The Hills of Evendim Planning/Discussion Thread

[Imladris]

I have posted for Gorby and Lira. I'm sorry it took me so long [img]smilies/redface.gif[/img] but something came up. I took the liberty to end the fight, but if that is not alright, I shall edit accordingly.

[Nurumaiel]

I had a wonderful trip and now I'm back and ready to play. I gather we are in the middle of a fight with some cutthroats... or are we at the end?

Imladris, I cannot thank you enough for carrying Anson along for me. You've done an excellent job of it. Hopefully you won't have to do it again!

I'll post as soon as I have a clear idea of what is going on. Fortunately it's a Sunday and I have plenty of time to read through the game thread! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[Imladris]

It's okay! I really didn't have a problem and it was a most pleasurable thing to do. Glad you're back!

I'm so glad I didn't mess him up...

[littlemanpoet]

Just to catch our breath a moment, here's how things look at this point.

The main melee is finished, with one blinded captive (who is admittedly in great pain, his eyes gouged out by Corn's claws!).

Everybody at the main melee is happy for the success of Eswen's plan, while discomfited about the exact nature of it. [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img]

Falowik is "prisoner" of Toad and Sack, who are still hidden from the rest of the party.

Uien was last seen fleeing from two more brigands, on foot.

I can manage one more post in terms of Falowik's plight before learning of Uien's fate, and I think the main group can do some "clean up and figure things out" posting.

After that, it will be time to wait for Elora to post, catching Uien up to the rest of the story. Sound good?

[littlemanpoet]

Okay, unless Elora can find a computer to snag some time at BD while she travels, I think it's time for us to admit that the seasons's too busy to give this little rpg the time it needs. How about plugging back in on January 3, 2004? Unless there is a hue and cry to continue on?

[Meneltarmacil]

Works for me. I'm pretty busy during that time too.

[Imladris]

Yes, please delay the game until January 3.

[Lumiel]

Sounds good to me...Christmas is fun but hectic as all Mordor... [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

As a side note (but still LOTR related mind you!) I saw ROTK (in a Merry costume with a friend dressed as Pip) and I cried and laughed and went through the whole gambit of emotions! Knew I would. Anyway, I always loved Sam, but now he is the greatest hero of LOTR after seeing the movie! I'm sure you'll agree when you see the movies (if you haven't already). I love Sam!!!

[Alatariel Telemnar]

*shrug* I guess it works... although I will be even more bored out of my mind until then...

I wanna go see it! *sniff sniff* why do I have to wait so long? this sucks... *twiddles thumbs and patienlty awaits until 'tis time for her to see RotK* yes, well erm... glad you all enjoyed it... *grumbles and scurries away*

[Esgallhugwen]

Yes I suppose that's best! Although I think we're doing a pretty darn good job, but poor Elora we have to wait for her, and it is busy around this time of year. (oh yes I am so obvious)

I saw the movie last night so sad and funny all the actors really came into their own especially Elijah who's like the youngest, I'll nver look at him the same way again.

[Alatariel Telemnar]

*snickers* yes... I bet ye never will, too...

*picks self up off the ground thinking about a movie, cough, and some odd discussion about it*

I know I never will. *is still awaiting till she can see RotK* well... back on topic:

so, is it going to be closed...? that date is drawing nearer and nearer day by day (or if you want to be more specific, milli-second by milli-second)

[piosenniel]

Fellow Shire Gamers:

Please read before posting further on the Discussion Thread

Our gaming comes with a cost; it is time to reflect on this fact and make some changes to how we run our games.

We RPG’ers use the most Barrow Downs resources. We use a game thread, a discussion thread, PMs to plan games, and are constant visitors to the site, often returning more than two or three times a day to keep up with developments in the game in order to prepare our own posts.

Why is this a drain on BD resources? Please take some time to read carefully and reflect seriously upon the Barrow Wight's recent posts in the "Announcements >> The Barrow Downs" forum concerning storage space and bandwidth, chat and discussion, and the costs of running the site, and then change your posting habits. Click on: BANDWIDTH AND EXPENSES

What this means is that our Games, because we need to be so active in them, and because the Shire has so many going at once, cost the site much more money than other topics and forums on the Barrow Downs. In order for us to continue to have a good number of quality games for Shirelings to play in we need to make some changes:

What you, as participants in this game can do, personally:

What are the most beneficial changes in our posting habits? For one, we need to stop using the discussion threads for off-game-topic chatting, for personal comment. We need to restrict our posts to discussion of the games only, that is, to issues of plotting, character interaction, clarification, and notification of absences.

For most occasions, we don't need to make multiple posts about why we are absent or how we are doing and we don't need to make a string of 'see ya' posts in reply.

For personal comments, we can use the chat room or PM’s. (It’s ok to say a short ‘Nice post!’ or ‘Great post!’ if it is included with a post that has some other on-topic game information/requests on it.)

Please take the time to do several things:

Keep on topic for the Game.

Delete posts or run of the mill comments in the discussion thread that have no bearing on the game.

Refrain from such posts and comments in future discussions of the games.

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READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. ALL GAMERS WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR UNDERSTANDING THESE CHANGES.

What we, as Shire Moderators, will be doing to insure these changes are being made:

We will be following the discussion threads more closely now. When we see an off topic post - we will delete it and leave a note on the discussion thread.

Posters who continue to post off topic comments may be asked to leave the game.

The Moderator also has the option to close the Game and Discussion thread if gamers cannot stay on topic in the Discussion Thread. It will then be up to the Owner and the players to sort out problems, by PM or email, and make an agreement to keep on topic. Owners may then contact the Moderator to reopen the Game.

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If we all help out, we can ensure that our games remain treasures in the Barrow Downs.

Thanks for being responsible gamers and conscientious members of the Downs!

~*~ Piosenniel and Child of the 7th Age, Shire Moderators

[Elora]

WOW!!!!!

[img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]


Fantastic Writing Everyone!

Merry christmas too, belated as this is.

Firstly, thanks to LMP for keeping this going whilst I was off scatting about. The fight at the camp and within the ruins was wonderfully put together.

That is no mean feat, given the diversity of characters involved. You all worked wonderfully together. For those of you new to such collaboration, I hope it gave you a taste of how much fun it can be. Anything can happen, and usually does, and with so many creative people, the story is inevitably interesting.

As far as I can make out - the camp fight is concluded in favour of our folks, without injury with a prisoner to question.

I have caught Uien up as best I could contrive, after being rusty at such things after so long a break. She's slipped her two pursuers, and has circled back to follow Falowik.

She applied her healer's knowledge in a forbidden way, and the result was that she killed two men, though whether it was her intent to do so remains unclear still. Uien could not have done so without being injured, as both men had swords and knew how to use them. She caught one by surprise, and took a wound to her shoulder as she took the second.

She also injured her hands as she picked up his sword to cut Falowik's bonds, shock falling over her. Uien is not gravely injured at all, but she is in deep shock and is loosing blood. Consequently, Uien is sucuumbing to the stones utterly and I expect that Uien will learn the grotesque secret of the stones in the hours leading to dawn.

What comes next is the reuniting of the group at dawn. This could happen in a number of ways. Falowik and Uien could make their way back to the group. I don't think Uien will travel far though in her current state, and there are still the two men and others in the ruins to contend with.

What seems more likely to my way of thinking is this:

The remnant attackers will ride off at dawn, deciding belatedly to report the group to their superiors in the wake of their defeat. It is now obvious that the group represents a threat. Falco will insist on going to Fornost to root out the "traitors" - namely Falowik and Uien.

The group could take the injured prisoner with them, wishing to find Falowik and Uien for their own reasons (concern for their safety or to bring them to justice).

Once all are at Fornost, Uien will tell them what the stones are telling them, and things will take a darker turn for all. Meanwhile, the enemy will now be roused and gone are the dull and eventless days of travel. The group will have to make a choice: pressing on to find Eodwine through territory held by terrifying foes (as revealed by the secret of Fornost) or returning to Bree to gather reinforcements.

I expect a division in the group over what seems the best option. Some characters may well decide to turn back and others may decide to press on. That choice rests with what you think best fits with your character.

Again, fantastic work people. I have missed this RP. [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[Imladris]

Um, Elora, about Gorby: you said in your post that he agreed with Falco. Though I haven't figured out how he would have responded, he would definetly not have agreed so openly with Falco because of his severe dislike for him. If you wouldn't mind editing that, I'd be much obliged. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

I'll try and have a post up for him sometime today...

Edit: Hmmm, after rereading the post again it doesn't seem bad, but it just doesn't feel like Gorby. I'm sorry. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] I know it sounds awful petty...

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 3:57 PM December 30, 2003: Message edited by: Imladris ]

[Elora]

Imaldris, no need to apologise.

I understand that Gorby is in no way an admirer of the Shirriff. Here's my reasoning for the dialogue.

Gorby is clever enough to realise that the idea of moving on and looking for those missing is more important than his personal dislike of the Shirriff.

Plus, he may be more likely to speak out his mind following a fellow hobbit, personality clashes aside, than say one of the Big Folk.

What I hope I implied was Gorby's concern for those missing, rather than his agreement with Falco's suspicions. I expect that when the accusations start flying, Gorby will become a vocal dissenter with Falco. That will further underscore the differences of perspective between the two characters.

If you would still like me to edit, please let me know. I'm rather strapped for time so it may be a day or two before I can do so. If I re-allocate the dialogue, I will simply be inserting another character's name.

It was done to move the story forward to the necessary juncture in the story line (the clear splitting of the group along the lines of their points of view concerning the mission and the trustworthiness of others in the group).

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

[Imladris]

Hmmm...okay. I'll edit my post then...

[littlemanpoet]

We need to give this thing a kickstart, don't you think? Elora? Do you think we should jump to the next point of interest?

[Elora]

I concur absolutely, LMP. Do you want to make the leap? If time pressure is an issue, I am happy to do so now that I am back in my office. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Other RP'ers, take note:

If you don't post and we move this forward, you will need to work with whatever was written for your character. This will allow us to keep momentum for the RP. Excepting glaring inconsistancies and errors, we will have to do as best by your individual characters as we can with this aim in mind.

If something we write does not fit with your plans, and you've not told us what your plans are before or not posted to that effect, then you'll need to be pretty convincing as to why we would backtrack to edit. The aim is to move forward, keep on the road and get to where this RP is heading.

From memory, the next point of interest we come to is the uncovery of the extent of evil in Fornost and the argument over what the group should next do. Suspicions and accusations boil over, and characters split into two main camps - those who want to push ahead and those who want to turn back (to get more help or report traitors and so forth).

That launches them (those who decide to push forward) to Evendim Hills and the seat of the malignant power in the North. Will your character go forward or turn back?

All shall be revealed as we do this forward leap.

If you have your own plans for this part of the rp, please put your thoughts here or P.M LMP or I so that we can take them into account with the forward leap.

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

[littlemanpoet]

Elora, please post the next move of the rpg. Thanks.

[Esgallhugwen]

Contrary to my recent post which may hint at my character not wanting to continue I do in fact wish to have Esgallhugwen continue the journey to find Eodwine dead or alive. Just thought I'd clear that up.

[Elora]

LMP, done and done. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Eswen, thanks for clearing that up.

Meneltarmacil, where for art thou? If you're busy, I well understand. If possible, please drop by and let us know what your character would do, being as he's group leader and all.

If you're unable to drop by, I hope the leap forward suits you well enough. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[Imladris]

Esgallhugwen , again, I must ask if I portrayed your character truly...

And yes, Lira shall continue upon the deadly quest to seek young Eodwine.

[Esgallhugwen]

Oh yes Imladris, you've done it again! I espeacially like it when Lira tries to touch Eswen and she makes a growling noise.

Sounds practically like something she would do in that state.

[Elora]

OK, I will be writing the leap ahead post sometime today.

I have yet to decide how it plays out. I hope to resolve that today. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[Lumiel]

Oh geez! I'm so sorry! I know this isn't the first time this has happened for me...but circumstances beyond my control kept me from even checking my email for at least the past week or so.... -_-; ...ANYWAY..shall post now. Yay!

[littlemanpoet]

Hi everybody. I'd like to apologize for not doing better with this rpg. I'm going to put more time into it again. I'm posting to move the group into Fornost. Hope to see you there soon. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Oh, and please tell me if I did NOT do okay with your character.

[Imladris]

Okay...I did a post with my characters. I wasn't really sure what to do, so if it is not okay I will edit it. I went back to the outline and it said that they found the remains of the men of Gondor and rangers, so that's what I went on...

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 8:53 PM February 01, 2004: Message edited by: Imladris ]

[piosenniel]

This is to let all the gamers know that littlemanpoet will be carrying Elora's characters along in the game.

Elora and I have been in contact. She is plowed under with deadline work on her novel for a number of weeks into the future, and cannot post to her games.

She does understand that the games must go forward, and that her characters will be handled as gently as possible.

Should her schedule clear and she be able to lift her own moratorium on outside writing, she will pop in. Until then, just handle her characters as described in their bios and within the parameters she's established for them so far in her postings.

Thanks!

~*~ Pio, Game Moderator

Any questions, please PM me.

[littlemanpoet]

Heh. I was just about to post a similar news item, Pio. Thanks for doing it.

Meantime, I'm happy with the current plot developments, and one of the reasons I had Thoronmir send the company off in pairs was for you guys to be creative to find what you would.

In that vein, well done, Meneltarmacir, and awesome job, Imladris! You added a nice touch with the corpses not even being buried, which just goes to show the arrogance of the current regime, whatever that regime turns out to be. I look forward to seeing what Anson, Gorby, Lumiel and Finëwen uncover.

And don't forget about that blind prisoner - he's there for anybody to write into their post. Heh. I'll try not to forget about him either.

[Alatariel Telemnar]

I will be moving sometime next week. Not sure when... we are still kind of planning things out. So I might suddenly get disconnected from the internet without being able to tell anyone that... and if I suddenly stop posting for a few weeks, I am really sorry, but I dont have any control over the situation... I'm not sure when we will get connected again, so please just kind of tag Finëwen along with the group.

Thank you, [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
Alatáriel

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 11:14 PM February 03, 2004: Message edited by: Alatariel Telemnar ]

[littlemanpoet]

Okay, Alatariel. Thanks for letting us know.

Nice addition, Eswen.

One thing. I kind of changed my mind. I'm changing Thoronmir's order from telling us to gather to discuss, to spread out and look for more.

Eswen, please edit your post to show that change. Thanks! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[Esgallhugwen]

ok no problem! Great posts everyone I'm enjoying playing with you guys! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

[Imladris]

I did a post for Gorby and his findings... [img]smilies/evil.gif[/img] But I'm not sure if it's a bit over the top if you know what I mean.

And thank you lmp for the most excellent compliment! It made my morning as it were...

I didn't want him to find more dead bodies so I decided on this course of action...tell me if you want me to change it!

Cheers!
Istawen

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 6:22 PM February 04, 2004: Message edited by: Imladris ]

[littlemanpoet]

Actually, Imladris, not over the top. There's just one thing I'd like you to change - to bring it in line with what's coming down the road. Have the prisoner say something like this too, "and leech 'em and catch their blood in flagons to be brought... - (he won't say where) - ... and they have to feel pain when their blood comes."

Word it how you like, but have him say something about taking all the blood they can out of a sacrificial victim. Gruesome, eh? [img]smilies/evil.gif[/img]

[Imladris]

Thank you, lmp. It is now edited and it is quite gruesome as you said. *grossed out face*

Cheers!
Istawen

[Meneltarmacil]

I'm somewhat confused here. Could you please tell me where everybody is and what they're doing at the moment? I'm sorry I wasn't checking regularily, it's just that I've had about ten billion tons of homework this week and haven't had a lot of time to get online. I'd really appreciate some help. Thanks!

[littlemanpoet]

Be glad to. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Thoronmir & Falco: going to the prisoner to question him.

Gorby: just back to Anson and the prisoner from gruesome little adventure below ground.

Anson: listening to Gorby and trying to be a good guard

Falowik and Uien: back in the manse to seek out more evidence. NOTE: Elora is busy right now so Falowik is handling Uien - and Falco.

Lira and Eswen: in front, looking for more evidence, perhaps among the corpses (ew!)

Lumiel and Finëwen: just outside the grounds of the manse, searching for whatever turns up (like sheds with shovels), having found nothing much in the back except for the smelly latrine and a working well. NOTE: Alatariel is currently really busy, so Lumiel is defacto taking charge of her character until Alatariel is back.

By the way, I haven't checked out Lumiel's latest post yet, so this is not up to date on that account. So please check out that last post of Lumiel's to be all caught up.

[Alatariel Telemnar]

I have estimated we shall be moving out around next Wednesday... meaning we might be disconnected from the internet around then... depending on how long it takes us to get settled in, it may take a few weeks... I hope to get as much posting as I can in that time...


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

[Esgallhugwen]

Just thought I'd tell everyone that I brought Nimrómen back, I've sadly forgotten the little fellow in my saddle bag, must be stuffy even for an Elvish thing. anyway I've also said that Eswen has found something rather curious about the bones, all the legs seem to have been broken by the same device.

(can't think of anything that could be used to make a clean break like that right now any Ideas people?) [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[Imladris]

I've also said that Eswen has found something rather curious about the bones, all the legs seem to have been broken by the same device.
(can't think of anything that could be used to make a clean break like that right now any Ideas people?)

Well, Eswen, I must say I was thinking about an explanation for that for a few hours today. I finally decided that the most simple of devices are the most painful. If anyone doesn't like my idea in my post for Lira or if it is unclear let me know and I will edit/explain.

Elora said that the elves could hear grieving stones and hear Lira did. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]