ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Aug 28, 2011 9:06:34 GMT -5
Well, there's my post- and email-signature below, of course, which is taken directly from the Akallabeth. It's the closest thing I can think of going by your post, but the sails are described as scarlet, and it's not directly related to Veantur. Black sails sound kinda familiar though, so looking further.
Later on in the Akallabeth, gathering the fleets on the west of Numenor, there is: "In that time the fleets of the Númenóreans darkened the sea upon the west of the land, and they were like an archipelago of a thousand isles; their masts were as a forest upon the mountains, and their sails like a brooding cloud; and their banners were golden and black." Brooding cloud, banners black, it does seem black was a bigger part of the ships now. This is further supported by the use of black sails in Umbar, directly descended from the Black Numenorean tradition.
Going back in history, though, to the time of Veantur, is more tricky. If the above passages do show a progression, it is more likely that the sails would not yet contain black in Veantur's time. But 3000 years of history is a long time, and colors and symbols may change, even in one kingdom. There are a few more sources I can think of, which I shall consult now.
Aldarion and Erendis, UT, talks about Aldarion's first journey over the sea. When returning to Numenor, the description of the ship Númerrámar contains "her golden sails reddened in the sunset." This was over 100 years after Veantur's journey (who, in fact, joined Aldarion, his grandson, on this particular journey; it was his ship originally). Other ships are named in this story, but as far as I can see, no sails get a description.
And then there is the story of Tal-Elmar. The "days of the dark kings", describing dark tombs and cruelty of the men of the sea, yet the Numenoreans appear reverent of the Valar and friendly of the Eldar. Three ships with white sails and one with black sails, the black-sailed with silver stars of Elbereth. And at the end, the Numenoreans reveal their intentions to slay the locals and build their own homes there. So there appears some contradiction concerning the time it takes place, but most likely in the later parts of the Second Age, with no bearing on Veantur.
This is all I can find right now, but there are undoubtedly passages that I've missed. Draw your own conclusions, it's your art; but Aldarion's golden sails seem closest chronologically, and both ships originally had the same owner.
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on May 3, 2011 10:43:11 GMT -5
Calion:
He had been watching the situation warily, and nodded to Fainan, indicating that he would study the sword. As she and Meren went off to talk to Auros and Frali, Calion looked at the blade before him.
Reaching to it and hovering his fingers over the runes, he shuddered; for a moment, the gust of shadow came back to him, that his brother had thrown at him at their last meeting. The same kind of power lay in those runes. He stared closer at them. They were written in the Black Speech, of which he had no knowledge, but he felt there was another reason to study them. There was something in them of their maker. Not the one who inscribed the runes, for a scout's sword was obviously produced in bulk, but the maker of the sorcery, the one who made the runes work.
They seemed alive, somehow. Standing out, seemingly moving slightly across the blade, without visibly changing location or shape. Searching for their master? Calion shook off the thought, perhaps it was just his imagination. But yet... if there was a more direct connection between the sword and the sorcerer, however faint, he might be tracking the party through it. Sensing when they came near, or even in what region they were travelling at any given time, as Fainan had already cleverly suggested. It wouldn't be strong, but enough to cost them the element of surprise, when the time came to find him.
It would likely be safer kept or destroyed in Rivendell, unless the loremasters there knew of a way to reverse the connection, to track the sorcerer instead. For now, though, it would be best if Auros looked at it, for he might know something of the runes' meaning. So Calion sat back, guarding the sword and waiting until Fainan had spoken with Auros.
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Mar 6, 2011 19:23:25 GMT -5
Calion:
As dusk faded into night and the party made camp, Calion glanced to the East, to Mirkwood. They had come quite a way, and the view was beautiful; many of the trees in the far distance were still under daylight, but the shadow of the mountains advanced rapidly. Tomorrow they would go into the pass and out of sight, and he cherished the view on his beloved forest. It was not out of trouble yet, but it would have to survive without him; he had his duties, both to his kingdom and his family.
Turning to the north, the mountains were already tucked away in the night. Somewhere there his brother must have gone, reinforced by anything that could be living up there. Finding and redeeming him would be difficult indeed, but Calion knew that if there was a way, he would not rest before it was found. Corruption by the shadow was not without cure, as his past companion had already shown. But possession? Who could know? Maybe the libraries in Rivendell could provide more information. Turning to the west, he stared up briefly at the mountains, and then made his way to the fire to aid in the preparation of a meal.
---
Later that night, a rustle went through the bushes just south of the path through Mirkwood. Swiftly, a troop of creatures, perhaps two dozen or more, broke out of the black green, and crossed to the northern side. Strong and intelligent, swift but miraculously uncommanded by the darkness, they searched around the scenes of battle. They were determined to find their target, but starving, and not beyond the devouring of what Orcish and spider-corpses were left behind and not removed by the Elvish patrols after the battle, on their way to the clearing.
Their leader was more determined to find the prey than any in its pack. It had witnessed first-hand the power of the Shadow, and had discovered a release from it, and through it, had released many others of its kind. And it would release even more as they made their way northwest, bolstering their forces.
As quick and invisible as shadows they bounded through the forest. They went not unnoticed to some of the Elves in the area, but were left alone; the Silvans sensed no taint on them, and likely perceived them to be simply a group of wild animals, indigenous to Mirkwood, or even perceived the good of their intentions. Heading straight to the clearing, they had now finally picked up the scent they were looking for. Feasting on the roasted remains of Orcs and beasts, their former allies, they halted for a while, glancing and making sounds at the moon peeking out of the trees around the clearing. Before the night was gone they resumed their journey, chasing the sorcerer to the Northwest, towards Angmar, seeking revenge and salvation for their kindred lost.
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Nov 21, 2010 19:02:16 GMT -5
Calaron:
Glancing at the newcomers, Calaron winced. If there was one squadron in the open, there would likely be 2 more hidden in the trees. Obviously his scouts and roaming forces did not do their work well, for this region of the forest should have been cleared of and checked for Elven patrols days ago. Blast these Elves and their skills of stealth.
Knowing that there would be little chance of victory against such a force, he gestured to his forces with the most minimal of handgestures, while addressing the Noldo in conversation. As he spoke, the Orcs moved into a protective stance, ready to interrupt any assault.
"It might please you to know that my 'prisoner' fought well, Elf, and I had to take some measures to break his spirit. But the powers of those who serve the Dark one are great, and not even you might last very long, had I chosen you instead." Taking a few steps back into the shadow, Calaron continued, "But lucky for you, I did not. The secrets of Mirkwood were worth more to me. A bad choice, perhaps, if I can even guess at the importance of your mission. But for now, it seems I must cut our conversation short. In Mirkwood your life is guarded, but perhaps the next time we meet you won't find yourself on friendly grounds."
Retreating back to the shadows around the clearing, he shouted: "I know you have business in the North, Noldo! I will be waiting for you! Find me if you dare!" And with that he vanished, the Orcs following in more disorganized manner, while fending off Elven attacks, and trying to dodge the arrows that followed swiftly.
Calion:
No longer able to control himself, Calion raced across the clearing to chase his brother. "Calaron! Fight him! You can't let him win!" he shouted, while motioning the Elven patrols to follow. After sprinting into the woods and cutting down a spider or two in his wake, leaving behind his reinforcements for a short distance in his folly, a sword struck at him. Parrying it with his knife, he stared into a familiar face.
"Ah, but I've already won, brother", Calaron said, mocking the last word. "But I can't stay. If you want your revenge, face me in Angmar!" And with that he released the sword, threw a small shockwave of shadow in Calion's face to knock him back and distract him, and was gone into the trees. When Calion had shaken it off, further chase looked to be impossible, for by skill or sorcery, Calaron had seemingly left no trace.
Falling back to his comrades, Calion apologized to lord Auros for his rash behavior just before. "If you move to Angmar, I will stand at your side. For it seems we now both share some unfinished business."
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Oct 18, 2010 8:00:42 GMT -5
Grond Morgoth's mace Sauron's battering ram
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ArPharazon
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King of the Land of the Star
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Post by ArPharazon on Oct 18, 2010 7:59:33 GMT -5
Rivendell
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Oct 18, 2010 7:55:05 GMT -5
Naugrim (dwarves) Not sure if a singular exists? Linguistically, I can only see "Naug" as an option.
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Oct 18, 2010 7:49:11 GMT -5
Radagast
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Oct 3, 2010 16:30:09 GMT -5
Happy Anniversary Valarguild! Made it to another year, and one not as unlucky as the number might imply May it live for much long still! *raises the Dorwinion wine* This also coincides with my 7th anniversary, but it seems like so much shorter, can't believe I joined you so long ago already. Time sure flies!
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Aug 16, 2010 19:12:50 GMT -5
Calaron:
He grasped at the gash on his leg, the pain showing in his face. In less than a second, he withdrew his power, and the silence vanished from the surrounding area. Hatred showing in his now pitch-black eyes, Calaron looked up and let out a loud scream of agony and frustration at the Avar, enough to scare the remaining birds out of the nearby trees and make even the Orcs shudder.
"Get him!" he shouted at the Orcs in a deep, echoing and slightly broken voice. "Kill him! He cannot be allowed to reach his friends! We'll capture another instead!" The terrified Orcs shot their crossbows at Estarion, only grazing his leg, and hitting some of their companions which were giving chase to the Elf.
Chasing after his enemy, Calaron darted into the trees despite the wound on his leg, his Orcs running with him. Seemingly radiating shadow now, he ran to the circle, but was too late to stop Estarion from reinforcing the party. Just in time he regained his caution to stop himself from jumping into the clearing, and instead he signalled the Orcs to follow him, as he swiftly made his way along the outer edge of the clearing.
Calion:
Being occupied with spiders in trees and Orcs who weren't surrounding Auros, but approached his ranged companions, Calion was the last to join Auros and Frali in close combat, after cutting a bigger hole out of the gap Frali had entered. The companions prepared to make a stand, and his hope for their victory strengthened even further when Meren's darts hit their targets, until a new, larger force of Orcs burst through the trees on the westflank. Turning around to glance at their numbers, his eyes widened, for in their midst stood his own brother, surrounded by shadow, with a darkness in his eyes and an evil smile on his face.
As Orcs, Elves and Dwarf turned briefly to look, and the fighting seemed to slow down, Calaron raised his hand, and ordered loudly in a black, authoritative voice, to cease the fighting. Immediately the Orcs around the fighting Elves fell back around their leader, now greatly outnumbering the tired defenders. Calion raised his blade to face the new and old adversaries, eyeing his brother warily.
With restrained anger, Calaron caught his glare, and spoke calmly, his voice still echoing the shadows within and around him. "You have fought well, brother. But you cannot last. If one of you tells me what I want to know, I might spare some of you. But believe me, I have many ways to extract information, physical or otherwise. You would not want me to use them." Facing Auros, he continued, "Sir Auros, I know you are on a mission of potential great importance to the fate of this land. For your own health and sanity, you would do well to reveal the secret."
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Jul 25, 2010 17:34:03 GMT -5
Calaron:
With the elf dropping down, there was no point in shooting another arrow. Calaron put the arrow back in his quiver and moved to Estarion's position. The crash was loud, loud enough for him to have assumed the Elf dropped to the ground, but he felt this was a deception; he could still sense him within the trees, on the lower branches. There were also still Orcs tracking them from the ground, and surely he would've heard the rumor of battle if they had faced the Avar there.
He smiled. It was a clever plan, but Calaron didn't have to rely on sound alone, and so it wasn't clever enough. Sneaking to the hole the Avar made, he sensed him near a treetrunk, and if he strained his ears enough, he could almost hear him breathe.
Swiftly, Calaron went into action. In a mere moment he dropped through the hole, swung around the trunk, and slammed himself and Estarion out of the trees, while making sure to avoid a weapon-stroke.
Both elves landed on the ground nimbly, and faced each other. With a quick signal, Calaron signalled the Orcs to approach, though with caution. He did not want to waste them in a melee when they would be more suited in delaying the Avar, should he try to flee again.
With a grim smile he addressed his opponent, no longer trying to conceal his contempt. "No hiding anymore. Even if you went back into the trees, I would find you, for I have more than Elf-skills to use. Now face me and my forces," waving a hand-gesture at the trees behind him, where more Orcs appeared, "or tell me what I want to know. And don't expect your comrades to rescue you, because as you can hear, my Orcs and spiders have them pinned down a distance from here." He nodded in the general direction of the battle, now clearly audible.
Calion:
Having followed Auros to the clearing, Calion also dismounted, and readied his knife. He did not get a chance to go into melee yet, because of Meren's tactic, but he smiled at the effect. After the dust settled, he took advantage of the situation by killing some of the sneezing Orcs, and retreating out of the melee when they regrouped.
Soon, the Orcs were being reinforced by spiders, and he started his involvement in this wave by hitting a spider in the trees with a thrown dagger, before preparing to go into close combat again, should any Orcs or spiders approach.
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Jun 27, 2010 19:05:34 GMT -5
Calaron:
He would not have expected the Avar to surrender so easily, but couldn't help uttering a small curse of annoyance as the Elf cut his way to a higher level within the canopy and disappeared right above him. Calaron swiftly struck in the direction Estarion had disappeared to with his sword, not seeing whether he would hit anything for the cover of the canopy. Unsurprisingly, he didn't.
Swiftly he jumped up to the higher level. The Avar was not in front of him, but instead Calaron's ears easily picked up the rustles behind him, stealthy though they were. His prey had turned back to confuse him. He gritted his teeth and focused. "He will not lose me easily", Calaron mumbled, while turning and following the traces Estarion had left. "Come back here, Avar!" he shouted. "I simply wish to exchange information, and we can all go unharmed!" His voice was stiffled by the canopy and the leaves rustled all around him in echo. But it gave him an idea. After all, he still had his expertise in sorcery, though now in a different body.
Slowly drawing the bow from behind him, he stood still on a branch for some seconds. An incantation left his mouth, and he exerted the dark powers he still possessed in this form. A shadow fell among the trees, though that could not easily be noticed from within the canopy. The orcs below, chasing the rumors above them and following the will of their master, wavered. A deep and total silence fell within the forest as the animals ceased their chittering and the leaves stopped rustling in the wind. While putting an arrow to his bow at a calm speed, Calaron listened and thought. He felt the presence of all living creatures in the neighbourhood. Birds. Squirrels. Spiders. Orcs. Wolves. And ahead of him, not too far away, the mind of an Elf, blocking his thoughts, accompanied by a faint rustling of the branches within a sea of silence and fear.
Maintaining the aura of shadow and silence around him with some effort, he focused his thoughts on the elf and withdrew them from elsewhere, releasing the spiders and orcs from their fear, who slowly and quietly began to move again. Deftly moving across the trees, masking his own sounds almost completely with his abilities, Calaron tracked the Avar through the canopy, sensing him almost as clear as he could see a bear in an open field, and released the arrow, aimed at the Elf's legs. The arrow would have struck true were it not for a branch blocking the way, not a foot behind the Elf. Estarion would be startled now, and Calaron prepared for a further chase, though the effort of keeping the shadow up would likely slow him down. While continuing to move after his prey, he notched another arrow.
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Apr 5, 2010 18:53:14 GMT -5
Calion:
Agreeing with his companions about the chosen action, Calion spurred his horse forwards in flight. Readying the weapon he palmed in his hand, a long knife that was not much more than an extended dagger, he grabbed at the arrow in the tree with his other hand during the ride.
It had been shot into the tree with great power, indicating an Elven bow, and was hard to remove with a tug. Instead, he twisted and broke the arrow as he passed it, and placed the back-end with fletching in a pocket after quickly examining it in about half a second, before reaching for the reins with his now free hand. It was Calaron's marking, there could be no doubt. Whoever was leading this ambush would know more about his brother, and Calion had half a mind to turn into the trees and seek out the shooter. But the mission came first, and he would have to flee for the good of it. If nothing else, he would be able to return one day after his assignment's end and examine the clues left behind in the area.
For now, he rode forward with his companions, preparing for combat. He winced as he noticed Estarion's disappearance from his mount and into the trees. Whatever the Avar was up to, isolating himself in battle could turn out badly for him.
---
Calaron:
Whether it was the sudden halt by Calion, or the wind swaying the arrow's course, or some attempt of resistance against the occupying sorcerer, didn't matter. The arrow had missed, and he cursed the missed opportunity. What remained of the Elf's spirit hadn't given up quite yet, and controlling the Elf's trained skills, like aiming an arrow, seemed harder than the sorcerer had hoped. As he took another arrow to his bow, he monitored the party's actions. Most of them raced further along the path, which was unfortunate, but predictable. The orcs and spiders would be on their trail, and the hastily constructed barricade would slow them down, at least.
Calaron's eye had, however, fallen on one of the Elves, who had dismounted and slipped into the trees, nearly vanishing from sight. It didn't look like a Silvan, but appeared to be one of the Avari, the very same one brought to the Halls by his brother's party, not many days ago. Spying a good opportunity to isolate one of Auros' companions, and perhaps learning the information he desired without having to take down the entire armed escort, Calaron motioned to some mounted Orcs with crossbows who were standing by on the ground, to follow him as best as they could.
Calaron's body was agile and trained for scouting and travelling quickly among the trees, and he had developed eyesight keener than even most other Silvans. Using the knowledge from having studied this patch of trees hours before, he sped off after the tree-hopping Avar. It did not take long before he had intercepted his going, for Estarion had a greater distance to travel than Calaron, and he confronted him on nearing branches, with just a few yards distance between them. Trying to keep up with the swift Avar pace by pace, he drew a fine Silvan sword and swung it in his general direction.
"I strongly suggest you halt, Elf! There is information we would acquire from you. It would be a waste to hunt you to your death in these trees before your time."
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Mar 20, 2010 8:37:41 GMT -5
Which is exactly why I asked if I overdid the numbers. And it's just numbers. I could easily cut it in half or even less with a simple edit. I just figured that there would have been time to check in a few patrols, which might have been running rather unchecked in this part of the woods since the fall of the outpost earlier. This can easily ramp up the enemy forces, and I felt that this might even be a rather conservative number considering what he might have drawn for reinforcements over the course of a night.
But as I said in the meeting, it's a balance between what we could face, and what we can handle. If this is too much for us, I would like to hear your suggestions about what would be a better number. I'm sure we'll be able to discuss this some more in our next meeting, but discussing it here could save us some time.
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ArPharazon
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Post by ArPharazon on Mar 19, 2010 20:38:51 GMT -5
I've made my post, starting the ambush. It is open for edits, most notably because I can't remember if Calion has an actual sword to draw, and because I'm not sure if I've overdone it with the enemy numbers. Of course any part is open to discussion. I've set up the numbers and positioning, anyone is free to guide the course of the battle from here. Have fun!
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