Scarburg Meadhall Discussion Thread

[Nogrod]

If Rohan indeed is a feudal society - which I think it kind of is (feel free to disagree) - then it would be that lord Eodwine is also Degas' lord. All the landowners are subordinate to their lord who in turns answers to the king of his district. Basically the landowners pay in goods, services or with money and are obliged to send a number of men to arms i dire need. The lord protects the landowners with his men at arms, makes judgement on matters of dispute etc. You all know this I think.

But that feudal system doesn't mean the landlord and a landowner couldn't become close or even friends or that there couldn't be different relations between the landlord and his different "vassals". And surely on Degas' situation the relationship is particularly interesting. Still if Eodwine is going to give Degas noticeably different rights than to others the other landowners would grumble to be sure.

It was indeed part of the original plan (at least some of them) that one source of different plot-lines could emerge from at least some of the mightiest landowners not being too pleased with the King's presence via the Mead Hall in the area they have used to run between themselves.

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I think Stigend and Modryth might take part in the three legged race, as well as Cnebba and Garmund. And if Modryth declines then it should be Stigend and Garstan - so fathers vs. their sons...

[littlemanpoet]

Originally Posted by Nogrod

If Rohan indeed is a feudal society

Well ---- not quite. Feudalism had its beginnings in the remains of the fallen Roman Empire, and actually began in Italy. The Roman Empire was requiring such an incredible burden in taxes from small land holders that they chose to sell their land to bigger land holders, and to work the land themselves as servants of these larger land owners, who over time became strong enough to refuse the demands of the Roman Empire, which of course quickened its demise. THe upshot was that you had minor lords all over Italy, and then Europe as time went by, until the strongest lords began to be able to exact vassalage from their less strong peers.

All this to say that feudalism is not native to Anglo-Saxon culture, after which the Eorlingas are modeled. There was lordship and loyalty, but not the rigidly worked out system of lords and vassals common to the mid- and late - middle ages.

Therefore: everything that Nogrod says is true to a point - so long as we don't adhere to it too rigidly. In fact, King Eomer, by introducing a new principality called Middle Emnet, is actually heightening feudalism in Rohan. (in other words Elempi did it in spite of Tolkien )

But is the Folde in the Middle Emnet? I don't think so. I think it's in the East Emnet, which means that Eodwine would NOT be Degas' lord - it would be whoever Eomer gave that role to, having risen to kingship from it himself. Do the books say who?

It was indeed part of the original plan (at least some of them) that one source of different plot-lines could emerge from at least some of the mightiest landowners not being too pleased with the King's presence via the Mead Hall in the area they have used to run between themselves.

Sounds good to me.

[Folwren]

Why, the villainous flirt! Geez! I never knew Rowenna could make me so cranky. This is as bad as seeing another girl trying to bequile the guy I like for real. Too bad Saeryn's not so out going, huh?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Originally Posted by Folwren

Why, the villainous flirt! Geez! I never knew Rowenna could make me so cranky. This is as bad as seeing another girl trying to bequile the guy I like for real. Too bad Saeryn's not so out going, huh?

Ditto.

That... that manipulative woman! Waiting for Saeryn to be busy with her brother to swoop in like a vulture...

Heh. Brilliant post Elempi. You've got me wriggling in anticipation.

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Folwren

Why, the villainous flirt! Geez! I never knew Rowenna could make me so cranky. This is as bad as seeing another girl trying to bequile the guy I like for real.

And some people say this is just a game...

[Groin Redbeard]

Since Erbrand is still talking to the boys I think that I'll get a post up for Lithor next. Should he start the games now?

[littlemanpoet]

I'm just glad to see that I apparently can write a female character believably.

[shaggydog]

OK, incredibly long post and long overdue. I apologize, RL has been hectic of late. I hope this will put Oeric back in the game, and hopefully I will manage to actually get him into the settlement as well very soon.

[Groin Redbeard]

Amazing post, Shaggy, glad to see that you're back in the game. You had me worried that you might have dropped out.

EDIT: I'm making a post for Lithor. He's going to start the games really soon, but he will start off with one that doesn't include the boys or Rowenna since they're busy.

[Folwren]

Fea and I are writing a PM post. It should be up within the week, I think...

[Folwren]

Nice post, Groin. Lindor cracks me up. But I think you meant a different word when you wrote

he chuckled again at his small joke, not realizing how formal he was being with a superior.

He was being the opposite of formal, so you either meant informal or familiar, or whatever you choose.

Thought you'd want to know.

-- Foley

[littlemanpoet]

Nice post, Gróin. I was hoping you didn't mind me putting words in Lithor's mouth.

So now I have to come up with a speech for Eodwine? Yeah, I was expecting that... - I'll have it done soon....

Gróin, is Rowenna the only female on the entire list?!? I would have thought that other women would want to be in the three legged race, at least, not to mention the task path...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Assume Leodhern will talk Degas into doing the three-legged race with her.

[Folwren]

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

Gróin, is Rowenna the only female on the entire list?!? I would have thought that other women would want to be in the three legged race, at least, not to mention the task path...

No. There are several of the women somewhere on the list - and almost all of thim on the three-legged race.

[Groin Redbeard]

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

Gróin, is Rowenna the only female on the entire list?!? I would have thought that other women would want to be in the three legged race, at least, not to mention the task path...

Folwren is right. Lithor just disapproved of Rowenna competing in such a "manly" sport, which women don't usually do. I personally have no problem's with it.

[Kath]

Kara definitely wants to be in the three-legged race, probably won't worry about any of the others.

[Gwathagor]

Fantastic post, Folwren and Fea!

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Originally Posted by Gwathagor

Fantastic post, Folwren and Fea!

Thanks. I deflect all praise to Folwren: she initiated it, and she wrote all the best parts.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Foley, do you want to respond to Eodwine? I can't really think of anything for Degas to say beyond "We should talk; I want to fill you in and ask for your advice." And I feel like that would be a better discussion to have later, while others are busy with the games and they can speak in private.