Hunt for the Palantíri Discussion Thread

[piosenniel]

DEDICATED CHARACTER


4.) Child of the 7th Age – Silvan Elf

NAME: Luindal

AGE: 942

RACE: Silvan Elf, but with some Sindarin blood in his mother’s line

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: He bears a silver-grey bow carved from the wood of a mallorn tree; this was given to him as a gift by his father. A short sword is girded on his left hip, and a hunting dagger on his right.

APPEARANCE: Tall and lanky, even for an Elf. He has serious grey eyes and dark curls hanging to his shoulders; the latter are usually held back by a simple leather thong. Luindal no longer favors the dark green or brown clothing he used to wear in Lorien, which enabled him to melt easily into his forest setting. Instead, on shipboard, he dons tunics of sea green or sky-blue over light-colored breeches and sturdy leather boots. For the trip north, he has brought only a thick woolen cape with a fur-trimmed hood for extra protection.

PERSONALITY, STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES: Calm and patient, Luindal takes his work seriously. Yet he is capable of laughter, merriment, and song when he is among friends and the situation is relaxed. He keeps a small flute in his pack and sometimes plays to amuse himself and those he is with when the day’s work is done.

By nature, Luindal is a follower rather than a leader; his parents have raised him to lead a quiet life, focusing on family and the joy that comes from experiencing the natural elements in which he lives. These values are characteristic of many Wood-elves. As a result, he has few worldly ambitions. Yet it was this modest nature that initially attracted Celeborn’s attention and led him to enlist the Elf in his service. Sauron’s expanding influence and the resultant conflict gave Luindal little choice but to hone his skills for war, something that he did with great effectiveness.

Unlike most of his Elven kin, Luindal has had many dealings with other Free Peoples outside the borders of Lorien. Sailing up and down the Anduin on Celeborn’s errands, he grew to know and understand the Men of Rohan and Gondor, both their achievements and failings. He was content to see the War of the Ring come to an end, even though it meant the fading of his own people. Perhaps because of this, he now doubts whether it is right for him to become involved in another situation where he will be called upon to fight for the good of Middle-earth. Is this his place, or should he sail West and leave the problems of Arda to Men who now must struggle with them? This is not an easy question for him to answer.

Despite his keen intelligence and skills in sailing, Luindal has one weakness as a leader: with so much good in his own nature, he has trouble identifying evil and deceit in the actions of those around him. He can be too trusting at times, which could prove to be a problem on his mission to the Ice Bay.

Luindal has another characteristic that may have some bearing on this tale. Most Elves can withstand extremes of heat and cold far better than Men do. This is particularly true for Luindal. Frigid temperatures and blowing winds do little more than inconvenience him. He can survive in situations where many others, even of his own kin, might eventually perish.


HISTORY: For 360 years, Luindal lived peacefully with his parents and sister under the eaves of Lorien’s Golden Wood. These years known as “The Watchful Peace” lasted from 2063 to 2460 T.A., when Sauron withdrew from Dol Goldur and temporarily fled to the east. From his father Telcor, the young Elf learned much of the forest and its ways, becoming an accomplished scout and tracker. His mother Arborien, who was of mixed Silvan and Sindarin heritage, would often draw Luindal close to her after twilight fell, teaching him all manner of tales and songs.

While Lorien stood far from the Sea, the young Luindal loved to explore the stream of Nimrodel that ran through the wood and then spilled over into the Silverlode. He had even journeyed once with his family as far south as the Anduin River, listening as his mother explained how these waters flowed into the Bay of Belefas and, from there, joined with the Sea. The boy loved these waters with all his heart, not only as the passage to the West but for their own wonder and joy. He often sat and listened to the gulls straying inland or carved small wooden ships and set them loose upon the waters, watching them sail away to an unknown destination.

Celeborn had noticed Luindal’s special talents quite early and had asked him to work alongside those Elves who built and sailed the small swan ships that plied the waters of the woods. Luindal’s skills proved invaluable during the War of the Ring. He helped to lead the fleet of boats that Celeborn and Galadriel took up the Anduin to recapture Dol Goldur and cleanse the woods of evil.

When Luindal’s parents and sister chose to sail West at the beginning of the Fourth Age, he accompanied them as far as the Grey Havens. Still unwilling to depart Middle-earth, Luindal bade his family farewell, promising to join them at some later time. Cirdan was greatly in need of an Elf with seafaring experience. He presented Luindal with a sturdy swan ship to conduct errands and procure supplies for the Havens, since the large numbers of Elves departing at that time were straining available resources. For several years, Luindal sailed to many distant ports, including Minas Tirith. In the course of these duties, he made the acquaintance of the Shapechanger Rôg while staying with an old friend Piosenniel and her husband Mithadan on trips to deliver certain rare artifacts and manuscripts to Elessar.


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Child of the 7th Age’s post - 3rd post for game

Luindal gently pushed his cup of nectar to the side and peered intently across the Common Room; he had been startled to hear the message given to the Innkeeper. He craned his neck for a closer look and was even more surprised to observe that the messenger was someone he actually knew: Rôg the Shapechanger, a man of many talents who had last crossed his path during a visit to the home of a friend near Minas Tirith. The words the Shapechanger spoke seemed even more unlikely than the fact that the speaker had apparently materialized out of nowhere in the middle of the Havens. As Luindal well knew, the young man had certain special talents that even he and his fellow Elves could not match.

Luindal stood up and walked over to his friend, gesturing Rôg to join him at one of the corner tables; then, he stretched out his lanky frame and carefully listened to his companion’s strange tale of a Corsair sea captain who had recently arrived in the north searching for two ancient Stones at the bottom of the Ice Bay. Clearly, these were the palantiri of Annúminas and Amon Sôl that had sunk some thousand years before, when the Elven ship sent to rescue the King had capsized and all aboard, including Arvedui, perished beneath the ice.

Luindal first explained how the Stones could be used to communicate thought and images over great distances, and even to twist and manipulate the mind of the speaker on the other end, duplicitous acts similar to what Sauron had already done. With a sigh, he added, “I must take this news to Cirdan immediately. I do not know what he will say, only that this could have terrible consequences for the peace of Arda and Elessar's intention to restore goodness to the land.”

Rôg responded, “What would you do then to help the Lossoth and rescue the Stones, if this thing were left to you?”

“Do not even ask!” Luindal’s frustration was evident in his curt denial. “I am but an Elven seafarer, a simple Wood-Elf with a knack for boats. Such questions are above me. Other Elves in the Havens understand these matters better than I do. Cirdan can decide what to do and have them mount an expedition to put things right.”

With the end of their conversation, Luindal offered to shelter his friend for the night. He had plenty of room on the swan ship Phalás, or Sea-Spirit, now moored beside the dock: this vessel currently served as his home. Hastily escorting Rôg down to the quay, Luindal offered his goodbyes and promised to return by dinnertime.

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

It was several hours later when Luindal returned to the Sea-Spirit. Rôg came out from below and greeted him on deck, anxious to learn what had happened.

For quite a while, Luindal said nothing, instead pulling a plug of weed from his satchel along with a pipe as he stood by the rail blowing smoke rings and staring stubbornly at the water. When he spoke, it was with a wistful voice, “A nice habit, this.” Luindal gestured to his pipe. “I picked this up on my most recent voyage to Gondor where I had the good fortune to meet two periannath who had friends in Minas Tirith.”

“That is what keeps me here instead of sailing with my family--the chance to explore the wonders of the Sea, to meet new people and learn about how they live. I could leave any day, if I wished: just walk to the harbor and climb aboard Cirdan’s vessel. Every month, I see another shipload depart. Perhaps, I should have done that.”

In a lower voice, he confided, “Your news was taken seriously. In fact, tomorrow, before we leave, Cirdan wishes to speak with you privately.”

“Before we leave?” Rôg interrupted.

“Yes, I’m afraid that’s right…. I am to go north in two days. In fact, I am to command the ship that sails to the Bay. And somehow, we are to retrieve the Stones before the Corsairs do. If we cannot do that and they get there first, we must challenge them to battle. Whatever happens, they cannot come away with that prize. It could be the death of Gondor. Cirdan says that there are few left who have experience sailing and fighting. Sadly, I happen to be one of those few.”

Luindal took another puff on his pipe before commenting. “As a youngster, I heard many tales from my mother about Elves who had such knowledge of shipbuilding and sailing that their skill was deemed an art. Even today, we sing songs that recall their golden deeds. Only now these Elves are gone, and it is left to me.”

Luindal stared over at Rôg, “These Snowmen of yours….they should have had you fly to Minas Tirith and ask the Men for help. It is their age now, not mine. I thought I had seen my last fighting when the Ring War ended. I know this must be done and I will do my best, but I wish it might be different. The last time an Elven ship was sent to the Bay, everyone aboard perished.”

“Luindal, I am sorry for that other Elven ship,” Rôg interrupted. “And sorry also that this burden must fall to you who do not wish to carry it. But, the Corsairs have made the lives of the Lossoth miserable and I feared they would do the same to others. The Snowmen cannot wait for Men to travel north. Elessar’s help would have come too late.”

“I understand,” his friend nodded. “You were right to do as you did. With these Stones, the Corsairs could force their will on many. I will not speak of my feelings again. And I promise you that I will do everything in my power to stop the Corsairs from seizing these Stones. By right, they do not even belong to the Elves, but to Elessar. Come now. Let us talk as friends and have some dinner. We will need all the strength we can muster over the next few weeks.”

With that exchange, the companions turned and went below, where Rôg had already set out a meal for them to share.

The conversation finally turned to their impending trip to the north as Luindal noted, "I have no fear of getting there. The Stars will guide us north. It should take only a week or so, once we put out to Sea. I wish it were earlier in the year. Yet, there is still time to make it through. It is what happens afterwards that bothers me. Whatever we do must happen soon or we run the risk of being trapped over the winter, or wrecking the ship. I do not want to repeat Arvedui's mistake; nor do I want to spend months battling Corsairs, of whom I personally know nothing other than the unpleasant tales I've heard from you and Mithadan."

Luindal fingered a piece of food and pushed it aside. Given the responsibilities weighing on his head, he had little appetite. “It's true that I can personally stand frigid weather and ice storms with little problem, and I know how to swim quite well. But knowing how to swim is a bit different than diving down to the bottom of the Bay and somehow locating ancient objects that have been lost over a thousand years. Once we find them, we can use a winch to heave up the Stones. It is locating them, and attaching the straps and ropes that remains the main problem. I have no ideas of my own."

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Pio’s post - 4th post for game

Rôg had listened closely to Luindal as he spoke. As sometimes happens, a word caught his attention, sending his thoughts down rambling paths. . . . swim . . . Something he had seen on his explorations with Bear, his Lossoth guide, niggled at the edges of memory. He paused in mid-chew, his eyes fixed on his plate. With his fork, he traced a pattern in the thin pool of gravy on the flat of the dish. A sleek figure in vague outline seemed to move beneath his hand. He could not quite make it out before it disappeared beneath the coalescing sauce. His journal! The entry would be there if he could just remember when he’d written it.

‘I have no ideas of my own . . .’ he heard Luindal trail off in a half question. He took a breath and refocused on the Elf across from him. ‘Give me a little time. There is something I cannot quite recall right now. It may be of some help . . .’

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Child’s post - 5th post for game

At each churning motion of the Bay, the waves swelled and crashed down against the ship’s bow, with water flying up so high that it came flooding over the deck. Despite the run off into the drains and over the side of the hull, Luindal still found himself standing ankle deep in water. Rushing from one end of the ship to the other, he barked out orders to his crew to strike the mainsail, hoist the storm sail in its stead, and drop the sea anchor over the side to provide needed weight.

Despite the heaving of the sea, the ship managed to stay upright as they struggled forward into the Ice Bay. At least the Spirit was carrying a heavy ballast, a special precaution he’d taken knowing that they’d likely encounter poor weather on the trip. Things had gone well for their first week on the open seas, but once he crossed into the Bay the heavens had opened with torrential rains and wind. It almost seemed that the Bay itself was unwilling to open its treasures to these curious outlanders, however well intentioned they might be.

The plain fact was that Luindal did not know too much about the local territory or conditions. He was used to living close to the land or water, and it bothered him that he had so little understanding of the place that he was now in. He hoped Rôg was right and that a number of the most trustworthy Lossoth would be willing to help. Their chances for success would be much greater if they could only get the local people to aid them. He grimly reminded himself of the fact that, if the Elves and Men had simply accepted the counsel of the Snowmen who had warned them not to try and sail, many lives would have been spared, to say nothing of the Stones themselves.

He glanced around at his crew to make sure that they were holding up in the storm; they were all brave hearted Elves but only a few had real experience on sailing ships. This was apparently true of Rôg as well. The greenish tinge on Rôg’s face suggested that he would rather not be on this heaving ship.

A ferocious blast of wind came scudding down from the north, hitting the vessel broadside. The ship lurched sidewise but thankfully recovered, and after swinging around halfway, continued inching into the harbor. Luindal cast a wary eye up to the mainmast. He hoped that the lines would hold and that the mast would stand tall and firm. The last thing he needed was a cracked spar.

As the winds lessened and the Spirit sailed into shallow waters, Luindal instructed the helmsman to take care not to bring them too close to the banks of ice, which lined the shore and already projected out into the Bay. In just a few more weeks, the Bay would freeze over even more, making it very difficult to navigate at all.

Out of the corner of his eye, on the far side of the Bay, Luindal caught sight of another large sailing vessel, this one very different in appearance than his own. She bore a strange black flag above her mast, with what looked like a exotic heraldic device imprinted on the material. He spied a number of men and a woman or two wearing thick fur coats, probably members of the Corsair crew; most of them had dark hair and brown or olive skin. He was too far away to pick out the expressions on their faces. But he had a feeling that they did not look too happy at the moment.

[piosenniel]

DEDICATED CHARACTER


5.) Taralphiel – Lossoth(Snowman) male – anti-Corsair

NAME: Freyn

AGE: 52

RACE: Human, Lossoth

GENDER: Male


WEAPONS: Freyn does not carry weapons for war, as it is not his skill or desire. He carries two small daggers, one around his waist on his belt, the other in his boot. Also on his belt is a curved blade, similar to a scimitar, but the most it is used for is cutting and gutting fish and other meat.

APPEARANCE: Freyn still manages to keep a ruddy build, though his face has its fair share of lines. He is clothed thickly in furs, but not so much that it hinders his movement. His boots are fur lined but are dyed dark leather.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Freyn is an even-minded and kind spirit, which sometimes takes others aback, given his strong appearance. He is often called to positions of leadership due to his reasoning skills, but seldom takes up the position unless he has to. He would rather let other people show their mettle than have them rely on an aged person such as himself. He is also a very peace-loving man, and has rarely raised a weapon against another person.

HISTORY: Freyn has lived all his life in the Ice Bay of Forochel. His family has seldom left this place, so his skills and knowledge of his home would be valuable to someone unfamiliar to the region.

~*~

Taralphiel’s post

“Hmmm…today should prove to be interesting…”

Freyn rolled his shoulder slowly, before stretching his arms out wide and letting out a bellow of a yawn before the front of his home. His wife was in the nearest room, mixing some warm soup for breakfast.

“What makes you say that, love?” She smiled up at him, slowly turning her spoon.

“I have that feeling, it hardly ever steers me wrong. We are in for a change, love. Perhaps a very good one. I cannot tell just yet…”

She looked back at her pot “Everyone here would agree we need a good change. The only things to blow in here have been those Corsair ships. Those I do not like…”

Freyn sighed. “Aye, I do not know what they are up to, I’ve not been so fortunate to find out. I do know they bring a bad air and a misfortune that works against what we already have…”

Freyn walked down through the light new snow, peering out over the Bay. Few ships or even small boats were there, the ice was already packed thick around the Bay and could crush them through the night. This morning was particularly rough, and the clouds frowned angrily over the white coastline, turning them a grey hue. Freyn had felt a storm come in during the night, so this was no surprise to him. Through the winds and soupy mist, Freyn laboured to see anything with his ageing eyes. But he let out a grumble when he turned away from the ocean.

“I must be dreaming... I think there may be a ship out there. By the look of it, it is definitely no Corsair vessel. How strange…”

[piosenniel]

DEDICATED CHARACTER


6.) Orofaniel – Lossoth(Snowman) male – anti-Corsair

Name: Galhardir (GalHaaardir)

Age: In his middle thirties

Race: Lossoth

Gender: Male

Appearance: Galhardir looks younger than he is; his hair is slightly blonde, and his curls reaches his broad shoulders. His eyes are big and round. They are however, hidden underneath two masculine and wavy eyebrows. This brings a slight shadow to his face although his merry laugh can overcome it.

Galhardir is of normal height, and his propositions are rather rare; long legs while his upper part of his body is rather short. His neck is hidden by his hair, so one really doesn’t notice that it is rather long. His hands are small, but work very well- much better than expected.

Weapons: Galhardir doesn't use any weapon regularly. He uses though, his knives quite often to cut things out from the ice along the shores. But that's basically it. Galhardir had never been a fighter and he doubt he'll ever be, even though his desire to stop Corsairs and their interference with traditional ways is rather high.

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: Galhardir is a very tolerant man. He doesn’t judge people for their actions, rather their personality. Galhardir is a man of justice. He doesn’t like seeing people treated unfairly. He tried to live up to his own expectations, although some times it may go very wrong. He often find himself disappointed of himself. Especially when he has failed to do something he thought he was capable of doing.

Galhardir tries not to act too hurriedly without thinking things trough especially not when it comes to serious matters. Some times, however feelings get too much involved and he has difficulties controlling his temper. He is not easily angry, although he is very sensitive toward certain matters.

He has very charismatic and quite charming. He works well with others, especially the people he know well. His social skills are amazing to watch; when he sees people on the "outside" he does everything he can to bring them into the warmth. (He probably has this from his father). His kindness is well known among his own people. They respect him because of his hospitality and concern for others. However, even Galhardir isn’t happy about the Corsairs wandering about the bay. He is absolutely one of those who cannot stand the Corsairs interfering with their society. Especially when they treat the Lossoth like slaves and make them work for them. He’d very much like not to see another corsair ever again.

Galhardir love for his nephew is not a secret. He doesn’t deny that he loves to wander around on the ice with his nephew either. Therefore he does this as often as he can. Rodhal, which is his name, is following him everywhere he goes. Well, at least when his father allows it.

History: Galhardir has never know much about the outside world, part of it because he's spent all his life wandering about the shores of the ice bay. When he was a young boy however, he remembers that the old ones used to talk about the intruders that came over sea and sought their help. It had never been to Galhardir liking though. Even though tales were told, some of them seemed quite exiting and daring; he's never been tempted to leave his home. He feels the very same about the situation today.

Galhardir was raised by his father and his older brother, Gonlahr , since his mother died in Galhardir early years.

As a child, Galhardir and Gonlahr used to run about the ice bay, feeling the cold snow about their feet. They also made their own shelters made by snow where they sometimes slept. Their father praised their independency and often joined them in the shelters they had made by their own. Usually though, the shelters were not made for harsh weather and would only last for a day or two, depending on the season, although the Ice bay remained icy. However, the wind and its strength were different from time to time.

When Galhardir reached the age of 19, Gonlahr was then in his early twenties, their father passed away. The two remaining young men, (yes for indeed, the boys that we once knew had been replaced with stealth bodies of two young fine men) had now lost both their parents and they sought their own future by themselves. They moved further up the shores of the Ice Bay where they got time to grieve over their loss. It was indeed a great loss for them.

Slowly, however, they managed to get over the loss of their father and moved slightly down the shores again. Here they settled and they started building new, bigger and much stronger shelters than before -something they had done since they first started walking.

Galhardir older brother, Gonlahr, also soon found his future wife. The three of them were very good friends in the beginning, although Gunnhild, which was her name, married Gonlahr three years later. This to Gonlahr’s amazement, didn't Galhardir approve of; part of it because Galhardir had feelings for Gunnhild and to see his own brother with the women he loved, devastated him. Gonlahr knew only after their marriage was a fact that his own brother Galhardir had feelings for her.

In rapidly this had gone beyond all borders, and Galhardir couldn’t help feeling alone and after that he dwelled alone, although seeing his brother occasionally.

Two years after their marriage, Gunnhild and Gonlahr got their first child; a healthy young boy that Galhardir soon cared much for. The boy was named after Gunnhild's father; Rodhal.

After Rodhal's birth the two brothers were, as you could call it; reunited. They forgot about the past, and Galhardir admitted that Gunnhild should be with Gonlahr, rather than himself- he admitted that his feelings had taken over his common sense and that he had done a terrible mistake. Gonlahr accepted this apology, but at the same time he too apologised for letting him down. From that moment they forgot about the past and decided to yet again live in brotherhood as they once had.

When Rodhal was old enough, his uncle Galhardir and his father, wandered they bay as often as the opportunity would allow it. Rodhal soon showed that he was quite fond of his uncle, and followed him around as often as he could, also when his own father wasn't at present.

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7.) Orofaniel’s carry along character – Lossoth child

Name: Rodhal – son Gonlahr, of Nephew of Galhardir

Age: 9

Race: Lossoth

Gender: Male

Appearance: Rodahl is very much like his mother of appearance; strong face expressions, very visible cheek bones, green eyes and freckles surrounding his small nose. His skinny legs carry him wherever he wants to go; recently just a few paces after his own uncle – who he is very fond of.

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: Rodhal is a very kind young man. He obeys his parents, and he doesn’t make much trouble. He loves to walk along the shores, preferably the places where the snow is thick and the ice is bright.

History: (Of such a young age not much History is to be told. But you’ll find the small amount there is in Galhardir’s History, above).

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Orofaniel’s post:

“Come Rodhal!” Galhardir cried as he waved his small hand towards the young lad. “We must hurry!” he continued. Rodahl ran as fast as he could with his thin legs towards his uncle.

“I’m comin’ uncle,” the boy muttered as he reached him, breathing heavily. Galhardir patted him on the shoulder. “Rodahl, you’ll get me next time…I know you will,” he said and smiled.

Ever since Rodahl could walk, the two of them had been running races. Rodhal, poor lad, had never been able to beat his uncle, since he had a far stronger body with longer legs. Everytime however, his uncle told him that he would beat him next time. “You’re too fast for me, uncle,” Rodhal said looking at him, still trying to ctah his breath. “Well, I’ve got lot of practice. You just wait, until you get a bit older. Your old uncle won’t stand a chance,” Galhardir said, smiling at his nephew. “Really?” Rodhal asked him as his eyes lightened up a bit. “Definitely,” Galhardir stated.

“You should go eat your dinner now, you’re parents are calling for you,” Galhardir said as he heard his very own brother calling for Rodahl.

“Alright then,” Rodhal said, seeming a bit disappointed. “Oh, lighten up, Rodhal. You can follow me to the harbour tomorrow. Right now, you should eat your dinner…Besides, I won't go down to it..just do some scouting on the top of the small hill. You won't miss anything, I assure you,” Galhardir said, patting the boy on the shoulder, as they both walked towards the ice hole.

“Rodhal, my dear boy, what have you and your uncle been up to today?” Gonlahr asked his son as they approached him. He greeted his brother while he smiled. “Oh, we’ve been running…” Rodhal started, with a huge smile around his face. “Those races again, I assume?” Gonlahr interrupted looking at Rodhal. “Indeed,” Galhardir confirmed. “I just told him that he ought to eat his dinner so he’ll run faster,” he then continued. “Well, your uncle is right!” Gonlahr said patting his by, leading him inside the hole. Gunnhild appeared in front of them, telling them that the food was ready.

As Galhardir turned and was about to leave, his brother asked him if he wouldn’t stay and eat with them. “Oh no, thank you brother,” he started. “I’m not hungry, although I thank you. I’m heading down to the harbour right now,” Galhardir said and went out. A rush wind hit him in the face. The wind was cold and he shuddered.

“Do you really think it’s good to go down there now?” Gonlahr asked him sounding a bit concerned for his brother. “There seems to be a storm coming up…if not here, certainly further down the bay. Maybe it’ll just hit the ocean, I’m not sure,” Gonlahr said, looking out at the sky. There were dark clouds coving the most of it, and the wind was only increasing its strength.

“I’ll take my chances,” Galhardir said, amused by his brother’s concern. “It wouldn’t surprise me, brother. The weather has never been an obstacle for you, has it now?” Gonlahr replied while laughing. “Hurry up then,” Gonlhar said and waved his brother off. But before Galhardir could make another step, Rodhal appeared. “Can’t I go with him, father?” he asked innocently. “No, the weather doesn’t look too good. You should stay at home,” Gonlahr said. He almost regretted that as he saw the boy’s face expression. “Please father…I’ve eaten my dinner,” he continued, almost sounding desperate. “Have you asked your mother?” Gonlahr then asked Rodhal. The boy nodded. “Let him come…” Galhardir then interrupted. “I promise to bring him back before night strikes,” he continued.

Silence.

“Alright then,” Gonlahr said unwillingly. Rodhal’s face lit up once again as he dressed himself in more proper clothes. “Thank you father,” he said as Gonlahr embraced his son showing both of them off. Galhardir then started to run, expecting to see his nephew in his heels almost instantly.

The harbour wasn’t far of, and they reached it, not quite out of breath yet. One could definitely see that the weather was getting worse as the cold wind hit them in their faces. Up the short hill and they could see the harbour. They stood behind a rock, so it would protect them from the roughest wind. They had a nice view over the ocean and some parts of the harbour though.

“It’s lightening!” Rodhal cried at his uncle as he spotted a short glint of light across the sea. Indeed, it had been lightening Galhardir thought, as another glint of light struck down. As they scouted to the sea, Rodhal noticed something getting closer to the harbour. It had been hard to spot before, but now it seemed quite clear. It was a ship!

“Uncle! It’s a ship! Down ‘ere!”

“What?” Galhardir muttered, looking in Rodhal’s direction. “Down ‘ere!” he continued, pointing just beneath the rock. Galhardir took some steps forward, leaning over the rock. To his big surprise there was a ship trying to make it in. The wind and the big waves were making it difficult for them. “What ship is out in weather like this?” Galhardir questioned himself.

As he leaned even more over the rock, he spotted the Corsair’s ship on the other side. Therefore, these new ones couldn’t be Corsairs, could they? He held on to that thought as he found it quite pleasing. As long as it wasn’t Corsairs….because he simply couldn’t stand another amount of corsairs interfering with their lives. “Who do you reckon' it is, uncle?” Rodhal asked, interrupting Galhardir’s thinking. “I’m not sure, boy,” he replied, still watching the ship. He could see that they had great difficulties controlling it. How would they make it into the harbour, he wondered.

“It’s not…corsairs, is it?” Rodhal then asked. His voice was thin and frightened. “Hopefully not,” Galhardir replied, feeling great anger. If it really was another ship with Corsairs he didn’t know what to think, nor do. But he wouldn’t stand still, not doing anything - that he knew for sure. He wouldn’t let them treat the Lossoth as they had treated them so far. It wasn’t acceptable, and it had to be stopped. “Oh wait…” Galhardir exclaimed. “These people are elves!” he continued. “How do you know that uncle?” Rodhal asked him with great curiosity. A slight of relief struck both of them. “The ship. I think I know when I see an Elven ship,” Galhardir muttered. “It has to be,” he then continued, overwhelmingly satisfied.

“We need to tell this to your father!” Galhardir exclaimed, fetching the boy by his arm. “Come,” Galhardir then said, starting to walk hurriedly down the short hill. As they reached the bottom, they ran as fast as their legs could possibly carry them; Rodhal was even a few paces in front of his Uncle.

[piosenniel]

DEDICATED CHARACTER


8.) Rinfanawen – Corsair Female

Name: Diera

Age: 34

Race: Corsair (Man)

Gender: Female

Appearance: Diera has shoulder-length, medium-brown hair that is usually wet or stringy because of being out at sea so often. She is shorter and thin, standing at around only 5'4. She wears tan-colored pants with a dark, blue shirt that has long, baggy sleeves stretching to her wrists. Her feet are adorned with dark brown, leather boots reaching to her knees. She also wears a leather belt of the same color. She sometimes is seen wearing a wide-brimmed, brown hat that shades her intimidating brown eyes. She has a muscular build for a thin woman and is occasionally mistaken for a male, no matter how fair of face she may be.

Weapons: Diera carries no other weapons than a long sword with a golden hilt and a small knife that she carries inside of her right boot. She originally had two knives, but one she gave to a young girl that she met once while on land. Nevertheless, she is greatly skilled in her remaining weapons.

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: Diera is strong, motivated by a good leader, for she fails to be one herself sometimes. This quality she hides well though due to the excessive greatness in her leader, Marreth. Diera has a strong will to succeed, and will not cease in her task until she has. She is remotely quiet around most of the crew, except those whom she has known for quite a while. She knows the seas well. Her journeys under Marreth have taken her far, and she learns whatever she can of those places which she has not traveled by looking at maps.

She hates cold weather greatly and cannot stand to be on land for a long period of time. She hates large storms, but she has never told anyone why. Though occasionally she may find herself in an unpleasant situation, she rarely ever complains. Diera pities no one; She sees no need to waste valuable time on such things. Her opinion is, "Everything happens for a reason, and everyone is in the place they are for a reason, so I feel I have no reason to feel sorry for someone who is in a situation they are meant to be in."

She may be cruel at times, but it is in her best wishes, though her wishes are sometimes for herself or her own people, and as cruel or serious as she may be, she also knows how to have a sense of humor.

She loves cooking and found a great skill in the art when she was a child. She does not find much time for it now though for she has other duties to tend to.

History: Diera was born a citizen of Gondor, but her parents died when she was a young child due to a sudden accident on land, an event which she will never speak of to anyone. She has hated the land ever since. She grew up on the sea with her uncle who captained a small, private, fishing vessel. She immediately began to love her life on the sea, and never wanted to leave it.

When Diera was 15 years old, she was captured during a sea battle between her uncle's ship and a group of pillaging corsairs. The corsairs found that she could cook, and thus made her a servant aiding the ship's chef in the kitchen. While in the kitchen she got to know another captive from her uncle's ship that she had not known well before. His name was Doyal. Doyal was made a servant on the ship, and often worked cleaning in the kitchen. Diera began a strong friendship with Doyal, and they both slowly began to rise in rank as the Corsairs gained their trust.

On this Corsair ship she met her present Captain Marreth and her CO-officer, XCorsair #2X. She found a lasting companionship with them both and has been on every vessel they were on ever since.

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9.) Rinfanawen’s Carry-along character: Doyal

Name: Doyal

Age: 36

Race: Man (Corsair)

Gender: Male

Information: He does not fight much, for he is merely a sailor on the Corsair ship. He does, however, carry a long knife on his belt that he mainly uses for needs on the ship. He used to be a servant on a past ship, being captured in a battle on the sea, but he found favor in the Corsairs and rose in rank. Now he is a corsair in charge of the crew on the starboard side deck. He long ago befriended Diera, an officer on the ship, and has worked under her command ever since.

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Diera's post

Diera stood in the tight hall below deck trying to concentrate on the ship and what needs needed to be met. She was cold. Long had her journey to this forgotten land in the North kept her in freezing temperatures, but she tries not to think of it very often. The ship continued to toss violently on the waves. She felt her nerves rise inside of her as she thought of the rolling waves and pouring rain outside.

As much as she tried to force her mind away from the pressing storm, the only though she could think to was the thought of the Lossoth. Strange creatures they were to her. Those who actually found comfort in such places as this land were certainly not those of her liking, but Marreth found success in them, so she had to continue to trust in the odd Snowmen of the North. Snowmen they were, indeed. Diera knew that they were sent to this land for a purpose, and perhaps that purpose was to help them recover the lost Palantiri. She only hoped.

Diera began to think strongly on the matter of the Palantiri. We've been searching for so long, she thought. Those hopeless natives have helped us little...but not anymore. As soon as this storm ends, I will take my request to Marreth to get more Lossoth to join in our search. They must help. They are the only ones who have adapted to this wretched land well enough to stay under the water long enough. Our people have suffered too much. Far too long...

Suddenly her thoughts were broken by footsteps coming down the hall. She jumped slightly, solely for the reason that she was torn so quickly from thinking, as her friend and fellow shipmate, Doyal, turned the corner. He seemed troubled as well. Water dripped from his clothing as he walked.

"It feels as if it's going to blow us over up there," Doyal sighed as he approached Diera. "The storm has picked up a bit."

Diera stared at him in shock. She spoke in great sarcasm, "Even more? Great, and I was just beginning to get my mind off of the tidal waves outside."

"What's your problem? I thought you loved the sea...more than anything, you say," said Doyal.

"There is no problem," replied Diera seriously. "I think we should get back on deck anyway now that the storm has worsened."

Diera and her shipmate began to walk towards the entrance to the deck, but they were stopped quickly by an order from Marreth...to follow him on deck. Diera said nothing of the order and did as her captain commanded. She barely made it out of the door before Marreth was at the rail and staring at what appeared to be an Elven ship on the rushing waves.

"Look there," Marreth said as he turned to Doyal and Diera. "We have company, and I fear they are up to no good."

Diera stared at the distant vessel in anger as she thought of the risk the Palantiri were in of falling into evil hands. The Elves were not going to find them...no matter what it took.

[piosenniel]

CHARACTERS NEEDED

The “good guys”….

Male Elves: 2

None should be of noble blood or from the High Noldor. They should be ordinary Elves who have made their way to the Grey Havens and are awaiting a ship to make their passage to the West.

~*~

Snowmen of Forochel working for the Elves (Male): POSITIONS FILLED - (Orofaniel; Taralphiel)

Will be Snowmen who dislike the Corsairs and their interference with traditional ways. At the beginning of the RPG will be appointed to help the Elven search party to try and locate the missing palantiri.

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The “Bad Guys”…

Corsairs: 1 male (a trusted officer who has known the Captain a long time)

~*~

Snowman of Forochel (Male) – 2

Will already be helping the Corsairs to locate the lost palantiri and to combat the threat of the Elves. Make sure to equip yourself with a trained seal. (On this, see Marreth’s first post of the game.)

~*~

PLEASE NOTE:

If you want to be a Snowman, make sure to note you are applying to be with the Corsairs in the search.

It is assumed that the ships’ crews and the two search parties actually have many more Elves, Corsairs, and Snowmen. However, our story will focus most closely on the few characters played by the posters.

If you’d like, however, you may have a secondary “carry-along” character whom you can use or refer to in your posts: a friend or perhaps someone who works for you . Such characters may be male or female, as long as they are believable. A brief profile will be needed. If you are with the “bad guys”, your secondary character must also be a “bad guy”; you may choose a Corsair or a Snowman. If you are with the “good guys”, your secondary character will be good; pick an Elf or a Snowman.

If you want a secondary character, make sure to include this information when you paste up your initial profile and post.

[piosenniel]

Character types which would not belong: Any character type not named above.

[piosenniel]

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

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

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

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

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

List them, please:

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


3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – YES/NO
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For your character please include:

NAME:

AGE:

RACE:

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:

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First post:


This 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.


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FIRST POST SUGGESTIONS

Elves - Describe your efforts to battle the storm, tack down the sails and keep the ship upright and sailing, which you barely manage to do. As you sail into the Bay itself, you may catch a brief glimpse of a Corsair ship off in a side cove.

Corsairs - Describe your shock and astonishment at seeing a battered Elven ship limp into the Bay. You’re not sure where this vessel has come from or why it is here, but you fear the worst.

Lossoth – Come to the Bay and see the Elven ship as it puts in at the harbor. Describe your feelings and expectations regarding the Corsairs and the Elves. Let us know if you’re already working for the Corsairs or will soon be joining the Elves.