The Fall of the North Planning/Discussion Thread

[piosenniel]

Dedicated Character - Dúnedain Soldier - Osse

Osse's character

NAME: Carthor

AGE: 98

RACE: Dunedain

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: From an early age, Carthor was poured into the harsh mould of the professional soldier – his father, a brash, overbearing man of little patience taught Carthor to fight with blade and stave from the age of eleven. The boy soon became deft and agile, yet strong and hardy and able to wield a heavy weapon with as much ease as many men of twice his age. From the outset, his weapon of choice was a short, bladed stave. This weapon, being light and long reaching felt right in the strong hands of Carthor in his youth; he could slash, parry and stab with the weapon, and had the range needed to safely avoid an opponent’s own blade.

In his old age, Carthor still possesses this weapon, but physical limitations have meant he no longer can fight with the same dexterity he used to and the weapon requires. Therefore he no longer carries his stave, but usually a stout short sword – a thrusting weapon that allows the ailing warrior to keep his guard enclosed. This sword, though old and well made contains no embellishment on either the guard or pommel, rather it is a simple, durable weapon with soft leather grip and steel fittings – the single-fullered, tapered blade is kept precipitously keen. This weapon is usually housed in a beautifully supple black leather scabbard which, though totally unadorned, sports simply beautiful workmanship – an item from a period where time could be spent on such matters other than bloodshed. Carthor also wears a simple breast plate, un-embossed, and perhaps the most treasured item of his armoury, a magnificently forged war helm with fitted cheek guards and a sloping profile. A beautiful crest of embossed brass almost melts down the centre of the helm, coming to a near teardrop shaped point half way down the helm’s long nasal. This helmet is the only family heirloom still in Carthor’s possession.

APPEARANCE: Carthor is now nearing old age, even for one of the Dunedain and at ninety-two, his body reflects this. A large chunk is missing from his nose and he is missing a finger on his left hand. His right knee plays havoc in the long northern winters, a souvenir from a scimitar wound inflicted early in his soldiering carreer. However, he is still fit and rather muscular – no matter what punishment it has taken, his body seems to naturally hold its fitness. Carthor’s shoulder length hair is starting to thin and is now a deep grey colour, flecked with white. He has startlingly light blue eyes set well back in his rather rounded face and a prominent nose, broken in at least five places. A strong, squared, perpetually stubble clad chin provides his face with an aura of strength. Carthor isn’t tall, yet his frame is muscular and wiry, with startlingly broad shoulders. His overall appearance reflects that a sturdy young man gone to seed with age. Carthor dresses plainly, usually in a shade of grey or brown – his clothes are old and worn, yet can be seen to be of high quality regardless of tears and scuffs. Perhaps his most defining piece of clothing is a large, well worn calf-leather cloak. The cloak is lined with what must have once have been a fine satin but has been torn and sewn out of recognition. The leather itself is scratched, soiled and torn, as if threatening to fall apart on the spot, yet never quite following through. Carthor’s other chief possession is a pair of short, soft leather boots. These boots are a relic from more prosperous times, both for the realm and for Carthor’s house, being made of the most high quality of leathers – wafer thin strips of stretched calf’s leather bound and sewn together to provide a durable, yet malleable material. These boots are over seventy years old and were made by Carthor’s grandsire, upper-Fornost’s premiere shoemaker, as a coming of age present. They are not merely moulded to Carthor’s feet, but rather an extension of them. The shoes, though old are well kept, the leather remains moist and waxed, and there seems to be no sign of it wearing through.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Though his body has bowed to age much earlier than most of his kindred, Carthor’s mind is still sharp, sharp due to the constant internal battles raging; battles against the memories of past horrors and emotional scars, and battles against the dependence Carthor once had upon drink to free him from these horrible memories. Carthor must be forever vigilant; both inwards and outwards to stop himself from falling back into the abyss he toiled so hard to raise himself out of. Carthor’s will is strong, on all matters and his principles are branded deeply in his thought. However, he is head strong and often comes across as being both harsh and arrogant – his tongue is almost as sharp if not as sharp as his mind. Carthor’s tongue and his keen mind are but opposite edges on the same dangerous sword. For as is with most swords, this one can be harmful to the wielder as well as the target.

HISTORY: Being of Fornost’s upper class, Carthor was formally educated from an early age; however, after numerous run-ins with various tutor-folk, he stopped his schooling at the age of eleven. From then on, Carthor’s only education was in the art of death, soldiering. The glory he had associated with this profession was quickly throttled, especially as the threat of Angmar increased. The constant skirmishes with the Witch King threw a young Carthor into the deathly typhoon. What he saw there has haunted his dreams since. Scars, both physical and unseen, too deep to heal were inflicted during the cold winters of the blood soaked north realm. At the relatively young age of thirty-one, Carthor met, and fell in love with, a young woman, immediately marrying her. After being married for two blissful years, Carthor’s wife fell pregnant. Carthor was elated. With this woman, the headstrong, somewhat brash young Dunedain was cheery and amiable, generous and vibrant. Tragically, the infant, a young boy, died soon after birth. Many days went by, and a fever was set in the skin and eyes of Carthor’s young wife. For four sleepless nights he sat by her bed in a silent, fretful vigil. Here he saw everything dear to him pass from his hands like smoke from a flame. The fire in the woman’s flesh could not be abated and she fell into eternity on the sixth day after the birth. The catalyst that had made Carthor’s life more then just a death-dance had been mercilessly taken away from his outstretched hands. He became little more then an apparition, sitting morose and despondent, eating little and sleeping even littler. In time, in years, Carthor became numb. He seemed to function. The drinking of wine consumed his days; he could not be at peace without a goblet in his hand and six more in his gut. His position in the army suffered – a drunken soldier was not fit for leadership. However, a kindly set of men had known of his tragic fortunes and not had him punished, but rather confined to work inside the citadel of Fornost. In his sixtieth year, Carthor’s father, now at the age of one-hundred and thirteen himself, urged Carthor to marry again, deeming enough time had passed since the tragic events of his first marriage. Carthor was loath to do so, but was drunk more often than sober and therefore had little dictation in the matter. A young woman from another prominent family, Lissi was chosen by his parents as she was both beautiful and delightfully intelligent. She took to Carthor, intrigued by his remoteness, attracted by his physicality, yet pitiful of his past. Carthor’s drunken stupor did not extend into the realms of love and his attentions did not fall on Lissi. If anything, during this period, his drinking increased – the time he spent sober was dwindling fast. He became tardy to his post, increasingly intoxicated on duty and careless with his arms. During this time, something softened within his drunken exterior and he opened himself up to Lissi, much to the delight of his aging parents. The pair was soon married and the first of their children Faerim was soon born. During this time, Carthor’s drinking declined somewhat. Another boy, Brander, was born the following year. Something changed in Carthor and he went back into his old ways, with new zeal. Gambling became a new part of his rant and he began to be careless with the family’s property – betting using family heirlooms and purchasing wine with family gold. Subsequently, the family soon became much worse off. This self destructive plummet was observed by his family, with growing concern and angst. Years past and Carthor’s father fell horrifically ill. Carthor’s silent vigil was once again taken up on his father’s bed-side. Before the last rise of his chest had ceased, Carthor’s father asked but one thing of his son – to purge himself of the cancerous habits he had attained, and restore the family’s honour. Over time, Carthor was able to pull himself from the pit of despair, yet he became even more elusive. He no longer applied himself to family life, instead putting the remainder of his spirit into his life as a soldier. And still the threat of Angmar increased…


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Osse's post

Carthor gently shook his broad shoulders in an effort to warm himself. As he did so, a fine layer of snow fell from the heavy fur cloak draped over his armour, falling like sifted flour to the white clad ground. The steel of Carthor’s helm lay piercingly cold upon his head, the freezing nasal causing the bridge of his nose to become numb. Carthor’s gaze lifted from the snow-covered flagstones in front of his feet and looked out across the scene in front of him. The red light from the many burnings throughout the city illuminated his shadowed face, turning his burnished helm blood red. Other men of the rearguard crowded around Carthor’s bulk, all locked away in the private horror of what was befalling. Fornost was dying. Seven hundreds there were standing there, men of the hardy Vanguard of the city, by the gate of the second tier of Fornost, awaiting the brutal foe that was ravaging the first levels of the once fair city. The fires in the lower level poured out a thick black reek, adding its light quelling mass to the already blackened sky. The screams of the dying could still be heard from below. The host of Angmar was drawing out its glorious defilement, in no rush to halt the slaughter. The sun blared sickly and red through the masses of ash filled smoke above, glinting off helms and blades, adding to the already blood-soaked weapons of the orcs.

Carthor was dragged suddenly from his musings as an arrow thudded into the neck of a nearby man, his hot red blood pouring in bursts onto the cobble stones around him in accordance with the life pouring out of his soul. Comrades were covered in it as they rushed to his aid, the salty liquid bitter and burning in their eyes. Still more arrows fell amongst the men, and soon thoughts of aiding friends were exchanged for those of self preservation. Carthor merely adjusted his shield in a more skyward angle and clenched his teeth. This waiting was futile, and only prolonged the fear – already the stench of those who had unwillingly relieved themselves was almost solid in the air. Carthor thought it better to meet your fate sooner than live in fear of the inevitable. Better to die defending the stone of your beloved home than pent up in some hole, or surrounded in the bitter cold waste of the north. The stones below his feet, well laid and smooth could be felt through the thin leather of Carthor’s boots. Closing his eyes, he pawed at the ground with the balls of his feet, the well-known feeling, taking in the last ounce of familiarity, becoming one with the streets of his life-long home. For indeed, it seemed to Carthor now that his home would soon be bereft of all familiarity, would soon become the home of evil things – a city of filth.

The ram booming against the gate to the second layer crashed through the wood and iron mass that held back the torrent of death beyond.
“Men of Fornost!” A voice rang out through the dim light. “Draw thy swords!!”

BOOM

The ringing of steel from scabbard at that time was enough to stir the heart of even the most downcast of the men present.

“For it is now that we make such an end as is worthy of the folk of Numenor - such an end as to be worthy of the minstrels, though none be with living breath enough in the north to sing of it.”

BOOM

“For we, men of the Vanguard, are all that now stands against the filth that would take our homes, defile the houses of our fathers and spread a plague across our lands, the lands we have fought for these many long winters!” “Remember the bodies of your comrades strewn through the snow of our eastern marches, remember the burnt homesteads of our lands – remember the spirits of all those of our kindred slaughtered by this reckless, hateful foe.”

BOOM

“Do not let these memories die! Do not let their sacrifices go in vain! For today my friends, we fight for glory and death. For our city and our people! FOR FORNOST!!!” And as the last words were said, the voice raised to such a tumultuous bellow that the swords of those standing rang out in accord. “FOR FORNOST!!!” The cry came like a thunder clap, like the hooves of the steed of Oromë, as all the voices of the Vanguard rang out together as one.

And so it was that the gate to the second level of Fornost crashed down in ruin upon the feet of the Vanguard of the King. Angmar had broken a dam. The Numenoreans surged forth like stampeding kine into the waiting arms of their besiegers. Like ants swarming over a hillock the great ram was consumed and with it the many orcs around it. The Vanguard plunged through the host of Angmar into the first tier and with it plunged Carthor, son of Aldathor. The orcs holding the gate were rampant in their destruction and were caught unawares, falling back under the wrath of the Numenoreans, swept away like dust in a strong wind, like fuel in a fire.

Dark blood already stained Carthor’s sword, and he went to work with the hand of a seasoned soldier – large strokes and glorious thrusts were a grand way to meet one’s maker, instead, Carthor functioned with the no-nonsense manner he applied to everything. His strokes were controlled and energy efficient, small thrusts flowed into hacking blows and back into parries. Few could withstand Carthor and his mechanical, tick-tock fighting style. No sound passed his lips, pursed in concentration, not a cry was uttered from his throat as he slowly advanced through the ranks of Angmar. A great brutish orc-chieftain stood barring the way of the Vanguard, cleaving those Numenoreans who neared him with a great black flanged mace. Moving aside as the mace whistled past his ear, splintering the ribs of the man next to him, Carthor made a single, deft slash across the brute’s unprotected skull, cleaving a great gash in its left side. With the fall of their captain, many of the orcs fled in terror, more than some fell with black fletched arrows in their chests and white fletched arrows in their backs. The Vanguard halted momentarily to consolidate their strength. Black arrows fell amongst the men, many finding marks. The already dim sky was almost blackened with their bulk as the whistling hornets thudded into shield and chest alike. The forces of Angmar closest to the gate, which now was no more than seventy yards behind the Vanguard, had receded into the shadow of one of the few double storey buildings on the first tier. From here the archers of Angmar brought ruin on the Vanguard, and the men there fell like trees in a forest owned by a timber hungry lord. This building was upon a chief corner shared by the thoroughfare leading to the gates and another prominent byway. The building would be of great use in the prolongation of the fall of the second tier. With shields pressed tightly against one another the vanguard of the Vanguard pressed forth like a wedge towards the looming shape of the building, around which forces at least twice the size of the Vanguard still swarmed. Forwards crawled the Vanguard of Fornost, creeping towards its goal like some immense beast. For every man that fell there to the archers of Angmar, another there was to take his place in the cramped street. The orcs broke like a wave upon the prow of a mighty ship against the steeled ranks of the Vanguard.

Sweat mingled with blood on Carthor’s face, stinging his eyes. The leather under his right hand became slippery with moisture and his knuckles whitened as he gripped the weapon harder. Quickly thrusting into the soft belly of an orc in the midst of a powerful strike, Carthor found himself facing a small, wiry orc of no more than five foot in height. The orc wore leather armour from head to toe, something odd in the maggot folk of Angmar. In its right hand the creature bore a curved, crude scimitar similar to those of his kindred, however, much un-akin to his kind it bore in his left a long, straight dagger with complex guard arrangement designed to entangle an opponent’s weapon. The orc had a look of intelligent ferocity Carthor had seldom seen in its kind. Already the pile of dead Vanguard at this creature’s steel clad feet was large. Wasting no time, Carthor skirted just to his right, parrying a blow from another adversary, and gained a slight angle on the smaller orc. Even throughout having to dispatch two Vanguard, the orc remained fixated on Carthor’s powerful frame. The vile creature slowly inched forwards, probing first with its scimitar into Carthor’s defenses. Finding them, to none of its surprise, quite impenetrable from the forward quarter, the brute tried a quick faint right and downwards before lunging forwards and in on itself. Carthor read the move only at the last, this creature was crafty, and quickly launched a probing lunge of his own. Carthor was suddenly surprised at the ease with which the penetrated this brute’s defenses, it was only at the last second that he saw the long knife on its disguised trajectory towards his abdomen. Carthor slammed the base of his shield down upon the left arm of the orc in its thrust and rolled to his right at the timely moment, his sword hand moving into a stab at the creature’s left flank. The satisfying shock ran familiarly up the length of Carthor’s broadsword. Disentangling himself from the groping limbs of the dying orc, Carthor stepped back. The disgusting creature’s weapons lay forsaken and discarded next to the thing as it slumped down on its knees, both hands attempting to hold its pouring innards into the great slash in its left abdomen. Carthor’s blade whistled as it smashed down upon the creature’s exposed neck, severing flesh and sinew.

Carthor looked around him. The vanguard of the host of Angmar lay dead or dying around him and his fellows. The enemy gathered around the large building had been destroyed or had fled back towards the outer gate. The black arrows that had sped screaming from the upper windows of the building had been silenced by the bright steel of the Vanguard. At the building’s door stood the red and gold banner of the regiment, tattered and bloody, yet glorious in its triumph. The brief respite was opportunity for the archers of the regiment to collect arrow from amongst the slain, many having to resort to the shorter, black tailed arrows of the maggot folk. Wasting no time, Carthor helped order the men back into makeshift companies and fortify the newly taken building, spreading the bulk of the force on the walls facing the outer gate and the thoroughfare.

The glory of the Vanguard however soon became bitter in the mouths of those present. Clearly visible from the upper windows of the building, the host of Angmar was regrouping, and joined by masses of troops from other parts of the tier, was now slowly advancing in organized lines and columns. The numbers of the enemy could only be guessed at in the ruddy light but it seemed that the Vanguard was outnumbered by anything up to twenty to one. Not liking to be holed up, Carthor stood in the middle of the crossroads, which in peacetime was a market square, and surveyed the scene. The force marching upwards towards the Vanguard came bearing torches, setting those building they passed alight. The stench of burning flesh was rancid in the thick air. Screams began to eminate from the windows above him.

‘Well, this is what we are here for.’ Mused Carthor. ‘A glorious death. Somehow it doesn’t seem so glorious to them now…’

The first of the arrows fell blazing through the air and scattered on the cobble stones many yards in front of the first of the Vanguard. The Numenorean bows sang in answer, yet the falling orcs were but leaves off the greater tree. Still, perhaps a branch or two could be severed from that tree before the Vanguard’s end ultimately came…

Once again Carthor’s musings were rudely broken, this time by the masses of raging orcs slamming into the Vanguard. It was the Vanguard that was this time smitten. The host of Angmar was brutal in its fury, breaking both blade and bone, both shield and skull. Slowly the Vanguard fell back under the force of the thrust. Half of its number was killed in that initial charge, the rest it seemed, were soon to join them.

Carthor had his back almost hard up against the stone wall of the building, the ground in front of him a teeming sea of death. The cobbles underfoot ran red with the blood of the Vanguard. Torches were hurled into the upper windows of the building, most falling useless, but others caught before a member of the Vanguard could hastily stamp them out, and soon parts of the upper level were ablaze. It was then that the first of the onagers opened up on the building, their airborne missiles reaping havoc on the white masonry. Carthor disbanded a great orc who had made a daring swipe at his neck. Carthor had ducked in time, but the blow had landed across his protected crown, dazing him somewhat. Dazed or not, the tip of his blade had still found its way into the soft throat of the brute. Lights flashed in his mind, and the scene swirled…

Carthor!

A voice called his name, either in his befuddled head or in the waking world, he was unsure.

Carthor!

Staggering, he moved towards where the voice seemed to be calling from.

Carthor!!

The tone of the voice had suddenly changed to that of pleading. Someone needed him…
Carthor son of Aldathor pressed forwards under the eaves of the great building, unseen or unheeded by the masses of foes around him.

A great stone, hurled through the murky air and smashed into the crumbling wall of the building. Debris, both wood and stone, crashed its fiery ruin upon the cobbled street. A large beam fell crashing on Carthor’s helmed head and he fell to the ground.

Horns… Horns blowing… Have I met the hunting party of Oromë at last?

Darkness took Carthor son of Aldathor and he knew no more…

[piosenniel]

ALL 3 RIVENDELL CHARACTERS ARE HERE

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Dedicated Character - Elven Guard from Rivendell - Garen LiLorien

NAME: Maltóre (called Angóre)

BORN: 3rd Age 237

RACE: Grey Elf

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS/EQUIPMENT: Angóre carries a sheaf of three 3ft javelins, each tipped with a steel spike extending 8 inches. He also carries an Elvish sword, 48 inches in length, wound about with spells and incantations for troll’s bane. The sword carries an inscription along the blade; “Torog dagnir,” (slayer of trolls) in Fëanorian runes. The guard is workmanlike in appearance, bearing neither stones nor especial shape, but is in the form of a straight, slightly tapered bar. The handle as well is more functional than beautiful, being wrapped in leather and the pommel is a simple circle of metal, unadorned. All of his weapons are well used and well cared for. He wears no armor or helm.

APPEARANCE: Angóre takes no delight in his appearance, and dresses however he must, often letting his garments be worn to tatters before replacing them. He wears dark colors, preferring grays and blacks. His hair is cropped close and dark, while his eyes are blue and icy. He is tall, though not thickly built, and is very slender. His skin is pale and translucent, blue veins standing out in his forehead and arms.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Angóre keeps to himself, speaking little. When his opinion is sought, he speaks bluntly and to the point, changing his speech not at all whether speaking to the humblest servant or the greatest lord of Elrond’s house. He is neither captain nor general, and gives no thought to strategy. He is not a soldier, and owes no allegiance to any lord. He is a knight-errant, and he is dangerous and fell, and gives all his delight to the hunting of Sauron’s creatures, particularly Trolls. He has a great sympathy for any under the threat of Sauron, feeling their losses keenly, as they resonate with his own.

HISTORY: A lesser scion of the house of Finarfin, all his family were born with the golden hair common to that bloodline, but Maltóre took after his mother, a Grey Elf, and so was named "golden heart," for his hair was dark.
His father was an ancient, and soon after Maltóre's birth departed for the Havens. His mother had no joy in Middle Earth after his departure but that which she found in the raising of her child. Maltóre was trained, at his mother's behest, in the traditions of the Elven minstrels, and showed a gift for that path. When he came of age and joined the court of Elrond, his mother lost her last link to Middle Earth and departed for the Havens. However, when she was waylaid and slain by trolls a mere two days from Rivendell, Maltóre lost all joy in singing and in tales, and, changing his name to Angóre, (Iron heart) became an errand rider and a warrior of Elrond, hunting trolls throughout Middle Earth.

With the forces of the Witch-King encroaching from the North, Angóre has been fighting more or less constantly for several years. During one of his periods of errantry, he came across a party of Elves bound for Fornost beset by a great Troll. He defeated the Troll, though the toll was heavy, and he was sorely wounded, and the guards killed. He was brought to Fornost at the behest of the Emissary, and recuperated there. The shadow of the Witch-king lay over the city, and Angóre, beholding the plight of the city, agreed to stay in its defense. He has taken over the protection of the Emissary and acts as a bodyguard and aide, for he is the only other Elf of Rivendell there but he longs ever to be on and perhaps beyond the walls, and takes ever more dangerous scouting missions whenever he can be spared.

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Garen LiLorien's post

”…we are to escort you to the north gate of the sanctum. We shall escape that way and remove ourselves to the North Downs. Please, gather your possessions quickly and come with us.” Angóre stood in the doorway of the hall, listening to the Dúnedain knight delivering his missive in clipped tones. The Man finished, and the emissary removed herself hastily to the depths of the chamber. Angóre did not stir. All that he owned he carried already. “Tell me then, friend. Is there no hope for the city?” His tone was measured and calm. The captain’s voice was weary as he replied, “The first gate is down, the hordes of Angmar are against the second wall and our resistance is scattered.” His eyes flashed. “And of such companies that remain whole, many of us are sent on political errands, collecting emissaries and diplomats instead of helping our brethren on the walls. Begging your pardon, master Elf.” He finished in a sarcastic tone of voice. Angóre looked out again at the walls, beyond which the sounds of battle carried clearly. “I do not think that you shall be deprived of the chance to win glory here, friend. Though in truth, I agree with you heartily. I had rather be upon the walls when they are taken then guarding those who do not seem to need it. However, we both have our duty, do we not?”

A tremendous crash forestalled any reply. “They are at the gate!” The captain stared wildly in the direction of the second gate of Fornost, as if his eyes could perceive the struggle taking place there. A fell light awoke in his eyes, and he was transformed. “No longer can I stand watch while Fornost falls! Master Elf, I lead my men to where they are needed. Make haste for the courts of the king, and the north-gate!” And, so saying, the captain gathered his force and sprinted for the gate. Angóre stood fast as they went, though his eyes followed them until they disappeared around the bend. “Happy are they who choose death over duty,” he said as the last of the men vanished, and he stood there a while longer, vying with himself, until at last he turned back into the hall.

The great hall lay bare, all the servants who could bear arms had joined in the defense of the city, and those who couldn’t had gone anyway, and done what they could. Another crash came from the direction of the gate. Angmar was knocking. Angóre could hear the distant sound of the brave men of the vanguard readying themselves, and another crash. Then the air was filled with the sounds of battle. The emissary appeared before him, clad in traveling clothes. “They have breached the second gate. Quickly, now, we must reach the third level of the city before we are overrun.” His voice betrayed no emotion; he might as well have been discussiong the weather. And, before she could respond, he had turned and was out the door.

The hall given to the elves was still a goodly distance from the gate, and the sounds of battle still echoed from that direction. The rearguard of the Dúnedain was holding, for the moment, but however valiant the Men were the massive horde of Angmar must overcome, at the last. For the moment, however, this meant the streets were empty, and Angóre lead his charge through the streets at a quick pace, making for the entrance to the uppermost city.

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Dedicated Character - Elven Emissary from Rivendell - Nilpaurion Felagund

Name: Bethiril

Age: 5488

Race: Eldar

Gender: Female

Weapons: She has never touched a weapon, let alone owned one. She is disdainful of implements of war, never learning how to wield one even when she participated in the battle of Eriador in the Second Age. She has always deemed it her mission to make sure that they not be needed anymore.

Appearance: Being of pure Noldorin descent, Bethiril has black hair framing her unusually calm face with quiet grey eyes. She is scarcely less tall than most males of Elves and Men of the West, and is usually clad in garments little less luxurious than those worn by members of the kingly houses. On the ring finger of her left hand she wears a ring adorned with a gem of sapphire shaped like the flowers of Menelluin, the wheat of Yavanna, surrounded by six small yellow crystals, fashioned by Enerdhil for Idril’s handmaidens, which she now uses as a symbol of her service to Elrond, son of Eärendil, daughter of Idril.

Personality: Being an emissary, her speech is guarded and her emotions are bottled up at all times. Bethiril shows admirable command of her tongue, blending well-crafted words and deep passion in her speeches that stir all but the hardest hearts. Around fighting men she seems aloof and cold, perhaps thinking that she is higher than they are, not having stained her hand with the blood of any that live.

History: Bethiril was born a few months before the Fall of Gondolin, escaping from that dreadful plight when her mother’s sister, one of Idril’s handmaidens, led her mother to Tuor and his soldiers fleeing with Idril and her son from the wrack of the city. Of her father she had no news, though she knew in her heart that he fell to the Orcs when Maeglin betrayed the Way to Morgoth. Her mother was slain when the Sons of Fëanor assailed the havens of Sirion. She escaped with her mother’s sister to the isle of Balar. After the fall of Angband she took the ship to Eldamar, while Bethiril remained with the Elves of Lindon to serve Elrond, who she deemed Turgon’s heir, and therefore her lord.

She was with the host led by Elrond that Gil-galad sent to Celebrimbor’s aid, to act as an emissary between the two armies of the Eldar. They were, however, driven back to the Misty Mountains. There, they were besieged in newly founded Imladris until the Númenóreans came and destroyed the black host. After the Downfall of Númenor and Sauron’s assault on Gondor she was one of the emissaries that shuttled between Lindon, Imladris, and Lórien when the Last Alliance was formed.

Ever since the march of Elrond to Mordor she had never left Imladris. Until now.

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Nilpaurion Felagund’s post:

It seems to be her fate to be stuck in sieges.

Bethiril was less than a year old when Morgoth unleashed his might and destroyed Gondolin in a short and bitter siege. She had been with her lord Elrond when Gil-galad’s expeditionary force to Eregion was driven away by Sauron’s Orcs to the feet of the Misty Mountains and contained there for three years.

And now this.

She and her guard had been caught on the walls of the highest level when the Orcs finally broke through the second wall of Fornost Erain. She had just been in the city a few weeks before, hammering out the final details of the alliance that all had hoped would crush the menace of Angmar with great fists from the West and the East.

It seems that the treaty had been too late. In Bethiril’s eyes, the might of the Dúnedain of the North had crumbled with their walls.

“Milady, we must now flee to the King’s courts,” her guard pleaded, knowing the great danger of staying in the open.

Bethiril did not stir. She watched as the black tide flowed through the breach of the dike. The siege weapons far behind rolled a few furlongs forward, and then stopped.

She was raging inside, though none could guess from her impassive gaze. How she hated the tumult of battle! How she hated lives being cut down by the thousands before their time, when the chances of the world were enough trouble for Elves and Men.

A boulder crashed a few feet below her. The stone wall of the Norbury of the Kings seemed to have endured the blow, but she saw cracks appear in it, the ravages of war seeking to increase its foothold in this great city of Men. Soon, this, too, shall crumble.

“Yes, we must,” she said, turning suddenly around and walking swiftly ahead of her guard to the King’s sanctum.

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Dedicated Character - Elven Emissary from Rivendell - Mithalwen

Name: Erenor
Age: 3000
Race: Eldar

Gender: Female

Weapons: Erenor has a long curved sword , product of the great skill of the Noldorin smiths as well as a shorter dagger. She also has a shirt of fine steel mail that like the dagger may be concealed.

Appearance: She has the typical Noldorin coloring of dark hair and grey eyes. Although she is fair of face she has a grave demeanour. Because of her serious role she wears serious clothes usually in grey and blue. Although they are not unfeminine they are less ornate than usual for female elves and she seldom wears much in the way of jewelry or adornment save a sapphire pendant. When travelling she dresses after the fashion of elf men deeming it more practical.

Personality: Stern and unsentimental, determined and a little arrogant, Erenor is sometimes a little more plain speaking than usual for an emissary. She does not suffer fools gladly. She is a pragmatist and regards warfare as a necessary evil and does not shy away from combat.

History: Born in Lindon late in the second age to a noble Noldorin house, Erenor is the descendent of Gondolin. Her father was a general of Gil-Galad and like him did not return from the War of the Last Alliance. Forbidden to go to war, she learned to fight with sword and bow in case at the last war came to her, and the womenfolk needed to mount a last ditch defense of Lindon. She went with many of her kin to Rivendell when their king did not return.

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Mithalwen's post ------- STILL NEEDED

[Arry]

Here are my characters - Gaeredhel and Rôsgollo - Elven guards from Lindon

BIOS POSTED TO PROPOSAL ~*~ Pio

1.) Name: Gaeredhel

Age: 675 years

Race: Elven – Sindar from Lindon

Gender: Male

Weapons: Yew long bow; plain, double edged long sword in a wooden scabbard plainly bound with leather stripping; large, all purpose, double edged knife in a leather holder at his belt; plain iron helmet; short chain mail shirt worn over a thick fleece shirt; a boiled leather vest embossed with a cresting wave worn over the chainmail.

Appearance: 6 ft 3 in (1.9 meters); 180 lbs (82 kilos); wiry build; long dark hair, worn in a single braid down his back; grey eyes; Clothes: dark blue wool cloak; dark cloth breeches; grey long sleeved tunic; Knee high, black leather boots, well worn

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: A gregarious fellow, rather garrulous. Enjoys being in on the latest gossip; able warrior; follows orders well; can be an independent thinker should the need arise; is fond of the brews of different areas and races.

History: Born in Harlindon, near the port of Harlond in 1299 T.A. His father, now gone to the West along with his wife, was in the service of Lord Círdan. At present he and his older brother, Rôsgollo, both serve their Lord as warriors, and of late, as guards to one of the emissaries from Lord Círdan to the struggling remains of the Northern Kingdom at Fornost. He is not unfamiliar with the region of Arnor and especially the realm of Arthedain in which Fornost lies. In 1409 T.A. he, his brother, and their father fought alongside the troops led by King Arveleg I when the Witch-king breached the region’s defenses and assaulted the tower at Amon Sûl. At that time, Arveleg was killed; the troops retreated to Fornost and successfully defended the city.

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2.) Name: Rôsgollo

Age: 685 years

Race: Elven – Sindar

Gender: Male

Weapons: Yew long bow; plain, double edged long sword in a wooden scabbard covered with lynx fur and bound in a criss-crossed pattern with leather stripping; large, all purpose, double edged knife in a leather holder at his belt; plain iron helmet; short chain mail shirt worn over a thick fleece shirt; a boiled leather vest embossed with a cresting wave worn over the chainmail.

Appearance: 6 ft (1.8 meters); 195 lbs (88 kilos); solid, compact, muscled build; shoulder length dark hair, parted in the middle and ineffectively tucked behind his ears; grey eyes; Clothes: dark blue wool cloak; dark cloth breeches; grey long sleeved tunic; knee high, black leather boots, well worn; wears his father’s plain silver band ring set inlaid with mother-of-pearl on his left index finger.

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: A laconic man, candid in his opinions with a tendency toward curtness. Uses his brother’s ability to gather information and gossip as a tool for planning strategy; able warrior; follows orders well – but will revise them based on his own assessment of a situation’s needs; tends to be very protective of his brother, Gaeredhel – they are the last of their family. Rôsgollo is the one who offered both their services as guards on this expedition.

History: Born in Harlindon, near the port of Harlond in 1289 T.A. His history is much like his brother’s; save for the fact that he was at one time wedded. His wife and infant son were killed when the Witch-king’s troops swept over the area around Amon Sûl in 1409. Rôsgollo along with a number of other Elven troops had been part of a small Elven garrison established in the Weather Hills. They were there to bring quick aid to the King, should need arise. A number of the Elves had brought their families, since this was to be a protracted stay. Rôsgollo had first insisted that his new wife should remain safe in Harlindon near her family; but, she made plain her own argument that it would not be so and joined him at the Weather Hill’s fastness.

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First Post - IN PROGRESS



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alaklondewen

Looking forward to seeing what your Elven emissary is like.

-- Arry

[CaptainofDespair]

POSTED TO THE PROPOSAL ~*~ Pio

Name: Mitharan

Age: 67

Race: Dunedain

Gender: Male

Weapons: As a Dunedain Lord, Mitharan is entitled to both the finest of steels, and the heirlooms of his house. The greatest of these relics, in the blade Arancir, the Noble Cleaver. Besides his aged blade, he wields a small dagger, which he uses both to parry, and to deliver the final blow to the orcs who oppose him.

Appearance: Clad in earth tone clothing and cloaks, the Dunedain Lord looks as if he had just crawled forth from ages of wandering in the forests of the North. Beneath these often tattered raiments, is a glittering chainmail hauberk. His hair is dark, almost black, and his eyes match it with the deep darkness that pools in them. His face is weather beaten, and marked with high cheek bones, giving him an aged, lordly look. Only his hands show the signs of someone still youthful. The rest of him looks aged beyond his years, as he has seen many horrors, of which will never escape his mind.

Personality/Strengths/Weaknesses: Like most Lords, he is proud, almost too proud. More often than not, he can be seen striding to meet a danger he is ill-equipped to handle. Yet, with his trademark tenacity, he manages to pull through in the end, and achieve his goal. His pride drove him to near death, as he fought in almost complete solitude, hopelessly trying to drive back the hordes of orcs as they rampaged on the outer battlements of Fornost, the greatest stronghold of Arthedain.

Yet, his pride, although remaining as his most glaring of weaknesses, is also his greatest strength. Throughout his life, he has been engaged in various conflicts. And though most would have been successful, without his pride, it is the driving force behind his personality. Without it, he may very well be just another Dunedain. But with it, he is totally unique from all those who surround him. From his pride, he derives his tenacity in battle, and life. He is not one to give up, or diminish, just because a few deciding battles have been lost.

History: Mitharan was born in 1907 of the Third Age. From birth, he was given almost immediate training in the ways of war, and of the lordship he would inherit. His early childhood was one marked by happiness, as peace was still lurking in the air. He grew up quickly, in mind, faster than most children. He was always considered a firebrand, and quite haughty for one so small. For some time, his life was easy, and he continued to be a carefree youth, often wandering for endless hours in the woods, marveling at the beasts.

This pattern continued with him, as he came of age. But, with age, comes wisdom, and he slowly fell into the Lordly ways of his father, Arátohîr. He began studying the world through scrolls and tomes, as well as continuing his ways of wandering, though to a lesser degree. His father often scolded him for following the ‘ranger’ ways of wilderness treks, for he himself was more inclined to follow the path the Gondorian nobles were carving. Eventually, his wandering ceased.
Many more years passed, and Mitharan was now well on his way to becoming the wise, aged Lord his father wanted. But, this would be disrupted, for civil war was breaking out, and Cardolan and Rhudaur were in upheaval. Though, even with these two factions of the former kingdom of Arnor bickering over the palantir of Amon Sul, a greater enemy lurked on the horizon. The Witch-King of Angmar had begun his attacks, though small they were at first. Within some years, both Cardolan and Rhudaur were beaten, and Angmar was becoming the true power of the North.

Within a few more years, Angmar was encroaching upon Arthedain, and was preparing to destroy its only remaining rival in the region. At this time, the Dunedain remnants mobilized, and prepared to march against the Angmarim power. But, it was in vain. The Witch-King’s forces were too numerous, and eventually, they made their way to Fornost, and laid siege to it....


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First Post -

Standing on the last remaining battlements of the city, was the Lord Mitharan. Alone he was, save for his bodyguard who stood at a distance. He slowly surveyed the carnage of his once mighty home of Fornost. Below, the bodies of the dead Dunedain soldiers and civilians were strewn amongst the carcasses of the orcs. Black blood mixed with the red-stained innards of the slain people of Fornost. The stench that arose from the streets and alleys was horrendous, and few could withstand the reek for more then a few moments. But the orcs, the orcs relished the smell, and it gave them new life. They only lived for the destruction of men and elves, and it was their greatest love to see the bodies of these hated enemies being ripped apart and eaten, some of them still alive. This sight disgusted the Dunedain Lord, and he turned from the death and destruction, and strode off the battlements, towards the last of the Great Halls, to hold a council with his remaining lords.

The streets were eerily quiet, as he walked the lonely path to the Hall. His mind drowned out the horrific sounds of the screaming, and torturous deaths of the civilian populace, as the Orcs ran rampant through the broken streets, killing and plundering as they went. Rather, he focused on his task at hand. He was forced to take a few back alleys at one point, as the barricades that had been laid up, were still in position, ready to be defended to the last. He was careful to avoid these checkpoints, for they only slowed him down, and he was hurriedly moving about. Yet at last, with a bit of effort, he found himself upon the steps of the Great Hall. Pushing aside the great wooden doors, he entered the slightly damaged building, which had been hit with siege projectiles in the latter parts of the Witch-King’s siege. One section of the wall was even being supported by the wooden struts of nearby houses, which had been destroyed or severely damaged by those same projectiles.

Upon entering, he stopped in mid-stride, and gazed at the lords who were now arrayed in the hall, and we already discussing what would be done. The King though, was absent, apparently handling other, more important business, with his chief counselors. Quietly, Mitharan slid himself into a chair, to listen to the rest of the debate. For a few moments, all was silent, as the speaker, having been interrupted, attempted to regain his thoughts. But at last, he composed himself, and began to speak.

“We are now at a crossroads. We have only two remaining options. Surrender has been ruled out, as neither side would accept it, and it would only be disastrous for our people. Thus, we must either fight to the death, or flee into the wilds, and hope to evade this enemy for as long as we must.” The Counselor paused, and scanned the faces of those surrounding the great, round table they were situated around. “Now, we must make a decision that will affect us for generations to come, or will end our people. But final word will come from the King, to where we flee, or where we die.”

Many of the other lords sat still, almost like they were frozen. Not a single one of them rose to answer the call of the speaker. Instead, they sat, and pondered their fate, and the fate of the Dunedain. But, Mitharan, in his unconventional ways, rose at long last, and addressed his peers.

“Our doom is inescapable! We are a dwindling people, losing number every day. We will not, nor can we, recover from what has occurred. If we flee, we will only be hunted, like rabbits fleeing the dog. The Witch-King will not stop until we are all dead. Our families, our people, will live in fear daily. Why not end that, and put up one last, glorious defense. One worthy of the name Dunedain!” He paused, and as if to ensure his meaning got across to the elder lords of this Council, he spoke again. "We must fight to the death!"

Murmurs could now be heard amongst the wizened men. Mitharan still stood, as though he was ready to march out, and confront the Witch-King himself. Finally, at the behest of another, he sat, and awaited the replies. But only dissension could be heard rising up. Some agreed with the young lord, and wanted to face the enemy head on, but the eldest of them, wanted to hide in the wilds, and hope to find a safe haven. Eventually, most agreed with this idea, and the Council began discussing what option they had, should they manage to escape the ruin of Fornost. Some suggest Imladris, others, Ered Luin, and a few suggested Lindon, where Cirdan dwelt. But a final agreement could not be made, other than that those who could flee, should go where they are able.

Mitharan stood from the table, upon the conclusion of the debate, and fled the confines of the hall, for the rancid smell of the dying city. Walking out, he heard the sounds of the dying rising up over the last section of defendable walls, and ran towards it. His only thought was to die protecting those who needed him, the civilians. Quickly he went, until at last he can to the final barricade before one who enter the overrun sections of the city. With his bodyguard in tow, he entered. His first sight, was that of some hapless civilian who had been caught in the fighting. Her eyes stared up at him, unblinking. His heart sank, and put his fingers over her eyes, and pulled the lids such, to give peace to the soul. Wandering a bit further into the city, he found more of the same, only in droves they had died, cut down before their time, by a merciless enemy. His bodyguard meanwhile, was becoming all the more worried. They feared the orc numbers, and knew if they were sighted, only the good graces of the Valar would be able to save them. But they didn’t express this fear openly, but Mitharan saw it in their eyes, and he wept to himself, for what had happened.

With the gates breached, nothing would stop the hordes from coming. Eventually, the inner defenses would fall, and Fornost would be made into a haven of vile creatures and great evil. The guards at the gate had fallen quickly, and only a swift counter-attack by the remnants of the outer defenses, saved the city from falling in one fell swoop. But those men gave their lives, willingly. But at long last, Mitharan could stand the smell of the Angmarim-guided death, and fled back to the inner sanctum of the city. As he crossed the final barriers, in silence, he caught sight of the Captain, Hírvegil. He seemed rather grim, more so than most men in his situation. But the Lord heeded him not, for now at least, and fled up the final stair cases into the inner sanctum of the city, to await what the final order would be from the King.

[Saurreg]

Kransha

I need the following confirmations and answers for my first post:

1) How many exits are there from the secondary battlements into the first sector of the city taken by the enemy? I know only of the main gate that is currently held by another elite regiment of the king.

2) Are the main forces of the besiegers concentrated at this main gate to the secondary walls?

3) What is the strength of the rearguard?

[alaklondewen]

Kransha, will anyone be carrying Arvedui? I'm sure the Emissary will have taken council with him? Also, how long have the Lindon elves been at Fornost? Do you have specific details here in mind, or may we have a bit of freedom with them (to a small extent)?

Okay, so this wasn't one inquiry, but several. Thanks in advance for you reply.

~Alak

[Kransha]

Hello all, and welcome to this new game. After a long while, I finally concocted it, by it is by no means mine. I enlisted the aid of as many of the Downs' finest writers that I could in a limited amount of time, and I consider this our game. I am merely a founder (concurrent with Bethberry's opinion of a proper title for Game Founders). Welcome all. I am happy to see that good things are already happening.

CaptainofDespair: Fantastic bio and post, really, and with so little to work from. Same to you, Arry, magnificent bio for the two Elves. I do not doubt that your post will be great as well. I will speak more of these at a later date. Gaeredhel, Rôsgollo, and Mitharan are all sure to be great contributions to this game, and I cannot wait to see them developed by such apt owners.

alak, Saurreg, I will feel your questions here, on the PT, considering that the answers might, and probably will benefit from them.

How many exits are there from the secondary battlements into the first sector of the city taken by the enemy? I know only of the main gate that is currently held by another elite regiment of the king.
Three, from the innermost sanctum. The main gate is the one most used, but there are two that are directed towards the east and west. The main gate faces south, towards the main entrance to the city, and there is a smaller entrance, accessed via passageway, that leads north, an escape route to the strongholds of the North Downs in the event of required evacuation. See my ~Note~ below for further information on this.

Are the main forces of the besiegers concentrated at this main gate to the secondary walls?
Yes, in short. The orcs of Angmar have just crowded into the second level of Fornost at the time of first posts, and are surging towards thr main gate to the inner sanctum, hindered by barricades and makeshift fences built in their way throughout the city by the fleeing defenders.

What is the strength of the rearguard?
If by strength you mean 'strength' in the military sense, then the rearguard is anywhere from 300-800 Dúnedain strong. It is less populated than a conventional unit because it is composed of more talented individuals, who are responsible for acting as the final defense of the city, covering retreats, and protecting the King himself. The Dúnedain in the rearguard are multi-skilled, some bowmen, swordsmen, spearmen, all expert riders, the elite of Fornost and of Arthedain.

Will anyone be carrying Arvedui? I'm sure the Emissary will have taken council with him?
Well, I'll be 'using' him, when appropriate, but he is a carry-along, really. He will not be present during much of the game, in the sense that he will not be involved with the cast of characters in it directly. He may be addressed at certain times. If you are referring to first posts, it would be more appropriate for your Elven Emissary not to be with the king. As addressed in my post, all the Elves are on the second level of Fornost, which has been breached. That is why the Dúnedain rearguard was dispatched into the city, to find them and keep them safe (bit of a slip-up on the part of Arvedui, not having the Elves take up residence in his court).

Also, how long have the Lindon elves been at Fornost? Do you have specific details here in mind, or may we have a bit of freedom with them (to a small extent)?
You have complete freedom on this. The Elves of Lindon have been conducting talks with Arvedui since his reign began and even before that, with his father Araphant. Your character can have newly come to Fornost, perhaps as a replacement for the last Emissary, or may have been there years, even decades, as an Elven couselor of the Arthedain King. Your choice.

~Note~ Of Fornost:

Fornost is a city highly reminiscent of Minas Tirith in Gondor. It is built on tiers, or levels, but three instead of seven. My post describes the three sanctums of Fornost. Each level is set above the next, the apex and highest point being the three towers of the King that spring from his halls. The key number of Fornost is 3, everything is in 3's: 3 gates to the inner sanctum, 3 walls, 3 towers, 3 tiers, etc. Use that fact to embelish. The city faces south, technically, and, the road leading into is straight, going right through each level as a ramp, unlike the winding road of Minas Tirith.

The architecture is Neo-Númenórean, built in the style of old Númenór, like the former capital of Arnor, Annúminas. It has been greatly damaged and parts of the city are derilict after battles and neglect, because of the War with Angmar. I want to leave as much as I can about Fornost up to you folks, though. Whatever area you're in, feel free to describe in detail. I don't want to seem stifling.