Biography: Princess Ardwinna

Father: King Aragorn
Mother: Queen Arwen
Older Brother: Prince Augustus

Grew up in Minas Tirith's palace.

Age: 16

Demeanor: Spoiled, Bratty, at times whiny; as a princess, she has been waited on hand and foot, and basically expects everyone to do her bidding whenever she commands. She sees herself as better than nearly everyone, as she has spent her young life literally looking down on everyone from the 7th tier.

Family Background: King Aragorn spends his days doting on and grooming Prince Augustus, the heir to the throne. Queen Arwen, on the other hand, favors her daughter, and hand selected a special staff of servants designed to cater to Adrwinna’s every whim. Arwen and Ardwinna have become confidantes, and are closer than simply a mother and daughter.

After having Prince Augustus, King Aragorn was content, as he had successfully produced his heir. He finally gave in to Arwen’s requests for another child, but saw Ardwinna as Arwen’s project, and basically brushed her aside. Ardwinna has felt this since her youth, and therefore created a bond with her “Uncle Gandalf” as a male role model, mesmerized by the simple magick he would produce for her. Gandalf noticed her seemingly natural ability to learn the magick he showed her, and trained her in early years. Ardwinna is thrilled that Gandalf believes in her abilities as a Mage, and hopes that she will finally feel something akin to pride and love from her father because of this.

Ardwinna has also been facing the decision that looms over the head of every Half-Elf: the choice to stay immortal with her Elvin kin, or to choose the life of a mortal. Arwen has impressed upon her that this choice is hers, and hers alone, and that neither parent would resent her decision. Ardwinna‘s close relationship with Arwen has everyone, from the Royal Family to their servants to the town peasants, speculating that Ardwinna will chose the immortal Elvin life of her mother’s kin, but Ardwinna has yet to reveal what decision she will make.

The Lost Gods

This is a series of posts developed by Vicki to help explain and detail the mythology of Middle Earth. This is the last of these posts.

The Lost Gods:

The nine lost Gods are those Tolkien created, but dropped for one reason or another from his official works. They exist only in notes and fan works. For our world setting, these Maiar were banished to the Isle of Evil (a large island far to the South East of Middle Earth, filled with forgotten evil monsters) for disobeying orders. Initially neither pure good nor pure evil, they were those who did nothing in the great wars, choosing to be neutral. For their inaction, they were banished from the Undying lands (where the rest of the Maiar/Valar live) and took up residence on the Isle of Evil. After centuries there, the isle's evil corrupted them, and they later took action to strike back at the people of Middle Earth and the Valar.

Ilmare: The Goddess of Magic. Leader of the lost Maiar, and wisest. She supposedly taught the people of Middle Earth magic, the art previously only know to the gods. As her art was used by both sides, she refused to take a side in the great wars. For this, she was banished. Taking up residence on the Isle of Evil, she delved into the darker arts of magic, forever corrupted.

Fionwe: God of Weapons, and brother to Illmare. As his Sister taught magic to the people of Middle Earth, Fionwe taught the skill of arms. He taught them how to fight, and how to kill. When the great wars began, he oddly refused to fight, wanting to witness how well he had taught the people of Middle Earth. But as he did not fight, he too was banished. Like the others, he took up residence on the Isle of Evil, and was slowly corrupted by it's influence. He became the champion of the Lost Gods, and their strongest fighter.

Salmar: God of Musical instruments and crafts. Too peaceful for his own good, he chose to remain out of the fighting, and was thus banished with the rest of the Lost Gods. He formerly built instruments for play, but now builds instruments of war.

Makar: God of Violence, of fighting for fighting's sake. Loves fighting and wars, to the point he didn't take a side as he wanted the fighting to never stop. For this, he was banished.

Messa: Goddess of Pain and discord, and a lover of war. She relished the fighting of the great wars, and like her brother didn't fight as she didn't want the wars to ever end. For this, she was banished.

Nielinqi: Goddess of decay and disease. Formerly a short nature Goddess, she felt herself too weak to help out in the fighting, and stayed behind in the Undying lands to tend to her gardens. Banished with all the other Lost Gods, she took up residence on the Isle of Evil to avoid being lonely. There she tried to resurrect her gardens, but her plants continued to wither and die. As the Isle corrupted her mind, she came to relish the art of watching things rot and die.

Nornore: God of Speed. Former servant of the Valar, he was a messenger like Eonwe. Unlike Eonwe, he was too cowardly to take up arms in battle, and used his great speed to run from conflict. Banished with the other Lost Gods, he went to the Isle of Evil for protection, in case the Valar ever sought a stricter penalty. As the Isle corrupts, he becomes more aggressive, though he still avoids a direct fight if he can. He is a master of hit and run tactics, for no one has ever been able to catch him.

Omar: God of Song. In the world of Middle Earth, singing is power, and as the God of song, Omar was the most powerful Maiar, and some said he was stronger than some of the Valar. The Valar counted on his aid to defeat Morgoth, but he refused. He remembered the song of creation, and thought Morgoth's 'part' (the part that created evil) was unique among the Valar, and refused to take part in punishing Morgoth for his creativity. While not evil himself, he appreciated, as he said, 'the diversity.' Thought mad by the others, he was one of the first banished. Corrupted by the Isle of Evil, he uses his great power to further the cause of the Lost Gods.

Telimektar: God of Vengence. Telimektar was an odd Maiar, for not only was he weaker than most, he had no known realm of expertise, no field he presided over. His part in the song of creation was to be sung by Melkor (later Morgoth) but when he instead created evil, it left Telimektar created but without purpose. When the great wars began, Telimektar went through what was essentially an identity crisis, not knowing what he should do, or why he should act. Indecisive to the end of the wars, he was banished with the others who refused to fight. Outraged at their decision, he swore there and then he would make revenge his specialty, and he would not rest until he had his own revenge upon the Valar.

Forum!

Hey Everyone,

As Discussed in tonight's game, the group now has a small blog for more specific messages related to the game - and just to chill.  The Link will be on the Link Area to the side and right here as well.  Check it out!

http://merp.freeforums.org/index.php

Preview: Helm's Deep

Helm's Deep has been a fortress for thousands of years, built sometime during the 2nd age at the same time as Isengard, the two having the purpose of protecting the Gap of Rohan from the enemies of Gondor.  Originally guarded by a strong and constant regiment, Helm's Deep feel partially into disarray as the Kingdom of Gondor also fell in might and honor.  After the Great Plague of the Third Age and an attack by the Easterlings, Helm's Deep was taken over by the Rohirric due to their efforts (refer to the Preview of Edoras for more information).

Helm's Deep is located in the Southwestern part of the White Mountains, a few days ride from Edoras and Isengard.  During the Dunleanding Invasion of the Third age, the Rohirric used Helm's Deep as their fortress before they could strike back and re-take their lands.  In the War of the Rings, Helm's Deep once again proved itself, as an army a third of the size of the enemy (about 3000-4000 vs. more than 10,000 Orcs) won a significant victory destroying Saruman's base at Isengard, with the help of the Ents of course.

Helm's Deep maintains a small unit of about a thousand of Rohirric Soldiers, an amount that remains constant throughout its history.  It now additionally has about 1000-2000 dwarves (part of the Durin (Thorin) Line) living in the Glittering Caves, called for their walls glitter with crystals and gems.  Led by Gimli, the caves are quickly becoming one of the key towns of Dwarfdom.  Though the Caves are technically owned by Eomer still, Gimli is allowed to do as he pleases.  It is said that the caves are one of the most beautiful places in all of Middle Earth. 

Helm's Deep thus is becoming one of the gems of the New Fourth Age Order, as dwarves and men live together to further increase the glory of the realm.

The Istari

This is a series of posts developed by Vicki to help explain and detail the mythology of Middle Earth. These will be posted throughout the week.

The Istari:

The Istari are the five maiar who took the form of human wizards to to the aid of Middle Earth and fight Sauron, at the recommendation of the Valar. They are:

Radagast the Brown- Servant to Yavanna, his specialty is in healing, plants, and animals. He gives little care to the people of Middle Earth, preferring to tend to the lands instead. He was the servant of Saruman in the early days.

Alatar the Dark Blue: Servant to Orome, his specialty lay in being a hunter and physical skills. He abandoned the mission of the Order in favor of power.

Pallando the Light Blue: A servant of Namo/Mandos, his specialty lies in darkness and death. He abandoned the mission of the Istari, and grows his own army of followers for his own uses.

Saruman the White (later the Multi colored): A servant of Aule, his skill lay in alchemy and persuasion. The wisest and most powerful of the order (at first) he is their chosen leader. Tempted by Sauron, he abandoned the mission of the Istari, and becomes a pawn of Sauron's. Defeated in battle at Orthanac, he is stripped of his power and flees to the Shire. He even loses his names, and is referred to as "Sharkey." He meets his death at the hands of his servant, Grima Wormtongue.

Gandalf the Grey (later the White): Servant of Manwe and Niessa. Of all the Istari, only Gandalf remained true to the mission, helping to defeat Sauron until the very end. For this, he was given passage back to the undying lands where he now remains.

Fallen Spirits and Ungoliant

This is a series of posts developed by Vicki to help explain and detail the mythology of Middle Earth. These will be posted throughout the week.

Fallen Spirits:

Sauron: Once one of the mightiest Maiar, he was tempted to Morgoth's side early on. One of Morgoth's most trusted servants, he proved to be a powerful force in the days of the great wars, controlling the fort of AngBand. He is most known for his acts after this, like seducing the kings of the Isle of Numenor, and forging the rings of power. He is the chief enemy in the "Lord of the Ring" books.

Gothmog: The mightiest Balrog (see below) to ever live. He was their captain in the great wars of the past, and gets his own section.

Balrogs: Balrogs (as seen in the movie) are spirits of flame and shadow. All Balrogs were once fire spirits who were seduced by Morgoth. By accepting his dark power, they lost their beautiful forms and became Balrogs.

Ungoliant: No one really knows what Ungoliant is, except that she is powerful. (In the book of Valar and Maiar, Ungoliant is THE most powerful creature, tied for the highest level-wise and with more special powers than any other entry). What is known is that she is a spider spirit made from outside Ea and Arda (the universe of Middle Earth) and was a creature of darkness. When Morgoth decided to attack the Valar's homeland (LOOOONG STORY) he made an uneasy alliance with Ungoliant. With her help, he destroyed the Two trees (sacred objects of the Gods that used to hold up the sun and moon) and raided the treasures of the Gods. They made their escape, where Ungoliant turned on Morgoth. Morgoth fled (I repeat, the most powerful Valar in the book, creator of all things evil in Middle Earth, ran scared from her) and summoned his balrogs to cover his escape.

After that, her whereabouts become sketchy. It is known she took up residence near Mirkwood and mothered the race of great spiders that exist today. After that, is is said she left the Universe of Middle Earth altogether, and vanished to planes unknown.

The Maiar (Minor Gods)

This is a series of posts developed by Vicki to help explain and detail the mythology of Middle Earth. These will be posted throughout the week.

Maiar are lesser Gods of Middle-Earth, and usually champions of a specific duty. Though most are align with the majority of the Vaiar, there are some who champion Morgoth's cause, like Sauron and Saruman. The list below details some of the lesser known Maiar.


Arien: One of the few fire spirits to resist Morgoth's call (and become a Balrog) Arien stayed true to Eru and the Valar. For this, she was rewarded with the care of guarding the Sun across the sky, to ensure it would never fall. AKA, the Sun Goddess.

Tillion: The moon god. He is charged with escorting the moon across the sky every night, to protect it from harm. In the beginning, the moon was as bright as the sun, and crosses the sky at opposite intervals of the sun, meaning the two would always be seen and would meet at midnight. However, Tillion fell in love with Arien, and began to follow her path instead. Once, he came too close, and the moon was burned. It is said these burns caused the moon to become as dim as it is today.

Eonwe: Eonwe is the messenger of the Gods, and the General of their armies. He is considered the greatest warrior for his skill (quote: "Tulkas is stronger, and Orome the better Archer, but Eonwe is the consummate warrior").

Erinti: Eonwe's sister, and the hand maiden of Varda. She is considered kind and beautiful, but little else is known about her.

Melian: Melian is unique among the Maiar, for when the Gods left Middle Earth, she stayed behind to marry a Sindar Elf (Elu Thingol). She used powerful protective charms to keep her husband and his people safe from harm for centuries, until her husband was killed by dwarves over a Silmaril. She returned to the undying lands after. She is known for her magic, and her singing; it is said she taught the Nightingales to sing.

Osse: The second in command to the water Valar Ulmo, Osse, he is Lord of Tides. It was Osse who created the Isle of Numenor, rising it up from the bottom of the Sea. During the great war with Morgoth, Osse's loyalty was in question, for Morgoth valued him highly. While he almost betrayed the Valar, his wife Uinen convinced him to remain true. However, this fickle loyalty is said to be the cause of sea storms, for like Osse his intentions may change in the blink of an eye.

Uinen: Osse's wife. She is the goddess of fresh water lakes and rivers, and 3rd most powerful water spirit, next only to Osse and Ulmo himself. When Osse nearly betrayed the Valar, is was Uinene who convinced him to stay true. The Valar nearly banished him afterwards, but Uines pleaded her husband's case, and won him forgiveness from the Valar.

Tom Bombadil: The first being to ever set foot in Middle Earth. Once the chief of Yavann's people, he was in charge of Wild Wood that once covered most of Middle earth. Now, the forest is all but gone, and Tom's powers is reduced to a small area near the shire. Within those boundaries however, Tom's power is absolute. While the forest is all but gone, Tom stays in Middle earth with his wife, Goldberry, aiding those who need it.

Goldberry: Tom Bombadil's Wife. A lesser water spirit, she appears as a beautiful human woman to the untrained eye. She lives in Middle Earth with her husband in the Old Forest near the shire, helping those who come across their path.

Pages

Hey Everyone,

I just wanted to point out to the right side of the blog, underneath the Introduction and Polls is a section called Pages.  Pages are stand-alone entries that will be updated as needed and are placed there for easy reference for everyone here. 

Current, a list of all the artifacts (courtesy of Sarah, including details on ones we have), a list of all the Team Members, along with some details, and a list of all the spell lists the team has is there.  Hopefully, these will be handy reference guides for everyone as we continue playing in this game. 

If there is any information you feel should be over there, feel free to ask about it and one of us (Michael, Jon, Sarah, or Vicki) will get around to it!

Recap: Edoras and the Lich King

Written by Jon, in the viewpoint of Allen

Short Version: The team arrived in Edoras, only to discover that the Royal Tombs were in danger.  The team rushed to help Faramir, Eowyn and Eomer against the Lich-King, but the Lich-King's abilities prevented the team from winning the battle, as the Lich-King escaped without a wound and with both artifacts.

Preview: Edoras and Rohan

The Preview series of posts typically feature whatever dungeon or city the group is entering and give some facts about it.

Country: Rohan
Other Names: Land of the Mark (Horse-Mark)
Capital: Edoras, as seen in the movie Two Towers. A beautiful hilly city that somehow did not burn during the War of the Rings. Bigger than what the movies would have you believe.
Other Cities: Don't exist. The rest of Rohan consists of small and mid-sized towns in the countryside.

Ruler: Eomer, 18th King of Rohan, 1st of the Third Line. Married to Lothirel, princess of Dol Amroth, a coastal principality. Known to be a great leader, warrior and friend of Aragorn; a handsome and loyal man. He has no children.

Military Power: At the battle of Pelinor Fields, the Army was about 6,000 men; it is currently a little smaller.
Population: If the assumption is made that in a total war situation about 5 to 10% of a population serves as the army, then the total is somewhere between 60,000 to 120,000 people.
Military Specialty: The Horsemen of Rohan are well-trained, and have the best horses in all the lands. No other country dares compete with the Rohirric horsemen. Rohan has no navy.

Size: about 5300 square miles, or about the size of New York State
Climate: Mild Summers, Cool winters, but overall bearable. Winds are a bit unpredictable.

Terrain: Rohan is renowned for its grassland and hills, allowing the easy production of horses and farmland. The Grasslands are unique in that much of Middle Earth is covered with sparse woodland; Rohan being the exception. The White Mountains are to the South and usually covered in snow; they are lit when the call is needed. The White Mountains are about 600 miles long, and contain limestone quarries. Most of the highest peaks are about 10,000 feet; some are so high that they are among the highest in Middle Earth.

Neighbors: The dwarves of the Glittering Caves, led by Gimli, have begun to prosper and are close friends. The Dunlendings to the West are uneasy neighbors; Dunlendings, or Hill-People, have in the past fought the Rohirric over control of Rohan, though they are currently relatively friendly. Many Dunlendings are also solid mercenaries and traders. Woses live in the nearby Drúadan forest. During the third age, the Rohirric would hunt Woses down for fun; but after the Woses helped the Rohirric arrive at the Battle of Pelinor Fields on time, the Rohirric have left the Woses in peace, and the Woses leave all in peace. Minas Tirith is also a few days ride to the southwest, and Mordor is a few days ride to the southeast. Being in a central location, Edoras is a natural starting point for many adventures, including Elves heading to the Undying Lands.

Trivia: Hobbits originate from the area as well, but migrated during the third age. The term Hobbit is thought to be from the word "Hole-Digger" in Rohirric.

Famous For: The Mearas. Legendary, almost godlike horses, Mearas were bigger, faster and stronger than any other horse. They could nearly double the speed of other horses and travel in half the time, and were beautiful to boot. Blessed with the ability to comprehend human tongue (and theoretically speak it as well!), Mearas were traditionally the crown jewels of the Royal Family, Gandalf being the exception during his time with Shadowfax. Due to Eomer's reforms, though, many Mearas farms have sprung up throughout Rohan, though they are almost always sold only to the Rohirric. In addition, any good Rohirric PC starts with one.

History: The Rohirric were distantly related to the Dunedain, and were originally from a valley Northwest of Mirkwood, the dark forest seen in the Hobbit. Gondor was being invaded by Orcs from Mordor and Easterlings from....the East, when Gondor requested help from all the neighboring human lands. Only the Rohirric came to help, and with their cavalry saved the day. Gondor, grateful for the Rohirric's help, gave them the lands of Rohan as a reward and also signed a treaty, to ensure that the Rohirric would come to gondor's aid once again. The Rohirric, signing this treaty about 2509 Third Age (or about 500 years before the LOTR), have followed it closely ever since. (As an aside, Gondor gave the land freely because most of the people there had been killed either in the invasion or in the Great Plague). The Rohirric have ruled Rohan ever since, save for a brief period of instability where the Dunlendings took over. Rohan's help in saving Minas Tirith (after saving themselves at Helm's Deep) once again showed the world the tenacity and ability of the Rohirric. Rohan, under King Eomer, has been rebuilding and prospering since the start of the Fourth Age.

Famous Rohirric Characters in Previous Games: William Wallace I (Jon), William Wallace III (Jon).

List: The Gods (Valar) of Middle Earth

The following list briefly describes the list of Middle Earth Gods (Valar) in the world. More information will be given as requested or as there is displayed interest. As a key point, the Valar do not play active roles in the World of Middle Earth, due to the events of the First Age. There are plenty of Maiar (Demi-Gods) around in Middle Earth, but that will be for a separate post - Vicki knows much more about that!

Manwe: Master of the Air, King of the Valar.

Varda: Mistress of the Stars, Queen of the Valar.

Ulmo: Master of the Water and Seas.

Aule: Master of the Elemental/Non-Living Earth. Creator of Dwarves, the Second Born, and thus the God all Dwarves pray to.

Yavanna: Mistress of the Living Earth.

Namo: Master of Fate and Doom.

Nienna: Mistress of Conscience (Grief/Pity/Suffering)

Orome: Master of Nature and Hunting.

Vana: Mistress of Youth, Birth, Renewal, Flowers and Fire.

Tulkas: Champion of the Valar, Master of Courage

Nessa: Mistress of Joy.

Irmo: Master of Spirits, Dreams, and Love.

Este: Mistress of Renewal. Often the God that Jon's Clerics believe in.

Vaire: Mistress of Time, Memory and Stories. Mother of Okiro (Separate Post on him to come!)

Melkor/Morgoth: The God of all that is unholy and evil. His name is not to be trivially mentioned. Imprisoned in the bowels of the World at the end of the first age.

As a side-note, all the Valar were created by one great Creator God, Called Eru. None knows what happened to Eru though. It was Eru who created both the Elves (First Born) and Humans (Third Born).

Biography: Deanna the Bard

by Vicki, the GM

Deanna is your basic Gondorian human born and raised in the city of Tharbad. Her parents own an inn there, the Snuggly Duckling (and yes, I did steal that name just recently. So there). She grew up hearing the tales of adventures, heroes and villains alike, and was fascinated by the outside world. She loved to watch the singing and dancing all around the festive inn, and learned her art through imitation. She had many tutors at the inn, and every one taught her something a little different, and gave her a different point of view on the world outside. She's a mixed bag, with her skills as sporadic and random as she is herself.

When she turned 18, she finally left her home at the inn to begin her travels, with her parent's blessing. She has since traveled much of the lands of Gondor, Arnor, and Rohan, with dreams to travel out even farther. Her ultimate goal is to do something grand, something worthy enough to be put into a song her parents might hear at their inn.

For those with a keen eye, Deanna wears a different outfit everyday, having an entire sack of clothes on her horse. She has brown and naturally brown hair, with a hint of dyes mixed in to lighten it. She is happy, cheerful woman, and looks forward to adventuring with the party.

Biography: Mia Rose

by Sarah

Mia Rose is one of the happiest and most untroubled people you’re ever likely to meet. She is 18 at the time the story begins, though often mistaken for a much younger age due to her small stature, petite frame and innocent childlike beauty. The sight of a cheery 4’6” girl with her bronze hair in a long braid performing her duties, when she is seen at all, never fails to produce expressions of baffled disbelief. Her bright green eyes seem even larger set in her slim 80-pound build. And yet, she is an expert assassin, far more skilled than her scant years would suggest.

She will be happy to tell anyone about her life. Her father, Eli Rose, is an upper-tier noble of Minas Tirith, and she grew up in comfort in his home alone with him; her mother died in childbirth. She completed her schooling at age 14 surrounded by many friends, at which time she decided to pursue a longtime interest and become a chef. Her father obliged her and set her up with a position in a small restaurant in Minas Tirith. She learned quickly, and her skill, beauty and perpetual good humor quickly made the unknown Red Squirrel one of the most popular secret gems in the city. When she was 17, even some people in the royal court had heard of her, and her restaurant was hired to cater a party at the palace.

Mia made a wonderful impression throughout the meal; she was even briefly introduced to king Aragorn and his wife, and the food was a great success. While her crew was cleaning up towards the end of the party, Mia was shocked to see an assassin lying in wait with his sights on the Queen. She saw what he was about to do and killed him herself in full view of the royal family and their guests. Everyone was astonished at her skills, but the king called her a hero for her actions and she received the queen’s thanks.

This much is public knowledge. The next bit is rather less certain. For reasons no one has yet understood, Mia subsequently left her job and her father’s home and accepted King Aragorn’s offer to join his soldiers. She had been working for the king for about a year when the palantir-aided artifact-collecting mission began.

Biography: Ronald the Healer

by Vicky, the GM

Ronald is a Sindar elf from Rivendell. In the early ages of warfare, he served as a battlefield medic, helping to cure pain instead of cause it. In times of peace, he traveled the world, and would work as a doctor for those who needed it. Eventually, the wandering doctor would settle in Rivendell, taking a position the houses of healing under Lord Elrond. By the time the fourth age rolled around, Ronald had become second-in-command of the houses of healing, second only to Elrond himself. With the advent of the fourth age and Rivendell being slowly abandoned, Elrond asked his good friend Ronald to stay in Middle Earth and to look after his daughter, Arwen. Ronald accepts this duty, and ever since then has been the premier doctor of Minas Tirith, and the royal physician. He intended to make sure Arwen and her family would live their mortal lives to their fullest. When the crisis of the Palantir arose, he quickly agreed to see this task done, and to keep the party healthy on their dangerous task.

Biography: Walter Longtooth

Public Biography of Walter Longtooth (Michael)

Walter Longtooth is an older man, a man in his forties who looks almost in his fifties.  He can be an intimating man to talk with, being a 6'6, 250 pound built man who is used to constantly wearing heavy, out of style Plate Mail and a large as himself two handed Battle Hammer.  Behind his helmet is dark black hair and blue eyes, and his face is a non-typical look for a Gondorian.  He has some battle scars on him, and his eyes, particularly at the end of a long day can look worn-down, but otherwise he is in good shape, though not all that handsome.

Walter was initially a City Guard, but was quickly promoted to a Bodyguard of Denethor at a young age after catching a spy with his well attuned ears.  He was a guard to Denethor to his death, a topic that Walter shows much distaste in discussing.  He was part of the War of the Rings, but does not like to talk about that either.  He joined the White Knights after Aragorn became King of the Reunited Kingdom, and has been a member of them since.  He has muddled through several commanders and missions, and has explored some, but not all of what Middle Earth has to offer.  A veteran, he is somewhat charismatic and yet not overly cautious for a man of his age, as his body is meant to take loads of damage.  A blow that would kill someone like Mia or Ardwinna bounces off Walter.

His main tactic is battle is to double his size into a thirteen or so foot giant, making himself bigger than even most trolls.  Limited magic that augment his abilities are a natural part of Walter, and he discussed about how he can use magic to help himself see at night, hide better and chase a retreating foe. He often makes himself the target of the enemy attack.  At night, he uses alcohol and hobbit weed to relax himself, using more at taverns. Despite these vices, Walter is considered to be a trustworthy man.

Total Kills: 2
Successful Negotiations: 2

Biography: Allen the Ranger

by Jon

Public Biography of Allen:

Allen is a Silvan Elf Ranger, 200 years old, about 6’2” and 150 lbs. He has chestnut brown hair and emerald green eyes. He has a calm, cool, collected demeanor, and he is helpful and loyal to friends, though perhaps a bit cruel towards enemies, and those he deems have caused pain to the world he loves so much, especially the forest, with its trees, plants, herbs, and animals. Allen is extremely fast and dexterous, perhaps more so than all but the trickiest of hobbits. Wearing no armor and traveling light, you have seen few who can match his speed and maneuverability. With Allen always are his small (35 lbs) hunting dog, Smoke, and his falcon, Ash. They act as his extended eyes and ears, and help him to see, hear, and track his enemies with deadly precision. Allen prefers to use a plain longbow to kill at a distance, although he has some skill with thrown weapons if the need arises. In a pinch, he can melee only enough to defend himself with short sword and buckler. As has also been revealed to the group, Allen possesses:

-A chalice, which bears an inscription in Khuzdul reading: "Drink all you like, and never worry." This chalice negates all negative effects (poison, etc.) of liquids drunk out of it, and also increases the effectiveness of potions drunk from/brewed in it.

-A flask, bearing signs of Ulmo (Lord of Water). The flask contains unlimited holy water, which will repel undead on contact.

Finally, it is also known to the group that in a pinch, Allen can cast some basic healing spells (heal hits and stop bleeding), and he has some Ranger spells to help him hide (although he is good enough at hiding as it is). Allen's gift to Ardwinna at the beginning of the game was a basic silver brooch with a leaf pattern, as a symbol from the Elven Rangers.

The Team

This post will serve as a guide as to who is on the team and some basic details about them. Eventually, you will be able to click the name of the character for a more detailed biography and stats of the character. This post will be continued to be updated, either through re-posting or by new posts of similar information (To Be Determined)

If there is some piece of information you wished to see, please post a comment and I'll change it as soon as I can. If you want your character to have a public biography, let me know via comments or facebook.

The Current Team (As Of 9-19-2011)

• Princess Ardwinna (Kerri): The 16-year-old and only Daughter of King Aragorn and Queen Arwen, Ardwinna is one of the fairest in the realm due to her half-elf genes. Despite being the child of two fierce fighters, Ardwinna is a talented wizard, who combines both the arcane and essence arts. She tends to be passive and go along with the group, though she can be a pain at times.
• Mia Rose (Sarah): A young (only 18) and short (4'6") lass, it is unknown what she did before joining the team, though she has stated she used to cook for a living. Extremely deadly with her darts, she can also hide and sneak as well as a hobbit. She is generally cheery and friendly, though she tends to be cold-hearted to her foes and is a bit naive to the world.
• Allen (Jon): A Young Silvan Elf (only 200), this ranger is a master of the bow, hiding, animals and of guarding the Princess. Good-natured but serious, Allen has shown many items of potential worth, and won the first drinking game, beating even dwarves. A dependable man, though he did not fight in the War of the Rings.
• Dragar (Joel): a Dwarf Monk of a Western yet unnamed Sect. After fighting for many years, particularly in the War of the Rings, this old dwarf gave up the way of the warrior, shaved his beard, and learned to contemplate the inner mysteries. Wary of artifacts, somewhat cautious, but a decent fighter and team player who will do his part.
• Brunhilda Firebeard (Steph): A middle-aged (200 years) Dwarf Warrior from the Iron Mountains, she is known to be typically jolly and effective in battle with her mace and plate mail. She fought in the War of the Rings, spent some time with family and is now ready to earn her keep. She and Walter are old war buddies and she is an Ex-Member of the White Knights.
• Walter Longtooth (Michael): a middle-aged (early 40s) human, Walter is technically a founding member of the White Knights. He tends to take on the leadership role of the team, often talking in negotiations. Agreeable, sociable, he tends not to take talk of the War of the Rings well, and is known to have to smoke hobbit weed to relax at night.
• Ronald (NPC Healer): The former 2nd-in-command of the House of Healing of Elrond, he followed Arwen when she married Aragorn. A trusted member of the Royal Family, he has powerful healing spells that have already saved Mia's life. A curious and loyal Elf.
• Deanna (NPC Bard): A Bard from Tharbad, this user of a shockingly non-electric whip mixes spells and attacks to be effective in battle. She seems to be a true bard; decent at a lot of things (singing, hiding, ambushing, spells, attacking) but not great at anything, with a tendency to fumble at Jon-Like levels.

To Be Added: Bob's Dwarf.

The Kill Tally (This may be inaccurate) (Keeps track of everyone's kills so far)

1. Mia: 8 Kills
2. Alan: 3 Kills
3. Brunhilda: 3 Kills
4. Walter 2 Kills
5. Dragar: 2 Kills
6. Shiro(?): 1 kill
7. Ardwinna: 1 Kill
8. Deanna/Ronald: 0 Kills

The Killed Tally (totally how many times people have died)

1. Mia: 1 Killed
2. Everyone Else: 0 Killed

Title Suggestions?

Hey Group,

So the Tale of Mr. Longtooth is just the first name I thought of.  But if you have any suggestions for what this blog should be called, feel free to leave a comment or vote in the poll!

Possible Ideas Include:

• Palantir Quest 2: Ardwinna's Voyage
• The Artifact Hunt
• Fellowship of the Palantir
• The Princess: Here and Back Again
• Lord of the Relics
• The Age of Man
• Prophecy of the Kingdom 
• Vicki's Game

Recap: Love and Peace....with Orcs?

The Short Version: The group traveled for a day or two, then rested at an inn, where much discussion was had, particularly with a merchant who had just come from buying items from peaceful orcs at the Path of the Dead. The group went there, and after some negotiations were able to acquire the Crown. We now go forth to Edoras. (Bob played the part of Brunhilda for this performance.)

Recap: Lily von Skull and the Sword of Light

The Short Version: The Team, over a series of battles, were able to defeat Lily Von Skull and her bandit forces, and acquire the Sword. The team continued its poor trend of letting bad guys live, and escorted Lily Von Skull back to the Capital. After a little shopping and talking, the group headed to Edoras...via the Path of the Dead.

Recap: A Hairy Entanglement

The Short Version: The team discovers that the Princess has been put under a curse, and the team is able to defeat the sorcerer behind it. The team then heads to a bandit fortress to the south to acquire the next artifact, a powerful sword.

Recap: And So, Our Story Begins

This is the recap of the very first session. For all recaps, there will be a short version and a long version written after the Jump Break.

The Short Version: The Team is summoned by King Aragorn to go on a quest to retrieve powerful relics due to a vision, after preventing a poor assassination attempt. The team acquires its first artifact in Minas Tirith, but there is a potential problem.

Welcome!

Hello everyone! This blog will be dedicated to the Middle Earth Role Playing (MERP) Game currently ran by Vicki. This blog will include Recaps, information about relevant topics, commentary, and whatever else anyone desires to talk about or put on this blog. At the very least, an effort will be made so that anyone who has to miss a session will be able to catch up in no time flat! Hopefully this blog will allow you to further enjoy this game! So again, Welcome to the world of Middle Earth!