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Post by Wren on Sept 28, 2003 17:13:51 GMT -5
The land to the east beyond Mordor was largely unknown. The name for the region was the Empty Lands. It was a vast, unexplored territory full of unknown and dangerous creatures. Many legends have been told of this strange place, but few facts were really known. After Osgiliath was destroyed Minas Tirith was the final bastion between Mordor and the free lands.
A council of the races was being formed to discuss a new enemy arising in the east in the Empty Lands. A man who had been driven insane beyond reason was found wandering the streets he was armed and would attack any who approached. His rags barely covered his bruised and battered body. His hair was long and tangled. His beard looked as though it had been left to its own devices for several months. His eyes looked but did not see the city’s guards who tried to help him. He cried out in an unknown tongue, and would shriek piteously whenever one of them would approach him. One word they could recognize: Hloke. He chanted it over and over. It seemed to have a calming effect on the poor wretch. It took several men to subdue him. He now waits in the city’s jail. They tried to make him as comfortable as possible, knowing he was no longer responsible for his actions. They have him food and water. He now paces his cell clawing at the walls.
The ranger was one of many called to the council. Not many elves were left in Middle earth, and she had some knowledge of their ancient tongues. The first of seven gates opened to let her through, as she spoke the password. She rode her buckskin stallion through the city streets until she found a stable to house him until after the council and concluded. She led herself to his stall, and cautioned the stable boys to steer clear of his teeth and hooves. “Just leave him his food and water, and he will let you alone, do not try to make friends with him.” She warned them with a wink. Removing his saddled and gear, she took out the curry comb. She brushed his smooth coat as she thought about the upcoming meeting. She was anxious to hear what it was all about. For months now she had been hearing rumors of an enemy growing beyond Mordor. This council could not be a coincidence. Morwinyon neighed at her reproachfully as she combed the same spot over and over lost in thought. She patted her friend on the the back and put the comb away.
She headed up the hill to the court of the fountain. The sun reflected in the fountains depths causing the water to sparkle in a silvery fashion. The sun was almost straight above her, and she would have to hurry if she wanted to be on time. She entered through the glossy metal door. The meeting room was large and brightly lit, and was already filling up with people. She took her seat at the table and waited for everyone to arrive.
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Post by GramloreStonefist on Oct 16, 2003 3:57:43 GMT -5
Gramlore road into the city with all of his gear. He was ready for war it seemed to the people that saw him, yet they could not see or hear of any. He road to the stables and hoped off his trust mule Spud. Spud was a most pitful looking animal, as old as gramlore in mule years one would think, as stubborn as they come. Gramlore loved him, he was as strong as an ox and as loyal as a hound. They understood each other and thats all that mattered. The stable boys looked questionally at the mule, most of the other animals were beautiful horses while he was a scruffy looking mule. He told the boys that he was friendly as long as it was in his interests. Pet him before he gets his food, and after not during. He smiled and left the stavles.
He followed a path on a hill up to the court of the fountain. He admired the craftsmanship of the his surroundings. He looked about at all the people gathering and took his seat next to a fair ranger maiden. Then turned and asked her.
"You think this will start soon?"
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Post by Wren on Oct 20, 2003 1:17:40 GMT -5
The ranger looked up as a dwarf entered the meeting room. She grinned at him when he took the seat next to hers, and asked “You think this will start soon?” Nodding her head, she began. “We need only wait for the others to get here. I was afraid I was going to be late myself, but it seems I need not have worried. Since we have to wait for the others to arrive you could tell me from where you are from?
I myself have just come from Rohan where I received word of this meeting. I admit to a bit of curiosity to the land that lie to the east. I wonder why they have never been explored. Is there some magic that keeps men away? And if so be it for evil or for good. I have been told that I am way to curious for my own good, and were it only for curiosity’s sake I would not give another serious thought. But if a new enemy lies in wait, and growing in power in the Unknown lands, then I do believe this is worth investigating. The whole of Middle Earth could face greater peril than its ever known.
I hear that they have a prisoner who has been farther east than anyone. They will bring forth to this meeting so that we may all hear what he has to say. But they say the poor man has lost is mind, so I do not know how much store we can put in his information. This best thing in my opinion is to go and see for ourselves what is true and what can be done.”<br>
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Post by GramloreStonefist on Oct 20, 2003 2:35:18 GMT -5
"I suppose it is curiosity and the way of the dwarfs that drives me. I am wondering what things I might find whay ores uncovered, and perhaps any claims to land one might recieve. I also suppose my purpose is for a little adventure. I feel like there wasn't enough I could do in the wars, so I feel the need to adventure now.
Gramlore looked around then smiled and added,
"I come from a blacksmith outpost that helped supply weapons to some of the troops of Gondor and Rohan. We were attacked and alienated from our mine to the extent that we only recieved weapons to sell. So we waited til the or movement crossed the path between the mines and the outpost then we took the weapons and the gold, and dontated them to the King. I suppose that is how I was invited here.
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Post by Fallohide on Oct 26, 2003 2:58:26 GMT -5
Bregil rode to the stables on his grey warhorse. He wore a black tunic bearing the White Tree of Gondor over his armor. He had a finely crafted longsword and warhorn at his side, a small rectangular shield, painted with the emblem of Gondor as well, on his back. His dark brown hair could be seen as he was holding his metal helmet under one arm. He had deep blue eyes, suggesting Dunedain ancestry, and his face was rugged and weary.
He rode to the stables and left them his horse and a tip of a Gondorian silver coin. With a pat on the head for his faithful mount he headed up the hill, passing a sparkling fountain and walking through the metal door into the meeting hall. After looking about the room for a moment, he took a seat beside the ranger woman and Dwarf already seated.
He looked at the two, sighed, and spoke, "Looks like I have some luck left in me, I was afraid I'd be late..."
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Warhammer111
Human
a brave warrior that is a his greatest when he is the madest
Posts: 15
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Post by Warhammer111 on Oct 28, 2003 2:03:41 GMT -5
soon a very tall figure of a man came thru the city gates holding the mightyest twosided axe ever seen as due to its blade was as big as a dog and the handle was that of a long carved brach which held this mightly axe as he went thru the streets finnaly finding his way after 13 minites of being lost he made his way up to the fountion and he pushed both metal doors open and when he came thru the doors he closed them behide him and walked over to a spot on the floor *due to his size/weight he may break the steets* placing his axe infront of him while all the while looking arould. *they could tell that he was part gaint due to his size, his light brown hair flowed like the wild and his dark brown eyes were as sharp as a halks eyes. he wore metal armor in places (left arm, right shoulder, metal boots with fur lineing, ringmail leggings and half of a chestplate of metal the other half of leather.) his eyes rested on the others that he had sat near and wondered why he was called here. *while he thought he spun his axe round in his hand absentmindedly*
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Post by Wren on Oct 29, 2003 21:46:47 GMT -5
The thought of a dwarven blacksmith taking part in a fellowship heading into the empty lands appealed to the ranger as she thought about why he was invited to this meeting. She needed to slow down, though. The meeting hadn’t even started yet, and she was planning on what to do when it was over. She did hope that Gramlore would want to volunteer for this quest.
She looked up as two more entered the meeting hall. The first was a soldier of Gondor wearing the symbol of the White Tree emblazoned across his tunic. He was a tall handsome man, who strode to the table with confidence. She could see a sword strapped to his side, with his shield bearing the same emblem carried on his back. When he sat down next to her, she noticed his blue eyes suggested intelligence and a serious demeanor. She was unsure of his age as his face was rugged but weary. To her he appeared young, but seasoned.
The second man appeared slightly taller than the first. He was carrying a huge two-headed axe, and he walked as though he were in a hurry. The man had light brown hair that he wore loose at his shoulders. His most prominent features were his sharp brown eyes. The tall man was dressed in metal armor, and Wren could see that he was at home in his suit of armor and carried his axe with the confidence of one used to its great weight.
The attention of the group was drawn to the head of the table as Aragorn called the meeting to order. He signaled for his guards to bring the prisoner forward. While they waited for the prisoner to appear, Aragorn explained why he had called them all to the meeting. “You are here by my invitation and on recommendations by the leaders of your realm. You have heard of the rumors of a new enemy growing in the East somewhere in the Empty Lands beyond Mordor. These lands are vast and unexplored, and they have long been neglected by the free peoples much to our detrament it seems. Now we must act before it is too late. We must seek out this enemy and learn of his power and his defenses. We need to learn his plans and his motivations.”<br> The huge, heavily carved wooden doors were flung open as the two guards brought the prisoner forth. He was a pathetic creature with wild eyes and hair that had long been neglected. The tangles in his blond hair were so thick they would probably need to be cut out should the man regain his sense enough to care. He struggled to free himself from the guards’ hold. But they held him firmly in their grasp. Their own faces held a grim pitty for the man in their custody.
Aragorn stood to question the man, and he shrank back in fear. “You have naught to fear from me, I seek only answers to my questions. And if there is some way to cure you of your madness I will seek to find it. I wish to know who did this to you. What is the name of your tormentor? The man wimpered for a moment, and then seemed to gather his courage. “His name is Fenafang” the man rasped out in a voice that was so hoarse and scratchy it was painful to listen to.
“Can you tell us what he wants with Gondor.”
The man screamed out, “He is evil, he wants to kill all that is good. Those that he can enslave he will, and above all he wants to change the will of men to that of his own. You cannot kill him. He is too powerfull. All hope is lost.” The man collapsed to the floor in a heap, refusing to say anymore. He lay there sobbing in huge shuddering gasps. Through the tears in his garmets long scars could be seen across his back. Aragorn signaled for the guard to take him back to his quarters, and they complied by carrying the distraught man out of the room.
Aragorn turned to those gathered at his table. “I am going to open the meeting for discussion. Feel free to speak your mind. I will consider every option.”<br>
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Warhammer111
Human
a brave warrior that is a his greatest when he is the madest
Posts: 15
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Post by Warhammer111 on Oct 30, 2003 0:09:49 GMT -5
i think i should cut this Fenafang's head off and place it on my wall..... *Thors mind started to go adrift as he thought about it*
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Post by Fallohide on Oct 30, 2003 23:35:52 GMT -5
Bregil chuckled lightly at Thor's comment, not trying to be rude. He grinned as he spoke, "If only it were so simple, friend. We know not of the east and it's peoples. We are allies with many of the Easterlings, but they have been tempted by the Shadow before, and it is easy to corrupt a heart that has already been tainted. Neither do we have solid proof that the Wainriders were completely destroyed, and they have proven fierce opponents before. I have heard tell of many strange creatures in the land of Rhun, from both ancient lore and Halfling rhyme... It is not a land to be taken lightly, and I would advise keeping a keen eye and loose blade whenever you find yourself there, as we likely shall." He sighed, taking from his speech to let what he had said settle in before starting again, "The Empty Lands are vast and unknown, finding even a kingdom amongst them would be like searching for a needle amongst bails of hay. However..."
He stood, producing a ragged piece of parchment from his belt, it was torn and appeared to have been folded many times. Running his finger along a line that was revealed to be a river on a map, he spoke, "There is a river that runs down from the Iron Hills, joined by the River Running out of Ered Mithrin and Erebor... It goes down... to here. From what I have gathered from various sources there is a great sea there, called the Sea of Rhun. I believe it would be ideal for a kingdom to be built, either around the forests of it's northeastern banks, or by the mountains at it's southwest shores. It would be my opinion to search for this Fenafang and whatever lands he may rule in either of these areas, if not both, for they are both ideal locations for gathering materials needed for armies."
He took a deep breath and sat back down, he had not had much rest since he had been called back to his home of Minas Tirith and all of his talking did not relieve any fatigue. He left his map on the table for others to view, under further inspection it could be seen to be unfinished and not to be of the high quality of a professional cartographer. He eyed the others in the room to see their responses, trying his best to stay sitting upright in the presence of his king.
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Warhammer111
Human
a brave warrior that is a his greatest when he is the madest
Posts: 15
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Post by Warhammer111 on Oct 31, 2003 3:12:00 GMT -5
as thor looked at him he said with a hearty voice that ringed nearby. you seem to be very weak to be here just know i'll not carry you, i'll drag you along with you tied to a rope if i have to! *slaps him on the back nearly tiping him off his chair* i bet i can fight longer than you walk mouse man. soon he started to laugh loadly. as he soon realises it he.....
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Post by Feyd on Nov 2, 2003 19:14:47 GMT -5
The large, oaken door that led to the council chamber creaked open letting in a gust of cold air as a small, slim man scurried forward to Aragorn and the council while nervously muttering apologies. "I ahm, am terribly, awfully sorry. You see, my horse absolutely refused to budge once he saw this grove of apple trees and I cou-..." The figure clutched a small hat between his wiry fingers and nervously began to wring the tweedy cloth as he muttered, "Oh bother, forgive me Lord Aragorn, and fellow councilmen. And women." The small man said while nodding towards the ranger. He wildly glanced about the room, taking in his surroundings. The figure gave a startled jump as he remembered where he was and embarrassedly plopped down in an empty seat next to Bregil.
"I, ahm...represent the trading and merchants guilds in Rohan and Gondor." The skinny man placed his grubby hat with great care in front of him on the table and nervously wriggled in his seat and continued. "Whatever Lord or Lady that poor, crazy fellow is afraid of may present untold trading oppurtunities! We have no idea what riches or materials may be found in the East! Why, we cou-..." He glanced nervously at the council members and defensively muttered," Well, it may not be important as all of this fighting and swords and-...and things you warriors talk about, but it feeds the people!" The man sniffed with satisfaction but his look of triumph quickly changed to embarrassment as he owlishly blinked and said, "Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I've forgotten myself. My name is Gill. From Dol Amroth." Gill licked his lips in a moment of uneasiness and looked expectantly at his companions.
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Post by Red on Nov 2, 2003 20:49:09 GMT -5
Outside the chamber a man walked near, he had no money for a horse. His red hair fell into his eyes, so he swiped it away, and looked around. Not much to do here, so he sat down near the chamber door, having no idea what it even was. His forest garb may have been nice once, but they were now dirty and stained, with some holes. They hung loosly on his frame, like he hadn't eaten for a while. His eyes were dull, at least to the passerby. They cooly calulated each passerby, determing if they were a threat. He smiled at a kid, and the kid grinned back, but the mother pulled him alng at the sight if his sword sticking out over his back. He had a bandolier that carried nothing but a few puches with herbs inside. This was Red, who was hoping to get a job for some money. He didn't know why he had been dubbed Red, was it because of his red hair, or the color of his sword in battle? He sighed, and continued to watch the passerbys.
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Post by Wren on Nov 2, 2003 22:22:45 GMT -5
Lord Aragorn smiled at Thor’s enthusiasm. “Indeed good sir, cutting off his head would solve the problem of this new enemy. However something tells me the answer will not be quite that simple. I do approve of your desire for action, however.”<br> Then he walked around the table to where Wren and Bregil were pouring over the local man’s map. “That is excellent information you have provided Bregil laying a hand on the man’s shoulder. I agree with your theory that a Kingdom could be located near the Sea of Rhun. Would you like to be a part of a contingent I send to investigate the information we received from the prisoner?”<br> Wren looked up from the map where she had been listening to Aragonr speak to Bregil. She watched as the large oaken door opened to reveal a small slim man. He bustled over to speak to Aragorn saying, “I represent the trading and merchants’ guilds in Rohan and Gondor.” He mentioned the trading and possibilities for raw materials previously untapped in the East. “My name is Gill, from Dol Amroth.” He finished. Wren raised an eyebrow at the thought of a merchant in this meeting. Personally she felt this was to dangerous of a mission for someone of this nature.
Aragorn turned his attention from Bregil to Gill. “I’m glad to meet one of your stature, good sir. A merchant with skills such as you posses would be welcome on this mission to the Empty lands. Did you come here to this meeting for the purpose of volunteering?” As the man was about to reply the king held up his hand for silence. Then to the surprise of all in the room, he strode forward and out of the door from which Gill had just entered.
He had heard a slight sound and acting on his instincts he had to investigate personally. Just outside the door he noticed a poorly dressed red headed young man. The king placed his hands on his hips and looked down sternly at the young man. “Is there a reason you have been eavesdropping on this secret meeting of the races? I truly hope you are not a spy”. He grabbed the young man by the scruff of his collar and dragged him into the room, slamming the door behind him. “Now if there are no further interruptions I believe I have formulated some semblance of a plan. It is imperative that we learn what our enemy is about, who he is, and what we can do to stop him. The best way to accomplish this is to send out a small group to learn what they can. I will have this ranger lead the group”, he said as he motioned to Wren. “But she will need some companions to go with her. Who would like to volunteer? I ask you to do this of your own free will with complete understanding of the consequences. I cannot guarantee your safety nor even that you will make it back alive.” Aragorn fell silent and met every eye in the room.
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Post by Red on Nov 3, 2003 8:39:30 GMT -5
Red looked around, his eyes still dull yet calculatung, yet now with a faint spark. he quickly added up what corners were most defendable, and which ones would be most of a threat. He then quickly plotted a way out, then spoke. "I....I didn't mean to eavsedrop on this meeting. I..... I didn't even know that this was a meeting. I am... a wanderer, and I sell my skill of a sword and other things." He spoke slowly. "I am honorable, unlike the mercenarys who disgrace our name. I need money, and this ..... is the only way I can get what I need." He looked around, still speaking slowly, since he never was good with stangers. "I heard you need skilled companions on you journey, as I was sitting inside this room when you said that. I am willing to go, for either a small price, since I think you are all honorable people, but I need some money, for food." And other things, like my friends back home. he added mentaly.
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Post by Feyd on Nov 3, 2003 21:08:49 GMT -5
Gill curiously eyed the young lad with a shock of red hair that messily fell across his face. Listening attentively to the lad's story, Gill became slightly startled as the youth mentioned the party's possible need for an extra sword.
"Oh dear! You-...you don't think we'll be...be attacking anyone, or something like that?" Gill gasped out with a slight tremor. The wiry merchant visibly gulped and continued with a small quiver in his squeaky voice, "Wh-...who knows what...what savages may be found in the East! Those vicious Easterlings and-...and those Wainrider folk!" Gill trembled slightly and clutched his hat in nervous fingers.
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