Sure, I will play just let me know when.
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Sure, I will play just let me know when.
Definitely in, and rarin' to go.
Elendil's Heir
Sir Thoroncir, knight-errant of Gondor
Fighter
Just Confirming
Mulligan Took: Hobbit Trouble Maker - invisibility a speciality
Rorimac Brandybuck: Hobbit Archer - in over his head
Gil-Gandel, Grey-Elven bard, present and correct.
Who are we still missing? I know Glee said he was out. What about ShadowFacts?
I think ShadowFacts was going to pass as was RoOsh. Love Rhombus had already disappeared before the halt. I have to get Dugar (Dwarf) (Whtwulf) and Theogrim (OneCentStamp) into this game but that won't be hard. We are shy on spellcasters and so will keep Ghân as an NPC until Glee can return.
So I guess I need to get the beach battle wrapped up and bring the new PCs into the game with a little filler.
The renewed game thread is here: Middle Earth FA64 D&D Game: Sixth Adventure - Harrying Harad by Sea.
I'm just waiting to give Whtwulf & OneCentStamp a chance to chime in, I hope by tonight and I will move this along. The landing is basically done though the rout complete. It feels good to be back.
NAF1138 will be distracted for the next few weeks I suspect. He has announced his wife's water has broke this weekend and his first child in on the way.
I have provided a post with a summary of situation and the vital questions. Please speak up. CIAS, as the designated Hobbit player ;) feel free to chip in a suggestion or 3 as Sandy Proudfoot. Other than he is peckish that is.
If Theogrim and Thoroncir elect to leave the ambush for others, we will say Hraedsig is in charge of that 100. That stills leaves 91 horse for the taking of the port or reserves.
I suppose you already knew this, What Exit?: http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect...of_Cenwig.html
:lol: Did you look up the horn?Quote:
Originally posted by Elendil's Heir
I work hard on the names to make them something the Professor would approve and to have a little meaning.
For the Rohirrim I use Old English names.
Yes, Githa, Anglo-Saxon "gift." Nice. ;)Quote:
Originally posted by What Exit?
Today is the Professor's birthday (1892)! Hope you'll all raise a glass to his blessed memory.
He did give us all one of the greatest presents already and it keeps on giving.
Hey all, I'm going to be away from my computer for a week. Deor can take any reasonable actions that the group needs. Let's finish this up!
Hey, all. I'm hoping to join up with you soonish as your current adventure winds downs. Still thinking about a character.
Cool, start posting ideas and questions here and we'll answer them and get you going.Quote:
Originally posted by Pleonast
Have you ever walked away from your computer while logged into an MMORPG?Quote:
Originally posted by Appleciders
Deor inexplicably strips naked, runs circles in the town square, then proceeds to attack the toughest creature in sight...bare-handed.
I got a PM about this game moving to an opportunity for new players to join up. I'm interested but a little out of my depth.
Just so there's no sheep involved.Quote:
Originally posted by OneCentStamp
Inner Stickler, the best way to learn is to jump in. I started playing with no knowledge of D&D, and only some knowledge of Middle Earth. What interests you here?
Do you know any version of D&D or the Lord of the Rings? Not required, but knowledge of one or the other makes life easier.Quote:
Originally posted by Inner Stickler
I've played like one and a half games of D&D, I read OOTS, I've played Arkham Horror and been reading LOTR yearly since grade school.
This shouldn't be too hard then. You know the history of the World in question. This takes place only 64 years after the War.Quote:
Originally posted by Inner Stickler
I'm guessing you are at least familiar with the generic D&D races and the races of Middle Earth. The game details on them for this game is in the first post of this thread.
Here are my character ideas, in no particular order. I'll need some help with game stats, since I haven't played D&D since the 80s.
Ithilneth, an ages-old, world-weary Silvan Elf from Lothlorien. While she feels the call of the sea, something holds her back. Perhaps the younger Children can help her finish what she needs to complete.
Name is from "ithil" for moon and "neth" for maid (not that she's young anymore); in Sindarin, since Silvan is not well documented. In game terms, I'm thinking she'd be a magic-user/thief or even magic-user/thief/fighter. Sneaking skills, but not a lock-picker or traps type, minor magic, but nothing flashy, and handy with a sword, but not great. While very old (born Second Age), she's neither mighty nor has many "practical" skills. Personality is fearless, curious, bored and out of touch.
Pennycress Farrell, a youngish* Hobbit lady who's run-off to avoid an unwanted marriage. Wants to see the world and have adventures, like all the heroes in the tales one can hear throughout the Shire these days. *If asked will say 39, but she's actually several years older.
Name is from "pennycress", a pretty little flower, and from "far hill" (similar to Baggins from "bag end"). In game terms, I'm thinking she'd be a thief. Good at all the typical burglar skills; grew up on the edge of Shire where a variety of skills are useful. Wants adventure, but is meek in the face of danger. Prefers to climb to safe perch and pelt baddies with a well-aimed sling shot or throw. Is optimistic in all but the most dire circumstances.
Leofead Weardgar-daughter, a shield-maiden of Rohan. The youngest in a family of no sons and seven daughters, her father raised her as a boy. She trained in the militia and now follows her father's example of seeking renown for herself and her ancestors and Rohan. Her favorite weapon is the shield and spear; she is equally useful on foot and horse, of course.
Name is from "leof" for good and "ead" for luck. Pronounced something like Americans would say "luff-add". Father's name is from "weard" for guard and "gar" for spear. Pronounced something like "ward-gar". In game terms, she's a fighter. Her specialties are all with spears, both short (foot) and long (horse) and shields. She can use a sword in close quarters, but isn't great. Her personality is focused and business-like. She's used to making up for her lack of physical strength by training harder than her male comrades. She's 23 and single, and comments about her age or marriage prospects are met with icy stares.
Very interesting. All of those sound intriguing to me, although we already have three Hobbits, and an Elven or Rohirric woman might be a better fit for the party. Just my two cents' worth.
Thanks. I meant to add that I'm happy to play any of them, and if another newbie wants to play one of them, they're welcome to. Just give me first choice. ;)
First I really want to say excellent names and back stories. All three names are excellent for the races. Especially using Old English for Rohirrim.Quote:
Originally posted by Pleonast
The Elves of Lothlorien were all Sindar. This is actually better for a mage in the long run. It sounds like you want the ability to move silently and hide in shadows. Were you concerned with Climbing and reading abilities? If not, skip thief and we'll just ensure you start with Elven Cloak and Boots. A Fighter/Mage would have hit points and be of use as support in combat. A F/TH/Mu will gain levels far too slowly. I recommend against it.
The party already has a young(er) Hobbit Lady Treasure Finder that uses the sling oddly enough. Mulligan Took. So this might not work all that well but I won't rule it out by any means.
It is basically impossible to have too many fighters, so Leofead is quite acceptable. We have two Rohirrim already, though one is a Mage. The other is a Knight.
This game is basically 1st Ed. so the spells should be familiar. I use the original Players Handbook for most of the spells.
If you decide to go as Leofead, let me know if you want to mix her backstory up with Deor's a little; he's of a large, poor farming family of Rohirrim from near Edoras, and Theogrim is his older brother. You could probably be actually of the family, or a childhood friend, or whatever. Actually, I've already invented an "Uncle Aldor", a horse-breeder, and you could easily be his kid. Just an offer- no pressure!
What Exit?, thanks. :) I learned how to make good LotR names back when I was playing LotRO.
I'm going to have to disagree about the Elves of Lothlorien. It was founded by Silvan Elves (specifically, the Galadhrim), and wasn't until the Second Age that Sindar came there. Ithilneth was born early in the age to the original Elves, not the newcomers. Of course, Silvan and Grey Elves are not too different to start with, and since the Sindar culture came to predominate the kingdom, she'd be mostly assimilated. While Men and others might not, I'm sure other Elves would be able to tell she is Silvan and not Grey.
I want her to be able to do "Elvish" things. Things like knowing the names of plants and being able to slip through vegetation silently and without trace. Knowing how to cook Elvish food (but nothing practical like lembas) and braid hair and sing epic songs. Basically, anything a homebody Elf would know after a thousands of years living in a cloistered kingdom, but few things that are useful when traveling away from home.
I think a slow-leveling triple like F/Th/MU would be okay, to represent her impracticalness. If you feel that is too much of a disadvantage with respect to the other player characters, throw her an occasional useful tidbit of lore or skill that an old Elf might plausibly know.
Given all that, if you're happier me playing a more straightforward character like Leofead, I will. She is certainly easier to roleplay (I'm slightly favoring her now).
Appleciders, a connection like being a cousin of Deor and Theogrim would be fun and give an easy entrance to the group (and two nominal chaperons).
I do like the idea of having a Rohirric female warrior with a connection to Deor, but my vote would be for Ithilneth, as we only have one Elf in the party already, our gallant leader: Gil-Gandel – Malacandra – Bard 1st, Sindar ("Grey Elf") 6th level F/Th Age: 624. There's good potential for a rivalry, friendship or a romance there.
But of course it's entirely up to you.
One chaperon, probably. Loefead, at 23, is three years older than Deor and if they grew up together, probably fought with him enough to have established her place in the pecking order.Quote:
Originally posted by Pleonast
That said, our Druid has recently left and we could use another spellcaster.
Howdy...Elendi's Heir poined me over here...I had expressed interest in the original SDMB thread, but hadn't had the time then. I think I do now, and would like to join in. I've read LOTR a few times, and DnDed plenty, as well as a vast assortment of other fantasy themed settings. As I re-read this last game, and the rules threads, I would like to know one thing : are there any particular classes / races that are missing or underrepresented, as I think about what I would like to make?
I was thinking chaperons in terms of "close male relatives to keep an eye on the maiden so our elderly aunties don't have conniptions about her romping about alone", rather than a "defer to my elder" type chaperon. You better believe Leofead won't take any lip from Deor when they're away from home. :DQuote:
Originally posted by Appleciders
I'll tentatively choose Leofead as my character, with the proviso that if another newbie really wants to play a fighter type, I'll switch to Ithilneth. From a lore standpoint, there's really not many Elves left in the world who aren't on their way West, so I don't feel bad not having many in the group.
Good point. So Ithilneth would be a Silvan Elf that learned Sindarin. Old enough to remember before Amdír arrived. Let’s see how this sounds. As an older Silvan Elf Ithilneth would speak Silvan, Sindar. Noldorin and Westron. We’ll even throw in a smattering of Khuzdul. Have her be a F/MU and she will be skilled and equipped to pass without trace outside and quietly inside and out as she wears the cloak and boots of a Lórien Elf and has millennium of experience. Her weapons should include Bow but not required. She would be skilled at climbing trees and building temporary flets and even rope making though without the proper materials she could make nothing special. She would of course carry a few good lengths of Elven Rope. (made of Hithlain)Quote:
Originally posted by Pleonast
As a long lived Silvan Elf women you will be especially skilled with Sleep, Charm and Divination type spells more than the big fiery explosive types. There would be a few spells you could do that you could not teach Deor as an example and others that just work better for you. Are you willing to not be good with Lighting and Cold Spells? I am thinking we can say Gandalf himself taught you enough to be normal with Fire Based spells. We can tie much of your special spell casting to singing.
Mainly dissuading you from Thief as you don’t seem to want most of the abilities and the ones you do want can be had without the class. We also have two thieves in the party already. I’ll ensure your extra skilled in using Read Magic and Comp Languages or have a device to help with it.
Leofead should be simple; we’ll have her specialize in Lance and Sword and skilled with War Shield? Ensure she has a good horse, especially if you are Uncle Aldor the horse-breeder’s favorite daughter. Keep in mind that for adventuring it will be the Sword that will get the most use and not the lance. I would suggest specialize in the Sword twice, take Lance and War Shield and then at 6th level specialize in Lance having been working on it. You will start at 5th level. Most of the party is 5th or 6th so I will have you close to 6th or maybe just at the minimal for 6th.
ETA: For what it is worth, Lórien is not yet empty and Rivendell is still populated with some very powerful elves including Glorfindel and Elrohir and Elladan the sons of Elrond. Greenwood and Ithilien are the home to many Silvan and some Sindarin Elves. Ered Luin has Elves and the woods to the North East of the Sea of Rhûn have a purely Silvan population (not canon, but est. in game)
It looks like we need to replace the Druid or maybe add a Cleric. In either case it would help though if you had the 1st Ed Players Handbook available. CatInASuit is playing a pair of characters as we perpetually lose our Rangers. A second Ranger would not hurt. However the party can absorb nearly any character.Quote:
Originally posted by Koldanar
Any of those would be fine; I'll look into all three. I don't have a 1st Ed handy; all the ones I own are 3rd +, so I'll see what I can find out online.Quote:
Originally posted by What Exit?
As far as I can tell, these are the active players:Quote:
Originally posted by What Exit?
Gwaelur son of Gwaelin – NAF1138 - Fighter, Dwarf of the Glittering Caves. 6th level Age: 135
Bitur son of Bofur - Hoopy Frood - Fighter, Dwarf of Erebor. 6th level Age: 180
Sir Thoroncir, Knight-Errant– Elendil’s Heir - Fighter, Man of Gondor, a Sea-Knight of Linhir 6th level Age: 21
Princess Gilraen (Renee)- NPC – Beautiful young woman of Gondor and trained Healer of Estë 7th level Age: 17
Gil-Gandel – Malacandra – Bard 1st, Sindar ("Grey Elf") 6th level F/Th Age: 624
Rorimac Brandybuck - CatInASuit – Hobbit Ranger 5th Age: 45
Mulligan Took – CatInASuit - Burglar, Hobbit (Daughter of Peregrin Took's Sister) 6th level Age: 30 (From a larger family)
Deor – appleciders – Mage of Rohan (Brother of Theogrim) 5th level Age:20 (From a very large family)
Theogrim - OneCentStamp – Knight of Rohan (Brother of Deor) 4th level Age:24 (From a very large family)
WhtWulf hasn't posted in more than two months. Glee bowed out when we moved over to this board. Shadowfacts hasn't posted to the game thread here on Mellophant. Everyone else appears to be active.
Breakdown by class:
4 fighters: (Thoroncir, Theogrim, Gwaelur, and Bitur)
1 bard: (Gil-Gandel)
1 mage: (Deor)
1 thief: (Mulligan)
1 ranger: (Rorimac)
1 cleric: (Gilraen)
Breakdown by race:
2 Hobbits: (Mulligan and Rorimac)
2 Men of Rohan: (Theogrim and Deor)
2 Dwarves: (Gwaelur and Bitur)
1 Man of Gondor: (Thoroncir)
1 Sindar Elf: (Gil-Gandel)
1 half-Elf: (Gilraen)
The underrepresented group here, of course, is women, though if Leofead joins, we'll be getting closer, and the original Fellowship had no women, so we're ahead on that score.
This looks good. I'm somewhat more tempted toward Ithilneth. :DQuote:
Originally posted by What Exit?
Does D&D* have any short spears? The kind used to stab people 4 or 5 feet away from you, and not for throwing. That's the kind of weapon I want to spec into. I'll keep a sword short on me for emergencies, but I don't want to be a swordswoman.Quote:
Leofead should be simple; we’ll have her specialize in Lance and Sword and skilled with War Shield? Ensure she has a good horse, especially if you are Uncle Aldor the horse-breeder’s favorite daughter. Keep in mind that for adventuring it will be the Sword that will get the most use and not the lance. I would suggest specialize in the Sword twice, take Lance and War Shield and then at 6th level specialize in Lance having been working on it. You will start at 5th level. Most of the party is 5th or 6th so I will have you close to 6th or maybe just at the minimal for 6th.
(As an aside, I tend to make characters that meet the concept in my head, rather than what's particularly useful in game terms. This leads to tragic ends sometimes, depending on how the game goes.)
*Are there any online/wiki/downloadable versions of the D&D you're using?
M.A.R.R.S.L.O.T.R. Needs Women!Quote:
Originally posted by Appleciders
D&D does have melee spears, though they offer few advantages over swords in the ordinary way. Of course, if hardly anyone in the party uses spear then you would likely get first dibs on any magic ones that came up. But I like the idea of another Elf in the party and you should note that elven archers generally kick ass and take names (also, most of the rubes you meet think Elves are six kinds of awesome). Thief skills really would be superfluous at the party's present level - we have one really skilled thief, and as the DM says, innate Elf stealth covers most ordinary needs. Also a mite more magic wouldn't hurt at all; again, we have plenty of tanks so while the Rohirrim shield-maid is a nice character conception she wouldn't get many opportunities for the spotlight.
Well said.
So heavy on spears and lances. Effectively one skill I would say. (I know I am pushing it a bit but I will give you this)Quote:
Originally posted by Pleonast
2 specializations in Spear/Lance will give you a +2/+2 to hit and damage and provide increased attacks. (not with lances though of course) That is 3 proficiencies. Then 2 in War Shield for a +1/+2 bonus.
Heavy on character concept is fine. Actually it is great. I have tried to help every player with this. I don't think I always succeeded but I tried.
As to guides, I never found one. Though the first post of this thread gives a lot of detail and I might be able to get you a spell list if you go MU. I'll send over the XP charts and similar stuff.
Originally, as far as most people knew, it was an all male party. :D
Opportunities for stealing things have been few and far between and what Gil-Gandel can't do, Mulligan can.
Also, What is happening to Sandy Proudfoot, is he staying around or moving on? Does this mean me playing 3 hobbits through the game, or is it just going to be the two of them.
I wasn't planning on Sandy staying. That was just for the battle really.Quote:
Originally posted by CatInASuit
Would I be able to get a little help developing a character? I haven't found a great source for 1st Ed rules anywhere yet (damn me being too young to remember anything but 2nd!) but I'm leaning towards a cleric / druid rather than a ranger at least, having never had the opportunity to play either in the past. Also, a good resource (other than Wikipedia, where I will be heading shortly) would be appreciated...I'm thinking a Wose Druid. This being DnD rules, I seem to remember druids only being allowed blunt weaponry, correct?
Interesting, Glee had been playing a Wose Druid. That is Ghân. Weapons vary a bit by race for the Druids but they are generally not very good in combat. They rely on their vast number of spells and abilities to be useful.Quote:
Originally posted by Koldanar
If you scan through the older threads on the SDMB you can get a great feel for a Wose Druid as Glee did an excellent job of playing one. The other exceptional Druids are usually Beornings (or perhaps Selkie, though I did not list that in the setup thread, this is a decision I just made now.) These 3 races are already more in tune with nature than most. The last two have the advantage of shape changing to start. The Woses have bonuses in herb use and a natural fire resistance. They Woses are weak fighters that rely on stealth and missile weapons, a Beorning Druid can actually be quite fierce especially in Bear form.
Spell casting is about the same for all three.
The actual Clerics are trickier. Each of the Valar give their Clerics different powers and strengths. From the non-combat healers to the Warrior Cleric of Tulkas and Orome. Humans generally make the best Clerics. Dwarves are restricted to Aule.
More on Clerics. A few of the Valar have clerics that are especially good against the undead.
Elbereth (Varda) of course is best. Her clerics also have several special spells for use under the stars.
Manwë is another and his clerics have an affinity to Eagles, the Great Eagles and Far Seeing and Wind spells.
Mandos (Námo) is the third. His province is the dead and his clerics are best at raise the (mostly) dead.
Aüle: An affinity with Dwarves, the Noldorians and craftsmen and jewelers. Preferred weapon would be hammer of course. May specialize in a weapon.
Ulmo is of course affiliate with water.
Oromë has Druids, warrior cleric and Paladins. He has an affinity to hunting, horses, weapons and forests.
Irmo (Lórien) visions, dreams and gardens. Would have sleep and some illusion spells.
Tulkas has only warrior Clerics/Monks. Limited spell casting and some monk abilities.
Yavanna with nature and really has Druids, not clerics.
Vairë the Weaver is on the weaker side but is good against spiders and has the web spell and mending spell.
Estë the healer of hurts and weariness specialize greatly in healing and fight only undead. They are great healers though.
Nienna Grief and mourning, darkness and death. Her clerics have some odd powers but may raise the dead at least. Small bonus against some undead.
Vána Youth, Beauty, flowers, spring. A good healer, good with nature spells. Druids, Healers & Clerics.
Nessa Dancing and Speed. Druids and Clerics. An affinity for Deer and oddly Warriors. Some of her Priestesses are Warriors.
Hey, you stated in the game thread that "The Wand does burning hands and is recharged with said. " That means that I can use it, then recharge it by casting Burning Hands into the wand, allowing me to use that casting at a later time, right? Or do I misunderstand the game mechanics?
That is the basic idea.Quote:
Originally posted by Appleciders
Ok, so should I play a ranger?
We have a Ranger already (Rorimac "Rory" Brandybuck, a Hobbit played by CatInASuit), but I expect we could use another.
I was going off of this quote coupled with the fact that Koldanar is looking at a Cleric or a Druid. I'd be more than happy to play whichever one he doesn't want. Is there a template or something that could help me figure out what I need to develop as far as character goes? Like, do I need to roll for stats, etc.Quote:
Originally posted by What Exit?
Once you decide on class and race, we'll use a few more posts or PMs to determine which of the 6 stats you prioritize and I give you the basic character ready for some history, description and equipage. I end up doing the rolling.Quote:
Originally posted by Inner Stickler
The one thing this game does not have is random rolls by the players. I do all the rolling.
As to Rangers, if that is the way you want to go, the best race by far is the Dunedain. These are long lived, tall men, the folk of Aragorn. The Rangers primarily come from the north or Ithilien.
However, humans, Beornings, Elves and Hobbits may all be Rangers.
Did you have anything in mind for the Ranger, that could really help decide the best race. Just to clarify, Rangers are good fighters that specialize in Tracking, the use of Herbs for healing, wood lore, survival, hunting and stealth outdoors. They are especially adept at fighting the primary always evil foes/servants of Sauron,the Orcs, Trolls and Wargs. They eventually have a chance to pick up some small useful spells at higher levels.
Having two Rangers in the party is no disadvantage.
Also decide if you wish to be more archer or Melee.