Númenórean Blood Runs Black Planning/Discussion Thread

[The Perky Ent]

PLACED ON DISCUSSION THREAD ~*~ PIO

Firefoot's Character Proposal Sheet


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RPG's I'm currently involved in: Island of Sorrow, Red Flows the Sirannon

RPG's I've played in: Bloodstained Elanor, Seekers of Truth, Siege of Gundabad, Sailing Away, Shadow of the West

And yes, I've posted in the Green Dragon.


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NAME: Menelcar (King’s advisor/record keeper)

AGE: 141

RACE: Man of Gondor

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Though rarely necessary in these days as the king’s advisor, Menelcar still regularly bears a sword, mostly out of habit from his days in the army. (In this campaign, of course, he might very well need it.) He is also proficient with a bow and can handle most other weapons with reasonable skill.

APPEARANCE: Númenorean blood runs nearly true in him, and it shows. He is tall, about 6’4”; his hair is shoulder-length and black as a raven’s wing; his eyes are grey and clear. He would be quite handsome if it weren’t for a certain hardness and arrogance in his features. He carries himself nobly and not without pride. His clothing is unremarkable except in its fine quality.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Menelcar’s intelligence is above average; this is one trait he has shown even as a very young boy. In addition to being smart, he was also good at just about whatever he put his mind to (those things he wasn’t good at, he sooner or later quit), and he began to think of himself as better than others. This was aided along by his family and heritage: he was born into a wealthy, noble family and is of nearly pure Númenorean descent. As a result, he has never been very social, preferring to keep to himself. There have been very few people he has ever been able to call a friend; the king is one of them. He holds his friends in high esteem, but generally looks down upon all others.

Though skilled in weaponry and horseback riding, neither has ever been his favorite. What he really loves are history and reading and writing, and in writing he has found his freedom. The thoughts that he would never confide to another person are regularly recorded in a journal. The job of record keeper and advisor to the king came naturally to him; there is little else that he would ever care to do.

HISTORY: Menelcar was born the middle child and second son of a noble family. Even as a child, he was a loner having few or no close friends. He was thought of as a bit odd for spending so much time by himself, especially in contrast to his older brother, who was, if slightly less talented, a great deal more social and well-liked by most everyone, in addition to being the more handsome. Menelcar was originally envious of his brother’s easy way with people, but what attempts he did make to fit in invariably failed to a greater or lesser extent, causing Menelcar to retreat more and more inside himself. He comforted himself by telling himself that he was better than they were anyway, that he didn’t need them, and the former at least was true in many ways. Eventually he came to wholly believe these things.

As he got older, he had no care to be married, and as the second son he was under no obligation to do so. Instead, he did the next logical thing for one of a noble house and joined the army. Though he had no particular care for weaponry and fighting, it was at any rate better than the social life that he might otherwise be expected to lead.

It was in these years of fighting that Menelcar met Telumehtar, then the prince, when he returned his sword to him. The two quickly came to an understanding which developed into a fast friendship such as Menelcar had never before or since experienced. When Telumehtar became king, Menelcar was the natural choice for a record keeper and advisor, and Menelcar readily gave up the army for the new position.

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Firefoot's post

It was with great impatience that Menelcar had awaited Telumehtar’s arrival. His impatience was not with the king himself, precisely, but he had been at the harbor since early that morning overseeing the muster and organization of the troops while the king took care of last minute preparations inside the city. He cared for this part of his job the least, for he disliked, nay, despised, dealing with people. This sentiment only compounded with so many people needing instructions at the same time. He had to direct the many captains to the ships that would transport them, as well as answer any questions that they or the ships’ captains might have. The job was necessary but tedious, and Menelcar had long since wearied of it. His mount, a restive bay stallion, seemed to concur.

The king’s arrival heartened Menelcar greatly; it meant they would be departing soon, and he would no longer be plagued by the many questions and problems of the soldiers. He nudged the horse forward to meet the king, threading his way through the busy harbor as quickly as he could manage. However, he was interrupted before he could get very far by yet another inquisitive captain; his uniform proclaimed him to be from Dol Amroth.

“Yes?” asked Menelcar curtly.

“I am Captain Baranor, out of Dol Amroth,” said the man, clearly unsure of how to take his brusque manner. “It seems that we brought a few more men than we had originally estimated; our assigned ships will be loaded full and there are still about twenty more men than the ships’ captains say that the boats will safely hold.”

Menelcar barely stifled an irritated sigh and dug out of his pocket the little book in which he was keeping the details of the attack. He scanned the ship assignments and wrote a note of the captain’s situation. “There should be some extra space with the soldiers from Anfalas. If not, check with those from Morthond. Do so quickly; we will be departing soon now that the king has arrived.”

“Thank you, milord,” said the captain with a salute. Menelcar paid no heed; he had already begun to ride off, scanning the harbor for Telumehtar, whom he had lost sight of while speaking with the captain. The king would be looking for him by now, no doubt. The soldiers milling about had parted to let the king pass through, and Menelcar took advantage of the more open space, nudging his horse into a dignified canter to catch up. The stallion took the extra rein eagerly after having stood around for so long.

“You were looking for me?” asked Menelcar as he drew even with Telumehtar. “Do not think I would not be here before you left!”

Telumehtar turned in recognition of the voice: “Menelcar! Trusty as ever! We will have time for pleasantries later, but I have more important matters to attend to. Where are my men? Where are my captains? My soldiers? My kingdom?”

“I should hope you know where your kingdom is by now,” commented Menelcar, smiling in spite of himself. “As for the rest of it, many of the soldiers are already aboard their ships. These rest ought to know where they’re heading by now, or their captains do.” Quickly he outlined the organization of the soldiers – where the units from the various regions of Gondor were situated and so on. “We will be traveling in that ship, there-” Menelcar pointed to a fine ship a short way down the harbor. “I have spoken with the captain of the ship; he seemed very eager to make sure all was in line for your arrival,” he added with a hint of contempt. The captain had spoken with him several times that day, to the point of being bothersome. “It should not be much more than an hour before we are ready to set sail; they mostly await your order.”




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I just approved Folwren's playing of the other captain! (s)he will be joining our crew as soon as he gets everything written up!

[Eorl of Rohan]

Perky, hope you get well. Really. (No cynism, reutoricalism -if it is a word, which it isn't- in my statement.) By the way, can you give us any details about the ship? For instance, the interval between the thralls being put off and on, which would presumably be important in any actions they make. Is the number you gave us the total number of thralls on the ship, or is it the number of thralls on active duty? I don't want to assume false information. Are those details left to our discretion? And exactly how are the thralls, who are stuck beneath the planks and out of all touch, get to participate in the roleplay?

[The Perky Ent]

This is where I wish people have all these books I pull my resources out of! Well, if you want, I can go through my various books and pull up Corsair resources, but here's a quick view of how I view the ship. On the top deck is the open ship itself, where men are constantly working, and the captains man the wheel. There's a mast with a tower (the place where the guy with the telescope looks to the horizon) and a sail. Lots of crew moving things, and getting things ready. Then, under it is a few purpose rooms and the Lord and Captain's quarters. Under that is the kitchens and soldiers quarters. At the very bottom of the ship is where the ~200 slaves are. They have no replacements, and are constantly rowing (except when they get a few hours of sleep). They are chained and controlled by the slave master. A lot of this can be just your own imagination and you can create it however you want.

And exactly how are the thralls, who are stuck beneath the planks and out of all touch, get to participate in the roleplay?

Haha! This is a good question! This is why playing slaves are great! When you pick a thrall, a large part of your writing is your emotion and your direct feelings. A good example is Land of Darkness, an RPG I've played in where slaves from Cirith Ungol escape and try to free themselves from Mordor. Many good writers in that one! Would be worth skimming if you're a slave. Now, back to the beauty of the slave. Apart from your emotion as a slave, there are two slave spots, and I expect the two to interact quite a bit. Next to each other even, interjecting comments when their slave driver isn't watching. During battles, you won't be rowing, giving the slaves little to do except watch the view....that is, unless you take matters into your own hand. Ever see the movie Amistad? I'll talk to you about it later on in the game Slaves have the option of several conflicts: Character vs Self, Character vs Character, Character vs Enviroment, Character vs Society, etc. Slaves are really fun to play, as you have so many options you can take!


Anyone else need information on your character? Please speak up, as I love giving out this kind of info

[Eorl of Rohan]

Originally Posted by The Perky Ent

At the very bottom of the ship is where the ~200 slaves are. They have no replacements, and are constantly rowing (except when they get a few hours of sleep).

I imagined so too, until I read Ben-Hur. And now I'm confused. I mean, Corsair ships must be constantly on the move if to elude pursuit, and who's going to row while the slaves are sleeping? And in Ben-Hur, a harsh division has been to 'Put on and take off every two hours'. I was going to mention that, but then decided that any reference to non-LOTR books might just get me more reprimands. So, yeah. But your word is the law, Perky. Will go by that statement.

Originally Posted by The Perky Ent

slaves have the option of several conflicts: Character vs Self, Character vs Character, Character vs Enviroment, Character vs Society, etc. Slaves are really fun to play, as you have so many options you can take!

Here I wish I had experience in roleplaying games, because I don't get what you are saying. Just shows my ignorance, I suppose. Or maybe my question wasn't that logical either. What can a single thrall do to turn the tides of war? Or there'd be little point in there being a slave role at all, if the characters as a slave do not take active role in the whole war itself, not only in a small scale. Especially as they are seriously restricted if other characters, those in power, e.g. slave master, do not open a way for them for action. Or the slave paragraphs are only going to be long monologues, or long futile conversation between two slaves. It would not be exactly fair, for instance, if the two slaves took over the ship or sunk the ship or set fire to it. It won't be realistic either. I guess I'm not making any sense.

Anyway, maybe when I read through that roleplay, I'll know better. And no, I haven't seen the movie.

PS. I've seen the roleplay. While it is amazing, as the slaves are at the center of the roleplay at that game, I guess it doesn't have the problem I have.

[The Perky Ent]

Here I wish I had experience in roleplaying games, because I don't get what you are saying. Just shows my ignorance, I suppose. Or maybe my question wasn't that logical either. What can a single thrall do to turn the tides of war? Or there'd be little point in there being a slave role at all, if the characters as a slave do not take active role in the whole war itself, not only in a small scale. Especially as they are seriously restricted if other characters, those in power, e.g. slave master, do not open a way for them for action. Or the slave paragraphs are only going to be long monologues, or long futile conversation between two slaves. It would not be exactly fair, for instance, if the two slaves took over the ship or sunk the ship or set fire to it. It won't be realistic either. I guess I'm not making any sense.

What can a single thrall do to turn the tides of war?

What can one single little hobbit do? Eorl, I think you're forgetting how much space I'm giving you. You can do whatever you want with your slave. He can fight, sleep, row, dance, kill, and every other action. All you have to do is let him



I do hope I don't seem too confusing

[Folwren]

Hallo, all! I’ve just read over (most) everybody’s character bio’s and first posts. This looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun. Lot of good writers.

Originally posted by The Perky Ent:
Anyone else need information on your character? Please speak up, as I love giving out this kind of info

Yes, I do have some question about my character...I guess they’re probably a lot of the same question Alcarillo will be asking.

Firstly, about the ship. I’m playing the part of a Sea Captain. Therefore, I’m assuming that my ship is generally out at sea. Most of my knowledge of ships have to do with an 1814 frigate, or man-of-war. Needless to say, there are going to be many differences between those sorts of ships and the type that I’ll be writing about (mainly because we don’t have cannons in Middle-Earth), but I wouldn’t be surprised if the ship that I’m to captain has maybe three masts, as the frigates did. So, my question is, is my ship going to be like a frigate with three masts and square sails (except for a few, which were triangle).

Another question - what’s the Navy discipline like? I’m assuming that I’m on a ship from the navy...I don’t think that a merchant ship would be much good in this war.

How many people are going to be on board? What’s the usual crew number?

In ME (poor Perky...hope all these questions don’t bother you a terrible amount), would they have all of the other warrant officers? Sailing Master, Left Tenant, so forth and so on. Perhaps under slightly different names, but still holding the same responsibility?

Quite simply with all my questions rolled into one - what are the details of Gondorian ships and their navy? (Navy seems like a very Earth like word, though.)

Or, better yet, perhaps you could give me something that I could read for research on this subject.

Hope I’m not a bother. And I’m still working on my bio and such.

-- Folwren

[The Perky Ent]

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*twitch*







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....ok. Yeah....I'll get back to you on that...

[piosenniel]

Clear your PM's, please, Perky

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[The Perky Ent]

Done! Sorry about that! I'm getting around 30-40 PM's a day!!!

Big post on Corsairs comming up!!!

[Folwren]

POSTED TO THE DISCUSSION THREAD ~*~ PIO


Okay, Perky, here is my character bio and first post. The post is not very long, and I hope it will do. If you want more, I can certainly write it. Just say so. I hope everything else fills expectations.

-- Folwren


1.) Have you ever played in an RPG at the Barrow Downs? – Yes...well, I’m in the midst of one.

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

List them, please: Red Flows the Sirranon

3.) Have you posted in The Green Dragon Inn – Yes, I have.
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Folwren's character:

NAME: Captain Hereric son Hothlere

AGE: 82

RACE: Gondorian

GENDER: Male

WEAPONS: Hereric uses a broad sword best. His sword has a four foot, white blade with a silver hilt and handle. In the pommel is set a single blue stone. The hilt is decorated with thin, slender vines make of silver twining and encircling it.

Besides his skill with a sword, he can use the bow well, and has some ability with casting a spear.

APPEARANCE: He is not tall, really, compared to most Gondorians, and stands only six foot one. However, he has a powerfully built body, and a commanding eye and bearing which make up for his height. Brown hair, lightened by the almost constant sunlight, dark, penetrating brown eyes.
He usually wears no armor and is dressed (at most times) in a while shirt, laced at the throat, brown breeches, mid-calf boots. On such occasions as welcoming the King aboard the ship, he’ll have his coat and hat on, with his sword at his side, cutting a handsome and military figure.

PERSONALITY/STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Captain Hereric is a taut captain, but neither brutal or cruel to his men. It is rather necessary to retain rather stiff discipline at sea, but his crew does not resent him for it, and they all rather like their captain. He has a very quiet character most of the time, and usually only becomes visibly angry or annoyed at such busy, confusing times as preparing for a voyage and while they’re still at the wharfs and harbors. Once sail is spread he’s back to his regular self, calm and generally quiet.

In any sea battle, he can make quick, difficult decisions on a moment’s notice. He knows his ship from bow to stern and every curve and rope therein, and is therefore able to direct her in difficult places and times at sea, or anywhere.

His weaknesses lie in his habit of withdrawing himself when things aren’t going well, or aren’t going his way (not in the stubborn, spoiled child sense, but as a sea officer). At such times, he’ll become even less talkative, stern, and altogether impassible. Another is that he gets unaccountably excited in battles, and though his sometimes reckless actions has never gotten him or his ship and crew into any trouble that he couldn’t pull them back out of again, it still is dangerous.

All in all, he’s a great leader and an excellent captain, knowing both his men, his ship, and his business well.

HISTORY:

Hereric was born to Hothlore and Aanel in 1728 in Osgiliath. His father was a captain at the time of his birth and continued being so until his death in one of the many, random battles with the Corsairs in 1738. From that day forward, Hereric wanted to go and join the Navy in hopes of someday taking revenge for his father’s death. His mother let him go and in 1739, at age 11, he joined.

Having had such a father as Hothlore, he did not have a difficult time finding his way as one of the junior officers onto one of the ships. That is not to say he had many privileges when he was a boy, but he wasn’t considered a regular seaman. He worked his way up the ladder, learning first about the knots and sails, and then navigating skills. He was taught the necessary mathematics and astrology necessary to successfully captain and sail a ship. He learned to read and write, tell time by the sun, and take and fulfill responsibilities given him. Before becoming a captain in 1795, he had served as several of the higher ranking officers.

In 1795 he was appointed Captain and given his first ship. It was small and not particularly fast nor very nice, but in two years he was given a higher rating and given a different ship - the one he presently sails. It was one that he had sailed most of his earlier years. He found it a great advantage, knowing the way it sailed almost as soon as he set foot to it.

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Folwren's post:

Captain Hereric stood on the deck of his ship, his hands folded behind him, and his eyes watching the bustle of his men below. The muscle in his jaw slowly clenched and unclenched and a constant, grim expression lingered on his face. The last day before setting sail was always hard enough without the extra stress of greeting a king. It would have to be his ship, wouldn’t it? But then, she was very fine, wasn’t she? He glanced up at the ropes and rigging above his head. The fine lines against the clear blue sky, and the proud Gondorian flag fluttering slightly in the breeze. She was a gorgeous ship, and her crew one of the best. He had little nor no doubts of her performance, and he would not have had any worries in the least had it not been for the condescending manner of the king’s own advisor.

Hereric’s jaw tightened again and he looked towards the pier. Of all people, he thought he disliked the condescending sort. The very thought of being looked down on by anyone on his ship was extremely annoying and entirely intolerable. He’d have to work on that if the two of them were going to be stuck together for more than a few days.

The approach of his first left-tenant brought his attention back to his ship and he watched as the young man mounted the steps to his side. ‘Sir, the last of the water is on, and the meat. That should be the last shipment on board from the port. The last attachment of soldiers, also, will be arriving shortly, no doubt.’

‘Yes, I should imagine so,’ Hereric replied. He glanced over his shoulder at the sun and back down. ‘Prepare my barge. You will go to the landing and greet his majesty the King.’

In a few moments, the boat was by the ship’s side and the left-tenant with the Captain’s coxswain climbed over the side and were rowed towards the landing. The Captain remained where he stood, giving the last orders, and preparing the ship for the king’s arrival. It would not be long.

Hereric kept half an eye on his men on shore. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad. The wait at the docks and the stress of making certain that everything was bought and delivered to the ship always made him impatient and peevish. The counselor had likely been under stress himself when he had spoken to him.

‘Forimar,’ he said, turning to a man walking past below him. ‘Get all this squared away and prepare the deck for the king’s arrival.’

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Note to everybody - It was generally the custom in the Brittish Navy couple hundred years ago for the Captain to greet whoever he was greeting on his own ship, rather than going to meet him at the landing. That's why Captain Hereric didn't go with the left-tenant.

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Edit: Just setting things up for an easy transfer to the discussion thread. ~*~ Pio

[The Perky Ent]

Here is a general pic of what the Corsair ships look like: In all the pictures I've seen of them (And I've seen around 8) they all seem to be around that kind of shape and size. Similar to the Shebec...I guess. Another picture

Hope those help.

Folwren, yeah...I might need a little more. Just a little more about your characters depth, or what's going on around him. Also, for your history, I think there's one problem with it. By the time of your character's birth, Osgiliath would have already been an almost ghost town, since the plague had destoryed most of it. Do you think he could live elsewhere, or was he really living in the decaying city? Otherwise, it's a good character sheet.