I received a note from Alaklondewen that Sophia is having computer problems and doesn't expect to be able to access the internet for at least the next few days. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

Whew! What's going on here? Someone must have walked under a ladder, or broken a mirror. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Cami

I've got a black cat, Cami. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Oh no! The black cat has cursed us all! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Yeah, I´m back. And I posted, too. Any objections? PM me! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Sophia and I were in the middle of a subplot which revolved around Siriel's disappearance. We'd already spoken with the Dol Amroth crew to make sure it fitted in with their plans. I had written two posts for Eckthelion about the fact that Siriel was absent so it leaves my character hanging and none of what he said makes sense!

I've decided to save spaces for Sophia with a one-sentence explanation of what is going on, enough to give people an idea of what we planned. Hopefully, she will fill in those spots when she gets back, or I can slot in her posts wherever she wants.

I'll go ahead with Eckthelion's response as well and carry forward, since we had spelled out things pretty explicitly.

Sohpie, if you manage to see this sometime, I hope it's alright!

And, btw, I have a lovely fat black cat. He definitely isn't reponsible for the missing posters!

Cami

This is just a note that I filled in my SAVE. Pelien is now at the ball. Dol Amroth ladies, I'm sure you will find her costume "deliciously appropriate", so feel free to have fun with her. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

I will follow up shortly with Pelien's feelings about Adrama. Also, have we decided which ladies will be confronting Denethor about the rumors?

Revised Outline for the Game Storyline - per the Owners and Cami, moderator
____________________________________________

Act I- The stage is set – THIS SECTION IS DONE


Welcoming Party

Finduilas and her ladies discuss the events of last night.

Ladies of Umbar start doubting Finduilas & crew.

Dryea spreads rumors of Finduilas false identity, through the ears and mouths of the servants.

_____________________________________________

Act II- The first Strife – THIS SECTION IS DONE


Luncheon: Minas Tirith and ladies of Umbar; former conclude something is fishy about Finduilas.

Dol Amroth ladies find out about the rumors and decide to investigate.

Budding friendship between Althea and Adrama.

_________________________________________________


~*~ THE GAME IS HERE ~*~
Act III- An unpleasant surprise – TO FINISH BY AUGUST 27


Meeting with Alethea and Adrama

Dol Amroth women continue their investigations and rumor campaign

Eckthelion announces a masquerade ball in honor of his bride-to-be whom he loves very much. Ladies of Umbar urge Minas Tirith women to bring their suspicions to Denethor at the ball.

Dol Amroth women continue to investigate.


Siriel discovers evidence of tampering with dispatches and confronts Eckthelion who does not believe her.

Eckthelion begins a quiet investigation

Minas Tirith women confront Denethor with their suspicions in a side garden off the ballroom. With Finduilas at this side, he responds. They suspect they have made a mistake.

Dryea openly humiliates her sister.

_____________________________________________

Act IV- The eye-opener – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 8

Eckthelion discovers evidence of a mole in his entourage, and has second thoughts about his treatment of Siriel


Dreya blunders.

Friendship of Alethea and Adrama deepens

Vern gives the message on to all the Minas Tirith women.

Alethea pays a visit to Finduilas and the women of Dol Amroth, telling them everything she knows

____________________________________________


Act V- A fatal party – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 18


Ecthelion announces the formal betrothal party for Finduilas and his son.

Betrothal Party: The Minas Tirith/Dol Amroth women decide to strike:

Finduilas makes an impassioned speech (her one and only!)

Dryea blunders yet again, supporting the accusation.

Palace guards try to arrest Dryea and her servants, but fail.

Dryea, plus servants, flees to Umbar.

Althea stays in Gondor.

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

I've brought the outline forward, with minor revisions.

Alaklondewen -

Yes, this is where we are in the outline. I'll be glad to respond as Denethor, if we can get one or more Minas Tirith women to come forward and "spill the beans".

Ideally, we would get through this by late Wednesday night.

Cami

[ August 25, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

School is back on´, so I don´t know how much time I´ll have...but right now it looks good.
Ok, Minas Tirith Women, it´s your turn. If anybody would want to do an intro-post to the Denethor talk, feel free to do so. I´ll respond with some Finduilas posting ASAP. OK?

Manardariel,

Could you check your pms?

Thanks.

Cami

Alright!

I've caught up best I could and posted. Sorry for the constant delay it's been like what 10, 11 days? Anyroad all's better.

So what's goin' on? Where ... uh ... are we? [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

-Maikafanawen

PS-- By the way I really like the idea of Finduilas's butterfly costume by the way. I can picture everything so beautifully! It's really gonna be bad though when I sort of read about her now because I'm always going to think of her as my character's enemy don't y' know? How silly! Anywho ... brilliant costume idea Estelyn!

Credit to whom credit is due - Manardariel was the first to mention a butterfly costume for Finduilas; I only picked up the idea, a beautiful one!

OK, where are we?

As Manaradariel said:

Let's see who's available:

Emilia (Lyra) - unavailable (withdrawn because of computer access problems)

Elena (Varda)

Pelien (Alaklondewen)

Tiriel and Siriel - (Sophia) unavailable (temporarily withdrawn because of virus)

Adrama (Nurumaiel)

Pelien (Alaklondewen)

I think that's everyone except for Vern the Cook! (Durelin. But doesn't this person stepping forward have to be a "lady"?

Any volunteers? (Or someone I've forgotten?) We need this scene to begin to open the minds of the women of Minis Tirith, and it needs to play out before the scene where Dryea and Alethea fall out.

Cami

[ August 26, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Maika, I had just the tiniest problem with your post.

I think you meant Alethea. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Cami,
I guess Adrama can go off the list. Considering her situation, I can't imagine her approaching Denethor just yet, and especially not asking questions concerning a rumor about his bride. At the moment she's still trying to get Denethor to favor her and forget Finduilas, and she knows that asking him about the rumors probably wouldn't be the ideal way to do it.

I guess it's just Varda and Pelien now.

[ August 26, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]

Originally, I was horrified at the thought of Pelien confronting Denethor since such an action would indeed be inappropriate. However, after serious thought on the matter (and the fact it seems she's the one to do it anyway), Pelien will confront Denethor, but she will have Sador at her side. I cannot imagine her seeking the future Steward out alone, so Sador can be the one who begins talking with Denethor, and Pelien will just happen to tell him, since it is the 'righteous' thing to do.

I will begin construction of the post immediately.

Alak,

That's great news. If you need a "live" Denethor to respond, I'll be glad to do it. If you'd rather handle this part on your own, that's fine too. (Perhaps a brief spirited defense of his fiancee?)

Just let me know what you'd prefer.

Either way, once Denethor gets his $.02 in, I assume Finduilas will cut into the conversation, quietly assure her fiancee she can handle things herself, and then have a conversation with the couple as Manardariel suggested earlier.

Cami

[ August 27, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Cami- I got your PM. I can do a Denethor post as well *thinks* though I´m kind of questioning my availability...stupid school... you guys go ahead. Maybe stick in a save or something? No, wait, I can do that. Only a week of school, and I´m already going crazy! [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
See ya!

Manardariel,

Sounds good. Go ahead and respond after Alaklondewen posts.

Cami

I'm still working on my next post and it will be up soon...hopefully in the morning. To get Pelien in the mindset to do something as drastic as telling Denethor about the rumors, I edited my last post to include a few thoughts about how Pelien thinks Finduilas sent the young women from Dol Amroth to confront her. Also, I'm going to have Pelien mention the visit from the young ladies to Finduilas and Denethor. I think Finduilas' denial may help to sway Pelien's opinion into thinking she may have a made a mistake. If anyone has an issue with this, just let me know, so I can work something else in.

Thanks [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Alaklondewen

What, that I´m going crazy? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Alak, I hope you don´t mind but Finduilas "denial" of having sent the ladies will be more of a "you must be joking" thing. She´ll just think it´s ridiculous.

Awesome! *applauds Esty* [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Hi you guys!

I just wanted to say that I popped in...I'm at a library computer so I don't have much time. I
I'll probably write a post, but I'll have to read the RPG first and see if it's appropriate.

So sorry that so many people are 'missing'.... [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

I have put up a save.. Will be filled as soon as Alak has filled.

I hope that's okey...


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

[ August 28, 2003: Message edited by: Novnarwen ]

Sorry I haven't posted much recently - anyway, Elena's around now (or will be after I've posted) and can help Pelien out.

Dol Amroth Group - I was kept away from the computer for a few days & have now totally lost the thread! Is there anything in particular that Averyll should be doing? Or that you need for her to do... whatever!

Please let me know. Otherwise, I guess I will just read up on what has happened & plunge in somewhere.

I am back, although the philosophy reading is heavy and my computer access is still a little sketchy. I will take the next day to read the game and catch up and then I will start filling in all those saves. Thanks Cami for your patience and Alak for running all those errands for me. I have returned! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Sophia

Ah! so many saves...makes me dizzy! Well, im still here and waiting to post, but i will be patient and wait till the saves are filled in.

Also, i was wondering if Vieana could attempt to reapir the reputation of the Dol Amroth women in the eyes of Pelien that Tessa has seemed to leave in shatters. Not that thats bad of course, its just being the natural peacemaker that Vieana is. Not excusing their attempt to cause tales of their own of course.

Esty,

I will fill in my response to you later today.

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

Once the saves are filled in, we should be almost finished with Act III on the outline. Please see "We will be here after saves are filled." indication below.

Revised Outline for the Game Storyline - per the Owners and Cami, moderator
____________________________________________
Act I- The stage is set – THIS SECTION IS DONE


Welcoming Party

Finduilas and her ladies discuss the events of last night.

Ladies of Umbar start doubting Finduilas & crew.

Dryea spreads rumors of Finduilas false identity, through the ears and mouths of the servants.

_____________________________________________

Act II- The first Strife – THIS SECTION IS DONE


Luncheon: Minas Tirith and ladies of Umbar; former conclude something is fishy about Finduilas.

Dol Amroth ladies find out about the rumors and decide to investigate.

Budding friendship between Althea and Adrama.

_____________________________________________



Act III- An unpleasant surprise – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 2


Meeting with Alethea and Adrama

Dol Amroth women continue their investigations and rumor campaign

Eckthelion announces a masquerade ball in honor of his bride-to-be whom he loves very much. Ladies of Umbar urge Minas Tirith women to bring their suspicions to Denethor at the ball.

Dol Amroth women continue to investigate.


Siriel discovers evidence of tampering with dispatches and confronts Eckthelion who does not believe her.

Eckthelion begins a quiet investigation

Minas Tirith women confront Denethor with their suspicions in a side garden off the ballroom. With Finduilas at this side, he responds. They suspect they have made a mistake.

We will be here after saves are filled.

Dryea openly humiliates her sister.

_____________________________________________

Act IV- The eye-opener – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 12

Eckthelion discovers evidence of a mole in his entourage, and has second thoughts about his treatment of Siriel

Dreyea blunders.

Friendship of Alethea and Adrama deepens

Vern gives the message on to all the Minas Tirith women.

Alethea pays a visit to Finduilas and the women of Dol Amroth, telling them everything she knows

____________________________________________


Act V- A fatal party – TO FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 20


Ecthelion opens the formal betrothal party for Finduilas and his son.

Betrothal Party: The Minas Tirith/Dol Amroth women decide to strike:

Finduilas makes an impassioned speech (her one and only!)

Dryea blunders yet again, supporting the accusation.

Palace guards try to arrest Dryea and her servants, but fail.

Dryea, plus servants, flees to Umbar.

Althea stays in Gondor.

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

A word of warning: Please have all saves for Act III up and filled in by next Tuesday evening.

Once the present saves on the board are filled in, the one piece of action that still needs to be finished from Act III is "Dryea openly humiliates her sister." That needs to be done by Tuesday evening, September 2 so we can move on to Act IV.

(Sophia - I know you have a special situation. Let me know if you're still having access problems.)

We will then have till September 11 to get through everything in Act IV and till September 20 for Act V. (Phew!)

I have revised the outline yet again and pushed the dates foward slightly. The game was slated to end on September 18 (which had been extended from earlier). The ending date is now September 20.

Next Tuesday night, I will get us into Act IV by doing a narrative post that has Eckthelion discover a mole in his entourage. We should then go immediately into the "Dryea blunders" scene.

To help keep us on track in these final three weeks, I will routinely be sending out private messages to remind folk to post when we come to the point in the outline when their character must act. If you find yourself facing problems, let me know as soon as possible so we can figure out what to do.

This has been a long RPG (at least for the Shire) with many different characters. That's why it's so difficult to move forward quickly. I really do appreciate your help in trying to wrap things up on time and staying on top of things. Get in touch with me by pm or on the thread if there are any problems.

Cami

[ August 29, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Maika, Arien,

Please check your messages.

Cami

I have filled in my save of August 26, 4:14 pm in response to Diorwyn.

Eckthelion is very angry. He clearly recognizes that treasonous intent lies behind the rumor linking Finduilas, and by implication his own family, to the forces that formerly supported Melkor and Sauron.

This is particularly true, since he himself is fighting a battle against Sauron who has taken up residence in nearby Mordor. The people of Gondor may know nothing about the Ring, but they already know that Sauron is the enemy. And to suggest that the Steward would link his family with one whose blood is tainted in this respect is beyond all comprehension....at least to Eckthelion.

[ August 29, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

Hey everyone! I’m back! (Well kind of). We restored factory settings on our computer which means we can get the internet again! But we don’t have a virus scan until Monday, so I’m not really supposed to be here… or online at all… But if there’s still a space for me in this game I will be back in three days, for good. (Crossing my fingers!)

So ... do I wait to post after the SAVEs are filled too?

Confused,
Maikafanawen

Hello!
I have computer and internet access for about two hours. I was wondering if you wanted me to write something for Betuli, the maid.

If so, please set up a 'save' for me, because I don't have the whole day. If you know what i mean. I will fill it as soon as I get computer access again.

Thanks!
Orofaniel

Maika (and everyone with saves),

If you and Arien have a subplot which is largely independent of the scenes before involving Denethor and Finduilas, then definitely go ahead and post. You know what the basic content of some of those save posts will be-- disclosure of the rumors and denial--and, if needed, would be able to refer to them in a general sense in your own writing.

However, if your subplot hinges on the exact details and words of that earlier conversation (which I doubt), then you'd obviously have to wait till the saves are filled in.

There is one other possibility. If you feel you can write the post, but aren't sure about its placement in the whole string of saves, place your posts the discussion thread and I'll paste them on the main thread in a day or two--in any box you want--once people fill in the blank spaces and things become clearer.

That's probably as clear as mud but I hope it helps....

This same advice goes for everyone. If at all possible, get your save filled in if you can, even if someone in back of you hasn't filled theirs in yet. You could always do some later editing to fine tune things if needed.

It's extrememly difficult to coordinate this many people with saves in a long chain. But, because of computer problems, and because we're under the pressure of a deadline, we're bound to use some in this situation.

Technically, saves should be filled in within 24 hours. But I understand that things may sometimes take a little longer. For example, I can't respond to Siriel until Sophia manages to find a computer where she can post.

One last comment.... Even if you already have something written up on the main thread, if you later feel your post is in the wrong space (in terms of time and chronology, just ask me to move it and I will.

Yowsers! What a mouthful... Everyone get writing and fill in your saves.

Oro I've added another save for you. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Cami

[ August 30, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

I apologize for holding up the game, but real life took a couple of days away. My save is now filled, and Pelien has spilled the beans. I'm looking forward to everyone's reactions.

Varda - Pelien could definitly use some back-up. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Just to let everyone know I've finally filled in my save. My computer asscess is staring to dwindle and I'm starting school Sept. 3 so I wont be posting as often as I like. Sorry. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

Alright I'm about to post my clean up post where I rap up everything I'm supposed to do except humiliate Alethea. My post is too long already so I'll do that later, sound good? My deadline is Tuesday for that right?

Sorry I've been so sporadic here. It's school's fault.

-Maikafanawen

[ August 30, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]

Oh yeah, I'm not sure where Durelin is but I was going to suggest that she have Vern overhear Dryea and Alethea's conversation since our first idea didn't work.

-Maikafanawen

I have filled in the first of my saves, and edited my post from just before it. Siriel is now alone in the city perfectly poised for overhearing things [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img].

Cami- Sorry about the delays, I am doing what I can. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] My computer is doing much better! I should be full-time again soon.

Sophia

I filled in my save. Alak, Cami, Nova- any changes?
Alak- I put a save at the bottom of my save for Pelien´s response. Hope that was ok with you!

[edit] Welcome back, Mrs Thunder! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[ September 01, 2003: Message edited by: Manardariel ]

Maika, Sophia, Manardariel,

Regarding the person who overhears the conversation between the sisters....

To the best of my knowledge, Durelin's last post on this game for Vern was July 17. I've written Durelin a message and asked her to do a post where her character overhears the conversation by Tuesday at midnight, real time.

Since we're not sure if Durelin is available, is there any other character who could realistically overhear this conversation other than Vern? If so, we could use her/him.

If not, I (as mod) could do a post where we manipulate Vern to have her overhear the information, then turn about and pass it on, not to anyone specific but to a group of the servants. From that point, I'm sure it would spread. I will let Durelin know I may do this if she doesn't get a chance to post (or at least put a save in).

If necessary, I can do Vern's post at midnight on Tuesday, the last thing before I push the storyline over into Act IV.

If someone has a better idea on handling this, please suggest it here in the next day or so.... I'm definitely willing to go with another approach on this if someone has another idea that could be implemented without too many headaches.


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

Sophia,

That's alright. You're earlier post looks fine. I know it will take a little while to catch up.

Fortunately, that subplot is self-contained and fairly well spelled out so there should be no problem even if we have to move on to Act IV without having all your slots totally filled in.

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

Manardariel and everyone else,

Everyone's post reads well. If anyone sees a problem with minor inconsistencies of any type, just post that here.

Cami

Durelin - Your mailbox is full. Please clear it out.

Durelin -

Please see the post above on this thread. Contact me by pm or on the thread if you want to do Vern's post. Otherwise we will go ahead and use Vern unless we can come up with something else that will work.

Cami

Maybe Emilia? She was near shortly before, as Maika mentioned in her post, so it would make sense she heard something. And I guess it WOULD fit her to spread the news... Lyra, would you want to do this?