit your changes in there.

[piosenniel]

Looks like the Game needs one more character - a female Elf, named Arilewen.

Here's Novnarwen's post where she is mentioned:

”Wait!” The call of a male Elf rang through the hall and Tanroth turned around. “My place is here, and therefore, I will not leave,” spoke one of the oldest who went by the name of Siralil. He offered to give up his place and Tanroth took the little piece of paper from the Elf. Siralil pressed through the crowd and went out the door.

“Arilewen, the place is then yours. I know you are older then the others left. Do you want it?” he asked. From back in the room, they heard a cry. She was crying while receiving the note, an obvious sign that this was something she wanted. Tanroth looked over the Elves now. From one female and six men, the group had gone to two females and five men.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

I'll take Arilewen, but I can't put the post up at the moment. I'm supposed to be in bed, so I will write it tomorrow at school and put it up when I get home, if that's all right with the owners.

[Novnarwen]

Enif - Great character with a nice post too.

*please excuse any grammar or spelling mistakes, English is not my first language

English isn't my first language either. And therefore, I have quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes myself. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] However, by checking in a dictionary or copying your post and profile onto 'Word' (etc.) some of those mistakes can be avoided. Just a thought, of course. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Nilpaurion Felagund- I have sent you a PM. Please look at my suggestions! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

NOTE: I have no Internet Access at home, and I depend on our school computer for BD. But we're having our Semestral Break, so I can only post every other day. But I'll try to do it every day. Thanks!

We will put up saves for you if needed. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]


Tinuviel of Denton-We are waiting eagerly for you post! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]


Cheers,
*nova* [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[ElentariGreenleaf]

*bows* Thank you for accepting me! Oh, and I have to tell you now that my 'd' key doesn't work very well. I'm going to write all my posts in word first, but words like 'had' come out as 'ha' when the key doesn't work, so the spelling isn't picked up (and the grammer for some strange reason. Surely Word knows that 'I ha a gift' or something like that doesn't make sense.... oh well). So please doesn't kill me for obvious spelling mistakes ^_^' Unless they aren't d key related... then you may shout at me ^_-

I think this RPG looks like it's going to be excellent! Can't wait to get started. I'm surprized that the female roles haven't been filled yet. They're normally first to go!

[Orofaniel]

Elentari- I won't kill ya for spelling mistakes or grammar mistakes. I'm terrible at those things as well.

About the females, we're still waiting for Tinuviel..She said she would play Arilwen. But except from that, I don't think we need more chacaters. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

[Novnarwen]

Don't worry. Look at me.. Loads of spelling and grammar mistakes. (I noticed loads of them too, in the first post of mine and my profile... [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img])

Anyway, back to business.

I am expecting a PM from Nilpaurion Felagund. He has to do some edits on his post and profile before accepted.

*nova* [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[piosenniel]

Character/player list so far:

Male Elves

• Novnarwen – Tanroth
• Elennar Starfire – Dunnaire
• Elfwine – Solondil
• Jack – Erfalas
• ElentariGreenleaf – Imthôlion
• Nilpaurion Felagund – Rostion (pending edits to his profile/first post)

Female Elves

• Orofaniel – Firiel
• Enif – Erkaliel
• Tinuviel of Denton – Arilewen (pending receiving her profile/first post)

__________________________________

Nova and Oro –

Once you have every thing in to your satisfaction, then decide on the order of the players’ posts to go up after your 3 opening posts. And put the list in order by player’s name, here on the Discussion Thread. Then, I’ll place them on the Game thread, and open it for you.

Thanks!

[Orofaniel]

Okey, great! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

But Elennar needs to work on her character's post.

Therefore there are three 'players' that needs some editing etc.