MEO RP/Tales of Lore

[Varda]

The link from the News page should work now, Turgon.

[Eonwë]

I thought I should mention the shadow-cobwebs about Estarion were meant to be something seen upon the Other Side, in the Wraith-world and something only Auros or another High-Elf should see. Although I imagine the line is not so clear-cut and in fact more blurry for Noldor as they see both worlds at once, I will try to be more clear about that line in the future.

[Varda]

Estarion's sudden flash of "culture shock" was delightful, Turgon. It made him endearing. I think he has a good chance of being adaptable to this weird new place.

[Shelob]

thanks. I figured that along the way when I was writing. It seemed to me Estarion went a bit too far towards being omnipotent, so I scaled it down a bit by the culture flash. He can do a lot, he knows a lot, but not all, not even the Valar can do and know everything, that right is only held by Iluvatar.

[Eonwë]

Hmm, I've been thinking about this (and researching, in my continuing quest to ensure I hold true to Tolkien). It seems Legolas at least could see the shapes of the Men of Dunharrow, and was backed by Elladan, a Noldorin Elf. (This is in "The Passing of the Grey Company" at the beginning when the dead first begin to follow them.) This leads me to question exactly where to draw that line, lol :} I could really use that proof that Legolas has Noldorin blood right about now :}


It seems at the very least then that (assuming that Legolas bloodline proof doesn't pop up :}) some, maybe all Elves could perhaps see the other side, but did not necessarily walk on both sides, or wield power over it as the Calaquendi. Or the ability to see it could be a result of the mingling of the Sindarin Elves with the Silvans. Feel free to comment :}

Either way, it's proof that you never stop learning and rethinking.

Take care :}
Eonwë

[Shelob]

"Nin nossë ar meldomelin mahtammë!" is Quenya for: "For family and friends we fight!".

Excuse me for using Quenya in this matter, for it is not correct to use it as an Avari, although I believe that the Avari in Cuivienen might have held to the Quenya speech after they separated from the Great March West. However, whether I am correct in this supposition or not, I needed a battleshout to go with my post and Quenya is the most complete to find such things.

[Varda]

There are only 6 words of Avarin known, according to the Ardalambion. More could be derived from what we know of those by the highly ambitious. It is known they had many tongues. However Finrod managed to translate Beor's tongue quickly, derived from Avarin, although he had the advantage of using surface telepathy. Also all Elvish languages derived from the first, so they should all be able to figure each other out, given time.

The Silvans who were ruled by Sindarins shifted to the Sindarin speech. This includes in our story's time the Greenwood under Thranduil and Lothlorien under Celeborn. The Noldor switched to Sindarin due to Thingol's ban once he learned of the Kinslaying. Sindarin might be considered the "common" speech for Elves.

It is possible that the Avari elsewhere could have picked up Sindarin. Since Estarion communicated easily with the party from the first, I assume he's using Sindarin.

Our Sindarin language table is in dire need of work. I will add that project to the many already on the virtual desk, help happily accepted.

[arathorn]

A question/observation regarding my new beasts from bellow:

I initially debated whether to introduce them into the RP because I've never read of them in Tolkien works, but it seemed that it only stood to reason that if the woods and stony outcrops had spiders then why not trap-door versions where the dwarves dwell? I was careful not to actually SAY they were spiders, just 'like-beasts' thus leaving open the possibility that they were hybrids or worse manifestations of other evil that dwells in the depths. I was wondering what the response would be and particularly liked Auros' observation:

"Never before had he seen such a creature, nor in the lore he long studied did he read of its like."

Sort of acknowledges them, but wonders why he has never heard of them before. Of course not being a dwarf he may not have been deep enough to ever come across them.

I also wanted to relay that these beings never (well almost never) came to the surface unless 'driven' to do so (since that is a major point of our storyline) and that my earlier sense of angst in the earth tried to emphasize this. I was surprised to find most responses as "oh, more spiders" as if it was a common occurrence to put set upon and pulled into the earth by never before encountered monstrosities <chuckle>, esp. since Haran was 'horrified' at their presence.

I'm wondering what our position on this should be, i.e. presenting something new that is not corroborated in the works? Personally I feel that extrapolation would benefit the story as long as it doesn't directly oppose Tolkien's views. What say you, fellowship? ;D

[Eonwë]

How our party has reacted is as simple as how individuals react to different crises. Some things will give people pause, while others charge right at it. Likewise, when those given pause are ready to strike, those who charged forth may be given pause. Most of the time, you do what you know :} I suppose for Fainan, Calion, and Estarion this threat of spider-like creatures seemed familiar enough for them to attempt a frontal attack, while Haran knew of the dangers and dared not get close, and Auros never having seen these things before decided it best to study his new foe while he had the chance (i.e. they did not pose a direct threat).


I think it likely such creatures could've been bred or even be descendants of Ungoliant with no alterations. It would simply be a matter of lineage, if Ungoliant would've found a mate like in form to these creatures (perhaps somewhat,... dumber :}) then that solves that; or they could've been works of Morgoth as he twisted the various creatures of Arda to his own purposes.


I have no problem with "new" creatures so long as there's something that can be drawn from in Tolkien. I.E. I don't not want to hear of Elf/Uruk-Hai hybrids. (There's actually somebody doing that on the MEO forum!) Various spider-forms are fine with me.

Take care :}
Eonwë

[Varda]

My character definitely didn't like them! She jumped up on a branch away from them and doesn't want to camp on the ground anymore.

I was waiting to see what Arathorn had in mind for them to be to keep from toe-treading. Trap-door spider types! Very cool and seems in keeping. Scary indeed, my friend! Good idea.

[Eonwë]

A month since last post here. Time for something :}

Auros' plan is outlined as follows:

Moss and webbing are "probably" thick in some areas of the trees, the webbing especially so on the sides of the path, since the spiders haven't made webs spanning it. Calion/Fainan are to bring some of these "globs" down upon the path. Auros and Haran will make a strike at another part of the surrounding circle, killing as many of the creatures there as possible, "hopefully" succeeding in sending them into a rage, working against their master's focus, as well as drawing the enemies to that part of the circle. Once their rage overcomes their master's hold on them (which may end up in them trying to kill Haran and Auros outright) they will have more caution when dealing with sources of light, and less willingness to stay in its directness. This is where the burning moss and webs come in. The creatures near that end of the path will back away from the sudden burst of light, giving us the time we need to run.

Now, here's a question:
I know "only we can prevent forest fires" :} but how intent should we really be at putting out a fire that could give pause to these creatures a litte longer? Not to mention the fact that if we're running for our lives we probably wouldn't consider it a priority :} Then again, you Mirkwood Elves may consider it a bit more important since you live in that forest :} Another then again, we could just let it play out in the story :}

Take care :}
Eonwë

[arathorn]

Heh, I'm not surprised that you've mention this. I've been starting to wonder how we haven't burned down the entire forest by now what with fiery axes, knives and arrows flying all over.. not to mention flaming spiders bounding around precariously. I'm now thinking that my bringing paraffin into the story might not have been such a good idea, especially now that you've added webbing and moss to the picture

Kind of why I've asked Auros what he was thinking of specifically... NOT to put you on the spot or anything Eonwe!

Yet, having said that, webs would burn very quickly probably not posing that much of a threat of an inferno and I'm not sure how well moss would burn actually, since it is moist most of the time ... hmmm.. maybe it would just smoulder giving us a smoke screen? Perhaps we can use it that way... web covered moss that ignites quickly but then just smokes? Home-made smoke screens?

[Eonwë]

Hmm from my experience with moss, it usually burns pretty well :}

I also played on the idea that the darkness could overwhelm and quench torches, branches, etc. The only fire that's held its own to any real degree so far has been our campfire, "imbued" if you will by our song, begun with my song of light while making it, thus trying to increase on that theme. So likely we need not worry about moss or webbing spreading fire too far, and our campfire is contained and outlined, so if we do run off in haste, that shouldbe ok as well.

Haven't read your new part yet, Arathorn, but I thought I had laid out my plan in a fairly detailed manner in the story already. Maybe its just obvious to a Noldo :}

Take care :}
Eonwë

[arathorn]

Hadn't thought of the darkness actually quenching fires, but I guess that takes care of that problem. Also, I've never actually tried burning moss on its own, but any stuck to wood I've seen before seemed to smoulder not burn outright. Maybe it was still wet because it was attached to the branch and still 'alive', so to speak. Dry/dead moss would no doubt burn well. SO, if we kill enough moss..!!! ;D

Re: Haran's question to Auros, it's more specifically about the paraffin itself, not his overall plan.

[Varda]

Fires on the path should be safe enough, but all that fiery mess we've been spreading around with paraffin could be a problem. If the darkness can quench fire because it's light, our poor little warm bodies are in trouble especially if someone is a glowing Noldo. Might want to rethink that.