Wilderness, Weathertop, and Wild Things Discussion Thread

[Envinyatar]

Nuranar

Is this the order of posts to open the game?

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Alaksoron

Nuranar – arrival at The Trade Inn, Tharbad

rutslegolas

Esgallhugwen

Envinyatar – arrival at The Prancing Pony of the 4 Elves, Man from Rohan, and Veryadan (see following post)

Meneltarmacil – first post

Dragon Elf

Meneltarmacil – post getting the Rangers to the Prancing Pony

Envinyatar – Fen Shepherdspurse

Saurreg

[Envinyatar]

Here is my post that will bring Veryadan, the man from Rohan, Nuranar's, Egallhugwen's, and rustlegolas' characters to The Prancing Pony, where the action for the game will begin:

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Envinyatar’s post

Arrival at the Trade Inn . . .

‘How the old place has changed,’ thought Veryadan as his eyes swept the little Inn which stood on the western bank of the Greyflood. In its prime it had been a welcome gateway for those wishing to travel quickly through the Shire, to pick up the Great East Road in the West Farthing, and from there west to the Emyn Beraid and the River Lune’s Grey Havens. Now the Shire had been closed to all outlanders by edict of the High King these many years, its Bounds fiercely guarded by the Shiriffs and their men. Only the traffic of men and the scarce Elven party bound for the north stopped now to refresh themselves.

The Inn had suffered, it seemed, from the shrinking commerce. The wood gone a little greyer; the railed front porch sunk under the weight of the many feet that had crossed into the welcome comfort of the common room; the wooden shingles gone quite mossy and some just gone. The image of an old man nearing his dotage crossed the Ranger’s mind as his horse trod down the ill-kept path. ‘We’ve both put on the years, old friend,’ he remarked to himself, his gloved hand coming up to tuck a bit of stray silver-streaked hair behind his ear. ‘Though of the two of us, I think I’ve fared the best.’

A familiar figure had come out onto the porch and was even now hailing them with a wave of his dish towel. There, hair gone greyer and girth wider, stood Haldon Rushy, mouth drawn up in a great grin, eyes sparkling even at this distance. ‘Tis a grand day, indeed! Four more patrons for the Missus to cook for and four more tongues to share the news of the road!’ He hurried as fast as his stout legs would carry him toward the approaching horses. ‘Here you!’ he called to his sons. ‘See to these good folks’ mounts!’ ‘And you!’ he exclaimed, taking the Ranger’s hand in his own ham-fisted grasp. ‘I’ve a small cask of the nut brown ale just finished off and ready for tapping.’

He peeked around Veryadan and nodded his head at the man and the two Elves who were just dismounting. ‘Now isn’t this a day for the Fair Folk,’ he whispered to the Ranger. ‘There’s two more what’s just come to my little establishment.’ he nodded toward the door with his chin. ‘There, in the common room . . . and isn’t my old gal happy to be feeding them!’ He tapped the side of his nose with his great stub of a finger. They’ve come all the way from Rivendell . . . I’ve yet to find out why, though . . .’

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

The company of six rides north . . .

The late night of talking with the two Elves from Rivendell had paled into the next day’s dawn. Silrûth and Aidwain were bringing news westward from Rivendell. The old fastness of the Rangers in the Angle had brought troublesome news to Imladris – something was stirring up the trolls in that area. Patrols had been increased there, and several of the brutish giants had been driven off by the Rangers, with one Troll killed who had chosen to try his strength against them. The two Elves spoke of traveling southwest down the River Mitheithel, the Hoarwell as it was known to men, arriving finally at the Greyflood’s ford where stood the Inn. What small patrols of Rangers they happened upon, they brought news of the Troll activity, urging them to be on the lookout for similar problems in the areas they patrolled. And from many they picked up news of assaults and ill happenings to the north. They would go north from the inn to speak with others of the Rangers and gather what information the could before returning to Imladris.

Veryadan’s face was grim as he heard the news they brought. ‘Travel with us, if you will,’ he had offered Silrûth and Aidwain. ‘We are also bound north, at the behest of the King. He has had some reports of the disquiet in that area, though I do not think he knows the extent to which this ripple of shadow has spread.’ Tarondo nodded at the invitation as Envinyatar continued. ‘Two extra sets of eyes and blades would be welcome. And you need not fear that we might slow you down. We will head up the Greenway to Bree at first light.’

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

At the sign of The Prancing Pony

And so it was the four companions found themselves now swelled to six with the addition of the party from Rivendell. Four days hard riding with only short, cold camp stops along the way brought them to Andrath, the narrow passageway between the Barrow-downs and the South Downs, through which the Greenway passed, heading north. A day and a half further and the six found themselves passing in through the West Gate, the welcoming archway and windows of the The Prancing Pony now well within their sights . . .

[Nuranar]

That's correct, Envinyatar. Thanks! (And great post.)

Originally Posted by Envinyatar

Nuranar

Is this the order of posts to open the game?

---------------------

Alaksoron

Nuranar – arrival at The Trade Inn, Tharbad

rutslegolas

Esgallhugwen

Envinyatar – arrival at The Prancing Pony of the 4 Elves, Man from Rohan, and Veryadan (see following post)

Meneltarmacil – first post

Dragon Elf

Meneltarmacil – post getting the Rangers to the Prancing Pony

Envinyatar – Fen Shepherdspurse

Saurreg

[Saurreg]

Just a quick reminder, my first post under the character bio would go anywhere before Envinyatar's Fen Shepherdspurse post. The second will be immediately after as stated in the list order.

[Nuranar]

Originally Posted by Saurreg

my first post under the character bio would go anywhere before Envinyatar's Fen Shepherdspurse post. The second will be immediately after as stated in the list order.

Saurreg, would you please put Loudewater's second post up on this thread? Pio needs to be able to move all the first posts to the story thread.

[piosenniel]

I'm a little confused - is this now the order for posts:

--------------

Alaksoron

Nuranar – arrival at The Trade Inn, Tharbad

rutslegolas

Esgallhugwen

Envinyatar – arrival at The Prancing Pony of the 4 Elves, Man from Rohan, and Veryadan (see following post)

Meneltarmacil – first post

Dragon Elf - HAS HE REVISED HIS POST?

Meneltarmacil – getting the Rangers to the Prancing Pony - NEEDED

Saurreg - original first post from character bio

Envinyatar – Fen Shepherdspurse

Saurreg - arrival at the Inn/post on board

[Nuranar]

Pio, as far as I know that's correct. Saurreg had indicated to me earlier that he would take two posts for Loudewater. I think the one that's up right now, on the first page under his bio, is the first; the second I haven't seen yet.

[Saurreg]

Sorry! Sorry! Here's my second post that will be immediately after Envinyatar's.
================================================== ======

Saurreg's post

Andas Loudewater had just reached the front porch of the most popular drinking hole in the whole of Bree when large raindrops started to fall, creating tiny little craters on the much used dirt road. Dark clouds rumbled precariously overhead, blocking out whatever light the setting sun could offer and enveloped the entire evening sky in black velvet from horizon to horizon and as far as the eye could see. Loudewater frowned to himself and sighed deeply as he pulled the hood of the cope off his head, this night would offer nothing but heavy down pour and his creaky joints would pay the dear price.

Damned rheumatism, damned age. What I wouldn’t give to be twenty years younger again.

The grease caked windows of the establishment were illuminated weakly by lit lamps and a sonorous burble could be felt through vibes that shook the loose floorboards of the porch - it was the sing-a-long, happy hour had begun.

The Breeland farmer took a deep breath and readied himself mentally as would an athlete before the race. After a momentary pause, he swung open the door of the Prancing Pony and confronted destiny head on. Rising to the occasion, destiny sprung forward like an uncoiled spring and smashed into Loudewater’s face. The farmer staggered but recovered himself quickly enough; years of patronizing the Prancing Pony had somewhat dwindled the potency its overwhelmingly pungent whiff on him but for the uninitiated, the whole affair of simply entering the tavern could be an insurmountable ordeal. Butterbur had never believed in the concept of proper workplace hygiene and many a newcomers had paid the price. More than often regulars like Loudewater and even old Butterbur himself had heckled at unfamiliar faces contorting in agony followed by the whizzing (they always whiz) and the occasional nausea.

It was all good “clean” harmless fun really. But incidents do happen, those that make simpletons like the good folks of Bree go “hmmm”

Once, an elven wayfarer (dainty and disturbingly pretty in a girly way) tried to enter the Prancing Pony (don’t ask why) and results were somewhat horrific… (For the faerie that is).

Suffice say, that incident was significant enough for Butterbur to go “hmmm” and the next day after the tragic affair, Loudewater saw for the first and only time Butterbur scrubbing the floorboards and opening up the windows to air the place. It was a momentous event that Loudewater rated up there with the likes of the return of the king.

******

Loudewater stepped through the doorway and entered the main serving hall of the tavern. The hospitable warmth radiating from the fireplace felt most comfortable and he permitted himself a wane smile of self-satisfaction. If there was any place he would want to be when a raging storm came along, it would be here.

The Prancing Pony was already packed to the walls when Loudewater entered. Breelanders of different walks of life and trades have already packed the benches and tables and were all bellowing in drunken unison with lusty voices, throats were well lubricated by free-flowing pints and cheap wine. It was “Roll out the Barrels!” a popular hit penned by the famous Susan Delgado and Loudewater found himself almost subconsciously humming along to the tunes of the ever popular folksong.

No one writes such great works anymore, he reflected sadly.

Loudewater’s head swerved upon his scrawny neck as he scrutinized the crowded room looking for some unoccupied spot for himself and perhaps a friend or two to interact with. Amidst the mass of swaying and rocking heads, and raised arms clenching tankards and goblets of spilling beverage, Loudewater’s dull eyes caught sight of an appendage belonging to a familiar face waving frantically in the air. Loudewater grinned at the familiar face, waved back and made his way through to the bar.

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[Envinyatar]

Dragon Elf odin Ragnorock

If you have revised your First Post – please put a note on the Discussion Thread that you have done so.

And please write your posts using a Word program with spell and grammar check. That will take care of the most of the misspelled words and missed capitals. Then cut and paste them to the Game or Discussion Thread.

- E -

[Alaksoron]

Just exactly what day is this game supposed to start? My apologies, I know people have asked you that before, but I'm just a little confused.

Question number two: who will serve as leader of the group, Veryadan (Evinyatar) or Tarondo (Nuranar)?

[Envinyatar]

The RPG can't start until a game that both Kransha and Fordim are in has closed (the Shire's rule about players in a game not being in more than 2 Shire games at a time). I believe it's scheduled to end tomorrow, so this game can start on Thursday.

As to who is leader of the group - I think that will be the three characters - Veryadan, Tarondo, and Luinien will share the leadership, as the King has sent all three of them on this errand.

Other thoughts, Nuranar?

- E -

[piosenniel]

NOTE:

We still need the 2 posts listed below in bold caps:

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Order of posts:

Alaksoron

Nuranar – arrival at The Trade Inn, Tharbad

rutslegolas

Esgallhugwen

Envinyatar – arrival at The Prancing Pony of the 4 Elves, Man from Rohan, and Veryadan (see following post)

Meneltarmacil – first post

Dragon Elf - HAS HE REVISED HIS POST?

Meneltarmacil – getting the Rangers to the Prancing Pony - NEEDED

Saurreg - original first post from character bio

Envinyatar – Fen Shepherdspurse

Saurreg - arrival at the Inn/post on board

[Nuranar]

Thank you, Saurreg, for the post. Please see your PM's - at least, see your PM's a few minutes after the time on this.

Envinyatar, Dragon Elf edited his first post, back on page 1, on Sunday. It's almost identical to what you suggested:

After a semi peaceful night Menecar woke up to the sound of birds chirping and a great day for traveling with his companion. It was a peaceful day has begun with the sun shining through the trees. They had a half a days travel by Horse to Bree left to go.

“Do you think that there will be people waiting for us to arrive at the Prancing Pony?” asked Menecar’s companion.

“I think there would be I don’t think that King Elessar would let two Rangers do this alone,” said Menecar.

Suddenly Menecar heard the sound of leaves moving in the woods. He stoped to listen, and to see if he heard the sound again. Sure enough there it was again, but it sounded louder as if the thing or things were getting closer. He looks over at his companion to see if he heared the same sound. But he dose not look like he has. Menecar rode over to him and says:

“Do you not hear the sound of leaves?”

“the sound is drawing closer.” said Menecar

Good work, Meneltarmacil!

Dragon Elf, thanks for the update. Would you please correct your present tense verbs to past tense verbs, as we have discussed? And please see your PM's as well.

Everyone, as Envinyatar said, please type out your posts in a word editing program that will catch most spelling and capitalization errors. Also, I'm posting again what I put up on the second page:

1. Everyone please check the discussion and game threads at least once a day.

2. Primary characters, please post on the story thread at least twice a week. That's only a minimum. You baddies may not need to post so often.

3. Everyone please give advance notice on this discussion thread when you won't be able to check in - if you're going on vacation or you're having computer problems.

4. Please write descriptive posts! I believe the minimum, per Shire rules, is two paragraphs of two sentences each. (Pio?) But that is the absolute minimum. This isn't TV: If you don't write what your character looks like, what the scene looks like, what things sound like, taste like, feel like, no one's going to know all that stuff. That's what good writing does: It creates a scene in the reader's mind.

I'm not going to keep putting this up on every page, but I didn't get any feedback at all and wanted to make sure everyone saw it.

Now, Envinyatar, about this leadership thing:

As a rule I'm all for an established chain of command, even when it's only two people working together. One hopes that there would be no disagreement, but it's a nightmare if they do and neither one has the authority. It can be disastrous if they're on a serious mission - as we most definitely are here.

Take Tarondo and Luinien for example. They're an excellent team, having lived, worked, traveled, planned, and fought together for years. They already have the close affinity of blood, and Elven blood at that. But Tarondo is the one "in charge." Both of them recognize that, albeit silently. (This isn't a male-female thing, let me add. He is the elder sibling, which gives him a natural primacy. More importantly, Tarondo is better qualified to lead, for he has the foresight and clear, planning head of a leader, in addition to greater experience. Not that Luinien could not lead, of course.)

The result of having this order is subtle. If they never disagree Tarondo will never have to "pull rank," and there will therefore be no need for someone in charge. But then again, it might come up. Both know that if it came down to the wire, Tarondo would be the one giving the orders. That silent understanding between them is part of what makes them such a team. Each can rely upon the other in their specific roles. Additionally, there's no strain of trying to make sure each has his "equal share" in the decision-making. They're equal in importance and contributions, but with different roles.

All this is a long-winded way of saying that I'd very much prefer to have one definite leader, and that means it's either Veryadan or Tarondo. From a story point of view, it might be more logical for Veryadan to lead; as a Ranger, these are his "stomping grounds" and the people of the Angle are his people. On the other hand, as you say the King did not specify who was in command, and I have good reasons for Tarondo taking the lead instead.

From a real life point of view, if Veryadan takes the lead that may require you to commit more time to the game than you ought. If I recall correctly, back in July I think you stipulated that you wouldn't be able to take the lead in the running the game. If that's still the case the game may be slowed down; or it may not, depending on how we manage it.

I could keep going for a long time, but please let me know what you think. If you'd like to keep a 2- or 3-member leadership, just say so. And I apologize for this becoming an issue so late in the day. Alaksoron, thanks for bringing it up!

One last thing, Envinyatar - have you PM'd the baddies with their plot? Would you keep me in the loop on those developments? Thanks!

Carry on!

Nuranar

[Envinyatar]

Thanks for defining the relationship between Tarondo and Luinien. I would prefer that Tarondo take the lead as I do have time constraints.

I am PM'ing the Orcs and Trolls shortly after this is posted with the short note we had already agreed upon.

- E -